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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Unknown Discussion of the rightful ownership and boundaries of the Manor of Livingston

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03107.01836 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: [s.l.] Type: Manuscript Date: after 1728 Pagination: 8p. 24.5 x 20 cm Order a Copy

The document discusses how Robert Livingston, the first owner and proprieter of the Manor of Livingston, formed the Manor through a series of land patents issued by Governor Dongan from 1684-1686. It is then debated whether or not these patents were legitmate, and where the boundaries of the Manor ought to stand. This is part of a larger controversy involving the Livingston Manor. Throughout the 18th century, the claims to title and ownership of the Manor by Robert Livingston's heirs were repeatedly challenged by Indians and other European settlers in the area. Numerous petitions were presented to the colonial government, requesting the revocation of Governor Dongan's land patents of 1684-1686.

Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728
Dongan, Thomas, 1634-1715

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