James Graham was an alderman of New York in t6So and 16S1. Li

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 449

if'.Sj he was appointed Recorder, and was the first who held that office. Ho afterwards was appointed Attorney Gentral of this province. His si;bse<iucnt career in public life was of the most prominent character, haung filled several high Legislative stations in this city and Province. He removed in the later years of his life to the estate of Mr. Morris at Morrisania which he took on lease and where he dispensed his hospitalities on a magnificant scale. He died in the year 1701, leaving sLx children, by his wife Elizabeth Windebane, of New York."

From Austin Graham this property passed to the Leggetts, who have sold various portions to Mr. Dater, Mr. Dennison and others.

Rose Bank, the charming seat of Mr. William H. Leggett, is situated near the entrance o\ frffc'riTs Nack^ on the banks of the East River, the waters of which appear spread out into a vast lake.

The view in front of the house embraces Riker's Island, the Two Brothers, (called in the Dutch " Gesellen") the entrance of the Gate, and the distant shores of New York city, &:c.' In the Graliam mansion, which formerly stood on the site of Mr. Leggett's farm house, Major Bearmore, a British officer, was surprised by Colonel Armand of the French cavalry. " November 7th, 1779, (says General Heath,) at night, Colonel Armand proceeded with his corps from near Tarrytown to the vicinity of Morrisania, to the house of Alderman Leggett, where he sur-. prised and took Major Bearmore and five other prisoners. The secresy, precaution, gallantry and discipline exhibited by the colonel and his corps on this occasion did them much honor. In the capture of Major Bearmore, the inhabitants of the adjacent country were relieved from the frequent excursions of a troublesome officer." The destruction of the old house took place under the following circumstances : Col.