History of Westchester County, New York, Vol. I
The West Patent remained, undisturbed, and is the foundation of the jjresent title to the region covered by it (now New Castle and a large part of North Castle and a part of Bedford). The suit was probably a scheme of some lawyer, or some person, who was a personal or political opponent of some one or more of the proprietors of the West Patent, for the value of the land then was entirely too little to induce a speculative action. The following is the text of the West Patent from a certified copy of 1734, in the writer's possession.
THE WEST PATENT.
Recorded at the request of Robt. Walters d: others. William the third by the grace of God of England Scotland fi'rance & Ireland King Defender of the ffaith &c, To all to whom these presents shall come or may consern Greeting Whereas -- our Loving Subjects Robert Walters Leigh Attwood Cornelius Depeyster Caleb Heathcote Matthew Clarkson John ChoUwell Richard Slater Lancater Simes Robert Lurting & Barne Copens have by their petitions presented unto our trusty & wellbeloved John Nanfan Esq', our Leiut', Gov', & Commander in Cheif of our Province of New York and the territories depending thereon in America &c.
prayed our Grant & confirmation of a Certain tract of Land in our County of West Chester Bounded Northerly by the Mannor of Courtlandt Easterly with Bedford Line of three Miles Square the white feilds & Byram River Southerly by the Land of John Harrison Rye line Stretching to Byram River afores*, & the White plains & Westerly by Bronckx river &the Mannor of phillipsburgh excepting out of the bounds aforesaid all theLand within Richbells patent now in the tenure & Occupation of Coll Caleb Heathcote which first above named tract of Land was purchased by Caleb Heathcote & others with whom he has agreed excepting James Mott& Henry Disbrowwhom he hath undertaken to Satisfy within which bounds there are by Estimation about five thousand Acres of profitable Land besides Waste & Woodland which reasonable request we being willing to grant Knoii Ye that of our Special Grace certain knowledge & meer motion we have given granted ratified & confirmed and by these presents do for us our heirs & Successors give grant ratify & confirm unto our Said Loving Subjects Robert Walters Leigh Attwood Cornelius Depeyster Caleb Heathcote M.