The social atmosphere of these great houses possessed a warmth and refinement that were favorable to artistic appreciation. Painters were welcome guests within their walls. Peale made excursions into this region, and Sully visited the home of Governor Daniel D. Tompkins to obtain sittings for the admirable portrait which he produced of the statesman.

The wealthy people kept large amounts of money in their houses. In 1774 a lady, who died in New York, owned estates in Westchester County, and the

in 1776 from a house in the Neutral Ground of W estchester County :

executor's inventory showed that she had these sums of cash on hand :

£. 8. rf.

Paper money, amongst which are some Jersey notes calculated at the old rate 3988 1 4

1 Bunch gold. Amount 1012 4 7

1 Bunch gold 191 7 8

4 Bags qt. .500 dollars each or 2noo

1 Do. 288. 1 Do. 2811 1 Do. 113. 2G81 dollars 1U72 8 10

1 Bag small silver £72 48. Oi/

1 Do. £60. 1 Do. £3f.. 1 Do. £20

1 Do. £10 12s. 4d 198 16 4

1 Bag qt. 730 piatareans

1 Bag 125 09 13 9

1 Bag (jt. 112 oz. dipt silver calculated at 91 oz 50 8 0

2 Bags coppers 13 0 0

1 Wedge of gold 2 oz. 18 dw. IG grs

Total 6593 19 8

How amply furnished were the old-time houses is shown in the subjoined inventory of property removed

50 linen sheets.