Items

• William Pearce Jr. to Samuel Chew, December 26, 1798
  Letter from William Pearce Jr. to Samuel Chew, William being the tenant of one of the Chew plantations. The letter refers to Solomon, one of Chew's enslaved servants, as well as James, also potentially an enslaved servant of the Chew family. William is possibly describing Solomon resting at the plantation while sick, with "running at the nose", being fed "warm mashes of bran," and states that he "think[s] it is probable he has caught a cold," but it is not entirely clear. Wishes Samuel and his brother the best.
• Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew, undated
  Letter from Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew, expressing concern over a pain in her side, asking that she send word "by express" should she become indisposed. Continues by stating that "Longfellow wrote me word he intended to kill his hogs on Tuesday. I take for granted as he will expect the cart up on Tuesday that he will want orders." Tells her to send up two bushels of his brother's coarse salt, then goes into great detail of how the hogs should be butchered, preserved, and the meat distributed.
• Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew, undated
  Letter from Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew letting her know that he has arrived at his unidentified destination, able to send her an update in thanks to Frank, presumably his enslaved servant.
• Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew, September 22, 1781
  Letter from Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew, updating her on his brother's fever and when he hopes to return home. Writes "Be pleased to order Tom or Frank to meet me at Cleve's and if I should not be there by two o'clock to come on." No additional information on the two men mentioned.
• Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew, May 25, 1782
  Letter from Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew. Samuel tells Anna that his brother and most of his servants are on board a vessel bound for Burlington. Goes on to describe what is likely the result of small pox on a young girl named "Little Kit", including "four to five hundred pock in her face and fifty on the palm of one of her hands...I am in hope she will not be marked at least not so much as to disfigure her sweet face." Describes another individual, "Ned", and their mother, both of whom got off lightly, but are in emotional distress. Advises that Sally, possibly a servant, will stay with them until fall. Proceeds to tell Anna that he has ordered an unidentified man named "Jack", presumably a slave, down to Dover on Sunday with the Swan Point horse. An individual named "B. Williams" has been tasked with procuring items from a memorandum given to Samuel by Anna. Also advises that a man named "Cato" will be bringing a horse belonging to Mr. Mulligan, which will need to be taken care of.
• Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew, May 30, 1779
  Letter from Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew, no location cited but presumably Chestertown as he addresses "coming home" that day. Samuel tells Anna that he will send their servant Dick to pick her up and meet him at a "Mr. Hieth's" (sp?).
• Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew, August 27, 1790
  Letter from Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew. Asks "Nancy" to tell his brother John that a ship belonging to Telles & Co. (sp?) returned from Lisbon and the West Indies with around 100 barrels of flour after they were unable to sell it to either market. Samuel asks her to consult his brother about sending "James" to meet a named P. Howard, potentially at Swan Point. States "I hope Michael has begun to seed yet I would not have him hurried if he thinks the corn too young."
• Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew, August 08,1792
  Letter from Samuel Chew to Anna Maria Frisby Chew, no location cited. Samuel states his disappointment of not hearing from her and warns her that this letter will likely arrive late as "all of the men servants, including Dick, were in town with the family and I had not a person to send with a letter till after they came home." A large part of the bottom left corner is missing.
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, undated
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew from September 9th, year unknown. Letter begins with reference to painting of their coat of arms, but does not specify where. Benjamin proceeds to advise Samuel that he received a letter from his Delaware plantation Whitehall, informing him that there has been another incident with a slave referred to as "old Cooper". They "had such a resistance from the scoundrel, as for the sake of example to the other Negroes and punishment to himself requires the most immediate notice from my father". He does not expand on the punishment, but says he will come stay a night on his journey to or from Whitehall to address the incident.
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, undated
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, undated, begins by reprimanding his uncle for not seeking medical attention sooner, and generally not taking care of himself. References an embargo in place and states that it will "create uneasiness to the Eastward". Continues by apologizing for referencing "so many of my vendue [auction] people" and refers to a "Master Jos" who is at "Mr. Harris'", Master Jos likely a slave being put up for auction. Benjamin states that if the price of $50 is objected to, he will not hesitate to take less.
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, undated
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew written March 21st, year unspecified. Describes a personal attack or illness, it is unclear but most likely referring to his health. Mentions Betsy Cooke's children and that they are in "a fair way". Proceeds to advise his uncle that a "young negro man and also a woman of yours" were identified in the city. Benjamin asks his uncle how he would like to proceed, stating "if any have such eloped and you wish to arrest them, give me such description as I can ascertain them and I will [?] write to you that we may make due arrangements for one of your people coming up and be detained as little as possible".
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, undated
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, written from the Red Lion. Advises Samuel that he asked his Uncle John if he knew someone who could "take the care of Whitehall" for a few weeks, and if Samuel could "send forward to me some trustworthy animal in the shape of an overseer or give me you advice what is best to be done."
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, November 09, 1794
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew referring to a letter from his Uncle John, advising that a foreigner from Baltimore was coming to look at their farm and lands near Chestertown, including the "Brick House" and a tract referred to as "the Triangle", requesting to know which parts he would be willing to part with, and how much. Proceeds to break down the land to his uncle and the pricing, but it is not clear what they intend, if anything, to sell.
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, November 30, 1794
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, begins by describing the visit of "your young Eleve and his very little poney." He then goes on to state that he has been "for this day or two a good deal concerned" with an unfortunate accident that had befallen his former (enslaved?) servant Philip while out with the militia, struck by a falling tree limb as the militia was cutting down another tree near Pittsburg. His understanding is that the injury was so severe, he would not survive beyond the day. Benjamin also tells Samuel of the Duc de la Rochfoucald-Liancourt's arrival to Philadelphia.
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew and John Chew, September 20, 1795
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew and John Chew, begins by informing them that he "by accident" met his (does not specify which recipient's) former "servant" Solomon (possibly enslaved?), finding out that he now "attended" Major Smyth. The letter goes on to discuss land ownership between himself, Major Smyth, and a man named "Ruston". He then refers to the "distressing calamity in New York", following with the reassurance that "no contagion exists here" (Philadelphia), most likely referring to the yellow fever outbreak.
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, June 04, 1795
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, going into depth on family health matters, then advising Samuel that he has sent his overseer, Thompson, to be instructed on harvesting. States that there is little wheat to be cut, and that meat will likely "fall short" this year.
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, February 11,1801
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, delivered by Benjamin's slave Betsy Constable, referred to as "our little Negress". Benjamin asks that Samuel "excuse the means" of delivery. The letter discusses family banking, sailing conditions, advice to hold off on selling harvested wheat, and states that "the world is waiting with impatience the results of this day in the City of Washington," referring to the first Electoral tie, between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, June 14, 1803
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew discussing travel to Chestertown. Benjamin advises Samuel that his tenant Billy Pearce is renewing his lease for his son William, though he suggests to Samuel that "a more profitable occupant might be found." Benjamin specifies that his plantation affairs will be left in the hands of Newell while he travels.
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, August 03, 1803
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, primarily observing the spread of yellow fever in Philadelphia and stating that many had fled the city. References "the villainous Callender" (James Thomson Callender?) and states that "something is rotten in Denmark", but does not go into more detail. Also addresses W. Pearce and an unidentified man named "Newell", reminding Samuel that he requested him "to give him a word or two about my friend W. Pearce", and stating "I fear I am not to make an estate from my farms this or any other year under their present system. I hear not a syllable from W. Pearce about Pale's (sp?) Plantation."
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, October 18, 1803
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, advising all family in Germantown, including those residing at Cliveden, are well. Benjamin confirms that he intends to lease his plantation near/in Chestertown to W. Pearce. Discusses potential vegetables to be grown, crop rotation, and rent price.
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, December 25, 1803
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew stating his intention of travel to Chestertown to discuss W. Pearce and arranging to lease land to him.
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, December 09,1804
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew begins with description of mother's diminishing health, despite treatment of mercury, "columbo root tea", and blood letting. Ends letter wishing best to Uncle John, and states that Betty Cooke is still "much indisposed" and "probably will have to bear a broken breast."
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew and John Chew, December 19,1804
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew and John Chew regarding the sale of his former property on Lansdown Bay to a man named Peregrine Stoops in 1802. Benjamin also requests his Uncle John speak with a man named Billy Pearce and ask "what is likely to be the state of the farm for the next year" next time he sees him.
• Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, December 13,1804
  Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew primarily detailing poor health of his mother. Also mentions "a Spanish war against Britain", including $20 million of treasure captured in Lima. Mentions "marked" feelings of Sweden towards "The Little Emperor." Letter ends with reference to a woman named Betsy Cooke, a potential slave, who was "afflicted with a sore breast."
• Benjamin Chew, Jr. to Samuel Chew, October 16, 1804
  Letter from Benjamin Chew, Jr. to Samuel Chew discussing improvements to his carriage, referring to $200 delivered by man named Dick, likely their enslaved carriage driver, from Samuel for these costs. Also mentions Cliveden and the improving health of Benjamin's mother.