Whereupon, the aforesaid John Archer being summoned to appear, the complaint is communicated to him, who voluntarily declares that he desists from the government, authority and patroonship of said town, reserving alone the property and ownership oi the lands and houses there ; according, therefore, to the said inhabitants the nomination of their own Magistrates, which is confirmed to them by the Governor and Council, whereupon the following minute is granted them : --

a Ani;iny ];lc. vol. xxiil. 2G-3-2. 6 S;i} Yonker.i.

5oS HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

The inhabitiints of the towii ,of Fordham are hereby authorized to nominate, by phirality of the votes of iheir towu, six of the best qualitied persons, ci- Clusively of the Reformed Christian religion, as magistrates of said town, and t-; present said nomination by the first opportimity to the Governor-General, from •which his Honor will then make the selection ; it is also recommended thum tu pay attention when nominating, that the half, at least of those nominated, be of the Dutch nation.

Dated Isew Harlem. 4th of October, 1673. «

" At a CouncU held in Fort William Hendrick, 15 th June, 1674.

Present : Goterxor-Gexeral A_n*thost Colte, Councillor Cop.xelius SxEEywYCK, Fiscal William Kxtff, and Secretary Xicolaes Batakd, as assumed Councillors."

John Archer requesting by petition, that Johannis Vervelen be ordered to hand over to him (the petitioner) the books concerning the towTi of Fordham. Ordered : --

" Sehout Vervelen is hereby directed to hand over to the Petitioner the books and protocols properly belonging to him."*