In testimony whereof we have Caused the Great Seal of our said Province to be hereunto affixed Witncsse our Trusty and well beloved Benjamin Fletcher our Captain Gencrall and Govcmour in Chief of our Province of New Yorke and the Territoryes and Tracts of Land Depending thereon in America & Vice Admirall of the same our Lieut and

366 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

Commander in Chief of the Militia and of all the forces by Sea and Land within our Colony of Connecticutt and of all the ports and Places of Strength within the same at our Fort in New Yorke the twenty fifth day of June in the eighth year of our Reigue annoq Don 1696. Ben ffletcher. By his Excelt Command

David Jamison D. Seery.

I do hereby certify the aforegoing to be a true Copy of the Orignal Record. Words East side 30th Line page 3G written on a razure. Compared therewith by me. Lewis A. Scott,

Secretary ,0

" By this summary measure," says Baird, " the people of Rye were despoiled of a most important part of their rightful possessions. It was a loss felt by each proprietor, for each had an interest in the undivided lands, to the distribution of which he looked forward as a provision for his children. The only show of reason for this act of spoliation, was in the fact, that the inhabitants of Rye were as yet without a patent for their lands under the Government of New York. In 1685, Governor Dongan had issued a proclamation to the inhabitants of Rye and Bedford, requiring them to appear before him, and prove their title to the lands upon which they were seated. This summons, it appears, had not been obeyed. The sympathies of the people were with the colony from which they came, and to which they yet hoped permanently to belong.