Cortlandt informs the committee of safety, that previous to the above request, he caused the public records to be put into chests, and secured them in a cellar in his garden, made for that purpose, of stone and brick, well arched and exceedingly dry. This precaution was taken against accidents happening by fire ; should the city be invaded by an army from Great Britain, or British troops, he in such case intended 'to remove them to his brother's at Yonkers, in the county of Westchester. If the committee of safety shall judge any other place more secure, Mr. Van Cortlandt will be glad to be informed thereof, that he may communicate the same to the corporation of this city for their approbation. =^ He remains their most obedient

humble servant,

Augustus VAN Cortlandt.

By the will of the above Augustus van Cortlandt, dated 20th of December, 1823, he bequeathes his property after the following manner: ... - , , '

" Whereas the greatest part of the lands and real estate which I occupy and hold in the town of Yonkers, was derived to me by inheritance from my ancestors ; and, whereas I have lately purchased several tracts and pieces of land also lying in ye said town of Yonkers, which I at present occupy and possess, &c. Item, it is my desire tbat the same remain entire, and pass from time to time to one of my surname and family ; whereupon I do hereby give and devise all my lands and real estate, and all dwelling houses, mills and other buildings thereon in the town of Yonkers, &c., unto my affectionate relations, John Jay and Peter Augustus Jay, and to their heirs for ever, except a certain dwelling house and farm in the said town of Yonkers, &c., and a lot of ground near my mill-pond, &c., which belonged to my late brother, Frederick van Cortlandt, to hold the same in trust for the following uses: viz., 1st, to hold the same for my son-in-law, Henry White, late the husband of my deceased daughter, Anna White, for and during the time of his natural life. 2nd, for and after the decease of my son-in-law Henry