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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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."
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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.
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Benjamin Chew Jr. to Samuel Chew, October 19,1804
Letter from Benjamin Chew Jr to Samuel Chew primarily discussing the poor weather and states his servant & carriage driver "Dick", possibly enslaved, was held up by the rain. Benjamin remarks on his attendance of Mary Wilcocks' wedding, as well as the cost of repairs to a carriage.
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Benjamin Chew to Samuel Chew, undated
Letter from Benjamin Chew to Samuel Chew, remarking on yellow fever in Chestertown as well as a treaty signed by the president the day prior. At the end of the letter it states. "Hammond took (?) his departure this morning Bond is now charge in attains (?)".
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Benjamin Chew Jr. to his sisters Chew, Howard, Philips, & Nicklin (1784-1839, undated)
This folder is primarily reflective of Benjamin Chew, Jr.'s family life. It includes a letter to Peggy Chew from April 1784 where Benjamin details his vibrant social life and those he's met while studying in England. There is also an invitation to Henrietta, Maria, and "Mrs. Phillips" for dinner at Cliveden on March 17, 1839.
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Letters from Benjamin Chew, Jr. to Benjamin Chew, Sr. (1807, undated)
Three letters from Benjamin Chew, Jr. to his father. The first letter seems to have been written on a note from a man asking Benajmin, Jr. if his father plans on selling his horses. The second letter is small and mentions Joshua Wallace and Thomas Biddle. On the back is a list of "deposits" from prominent men to one another, such as Edward Tilghman and Daniel Coxe, though it does not specify what for, but to be delivered to Thomas Newman. The first two small letters may have been enclosed in the third.
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Property Sales – List of slaves sold from Samuel Chew's Cecil County plantations, 1812
Found within a copy of "Samuel Chew's List of Sales for Benj. Chew, Esq." A comprehensive list of items sold from Samuel Chew's estate, including two pages listing the sales of slaves from Frisbey's Meadows, Great Plantation, and Rich Neck (images 5 & 6). Each line includes the slave's name, the name of the purchaser, and their price. There are a few lines indicating slaves not sold, such as Molly and Patty from Great Plantation, as well as "James" who was given to his mother.
African American people mentioned:
Frank, James, Bill, Perry, Ben, Solomon, Nicholas, Juliana, Sofhia (sp?), Lucy, Phoebe, Lemon, Abraham, Tom, Polly, Lydia, Emeline, Harriott, Susan, Nancy, Washington, James, John, William, James, Ephraim, "old Dick", Michael, Nat (sp?), Enoi, Henry, Philip, Aaron, Michael, Ben, Ro(sp?), Bill, Abraham, Sylvia, Judith's son (?), Jane, Eliza, Deana, Judith, Beck, Maria
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Property Sales – Inventories of Samuel Chew's estate, 1809
Inventories taken shortly after Samuel Chew's death, notices of property sales, lists of items sold, and lists of buyers and their payment schedules provide a detailed record of his material possessions. Many of these documents list slaves from the family's Maryland farms (Swan Point, the Great Plantation, Frisby’s Meadows, Veazey Farm) along with their monetary values, notes indicating those who were considered less valuable due to age or other infirmity, and names of spouse, children, and/or other family members. The official inventories of the estate also list provisions sent for use of the slaves, such as bacon, blankets, livestock, and other essentials. A separate file contains records of slaves sold and their buyers, provisions made for aged slaves, and other notes.
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Property Sales – Conditions for the auction of "stock" from Benjamin Chew Jr's property Sassafras Neck (1809-1811, undated)
Detailed instructions and protocol for the auction, or "vendue", of goods from Benjamin Chew, Jr's property, Sassafras Neck . Does not list what is to be sold.
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Inventories - informal notes and lists regarding Samuel Chew's estate, 1809-1812, n.d.
Collection of informal notes and lists regarding the inventory of Samuel Chew's estate. Documents range from lists of stock, sundries, and slaves (with name and age) at Swan Point from overseer a Joel Smith, a list from Veazey's of farm utensils and enslaved people, a list of Samuel Chew's personal papers gathered by Frisby Tilghman and Benjamin Chew, Jr., and various notes on individual slaves. A collection of notes presumably by Benajmin, Jr., includes entries such as, "Abraham a very valuable character" and a reminder to "Enquire abt Henry and son of Lucy now at Rich Neck whether to take to Philada." There is also a list of expenses regarding Old Mark and Old Jenny, as well as a list of clothes for male slaves.
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Inventories of Samuel Chew's estate, 1809-1812, n.d.
Comprehensive inventories taken shortly after Samuel Chew's death, primarily lists of items sold and sometimes their buyers and payment schedules, providing a detailed record of his material possessions. Records are sectioned by property- home in Chestertown, Swan Point, the Great Plantation, Frisby’s Meadows, and/or Veazey Farm.
Many of these documents include lists of slaves with their name, age, any infirmaries such as blindness or simply "sickly", and sale prices/worth, and often are found within lists of goods like household furniture or livestock (such as images 13 & 14.) The official inventories of the estate also list provisions sent for use of the slaves, such as bacon, blankets, livestock, and other essentials.
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Letters from Benjamin Chew & Benjamin Chew, Jr. to Samuel Chew (1793-1806, undated)
Focuses on two letters, the first dated April 15, 1806 (images 5 & 6) from Benjamin Chew, Jr. and Benjamin Chew to their uncle and brother Samuel Chew, written on opposite sides of the same paper. Benjamin, Jr. states that he is obliged to his Uncle John to "make communication to Saml Beck who has made enquiries on behalf of Capt Vickers about the cursed Langford’s Bay Plantation” but does not state about what exactly. The second letter (image 14), is simply dated "Thursday night", again a dual letter from Benjamin Chew, Jr. and his father. It focuses mostly on political matters, including multiple mentions of "Mr. Jay" (John Jay), and discusses the "12th article" and its effect on trade, specifically sugar and cotton, especially with the West Indies. He states that "in the two or 3 Southern States... the Article met an almost unanimous disapprobation - the Motion for the Suspension of it came from the warmest Federalist - the subject of the Blacks is passed in Silence & nothing discussed in relation to them.”
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Benjamin Chew to Samuel Chew, October 16, 1804
The first letter mentions a "letter by Dick," an enslaved man. Likely meaning that specific letter was delivered by him to Samuel Chew.
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Various accounts and receipts for the plantations of Samuel Chew, 1795-1809
Receipts or account records for John Sappington, James Scanlan, and James Berry who rented/managed plantations for Samuel Chew, as well as a few other unknown individuals. These include receipts for hickory wood, liquor (described as "two gallons of spirit"), new ploughs, and a receipt for the making of clothing including a new coat and breeches for Dick, an enslaved man, and a vest and coat for "Charles Gordin" (possibly also enslaved?).
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Three receipts from William Forbes for slaves' shoes, 1797-1801
Three separate receipts from William Forbes to Samuel Chew (1737-1809), reflected in images 5-9. The first receipt, dated July 31, 1797, is for 90 pairs of shoes for 9 pounds 10 shillings, witnessed by James Barroll. The second, dated August 20, 1801, is for "79 pair of negro shoes," and the third receipt from October 2, 1800 charges for the "making 84 pair of Negro shoes."