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Susan Niemcewicz with Auction in Abyssinia, July 6, 1805
Susan U. Niemcewicz
1805-07-06
The following document is a receipt of items Susan Niemcewicz purchased at an Auction in Abyssinia, New Jersey. Items include glasses, a decanter, and a tea tray.
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Susan Niemcewicz with Mills & Williams, March 12, 1805
Susan U. Niemcewicz
1805-03-12
The following document is a receipt reflecting payment was made in full for settling glass, setting two glass lights, and painting three fancy chairs from Susan Niemcewicz to Mills & Williams.
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Susannah Niemcewicz with Leonard Bleecker, March 4, 1805
Susan U. Niemcewicz and Leonard Bleecker
1805-03-04
The following document is a note depicting repayment for Susan Niemcewicz’s brokerage account to Leonard Bleecker.
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Susan Niemcewicz with Leon Bleeker, May 25, 1805
Susan U. Niemcewicz and Leon Bleeker
1805-05-25
The following document reflects the account between Susan Niemcewicz and Leon Bleeker for stocks.
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Susan Niemcewicz to Nathaniel Mitchel, April 9, 1805
Susan U. Niemcewicz and Nathaniel Mitchel
1805-04-09
The following document is a receipt representing the account between Susan Niemcewicz and Nathaniel Mitchel.
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Susan Niemcewicz with George Price Seyner, June 18, 1805
Susan U. Niemcewicz and George Price Seyner
1805-06-18
The following document reflects the account between Susan Niemcewicz and George Price Seyner. The amount was paid in full for one day’s work.
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Susan Niemcewicz with Nehemiah Tunis, April 22, 1805
Susan U. Niemcewicz and Nehemiah Tunis
1805-04-22
The following document reflects the account between Susan Niemcewicz and Nehemiah Tunis. Susan paid for a number of services including turnips, nails, and one day’s worth of plowing.
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Susan Niemcewicz with Nehemiah Tunis, June 6, 1805
Susan U. Niemcewicz and Nehemiah Tunis
1805-06-06
The following document is a receipt reflecting payment received from Susan Niemcewicz to Nehemiah Tunis for several days of work. Duties included plowing with three horses and planting flax and corn.
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Receipt, Julian Niemcewicz for G.W. Life Subscription
J Orrnwood
1805-08-03
The following document is a receipt reflecting payment received for a “G. Wash Life” subscription. Likely The Life of George Washington by John Marshall.
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Receipt, Julian Niemcewicz to R.L. Patterson, August 28, 1805
R.L. Patterson
1805-08-28
The following document is a receipt reflecting payment received for 1 keg of white lead and 1 gallon of paint oil from Julian Niemcewicz to R.L. Patterson.
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Joseph Pitcairn to Julian Niemcewicz, June 20, 1805
Joseph Pitcairn
1805-06-20
Joseph Pitcairn wrote from Hamburg, Germany to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Heard from Samuel Williams of London that he sent the box for Julian by Captain Philips and was to be delivered in New York to the care of Mr. William Codman.
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Joseph Pitcairn to Julian Niemcewicz, March 16, 1805 (Duplicate)
Joseph Pitcairn
1805-03-16
The following manuscript is a duplicate letter of Joseph Pitcairn to Julian Niemcewicz, March 16, 1805.
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Joseph Pitcairn to Julian U. Niemcewicz, June 6, 1805
Joseph Pitcairn
1805-06-05
Joseph Pitcairn wrote from Hamburg, Germany to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. The positive accounts of Julian’s good health and arrival gave Joseph sincere pleasure, in addition to the proof of remembrance and regard Julian’s letter contained. Received from Julian 20 parcels of suds that were immediately committed to the ground. The final parcel Julian sent for the Countess Potacka at Warsaw was properly packed up by the driving wagon on the 29thof May. Discussed additional parcels Julian sent to friends and acquaintances. Enquired for the “4 Ages of Man” without success but forwarded Julian’s request in the hopes that they would be able to procure the genuine. Asked that Julian send him suds in Autumn and Spring, particularly bushes, trees, flowers, and melons of the best kinds. A Pennsylvania melon that Julian sent was extraordinary
People mentioned: Countess Zofia Potocka-Witt 1760-1822 and Samuel Williams, Consul.
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James Ricketts to Julian Niemcewicz, August 24, 1805
James Ricketts
1805-08-24
James Ricketts wrote from his friend Jacksons to Julian Niemcewicz, unaddressed. James transcribed notes from his personal diary documenting his voyage from Elizabethtown, New Jersey to England. In one entry James recalled their encounter with a French Privateer ship. They sent an officer on board their ship who after examining their ship’s papers, wanted their Captain to go with him. The Captain refused to leave the ship but sent the first mate with the ship’s register. In another entry James describes the King’s Yacht.
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James Ricketts to Julian Niemcewicz, August 27, 1805
James Ricketts
1805-08-27
James Ricketts wrote to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. James and his family passed through the finest fields of grain of every kind in England. They dined with their friends the Penns at Richmond and later that evening they took a boat out on the shore and returned at sunset. They also dined with General Reed and other acquaintances.
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James Ricketts to Julian Niemcewicz, October 6, 1805
James Ricketts
1805-10-06
James Ricketts wrote from London, England to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. James thanked Julian for his kind letter of the 6th of August. He wrote to Julian soon after his arrival and sent a journal documenting their surroundings. Bonaparte left Paris the 25th of the previous month to heed his army, and they would soon hear of a bloody battle. Opinions were various concerning the part the King of Prussia would take, but the general opinion was that he could not maintain a strict neutrality that he would have to take part. The news from the continent would be highly interesting. James supposed the reason he had not heard from “B” was because he had gone on his jaunt to Niagara. James received many kind invitations from Lord R. Spencer to visit him near Midhurst in Sussex. He saw Henry St. John, B’s eldest son, who was a handsome young man but appeared to be in delicate health. Mrs. R was disappointed at not receiving a line. She was doing better and has had no headaches since she left Julian. As there was no such thing as an old woman in London, she would grow young. The ladies her age all laughed at her and told her she dressed like an old lady of a hundred years. Sorry to hear that the American Flag was so insulted by Spain. The reception they received from Old Jackson was affectionate to the greatest degree, and he continued his unremitted attention to make them happy. Sally was the admiration of the entire neighborhood. They had been to Hamilton Court, Windsor, Eton, etc. Maria was delighted with the country, and if she had a few dances and a few beaus, it would be very well. James provided a list of prices of provisions including salmon, cod, lobster, beef, mutton, lamb, pork, veal, geese, turkey, duck, pigeon, bread, butter, and eggs. She asked Julian to tell Becky that her son Robert was in perfect health. Robert was pleased with all the fine things but thinks Elizabethtown better. Asked Julian to remember them to their working servant Molly.
People mentioned: Fredrick William III, King of Prussia (1770-1840) and Lord Robert Spencer (1747-1831)
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James Ricketts, Jr. to Susan Niemcewicz, August 23, 1805
James Ricketts, Jr.
1805-08-23
James Ricketts Jr. wrote from Hammersmith, England to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. James had penned six letters to his aunt, Susan but surmised that she had not received any of them. James recounted his and his family’s 28-day voyage to Weymouth, England where they had an opportunity to see the King’s yacht, which was painted in an elegant style, and all of the hull was gilt with gold. James described their encounter with French Privateers. At first daylight after arriving at Weymouth, they were roused by a gunshot. After making his way upon deck, he saw a sloop. Another shot whistled past them. They were alarmed at first but their Captain reassured them that he would not let anything happen to their boat if he could help it. James was immediately discharged for cartridges and began loading guns. They were certain it was French Privateers. James’ mother, Sarah, and his sister, Maria, asked the Captain not to fight. The Captain decided to stay idle for a day until a privateer came on board their ship and demanded the Captain come on board their ship with his papers, which he declined. James went on to describe his stay in England at Mr. Bell’s home, which was not very large but very beautiful. The walls were painted with very handsome landscapes and the ceilings were painted like clouds. Mr. Bell also had a handsome green house and everyone stopped to look at the avenue as they passed. James rode through Hyde Park and commented on how beautiful the Kensington Gardens were. St. Paul’s Church was elegant. James was frustrated with the boys selling shoe strings and watch chains and how they continuously asked him to make a purchase after he repeatedly told them no. James discussed mutual friends and acquaintances and asked that Susan remember him kindly to their family and friends in Elizabethtown.
People mentioned: King George III, Mr. and Mrs. Otto, Mr. Bell, Sarah Ricketts, Maria Ricketts, and Mr. Jackson.
Places mentioned: Weymouth, England, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St. Paul’s Church.
Note: This letter is written in cross-writing or cross-hatch. The author wrote across the page from top to bottom, then turned the paper 90 degrees and wrote between the lines.
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Maria E.P. Ricketts to M. Dayton, September 15, 1805
Maria E.P. Ricketts
1805-09-15
Maria Ricketts wrote from Otto House in Hammersmith, London to M. Dayton (Polly) at General J. Dayton’s in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. The following correspondence contains several entries dated September 15th, September 29th, and October 6th. Maria was disappointed that she had not heard from any of her friends in New Jersey, aside from receiving one letter from America. Maria and her family were well. They saw the Cottage Ladies, Ms. Perkins, and Ms. Barnett, almost every day. They also spent time with the Penn family. Maria was pleased with the daughters, the eldest especially was a charming girl. Maria made plans to spend the following day in Richmond Hill and to attend a party at Harrington Court. That evening, they made plans to go to the theatre to see the celebrated Ms. Jordan. Mr. Roper stopped by unexpectedly to see Maria and her family. Business brought him to London, and he returned to Berkhamsted Castle afterwards. Mr. Roper mentioned a ball where there would be six hundred people in attendance. Maria frequently visited London and mentioned that the Covent Garden Theatre had opened. There were whispers that the fever was in New York and that they were experiencing very hot weather. The weather in London was cool. Maria found it too cold in the evenings that she was obliged to wear flannel to keep herself comfortable. On Sunday, September 29th, Maria added a few lines regarding several pleasant jaunts her and her friends experienced over the last few weeks. They went to Hampton Court, which was situated on the Thames and was built by Cardinal Wolsey. It was said that he put 280 silk beds in the palace for the use of guests alone. Cardinal Wolsey gave Hampton Court to Henry VIII. There were many fine art pieces in the great gallery including five famous cartoons by Raphael that William III brought into England and Lewis XIV offered 700,000 pounds for. There was a Labyrinth in one of the gardens that Maria and her acquaintances were guided into the center of. Wanting to see if they could find their own way out, they sent the tour guide away and followed small, white pieces of paper that Phil had left behind as they made their way through the Labyrinth. The tour guide was so surprised to see that they made it out by themselves that he was convinced one of them was a witch. They rode through Bushy Park after the left Hampton Court, which was very beautiful. There were numerous roads lined with horse chestnut trees, four times the size of the one near Mrs. Bellasize’s front door. There was a cascade in the middle of the park and a pretty house where Ms. Jordan lived. The Duke of Clarence was master of the park and Ms. Jordan was his mistress. Maria went to the Richmond Theatre and saw Ms. Jordan perform and was very impressed with her. She also went to Windsor Castle. William the Conqueror built the castle and Henry I made improvements for future succeeding kings. Queen Elizabeth added the noble terrace. The Round Tower was strongly fortified as it was where the state prisoners used to be kept. At the top of the tower there were views of twelve different counties of England. They returned home through Eton so they could see the famous school. They also visited Stoke Park, the seat of Mr. John Penn, which was a beautiful place. Maria was enchanted with the beauty of England, but she would be glad to return to America. There were no new fashions, and Maria could not make any commission for her friends until the Court Mourning was over. Maria frequented the theatre and saw some of the nobility including Lady Elizabeth Cole, Lady Arabella Townsend, and several other young ladies. Because of the Court Mourning, they were obliged to wear sable-colored dresses. To some parties, Maria wore scarlet germaniums in her hair. The following week, they were to wear black with either colors or white. Crimson shawls were generally worn. Planned to attend a public ball in Richmond and wanted to visit Bath in December. Two of the greatest theatres opened in London, and Maria saw in the papers that Ms. Siddons would perform in the winter. On October 6th, Maria added a few additional lines where she explained that her father’s friend was planning to go to New York and offered to mail her letters. Maria was anxious to hear from Polly.
Landmarks mentioned: Berkhamsted Castle, Hampton Court Palace, River Thames, Bushy Park, Windsor Castle, Eton College, and Stoke Park.
Artwork mentioned: The Raphael Cartoons
People mentioned: Ms. Perkins, Ms. Barnett, John Roper, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (c. 1473-1530), Henry VIII (1491-1547), Raphael (1483 – 1520), William III (1650-1702), Louis XIV (1638-1715), Dorothea Jordan (1761-1816), Prince William, Duke of Clarence (later King William IV) (1765-1837), William the Conqueror (c. 1028-1087), Henry I (c. 1068-1135), Elizabeth I (1533-1603)
John Penn (1760-1834), Lady Elizabeth Cole (1769-1807), Lady Arabella Townsend (1787-?), and Sarah Siddons (1755-1831)
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Maria E.P. Ricketts to Susan Niemcewicz, August 24, 1805
Maria E.P. Ricketts
1805-08-24
Maria E.P. Ricketts wrote from Hammersmith, England to Susan Niemcewitz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Maria’s mother, Sarah, and her brother, James, had already written to Susan and she feared her letter would only be a repetition of what they had said. However, Maria wanted to obey her aunt’s wishes and tell her how she liked her and her family’s situation. They were staying at a very beautiful house with two very good-sized rooms painted and furnished with pretty taste. The furniture was handsome, and the windows opened from floor to ceiling. Maria was delighted with all she had seen of England thus far and planned to dine in Richmond with Mr. and Mrs. Penn the following day and in London with General Reid on Monday. Asked Susan to remember her affectionately to Peter when she wrote to him.
People mentioned: Sarah Ricketts, James Ricketts, Mr. and Mrs. Penn, General Reid, and Peter Kean.
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Maria E.P. Ricketts to Susan Niemcewicz, October 29, 1805
Maria E.P. Ricketts
1805-10-29
Maria E.P. Ricketts wrote from Otto House, London, England to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Maria’s father, James, inquired about a vessel going to New York. He found out one sailed the following day, and Maria hoped her letter would arrive on time. She and her family were all perfectly well and she was anxious to hear good accounts of Susan and all their friends in America, including Ms. Pierpont and Polly Dayton. They wrote to Susan at every opportunity from London and twice by way of Liverpool. They spent the last week at Binfield House in Berkshire, the seat of Mr. Elliot. It was the largest private house Maria had ever been in. Mrs. Elliott was a Miss Cortland, a cousin of James Ricketts. She was a very charming and beautiful woman. She held a ball for them where over a hundred people were in attendance including many of the nobility, people of fashion, and plenty of beaus, most of them officers of the Army and Navy. Maria was enchanted with England, especially since part of their ride was through the Forest of Windsor. Mrs. Elliott was only nine miles from the Castle. Upon their arrival they found the town very gay, the King and Royal Family had arrived that morning to stay and that it was Fair Day. Maria had never seen a fair before and was very amused. The day prior, they left Binfield and went to see the King hunt and were so fortunate as to have the stag pass very near them, not a hundred yards from their carriage. The entire party soon followed, Mrs. Elliot and James Ricketts were on horseback along with other gentlemen. Afterwards, they hurried home to see George Brown. There was to be a consultation with the Physicians of Bath respecting Mrs. Brown’s health, which by George Brown’s account, was very precarious. Before going to Binfield, they had spent a few days with the Penns at Richmond. Planned to have a late dinner in London, but did not know what that would look like as the fashionables dined at eight o’clock. Sally grew more entertaining every day. Maria’s mother, Sarah Ricketts, asked Susan if she would tell Mrs. Williamson that she had been looking for mourning rings and that she could not find anything new or pretty. J. Jackson added a few lines where she thanked Susan for her very obliging letter and for the pleasing account of her dear boy (Peter Kean). Julian should have convinced Susan to accompany the family to England as it would have been a convenient resting place on her way to Poland.
People mentioned: James Ricketts (1754–1824), Sarah Ricketts (1755-1825) , Sarah Julia Ricketts (1801-1886), Onesiphorus Elliott Elliott Esq (?-1811), Mrs. Elliott, the Penn Family, George Brown, and Julian Ursin Niemcewicz (1758-1841).
Places mentioned: Windsor Forest and Great Park
Events mentioned: Trafalgar Day
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Sarah Ricketts to Susan Niemcewicz, August 15, 1804
Sarah Ricketts
1805-08-15
Sarah Ricketts wrote to Susan Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. This was the fifth letter that Sarah penned to her sister, Susan, and she hoped one of them would reach her. Sarah described her and her family’s long voyage to England. They were scheduled to arrive in Brighton that morning but they had so many visitors, frigates, and privateers demanding their papers and were detained till officers came on board. They were in company with a British Fleet for two days, whom they believed to be Lord Nelson, but the officers feigned ignorance and said they did not know what Fleet it was. Later they were near the shore and Maria and the boys were delighted with the views. Mr. R was in rapture over the fine fields of wheat and hedges. In the postscript, Sarah mentioned that as they were leaving the shore of Weymouth, they saw the King’s Yacht and the Queen. The Frigates saluted the King and Queen as they passed. Sarah and her family had the pleasure of watching them until they returned to the yacht. Richard Fords was with his Majesty and the Quarantine Laws were so strict that they could not land without their leave. Sarah, however, was not sorry for the delay as they had the opportunity of seeing the entire ceremony. As soon as the King entered the barge, the Frigates fired and the music from the hills played. As soon as Sarah and her family landed, they dined and the children went to play. James Jr. took Sally for a walk in the morning and the King stopped and spoke to her and said she was pretty.
People mentioned: Mrs. A, Mrs. B, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Bellasis, Lord Horatio Nelson, George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland (1738-1820), Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744–1818), Lord Horatio Nelson (1758-1805), James Ricketts (1754-1824), James Ricketts, Jr., Sally Ricketts, Richard Fords, and Peter Kean.
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Sarah Eliza Julia Ann Kennedy Ricketts and Sarah Ricketts to Julian Niemcewicz, December 8, 1805
Sarah Eliza Julia Ann Kennedy Ricketts
1805-12-08
The following letter was composed by Sarah Eliza Julia Ann Kennedy Ricketts (Sally) and Sarah Ricketts from London, England to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Sally wrote a few lines to her Uncle Niemcewicz where she informed him that she had a pin with a lock and key and her hair in it and planned to send it to him. Longed to see Aunt Susan, Cousin Peter, and many other dear friends. Her Grandpapa Jackson and all her dear friends with her were all well. She did not want to stay in the country for long because there were so many beggar men and poor little beggar children asking for money. Was in London when poor Lord Nelson was killed, all the streets were on fire and the British Coffee House was beautiful.
Sarah Ricketts also added a few lines. She had just received her sister’s letters of the 11th of Sept. and the 5th of Nov. and was mortified that Julian had not received any. Sarah was unsure how long they would stay in London but did not feel they would stay past June or July. John was getting his papers and power of attorney ready to go the following week and then they would go to Bath. Discussed their travels and plans for long term housing. Sarah thought it shabby to stay long without having some place of their own. Maria liked England better every day she was fortunate in making friends and had been to several balls. Well wishes to mutual friends and family.
People mentioned: Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronte (1758 – 1805)
Events mentioned: Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson Funeral
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John Robertson to Julian Niemcewicz, April 2, 1805
John Robertson
1805-04-02
John Robertson wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Robertson informed Julian that he received $100.66 from Mr. Morris, of which he deducted $24.30 for cleaning the sink for Susan Niemcewicz’s home in Philadelphia. The balance that remained was $82.36, which was to be placed to Mrs. Niemcewicz’s credit in New York. Mr. Benney would not take possession of the house before the end of the month. Supposed Benney would not require any repairs other than those mentioned in the estimate.
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John Robertson to Julian Niemcewicz, February 2, 1805
John Robertson
1805-02-07
John Robertson wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Received Julian’s favor of the 1st Instant and would have answered it in course but Mr. Binney promised to furnish Robertson with a note of the expenses of papering and painting, which delayed his letter to Julian. Included a copy of the account as furnished by Mr. Binney, which was exclusive to papering, and would cost about £15 more. Could not inform Julian of the expense of the Carpenter’s bill as the roof could not be examined at present. Mr. Binney did not agree to have the sink filled up and from what Robertson learned it would have to be cleaned out and that was an expense that would occur every two or three years. Did not receive the ground rent from Robert Morris even though Robertson called upon him frequently.
People mentioned: Horace Binney and Robert Morris.
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John Robertson to Julian Niemcewicz, January 16, 1805
John Robertson
1805-01-16
John Robertson wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Julian Niemcewicz in Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Robertson acknowledged Julian’s favor of the 3rd instant and noticed the postscript dated the 11th inclosing Susan Niemcewicz’s power of attorney to collect the rent of her house on Walnut Street in Philadelphia, as well as ground rent from Robert Morris. Robertson saw Horace Binney who wanted many repairs done to the house including papering, painting, and a few additional repairs. An estimate for a new sink had to wait on account of the snow. Did not receive the rent from Mrs. Cox the day prior as he expected to receive Mr. Morris’s ground rent but Morris informed him it was not convenient for him to pay at present. Discussed Susan’s shares and how no prices could be obtained for them.
People mentioned: Susan Niemcewicz, Robert Morris, Mrs. Cox, and Horace Binney.
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