Name/Title
Letter from Pierre Van Cortlandt to Philip Van CortlandtEntry/Object ID
HHV 002.1899Description
A letter, dated July 17, 1776, from Pierre Van Cortlandt to his son Philip Van Cortlandt composed of short sentences detailing incidents of naval, military and civilian action in the Croton and Peaks Kill areas plus his movement of certain items from the Croton house to their mill and another house in Peeks Kill for safety, and that Independence had been proclaimed. A concise report of events that would change their lives forever.
Letter from Pierre Van Cortlandt I to Philip Van CortlandtSubject
Local military activity, Resolution of Congress making it treason for any convicted conspiring against the State and Independence has been proclaimed.Subject Person/Organization
Pierre Van Cortlandt (1721-1814), Philip Van Cortlandt (1749-1831)Subject Place
Neighborhood
Haverstraw, Peekskill* Untyped Subject Place
New York, N.Y. StateCollection
Van Cortlandt Manuscript CollectionTranscription
Peeks Kill July – 17 – 1776
Son Philip
Received yours of the 3. July, Wee are all well. the two Frigates & 3 Tenders Now Lay between the Store house and Haverstraw – are Wee Expect Waiting a fair wind to go by the forts In the High Lands. Wee Keep a Strong guard from Crotons to Peaks Kill. the Tenders have fired at Several Times On Our people. Wee have Recd No damages the Brigades of Tenbrook & Tellers are here. Wee Now have about 1000 men, the forts are full of men Many Sent home I have moved most of our Effects to the mill & Peeks Kill, all hurry here. (three words llegible) a barge with the Enimy attemped to Land at Gardiniers Callebergh were beat of this Manor abounds with tories. a Resolution of Congress making it Treason for any that Shall be Convicted to Conspire against the State. Independence was proclaimed a few days ago. I Pray the Lord to be With us all from
your Loving father,
Pierre Van CortlandtOther Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Former NumberOther Number
V 3429
