In Richbell's Petition of the 24th of December 1631 to the Dutch Government for a ground-brief above given, he says the name of the " East Neck " is " Mamaranock Neck." A misreading by Mr. Bolton of the first of these two words in this document as recorded led to his stating in the first edition of his History of Westchester County issued in 1848, (vol. i. 282) that the "aboriginal name" of the East Neck was " Wanmainuck," and the error has continued in the second edition, (vol. i. 463). This has led subsequent writers to repeat the statement. It was however purely a mistake of Mr. Bolton. The true " aboriginal name " of the East Neck was " Mamaranock," the same as the river which formed its eastern boundary. This word was spelled in very many ways, in early days, by the Dutch and English in public and private letters, documents, and instruments, but all aiming at giving the original Indian sound. In the early part of the eighteenth century the present spelling "Mamaroneck" obtained and has ever since been used. It is the Indian name of the River flowing into the head of the Harbour.

Like most Indian names it is descriptive of a striking natural object and eflect, and signifies "The Place where the Fresh water falls into the Salt." A short

' 8o In the original.

From a cotemporary copy of the original iu the writer's possession.

distance above the present bridge between the towns of Mamaroneck and Rye where the river bends suddenly to the east and then takes a northerly course, a rocky reef originally crossed it nearly at right angles, causing the formation of " rapids." It was high enough to prevent the tide rising over it at highwater, so that the fresh water of the river always fell directly into the salt water of the harbour, and at low water with a strong rush and sound.