I don't question but the Honorable Society knows that the Lord Pell when he sold the 6,000 acres of New Rochelle ground to the aforesaid families of refugees who first settled it, gave in the same time 100 acres of land for the encouragement and benefit of any minister that would serve them ; which land being laid out by the buyers in one of the worst places, upon a very rocky ground, and distant a mile and one half from the parish house, has been let by my predecessor and by me for four pence sterling an acre, yearly rent, bating 20 acres holden by a distracted woman, not supported by the parish before last year, &c.

There is no other library but that which Mr. Bondet has left to the church, consisting of about 400 volumes.

6th. The number of slaves within New Rochelle is 78 ; part of them constantly attend Divine service, and have had some instructions in the Christian Faith by the care and assistance of their respective masters and mistresses-- so that my predecessors did not scruple to baptize some, and even to admit to the Communion of the Lord's Supper; and I myself have, for the same cousidera. tion, baptized fifteen of them within these three years-- some children and some

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER

grown persons, indifferently well instructed in the fundamentals of our Holy Religion.

I assure you, sir, that they shall always have a convenient share in my assistance and care, and as far as will he necessary to make them good and ' religious persons, without the least prejudice to the rest of my flock. These, Sir, are the sentiments which I entertain, and of which I shall endeavor to give to the Honorable Society the most convincing proofs.