Ttie Governor and the Council appointed each year a sheriff for the whole of Yorkshire, and three justices of the peace for each riding, who were to continue in office during the Governors pleasure, and were to hold a Court of Sessions in each riding three times a year, in which the Governor or any of his councilors might preside. Besides their local duties, the high sheriff" and justices were to sit with the Governor and his Council in the Supreme Court of the Province, called the Court of Assize, which was to meet at New Y'ork once a year, on the last Thursday in September. This court was also a legislative body, as it was invested with ' the supreme power of making, altering and abolish-

> Bancroft's " History of the U. S.,"' vol. i. p. 518 (last edition).

Ibid.

'This ii a mistake; Westchester was repreeeDted by Edward Jeesup and John Qiiinby. 60-61

ing any laws,' except customs laws, in which it could only recommend changes. Town officers were required to make assessments annually, and taxes were levied through the Courts of Sessions, which made requisitions upon the town authorities. The delegates to the convention asked for power to choose their local magistrates. This was denied, the Governor exhibiting his instructions from the Duke of York, 'wherein the choice of all the officers of justice was solely to be made by the Governor.'" * From 1665 to 1683 the inhabited portion this county formed, with Staten Island, Kings County and Newtown, the West Riding of Yorkshire.