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J.C. Barnett to Julian Niemcewicz, July 20, 1806
J.C. Barnett
07-20-1806
J.C. Barnett wrote from Paris, France to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. It was only on the 27th Instant that J.C. Barnett received two of Julian’s letters dated either 1805 or 1803. It appeared someone from the Nantz Post Office opened them as the seal was broken. Thanked Julian for his attention to the affair with Mr. Woolsey. Described the Embargo as the first and wisest preliminary for such an emergency. Regarding their affairs in Paris, Barnett knew nothing, or rather nothing had yet been done. A few days ago, there was talk of peace with England. The issue of the supposed negotiations now pending would determine their relations with the powers of Europe.
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Robert Barnwell to Susan Niemcewicz, January 6, 1806
Robert Barnwell
1806-01-06
Robert Barnwell wrote to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Barnwell had just returned from Columbia where he was attending the Legislature when he had the pleasure of receiving a letter from both Peter (Kean) and Susan. Barnwell felt incompetent to answer satisfactorily regarding Susan’s questions in relation to Georgia, the land called the “Great Thickets.” He believed the land was assigned in trust and therefore could not be sold. Even if the price were good, Barnwell pondered whether the present would be an adventitious time for selling land due to the caterpillar year. Sorry to inform Susan that the estate had the misfortune of sustaining a considerable loss due to a fire in the stable and kitchen. Based on the tone of Susan’s letter, Barnwell feared that she did not receive his letter which was of great importance to him which he wrote in the Fall. In the letter, he informed Susan that he was apprehensive that he would not be able to discharge his bond due to Susan for that year. Was pleased with Peter’s last letter and hoped he was applying himself. Barnwell’s sister had the misfortune of losing her youngest son, William, in the fall. Ralph Elliott also lost his only son. Polly Barhash[?] married a merchant.
People mentioned: Peter Kean, Julian Niencewicz, and Mr. and Mrs. Bellasize.
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Robert Barnwell to Susan Niemcewicz, May 4, 1806
Robert Barnwell
05-04-1806
Robert Barnwell wrote from Beaufort, South Carolina to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. A few days prior, Barnwell received a letter from Mr. H. Shubric regarding Mr. Richard Shubric’s Estate. Susan’s late husband John Kean (d. 1795) was involved with this business and Barnwell informed H. Shubric that he would contact Susan regarding this business. From his understanding, the business was placed in the hands of the present General Jacob River and Barnwell presumed all the necessary papers and instructions were transferred over as well. Mentioned a dividend he transmitted to Susan for $1200.
People mentioned: John Kean (1756-1795); H. Shubric; Richard Shubric; General Jacob River
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Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, April 8, 1806
Christine Biddle
1806-04-08
Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine’s mother informed her in a letter recently that she was to provide Mrs. Balasize with further information on a maid Christine had proposed to her. Mrs. Fox, with whom Mrs. Belasize lived, was displeased at Christine’s interference. Christine feared that this would deprive Mrs. Belasize of a valuable servant. Christine did not want to send any of her servants there until everything was settled. If Mrs. Belasize would let Christine know when she intended to depart, she would send for the woman and let her know the result. Happy that Susan was going to favor her and her husband, Thomas, with a visit. Christine’s mother desired her to get cotton for Susan and Miss Hylton but there was a shortage in the city. Ever since Mr. Risberg ceased to act as Susan’s agent, the dividends for the two shares of the U.S. Bank in the name of Mr. [John] Kean had been (by the direction of the cashier) transmitted to the New York Branch.
People mentioned: Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Balasize, Julian Niemcewicz, Peter Kean, and Thomas Biddle (1776-1857).
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Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, August 26, 1806
Christine Biddle
1806-08-26
Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine arrived in Philadelphia on Saturday last and immediately went to Mount Pleasant (Pennsylvania) where she found her family in perfect health. Extended her gratitude for all of the kindness that both Susan and Mr. Niemcewicz testified towards them while they stayed with her. Saw Peter Kean at Princeton and was pleased to observe the striking attraction in his appearance. Peter gave Christine a reason to hope that Susan would one day be a resident amongst them in Philadelphia. Received a letter from her dear mother who appeared to be in good health. Much obliged to Mrs. Kollock for her kindness and would have been very happy to see her in her own house. Mentioned to Mrs. B her wish to discover Mrs. Wheeler, Susan’s nurse. Christine found that she lived near Mount Pleasant at a place where her family cultivated for Mr. Shoemaker. Mentioned in the postscript that poor Nelly was very ill. They had a woman to nurse her and she enquired after Susan with grateful affections.
People mentioned: Marianne Alexander Williams (d. 1816), Mrs. Kollock, and Peter Philip James Kean (1788-1828).
Places mentioned: Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and Princeton University.
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Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, August 26, 1806
Christine Biddle
1806-08-26
Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine acknowledged the note on top of the letter that reads; received August 26, 1806, of Mr. Thomas Biddle a package said to contain sundry deeds from Mrs. Armstrong of Elizabethtown. Signed Jacob G. Wilks. Christine asked Susan to ask Eve to look in the room she stayed in the last time she was at Susan’s house to ascertain whether she left her lilac silk shawl behind. Christine feared it was stolen similar to other articles in her house. Mr. B was taking measures to discover the thief. Besides the twelve dollars Christine spoke of, fifteen dollars that belonged to her sister, Lydia, had been carried away in a most alarming manner. Lydia laid her bag down in which the money was in for a few moments in the parlor, when she returned the money was gone. Christine informed Susan that she was fortunate that her servants were at least honest.
People mentioned: Thomas A. Biddle (1776-1857)
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Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, March 24, 1806
Christine Biddle
1806-04-24
Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine was very disappointed when she read Susan’s letter and discovered she would not favor her with a visit. Asked that Susan consider visiting anyway with Peter since such a jaunt would be agreeable to him. Christine sent for Elizabeth Humphreys and told her that Mrs. B wished her to go to Elizabethtown as soon as possible. However, Christine just discovered that Mrs. Fox anticipated being confined in about three weeks and would be distressed if Elizabeth were to leave her before it was over. Elizabeth asked if it was possible to stay with Mrs. Fox till the period she mentioned since it would be unkind to leave her. However, if Mrs. B desired it, Elizabeth would leave Mrs. Fox. Thanked Susan for the offer of making purchases for her at Mrs. B’s sale. The only piece of furniture that Christine coveted was Mrs. B’s piano, which she had no intention of taking. Mr. B [Thomas Biddle] claimed the finest pianos could be had in London at second hand for half the first cost. Christine’s piano was tuned and put to rights so she was content with it. Mr. B had a few trifles to communicate with Susan on business but wanted to wait to tell them to her in person. Asked Susan to confirm with Mrs. B that Elizabeth’s expenses to Elizabethtown would be paid for.
People mentioned: Mrs. Bellasis, Thomas Biddle, Mrs. Fox, and Elizabeth Humphreys.
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Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, October 20, 1806
Christine Biddle
1806-10-20
Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine was happy to hear that Mr. Niemcewicz’s health was reestablished. Mr. Law told her that he had heard so from himself a few days after Christine received Susan’s letter. Mr. Law dined with them and communicated some of his poetical effusions in manuscript, which Christine found very pretty. Saw from a distance Mrs. Carmack walking with her husband. Christine’s mother desired her to write to Elizabethtown on the 20th, therefore Susan would likely see her shortly. Planned to write Miss Robert and give her information about the different boarding schools.
People mentioned: Thomas Law (1756–1834), Mrs. Carmack, and Miss Robert.
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Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, September 16, 1806
Christine Biddle
1806-09-16
Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine received Susan’s kind letter and elegant present Friday afternoon but her being indisposed prevented her from seeing Mr. Law[?]. Mrs. B was with her and they both admired the shawl. It was the most beautiful thing of its kind that reached Philadelphia. Christine would thank Susan for it if she knew how to do so sufficiently for both the shawl and Susan’s kindness. Christine inquired regarding her purple shawl in her last letter (dated August 26, 1806) because she had lost items from her bed chamber. She thought it possible she may have lost more than she had perceived. They got rid of the man they suspected was stealing. Nelly recovered and went to the country. Dr. C said she must never risk her health by doing the work of a chambermaid. Christine was obliged to give her up and wished Nelly had some situation resembling that of Miss Katy DeHart. If Susan knew of anyone in New York wanting such a person like Nelly who could do light and easy work, Christine asked that she let her know. Opened the cases of China sent by George and received a letter from Alex who informed her that Mama was quite well and Papa only had a cold. Anticipated her parents arriving in November. Happy to hear that Maria and the rest of the Ricketts family were amusing themselves so agreeably. Christine was tormented with a toothache and asked Susan’s forgiveness for ending her letter so abruptly.
People mentioned: Nelly, Dr. C, Miss Katy DeHart, George Brown, Capt. Alexander John Williams (1790-1814), Maria Ricketts, and the Ricketts Family.
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Christine Biddle to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, July,3, 1806
Christine Biddle
07-03-1806
Christine Biddle wrote from an unknown location to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey.She apologizes for not writing sooner and discusses problems she has been having with servants (possibly enslaved). She also says that she plans to head up to West Point and would like to visit Peter in Princeton and stay Susan and Julian in Elizabeth Town either on her way there or back.
People Included: Julian Ursin Niemcewicz, Peter Philip James Kean, Thomas Biddle, Nelly
Places Included: Princeton, West Point
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Christine Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, March 5, 1806
Chrsitine Biddle
1806-03-05
Christine Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Christine was delayed in writing to Susan as she was busy making family arrangements and receiving visitors. Wished Susan and Mr. Niemcewicz would come to see how pleasantly she was situated. Christine described one of her female servants as a “perfect treasure” who spoke broad scotch, understood her business, and did it completely. Attended a party the night before at Mrs. Griffiths where she happened to be seated next to Mrs. Dr. Bache with whom Christine had a good deal of conversation. Some people were saying that Maria Ricketts was engaged while others were saying she was married.
People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz, Catharine Wistar Bache (d. 1820), and Maria Ricketts.
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Thomas Biddle to Julian Niemcewicz, July 26, 1806
Thomas Biddle
07-26-1806
Thomas Biddle wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Yesterday and the day before, Thomas received Mr. Binney’s rent and Morris’ ground rent. The pipe that admitted the water into the house had burst and was repaired for the cost of about ten dollars. Mr. Binney had only paid five dollars, which was deducted from the rent. Mr. Morris went to town twice or thrice every year and assured Thomas that there would be no delay in its payment after his arrival. Hoped that Christine and Mrs. W would have the pleasure of Julian’s company at West Point. It would cheer their solitude and he thought it would also be beneficial to Susan Niemcewicz. Claimed he was a poor deserted widower learning patience but being rather an impatient scholar.
People mentioned: Mr. Binney, Mr. Morris, Christine, Mrs. W., and Susan Niemcewicz.
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Thomas Biddle to Susan Niemcewicz, August 18, 1806
Thomas Biddle
1806-08-18
Thomas Biddle wrote to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Thomas Biddle received the balance of the ground rent and hastened to remit it to Susan. Mr. Binney wrote a note respecting repairs to the house in Philadelphia. Thomas planned to deliver the note to Susan when she arrived with Christine (Biddle) in a few days and converse with her on the subject.
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Isabella Bolingbroke to Susan Niemcewicz, July 22, 1806
Isabella Bolingbroke
07-22-1806
Isabella Bolingbroke wrote from London, England to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Isabella informed Susan that she was out of all danger and that the long-dreaded moment was over. She became ill suddenly a few days ago and within a matter of half an hour she gave birth to a dead child. The little boy was so small that the physicians suspected he passed away several weeks beforehand. Discussed the Ricketts Family and how they lived happily at Mr. Jackson’s. Suggested Susan come visit and then they could all go to France or Poland once there was peace. Discussed mutual friends and correspondents.
People mentioned: the Ricketts Family and John Jackson.
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Elias Boudinot to Susan Niemcewicz, June 25, 1806
Elias Boudinot
1806-06-25
Elias Boudinot wrote from Burlington, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Elias had orders last fall from Col. John Ricketts of Jamaica to pay Miss Lawrence, his niece, one hundred dollars. Difficulties arose, which were removed, and Elias had the money to pay her if he knew who her guardian was. Asked Susan to let Miss Lawrence know this and that he will pay her guardian.
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John Jackson to Susan Niemcewicz, July 20, 1806
John Jackson
07-20-1806
John Jackson wrote to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. The departure of Mrs. Carmack gave John an opportunity to address Susan and Julian Niemcewicz and assure them of his affectionate regard. Happy that the Ricketts Family was much better reconciled to England. Maria was delighted with London and did not seem desirous to leave. John did not think James Ricketts planned to move his family back to America anytime soon, especially considering the arrival of Lord and Lady Bolingbroke. Suggested Susan come to London. Thought it probable that the Kingdom of Poland would be reestablished in which Russia appeared to take great interest. Sally was a great favorite and a very charming child.
People mentioned: George Richard Belasie and Lady Bolingbroke, James Ricketts, Maria Ricketts, Sally Ricketts, Julian Niemcewicz, and Peter Kean.
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John Jackson to Susan Niemcewicz, March 7, 1806
John Jackson
03-07-1806
John Jackson wrote to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. John received Susan’s kind letter and expressed concern that his postscripts in Maria’s letter may have made Susan uneasy. Discussed relations in Jamaica. Asked if Susan and Julian would visit with him, the voyage was nothing but a pleasant water excursion.
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Peter Kean Notes on Dr. Benjamin Rush on Faculties of the Human Mind, November 24, 1806
Peter Philip James Kean
1806-11-24
The following manuscript contains notes on Dr. Benjamin Rush on the Faculties of the Human Mind. This was likely written by Peter Kean based on the handwriting.
People mentioned: Dr. Benjamin Rush (1746-1813)
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, August 6, 1806
Peter Philip James Kean
1806-08-06
Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Susan’s letter sent by Mr. Kollock reached him that morning and was sorry that he caused any uneasiness to Papa (Julian Niemcewicz) about his glass. Glad to find Susan still thought of visiting W.P. The change of air and the company of their charming friends would be very useful to her and a jaunt to the north river would doubtless bring to her mind pleasant scenes and lift her spirits. The only study Peter found that kept his attention was N. Phil. The weather had been very disagreeable since he left Susan.
People mentioned: Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz (1758-1841)
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, circa 1806
Peter Philip James Kean
1806
Peter Kean wrote from West Point, New York to Susan Niemcewicz, unaddressed. Peter left New York two hours after he left Susan with a fine breeze and arrived at West Point around 2 o’clock in the morning. The Col. and Mrs. W. were rejoiced to see Peter and received him with all the warmth of friendship. The morning after Peter arrived, the Col. gave a lecture on fortification. In the mornings, Peter passed the time by walking and reading with Mrs. W. Peter was engaged in translating an eulogium from French of Mr. Thomas. In the evenings after the Col. retired, he read aloud to Mrs. Williams and was greatly instructed by her observations.
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, circa January 1806
Peter Philip James Kean
circa January 1806
Peter Kean wrote to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey.
Susan was so kind to take a warm interest in everything that concerned her son. Peter provided his mother with a journal that he hoped would amuse her and not tire her on his daily activities in Princeton. The previous day was the coldest one Peter had ever experienced and he went to recitation half frozen anxiously awaiting the 11 o’clock hour. He returned to his room and read Montesquieu’s Spirit of Laws for ideas on government. At 4 o’clock he began to think of politics and was disgusted with the measures of government and, inflamed by Junius’s style, Peter wrote an essay on the present state of America. Peter took up Euclid’s Proposition 8 and read Junius till 12 o’clock and went to bed. The following day he continued to read and received a letter from Susan full of salutary advice, her observations and mind tallied on about “some Dayton,” and to make him a friend. He finished Junius in the afternoon and at 3 o’clock began this journal, a very dry thing. Friday, he took up the Spirit of Laws again and read till late in the evening. Peter took up Sully, whom he had not read since he was sick. Peter critiqued Montesquieu and claimed that without laws he would be the most “retched of animals.” He attended Algebra and recitation and afterward continued to read Sully. Peter planned to send Papa [Julian Niemcewicz] his essay the following day. In the postscript, Peter mentioned that he dined with Mrs. Kollock and saw Miss Bayard. Mr. Kollock will deliver this letter.
People mentioned: Mr. Dayton, Mrs. Kollock, Rev. Henry Kollock, and Miss Bayard.
Authors/ Scholars mentioned: Junius, Montesquieu Spirit of Law, and Thomas Sully.
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, December 10, 1806
Peter Philip James Kean
1806-12-10
Peter Kean wrote from Nassau Hall, The College of New Jersey (Princeton University), in Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter should have answered his mother’s letter of the 7th instant immediately after he received it, but was occupied with another task. The thought of having caused Susan a sleepless night was extremely painful to him. Peter hat not spent anything since he last wrote Susan except 50 cents for mending some clothes.
People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz (1758-1841)
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, June 7, 1806
Peter Philip James Kean
1806-06-07
Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Shortly after Susan left Princeton, Col. and Mrs. Williams sent for Peter at the tavern. He did not know how to return proper thanks to that amiable family for all their kindness. Mrs. Williams made Peter a present that was the anchor of hope set with pearl. Spent a pleasant evening at Mr. Stockton’s where they danced till ½ past 11 o’clock. Mrs. Brisford was there till 10. They were alarmed last week by the cry of fire, it proved to be an uninhabited hovel but Peter felt it his duty to help and ensure it did not spread. He worked till he got wet and developed a cold and slight headache as a result.
People mentioned: Col. and Mrs. Williams, Mr. Stockton (possibly Lucius Horatio Stockton), Mrs. Brisford, and Julian Niemcewicz.
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, June 9, 1806
Peter Philip James Kean
1806-06-09
Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter did not receive his mother’s letter otherwise he would have written to the gentleman she mentioned. Before he wrote to him, Peter wanted to know what important papers were in General Reed’s hands. Discussed a lawsuit and did not think it was necessary for his mother to be inconvenienced to pay his father’s debts.
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, May 9, 1806
Peter Philip James Kean
1806-05-09
Peter Kean wrote from Nassau Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter found it impracticable to write to his mother, Susan, by mail until he got himself settled. Planned to send a message by Ralph Hylton that he learned nothing of Col. W’s box. The ride from Elizabethtown to Princeton is beautiful, nature arrayed in her most lovely colors.
People mentioned: Ralph Hylton, Col. W, Dr. Smith, Mrs. Pintard, Mr. Armstrong, and Julian Niemcewicz.
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