The " tenths " or titlies were simply a form of rental, the recompense to the Comi)an)' and the patroous for their outlay and expense in settling their lands.

G8

HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

may arise, shall be held valid by the Director and Council, unless tliey shall be written by the Secretary of this place. Let every one take warning and save himself from damage. This done and published iu Fort Amsterdam this 19th of August, 1638." ^

The witnesses to the above instrument were well known men of mark at that day. The name of the first correctly entered should have been Cornells van der Hoyden, or van der Huyghens, as the name was truly spelled. He was, on July 13th, 1639, just previous to the date of this deed, appointed the Schout- Fiscaal, or Sheriff and Attorney-General, of the Province, served for several years, and was drowned on the voyage to Holland in 1647 with Governor Kieft. David Pietersen de Vries was the famous navigator, the author of the " Journal notes of several voyages in Europe, Africa, Asia and America," one of the earliest and most authentic writers on New Netherland, He was also a Patroon of Swanandael on the Delaware, of another Patroonship upon Staten Island, and in the words of Brodhead, was " frank, honest, religious, and a sincere advocate of the true interests of New Netherland."

Cornelis Tienhoven the Secretary, so long in office under Kieft and Stuyvesant, and often their envoy to the different English Colonies, and active in other public positions in New Amsterdam is so well known as to need no further mention.