Richard Nicolls, Esq., Governor General under his Royal Highness James, Duke of York and Albany, &c., of all his territories in America, to all to whom these presents shall come, sendelh greeting : Whereas there is a certain town within this government, situate, lying and being upon the main to the east of Harlem river, commonly called and known by the name of \Vestchester, which said town belongs to the north riding of Y''orkshire, upon Long Island, and is now in the tenure and occupation of several freeholders and inhabitants who having heretofore been seated there by authority, have been at considerable charge in manuring and planting parts of the lands belonging thereunto, and have likewise settled a competent number of families thereupon for a township, now for a confirmation unto the said freeholders and inhabitants in their possession and enjoyment of the premises, as also for an encouragement to them in their further improvements of their said lands and premises, Know ye, that by virtue of ye commission and authority unto me given by his Royal Highness, I have given, ratified, confirmed and granted, and by these presents do give, ratify, confirm and grant unto John Quimby, John Ferris, Nicholas Bayley, William Betts and Edward Waters, as patentees for and on the behalf of themselves and their associates, ye freeholders and inhabitants of ye said town, their heirs, successors and assignees, all that

» Doubtless Jan or John Archer, first lord of the manor of Fordham. b Westchester Town Rec.