The Dutch people of the United Provinces at the date of Hudson's discovery of New Netherland, and during the period of its settlement and possession by that Republic consisted, by their own law, of two classes, "Nobles" and "Commoners." The Commoners were subdivided into "Gentlemen by birth," and "Common people." Thus practically making three classes of Dutch citizens.

They are thus described, and the definition of each given, by the most famous of the great lawyers of Holland ;-- *

"From descent comes the distinction whereby some are born Noble and some Commoners.

Noble by birth are those sprung from a father whose* ancestors have, from times of old, been ac. knowledged as noble, or who was himself ennobled by the sovereign.

For some families have held their rank for a period so far distant, and so fully acknowledged, that no proof is necessary. Other families have been ennobled from services, or favors subsequently bestowed.

Commoners were formerly of two classes, such as Gentlemen by birth and the common people.

^Firet learned in Hollaml by the Euiilish self exiled Bruwniati it was carried by tlieni to Plymoutli their new home across the Alhiiitic, and was thus tlie origin of the town and township system estal>li:ilied in New Kn^land.

3 1. Sir Wm. Temple's Works, 6S, 70, 12C, 127, 131, l:!!>-142. * Grotins, cli. XIV. ; also note IX. to Benson's Memoir, II. N. Y. Hist. Coll., 2d series, p. 138.

HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

It seems formerly that Gentlemen by birth were those who from generation to generation were descended from free and honorable persons. These, being favoured by different Counts [of Holland], and especially by Count Floris, who was disliked by the nobles (which gave rise to a conspiracy against him and ultimately to his death), had a right to wear arms publicly, as a token of descent, to ride with a spur, and be exempt from taxes.