Van Cortlandt House collection, 1648-1806 | WorldCat.org (original) (raw)

Summary:A collection of papers formerly in the possession of the museum at the Van Cortlandt House in the Bronx, with dates ranging from 1648 to 1806. The collection includes deeds, mortgages, letters, military returns, and maps. Much of the material relates to the affairs of the Van Cortlandt family. Seventeenth-century documents include three relating to Robert Williams of Oyster Bay: the 1648 deed recording his purchase of land in the area of Oyster Bay (N.Y.) from Pugnipan, sachem of the Matinnecock Indians; a confirmation of his purchase from Governor Robert Nicolls of New York, dated 1666/7; and letters of administration issued to his widow, Sarah, and his executors, in 1682, with a copy of his will. Other seventeenth-century documents include a certificate of survey dated 1661 (in Dutch), by Jacques Cortelyou, of a lot in Pearl Street, done for Jacques Cousseau, and a deed for property in New York City, signed by Ariaen Dircksen and dated 1679/80. Eighteenth-century deeds and mortgages relate mainly to property in New York City and New York State, with one 1800 deed for a lot in Washington (D.C.). There is also a grant from the City of New York to Augustus Van Cortlandt for a water-lot on the Hudson River, dated 1765. A few miscellaneous military documents include the morning report of the 17th British Regiment, in camp at Crown Point, June 17, 1760. Some letters relate to the Revolutionary War; writers include Horatio Gates, Leonardus Chester, and Benjamin Whitcomb. Other correspondence includes letters from DeWitt Clinton, Governor George Clinton, and the younger Pierre Van Cortlandt