Fontaine, who unfortunately fell into the barbarous hands of his enemies, and by means of Mons'r Curler obtained his liberty.' On the 4th July following, Jeremias van Rensselaer writing to Holland, announces that ' our cousin Arendt van Curler proceeds overland to Canada, Iiaving obtained leave from our general, and been invited thither by the viceroy, M. de Tracy. In an evil hour he embarked on board a frail canoe to cross Lake Champlain, and having been overtaken by a storm was drowned, I believe, near Split Rock. In his death this country experienced a public loss, and the French of Canada a warm and efficient friend.' "^

a O'Callaghan's Hist. N. N. 322, 3.

COUNTY OB^ WESTCHESTER. 283

Upon the 15th of January, A. D. 1676, the following letters of administration were granted unto Mr. William Beeckman of the estate of Jiiffrou"^ Slaghboom.

^^ Edmund Andross, Esq., ^c.

"Whereas Juffrou Antonia Slaghboom, the widow and relict of Monsieur Arenilt van Curler, late of Schanecktade near Albany, is lately dead, and in her last will and testament did nominate and appoint William Beeckman, sen., of this city to be her executor, and the said William Beeckman having made application unto me for letters of administration upon the estate of the deceased ("^ (fee, &c.

On the 10th of July, 1651, sixteen years prior to his death, Arendt van Corlear, transported Broncks'' land to Jacob van StoU, from whom it passed through several proprietors to Herman Smeeman.

22d of Oct. 1664. " Herman Smeeman of Comoonepan on the maine, sold to Samuel Edsall all that certain tract of land situated on the East river through Hell-gate, commonly called Broncks' land, containing 500 acres." This sale was confirmed to Edsall by royal pitent the sa ne year.