The Countye of Westcheder to contain West and Eaxf Chester, Broii.v^ Land, (fordham, Anne Hooks Neck, Bich/il/ls, Minford'x Island and all the Land on the Maine to the Eastward of Ma?ihaftan's I.fland As farr as the Government Extends and the Yoncl-e7-s Land and Northwards along Hudsons River as farr as the High Lands." After describing all the "countyes" seriatim, the Act terminates with this clause, which first created English High Sheriflfs in New York : "And for as much there is a necessity for a High Sherifie in every County in this Province, Bee it therefore Enacted bv the Governour, Councell, and Representatives in Generall Assembly mett and by the Authority of the same, That there shall be

I TliiK is the earliest instance the writer has found of the use of the woni "Bronx." " IJronkes his land" aud " Bronkcs' Land" and lironkes River, were the first terms used.

yearly and Every yeare an High Sheriflfe constituted and Commissioned for Each County And that Each Sheriffe may have his under Sheritfe Deputy or Deputyes." From 1683 to 1783, precisely one hundred years, the High Sheriffs existed, and so were they always designated. After the Revolution the prefix was dropped, the duties remained the same, however, except the holding of "Courts of election " was taken from them, and these officers themselves were appointed by the State Governor. By the Constitution of 1821 they were made elective. A great mistake, for an officer clothed with a Sheriff"'s powers, of all others, should never be made eleciive. As its result we see the corruptions, extortions, and cruelties, which are known to every observant man, especially in the cities of the State.