Van Tassel; 1756, Dec. 29, earmark of Johannis Van Tassel ; ] 757, March 20, ear mark of Johannis Van Tassel, son of Hendrick. 1760, Mar. 4, licensed Inn Keeper, Peter Van Tassel; x 7 7S, John Van Tassel, a Pound Master ; 1779. John Van Tassel Assessor.

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HISTORICAL SKETCH ICS.

The following', copied from the original on file in the St. Archives at Albany, well deserves a place here as a picture of hen endurance by the Van Tassels in the great struggle for American I, erty and American Independence :

To hjs Excellency, Gov. Clinton, esfe. This Petition Respectfully Shoioeth:

That your petitioners have endeavored to defend and protect the Freedom .v Liberty of the United States. After the many disappointments and reverses of fur;,, . which we have had to struggle with, the expectations of rising again to prosperity brought low enough by long imprisonment ; but it would be a satisfaction to us that ..... real character were known to your Excellency and the Senate and Assembly, which . were we flatter ourselves that we should have your indulgence, nay, your ester". Refuse not. most gracious gentlemen, the means for gaining this end to men who ready and willing to shgd their blood in proof of their loyalty and affection for. country's cause.

Notwithstanding theenemy has not left us one single head of our cattle, furniture &c.. but has plundered us of all, we beseech that you will look with an eye of pity or, , and have some consideration for our past services, and that a year's imprisonment ,v. : five years' exile, the ruin of our fortunes, and the submission with which we have b these punishments and the zeal which we are still ready to show for out country 's cause if your Excellency and the Senate and Assembly do not make some provision for ur. w, and our families must inevitably perish.