Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R, James Van Rensselaer, New York
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[(3─1776)]

SERVICE
New York

Van Rensselaer, James
Elsie

NUMBER
R ━

CONTENTS
This woman was pensioned as the former widow of Nicholas N.  Bogart or Bogert, R.I., W 6372
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To the Commissioner of Pensions, War Department of the United States.
The undersigned, for himself and the other Children of the late Elsie Van Rensselaer deceased, who was the widow of James Van Rensselaer deceased, formally an officer in the Revolutionary army, hereby makes an application for the allowance of a pension to the children of the said Elsie VanRensselaer, under the provisions of the laws of Congress of July 7, 1838, entitled “ An act for granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows.” And respectfully refer to the documents and proofs, accompanying this application in support of this issue. Dated Albany (N.Y.) April 16, 1839.
[signature] Ph. Schuyler Van Rensselaer 

100
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The People of the State of New York ~
To all to whom these presents shall come or may concern. Know Ye that at a Surrogates Court heard at the city of Albany in and for the county of Albany in said State, by Anthony Blanchard, Esquire Surrogate of our said county on the fifteenth day of April A.D. 1839. Satisfactory evidence was adduced to prove that James Van Rensselaer, reputed to have been an officer in the Army of the revolution, departed this life on the first day of February in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven leaving a widow him surviving Viz. Elsie Van Rensselaer, that said Elsie Van Rensselaer also departed this life on or about the twenty second day of November A.D. 1838, leaving the following named children her surviving, and that said children, are all of lawful age, and the only legitimate children and nearest of kin to said Elsie deceased to wit- Nicholas Catharine Van Rensselaer widow and relict of Robert S. Van Rensselaer late of the town of Bethlehem in the county of Albany deceased, Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer of the city of Albany in the said county and James C. Van Rensselaer of said town of Bethlehem.
All of which is hereby certified.
In testimony whereof we have caused the seal of office of our said Surrogate to be hereunto Affixed. Witness Anthony Blanchard Esquire Surrogate of said County at the city of Albany this fifteenth day of April A.D. 1839.
[signature] A. Blanchard 

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
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State of New York
Saratoga County  ⎬ss
Denison Andrews of Stillwater in said County being duly sworn says that he is Sixty Eight years of age and has resided in said town ever since the year 1770 that about fifty ["five" lined thru] years ago it was understood in his neighborhood that Elise Bogart daughter of Hartmann Schuyler was married to one James Van Rensselaer, that he was not present at the wedding, but knew the parties and did not live but a short distance from the family of the said Harmanns.
[signature] Denison Andrews

Subscribed and sworn this 5th day of March 1839.
Before me.
[signature] Ashbel Palmer Justice

note - the word “five" erased before signing.
[signature] A. Palmer

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above Denison Andrews and that he is a credible witness.
[signature] Ashbel Palmer Justice

State of New York Saratoga County Clerks office 
I Alpheus Goodrich Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Ashbel Palmer before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn and whose name is Subscribed to the certificate of credibility was on the day of the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County. That I am acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe that his name subscribed to each is his proper handwriting and signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the said county this seventh day of March 1839.
[signature] A Goodrich Clerk

[illegible Court Seal affixed upper left]

250
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Saratoga County
Town of Stillwater ⎬ ss 
Alfred Benedict of said Town being duly Sworn says that he is an Elder of the Presbyterian Church in the Town and that he has examined the Records of said Church and does not find the Marriage of Elsie Schuyler to James Van Rensselaer therein, and further says that there is not at this time, a Pastor over said Church and that the Clerk of said Church is absent.
[signature] Alfred Benedict

Subscribed and sworn this 26th Feby 1839
Before me
[signature] Ashbel Palmer Justice

State of New York
County of Saratoga ⎬ss. 
Alfred Benedict the above named Deponent being duly Sworn further deposeth that the Records of the Church above referred to, do not extend back further than the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety one.
[signature] Alfred Benedict

Sworn and subscribed this 1st day of March 1839 before me
[signature] Ashbel Palmer Justice 

I certify that the above deponent is known to me to be one of the Elders of the above mentioned Church & that he is a credible witness.
[signature] Ashbel Palmer

State of New York County of Saratoga Clerks Office ss.  
I, Alpheus Goodrich Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Ashbel Palmer before whom the above affidavits purport to have been sworn and whose name is subscribed to the above certificate of credibility was on the days of the date of the said affidavits a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County. That I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice of the peace and verily be-
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lieve that his name subscribed to the jurat of the said affidavits and the certificates of credibility are his proper hand writing and signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the said County this Seventh day of March 1839.
[signature] A. Goodrich Clerk

[illegible County Seal affixed at left]
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State of New York Albany County } ss. 
Nicholas Van Rensselaer of Greenbush in the county of Rensselaer being duly sworn. deposeth as follows - Viz - I am eighty two years of age & upwards, and am a Pensioner of the United States. 
I was well acquainted with James Van Rensselaer, late of the county of Albany, in his lifetime. He died about ten years ago. I knew him in the Revolutionary War. I was an ["lieutenant" lined thru] Officer in the 2d Regiment of the New York Line in the year 1775 and 1776 - and was at Quebec in the month of December 1775, - with the Army under General Montgomery. The said James Van Rensselaer was there also at that time & soon afterwards, and was an Officer, but which rank he then held, I do not recollect. I recollect that he mustered one Regiment at Quebec. 
I understood at the time we were on our way to Canada, that the said James Van Rensselaer was an aid to Gen'l Schuyler, with the rank of Major.
[signature] Nichs Van Rensselaer 

Sworn and subscribed this 19th day of June 1837 before me.
[signature] L. Jenkins, Com'r of Deeds
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State of New York
Albany County
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State of New York
Rensselaer County ⎬ss. 
Archibald Bull of the City of Troy in the County and  state aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose and say that he has cautiously and particularly examined the leaf of a family record numbered or paged at the top 677. and under the head of marriages on said page in the first column thereof he finds a certain entry or memorandum in the words & figures following/To wit.
“James Van Rensselaer married Elsie Schuyler 3rd June 1789. Daughter of Harmanus  & Christina Schuyler-  born the 5th Feby 1760. The widow of Doct'r Nicholas Bogart by whom she had one Daughter, born the 16th April 1784. Baptized at Stillwater by Mr. Domsler by the name of Nicholas Catherine. Sponsors Harmanus and Christina Schuyler and was married on the [blank] day of October 1801 to Robert S. Van Rensselaer.”
And this deponent further says that he was well and intimately acquainted with Nicholas Schuyler deceased who was formally Clerk of the County of Rensselaer, that Deponent was a Clerk in the office of said Nicholas Schuyler where he was clerk of said county and is well acquainted with the handwriting of said Nicholas Schuyler. Saw him write daily for several years. And deponent  has no doubt, but that the said entry or memorandum on the leaf above mentioned and as the same is above set forth, is the proper and genuine handwriting of the said Nicholas Schuyler now deceased.
And this deponent further Says that the said Nicholas Schuyler has been dead for some thing like twelve or fifteen years. The exact length of time deponent does not now recollect. And further says not.
[signature] Archibald Bull

Sworn to This fifth day of March 1839.
before me
[signature] R. A. Lottridge
Com'r of Deeds

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Archibald Bull the deponent above named, and that he is entitled to full credit when under oath.
Troy March 5th 1839.
[signature] R. A. Lottridge 
Com'r of Deeds
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State of New York
Rensselaer County ⎬ss.
I, Leland Crandall, Clerk of the County of Rensselaer, do hereby Certify that Robert A. Lottridge whose signature is affixed to the within affidavit and certificate, was on the day of the same, one of the Commissioners of Deeds in & for said County duly authorized to take the Same. And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Commissioner & verily believe the written signature "R. A. Lottridge" to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of said County this fifth day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine.
[signature] Leland Crandall clerk

113
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[document is barely legible. However, this family information is provided in clear format in Fold3 File #20393566 of this record (page 43 of 68)]
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[document is barely legible. However, this family information is provided in clear format in Fold3 File #20393566 of this record (page 43 of 68)]
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Letter in the case of Nicholas A. Bogart.
A-6372
June 12, 1937
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/MSS/cpl
James Van Rensselaer-R.——

Mrs. L.J. Dildine
Turbetwille
Pennsylvania

Dear Madam:

You are furnished herein the history of James Van Rensselaer, R,----, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who married Elsie Schuyler Bogart, widow of Dr. Nicholas N. Bogart, the data for which were obtained from the papers on file in the pension claim, R.----, based upon the military service of said James Von Rensselaer in the Revolutionary War.

James Van Rensselaer was born January 20, 1747, place not given. nor are the names of his parents shown.

In July, 1776, he was commissioned aide-de-camp (the commission was signed by John Hancock, President of Congress) with the rank of captain and was attached to the military family of Major General Philip Schuyler. He obtained from Major General Schuyler leave to accompany the army to Canada under command of General Montgomery and subsequently served under Generals Wooster and Arnold. He was at the siege and surrender of Saint Johns and at the siege of Quebec. His entire service during the Revolution amounted to about five or six years but no further details were given.

He married October 10, 1782, Catharine Van Cortlandt who was born September 30, 1754 and was the daughter of John Van Cortland of New York.  He (the soldier) married June 3, 1789, Elsie Harmanus Schuyler who was born February 5, 1780, and was the daughter of Hermann and Christina Schuyler and as the time of her marriage in 1780 she was the widow of Dr. Nicholas Bogart. The date of death of the soldier's former wife, Catherine, was not given.

James Van Rensselaer died February 1, 1857, in Albany County, New York, and was survived by his widow, Elsie and four children. namely: John, resident of Belleville, New Jersey, in 1837, Angelica Van Rensselaer, resident of Newark, New Jersey, in 1837, James; and Philip Schuyler. The soldier's widow, Elsie, died November 30, 1838.
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leaving the following children: 
Nicholas Catharine Van Rensselaer, (a daughter by her marriage  with Dr. Nicholas Bogart), born April 16, 1784, baptised at Stillwater, married in October, 1801, to Robert S. Van Rensselaer, and in 1838 was a widow living in Bethlehem, Albany County, New York; Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer, resident of Albany County, New York and James J. Van Rensselaer, resident of Bethlehem, New York.

    On April 16th, 1839, the soldier's son, Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer, made application in behalf of himself and Nicholas Catharine Van Rensselaer and James J. Van Rensselaer (the surviving children of the widow, Elsie), under the Act of 1838, for pension which may have due their mother, Elsie, on account of the Revolutionary War service of James Van Rensselaer. The claim was not allowed as the widow, Elsie, had received a pension under the Act of 1836 on account of the Revolutionary War service of her former husband Nicholas Bogart, and was not entitled to pensions under both acts.

  In 1837, one Nicholas Van Rensselaer who stated he was "eighty-two years of age and upwards" was living in Greenbush, Rensselaer County, New York, but it was not stated he was related to the soldier.

In 1838 one Stephen Van Cortlandt, born in August, 1750,  was living in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, but he did not state he was related to the soldier's former wife, Catharine.

One Nicholas Schuyler was at one time Clerk of Court in Rensselaer County, New York, and in 1839 it was stated that he had been dead twelve or fifteen years but it was not stated that he was related to the soldier's widow, Elsie.

The following data appears on pages referred to as the family record;

Johannis Van Rensselaer, my first son, was born of the 9th, September 1783.

Angelica was born the 5th,  November, 1784.
April 18, 1790, was born our son, Philip Schuyler, baptised by Domini Gibhart [Gebhard], his godfather and godmother, my brother and sister, Philip and Catharine Schuyler, died 8th December, 1793, at 6 o'clock, p.m. aged three years, seven months and twenty days.
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August 10, 1791, was born our daughter, Christina Schuyler, Baptized by Demini Gibhart [Gebhard], her godfather and godmother, Harmanus and Christina Schuyler.
21st, June, 1793, was born our daughter Margaret Schuyler, baptized by Mr. Ellison, sponsors, Stephen Van Rensselaer and Margaret, his wife, and died 4th, September 1796.
17, November, 1794, was born our daughter, Cornelia Maria, baptized by Mr. Ellison, godfather and godmother, Cornelis Linch Schuyler and the "Patron son Stephen --obit on Mended, 12, September, 1796."
30, July, 1796, born our son, Harmanus Schuyler --obit 4th September, 1796.
November 28th, 1797, born Phillip, Schuyler, baptized by Mr. Page at Stillwater, godfather and godmother, Philip and my sister, Catherine.
August 24, 1799, was born Harmanus Nicholas Schuyler, godfather and godmother B. Schuyler and wife.
June 17, 1801, was born our son, James, baptized by Rev. Baset.
John Van Rensselaer was married to Eliza Van Cortland, daughter of Stephen Van Cortland of Belleville, New Jersey, on 13th day of April, 1809.
Philip S. Van Rensselaer was married to Henrietta Ann Schuyler,
daughter of John W. Schuyler, September 27th, 1826, by Rev. Mr. Lasey, of Albany.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLE
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
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Bureau of Pensions,
Finance Division.
March 3, 1915
Chief of Law Division 
Sir:
I have this day received from R.R. Hoes check no. —- for $4.90
Requesting certified copies as slip herewith.
Very respectfully,
W.N. Campbell 
Chief of Division
Page 17

[illegible
Page 18

Check for $4.90 from Chaplin R. R. Hoes, Cosmo’s club, city for certified copies in claim of James Van Rensselaer, N. Y. Troops.
Rev War, rejected files, no number.
Check $4.90
OnRWS
CW
NEW CHECK $4.90
[illegible]
3/3/15
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5263
Heirs of Maj. James Van Rensselaer 
Petition of Thos. Schuyler V. Rensselaer of Albany N.Y. & others. Heirs of Maj. Jas. Van Rensselaer, a Revolutionary Officer praying for commutation pay & county court
Feby-14,1838
Referred to Comm. On Revolutionary Claims
Talluh165
Rev. Clm.
1910 Feb.1 
Cortlandt  S.Van Rensselaer refil. No date
Of termination of service. AW
1932 G.T. Aug. 1 Hist.to Mrs. Sue Allwood
Page 20

James Van Rensselaer 
New York
R———
Capt. Ranselear
Rev. For (?) 2000
[illegible] Money
Feby 4th
Page 21

Head Quarters Mont.e February 6th 1776 received from General Wooster the sum of Two thousand pounds lawful money for the use of the Continental Army [two words crossed out] which I promise to deliver to Brigadier General Arnold commanding the army before Quebec, unavoidable danger expected by my
£2000 Lawful
James Van Rensselaer 
Aide De Camp
Page 22

Capt. Rensselaer 
[illegible]
L 4”16
Feby 4th

James Van Rensselaer 
New York
R———-
Page 23

Head QuartersMont. Feby 4th 1776 received from Brigadier General Wooster sixteen dollars for expenses as express to Quebec for the Continental Services
James Van Rensselaer Aide De Camp
Page 24

Capt. Van Rennslaer
[illegible] March 11th 1776
£83.

James Van Rensselaer 
New York
R——-
Page 25

Received this 11 March 1776 of General [illegible] eighty three pounds by the (shillings?) lawful money for payments of the troops for the month of January  £83.0
James Van Rensselaer
Page 26

James Van Rensselaer 
[illegible]
March 1, 1775

James Van Rensselaer 
New York
R———
Page 27

Received this 1 March 1776 of General Arnold 
twenty eight hundred and ninety five pounds ten shillings lawful money for payments, for payment of the troops under his command for the month of Jan’y 
£2895~10
James Van Rensselaer
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5263 
NY
7 July 1838
Heirs of Elise Van Rensselaer
Application on behalf of the children of Elise Van Rensselaer widow of James Van Rensselaer
L. Jenkins.
Albany, New York

left by 
G. F. Yates.
Schenectady
NY
Dep. Apl . 27.
Page 29

Albany
April 17, 1839
Sir,
Herewith I send you the application of the children of Elise Van Rensselaer, for a pension certificate under the act of July 7, 1838.
Mrs. Van Rensselaer was a pensioner under the act of July 4, 1836, as the widow of Nicholas N. Bogart, her first husband, she died in November last.
I think there can be no doubt That had she lived, she would have Been entitled to a pension on account of the services of her second husband major, James Van Rensselaer, who she was precluded by his  receiving a pension under the law of ‘36.
As the papers herewith such, present this question distinctly. I will merely suggest that at the time Mrs. V.R. Obtained her pension under the law of ‘36, the act of ‘38 was not in existence, and subsequently there was no option to which act she was taken under. But in my opinion is she is entitled to both. At least I can discern nothing in either to this century. I should be pleased if you would take the opinion of the Attorney General on this point and consider it an important question.
I am, sir, Very respectfully your Obt. Servt.
Lemuel Jenkins
James L. Edwards, Esquire.
Commissioner of pensions
War department
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L. Jenkins
2 August 1839
Page 31

42
War department
Pension office
Aug. 2, 1839
Sir
The late Mrs. Ellie Elise Van Rensselaer was a pensioner under the act of July 4, 1836 as the widow of  Nicholas Bogart, her first husband. Her children now apply. For the pension to which it is suppose their mother was entitled under the act of July 7th 1838 as the widow of James Van Rensselaer her second husband to a pension  under both acts. [Four lines crossed out.] 
As the widow of[Three words crossed out] James Van Rensselaer has no rightful claim to a pension under the act of July 7, 1838 it follows that her children have no claim under that act in her behalf.
Lemuel Jenkins Esq
Albany 
N.Y.
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Geo. Wm. Crump Esquire 
Actg. Com. of Pensions 
War Dept.
City of Washington 

Law 13
Van Rensselaer 
NY.
Page 33

Geo. Wm. Crump Esquire 
Acts. Com of Pensions
Sir,
Sometime since I applied on behalf of the children of Mrs. Elise Van Rensselaer, died, to your office, for a pension under the act of July 7, 1838, for the services of her second husband, James Van Rensselaer. The claim was rejected for the reason stated in W. Edward‘s letter to me of 2 August last. 
The children now wish to make application to Congress and I am requested that you will have the goodness to return me the paper in that case owing, which are some important original Documents.
As a claim is finally rejected as your office I presume there can be no objection to a compliance with the request
I am, sir, with great respect, your Obet. Servt 
Lemuel Jenkins
Page 34

L. Jenkins
15 Jan 1840
OC
Page 35

202
War department
Pension office
June 15, 1840
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 1st missive, I have to Inform you that the request that the papers of Mrs. Elise van Rensselaer as files in this office or returned to you cannot [Word crossed out]  eventually with an established role [ two words crossed out] to be conferred with. If the claim is to be presented to Congress expect of the papers will be published if required to the chairman of the committee to which it may be referred.
Lemuel Jenkins Esq.
Albany
N.Y.
Page 36

208
Pension Office
Dec. 13 1845
Sir.
Agreeably to your request I enclose herewith an extract from the family record of the Elise Van Rensselaer owed, what has been certified by this department.
R.S. Van Rensselaer, Esq.
Albany
N. York
Page 37

James. An Rensselaer was married the 10th Oct. 1782 k
Page 38

10
James L. Edwards, Esq.
Commiss'r of Pensions
War Department
Washington City

[vertical script in left margin]
Nov. 17, 1845
Missing
Elsie Van Rensselaer
Elsie Van Rensselaer
N.Y. Vols
Copy of record
[illegible]
No 758, Act 56 NY
Page 39

Albany November 14, 1845.
Dear Sir.
Some few years since Mr. L. Jenkins, pension paying agent in this city, forwarded to your office certain papers in relation to a claim for pension of Mrs. Elise Van Rensselaer widow James Van Rensselaer, died, and among them was a document containing a statement of the marriage of James Van Rensselaer with the said Elise Bogart, widowed.
It becomes necessary for me to prove the above marriage in a case niw pending in this State.
I have therefore to request a certified copy of the above document, or so much there of as set forth the marriage of JamesVan Rensselaer with the said Elise Bogart.
I am Sir yours respectfully 
Ph. S. Van Rensselaer.
Page 40

IN CONGRESS
THE DELEGATES OF THE UNITED COLONIES of New Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New -York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina and Georgia.
To James Van Rensselaer, Esquire 
We reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valor, Conduct and Fidelity, do by these precents, constitute and appoint you to be Aide de Camp with the rank of Captain in the Army of the United Colonies, raised for the defense of American Liberty and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of an Aide de Camp by doing and performing all Manner of things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders as Aide de Camp. And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as you shall receive from this of a future Congress of the United colonies, or committee of Congress, for that purpose appointed, or commander-in-chief for the time being of the army of the united colonies, or any other your superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the truth reposed in you. This commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.
Philadelphia July 1775.
By order of the Congress
John Hancock, president
Attest. Chas Thompson
Page 41

August 1, 1932
BA-J/MCS
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
James Van Rensselaer
R -----

Mrs. G. T. Smallwood
4201 Fessendon Street
Washington
D.C.

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for the record of James Van Rensselaer who served in the Revolution.

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, R -----, based upon the military service of James Van Rensselaer.

He was born January 20, 1747, place not given.

In July, 1775, he was commissioned aide-de-camp (the commission was signed by John Hancock, President of Congress) with the rank of captain [left margin note: " Mr. Heitman He is recorded as Capt. & no proof that he served as major. Therefore I omitted that rank M.C.S."] and was attached to the military family of Major General Philip Schuyler. He obtained from Major General Schuyler leave to accompany the army to Canada under command of General Montgomery and subsequently served under Generals Wooster and Arnold. He was at the siege and surrender of Saint John, and at the siege of Quebec. His entire service during the Revolution amounted to about five or six years but no further details were given.

He married October 10, 1782, Catharine Van Cortlandt who was born September 30, 1754, and was the daughter of John Van Cortlandt of New York.  He (the soldier) married June 3, 1789, Elsie Harmanus Schuyler who was born February 5, 1760, and was the daughter of Harmanus and Christina Schuyler and at the time of her marriage in 1789 she was the widow of Dr. Nicholas Bogart. The date of death of the soldier's former wife, Catharine, was not given.
Page 42

James Van Rensselaer (the soldier) died February 1, 1827, in Albany County, New York, and was survived by his widow, Elsie, and four children, namely: John, resident of Belleville, New Jersey, in 1837; Angelica Van Rensselaer, resident of Newark, New Jersey, in 1837; James; and Philip Schuyler. The soldier's widow, Elsie, died November 20, 1838, leaving the following children: Nicholas Catharine Van Rensselaer (a daughter by her marriage with Dr. Nicholas Bogart) born April 16, 1784, baptized at Stillwater, married in October, 1801, to Robert S. Van Rensselaer and in 1838 was a widow living in Bethlehem, Albany County, New York; Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer, resident of Albany, New York; and James J. Van Rensselaer, resident of Bethlehem, New York.

On April 16, 1839, the soldier's son, Philip Schuyler Van Rensselaer, made application in behalf of himself and Nicholas Catherine Van Rensselaer and James J. Van Rensselaer (the surviving children of the widow, Elsie) under the Act of 1838, for pension which may have been due their mother, Elsie, on account of the Revolutionary War service of James Van Rensselaer. The claim was not allowed as the widow, Elsie, had received a pension under the Act of 1826 on account of the Revolutionary War service of her former husband, Nicholas Bogart, and was not entitled to pension under both acts.

In 1837 one Nicholas Van Rensselaer who stated that he was "eighty-two years of age and upwards" was living in Greenbush, Rensselaer County, New York, but it was not stated that he was related to the soldier:

In 1838 one Stephen Van Cortlandt, born in August, 1750, was living in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, but he did not state that he was related to the soldier's former wife, Catherine.

One Nicholas Schuyler was at one time Clerk of Court in Rensselaer County, New York, and in 1839 it was stated that he had been dead twelve or fifteen years but it was not stated that he was related to the soldier's widow, Elsie,
Page 43


The following data appears on pages referred to as the family record:

Johannis Van Rensselaer, my first son, was born on the 9th September,
1783.
Angelica was born the 5th November, 1784,
April 18th, 1790, was born our son, Philip Schuyler, baptized by Domini Gibhart, his godfather and godmother my brother and sister, Philip and Catharine Schuyler; died 8th December, 1793, at 6 o'clock p.m. aged three years, seven months and twenty days.
August 10, 1791, was born our daughter, Christina Schuyler, baptized by Domini Gibhart, her godfather and godmother, Harmanus and Christina Schuyler.
21st June, 1793, was born our daughter, Margaret Schuyler, baptized by Mr. Ellison, sponsors, Stephen Van Rensselaer and Margaret his wife, and died 4th, September, 1796.
17, November, 1834, was born our daughter, Cornelia Maria, baptized by Mr. Ellison, godfather and godmother, Cornelia Linch Schuyler and the "Patroon son Stephen -- obit on Monday, 12th September, 1796.
30, July, 1796, born our son, Harmanus Schuyler -- obit 4th September, 1796.
November 28th, 1797, born Philip Schuyler, baptized by Mr. Page at Stillwater, Godfather and godmother, Philip and my sister, Catherine,
August 24, 1799, was born Harmanus Nicholas Schuyler, godfather and godmother, W. Schuyler and wife.
June 17, 1801, was born our son, James, baptized by Rev. Baset.
John Van Rensselaer was married to Eliza Van Cortland, daughter of Stephen Van Cortland of Belleville, New Jersey, on 13th day of April, 1809.
Philip S. Van Rensselaer was married to Henrietta Ann Schuyler, daughter of John H. Schuyler, September 27th, 1826, by Rev. Mr. Lacey of Albany.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 44

Rev. War Section.
February 1, 1915.
Mr. Cortlandt S. Van Rensselaer.
American Surety Company,
New York City, New York.

Sir: --

In response to your letter of the twenty-fifth ultimo, you are advised that Elsie Van Rensselaer, the widow of Captain James Van Rensselaer, of New York, was allowed pension on account of the Revolutionary War services of her former husband, Doctor Nicholas N. Bogart. She died November 20, 1838, and her children applied for the pension that might have been due their mother on account of the Revolutionary War services of Captain James Van Rensselaer, but the claim was not allowed for the reason that as she would not have been entitled to pension on account of the services of both husbands, they had no title in her behalf.
The date of the termination of service of Captain James Van Rensselaer is not recorded in either of the above noted claims, but there is on file a certificate (not sworn to), dated November 5, 1825, at Albany, signed John Lansing, formerly Secretary and Aide de Camp to General Schuyler, which states:
Page 45

"---- that I was in Major General Schuyler's Military Family from the month of October 1775 until he resigned his commission -- that during that period the said James Van Rensseller was attached to General Schuyler as his Aid de Camp with the Rank of Major -- that having obtained from General Schuyler leave to accompany the army under the command of General Montgomery, he entered Canada with that Army & returned with it as I met him upon his return from Canada at Crown Point."
Very respectfully,
[signature] GM Salzgaber
Commissioner.
Page 46

American Surety Company
of New York
Capital and Surplus over $6,000,000
100 Broadway
New York
F.W. Lafrentz, President
Office of the underwriting Committee
Cortlandt S. Van Rensselaer
Vice President and Attorney
January 25 1915.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
On January 18th and 20th I wrote to the Adjutant General's office in reference to the service in the Revolutionary War of James Van Rensselaer an aide-de-camp to Gen. Philip Schuyler and in a letter of the 23rd the Adjutant stated that additional information might be obtained from you.

The point is this:

In Heitman's Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army a statement is made as follows:

" Van Rensselaer, James (NY) Aide-de-camp to Gen. Montgomery August to 31st December 1775; Captain Second New York April 1776; Aide-de-camp to Gen. Schuyler June to August 1776; resigned August 1776 (Died 1827). "

Please observe the statement that he resigned August 1776: This is a mistake or misleading because in the Schuyler Manuscripts in the public Library in this city there are copies of several orders as late as July 1777 signed by James Van Rensselaer Aide-de-camp to Gen. Schuyler.

The information that would assist me is James Van Rensselaer's record after June 1777. If he resigned after that date it seems to me there must be a letter of that resignation on file or if he continued in service there must be some record to that effect in the general orders of Gen. Schuyler or other records of the Army of which he was Major-General until 1779.

I therefore wish to ask you to be good enough to make the necessary search of your records and advise me concerning its result and greatly oblige,

Yours very truly,
[signature] Cortlandt Van Rensselaer
Page 47

Mrs. G. T. Smallwood
4201 Nessendon St
City
[lined out "Bible Bend"]
Personal request
June 21 - 1932 for
James Van Rensselaer R -----
says she is in no hurry
Page 48

Law Division
March 8, 1915.
Chaplain R. R. Hoes
U.S. Navy
Cosmos Club,
Washington, D.C.
Sir:
In compliance with your personal request of the 3d inst., I forward herewith duly certified copies of certain papers filed in this Bureau in the claim for pension of James Van Rensselaer, New York Troops, Revolutionary war, Rejected Files, no number.
Respectfully,
[stamped signature] G. M. SALTZGABER.
Commissioner.
JP/ECA
Page 49

LAW DIVISION
[initials} JP
8 - 1868
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON, D. C. February 12, 1915.

Chaplain R. R. Hoes,
U. S. Navy,
Cosmos Club,
Washington, D.C.

Sir:

In response to your personal request of the 11th instant for copies of certain papers on file in this Bureau in the claim for pension of James Van Rensselaer, New York Troops, Revolutionary War, rejected files, (no number) you are advised that the act of August 24, 1912, provides that a charge of fifteen cents per folio shall be made for copying any portion of the records of the Bureau with twenty - five cents additional for certification, where that is desired.
Copies of the papers in question will cost four dollars and fifty cents with twenty-five cents additional if it is desired that the same be certified as correct under the seal of the Bureau.
Upon receipt of said amount by money order, check, draft, or cashier's check your request will receive further consideration. If a certified copy
Page 50

be ordered it will be necessary to attach thereto, as provided by the act of October 22, 1914, a ten cent internal revenue documentary stamp, which stamp must be forwarded by you and not included in the cost of the copy.
Respectfully,
[signature] GM Saltzgaber
Commissioner
JP/EOA
2
Page 51

Law Division
[initials] JP
March 3, 1915.
Received of Roswell Randall Hoes, check for four dollars and ninety cents, drawn to the order of the secretary of the Interior, on the Union Trust Company of the District of Columbia, for copies of certain papers in the claim for pension of James Van Rensselaer, New York Troops, Revolutionary War, Rejected Files, said copies to be certified.
[stamped signature] G.M. Saltzgaber
Commissioner of Pensions.

Ten cents in cash rec'd for stamp - JP

JP/EOA
Page 52

Law Division
[signed initials} JP
he paid & copies were sent a- Law Div. Mar 6, 15 with correspondence.

February 22, 1813.

Chaplain R. R. Hoes,
U.S. Navy,
Cosmos Club,
Washington, D.C.
Sir:
In response to your personal request of the 11th instant for copies of certain papers on file in this Bureau in the claims for pension of James Van Rensselaer New York Troops, Revolutionary War, rejected files, (no number) you are advised that the act of August 24, 1912, provides that a charge of fifteen cents per folie shall be made for copying any portion of the records of the Bureau with twenty five cents additional for certification, where that is desired.
Copies of the papers in question will cost four dollars and fifty cents with twenty-five cents additional if it is desired that the same be certified as correct under the seal of the Bureau.
Upon receipt of said amount by money order, check, draft, or cashier's check for request will receive further consideration. If a certified copy
Page 53

be ordered it will be necessary to attach thereto, as provided by the act of October 22, 1934, a ten cent internal revenue documentary stamp, which stamp must be forwarded by you and not included in the cost of the copy.
Respectfully,
[stamped signature] G. M. Saltzgaber
Commissioner.
JP/EOA
Page 54

Chaplin R.R. Hoes. U.S.N.
Cosmos Club
Washington D.C.
Desires copies of James Van Rensselaer papers- 
Rev. War. N.Y. Troops Rejected files
[illegible] urgency 11 th Feby 1915
Page 55

-050.
Rev. War Section. Div. AW. Ex’r
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington D.C. Feb. 12, 1915
Respectfully referred to the Chief of the Laws Division writing to the attention of the attached papers of
Chaplain R.R. Hoes W.S.N.
Cosmos Club Washington D.C.
Requesting copies in the Rev. War pension claim of James Van Rensselaer could. N.Y.
Troops. Rejected Files (No number)
The number of words to be copied are 2950.
AE Wilson
Chief Rev. War Section
Page 56

[illegible and blank area, no writing]
Page 57

The Commissioner gave me permission (verbally) on Feb. 15, 1915 that the commission of James Van Rensselaer could be photographed for Chaplain Hoes.
He had it photoed Mar. 15, 1915
And also copied it in typewriting, copyis locked up in flat N.Y. Drawer
AW.
Page 58

Certificate of John Lansing
Page 59

At the request of James Van Rensselaer Esq. 
I certify that I was in Major General Schuyler’s Military Family from the month of October 1775 until he resigned his commission. That during that period the said James Van Rensselaer was attached to General Schuyler as his aide de camp with the rank of Major.
That housing obtained from General Schuyler have to accompany an army under the command of General Montgomery, he entered
[illegible] with that Army & returned with it as I met him upon his return from Canada at Crown Point, but I know not in what particular service he was employed while in Canada.
I further certify that he was generally respected and reputed to be a zealous and gallant officer.
John Lansing
Formerly Secretary and Aide de Camp to 
General Schuyler [illegible] 1825
Page 60

Certificate of 
John Taylor
Page 61

I do hereby certify that in the year 1775 James Van Rensselaer Esquire was appointed by General Philip Schuyler one of his aide de Camp and lived under him in that capacity. That subsequent to this he joined General Montgomery and was under his command at the siege and surrender of Saint Johns. That he remained at Montreal under the command of General Wooster, that I saw him in each of those places. That as I am informed and verily believe it to be true. That he served under General Arnold sometime in the year 1776- during the blockade of Quebec.
The character and reputation of Major Van Rensselaer as an officer and gentleman was highly appreciated and he was much esteemed in the Army.
John Taylor
Page 62

Petition of the Heirs of MajorJas. Van Rensselaer of Albany Co. N.Y.
For payment for Revolutionary Services
Page 63

To the Honorable the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled.
The petition of Philip S. Van Rensselaer of the City of Albany, in the State of New York, on behalf of himself and the other children of James Van Rensselaer, deceased, respectfully, 
Represents that his father, the said James Van Rensselaer, deceased, entered the Continental Army in the year 1775, and received from the Continental Army, a commission as an Aide de Camp with rank of Captain, which commission bears onto this in July 1775- That he was attached as an Aide de Camp to the military family of Major General Philip Schuyler, with where he remained and served from about the date of his said commission until MajorGeneral Schuyler resigned his commission, except during the Autumn of 1775 and the succeeding Winter, during which he served in diverse capacities ( but without relinquishing his commission and rank as Aide de Camp and Captain as aforesaid under the command of General Montgomery, Wooster and Arnold, in Canada. That the said James Van Rensselaer performed there last mentioned service by the direction of General Schuyler. That he went with the Continental Army under
Page 64

General Montgomery into Canada and returned with it after the death of that officer.
Your petitioner further respectfully represents that as his has been informed and believes his father the said James Van Rensselaer, never received any other pay in allowance for his said services as Aide de Camp in the depreciated currency of that period and which was more depreciated in Canada than in the United States. And that neither the said James Van Rensselaer nor any of his children, have ever received any bounty land or allowances for his depreciation of pay nor any pay in allowance for his survivors, except as above stated.
Your petitioner further respectfully further represents that as he is informed & believes, his said father continued in the service of the United States, after the resignation of General Schuyler and during the greater part of the Revolutionary War.
That the said James Van Rensselaer died at the county of Albany on the 1st day of February 1827, leaving a widow, and four children, viz. John, who resides in Belleville, New Jersey, Angelica, who resides in Newark, New Jersey, and James J. your petitioner who resides in Albany, New York.
That for proof of the facts above stated respecting the
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Revolutionary services of the said Van Rensselaer, deceased, your petitioner respectfully refers your honorable body to the amassed affidavits and other documents.
Your petitioner therefore respectfully prays that your honorable body will be pleased to grant to him and the other children of the said James Van Rensselaer, deceased, such allowance of bounty land, or commutation pay or such other relief as to your body shall seem just, for the services of their said father in the war of the revolution.
And your petitioner, as is duty bound, will even pray.
Dated Albany, December 20, 1837
Ph. S. Van Rensselaer for himself and in behalf of
John Van Rensselaer 
Angelica Van Rensselaer & 
James J. Van Rensselaer
Page 66

Affidavit of Stephen Van Cortlandt
Document to accompany
The petition of PS Van Rensselaer and others of Albany N.Y.
Awaiting for communication day and County Court
Page 67

State of New Jersey
Essex County
SS: Stephen Van Cortlandt of the city of Newark in the county and state of aforesaid being duly sworn before me upon his oath saith, that he, this deponent, was of the age of 87 years in the month of August last, that he remembered James Van Rensselaer as an officer during the American revolution from 5 to 6 years, that to the best of this deponent recollection, the said Rensselaer served as such officer during that period.
Stephen Van Cortlandt
Taken and sworn before me
This 27th day of FebruaryAD 1838 at 
Newark N.J. 
Archer Gifford
Master in Chancery
Page 68

V5263
Elise Van Rensselaer 
Act of July 7, 1838
Elise Van Rensselaer 
Children