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George Van Brugh Brown to Peter Kean, November 16, 1804
George Van Brugh Brown
1804-11-16
George Van Brugh Brown wrote from Haddington, Scotland to Peter Kean in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. George informed his cousin, Peter that he wrote to him last March but since he never received a response, he was apprehensive that his letter ever reached Peter. Grieved to observe by the latest accounts from New York that the fever again commenced its ravages in that city as well as several other parts in America. Trusted the winter weather would expel it. Sorry to inform him that a fever of the same kind made its appearance in his part of the world and many lives were lost, particularly in Gibraltar. The Lieutenant Governor was among the number. The fever was brought from Malaga by some people who escaped and took refuge in the garrison where they afterward died. There was very little public news in Europe worth sharing. The latest news that made noise was an intercepted letter written by order of the Emperor Napoleon to the Consult General at New York, Louis André Pichon in which great fault was found with M. Jerome (Jérôme Bonaparte) marrying Miss Paterson (Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte). Jérôme Bonaparte would be forgiven provided he returned to France in the first French Frigate and left his wife in America. By all accounts, Miss Paterson’s connections were very respectable and she herself was a lovely amiable young woman. George stressed how critical the situation in Europe was. Extended his kindest regards to Peter’s mother, Susan, and asked Peter to inform her how much George felt for her and many other friends at the melancholy death of Genl. Hamilton (Alexander Hamilton). George had the honor of knowing him in America and he was a near relation to Mrs. Brown. Asked if Julian Niemcewicz returned home and issued his kindest regards to their mutual friends and family.
People mentioned: Napoleon Bonaparte, Louis André Pichon, Jérôme Bonaparte, Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte, Alexander Hamilton, Julian Niemcewicz, and Susan Ursin Niemcewicz.
Places mentioned: France and New York.
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George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Niemcewicz, February 24, 1804
George Van Brugh Brown
1804-02-24
George Van Brugh Brown wrote from Haddington, East Lothian to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. The receipt of Susan’s letter of the 9th of November left Brown feeling rejoiced. Sorry to hear of the state of his poor uncle, Philip. When the Ayrshire Militia was reduced, Brown gave up all thoughts of serving again. But when war was declared, Brown could not bring himself to the idea of remaining at home unemployed. He had been quartered in Haddington since the first week of July 1803. Brown’s baby girl, Elizabeth fell ill with scarlet fever and she gradually recovered. They sent their son away to Brown’s wife’s uncle’s house, Mr. Hamilton of Grange [a Hamlet in Scotland] until they left Greenan to join Brown in Ayrshire in October. At the time, Brown was confined because he fell from a horse and fractured his head. The Kennedys, as he understood, were in Bath and he therefore had little chance to see them. Discussed mutual friends and acquaintances.
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George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Niemcewicz, July 12, 1804
George Van Brugh Brown
1804-07-12
George Van Brugh Brown wrote from Haddington, East Lothian (Scotland) to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Hoped that Susan was happy by the presence of Julian Niemcewicz. With regard to themselves, their daughter Elizabeth had been complaining very much in the greatest part of the spring. The surgeon thought worms were the cause, but that did not appear to have been the disorder and since then she had gotten better. With care and attention, Brown hoped she would soon get perfectly strong he took her out on horseback every day. Their son John, or rather as he called himself “the Major,” was well but also ailing. Would have liked to have seen their friend the ambassador when in England but they could not get a leave of absence. Discussed mutual family and friends.
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George Van Brugh Brown to Susan Niemcewicz, November 16, 1804
George Van Brugh Brown
1804-11-16
George Van Brugh Brown wrote from Haddington, Scotland to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. George received a letter from his aunt, Susan that was undated. Presumed based on the contents of the letter that it was not composed too long ago. George was in Susan’s debt as he knew she was not overly fond of taking up the pen. Hoped that Julian Niemcewicz returned from Europe and that all of his affairs were in order. George’s wife and their children were well however, they were concerned about Elizabeth’s health. In the middle of the summer, she was seized with “something like a worn complaint.” The surgeon treated her accordingly but every day she grew worse and worse. Donkey’s milk was recommended, which they procured with some difficulty and frequent experiences on horseback. Elizabeth finally began showing symptoms of recovery. John had a little pony that he rode every day. He made the creature gallop and only once suffered a tumble. George’s daughter, Elizabeth suffered a great deal of head complaints. She never ate anything more than a bit of chicken and never tasted anything stronger than water. They received the best medical advice from Scotland and hoped with time she would recover. Nothing was new in the political world; invasion was discussed over the summer but had since been laid to rest. That topic would likely never rise again if Bonaparte consulted his own advantage and that of his people, which last George heard he seldom did. While in Edinburgh over the summer, George met with General Reid, who informed him that he had always corresponded regularly with Uncle Rutherford. Poor Mrs. Houston suffered from gout and rheumatism. Extended his well wishes to mutual friends and family.
People mentioned: Napoleon Bonaparte, Julian Niemcewicz, and Peter Kean.
Places mentioned: France.
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Henry Gahn to Susan Niemcewicz, July 28, 1804
Henry Gahn
1804-07-28
Henry Gahn wrote from New York, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Informed Susan that their dear friend, Julian was in Paris on the 31st of May and less anxious of returning to America by the first good opportunity. Mr. du Pont de Nemours wrote to his son in New York and said that “he would write more fully by Mr. Niemcewicz, then in Paris, and on the eve of returning to America.”
People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz and Mr. du Pont de Nemours.
Places mentioned: Paris, France.
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Henry Gahn to Susan Niemcewicz, March 4, 1804
Henry Gahn
1804-03-04
Henry Gahn wrote from New York, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Rejoiced to have it in his power to convey happiness to Susan by forwarding a letter to her, which he at that moment received from the post office. Gahn had yet to read his letter but saw by a postscript that he [likely Julian Niemcewicz] was determined to go to Paris and return to America from a port in France. Asked in jest if Susan thought he should be Post Master General of all the countries in the world. In the postscript, Gahn mentioned he forgot Mr. Kean’s watch and asked Susan to send it to him immediately as he feared the watch master would refuse to take it back.
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Henry Gahn to Susan Niemcewicz, October 15, 1804
Henry Gahn
1804-10-15
Henry Gahn wrote to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Mr. Cadwalader Colden had just arrived from Bordeaux. Mr. Niemcewicz left Paris before Colden for Nantz. They had been frequently together in Paris and Julian was well and in good spirits. There was an embargo in Granoux[?] which kept Colden a long while in Bordeaux before he could sail. The same course likely delayed Julian at Nantz.
People mentioned: Cadwallader D. Colden 1769 – 1834 and Julian Niemcewicz.
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Henry Gahn to Unknown Person, November 11, 1804
Henry Gahn
1804-11-12
Henry Gahn wrote from New York, New York to an unknown correspondent. In order to be in cash, Gahn determined to apply for discounting the enclosed note that amounted to one thousand dollars. If Mrs. Niemcewicz had any money lying idle, Gahn would borrow the said sum at Bank discount and endorse it to Susan. Gahn outlined a potential business negotiation for Susan Niemcewicz and asked his correspondent to offer it to Susan for her consideration.
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Susan Niemcewicz with Elizabeth Gilmore, November 10, 1804
Elizabeth Gilmore
1804-11-10
The following document is a receipt between Elizabeth Gilmore and Susan Niemcewicz that reads “This to pay William Woodruff a balance due me when we settled our accounts the sum of one pounds eight shillings and that shall be your discharge for the sum.”
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Peter Kean Farewell Address to Basking Ridge School, circa 1804
Peter Philip James Kean
circa 1804
The following document is Peter Kean’s Farewell Address to Basking Ridge School. Peter expressed his thanks to the gentlemen for their kind instructions and good advice and to his fellow companions in the pursuits of literature for their civility towards him. Peter also quoted a Latin phrase from Horace “Doctrina sed vim promovet insitam / Rectique cultus pectora roborant.” Peter translated that to “an observation made by a man as distinguished for a sound mind as he was for writing elegantly. These observation will be found very elegant yet as true as they are elegant for where is the man who posseses a strong mind that will not strengthen it by reading & who is there that posseses a Philosophick breast that will not greatly fortify it by learning.”
This document is undated.
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Peter Kean to Susan Niemcewicz, May 10, 1804
Peter Philip James Kean
1804-05-10
Peter Kean wrote from Princeton, New Jersey to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Peter’s journey was very agreeable by the amusing and instructing conversation of Mr. and Mrs. Kollock. If Uncle R’s family went to England, Peter feared he would never see them again. If Susan saw them, Peter asked that she tell them he would never forget their kindness to him and would always remain their grateful and affectionate nephew and cousin. Susan did not mention Mrs. Williams in her letter and Peter asked if she was well. Was met with a kind reception from Miss Smiths and they desired to be remembered by Susan. Asked Susan to assure Papa [Julian Niemcewicz] of his most sincere love and esteem and hoped that Julian would pay him a visit in Princeton. Peter listed items that he asked Susan to send to him including:
- Palie’s [William Paley] Evidence of Christianity
- A small European Atlas
- Morse’s [Jedidiah Morse] Universal Geography
- A piece of castile soap
- 8 shirts
- 7 cravats
- 2 pairs silk, 2 pairs white cotton, and 3 pairs of colored stockings
- 2 pairs of socks
- 2 black, 2 colored, and 3 white waistcoats
- 5 dickeys
- 3 pairs of nankeens
- 2 pairs of thick pan[ts]
- 1 pair of breeches
- 4 towels
- 2 sets of sheets
- 2 pillowcases
- 4 nightcaps
- Plaine white silk stockings
- Several bunches of quills, Susan could purchase them cheaper at Chapman’s than in Princeton.
People mentioned: James Chapman, Mr. and Mrs. Kollock, the Ricketts family, Mrs. Williams, Colonel Williams and Christian, Julian Niemcewicz, Miss Kylton, and Mrs. Mayo.
Places mentioned: Princeton University
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Philip Livingston to James Ricketts, January 19, 1804
Philip Peter Livingston
01-19-1804
Power of Attorney from Philip Livingston to his brother-in-law James Ricketts. This gave James the power to sell and transfer to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, bonds held in trust for her by Philip, her brother.
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Philip Livingston to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, November 1, 1804
Philip Peter Livingston
11-11-1804
Philip Livingston wrote from New York to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, his sister. He wrote to her to congratulate her on her return from Europe. There is a response from Susan on the third page saying she will see him next week.
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Indenture Bill of Sale from Henry Masicar to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz, August, 1804
Henry Masicar
08-01-1804
Bill of sale in Bergen County, New Jersey by Henry Masicar to Susan Ursin Niemcewicz for the sale of a enslaved woman named Sarah and her son and daughter for the sum of 100 pounds.
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James McEvers to Julian Niemcewicz, December 11, 1804
James McEvers
1804-12-11
James McEvers wrote from New York, New York to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. McEvers was much obliged to Julian for his polite letter and the note for $4,000 delivered to him by Mr. Ghan. Asked Julian to hand the enclosed note for the same sum to Susan Niemcewicz. In McEvers’ opinion, the 6plt stock would be a good investment. On a future occasion, McEvers requested Julian to return the note under cover addressed to himself or “Mrs. Niemcewicz’s particular friend M LeRoy.” This was more agreeable to McEvers than to have the note come under the eye of a stranger.
People mentioned: Henry Ghan and Susan Niemcewicz.
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James McEvers to Susan Niemcewicz, December 11, 1804
James McEvers
1804-12-11
James McEvers wrote from New York, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. McEvers was sorry to learn from Mr. Niemcewicz that Susan was indisposed and hoped that she recovered. Inclosed his new note in return for the one sent to him by Julian Niemcewicz with funds for the quarter interest that was due on the 1st of January. Added a postscript dated December 23rd in which McEvers acknowledged that he wrote Susan the above note on the 11th with the expectation that Mr. Ghan would have called for it. He did not have the funds in the house to remit her for the interest and it being Sunday, he would not be able to get any money out of the bank until the following day.
People mentioned: Julian Niemcewicz, Henry Ghan, and Major Armstrong.
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James McEvers to Susan Niemcewicz, December 5, 1804
James McEvers
1804-12-05
James McEvers wrote from New York, New York to Susan Niemcewicz Elizabethtown, New Jersey. McEvers called upon Susan twice when she was last in town but he was not fortunate to find her at home. Intended to ask Susan whether she would allow the four thousand dollars to remain with him the ensuing year upon the same terms as before
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James McEvers to Susan Niemcewicz, January 17, 1804
James McEvers
1804-01-17
James McEvers wrote from New York, New York to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. McEvers discussed Susan’s credit on their books, the purchase of stocks, and Susan’s Santee Canal Shares.
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Sarah Sabina Morris to Mary Ann Morris, June 22, 1804
Sarah Sabina Morris
06-22-1804
Sarah Sabina Morris wrote from Butternuts, NY to Mary Ann Morris, her sister, in Cooperstown, NY. Sarah thanked Mary for some items she sent home, gave updates on their parents, and asked for a muffin recipe. In the postscript she mentioned that Mary's enslaved woman is well and asked when Mary will come home, but her name is not given.
People Include: Jacob Morris, Mary Cox Morris, Mrs. Cooper, Isaac, Mr. Pemroy
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Julian Niemcewicz to Susan Niemcewicz, April 18, 1804
Julian Niemcewicz
1804-04-18
Julian Niemcewicz from Berlin, Germany to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Julian informed Susan that he was on his way homeward. Had it not been for the cursed war, the winter season, and the entreats of his family, he would have been back in Elizabethtown sooner. Stayed with Mr. and Mrs. De La Forest and planned to leave Berlin the following day to proceed by way of France to the first Sea Port. Hoped Chancellor Livingston would give him the best advice and assistance. Since the conspiracy against the life of the first Consul, utmost difficulties and precautions were set in place on the frontiers of France. The alarm would probably cease in France once the trial of the conspirators drew to an end. Expected to stay in Paris for only a short period of time and expected to be home in June. Discussed gifts he planned to bring back. Mr. La Forest lived in great style in Berlin. The celebrated Count Tilly of immaculate memory was playing the same tricks in Berlin as he played in America. Discussed their mutual friends and correspondents.
People mentioned: Mr. and Mrs. De La Forest, Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, Mr. Pitcairn, the Ricketts family, and Peter Kean.
Places mentioned: Berlin, Germany, and Paris, France.
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Julian Niemcewicz to Aaron Bedford, December 15, 1804
Julian U. Niemcewicz
1804-12-15
The following document is a receipt with acknowledgment of four dollars payment received in full for four small cags from Julian Niemcewicz to Aaron Bedford.
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Julian Niemcewicz to Caleb Halstead, November 19, 1804
Julian U. Niemcewicz
1804-11-19
The following document is a receipt noting the sum of two dollars and seventy-five cents received in full for “poor and county tax” from Julian Niemcewicz to Caleb Halstead.
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Julian Niemcewicz to Elias Dayton, January 16, 1805
Julian U. Niemcewicz
1805-01-16
The following document is a receipt from Julian Niemcewicz to Elias Dayton for goods such as salt, rye flour, muslin, sugar, gloves, tea, flannel, butter, silk, wood, lady apples, soap, stone pots, cups, and saucers. The amount of fifty-seven dollars and seventy-eight cents was paid in full.
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Julian Niemcewicz to James Wilson, December 18, 1804
Julian U. Niemcewicz
1804-12-18
The following document is a receipt with acknowledgment of seven pounds one shilling payment received in full for butter from Julian Niemcewicz to James Wilson.
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Julian Niemcewicz to Mr. Dower, November 20, 1804
Julian U. Niemcewicz
1804-11-20
The following document is a receipt noting the sum of three shillings was received in full for mending locks from Julian Niemcewicz to Mr. Dower.
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