Clinton, seeing the stupidity of this proceeding, in a letter to the home government, asks, " May not a Colony ... of Freemen who consume a vast quantity of the Manufectures of Great Britain, tho' this Colony raise no staple which can be imported directly into Great Britain, be more useful to her than a Colony which raises a considerable staple imported into Great Britain, and this Staple is entirely raised by the hands of Slaves, who consume very little or none of the Manufactures of Great Britain." ?- This narrow course with a people described by Dr. Bray as " so well versed in business as even the meanest planter seems to be,'" produced much irritation and remonstrance. But the colonist's labors went on, and under the services of his factor a large enrichment took place. This is indicated in the additions by purchase to the estates of the settlers of the unappropriated lands of the several towns, the frequent changings of the boundaries and the multiplication of mills, smaller roads and modes of conveyance.

Mails. -- There seems not to be any indication of a postal communication between New York and any point in this county earlier than 1672. Of course, letters were passing by private conveyance from the very first of the settlements. Expressions showing this occur again and again in the public documents. But in the year mentioned Governor Lovelace authorized a messenger or post to set forth from the city of New York monthly, " and thence to travail to Boston, from whence within that month he shall return again to this city." * This arrangement began