About twelve miles from New York, at a place since called the Blue Bell, there was a large rock by the road side covered with cedars ; here they stopped for a short time to rest and take some refreshment, and then proceeded on their journey till they came to a freshwater pond, (within the bounds of the city) here they washed their feet, put on their shoes and stockings, and walked to the French church, where they generally arrived by the time service begun. After they had received the sacrament, they adjourned to the consistory room and partook of the provisions they had brought with them. The interval between the services was short for their accommodation, as they had to walk home again the same evening to their families. This religious duty

THE TOWN OK NEW ROCHEI.I.E.

was often repeated, an evidence that their piety was ardent and sincere. They continued to worship after this manner, till the American Revolution broke out, when this part of the county became harassed and overrun by the British troops. The people, in consequence, were scattered, and the younger folks grew up without going to any regular place of worship.

The French church in New York had two do'ors, behind which boxes were placed to receive the contributions of the congregation. At the conclusion of the services, the minister never failed to add ' Souvenez vous les pauvrcs' remember ye the poor. Upon which, every person, old and young, on going out of church, dropped a copper into the box.* The money collected in this manner was divided the next morning among the poor, who came regularly to receive their allowance at nine o'clock in the consistory room. At that early period, a large loaf of bread could be purchased for four coppers, so that this money supplied the indigent for one week.