The building is a handsome structure of wood, presenting a lofty portico on the north. The south front commands a beautiful lawn, and charming views of the Sound and Long Island. Some highly interesting family portraits adorn the walls of the hall and dining room ; amongst them are the following : Plon. John Jay, first chief justice of the United States, and governor of the state of New York. Head by Stewart, figure by Trumbull. The Hon. John Jay sat to Colonel Trumbull (his secretary) for this picture, whilst resident ambassador at the court of St. James, London. The artist subsequently presented it to Mr. Jay.^- Augustus Jay, who emigrated to this country in 1686, a copy from the original, by Waldo ; Anna Maria Bayard, wife of Augustus Jay, by ditto ; Peter Augustus Jay, as a boy. artist unknown ; an old painting upon oak panel, supposed to represent Catharine, wife of the Hon. Stephen van Cortlandt of Cortlandf, South Holland. This lady appears habited in a plain black dress, wearing a high neck ruffle and in her right hand holds a clasped book. In one corner of the picture is inscribed "aetat. 64, 1630."'^

The library contains a large and valuable collection of shells

« This picture has been engraved for Herring's National Portrait Gallery. In the possession of Henry Munro, Esq., is another portrait of the Hon. John Jay by Stewart, in his robes as chief justice of the United States.

b This picture was found in one of the old city residences of the Van Cortlandts.