By the decease of the Honorable John Jay, in 1829, his son, the late William Jay, Esq., became the sole proprietor of the Bedford estate, which since his death has passed to his son, the Hon. John Jay ; the Hon. John Jay, therefore, is the only descendant of Jacobus Van Cortlandt that owns a foot of the original patent in the town of Bedford. Abraham De Peyster sold to various individuals. The descendants of the ancient proprietors of the Hop grounds (resident in Bedford) are still very numerous, viz.: the Greens, Millers, Holmes, Roberts, Amblers, Clarks, Ayres, Wcstcoats, Simpkins, Meads, Webbs, Clasons and Higgins.

New York, 2d Nov., 1785. Dear Sir : Mr. Taylor, the Bearer hereof, waits upoa you with a petition which we propose to present to the Superior Court of Common Pleas for Westchester Co., in order to have commissioners appointed, agreeable to a late act of Assembly, to divide the lands of the late Mrs. Chambers, at Bedford, among her Devisees. They are now in a neglected, ruinous Condition, and until divided and properly attended to, will continue to decrease in value. I intend to go to Bedford next week, in order to see this Business put in a proper train. Be pleased to sign the Petition and return it to Mr. Taylor.

Mrs. Jay joins with me in desiring you to present our best Compliments to Mrs. De Peyster and the rest of the Family.

I am, Dear sir, your most ob't serv't,

(Signed.) JOHN JAY.