Van Rensselaer Manor Papers

Letter from Arent van Curler

Arent van Curler, a cousin of Kiliane van Rensselaer was the principal bookkeeper of the colony from 1639 to 1642, and commis (business manager) from 1642 to 1644.   Here is  a view of the last page of a lengthy letter detailing administrative operations of the manor, particularly in regards to agriculture, trade and commerce, as well as providing glimpses of the social and economic conditions of the colonists living in the Rensselaerswijck.  This letter also cast light on differences that van Curler had with Adrian vander Donck.

Letter from Arent van Curler to Kiliaen van Rensselaer, 16 June 1643