Scope and arrangement
The collection consists of twelve volumes of account books, ledgers, day books, and letter books compiling the business dealings of the Van Cortlandt family in the 18th and 19th centuries. Eleven of the books are from the years 1700 to 1792, with one book from the years 1869 to 1875. The majority of the 18th-century books are from John Van Cortlandt, with one book containing the accounts for the estate of Geertruyd Van Cortlandt from 1726 to 1740, and another containing letters from John and Stephen Van Cortlandt from 1771 to 1792. The account book from 1869 to 1875 details a brick manufacturing firm owned by members of the Van Cortlandt family. However, the titles of the volumes may not be accurate and may reflect records from other members of the Van Cortlandt family.
The volumes offer insight into the business and political landscape of 18th century New York. The account books, ledgers, and letter books include information related to the triangular trade, slave trade, real estate in New York and New Jersey, the American Revolution, and other business dealings of the Van Cortlandt family.
Arrangement
The volumes are arranged by date.