The attempt was actually commenced, but is hasty projectors were soon compelled to seek a less exposed and more eligible site. From this circumstance the place acqin'red its present name. City Island. Flagging stones are frequently met with on various parts of the island. One of the principal proprietors is George W. Horton. On the north-west side reside the family of the late Thomas Pell, fifth in descent from John Pell, Esq., lord of the manor of Pelham.

» Diary of President Styles.

b This word invariably occurs in the fjcnitivc, (Minneford's Island) from which we infer that it was originally the name of its Indian proprietor. • See docket on file at office of Secretary of State.

550 HISTORY OF THE

During the Revolutionary war, the island was greatly exposed to the enemy's shipping.

'•' On the 27th of Angnst, 1776, early in the morning, (says Gen. Heath.) two ships and a brig came to anchor a little above Frog Point. Our general immediately detached Col. Graham with his regiment, to prevent their landing to phinder or burn. Before he arrived several barges full of men landed on New City Island and killed a number of cattle. Two companies of the regiment immediately on their arrival ferried over to the island. The enemy carried off one man and fourteen cattle ; the remainder of the cattle were secured."*

"30th of January, 1777, (observes the same authority,) the storm cleared up, when jfifteen ships, one brig, two schooners, and two sloops came to^ between Hart and City Island. They were from the eastward, and were supposed to have troops on board.' ^