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Papers of Angelica Schuyler Church, Accession #11245, 11245-a, Special Collections, University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
Accession #11245 was purchased by the Library on June 26, 1996 from Ken Lopez, Bookseller. Accession #11245-a was purchased by the Library on July 20, 2005 from Mida van Zuylen Dunn.
Following are notes on the family taken from
Philip John Schuyler married Catharine van Rensselaer and had issue: John Bradstreet Schuyler, Philip Schuyler, Angelica Schuyler, Margaret ("Peggy") Schuyler, Elizabeth ("Betsy") Schuyler, Cornelia Schuyler, and, Catharine v[an] R[ensselaer] Schuyler. John Bradstreet Schuyler married Elizabeth van Rensselaer in 1787 and had issue: Philip Schuyler. Angelica Schuyler married John Barker Church and had issue: Philip hurchand Catharine ("Kitty") Church. Margaret Schuyler(-1801) married Stephen van Rensselaer ca. 1784 and had issue: Catherine Schuyler van Rensselaer(died age 12) and Stephen van Rensselaer; van Rennsselaer married Cornelia Patersonin 1802. Elizabeth Schuyler married Alexander Hamiltonon December 14, 1780. Cornelia Schuyler married Washington Morton.
Stephen van Rensselaer(1742-1824) married Catherine Livingston, daughter of Philip Livingston and Christiana Ten Broeckand had issue: Stephen van Rensselaer, Philip van Rensselaer, and Elizabeth van Rensselaer. Stephen van Rensselaer(1764-1839) married Margaret Schuyler ca. 1784. Philip van Rensselaer(1766-1824) married Anne de Peyster Cortlandt in 1787. Elizabeth van Rennsselaer(1768-) married John Bradstreet Schuyler in 1787; she married secondly, John Bleecker, in 1800. Catherine Livingston van Rensselaer, after the death of Stephen van Rensselaer, married Domini Eilardus Westerlo and had issue: Rensselaer Westerlo and Catherine Westerlo. Rensselaer Westerlo married Jane Lansing. Catherine Westerlo married John Woodworth.
Robert Livingston(1654-) married Miss [ ] Schuyler and had issue: Philip Livingston, Gilbert Livingston, and Robert Livingston. Philip Livingston had a son Philip Livingston, who was born in Albany, 1716, and died in York, Pennsylvania, 1778; he was a signer of the
There are 84 items, 1716-1865, chiefly letters of Angelica Schuyler Church(1756-1815) and other family members, including her husband John Barker Church, brother-in-law Alexander Hamilton(1757-1804), father Philip John Schuyler, and brother-in-law Stephen van Rensselaer(1764-1839). Other notable correspondents include: Justus Erich Bollman(1769-1821); Charles James Fox(1749-1806); Thomas Jefferson(1743-1826); Marquis de Lafayette(1757-1834); Abraham Lincoln(1809-1865); Winfield Scott(1786-1866); Baron von Steuben(1730-1794); Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord(1754-1838); and, George Washington(1732-1799).
Topics of interest include national politics and foreign affairs including the politics of Alexander Hamiltonand Thomas Jefferson, the French Revolution, Marquis de Lafayetteand his imprisonment, and the War of 1812; travel in Polandand Austriaand in England; trade in Americaand India; and, family and personal matters. Persons mentioned or discussed include Marquis de Lafayetteand his family, Marquis de La Tour(1770-1853); Philip John Schuyler; John Trumbull(1756-1843), Maria Cosway, Mary Jefferson Eppes[Mrs. John Wayles Eppes] (1778-1804), Martha Jefferson Randolph[Mrs. Thomas Mann Randolph] (1772-1808), and Madam de Corny.
Angelica Schuyler Churchwas the daughter of General Philip John Schuyler, a Major General in the Continental Army and a member of the Continental Congress. He later served as one of the first two United StatesSenators from New York. Angelica Schuylermarried John Barker Church, a British businessman, who was George Washington's Commissary General during the Revolution and later became a member of the English Parliament. Church had fled Englandafter a duel and later, using the name John Carter, eloped with Angelica Schuylerand became a successful entrepreneur. Mrs. Church traveled in social circles which included the most prominent figures of her time. In Paris, she was introduced to Thomas Jeffersonby her close friend Maria Cosway; Church's daughter Catharine ("Kitty") Churchwas a playmate of Jefferson's daughter, Mary ("Polly") Jefferson. These social connections made her instrumental in the release of Lafayette from the prison at Olmutz, Austria. Mrs. Church's sister, Elizabeth Schuyler, married Alexander Hamilton.
The Church archive contains correspondence from the period of the founding of America, including letters from two of the Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamiltonand Thomas Jefferson, whose personal and political differences helped shape the course of political dialogue in the early days of the country. The letters are rich in personal and historical detail. Both Hamilton and Jefferson write to Mrs. Church with a combination of intimacy and respect. These letters complement the recorded history of the private lives of two of the most prominent statesment in the early years of independence, and provides evidence of their practical concerns. There are other letters from Jefferson to Church held in the Library of Congress.
Following the biographical notes is an annotated listing of each letter and document. The majority of the correspondence has been described; letters written in French or other foreign language have not been described.
A digital exhibition drawn from these papers is
In French. Mentions [John Barker] Church, has sent her letter to James Monroe, thanks her for news of the Blair family, tells of friends who fell under the reign of Robespierre, remarks on the death of Andre Chenier, noting that his brother [Marie Joseph] Chenier is in the Convention.
Relates description and history of areas in Poland, including Silesia, Waldenburg, Silberberg, Glatz, Spielberg, Landek, and Wel[fors]ground; recites tale of Henriette Lucie Dillon, Marquis de La Tour, and Marie Joseph Paul, Marquis de Lafayette; and, writes about his own experiences in these and other locations.
Relates description and history of areas in Poland and Austria, including Breslau, Tarnow[itz], Troppan, Brunn, Spielberg, and Olmutz; recites tales of Marquis de Lafayette, Marquis de La Tour, and Mr. Bournonville and other french prisoners; mentions Prince Colloredo (Hieronymus, Count von Colloredo--Mansfeld) (1775-1822), Bishop of Kunitz, Count Lamberg, and Botta, Governor of Moravia, Czechoslovakia; and, writes about his own experiences in these and other locations.
Expresses gratitude and affection for the Prince's reception of her son and hopes that her eldest son Philip will have the honor to present this letter.
Relates that the disturbances have been exaggerated by the administration for the purpose of the reform of Parliament and that the French government appears to gather strength; gives news of Richard [ ] and his travels to Paris.
Relates events in July Revolution of 1830. Plans to return to Paris. Currently being watched by the National Guard.
Mentions the July Revolution of 1830 and the cannon fire she heard. Criticizes Lafayette stating that "All reasonable persons damn this old man." Comments on Charles X.
Mentions the July Revolution of 1830 and what is happening in Paris
Discusses the July Revolution of 1830, and the fortunes of family and friends. Notes that the "court of Louis-Philippe is very thrifty."
Notes that Lafayette is in retirement and sends news of friends and people ruined by the "Glorious Days."
A sympathy letter; also discusses riots, school closings, the destruction of an archbishop's library by a mob, and the plight of pensioners and old friends.
In Dutch.
Social amenities.
Discusses impending plans while visiting the Churches, including visits to the observatory and Windsor Castle, and an introduction to an Italian party of Prince Rezzonico, Count Soderini, and Count Luchesi. News of the Cosways and a visit with Maria Cosway's sister Charlotte.
Discusses news of the Cosways, de Cornys, and Wynns and plans while visiting "Down-place."
Mentions news of the Cosways, Maria Cosway's sister Charlotte, and Lady Littleton. Discusses the beauty of Maria Cosway and Angelica Church; gives advice and expressing confidence that "prudence will rule your future conduct" concerning the apparent misunderstanding between Maria Cosway and herself.
Concerns the correspondent's inattention to the recipient's commands respecting Mr. Schuyler.
Beseeches her not to make her permanent home away from America, and expresses
affection and friendship for her and [John Barker] Church.
Mentions his plans for tomorrow to "open the budget" as Secretary of the Treasury, and wishes for their safe arrival in England.
Heartfelt feelings of affection and friendship and loss in the absence of both John and Angelica Church following the sailing of their vessel to England.
Mentions politics, the offer of an office to her father, Philip John Schuyler, and his progress on the Finances of America as Secretary of the Treasury.
Relays compliments from George Washington who lives on Market Street in Robert Morris' house; mentions "Peggy" [Margaret Schuyler] and [Stephen] van Rensselaer. Mr. Hamilton writes of his affection for Angelica and comments on her intimacy with princes.
References to national affairs. Treasury conflicts.
References to international and national affairs. At that time the support by the Jeffersonian Antifederalist for the French Revolutionary cause was lessened; Hamilton comments, "On a certain subject we agree...And though I am in a minority here...It is gaining strength---Your countrymen are zealous but they are not mad." During that time there had also been an official inquiry into the condition of the Treasury, and an subsequent call on February 28 censuring Hamilton did not pass; Hamilton comments, "Our own Jacobins have made a violent effort against me, but a complete victory has been gained to their utter confusion."
References to national and international affairs. Mentions a political campaign and [probably] treasury conflicts. During this time American neutrality in the war between England and France had been threatened; Hamilton comments, "... or the certainty of a war between this country and some European Power--"
Mentions a social visit with Philip John Schuyler and his wife [Catharine van Rensselaer Schuyler] and "a lady for whom I have a particular friendship"; John Trumbull, the artist; and, Stephen van Rensselaer and his wife Margaret Schuyler van Rensselaer.
References to national affairs, most likely the Whiskey Rebellion. Hamilton comments, "I am thus far...on my way to attack and subdue the wicked insurgents of the West---" and further explains his involvement, "Twas very important there should be no mistake in the management of the affair--and I might contribute to prevent one." Sends news of the insurrection to [John] Jay (1745-1829) and [William] Pinkney (1764-1822) through Mrs. Church.
Expresses regret that John Barker and Angelica Church have delayed their plans to visit. Mentions a Mrs. Grattan.
Discusses the fire onboard the vessel which was docked in Havenshaw Bay.
Mentions Madam de Corny, "Kitty" [Catharine Church] and the girls and invites Mrs. Church to Monticello. Compares the beauty and charm of America to Europe. Affectionate and complimentary.
Gratitude for the gift of the urn. Mentions the John Trumbull portrait of himself and his own friendship with [Maria] Cosway and Angelica Church. Refers to his plans to carry animals and plants back to America in the spring and request that she meet him and his daughters in Havre, France. Mentions serving in Congress in 1775 with Philip John Schuyler. Relates that he left "Kitty" [Catharine Church] at the Chaussee d'Antin and consulted with Madam de Corny of the Convent.
Discusses plans to execute her commission for the volumes of the Antiquites d' Herculaneum. Mentions "Kitty" [Catharine Church] and her writing in French and Madam de Corny and a mishap in her carriage. Refers to the question of the new Constitution and comments that "the tender breasts of ladies were not formed for political convulsion..."
Comments that he wishes "Mr. Church could think our Congress as agreeable a field of service as that he has chosen..." and that he is not without friends in America. Mentions "Kitty" [Catharine Church], "Polly" [Mary Jefferson] living with an aunt, [John] Trumbull and his paintings, and Madam de Corny.
Mentions Monsieur de Noailles (a kinsman of Madam Lafayette). Inquires of Madam de Corny and [Maria] Cosway. Comments that he thinks America is "the only country of tranquility, and should be the asylum of all those who wish to avoid the scenes which have crushed our friends in Paris."
Comments on her letter of August 19th, with the extract from Lafayette, and that "the influence of the United States has been put into action" to effect the release of Lafayette. Comments on the news of Madam de Corny being a victim of the times and of [Maria] Cosway being in a convent. Remarks that at the beginning of the new year, "I am to be liberated from the hated occupations of politics, & to sink into the bosom of my family, my farm & my books."
Replies to his letter of August 16th to President [George Washington] concerning the misfortunes of Lafayette, and assures him that the means most likely to effect his release have been employed.
Writes about being home with his family and wishes that she and her husband were nearby. Wishes to hear news of Catharine [Church]. Mentions that his daughter [Martha Jefferson] Randolph is absent and writing a letter to [Maria] Cosway.
Welcomes her home to her native country and comments that the agitations of Europe have reached even the United States. Inquires of Madam de Corny, [Maria] Cosway, and Catharine [Church].
Mentions Mrs. [James] Monroe, Madam de Corny's improved situation, and receiving a letter from Catharine [Church]. Comments on news from a Mr. Niemcewitz, a Polish gentleman, that [Maria] Cosway has thrown herself into religion since the loss of her daughter and other circumstances.
Affectionate letter. News of his daughters, "Maria" [Mary Jefferson] Eppes and [Martha Jefferson] Randolph. Invites her to Monticello.
Writes fond remembrances of her visits, and mentions his daughters [Martha Jefferson] Randolph and [Mary Jefferson] Eppes and that the latter has become a mother.
Comments on being elected to the presidency of the United States: "The post is not enviable, as it affords little exercise for social affections. There is something within us which makes us wish to have things conducted in our own way, and which we generally fancy to be patriotism. This passion is gratified by such a position." Mentions that Maria [Mary Jefferson Eppes] and [Martha Jefferson] Randolph being with child.
Regrets not being able to assist in giving the license solicited by [J. C.] Cruger. Comments on [Martha Jefferson] Randolph and her large family.
Etching. Inset of Jefferson showing the draft of Declaration of Independence to Franklin and Adams.
Relates his feelings toward her, writing that he is "bound by such sentiments of affection and gratitude." Reveals the present situation of his family, mentioning his wife's illness; his daughter Anastasia and her husband Charles Latour Maubourg giving him two granddaughters, one of whom they lost; and, possibly being able to embark for America with George [his son George Washington de Lafayette]. Refers to his own political and personal concerns, particularly in reference to his [former] fellow prisoner Bureau Puzy who is planning to settle his family in America; praises his character and accomplishments; and, recommends him highly to the Churches. Mentions having heard of the appointment of three plenipotentiary ministers to France; his intelligence from Paris gives him good reason to think the French government wishes for a reconciliation.
Expresses his lament at the distance between them and his affection and respect for his friend. Discusses the consultation between the American minister and himself to determine whether or not he should follow Mr. [ ] Livingston over to New York and possibly risk captivity. Mentions Madam de Corny.
Writes concerning the fate of friends, emigres and Lafayette during the reign of terror. Discusses his book.
Solicits letters of recommendation.
Introduction for Louis McLane Hamilton, descendant of Alexander Hamilton, who has served as a private and wishes to have a commission in the regular army.
In French. Mentions General [Alexander] Hamilton, the exaggerations of Jacobin journalists, and a yellow fever quarantine.
In French. Mentions [Maria] Cosway and [Princess de] Craon. Contrary to what is in the papers, American [diplomats?] have been well received in England. Let General [Alexander] Hamilton know that.
Accepts an invitation.
Mentions illnesses of Angelica and and his other daughter Margaret [Schuyler van Rensselaer]; refers to Chevalier De La Luzerne. Addressed to Mrs. Carter.
Comments on General Chatteleans' Journal. Discusses children: son Johnny [John Bradstreet] Schuyler's marriage to Miss [Elizabeth] van Rensselaer, his hopes to prosper, and their plans to live in the Schuyler house built in 1777; son Philip Schuyler as one who neglects his studies and is a disappointment; daughter Cornelia Schuyler as a historian; daughter Margaret Schuyler [van Rensselaer] as recovering from an illness. Mentions Monsieur De La Luzerne and Charles Talmadge and comments on Mr. [ ] Young as having great merit in his publications on his system in farming. Refers to the state convention to decide when the new Constitution will meet; says that the country must adopt, and states that "...when it is adopted this country will be a much more eligible residence than it is at present---"
Received word that the Churches were in France for "the 14th of July bash" [Bastille Day]; news of the family.
Support of her philantrophy. He states that he will carry into effect her wishes in
favor of Lafayette and also that he wishes that he could say that he "shall be
immediately released, and cherished by America..." but "prudential reasons added to
political ones will prevent an immediate application thru the channel you support..."
He indicates that it would be more appropriate for the central government to have
passed an act "conferring a handsome annuity on the M. De Lafayette and his lady,
together with a grant of an extensive tract of land---"
Mentions that he has pointed out a purchase to Mr. [John Barker] Church which appears that it will prove to be productive; discusses the area around the Mohawk River in New York, including the growth of the area; mentions son Philip Schuyler.
Refers to Mr. [John] Jay and Col. [John] Trumbulll, advocates of [John Barker] Church; mentions Margaret Schuyler van Rensselaer.
Mentions the arrival of her ship at Rhode Island, concern over the serious conditions present in England and in Europe, v and Monsieur and Madam Grovernel. He comments on a book containing the drawing of the telegraph first seen in America. He discusses the Duke de Liancourt [Liancoeur?]. Writes that he has attended his duty in the Senate from the beginning of January to early April, and comments on his political opponents. Mentions Cornelia [Schuyler], Alexander and Elizabeth (Schuyler) Hamilton; Margaret [Schuyler van Rensselaer], and Catharine [Church Cruger]. Concern for Marquis de Lafayette and his suffering.
Introduces Rufus King (1755-1827), ambassador to Great Britain in London from the United States, and comments on his virtues. Discusses land mortgaged in the county of Ontario and debt due by John Barker Church.
Affectionate and loving letter from a father to his daughter. Mentions Cornelia [Schuyler] and their reconciliation, [Stephen] van Rensselaer and his being capable of reform and of a return to virtue, and Philip [Schuyler] and his studies.
Grief and sorrow over the death of Alexander Hamilton, and sympathy for his wife, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, and their children.
Writes his pleasure following a visit by J. C. and Catharine Church Cruger and their daughters; complimented by a request for a "memento of the oldest soldier of the age--I mean the oldest in commission."
Two autographs to the daughters of J. C. and Catharine Church Cruger.
Probably an attempt to effect the escape of Monsieur de Lafayette from the Austrian prison at Olmutz through the offices of American diplomats [Thomas] Pinckney and [John] Jay.
[1789] November 7 ALS, 4 p. Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Augustin, Baron von Steuben, New York, New York, to Angelica Schuyler Church. [In French. An affectionate letter written on her departure. Mentions [Alexander and Elizabeth Schuyler] Hamilton, "Peggy" [Margaret Schuyler van Rensselaer.
In French. Sends news of her father. Mentions Philadelphia, praises [Alexander] Hamilton, mentions the Marquis de Lafayette, and hopes John Jay will restore harmony between the United States and England, conveys travel plans and news of Louis-Marie Noailles who is settling down as an American.
In French. Mentions the kindness shown [Alexander] Hamilton, and General [Philip John] Schuyler. A friend of Lafayette's will deliver the letter. Mentions [John Barker] Church, and others.
Describes the atmosphere in Oswegatchie while a British Sloop of War was anchored offshore; mentions Sackets Harbor, Oswego, the Turnpike, and Geneva, New York.
News of Queenstown [sic], Ontario, Canada; mentions General [Isaac] Brock (1769-1812), Major [ ] Evan, and General Sheaffe; refers to confirmation of armistice.
Gives instructions for Cornelia [Paterson van Rensselaer] to order cloth from the Shakers; relates briefly the condition of life for the men in their tents.
Mentions the illness of the Colonel, [Abraham] Van Vechten (1762-1837), and Peter [Buell] Porter (1773-1844). Relates uncomfortable condition of life for the men in their tents.
Details the attack, and the ensuing battle, on the British at Queenstown [sic], Ontario, Canada; mentions the fates of several soldiers, including General [Isaac] Brock who was fatally wounded, General Wadsworth, and the Colonel.
Relates the sightseeing adventures of herself and Cornelia [van Rensselaer] and their mother [Cornelia Paterson van Rensselaer]; mentions travelling to the cathedrals, castles, abbeys, and palaces throughout England; visits to Abbotsford, residence of Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), and Newstead Abbey, ancestral mansion of George Gordon Byron, Lord Byron (1788-1824); and, plans to visit Paris, France.
Expresses gratitude for her "very obliging and flattering sentiments"; assures her of her son's "future usefulness & consequence," mentions General [Alexander] Hamilton's "favorable report of his merits," and offers any assistance.
Order to pay Richard Caton from his account.
In French. Invitation to the family farm near Paris. Mentions "Peggy" [Margaret Schuyler van Rensselaer], [John Barker] Church, and others.
In French. Comments on the behavior and appearance of the American people. Mentions [Alexander] Hamilton, General [Philip John] Schuyler, Philadelphia, Talleyrand [Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord], [John] Trumbull, [John] Jay, [ ] Talon, Monsieur de Noailles, Marquis and Madam de Lafayette, and [John Barker] Church. Also, probably an attempt to effect the escape of Monsieur de Lafayette from the Austrian prison Olmutz. Mentions the refugee colony at Azilum [Asylum], Pa.
Life and career experiences of this American merchant who was apparently compelled to leave his home country for India for his own safety; comments on the relationship of the American merchants and the notorious rogues in the Bengal Trade; relates that he employs his time and capital in the interior trade and in the manufacturing of sugar and indigo; refers to the affection and support of Mrs. "B."
Independence Day exercises in Red Hook, New York.