THE ZENGER TRIAL	195
to have learned in his former executive post was
the art of conveying public funds to private uses.
His government in New York sustained his repu-
tation: it was as high-handed as it was corrupt.
He burned deeds and strove to overthrow old land-
patents, in order that fees for new ones might find
their way into his pocket. "Cosby's Manor/' a
vast tract of land in the Mohawk Valley, bore tes-
timony to the success of his methods in acquiring
wealth.
Upon the death of Cosby's predecessor, John
Montgomerie, in 1731, Rip van Dam, as president
of the Council, had assumed control of the affairs
of the province until the arrival of the new Gover-
nor. At the close of his term, which had lasted a
little more than a year, the Council passed warrants
giving Rip van Dam the salary and the fees of the
office for the time of his service. When Cosby
appeared he produced an order from the King
commanding that the perquisites of the Governor
during the interregnum be equally divided be-
tween him and Van Dam. On the authority of
this document, Cosby demanded half of the salary
which Van Dam had received. "Very well/*
answered the stalwart Dutchman, "but always
provided that you share with me on the same