" Some time before I came down from Albany, two small towns of Rye and Bedford in West Chester County that ly next to Connecticut being much in arrearyes of taxes have revolted to Connecticut who countenance them notwithstanding I found there at my arrival part of this province, and so have continued till now, which is contrary to a stipulation made between the Collony and Coll. Dougan An" 1683 under the hands and seals of their Gov"r and assistants: I am loath to make warr upon any of His Majesties subjects and therefore lay this matter before your Lordships: They have invaded us with a CaptQ and fifty men armed with Fuzees on Horseback, to disturb the election of a representative, pursuant to the King's writt at the town of Rye. I never found them so fonvard to give assistance to albany, upon the approach of the enemy, notwithstanding my frequent application & the Royal Commands, that did oblige their obedience." (New York, Col. M.S.S., vol. iv, 276.)

Upon the accession or Lord Bellamont to the government of New York, April, 1698, we find Connecticut sending a delegation to congratulate him. In a letter dated May 6th, Lord Bellamont expresses his thanks and good will towards Connecticut, and encloses a letter from the Lords Commissioners of Trade, in regard to Rye and Bedford; he also denies their reasons for countenancing those towns in their revolt.^

The Earl of Bellamont writing to the Lords of Trade 13th of May,

a "In ir>97 they sent the inevitable Zach. Roberts to confer with Oovernor Treat of Connectlcut about being settled under the colour, and naitl him 3 shillings a day "for himself and his hois, and paid halfe his expellee.-' After his return Roberts had another town meeting and got an allowance for back-pav in the shape of an assessment of two pounds of flax on each man in the town." Address "of Joseph Barrett, July 4, 1S7G-- Recorder Katouah.