THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK. 



465 



small mound upon the south. " The use of these excavations it is im- 

 possible to imagine, unless we suppose them to have been used by the 

 aborigines in defence ; an idea that is rather favored by the circular 

 mound on the south, as if made purposely to receive the palisade." The 

 site of other Indian works are very apparent on the west side of Heath- 

 cote Hill. We have shown that the lands belonging to this town were 

 originally purchased of the native Indians, by the Dutch West India 

 Company, in 1640. Their next proprietor was John Richbell, who ap- 

 pears from the following document to have been united with two others, 

 all at that time residents of the Island of Barbadoes, W. L, in the pur- 

 chase and settling of a Plantation in the south-western part of New 

 England, A.D. 1657: 



" Instructions delivered Mr. John Richbell hi order to the intended set- 

 tlement of a Plantation in the south-west parts of New England, in be- 

 half of himself and of subscribers : " 



' ' God sending you to arrive safely in New England our advice is that you in- 

 f orme yourself e fully by sober understanding men of that parte of land which ly- 

 eth betwixt Connecticott and the Dutch Collony and of the seacoast belonging 

 to the same and the Islands that lye bettwixt Long Island and the Maine, viz. : 

 within what government it is, and of what kinde that government is, whether 

 very strict or remisse, who the Chiefe Magistrates are, on what termes ye Indians 

 stand with them, and what bounds the Dutch pretend to, and being satisfyed in 

 these particulars, (viz. ) that you may with security settle there and without of- 

 fence to any. Then our advise is that you endeavor to buy some small Planta- 

 tion that is already settled and hath an house and some quantity of ground 

 cleared and which lyeth so as you may enlarge into the woods at pleasure in 

 each, be sure not t o fayle of these accommodations. 



I. That it be near some navigable Ryver, or at least some safe port or harbor, 

 and that the way to it be neither longe or difficult. 



II. That it be well watered by some running streame or at least by some fresh 

 ponds and springs near adjoining. 



III. That it be well wooded which I thinke you can hardly misse of. That it 

 be healthy high ground, not boggs or fens for the hopes of all consists in that 

 consideration. 



Being thus fitted with a place look carefully into the title and be sure to have 

 all pretenders satisfied before you purchase, for to fall into an imbroylid disput- 

 able title would trouble us more than all other charges whatsoever. Having 

 passed these difficult yes and your family brought in the place direct your whole 

 forces towards the increase of provision which must be according to their sea- 

 sons, for planting of corne, pease, beanes and other provisions which the country 

 affords, increasing your orchards and gardens, your pastures and inclosures ; and 

 for ye familyes employment in the long winter be sure by the first opportunity 

 to put an acre or two of hemp-seed into the ground, of which you may in the 

 winter make a quantity of canvass and cordage for your own use. In the fall- 



