Brother Livinghston, New York, October 28, 1691.


Along with John Peeck one anker of brandy was sent to you by Mr. Bridger, plus an empty pijp
to send down good beer for him which is excellent to be drunk by spring. He requests that it be
good since there will be many tasters. Yesterday I was out again to press the collectors to collect
the tax, which they are doing now. And [I] got no more than thirteen pounds. Today I again sent
messengers to Flatbush, and [I] told the Governor and Council that if they do not see to it that
money will come in we will not be able to provision the garrison nor look after it. They are
making orders that the justices do their very best to collect the money, and that’s all. But nobody
sees to it that it is done. I intend to send up the meat along with the people, and the money as
soon as [it] comes in, even if it would go via Esopus. If the money does not come in before
Pieter Bogardus’ departure, [I] will have to take up 50 lb. in heavy money at interest and send it
to you. I have written to you that Harpert Jacobis has made his affidavit and that you should
bring a charge against someone on whom you are claiming. But if you cannot do that in time
[I] know no [other] advice than just to take somebody of those who are still in being. Meat costs
34 and 35 sh. a barrel here. I have bought 8 to 10 barrels from a Jew for 33 shillings. [I] will be
forced to give 34 for New England [meat], a barrel of which does not contain that much. I am
going to Staten Island now to prod the collectors there. The Major1) has sent orders to Esopus
that the tax surplus be sent to Albany.

N.B. Mr. Graham told me [he] has positive news from England that Mr. Cox absents himself,
and it is said he is broke; that Colonel Dudly’s son has written this to his father. And [he] asked
me to keep silent about it but to adjust our state of affairs accordingly. If this is the case, no
garrison is to be expected this fall and we will have to be without our money even longer.
Please, keep this from our government.





In the left margin:
Dudly’s son also writes that the procedures taken here against Lagsler2) by Colonel Slaughter3)
on his arrival have been accepted very well at the Court of England, so that the prisoners are in
great danger.

My regards to all friends.
I remain your affectionate and Obliging Brother,
S. v. Cortlandt.
Notes:

1) = interim Governor Major Richard Ingoldesby
2) = probably: Leisler.
3) = Sloughter.