The New York herald., 1874-07-30
LONG LOST BR .THREN.

Them-Relics OF tho First or all the
eToocksrs-kaesuAts OF = Eortui-
tous Journey to Holland-Fabulous
Wealth Suddenly Uncarthed--Thirty
MAiions OF Dollars NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
"n" romantic Circumsta nc es-Succoss
Achieved In Similar Cases.
Dick Swiveller, the genial scapevrace. was ac-
customed 10 remark to his friends confdentially,
over "the rosv," that he had a wife "sayino upu
for him. He spoke truthiully, though he did not
know 1t at the time, when romance and Gin led
MIN astray. Similarly unlocked for good fortune
seems TO nave beiaen the heirs OF those good Old
Kntckerbocker families the Van Housens tho Van
SEWERS, the oneGers and the Blauvelts some
sixty OF them met yesterday forenoon In RESPONSE co
call by Mr. Edward Humphreys, at Stee,'s Hotel.
NO. 3l2 2Grcenwich street. Several or them had from
stories handed down from iather TO son, some
inkling OF tho nature OF the business. The great
majority, however, knew very little. or, indeed.
nothing about the matter, and were evidently
drawn together as much by curiosity az by
cupidty though wholesome respect Tor pecu.
mary possessions Is prominent trait among the
respectable II phegmattc, descendants OF the FIRST
Holland col0niaers OF this iair state. II was a
curious scene. Ancient maps, prints and records
strewed tho tables and we're hung on the walls,
and were eagerly scanned. sort OF family re.
semolance seemed to pervade the features OF the
newly discovered cousins. There was however,
all the difference that may be found between the
silver-hared veteran and the bright beauty In her
teens. majestic Juno-like matrons and bald headed
men Of business Old ladies', deep in genealogical
lore ana young men as careless In expression as
RID Van Wlnkle himself
Progress has already been mado and the fact
ascertained that the property really exists and
for nearly two centuries has been accommodating
In Holland TO the amount 0! over $3O O0 900 where
partial claim has already been registered Ia tho
courts
The meeting was called to order shortly before
noon. with Or. James r. BIauvelt. O! Brooklyn, IN
the chair. very Interesting interview was held
with TINS gentleman alter the meeting by HERALD
representative. Mr.. Stephenson, OF BROOKLYN, was
secretary. After the usual preliminary perform.
ances. Mr.. Humphreys was called on TO rrport on
approached by Mr.. Hungerford, who had bower
O. attorney to prosecute small claim for tile Van
Housen iamlly, and who could neither speak
nor write Dutch, to take up the matter for MIN
THIS claim was registered and is in process OF col.
lection. but. in the progress o. his Investigations
vast property le.t by the intestacy, or absence
from Holland In tho early days OF tho colony OF
families mentioned. and OF the more than proDa.
bility OF the great interest the B.auveits espe.
slaliy ,I VINO seemed to have nteimarrled largely
branches. The laws of Holland, however. would
not permit him to examine the records and
cations OF the amount involved unless be had
a power OF attorney from the heirs abroad
several State in when tney lived and by consuis OF
Holland. MIR. Hungeriord having conciuaed the
search !0r the comparatively small amount TO be
nc conflict with any other parties ana il 81 900
were subscribed to bear his expenses ana the
power Of attorney granted he would set to work
At once and put matters In such train that the &C.
cumulaflOns at compound interest under the
trusteeship Of the government OF Holland would be
ccded to
THE RIGHTFCL HEIRS
without difhculty and with dispatch. besides es.
tabllshing lncontrovertiby claims TO property IN
orange county, n. T., III PORTIONS OF the county
iormerly belonging to RockIand county, the seat
TINS was fayOra Jly received, subscription lists
pssaeaa ppenea, me powers and money asked Tor
adjourned most harmonlously. parties Who had
never met in their lives marciSag OF arm IN arm
with family affection and 10y at finding uney-
pectcd relations and possible cash soon, that wero
DR.. Bauvelt, the chairman. who was ,o,ned by
Mr: humphreys, gave some Interesting statements
e,orroDorative OF the Views held by tho latter gen
undoubted claims Of the families represented at
ne meeting He SAID the Bauveits wero
sSe very drsI Of al the hy
OF New Amsterdam, and settled In RocSIand
county es regular clan, because the
Entlsh Claimed Jurisdiction over tho coast
IRON tne North Po!c TO virginia. 1hey iuoe ed for
wives rom the PICK OF the newer coOnIsts and IN
this way ntcfmairled with the Utner Vans who
are now partners In the present plunge after long.
dsion about this property. He uhe Doctor) had
ike the rest let the story go az lin old wiIe's tale
GILL ne accidentally stumoleJ-n september, ls7o--
on an old lady in Orange county, al actual grand
daughter OF the original Van Housen VINO told
MIN such iacts ana stimulated his curiosity and
anNiety oy eNclaiiIlng at his marvellous personal
resemblance 70 her family ana the curious TACT thar
certain iamy names were common 60 the Van
Eousens and the Doctors brancn OF the Biuuyets
va.,as sa wonderful Won story, but It remains to bo
Verined. Fhc representative OF the prospectiye
estate may proceed TO Holland in a weats