They consist of four circular pits in the form of a square, having a small mound upon the soutli, " The use of these excavations it is impossible to imagine, unless we suppose them to have been iised by the aborigines in defence, an idea that is rather favored by the circular mound on the south, as if made purposely to receive the palisade." The site of other Indian habitations are very apparent on the west side of Heathcote Hill. We have shown, that the lands belonging to this town were originally purchased of the native Indians by the Dutch West India Company, in 1640. Their next proprietor was John Richbell, who obtained a confirmation from the Indians, A, D. 1660. The following year, we find him thus addressing the Dutch Director and Council :

Amsterdam, In New Netherlands, 24th Dec. 1661. To the most noble, great and respectful Lords, the Directors General and Council, in New Netherland, solicits most reverently, John Richbell, that it may please your honours to grant him letters patent for three corners of land, the east corner being named "Wanmaimick" corner, the western with the adjacent land, by some named Mr. Pell's land, promising that all persons who, with the supplicant's permission or order, would settle there with him, shall be willing to solicit letters patent for such a parcel of land as they may intend to settle ; in the meantime, he supplicates that your honours may be pleased to grant him letters patent for the whole tract, which he is willing to enforce and instruct them of your honours' government and will, in similar manner, on terms and conditions as are allowed to other villages. Hoping on your consent, he remains, &c.a