"Pierre Yan Cortlandt, early took an active part against every oppression of the British government upon the colonies. He was chosen into the first Provincial Congress, was a member of the committee which formed the constitution of this state, and was honored by the suffrages of his country at the first election under the new government with the station of lieutenant governor, and continued to be elected to that office for eighteen years successively. He was the friend and confident of that great patriot,

^ The will of Philip Van Cortlandt was proved 17th November, 1748. Surrogate's Office, N. Y., No. XVI., 375.

YoL. I. - - -.8

58 HISTORY OF THE

George Clin(on. In ibe revolution he shared the fate of the friends of their country ; his family were obliged to abandon their homes in the manor of Cortlandt, and take refuge in the interior. Firm and nndismayed in adversity; the ill success of our arms was a stnmikis to greater exertions. He was on^ of those who, relying on the justice of their cause, put their trust in God and stood firm at the post of danger. In prosperity he was not too much elated, but held a temperate and uniform course, having in view only the independence of the United States and the safety of his country.

In the senate of this state he presided with dignity and propriety, nor ever suffered his opinion to be known until called upon constitutionally to decide ; and his vote was then given with promptness, uninfluenced by parly feelings, a»jd evidencing the convictions of a sound and honest mind. Jn the year 1795 he declined a re-election as lieutenant governor, and retired into private life."