* This image stone was discovered on the lands of John Soulice some few years since. Beneath it lay a smooth stone, (weighing 7 lbs.) resembling in shape a kidney, and encompassed with a circular grove.

^ J^ee Pelham.

■■- Testimony of Mrs. Le Count, who died January, 1841, aged 105 years; also Mra. Pine.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 375

A few settlements were also scattered along tlie fertile meadows bordering the various fresh water streams, especially in the northern part of the town.^

As late as 1694-5 the Indians were in the habit of coming down into the northern part of New Rochelle from the neighborhood of White Plains, for a cider frolic, which they considered as a kind of usufruct title to the soil. The remains of an oak tree which they burnt upon one of these occasions, is still visible on the farm of John Soulice, Esq. This seems to have been the last chapter in their history connected with New Rochelle ; although in 1767 a small remnant of the aborigines (then inhabiting the Highlands,) visited the town.

Upon the sixth day of October, 1666, Richard NicoUs, governor of the province, did give, grant, ratify and confirm unto Thomas Peil, gentleman, all that tract of land lying to the eastward of Westchester bounds, (subsequently known as the manor of Pelham,) &c., " which said tract of land hath heretofore been purchased of the Indian proprietors, and ample satisfaction given for the same."^

In 1669, the patentee devised the whole manor of Pelham to his nephew John Pell, (commonly called Lord Pell,) who obtained a further confirmation for the same from Thomas Dongan, governor of the province, on the 29th of October, 1687.^