July, 1697, "It was agreed by vote to meet at the meeting-house on the 10th day of August, next ensuing, at sun half an hour high in the morning, in order to the cutting brush about the common in Eastchester woods, and to appear at the beat of the drum."

On the 2d of January, 1698, the inhabitants agreed by vote, "That the address which is drawn up to be presented to His Excellency, concerning indockin (inducting) a minister, the said inhabitants have and do agree that the officers of said town shall asign (sign) the said address in behalf of themselves and the rest of the inhabitants, or any of our adjacent neighbors."

The Governour, however, refused to induct a dissenting minister, on the ground that such a one was not qualified to accept, and that the law intended no other than an orthodox minister, for if otherwise, nothing but confusion would ensue about the disposal even amongst the Dissenters themselves.

The inhabitants of East Chester finding the Governour bent upon the settlement of a national ministry, next attempted to annul the act of 1693, by making themselves a distinct parish from Westchester. This appears by the following extract from the town records :

"April nth, 1699, it was agreed upon, by a full and free vote, to petition unto His Excellency and Honorable Council and General Assembly, in behalf of ourselves and the rest of our neighbors in the Yonkers and Mile Square, to desire that we may be taken from Westchester and have liberty to call a minister of our own."