This precaution was taken against accidents happeni;ig by fire ; should the city be invaded by an arniy from Great Britain, or British troops, he in such case intended to remove them to his brother's at Yonkers, m the county of Westchester. If the committee of safety shall judge any other place more secure, Mr. Van Coitlaudt will be glad to be informed thereof, that he may communicate the same to the corporation of this city for their approbation.""

lie remains their most obedient himible servant,

AuGusTrrs van Cortlandt.

By the will of the above Augustus van Cortlandt, dated 20th of December, 1S23, he bequeathes his property after the following manner: --

""Whereas, the greatest part of the lands and real estate which T occupj'and hold in the town of Yonkers, was derived to me by inlieritance from my ancestors ; and, whereas I hare lately purchased several tracts and pieces of land also lying in ye said town of Yonkers, which I at present occupy and possess, 6:c. Item, it is my desire that the same remain entire, and pass from time to time to one of my surname and family ; whereupon I do hercbj' give r.Tid devise all my lands and real estate, and all dwelling houses, mills and other buildings thereon in the town of Yonkers, &c., unto my affectionate relations, John Jay and Peter Augustus Jay, and to their heirs for ever, except a certain dwelling house and farm in the said town of Yonkers, and a lot of ground near n\y mill-pond, ic, ■which belonged to my late brother, Frederick van Cortlandt, to hold the same iu trust for the following uses : viz., 1st, To hold tlie same for my son-in-law, Henrj- White, late the husband of my deceased daughter, Anna While, for and during the time of his natural life. 2nd, For and after the ik-cease of my son in-law Ilenr}' While, and in case Augustus, the son of the said Henry White and my Baid deceased daughter shall survive the .said Henry White, then to hold the same for the u.se of the said Augustus, and his heirs and assignees, on condition that from and after my decea.se, he do take and constantly and exclusively use the name of Van Cortlandt, &c., &c."*'