Edmund Fanning, his friend and secretary; and after remaining a night he proposed a walk, and after proceeding to the highest point of land on the farm, being a height which affords a most delightful prospect; when the governor commenced with observing what great favors could be obtained if my father would relinquish his opposition to the views of the King and Parliament of Great Britain, what grants of land could and would be the consequence, in addition to other favors of eminence, consequence, &c My father then observed that he was chosen a representative by the unanimous approbation of a people who placed confidence in his integrity to use all his ability for their benefit and the good of his country, as a true patriot, which line of conduct he was determined io pursue. The
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THE TOWN OF CORTLANDT.
Gov. then turned to Col. Fanning and said : ' I find our business here must terminate, for nothing can be effected in this place, so we will return;' which they did by taking a short and hasty farewell, and embarked on board the sloop and returned to New York. This was in the year 1774.""
The patriot suffered for his principles during the war that ensued. His wife, Joanna Livingston, fled before the invading British to Livingston's manor. The house was plundered. Even carved wainscoting was carried away, and made to grace a mansion in New York; and the Dutch tiles around a fireplace were taken out and used as dining plates.