The Collected Library, Including Americana and Early Photography

Albany, N.Y., August 23, [pre 1728]. 1 pg. autograph letter signed by Catrina Livingston (1689-1756), the mother of Philip Livingston (Signer of the Declaration of Independence) and William Livingston (Signer of the U.S. Constitution). The letter is addressed “To Mr. Hon. Van Rensselaer, Merchant at Schenectady” (her cousin) and concerns, in part, the sale of two negroes. The letter is laid lightly on the edges to another sheet, o/w fine condition. Penciled indicates this letter was purchased at a Sotheby's sale on 12-13-95.   Written in Dutch, the letter is roughly translated to read:   

"Cousin van Renselaer.  Please tell Arent Samuels Bradt that our boat is here now and also tell him that if he does not want to ride it now he must start tomorrow. If you can get any cement bring it now. Tell Abram Truex that he must bring the shingles now. I will send the [gaerlex?] tomorrow and also two negroes that you must let Peter Vroman doctor have… You must not sell them for less than 39 pounds or 40 pounds. I have had here no less than 40 pounds for the same kind [quality].  You must prepare and send a bag of good cooking for me who is with the First lord. Of this night and qresen dismay violence the small house in the fort all jumped up but by God's grace no one was harmed no more than Lydt…. Catrina Livingston”  

Catharina (Catrina) Van Brugh Livingston (1689-1756) was the only child of Manhattan trader Pieter Van Brugh and Sara Cuyler. After moving to Albany her father expanded into the fur trade business and became Mayor of Albany in 1699.  In 1708 Catharina married Colonel Philip Livingston (1686-1749), 2nd Lord of Livingston Manor. They had 12 children, including founding fathers Philip and William Livingston. Her husband, Phlip, eventually became Albany Secretary of Indian Affairs and a member of the Provincial Council. He carried on the slave trade of his father, Robert Livingston (1654-1728) who was also Speaker of the N.Y. General Assembly and Albany secretary of Indian Affairs. Philip (and Catrina) inherited a number of slaves from both their parents. He traded extensively with the West Indies. In the 1730s and 1740s, he was one of New York's leading importers of slave labor from the sugar islands. When he made trips to New York City, Catharina managed the Albany home and its business, including the slaves. The reference to the “First Lord” in this letter suggest that her father-in-law, Robert was still alive, thus dating this letter prior to 1728. This is also supported by her reference to Arent Samuels Bradt, who died in 1733.    

[Arent Samuels Bradt (1685-1733) survived the Schnectedy massacre of 1690, but his parents did not. He became minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in Albany. Abram Truex, also referenced in the letter, is likely Abraham (Du Trieux) Traux (1683-1770) who lived in Albany. Peter Vroman, is likely Pieter Adamse Vrooman (1683- 1771), also of Albany.]