Historical/Biographical Note
The Richard Maass Collection of Westchester and New York State is very much the product of one man's passionate interests. Richard Maass is an alumnus of New York University, having graduated from the School of Commerce (now the Stern School) in 1949 with a degree in economics. One of Westchester's most distinguished residents, Maass has been involved actively in the political and educational affairs of the county. He was appointed as mayor of White Plains in 1974 and also held the office of Westchester County Historian from 1974 to 1981. In addition, Maass has served his community as the President of the Purchase College Council, and has been a member of the American Jewish Committee and the Westchester County Historical Society. A highly successful investment banker, Maass amassed this unique collection of historical documents over a fifty-year period. Maass was inspired to begin a collection of his own by the example of his father-in-law, Richard M. Lederer, who served for many years as the Village Historian for Scarsdale. Along with his father-in-law, Maass was involved with the Manuscript Society from its earliest inception, and served as president of the organization from 1954-1956. In addition to the collecting interests represented by the Richard Maass Collection of Westchester and New York State, Maass also has retained notable collections of Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Paine materials, as well as a significant collection of books relating to pirates.
Return to topScope and Content Note
The Richard Maass Collection of Westchester and New York State consists of over three hundred autograph letters, documents, and newspapers which chronicle the early history of New York State from its colonization by the Dutch to the mid-nineteenth century. The collection is, however, particularly rich in materials relating to the Revolutionary War and can provide researchers with multiple perspectives on significant events and individual military campaigns. For example, the Battle of White Plains is amply documented in the collection through correspondence from participants and observers, as well as in contemporary newspaper accounts.
The arrangement of the collection, for the most part, has followed Maass's own organization. With a few exceptions, each item has been listed and described individually in the finding aid. Any additional information that has been provided by Maass regarding a specific document has been retained and placed in a folder which has been filed immediately behind the folder containing the document to which it relates. Almost every folder for each item in the collection contained a one to two page description of the document, as well as other ancillary materials such as transcriptions and/or translations ofdocuments by Maass. These folders also occasionally contained provenance information. Any additions to the collection are to be processed as separate accretions.
In addition to autograph letters and historical documents, the Maass Collection contained a small amount of printed materials. These chiefly consisted of over thirty different early American, British, and French newspapers, dating mainly from the eighteenth century. These items have been organized as a separate series (Series V).
SERIES DESCRIPTION:
Series I: New York State
Series I contains documents pertaining to the history of New York State, exclusive of Westchester County, with a particular emphasis on New York City. It is arranged chronologically.
Subseries A contains two legal boxes of letters and documents dating from the early settlement of New York by the Dutch through the late eighteenth century. These documents range from records of everyday life in both the Dutch and British colonies to contemporary descriptions of significant historical and political events affecting the colonies and the new state. This subseries also contains numerous documents relating to the Revolutionary War in New York State, including an eyewitness account of the British invasion of New York City in 1776 by Mrs. A. Hampton.
Subseries B is the James Alexander Collection. It contains eight letters to and from Alexander (1691-1756) and his wife, Mary, housed in one small legal box. Alexander was surveyor-general of New York and New Jersey, an attorney, and a contributor to the New York Weekly Journal. In 1735 he was disbarred because he served as counsel for Journal editor Peter Zenger in the famous freedom-of-the-press case. Alexander also was a co-founder of the American Philosophical Society. The James Alexander Collection was purchased as a group by Mr. Maass.
Subseries C contains oversize material, mainly consisting of deeds and other records of land grants in New York City and State. It is housed in two flat boxes.
Series II. Westchester
Series II contains documents pertaining to the early history of what is present day Westchester County. It is arranged chronologically.
Subseries A contains a wide range of letters and other documents dating from the late seventeenth century to the middle of the nineteenth century, but the bulk of the material in this subseries dates from the Revolutionary War period. Included within the four legal boxes of this subseries are numerous receipts, orderly and pay books, and correspondence from military officers, including ten documents or letters from George Washington.
Subseries B contains oversize material, mainly consisting of deeds and other records of land grants inWestchester. These are housed in a flat box, with the exception of one item which is kept in the map case.
Series III: Mayors and Governors Autographs
Series III contains correspondence and other documents signed by mayors of New York City and Governors of New York State (and New Jersey). It is arranged chronologically.
Subseries A contains materials which represent the broadest range of dates in the collection. It begins with a document signed by the first Van Cortlandt, Oloff Stevenson, a burgomaster of New Amsterdam, and concludes with a check signed by William Gaynor, an early twentieth century mayor of New York City. The selection of governors is equally diverse, and includes two documents signed by the notorious Lord Cornbury (Edward Hyde) as well as the extremely rare autograph of George Clarke.
Subseries B contains oversize material signed by various mayors or governors. It is housed in a flat box, with the exception of one item which is kept in the map case.
Series IV: Other Historical Letters and Manuscripts
Series IV contains documents which do not relate directly to the history of New York State. It contains only three items in one small legal box, but among these are included a Massachusetts resolution signed by Samuel Warren, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock, and an important letter from John Quincy Adams regarding the abolition of slavery.
Series V: Printed Materials
Series V contains printed materials and Mr. Maass' notes relating to these items. The newspapers are divided by size into two groups, each of which is organized alphabetically by title. The following titles have been removed from the collection and catalogued in BobCat. Mr. Maass's notes and translations for these items are included in subseries B.
Annals of Annapolis : comprising sundry notices of that old city from the period of the first settlements in its vicinity in the year 1649, until the war of 1812.
La Gazette de France. (1775-1783)
The Lee papers, 1754-[1811]
Nouvelles extraordinaires de divers endroits. (1775-1776)
The treason of Charles Lee : major general second in command in the American Army of the Revolution.
Subseries A contains one legal box and two flat boxes of newspapers. Small-sized newspapers are arranged in alphabetical order in the legal box. A second alphabetical arrangement of larger-sized newspapers are housed in two flat boxes.
Subseries B contains three archival storage boxes with research notes and transcriptions or translations of various articles made by Mr. Maass. They have been sorted into separate folders which are arranged alphabetically and chronologically. This subseries is not enumerated in the container list.
Series VI: Accretions
Subseries A contains letters to and from General Charles Lee.
Subseries B contains letters by and about Benedict Arnold and is especially rich in eyewitness accounts of the events and trials surrounding his failed collaboration with the British in 1781.
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Arrangement |
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| Folders are mainly arranged chronologically within each series. | ||
| The files are grouped into 6 series: | ||
| I. New York State | ||
| II. Westchester | ||
| III. Mayors and Governors Autographs | ||
| IV. Other Historical Letters and Manuscripts | ||
| V. Printed Materials | ||
| VI. Accretions | ||
Separated Material
There is no information about materials that are associated by provenance to the described materials that have been physically separated or removed.
Return to topRestrictions
Access Restrictions
Open for research without restrictions. Appointments are necessary to consult manuscript and archive materials.
Use Restrictions
Collection use is subject to all copyright laws. Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the Director
of Fales Library and Special Collections. For more information, contact
Fales Library and Special Collections
Elmer Holmes Bobst Library
70 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012Phone: (212) 998-2596
Fax: (212) 995-3835
Email: fales.library@nyu.edu
URL: http://www.nyu.edu/library/bobst/research/fales/cdfa.htm
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Administrative Information
Provenance
The Richard Maass Collection of Westchester and New York State was donated to the Fales Library by Mr. Maass in two installments during the fall and winter of 1996. An additional gift of materials about Charles Lee and Benedict Arnold was donated by Dolly Maass in the Fall of 1999. These materials have been processed and added to the collection as Series VI.
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Identification of item,date (if known); The Richard Maass Collection of Westchester and New York State; MSS 55; box number;
folder number;
Fales Library and Special Collections
, New York University Libraries.
Container List
[The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.]
| Series I: New York State |
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| Subseries A:Letters and Documents |
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| Box | Title | Date | |
| 1 |
creator: Kiefft, Willem.
place: [New Amsterdam] |
Oct 19, 1645 | |
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physical description: Parchment, (Plus 3 fragments); d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 21cm x 20cm |
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language: Dutch |
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abstract: Land deed granting Byleveldt's bouwery to Leendert Arenden (or Arentsen). Signed by Kiefft. |
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| 1 |
creator: Loockermans, Govert.
place: Midwout, New Netherland |
Aug 7, 1654 | |
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physical description: single half sheet; d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 32cm x 22cm |
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language: Dutch |
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abstract: 1657 copy of an agreement regarding the sale of goats by Loockermans to John Hathaway. Signed by Hathaway and Loockermans, notarized by Matheus De Vos (1657). |
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| 1 |
creator: Jansz, S. Marten.
place: New Amsterdam |
Sep 28, 1654 | |
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physical description: quarter sheet; d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 22cm x 19cm |
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language: Dutch |
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abstract: Court Messenger summons two wives for a hearing. Signed by Marten Jansz, attorney for Henrick Cornelisz. |
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| 1 |
creator: Hathaway, John.
place: Amersvoort, New Netherland |
Mar 31, 1655 | |
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physical description: single half sheet; d.s.
extent: 2 pages dimensions: 22cm x 32 cm |
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language: Dutch |
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abstract: 1657 copy of a deed of sale of land by John Hathaway to Govert Loockermans. Signed by Hathaway and Loockermans, witnessed by Elbert Elbertsen and Johannes Van Brugh, notarized by Matheus de Vos (1657). |
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| 1 |
creator: Hudde, Andries.
place: [New Amsterdam] |
Apr 29, 1655 | |
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physical description: folded single sheet; d.s.
extent: 2 pages dimensions: 39cm x 31cm |
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language: Dutch |
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abstract: Copy of a deed of sale for land at Amersfort by Hudde to Marten Jans. Witnessed by Hendrick Van Dyck and Jan Jansen, notarized by Dirck Van Schelluyne. |
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| 1 |
creator: De Meyer, Nicholas.
place: [New Amsterdam] |
Aug 26, 1662 | |
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physical description: single half sheet; d.s.
extent: 2 pages dimensions: 21cm x 33cm |
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language: Dutch |
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abstract: Sale of goods by De Meyer to Roelof Martensen Schenck (Roelof Martens). Notarized by Salomon Lachaire. |
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| 1 |
creator: Florisz, Claes.
place: Amsterdam |
Jun 26, 1663 | |
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physical description: one third of half sheet; d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 23cm x 12cm |
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language: Dutch |
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abstract: Port clearance for the ship Star from Amsterdam to New Amsterdam. Signed by Florisz. |
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| 1 |
creator: Van Curler, Jacob.
place: Gravesend |
Jun 9, 1667 | |
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physical description: one third of half sheet; a. d.s.
extent: 2 pages dimensions: 22cm x 13cm |
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language: Dutch |
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abstract: Confirmation of a sale of property, known as Bouwery no. 17 to Willem Beekman. Signed by Van Curler. |
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| 1 |
creator: Cockinga, Scato.
place: The Hague |
Mar 24, 1674 | |
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physical description: single half sheet; l. s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 19cm x 30cm |
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language: Dutch |
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abstract: Concerning Dutch interests on Manhattan, from the States General to the Admiralty of Zeeland. Signed by Cockinga and countersigned by H. Fagel. |
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| 1 |
creator: Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728
place: [New York] |
[Oct 11,] 1682 | |
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physical description: single half sheet; a. d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 21cm x 33cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Transmission of a message from the Mohawks (Maquase). |
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| 1 |
creator: Santen, Lucas.
place: New York |
Nov 25, 1686 | |
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physical description: folded single sheet, address overleaf; a. d.s.
extent: 2 pages dimensions: 47cm x36cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: A complaint to the king against Governor Dongan. |
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| 1 |
creator: Will of Christina Cappoens
place: New York |
Jun 17, 1687 | |
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physical description: 4 sheets quired and stitched. -A1 and A2; a. d.s.
extent: 11 pages dimensions: 39cm x 31cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: no note |
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| 1 |
creator: Addington, Isaac, 1645-1715.
place: Boston |
Apr 15, 1691 | |
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physical description: folded single half sheet, with address overleaf and seal; a.l.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 36cm x 24cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: To John Clarkson. |
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| 1 |
creator: Colony of New York
place: [London] |
[1698] | |
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physical description: single half sheet; a. d.s.
extent: 2 pages dimensions: 19cm x 31cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Abstract of money placed for expeditions to Albany, etc. in the accompts of Mr. Chisley Brooke. |
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| 1 |
creator: Colony of New York
place: [London] |
[1702] | |
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physical description: single half sheet; a. d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 19cm x 29cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Abstract of money placed for Lord Cornbury's expedition to Albany, etc. Docketed in the hand of William Blathwayt on the verso. |
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| 1 |
creator: Colony of New York
place: [London] |
[1705] | |
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physical description: folded single sheet; a. d.s.
extent: 4 pages dimensions: 37cm x 30 cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Audit of Governor Cornbury's accounts. |
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| 1 |
creator: De Peyster, Abraham, d.1768?
place: New York |
Aug 29, 1701 | |
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physical description: folded full sheet; a.l.s.
extent: 4 pages dimensions: 40cm x 32 cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: To William Blathwayt |
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| 1 |
creator: Blathwayt, William, 1688-1704.
place: New York |
Jan 31, 1704 | |
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physical description: three full sheets, quired; d.s.
extent: 9 pages dimensions: 37cm x 30cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Report on plantation revenues. |
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| 1 |
creator: Hyde, Edward, Earl of Clarendon, 1661-1723.
place: New York |
Aug 28, 1704 | |
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physical description: Single half sheet; d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 19cm x 25cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: License granted to Richard Floyd to take 'drift whales' off the north shore of Long Island. |
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| 1 |
creator: List of New York Accompts of the Revenue.
place: London |
1705 | |
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physical description: folded full sheet; a. d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 37cm x 31cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Docketed by William Blathwayt. |
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| 1 |
creator: Livingston, John.
place: New York |
Jul 20, 1710 | |
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physical description: folded full sheet; d.s.
extent: 2 pages dimensions: 41cm x 33cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Petition to Governor Robert Hunter regarding the estate of Livingston's father-in-law, John Winthrop. |
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| 1 |
creator: Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728.
place: Albany |
Jul 11, 1720 | |
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physical description: folded full sheet, address overleaf with seal; l. s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 43cm x 33cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Warning that the French are 'debauching' the Five Nations. Signed by Livingston, Johannes Cuyler, John Riggs, John Schuyler, and Myndert Schuyler. |
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| 1 |
creator: Walter, Robert.
place: New York |
Apr 18, 1721 | |
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physical description: folded full sheet, quired half sheet (21cm x 31cm); d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 43cm x 32cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Notice to Sherrif to summon a grand jury. Signed by Walter, John Cruger, Frederick Philipse, Jacob Kip, and Hermanus Vangelder. |
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| 1 |
creator: Livingston, Philip, 1686-1749.
place: Albany |
Sep 6, 1721 | |
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physical description: folded full sheet; d.s.
extent: 3 pages dimensions: 42cm x 33cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Lease of house and land to Johannes Kessler. Signed by Livingston, John De Peyster, Myndert Schuyler, Peter Van Brugh, Robert Livingston, Jr. and John Schuyler. |
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| 1 |
creator: Van Rensselaer, Hendrick.
place: Albany |
Jun 5, 1735 | |
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physical description: single half sheet, address overleaf; d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 21cm x 33cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Bond from John Lindesay and Peter Winne for debts owed. Witnessed by Van Rensselaer and Gilbert Livingston. Docketed. |
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| 1 |
creator: Morris, Lewis, 1671-1746.
place: [New Jersey] |
Feb 8, 1739 | |
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physical description: single half sheet; d.s.
extent: 2 pages dimensions: 22cm x 33cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Petition for a hearing regarding a complaint the defendants had ignored previously. Signed by Lewis Morris. |
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| 1 |
creator: Johnson, William, Sir, 1715-1774.
place: [New York] |
Dec 17, 1755 | |
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physical description: folded single half sheet; l. s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 25cm x 38cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: To Governor Morris (?) regarding the behavior of Indians of the Shawanese, Delaware, and the Six Nations. |
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| 1 |
creator: Loudon, John Campbell, Earl of
place: Whitehall |
Mar 11, 1756 | |
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physical description: folded full sheet, with address overleaf; a.l.s.
extent: 2 pages dimensions: 39cm x 31cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: To Major General Sir William Johnson |
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| 1 |
creator: Livingston, Peter Van Brugh.
place: New York |
Sep 9, 1765 | |
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physical description: single half sheet; a.l.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 21cm x 30cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: To John S. Lawrence. |
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| 1 |
creator: Colden, Cadwalader, 1688-1776.
place: New York |
Nov 5, 1765 | |
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physical description: quarter sheet, badly damaged; a.l.s.
extent: 2 pages dimensions: 19cm x 23cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: To the Marquis of Granby, regarding New York riots over the Stamp Act. |
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| 1 |
creator: Fanning, David.
place: s.l. |
Dec 7, 1773 | |
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physical description: fragment of half sheet; d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 19cm x 14cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: To Benadom Gallup. Charges Cathron Eldriedg of Groton with fornication and bearing an illegitimate child. Signed by Fanning and witnessed by Desiah Burros and Mary Eldriedg. |
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| 1 |
creator: Colden, Cadwalader, 1688-1776.
place: New York |
Jul 19, 1774 | |
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physical description: fragment of half sheet; d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 20cm x 13cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Sight draft drawn on Nathaniel Coffin at Boston. Signed by Colden. |
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| Box | Title | Date | |
| 2 |
creator: Pay list for Captain Varick's troops.
place: Albany |
Jul 5, 1776 | |
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physical description: single half sheet (sliced in half, repair?); a. d.s.
extent: 2 pages dimensions: 23cm x 37 cm |
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language: English |
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| 2 |
creator: Howe, Richard Howe, Earl, 1726-1799.
place: On Board H. M. S. Eagle off Staten Island |
Jul 15, 1776 | |
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physical description: two full sheets, quired and stitched; a. d.s.
extent: 6 pages dimensions: 41cm x 33cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: To Captain Henry. |
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| 2 |
creator: Varick, Richard, 1753-1831.
place: Albany |
Jul 29, 1776 | |
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physical description: folded full sheet; a.l.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 37cm x 30cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: To Capt. Bacon, Mentions Benedict Arnold |
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| 2 |
creator: Tory document.
place: Hartford |
Jul 29, 1776 | |
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physical description: fragment of half sheet; a. d.s.
extent: 1 page dimensions: 19cm x 23cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Five NY Tories ask to be released from custody. Signed by them, including Stephen De Lancey. |
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| 2 |
creator: Hampton, Mrs. A.
place: Three miles from New York |
Aug 4, 1776 | |
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physical description: folded half sheet; a.l.s.
extent: 2 pages dimensions: 20cm x 33cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: To my dear child [her daughter]. Description of the arrival of the British in New York City. |
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| 2 |
creator: Schuyler, Philip John, 1733-1804.
place: German Flats |
Aug 13, 1776 | |
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physical description: folded full sheet; a. d.s.
extent: 3 pages dimensions: 42cm x 33cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: Memorandum of Mr. McDonald's information (About desertion and treason among his troops). |
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| 2 |
creator: Biddle, Clement
place: Perth Amboy |
Sep 18, 1776 | |
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physical description: single half sheet (broken in two pieces); a.l.s.
extent: 4 pages dimensions: 23cm x 38cm |
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language: English |
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abstract: To Dear brother. Biddle describes the evacuation of New York. |
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| 2 | |||