And therefore we take this first opportunity to acquaint you that although we were loath to have parted with you, and would have been glad to have continued you in this government, yet the providence of God hath so disposed that by our agreement with Governor Dongan, we are forced to part with you, and nould not help it, and the governoi;. promised us that he would not by this change alter any man's property or propriety, and therefore we thought it necessary to acquaint you of this change, and also to advise you speedily to apply him to grant you confirmation of your bounds and proprieties, which we doubt not but he will do also. We must acquaint you that you must by our agreement, pay to this colony this years rates, which the treasurer will appoint you, to whom you shall pay it speedily, it is one penny half penny upon the pound, accordincr to the list presented to the general court, in October last, by the agreement with°the governor, Dongan. The west bounds of our colony is now Byram River, and it runs as the river till it comes to the road, and from thence it runs north north west, till it hath run eight miles from the east point of said Byram River.

Gentlemen, we do request you to be satisfied and content with this change,

» Col. B. Hart Rec. Lib. ii. Letter 45. b Webster's Letters, p. 207.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 27

and to carry it suitably to the government under which you are now seated, and apply yourselves to the Honorable Governor, who is a noble gentleraaa and will do what you shall desire in a regular manner to promote your welfaie, which with best respects is all the needful from your assured friends.