Stephen Van Rensselaer correspondence

1786-1838

Stephen Van Rensselaer (1764-1839) was an American soldier, New York State lieutenant governor, U.S. congressman, and the last patroon of the manor of Rensselaerswyck, near Albany. Letters to Van Rensselaer (1786-1826) and from him (1790-1838) pertain to New York State and U.S. politics, business affairs concerning Rensselaerswyck, and personal and family matters. Family correspondents include Alexander Hamilton, Jr., thanking his uncle for supporting his education, 1806, and brother-in-law William B. Paterson, congratulating Van Rensselaer on the honorable termination of his military career, 1813. A letter from the proprietors of the Rensselaer glass works, 1792, seeks his aid in establishing a reputable tavern to replace numerous "dram shops." Also present are some invoices and checks, including two signed in Paris by Van Rensselaer's son Stephen, 1813.