#Rensselaer Schuyler

[46ten]

I was just learning the fact that Cornelia and Kitty fought Eliza for the inheritance, I knew her brothers did it but I didn't know about the sisters. I was surprised because they seemed to be close with her before their father's death. I know Kitty and EH reconciled because they became closer in later years, but what was her relationship with Cornelia? Did Cornelia die still fighting for the inheritance or did they reconcile? And in general how all of this affected Eliza's relationships with her siblings? (I wonder how AH would have helped EH in all of this if he were alive. Perhaps PH would have named him as one of his executors of his last will)

The dispute between Eliza and her siblings seems to have grown out of what they felt was over-generosity towards her from Philip Schuyler's attempts to financially assist her after AH's death. There were rumors of him giving her cash, and then there was the matter of the land deed executed before PS's death.

[So without AH dying, I doubt the dispute would have happened. And yes, I think AH would have been one of the executors of PS's will had he been alive. The three executors were Philip Jeremiah Schuyler (his son), JB Church (son-in-law), and Stephen van Rensselaer (former son-in-law/Margarita's widower).]

Specifically, when EH went up to Albany in August 1804, PS set in motion a plan to give her a land deed of 80 acres of his property in Albany - he notes in letters in July/early August/September how much he wants to assist her and her children by whatever means possible, emotional and spiritual support, but also financial support.

The paper deed was executed but not delivered to her, however, before she returned to NY and prior to PS's death. As such, some of her siblings argued that the 80 acres deed was null and the property should be counted towards the inheritance for all 8 children (or their children, as two of PS's kids were already dead - Margarita and John Bradstreet) and split. This is what led to the fight with Caty/Kitty and Cornelia's husbands, as EH is clear in a letter to her brother Philip Jeremiah that she believed her brothers'-in-law, G. Washington Morton (married Cornelia 1796) and Samuel Malcolm (married Kitty 1803) were behind this effort. To be clear, EH fought that the 80 acre deed should be hers exclusively; took about 5 years to resolve, but it was and she sold it, as she especially claimed to need the money to pay for her children's education. Read more here: Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site: Schuyler Siblings Land Squabble

Cornelia died in 1808, and it's not clear where their relationship stood, as the issue was still unresolved at the time. They were clearly still tight in Nov 1804, prior to PS's death: The Eliza Papers — Elizabeth Hamilton to Philip Schuyler, 1804 (tumblr.com). To read my posts on Cornelia and her terrible husband (Philip Schuyler disliked him! So he lost a bunch of PS's papers! ), see here: 46ten — How not to behave at Philip Schuyler’s home (tumblr.com); 46ten — Schuyler elopements (tumblr.com)

To read more about Kitty and Samuel Malcolm, who had been John Adams' secretary, see here: 46ten — Sister Church is still with us. She goes in less... (tumblr.com); 46ten — 46ten: Kitty, who is looking over my shoulder,…... (tumblr.com) 46ten — Philip Schuyler, described by his youngest... (tumblr.com); 46ten — Philip Schuyler to Elizabeth Hamilton, 1797 (tumblr.com)

Cornelia (b 1776) and Kitty (b 1781 - she would have been named GW Schuyler if a boy! or so claimed PS in his letter to GW, likely part of an attempt to assuage any ill feelings over his brand new son-in-law pulling the stunt he had, which AH also would not have pulled if PS wasn't his father-in-law) knew 'Brother Hamilton,' as they called him, their whole lives and were very close to him. Both girls spent time living with the Hamiltons in Philadelphia and NYC. They also had children named Alexander Hamilton Morton (b 1800) and Alexander Hamilton Malcolm (b 1815), respectively, so it doesn't seem that their husbands objected to EH and her husband all THAT much, but once money is involved....

See some speculation on the relationship between EH and Kitty here: Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site: My Dear Sister: Eliza and Caty Post-Schuyler Sisters Land Squabble

To the rumors that PS had given EH thousands of dollars, that seems very unlikely, as he was notably cash poor. But over the years, PS undoubtedly supported the Hamiltons financially, providing them not only with goods from his farms and mills, but cash to EH for paying for the boys' education (particularly while AH was Sect of Treas, which makes AH's efforts to make sure bonds were funded pretty self-interested - there's quite a lot of "I'm not benefiting!" while his closest family and friends, many of whom provide him funds outright, or provide him with goods, or give him interest-free loans, are benefiting handsomely.)

Some of the siblings could have been resentful, not only of PS's support but of his general favoritism towards the Hamiltons - see here for PS sending his son Rensselaer to live with the Hamiltons to learn from their good example: 46ten — Philip Schuyler to Elizabeth Hamilton, Albany,... (tumblr.com). But PS seems to have helped out all his kids - or at least once he reconciled himself to their poor choices in spouses - EH may have been the only one who chose a spouse PS approved of from the beginning! He saved timber for the Churches to build a home, provides funds and property to his sons, etc.

Post PS's death, EH's relationship with her brother Philip Jeremiah, for example, seems fine The Eliza Papers — Philip J Schuyler (tumblr.com), she's just admonishing him for not doing more to help her resolve the claims and points out that people are talking about how little help her brothers - PJ and Rensselaer - are providing, considering how much the Hamiltons' friends have stepped up to help her.

The other matter that persists between the siblings was much older - the division of the estate Catharine Van Rensselaer had inherited (parts of the Claverack) - which was a legal fight practically from the time AH joins the family, and one in which he offered advice. There's definitely "when is that every going to be settled!" angst between the siblings so they can finally resolve the matter of their mother's inheritance.

[therealadothamilton]

Why is it people writing historical fiction keep erasing the existence of The Schuyler Brothers? John Bradstreet, Philip Jeremiah and Rensselaer are rolling over in their graves...

[yr-obedt-cicero]

I beg my dear Sister you would inquire of Sister Hamilton if she has not through mistake taken Gibbon's history. I have forgot which volume is with her. It belongs to Brother Rensselaer. If you get it, pray take the first opportunity of sending it up.

Source — Cornelia Schuyler to Catharine Van Rensselaer Schuyler, [August 4, 1795]

The image of the the Schuyler sisters snatching history books from each other is hilarious.

[dearestcorrespondence]

Angelica Schuyler to Rensselaer Schuyler, New York, [November 24, 1801]

New York Tuesday Nov. 24. 1801

My very dear Rensselaer

my dear Nephew Philip Hamilton received a mortal wound from Mr. Eacker in a duel yesterday at three oClock, of which he expired this morning, with perfect resignation, and in Faith and hopes of an immortal existence.

His conduct was extremely satisfactory during this Trial; I cannot write particulars now. My sister is a little composed, and the corpse will be removed from my house in an hour

Pray my dear Brother be with mama immediately on the receipt of this letter, our parents require all your care at this afflicting moment.

My love to Betsey and Truly a affectionately Yours

Angelica

[18thcentury]

I forgot to wish our fave Capricorn Alexander Hamilton a Happy Birthday (Jan 11th) but it's because I'm preoccupied with his Scorpion mother in law.

Alexander Hamilton

Artist: John Trumbull

1806

Catherine Van Rensselaer Schuyler

Artist: Thomas McIlworth

between 1762-1767

[catharinavanrenss]

I will not lie to you, I read Treecreeper as Treechcreeper ONCE when reading Miss Peregrine(VIA Leonora/Louisa’s mom’s suggestion) and now I’m stuck with it 😭

[chloerie]

Still mourning the fact @catherine-schuylerofficial / @catherine-schuyler doesn’t have any featured media:

meanwhile Philip:

Oh and there is like no mention of her mother dying in her Wikipedia page, when like, that would’ve had a major impact on a twelve year old????

[wardrobeoftime]

Please do gif sets of costumes worn by Angelica, Eliza and Peggy in act 1 of Hamilton

Sure.

[catharinavanrenss]

I 💗 cats ofc!!!!!!

hey, can my cat stay on your blog for a little while?

i'm going out of town for the night and could use someone to watch her

[46ten]

AH’s Nepotism and Rensselaer Schuyler

I always love AH’s aim of getting as much of the Schuyler (and Van Cortlandt and Van Rensselaer and Schuyler/Livingston) clan in good employ as possible. He doesn’t omit doing likewise for his Hamilton first cousin, Robert, and John Church, even when AH had “no reason to believe the employment would be acceptable to him.”

To the letters:

I send you a number of applications for Military appointments with br[i]ef notes of my opinion.

Allow me to remind you in writing of my nephew Philip Church1 whom I warmly recommend for a Captaincy in the Infantry. He is the eldest son of his father, has had a good education is a young man of sense of genuine spirit and worth—of considerable expectation in point of fortune. I shall esteem his appointment to this grade a personal favour, while I believe that it will consist with every rule of propriety.

There are two other young Gentlemen whom I must also recommend to your attention. They are Volckert Peter Van Rensselaer and Jeremiah H. Van Rensselaer nephews of Mrs. Schuyler.2 They are of honest and brave blood and of fair character—I recommend one as a first the other as a second Lieutenant. AH to McHenry, 28July1798

And a subsequent one:

The list comprises the names you sent me and some others which have come directly to me. Besides these there are a number of applications with my Remarks upon them which were put up in a packet and either transmitted to you or delivered to Mr. Lewis to be delivered to you when I was last at Philadelphia & you will find in a letter of mine written then some names which I believe do not appear elsewhere; among them two of the names of Rensselear nephews of Mrs. Schuyler.

Give me leave now to mention to you Renssellaer* Schuyler son of the General who married a daughter of General Tenbroeck of Albany & who is desirous of being appointed Captain of a Troop of Horse. This Gentleman has many things in his favour. He is intelligent active and spirited. But I ought not to conceal from you that he has committed imprudences which have been painful to his father; whose heart needs consolation with respect to him and would derive it from his success in his present application. I have the strongest hope that he would make a very good officer. If the Captaincy of a Troop is unattainable, I shall be glad to see him appointed a first Lieutenant in the Corps of Horse. AH to McHenry, 21Aug1798

It’s just so appropriate that AH is again trying to run interference between Philip Schuyler and one of PS’s own kids who have displeased their father. AH also performs this role for Angelica and Philip Jeremiah in 1789 and there are references that he did it for Cornelia after her elopement. Those poor Schuyler kids, with their papa reminding them (and others) of how Hamilton and their sister Eliza are the good examples they should be following! 

Rensselaer (1773-1847) fell out with his father over his gambling habits, which left him in a sizable debt that Philip paid off himself. From here:

In the matter of personal debt, Schuyler informs Hamilton (5 November 1797) that he is willing to pay off the gambling debts of his 28-year-old son, Rensselaer, if he promises to abstain from gaming. After that, Schuyler plans to "place him on a very valuable farm which he may have decently, if he will, and if he will not his becoming now insolvent that he will not be able to borrow any money with facility."  

Father and son seem to get along again, as there are mentions of the Hamilton and Church kids (and Angelica, Margarita, and young Catharine born 1781) visiting him. See here for copy and transcription of Angelica S. Church’s letter to him re Philip Hamilton. 

Rensselaer married Elizabeth Ten Broek in 1793. She was a first cousin of Stephen Van Rensselaer III, Margarita’s husband.** 

*It would not be until around 1800 that AH started to consistently spell his mother-in-law’s maiden name correctly - only about 20 years after marrying into the family! I think he finally got a handle on the way the family spelled it. 

**The amount of inter-marriage and relations through marriage is something.

A small detail, but one I did not realize Catharine VR Schuyler’s parents were both alive until 1783 - Johan (John) Van Rensselaer and Engeltie (little angel - thus Angelica later on) Livingston. I wonder what kind of relationship ESH, and then AH, had with him. BTW, Engelite’s mother was a Schuyler, another example of that whole Schuyler-Van Rensselaer intermarriage thing. 

[yr-obedt-cicero]

“Beloved, I am far away, dark forests roll between

This soldier's tent and our sweet home nestling in bowers green But thou are there; I send to thee these weary deserts o'er My Catharine never failed in peace; fail not beloved in war.

“My fields thou knowest are white with grain, it covers all the land, Forget thy hand is slight and soft, I've work for that small hand. I trust no underling or friend, only thyself I trust Go forth and fire the wheat, my love; go burn it to the dust.

The enemy are pressing down the river every day

That grain stands all too temptingly thus ripened in their way. Destroy it with unflinching heart-field, gran'ry, stock and store, The less we leave of war supplics-the less we'll have of war.

“Gather the children round thee, then, and hasten to the town 'Tis Hamilton, my brave young friend, I send to guard thee down; And give our stores among the poor—they'll need them all, I know, Ah! when I think of them and thee, ten times more strong I grow.

“My precious one! Kiss Meg for me—who saved my life that night The Indian's aim was at my head by blowing out the light, Pray all to Him who heareth prayers, to set our country free. Fire the wheat; the children guard! and think sweet Kate of me. “Composed by her great-granddaughter, “KATHARINE SCHUYLER BOLTON,

Source — A Godchild of Washington: A Picture of the Past, by Katharine Schuyler Baxter

This was a poem written by Katharine Schuyler Bolton, in 1853. It's to tell the well-known story of when her great-grandfather, Philip Schuyler, ordered his wife to burn their crops during the revolutionary war from his point of view.

[dearestcorrespondence]

Eliza Hamilton Holly to Catharine Cochran, [Undated]

Sunday afternoon

My dear Aunt

It is almost an age since you have had a letter from the De menen casite, Therefore I flatter myself This will however dull be most exceptable_ particularly as it comes a mis sèle of tone and truth with a good portion of repore in your forgiving disposition. It is very ___ I have been very silent of my love and interest for and in you and its equally time that my time to ever occupied, and my memory too, in recalling my past pleasures and peopling my rooms with those who have loved to occupy them with me. Now what have you to say ___ to acknowledge that it is better to have your spirit than your body which I know has been voluntarily and involuntarily with no. Mama has just entered and inquiring my occupation to and note at this moment is mingling in memory. her spirit with you, with both feet placed on the hearth, looking just as the day when you left her_

My labours are accomplished, and the work ready, for publication_ John is well and has precisely the same_ I have the money somewhat the worse for the labours of the summer.

As to myself if the a subject of interest to you_ I have withdrawn entirely from the world_ not even intimacy visits and early receiving them. It is quite possible we shall visit New York in the spring to be present at Schuyler's wedding. My friend Cousin is still the same faithful friend looking forward to serve me so long as my presence reminds him his little friend is still in existence. As I do not toil the senate I rarely see him. A gentleman called ms me that mount to accompany me to church_ a primal of William's who has heard of him since the family_ he says he has entirely recovered his health and want an office_ Which I have procured for him a rather It has been promised to me Surveyor General of California. Our winter has been mild we have a Hall stove and lite in the back parlour on the old carpet. A horse keeper and manservant being the only change since you left to_ How are the balies and their mothers you send not me word of them in your last letter, be not so naughty in your next_ and let me know, as I have done, have Matters thrive with you_

Mama's love to all and mine with lest wishes for present and future happiness

E. Hamilton Holly

Mama has just gone to her room, her presence confused my pen and inquire still more bewildered the sense of my note_ We have had Angelica here. She looks remarkably well as do Mrs. Millen and her husband. The quality of Washington pleases her very much_ her wealth enables her to enter in it, and her husband ___ it, our Councils have been disputed and parties are very excited_ Clay's resolutions have amameliorating effect, people talk of a compromine, but say his solution with not ___. Aideu again it is night and my eyes are not as alarmed as when they commenced the paper_

E. H. H.

[catharinavanrenss]

Mags and I salute you

[18thcentury]

Catherine Van Rensselaer Schuyler 1734-1803

Wife of General Philip John Schuyler

Artist: Thomas McIlworth

[catharinavanrenss]

Hello lm hamdi ayyad ,I humbly ask for your support by reblogging this post on your account to help save my family. As newcomers to Tumblr and GoFundMe, we are in desperate need of your kindness and support. 🙏🇵🇸🍉😔Please donate 🙏🏼Let's reach the goal as soon as possible

!!!!!

[chloerie]

Gertrude: In my defense I was left unsupervised.

Phillip Schuyler: Wasn't Kitty with you?

Cat VR Schuyler: In my defense I was also left unsupervised.

7 Year old Elizabeth: You all are literal children and I’m a child.

~~~~~~

Gertrude: What did you do with Cat’s body?

Phillip Schuyler: What didn’t I do with the body?

Gertrude:

Phillip Schuyler: Okay that sounded more sexual than I intended. I disposed of the corpse respectfully.

~~~~~~

*The squad is having dinner together*

Gertrude: Phillip can you pass the salt?

Phillip(Schuyler): *Throws Cat VR Schuyler across the table*

~~~~~~

Modern AU!Gertrude driving(I realized she was 9yo older than Philip and ten years older than Cat VR so she’s 24)13 and 12 year old respectively Phillip Schuyler and Cat VR: So how was your day?

Phillip Schuyler pumping the air: We almost got surprise adopted!

Gertrude: What?

Cat VR Schuyler: We almost got kidnapped.

Gertrude: Oh okay.

Gertrude: *slams on the breaks* WAIT WHAT?!

~~~~~~

Cat VR Schuyler: Phillip and I don’t use pet names.

Gertrude: I see. Hey what do bees make?

Cat VR Schuyler: Honey?

Phillip Schuyler: Yes dear?

Gertrude:

Gertrude: Don't ever lie to my face again.

~~~~~~

Gertrude: Phillip what do IDK LY and TTYL mean?

Phillip Schuyler: I don’t know love you and talk to you later

Gertrude: Ok I love you too I’ll just ask Cat