He has baptized within the year, two adults and thirty infants, and admitted four to the communion. In 1772, his congregation are increasing, had baptized sixty-two infants and two adults.^

In the year 1774, the Rev. Epenetus Townsend again informs tlie society, " that he preaches in parts adjacent, and from Lady day to Michaelmas, had baptized twenty-one infants and one adult, beside admitting two communicants. During the year 1776, he had baptized thirty infants, buried seven, and married three."

In his last letter to the society, dated June, 1777, Mr. Townsend states, " that he was sent to the county committee, but was dismissed, and kept his church three weeks after the declaration of independence. In October, he was sent prisoner to Fishkill, and detained all winter. In the mean time, his family were suffering for the want of his presence. In March, 1777, Mr. Townsend refusing to swear allegiance, was removed to Long Island, the place of his nativity. Here he continued a short time, when himself and family embarked on board a vessel bound for

Church Rec. b See Reports of Propagatian Society.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. * 481

Nova Scotia. This ship foundered in Boston bay, and every soul on board perished."^ Thus terminated the short and sad career of the first rector of the parish.

Mr. Townsend was one of the numerous descendants of the three brothers, John, Henry, and Richard Townsend, who settled at Oyster bay, in 1667.^ Previous to his embarkation, Mr. Townsend had deposited in the hands of the Rev. Benj. Moore, (afterwards Bishop Moore) the library, silver chalice and velvet cusliion, belonging to this church, desiring him to keep them until called for.