The History of the Several Towns, Manors, and Patents of the County of Westchester, Vol. II (1881 revised ed.)

" I have used some endeavors to persuade the Dutcli in my neighborhood, into a good ophiion of the Church of England ; and have had that success, that they would, I believe, join, a great part of them, in the sacraments and worsliip, had they Dutch common prayer-books, and a minister that understood their language. I have taken some pains with one of their ministers, one jlr. lleuricus Ueyse, and have prevaik^d on him to accept of Episcopal ordination. I think him a nuni of the best learning we hiivc in this part of the world, and I believe he may Ik.' ranked among the men of letters in the other, but I must acquaint you tliat he

has had some falling out with liis parishoncrs For my part 1 do beheve ho

is most falsely accused, I have observed his life, and have found nothing in it in-egularor unbecoming his character. The Dutch of best figure have a value for him, and allow him to be the gi-eatest master of the Dutcli tongue they have among them; aud those in my neighborliood esteem hiui very much. If the Society think fit to employ him, I shall add to what they give, £lij per annum, for three years ; aud I believe he will do great service, and I doubt not ycu will find him worth j^our acquaiiitance and favor. If the Society would send about fifty Dutch common prayer books, I believe they would sell ; and the money might be returned or paid to their missionaries, as they thouglit proper. This ■would be doing a great good, at a cheap rate. This, sir, is what offers at present from Sir, Your affectionate, humble servant,