About 12 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 proceeJed on their journey till they came to a fresh water 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 hLid brought with them. The interval between the services was short for Uieir accommodation, as they had to walk home again the same evening to their families. This religious duty 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 du St. Esprit had two doors, behind which boxes were placeJ to receive the contributions of the congregation. At the conclusion of the services, the minister never failed

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to add '• Sonvenez vous les pauvres," remember yc the poor. Upon which, every person old and yonng, 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.