This seal was decided to be the lawful seal of the Province until superseded by the first seal of Queen Anne, as above stated in September 1705. The ancient and important instrument just described, now nearly two centuries old, at present the property of Mr. James Stevenson van Cortlandt of Croton, the only surviving son of the late Colonel Pierre van Cortlandt, is the foundation of the title to the whole Manor of Cortlandt as possessed by Stephanus van Cortlandt, and of all existing titles within its limits. It is therefore here given in full : --

MANOR-GRANT OF THE MANOR OF CORTLANDT.

Gulielmus Tertius, Dei Gratia, Anglia; Scotise, ffrancia', Hibernia?, Rex, fidei Defensor, &c. To all Whom these Presents Shall Come Sendeth Greeting.

Whereas our Loveing Subject Coll. Stephanus Van Cortlandt One of the Members of our Couucill of our Province of New York &c.. Hath by his Pettition presented unto our Trusty and well belove* Coll. Benjamin Fletcher our Capt. General and Governour in Cheifof our Said Province of New York &c. and territorys Depending thereon in America &c. prayed our Grant and Confirmation for a Certain tract and parcell of Land Situate Lyeing and being upon the East side of hudsons River Begining on the North Line of the Mannor of Philipsburge Now in the tenour and Occupation of Fredrick Phillipse Esq', one of the Members of our Said Councill And to the South side of a Certain Creek Called Kightawank Creek and from thence by a Due East Line Runing into the Woods Twenty Englisli Miles And from the said North Line of the Mannor of Phillipsburge upon the South Side of Said Kightawank Creek runing along the said Hudsons river Northerly as the said River runs into the north side of a high Hill in the high Lands Commonly Called and Knowen by the Name of Anthonys Nose to a Red Ceadar tree Which makes the south Bounds of the Land Now in y" Tenour And Occupation of Mr.