A bill to erect one was introduced in the Assembly in 1691. The next year Governor Fletcher recommended its construction by the city of New York, but the municipal authorities were deterred from the undertaking by the "great expense." In January, 1693, Fredryck Flypsen offered to build one at his own expense, if he could have certain " easy and reasonable toles." * In June the franchise was granted to Mr. Flypsen for ninety-nine years. The bridge was to be twenty-four feet wide, and to be free for all the King's forces, and was to be named the " King's Bridge." It was built during the year, a few rods east of the present one.* It had a draw for the passage of such craft as navigated the Harlem and a gate, set up at the end, where the keeper received the tolls.' A public-house was kept open at the north side for the " entertainment of strangers." The bridge was owned by Mr. Flypsen's grandson and great-grandson, in succession, until it was forfeited by the latter. Colonel Frederick Phillipse, because of his adhesion to the crown in the war of independence.

During the first half of the eighteenth century the Yonkers was sparsely peopled. Jacobus Van Cortlandt bought a plot of fifty acres, known as " George's Point," * from Mr. Flypsen, in 1699, and

* They probably stood in the neighborhood of the present Van Cortlandt mansion.

5 To wit : " 1 penny for each head of neat cattell ; 2 pens for each "niann and horse, and 12 pens for each score of Uoggs and sheep that " shall pass the said brige ; and U pens for every boat, vessell or canoo " that shall pass the said brige, and cause the same to be drawne up."