[Vellum Manuscript Document Signed] Loyalist Land Indenture for New York Property

New York, 1835. Broadsheet. Very good, folded vellum, edge worn, lightly soiled.. 1 sheet. 30 x 18 inches. The original document on the recto is a land indenture from George Ludlow to Gabriel W. Ludlow and his wife, Cornelia for the sum of $2,000, and is dated July 23, 1766 and signed by merchant, George Ludlow, and witnesses, Hugh Gaine and Benjamin Kissam. On verso, manuscript statement, dated January 31, 1835, providing evidence for allowing the Land Indenture to be recorded. Signed by the Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in New York City, Michael Ulshoffer.

Hugh Gaine (1726-1807) was an American printer, bookseller, and newspaper publisher who moved his operations from New York City to Newark, New Jersey at the beginning of the American Revolution when the British occupied New York. He switch sides, turned loyalist, and published pro-British articles after deciding the British would win.

George Ludlow (1734-1808) from an old line New York family, was a judge who remained loyal to the British, and whose lands on long Island were confiscated in 1779.

Gabriel Ludlow (1736-1808), brother of George, was a very successful businessman; "His Long Island home became a favorite retreat for 'British officers and Loyalist gentlemen'." (See Dictionary of Canadian Biography). Both he and his brother left for England after the war.

Benjamin Kissam (1728 -1782) was a prominent lawyer in New York City. From 1764 until 1768 one of his clerks was John Jay.

For a similar document on vellum, from 1765, signed by Gaine and Kissam witnessing a deed of George Ludlow transferring land to Gabriel W. Ludlow, see Walter & Mary Benjamin, The Collector, May 1933, item 25185.