Description
Mary Totten, the widow of a tenant farmer in the Manor of Cortlandt, compiled this petition seeking redress for the damages caused by the Continental Army when units of the army encamped on her farm in late 1776, presumably after the Battle of White Plains. The precise location of the Totten farm is unknown, although the document indicates that it was “near Croton River.” Three of Mrs. Totten’s neighbors who were familiar with her property estimated that the damages from the encampment came to 105 pounds and 10 shillings. It is unknown as to whether or not Mary Totten or her family received any compensation for the damages.
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Document Details
Document Title: Petition of Mary Totten of the Manor of Cortlandt to the Continental Army, concerning damage done by encampment of forces on her farm. Mentions Joseph Totten. Signed by Joseph Cornwell and others (illegible).
Call Number: Mss. #16
Creator/Author: Totten, Mary
Creation Date: 1776
Coverage: 1776
Format: Handwritten manuscript
Location: Cortlandt, N.Y.
Cite As: Courtesy of the Westchester County Historical Society.
Rights: No copyright – United States. Please credit Westchester County Historical Society. Please contact for higher resolution image(s).
Rights URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/PDF