Borland, John (1660-1727) to Philip Livingston
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03107.02402 Author/Creator: Borland, John (1660-1727) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 April 1712 Pagination: 1p. : address : docket ; 31.3 x 20 cm
Borland writes that he is saddened by news of a "such a villannous Murther by ye Negros and Indians att York." Docketed on address leaf.
This letter was written in the aftermath of a deadly slave revolt in New York City on April 6, 1712. The uprising led to the deaths of nine whites, while six others were wounded. Twenty-seven enslaved people were soon captured. Of these, six committed suicide. The rest were executed, some by being burned alive. Stricter slave laws were passed in the wake of the revolt, but they did not stop another slave uprising in New York in 1741. John Borland (1660?-1727) was a merchant from Boston. Philip Livingston (1686-1749) was born in Albany. Upon the death of his father, Robert Livingston the Elder, he became the Secretary of Indian Affairs, as well as the second Lord of Livingston Manor. He was a member of the New York Provincial Council for most of his life.
Mr phillip Livingston Boston 14th: April 1712
Sr. I received yors of ye 9th [illegible] out with the Inclosed two five pounds Bills for which [I] have Credit[e]d your accott & Shall take dew Care to send you those things as you desire I was att [illegible] & gave your Respects & desired they are all [illegible] & much Concerned for ye full accott of such a villanous Murther by ye Negros Indians att York as are many of our people or all yt hear It I am Glad yourself & my [illegible] acquaintance escaped. from Leut Crorbalt I was acquainted wth & Sorry for I am with fonder Regards,
Sr yor very humble Servtt
John Borland
[address leaf]
For Mr
Phillip Livingston
Mucht abt
Albanny
To the Case of Mr
Phillip Schuyler
B 12d mucht
Att
New York
[docket]
22.th april 1712
a Letter of Mr. Borland
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