There was a custom among the Dutch j»eople of New York, not to have the will of a deceased parent opened till after the expiration of a month from the day of the death, as a token of respect.' Then it was read in a family council, and immediately offered for probate. This custom was probably followed in this case. The Witnesses who proved the will were, Thomas Wenham, Rip Van Dam, John Abeel, Richard Stokes, and Andrew Teller jr., names familiar in New York to-day.*

The third clause, after devising all his real estate whatsoever and where.soever to his eleven children above named their heirs and assigns respectively,

- Son of Matthias Nicolls the first English Secretary of the Province,

who had married Mrs. Van Rensselaer, widow of tliis Patroon.

' Tlie writer has personaUy known instatiees of tiiis custom, whii li in some families has come down to these days.

<Lib. 2 of Wills, N. Y. Surr. OS., pp. 78-84.

THE OKIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE MANOliS.

continues, " and it is my Desire and Appointment that tlie same houses, lands, and premises be Eitlier Equally Divided amongst them my said children, or that they hold or enjoy the same in Common Amongst them, as my said children and Overseers and Guardians hereafter named shall judge and think most eflectuall and proper for their best advantage, use, and benefit." The next clause directs " that upon a Division of my said houses, lands, mills, and other Real Estate, my Sons according to their priority of birth shall have the first choyce, ahvaycs allowing to the value of those parts they shall choose, that the resi)ective partys and persons of my children may be made Equall in worth to one another."