During the entire period extending from the first settlement which was made by Europeans, within that portion of New Netherland which, subsequent to the first of November, 1683, was known as the "County "of Westchester," in New York, until within the memory of living men, the inhabitants of that portion of the country, with rare exceptions, were either cultivators of its soil or employed in other occupations which were, then, necessarj' for the comfort and well-being of such a purely agricultural community.* A verj' large proportion of those farmers, however.

' John .\ustin Stevens, Ma<jazine of American Uistortj, June, 1877.

- This clear, complete and interesting chapter on the American Revolution, in Westchester County was written expressly for this work by the eminent historian, Henry B. Dawson, of Morrisania. No person in the United States is more thoroughly acquainted with the history of thesubject here treated, or more competent to discuss it in an original and com- i prehensive manner than Mr. Dawson. We regret that the want of space has compelled us, with Mr. Dawson's consent, to omit from his chapter a few details which, we think, belong more properly to the history of the City and State of New York than to the County of Westchester. As it is, the reader will find that the entire subject is clearly unfolded before bim in a new and original manner from the store-house of history at the command of this able writer. -- Editor.

3 " The Inhabitants indeed live all upon their own ; but are generally "poor." -- Rev. John Bartow to tlie Venerable Society, " Westchester in "New Y'obk Province, 4th Nov., 1702."