THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 453 



of the Van Rensselaers, he had considerable influence in the colony, 

 where he was a magistrate to the time of his decease. He was one of 

 the leaders in the settlement of Schenectady, in 1661-62, and in the 

 surrender of New Netherlands was especially sent for by Governor Nicoll 

 to be consulted on Indian affairs and the interests of the country gener- 

 ally. 



" He was highly respected by the governors of Canada, and the regard 

 entertained for him by Monsieur de Tracy, viceroy of that country, will 

 be best judged of by the following extract of a letter which that high 

 personage addressed him, dated Quebec, 30th April, 1667 : — 



" ' If you find it agreeable to come hither this summer, as you have caused me 

 to hope, you will be most welcome, and entertained to the utmost of my ability ; 

 as I have great esteem for you, though I have not a personal acquaintance with 

 you. Believe this truth, and that I am, sir, your affectionate and assured servant, 



' Traoy.' 



" Having accepted this invitation, Mr. Van Curler prepared for his 

 journey. Gov. Nicoll furnished him with a letter to the viceroy. It 

 bears date May 20th, 1667, and states that 'Mons'r Curler hath been 

 importuned by divers of his friends at Quebec to give them a visit ; and 

 being ambitious to kiss your hands, he hath entreated my pass and 

 liberty to conduct a young gentleman, Mr. Fontaine, who unfortunately 

 fell into the barbarous hands of his enemies, and by means of Mons'r 

 Curler obtained his liberty.' On the 4th July following, Jeremias Van 

 Rensselaer writing to Holland, announces that ' our cousin Arendt Van 

 Curler proceeds overland to Canada, having obtained leave from our 

 General, and been invited thither by the viceroy, M. de Tracy. In an 

 evil hour he embarked on board a frail canoe to cross Lake Champlain, 

 and having been overtaken by a storm was drowned, I believe, near 

 Split Rock. In his death this country experienced a public loss, and 

 the French of Canada a warm and efficient friend.' " a 



Upon the 15th of January, AD. 1676, the following letters of admin- 

 istration were granted unto Mr. William Beeckman of the estate of 

 JwffroiP Slaghbooni. 



"Edmund Andross, Esq., &c. : — 



"Whereas Juffrou Antonia Slaghboom, the widow and relict of Monsieur 

 Arendt van Curler, late of Schanecktade near Albany, is lately dead, and in her 

 last will and testament did nominate and appoint William Beeckman, Sen., of 

 this city, to be her executor, and the said William Beeckman having made appli- 

 cation unto me for letters of administration upon the estate of the deceased," 

 &c.,&c.c 



On the 10th of July, 165 1, sixteen years prior to his death, Arendt 



a O'Callaghan's Hist. N. N- 322-3. 



b A title of distinction for a lady among the Dutch. 



c Surrogate's Office, N. T„ 261. 



