Brother Livingston, New York, January 15, 1699/1700.

[I] received yours of December 30, and from what you write about Mr. Weaver [I] understood that the problem of the money for the four companies has not been solved yet to the degree that I had hoped for, which makes me fear that in the spring we will not receive our money yet and that by May we will get into the greatest inconvenience we have ever been in. Sir Edmond and Mr. Blathwayt are writing busily for their money. Our debentures will undoubtedly have to be paid for on April 16. The man-of-war has not arrived in Boston yet, so that My Lord has no report yet on any money having been received. Colonel De Payster1), Minville, Barbarie, Van Zwieten, De Lancey, [and] Dr. Redman all have warrants and put the customs into their pockets2) so that I cannot get any money to pay My Lord’s salary, by which My Lord will be very annoyed at me; and I can’t help it, so that there is unrest on all sides. I hope the Lord will provide [us] with it, who comforted you about the loss of your little daughter who escaped from this world’s troubles. Fortunate are those who have nothing to do with the government, which you will not notice until – released from the common worries – you will eat, sleep, and get up at ease at Roeloff Jansz. Kill3).
I wish you this rest and commend you to God, remaining
Your Affectionate Brother and Servant,
S. v. Cortlandt.

Notes:
1) In Robert Livingston’s letters usually spelled “De Peyster”.
2) Literally translated, “in haer handen” means: “into their hands”.
3) = the longest kill flowing through Livingston Manor (spelled “Rowlif ganses Kill” on the 1714 map reproduced by Leder on p.34).






January 16. A moment ago [I] received yours of December 29.
Colonel Heathcoate, Beeckman, Wenham, [and] Rodman have not been with me. The French tailor has been paid. Jan the carter has been paid for the most part. On December 4 I have credited you and debited the revenue for the Council’s orders overleaf, viz.:
1 warrant dated October 6, 1688 £ 83. 8. 3
1 ditto October 6 45. 1. 10 ½
1 ditto October 7 10. -. –
1 ditto October 14 13.13. 9
1 ditto ditto 14 36.15. 6 ½
1 ditto November 9 35. 4. 3__
£224. 3. 8
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which amount you are kindly requested to debit with me, as I will now do for John Gidden’s debt. If, God willing, some rum would come in in the spring, [it] would help considerably to pay My Lord’s salary and your warrants. Let us hope for the best.
Regards from me and my wife to you and [your] sister and to your children as well, and be commended to God; may He give you a calmer and happier new year than the previous one has been. I remain
Your Obliging Brother,
S. v. Cortlandt.