The Manor of Pelham had originally contained nine thousand one hundred and sixty-six acres, so that nearly two-thirds of it now constitute the town of New Rochelle.

The islands in the sound opposite Pelham, belong to that town. These are Minneford's (now City Island) containing about two hundred and thirty acres; Hunter's Island, two hundred and fifty acres; and Hart Island, eighty-five acres. The heir of Thomas Pell to the Pelham Manor, was John Pell, his ne|)hew, whose death, according to the inscription upon his monument, happened in the year 1700. He is said to have lost his life by the upsetting of a boat off City Island, in the autumn of that year. His eldest son, Thomas, succeeded to the inheritance, and died in 173'J at the IManor House, which stood not far from the i>rcsent Barton dwelling. The subseiiuent history of the Pell family may be found, given at length in Bolton's history.

On the 18th of October, 1776, the British forces landed upon Pelham Neck, ten days previous to the battle of White Plains. They came from Throgmorton's, now Throg's Neck. They were met by the Americans and a heavy skirmish resulted. After some loss, the Americans fell back, and the British advanced towards New Rochelle. Though largely ouliuimbered, the retreat of the Americans was orderly and their resistance obstinate. The loss on both sides was probably about equal.

The owners of the islands along the Pelham shore suffered more severely from this invasion than those in the interior, because a i)ortiou of the British fieet was always anchored in the Sound, and boats were constantly landing to obtain sui)plies, which they often and perhaps intentionally forgot to pay for. One Benjamin Palmer, who lived upon City Island, after tlie war was over sent a petition to Governor Clinton, complaining loudly of his wrongs and grievances.