Morris et a'.," was carried up to the Court of Chancery, and the final decision established the theory that Harlem River was a navigable stream, and any obstruction was a public nuisance liable to be abated by any one interested in the navigation. The constant remonstrance and persistent efforts of Mr. Morris and his associates to prevent the building of a low bridge over the river were at length crowned with success, and an Act of Legislature passed May 3, 1839, prescribed that the Aqueduct Bridge should be constructed with arches and piers of at least eighty feet span and a hundred

feet in height ; and the magnificent High Bridge is a lasting monument to their perseverance and energy.

Mr. Morris was appointed in 1840 inspector of the Fourth Division of Militia Infantry, with the rank of colonel, a position wliich he held till 1847.

In 1861 Mr. Morris was a member of the War Committee, was appointed colonel of volunteers August 14, 1862, and was instrumental in raising the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment, known as the "Anthony Wayne Guards," later as the Sixth New York Heavy Artillery, and which was afterwards commanded by Colonel (afterwards Brigadier-General,) Wm. H. Morris.

Mr. Morris was president of the New York State Agricultural Society, and has been since 1850 a life member of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.

The estate of Mount Fordham is a portion of the old Manor of Fordham, was purchased by Lewis Morris, grandson of Richard, the first settler, and has descended to its present owner from his ancestors.