The latter, by will, bequeathed the same to his grandson Augustus Morris, '"provided he assumed the name of Van Cortlandt.'' Augustus van Cortlandt subsequently sold the property to Samuel B. Thompson, John F'wing, V/illiam C. Wetmore, and James R.. Whiting. The latter gentleman has recently erected a beautiful stone residence on the western side of the neck, v/hich commands extensive prospects of the Hudson and palisades; the entrance is by a beautiful road that ^^inds through a thick wood to the house. The Van Cortlandt mansion and surrounding property belongs to Samuel B. Thompson, Esq., and is now occupied by the McFarlane family. The western side of Cortlandt's ridge embraces fine views of the Hudson River, palisades and hills stretching northwards. Upon the property of W. C. Wetmore, Esq., there is a celebrated white oak, which stands in the midst of a pretty glade called the " Cl>:o Bov Oak" from the fact that these lawless desperadoes were often suspended from its braiiches.

" Short was their thrift, aud sure the cord."

\Jxo'kthij.

Cortlandt house, the ancient residence of the Van Cortlandt family, stands in the vale below, about one mile north from Kings Bridge, on the road leading to the village of Yonkers. Prior to the purchase of the Philipses, this estate (as before sho\\Ti) formed a portion of the fief of Colen-donck, and was styled the " Old Yonckers." Fro:n the Patroon Adriaen van der Donck, it passed through the hands of various proprietors to the Hon. Frederick Philipse, who sold it to his son-in-law Jacobus van Cortlandt, AD. 1699. Since then, it has been considerably enlarged by other purchases. ■ The whole eight hundred atul fifty acres is now vested in his descendant, Augustus van Cortlandt. Esq., with the exception of one lumdred and five acres which has been laid out by competent engineers, a.s Oloff Park.