LIVINGSTON, PETER VAN BRUGII (1710 92). An American merchant, born in Albany, N. Y.. the son of Philip, second lord of Livingston Manor. He graduated at Yale in 1731, settled in New York City, where he became a wealthy merchant in partnership with his brother-in law, William Alexander (Lord Stirling), and built a large mansion on what is now Hanover Square. Ile was a leading Presbyterian, and was one of the founders in 1746 of an institution at Elizabethtown. N. J.. which soon after became Princeton College. For many years previous to the Revolution, he was a member of the New York Provincial Council. During the larger part of the period between 1759 and 1774 he was active in the Revolutionary cause, quietly but effectively promoting resistance to the mother country. In 1759 he was a member of the Council of Ten, and he was also a member of the Committee of One Hundred. in 1760 he joined the Sons of Liberty.
and he became one of the leading spirits of that organization. On April 22, 1774, he was one of a party who, disguised as Mohawks. like their Boston compatriots. threw overboard a cargo of tea brought by the Nancy into the harbor of New York. He was president of the first Provincial Congress and delegate to the second. He en joyed the friendship of Washington. and on more than one occasion was consulted by him. It was at his country place at Dobbs Ferry that General Washington. Governor Clinton. and Sir Guy Carleton met to settle matters connected with the evacuation of New York City by the British forces. After the adoption of the new State Con stitution in 1777 he was elected to the Legis lature, and was chosen president of the Lower House. From 1776 to 1778 he was treasurer of the Continental Congress.