"The inhabitants of the village of Fordham are, by a majority of votes, to choose a number of six persons of the best qualified inhabitants, and only those of the Reformed Christian religion, as magistrates of the aforesaid village, and to present the aforesaid nomination, bv the first opportunity to the Governor-General, from which he shall make the election. They are recommended to take care that at least the half oi the nominated are of the Dutch nation. Done in this village of New Harlem, 4th of October, 1673.

" From the nomination of the inhabitants of Fordham, there are elected, by the Governor, as magistrates of said village for the ensuing year.

"JOHANNES VERVEELEM, as Sehefen and Secretary.

a Albiiiv l>epil boo!:-«. In lf.fi8. letters of Adm. wure prruntod to Mat tha Turner, wniiw I'f Lawrciis Ttirii-r, of \V.M-.t;:!i.-=U'r, iu NoriU liiJiug of Yorkshire. Sur. oillce, N. Y., \Vi!;i and AOiu. 1065 to 16S3. No, 1, i>. U.

THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS.

The ancient Dorp, or village of Fordham, according to the annexed 5.i;vt'y, still preserved among the land papers at Albany, stood on or iH-.ir that part of the Westcliester shore of Harlem River now called Rings Bridge, or as the Royal Patent recites -- " near unto ye passage commonly called Spiting Di\'il, upon which land ye New Dorp or village ii erected, known by the name of Fordham." Here John Archer, the first mesne lord, " at his own charge, and \\-ith good success began a township in a convenient place for the relief of strangers, circ 1668, it being the road for passengers to go to and fro from the main, as well as for mutual intercourse with the neighboring colony.''' The old villao-e has long since disappeared -- not a vestige remains behind, save a few bricks and stones which serve to mark its site.