26 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 



From the town records it appears that in 1697, Zachariah Roberts a 

 was allowed by the town, three shillings a day, and half his expenses, 

 and the town further ordered that every man should pay him two pounds 

 of flax for his expenses in going to Connecticut about the said patent. 



In answer to Governor Fletcher's letter of May the 10th, the Gover- 

 nor and general assembly of Connecticut reply May 19th, 1697, that 

 they consider the arguments of New York weak and unsatisfactory, and 

 are therefore, determined to protect these people. h 



May the 31st, 1697, Governor Fletcher and council find just fault 

 with Connecticut for using " such a stile," and assert that Connecticut 

 gave up these towns by arrangement, in 1683, and made no claim to 

 them for twelve years or more, New York is therefore determined to 

 pursue her duty." 



Governor Fletcher addressing the Lords of Trade, the same year, 

 says : — ■ 



"Some time before I came down from Albany, two small towns of Rye 

 and Bedford in West Chester County that ly next to Connecticut being 

 much in arrearyes of taxes have revolted to Connecticut who counte- 

 nance them notwithstanding I found there at my arrival part of this 

 province, and so have continued till now, which is contrary to a stipu- 

 lation made between the Collony and Coll. Dougan An° 1683 under the 

 hands and seals of their Gov nr and assistants : I am loath to make 

 warr upon any of His Majesties subjects and therefore lay this 

 matter before your Lordships: They have invaded us with a 

 Capt n and fifty men armed with Fuzees on Horseback, to disturb 

 the election of a representative, pursuant to the King's writt at the 

 town of Rye. I never found them so forward to give assistance to al- 

 bany, upon the approach of the enemy, notwithstanding my frequent 

 application & the Royal Commands, that did oblige their obedience." 

 (New York, Col. M.S.S., vol. iv, 276.) 



Upon the accession or Lord Bellamont to the government of New 

 York, April, 1698, we find Connecticut sending a delegation to con- 

 gratulate him. In a letter dated May 6th, Lord Bellamont expresses 

 his thanks and good will towards Connecticut, and encloses a letter from 

 the Lords Commissioners of Trade, in regard to Rye and Bedford; he 

 also denies their reasons for countenancing those towns in their revolt. d 



The Earl of Bellamont writing to the Lords of Trade 13th of May, 



a " In 1697 they sent the inevitable Zach. Roberts to confer with Governor Treat of Connecti- 

 cut about being settled under the colony, and paid him 3 shillings a day " for himself and 

 his hors, and paid halfe his expence." After his return Roberts had another town meeting 

 and got an allowance for back-pay in the shape of an assessment of two pounds of flax on 

 each man in the town." Address of Joseph Barrett, July 4, 1S7G— Recorder Katonah. July 7. 

 lS7t>. 



b Bound, letters, No. 147. 



c Bound, letters, No. 149. 



d Bound, letters, No. 146. 



