At the time of the Leisler regime, the responsibility for the government of the province was temporarily committed to him and Philipse by the departing lieutenant-governor, Nicholson, and, although a kinsman of assumption of authority, an Leisler's, he firmly resisted the hitter's act which for a time endangered his life, so that he was obliged to flee from the city. He was later one of the justices of the Supreme Court of the province, and for several months previously to his death was its chief justice. " He was prominent in all the treaties and conferences with the Indians as a member of the council, and was noted for his influence with them. His letters and dispatches to Governor Andros, and to the different boards and officers in England charged with the care of the colonies and the management of their affairs, remain to show his capacity, clear-headedness, and courage. Equally esteemed and confided in by the governments of James as duke and king, and by William and Mary in the troublous times in which he lived, and sustained by all the governors, even though, as in Bellomont's case, they did not like him personally, no skill, and integrity." of his greater He died proof on thecould 25th beof adduced November, 1700.ability, Under date of November 10, 1077, Yan Cortlandt received from Governor Andros a license authorizing him to acquire such lands " on the east side of Hudson's River " as " have not yet been pur-

HISTORY

WESTCHESTER