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.

Mr. James De Peyster, Jamaica.

a. The following letter of Chief Justice John Jay to James DePeyster shows that the lands of Anne Van Cortlandt, daughter of Jacobus, and wife of Judge John Chambers, and sister of Mary Jay, mother of the writer, had not been divided as late as 17S5.

38 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

The village of Bedford is delightfully situated a little north of the Mehanas River, in a large and fertile vale almost environed by high hills. The surrounding country, is well wooded, and watered by several streams tributary to the Croton. The principal of these are the Myanos the Pepemighting, misnamed the Kisco, the Cisqua or Beaver dam, and the Peppeneghek or Cross River. Bedford was for a long time a half shire torn with White Plains, (which is located sixteen miles, south), but within a few years last past, the courts have been held entirely at the latter place.

Court House, Bedford.

"The present Court House was built in 1787. Courts had been held in Bedford in the Presbyterian Church to that date, and Bedford continued to be a half shire town of the county until 1868. The Board of Supervisors frequently met at Bedford about the end of the last century. In 1723, Richard Holmes, collector of this town, was "required forthwith" to collect a tax upon the "freeholders, Residents, Inhabitants and Sojourners" within the town of Bedford for the purpose of "finishing ye Court-House" and Gaol in ye Count}-." This Court-House was probably the one at Westchester, for White Plains was not made the County seat until 1758.