The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-05-19
THE vAN RENssELAERs.
Mr.. Thuriow Weeds "Reminiscences of the
Late PATRON and Iiis Family.


To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN--Sr: I did
not see The SUN of the 10th inst. and until my
attention was called by other journals to your
article relating to the Van Rensselaer, family"
was aware Of the fact that between your re-
porter and myself several bunders crept into
his article. As 1t Is but simple justice that |
should take my share OF tho laundering. am
mortified in admitting that committed the
gross mistake of saying that Alexander and
Westerlo were sons OF tho young PATRON. |
also told him that tho manor lands extended
twenty miles north and south on both sides OF
the Hudson river. and twenty miles east and
west from either side OF the river. while in point
Of fact should have said twenty-four miles.
In some other respects your reporter misun-
derstood me or obtained his erroneous informa-
ton from other sources
county lands including the manor house. His
brother William Inherited the Rensselaer,
county lands. Ho was seriously crippled by
the erection Of an extensive marble manelon mt
East Albany and opposite the old manor house.
together with large and valuable farm near
Dobbs ferry. in Westchester county. He also
Inherited the estate of his uncle, Philp Van
married daughter Of Philip Van Cortland
distinguished officer Of the Revolution; Hav-
ing no children. his namesakp. Philip. became
hnir TO his estate Cortland. an emineqily
good pastor was happily married to Miss
G y Mason Ss SSR@ baS Ssr Gen 5R
tracts Of land along The St, Lawrence river, near
Ogdensburg. How Cortland. Alexander. and
Westerlo were provided for in the will either
did not know or have forgotten. Philip. gen
erous and conilding. lost n large, share OF MS
property by dishonest agents. His beautiful
and accomplished wife was the only child OF
the late Gen. james Tallmndgo Of Poughkeep;
sic. Henry, by his attention, enterprise, and
intelligence. realized a handsome income from
MS st Lawrence lands. Ne was the frst wing
member oil Congress elected from that district,
his personal popularity contributing largely to
was II daughter OF the late John A. King. lie
was an aidc-de-camp to Gen. scott during the
first two years OF the rebellion. His estate. |
am sorry TO add, was seriously cnhar-
rGssed by unfortunate investments in proftlcss
mines. With n large and expensive family.
the young PATRON. In 1889. needing more money
than his rents produced endoavored 10 collect
rents due to the estate before the death ot his
father who had ever been a most indulgrnt
creditor The circular letter of the PatrQou' 5
law agent, the late Teunis Van Nechtcn. calling
for the payment OF back rents. was the occasion
OF the nnti-ren war The young Patroon-con-
trasted by the settlers with his father loved and
honored 10y everybody-was not iaNoriie.
IhQugh Tor several years embarrassed by the
anti-rent outbreak. he subsequently bccame IN
! dependent by utilizing n valuable gravel bank,
and by leasing lots between the canal and the
river Tor lumber yards. stephen. the eldest son
OF the young PATRON. who, died many yenrs
| ago. married daughter of Mr.. Wild. who kept
| confectionery store on Broadway. near the
St. Nicholas Hotel The young PatroQn mar
tltu. III 1910 OF 1917 llt
| Of Mr.. Baynrd. AN eminent merchant and
| banker Of this city. That lady presided for
more than ball century over the refined hos
| FATALITIES which II was often my privilege T. On
! Joy. i cherish pleasant rem"mhTances Of Will
| liam Philip, Henry and Cortland Van Rens;
selaer. They were among my intimate and
most valued friends. They were rarely en-
dowed in mind and manner. all living blame,
less and. in their respective spheres useiul
! lives.
The manor house. for more than n century
and hall the centre Of attraction NJ Albany and
the seat OF bountiful Inequalities 70 all stln-
guishcd strangers, is in danger of coming al
| last to base uses" II is now. believe. uuoc-
cuped and If none of the descendants feel able
! or willing to incur the expense of keeping II w
| must soon yield To the spirit Of progress, 70 be-
! come. perchance. "a lager beer saloon. Such Q
| Dissertation ought To be avcrted. II not 10y thI
| family. by the citizens OF Albany
But from those who consented TO change tbs
name Of Lydius and other streets cousccrateC
| to haowcd memories. there IL little 10 expect N
the way Of preserving the Van Rensselaer,
manor house L. W.
New YORK. May IL. 1878.