Van Rensselaer, Rensselaer

(1802-1850). Son of General S. Van Ren elaer of Albany, New York; for some time employed as a clerk in the post office, Albany. In November, 1837, while on a trip through the west for the Albany Daily Advertiser , came in contact with the Canadian revolutionists and was offered and accepted the position of commander-in-chief of the rebel forces. After a few months' desultory fighting, arrested on Feb. 28, 1838, at Syracuse, by the American authorities, for violating the neutrality laws. Tried on Oct. 18, 1839, and convicted; sentenced to six months' imprisonment and fined $250. After serving the six months, the fine was remitted. Index : Mc Fights under Bolivar, 412; given command at Navy Island, 413; arrives there, 415; his habits, 417; evacuates island, 424; plans attack on Kingston, 429; failure of, 429; blames Mackenzie, 430; exonerates Mackenzie, 430. Bib. : Cyc. Am. Biog. ; Dent, Upper Canadian Rebellion .