in April, 1775 but he subsequently sat in all of the legislative bodies from May 22, 1775, until April 9, 1795. He was a member of the Second New York Provincial Congress, 1775–1776. By July 25, 1775, he had been selected to serve on the Committee of Safety, which wielded a great amount of authority during those revolutionary times. Initially, Van Cortlandt served as the committee's vice-chairman with John Jay, his second cousin, as chairman. Van Cortlandt was chosen as its chairman on January 3, 1776. Van Cortlandt sat for Westchester County at all four of the Provincial Congresses and was chosen to preside over the last three; was vice president of the 4th New York Provincial Congress, which convened as the New York State Constitutional Convention from 1776 to 1777. With the British advancing on New York, on the 30th of June, 1776, the Provincial Congress adjourned from the city of New York to the courthouse in White Plains, where they were to meet again on July 9, and there continued in session until July 29. It was resolved, "that the treasurer and secretary of this Congress be and they hereby are directed forthwith to repair, with all and singular the public papers and money now in their custody or possession, unto the White Plains, in the county of Westchester. It was further ordered that all the lead, powder and other military stores belonging to the State be forthwith removed to White Plains as well." The journey between New York and the Plains was performed by the members on horseback, Pierre van Cortlandt, the president, riding at their head. The stout-hearted commoner was acting-marshal of the "Equestrian Provincial Congress". This body, during the Revolution, was frequently obliged to change quarters, and made the necessary journey upon horseback. Several times while marching they received dispatches from General Washington requiring official action. The bugler would sound halt; they would wheel their horses into a hollow square; there put through legislation in approved parliamentary style, and announce adjournment by the bugle call, when they would break into fours and proceed on their way. It was at White Plains on the 9th of July, the Provincial Congress received the Declaration of Independence. After the convention agreed on April 20, 1777, to the form the new state government would take, they determined that the governmental organization should become effective in July. For the interim,