He seldom applied in vain, such was the universal respect for his charactor. Previous to the close of the war he was compelled to leave his country residence at Yonkers on account of ill health. He died shortly afterwards in the city of New York, 1st of April, 1781. His remains were interred in tlie family tomb. Vault Hill. On ihe death of Col. James van Cortlandt, the property passed to his brother Augustus van Cortlandt the next heir of the entail.

a Surrogate's office, N. Y. fol. xiii. 425.

b The will of Frederick van C. bears date 2d Oct. 1749. To his wife Frances he bequeathes two negro girls and a four wheeled chaise. His children were James, Augustus, Frederick, Anna Maria and Eva. Surrogate's office, N. Y. fol. xviii. 62.

Vol. H. 57

40D V HISTORY OF THE

This gentleman held the office of Clerk of the Common Coimcil in N. Y, on the breaking ont of the Revolution ; this appears from the following letter addressed by him to the New York eommittee of safety -- Dated Sept. 5, 1775.

Gents. -- Being requested by the Provincial Congress to enquire for some place of safety to deposite the public records in, and to inform the committee of safety thereof, agreeable to which, Mr. Cortlandt informs the committee of safety, that previous to the above request, he caused the public records to be put into chests, and secured them in a cellar in his garden, made for that purpose, of stone and brick, well arched and exceedingly dry. This precaution was taken against accidents happening by fire ; should the city be invaded by an army from Great Britain, or British troops, he in such case intended 'to remove them to his brother's at Yonkers, in the county of Westchester.