concerne, to esteem them as our elected and confirmed magistrates for the said town. So, after my respects, I rest

Your loving friend and governor,

P. Stuyvesant.*

Amsterdam, N. N., 28ih June, 1660.

In 16G2, Governor Stuyvesant granted to the English towns tlie right to nominate their own magistrates, and to have their own courts, " hut in dark and dubious matters, especially in ^viichcraft, the party aggrieved might appeal to the governor and council."''

Upon the nomination of town officers, the same year, the inhabitants addressed the governor as follows:

Right Hon'bie Lord Governor of the New Netherlands, Lord Stevensone : We, the inhabitants of the towne, do heare present our choice unto your honor, for the establishing of magistrates for the ensuing yeare ; these may give your honor fur to understand what the towne choyce is, as fulloweth, namely :

William Betts, Robert Huestis, John Quimbe,

Edward Waters, Nicolas Bay ley, Thomas Vaille.

East Towne, Feb. 11, 1662.=

About this period Connecticut claimed Westchester as lying within her jurisdiction -A in support of which she issued the following orders.

At a court of general assembly, held at Hartford October 9th, 1662: "This assembly doth hereby declare and inform the inhabitants of Westchester, that the plantation is included in ya bounds of our charter, granted to this colony of Connecticut. "^

To the Inhabitants of Westchester.

Hartford, this \Zth Oct. 1662. You are required in his majesties name to appear (or by your deputies,) at

« Alb. Rec. vol. xxiv. 38.