458
There were, at first 35 purchasers. The names of 13 of these are now entirely extinct in theTown . The Christian & Surnames of many of the original settlers are now found to the 4 th 5 th &O^i degree, counting the first as one. Lands that were at first allotted, have descended in the family*and are, after a space of 150 years, occupied by one of the same family and name.
When the town was first settled only a home-lot at the South end of the Town , containing from Hto 13 acres was laid out. This was done on both sides of the Pond, called the “ Town Pond.” Thiswas probably on account of the convenience of getting water for themselves and cattle before theydug wells. It is probable a brook might have discharged itself into the Pond, which, since the landis cleared, has disappeared.
The next lands that was laid out to the Owners, were the Salt Marshes in various parts of theTown . The last of the Woodland was allotted to the owners about 60 years ago.
Excepting the Indian Deed for the Township, there is nothing of an earlier date on Record thanthe following:
“ At a General Court holden at East Hampton, March 7 th 1650 [o. s.] It is ordered, that RalphDayton is to go to Keneticut for to procure the Evidence of our Lands, and for an acquittance forthe payment of our lands, and for a boddie of laws.
“It was alsoe ordered that any man have libertie to sett gunns for to kill wolves, but not withinhalf a mile of the town” &c. “ No man shall sett any gun, but he shall look to it while the starsappear, and take the gunn up by the sunrising, and no man shall sell any dog or bitch, young or ouldto any Indian upon the penaltie of paying of 30s.”
Various town laws, similar to the above are on Record. They are styled “ Orders.” Many of themare relative to laying out vacant lands, making roads, destroying noxious animals &c. in short, lawsthat were necessary in a new settlement.
The Indian Deed for the land is on Record. It is from the four Indian Sachems, Paggatacut, ofManhansett: Wayandanch of Miantacutt: Momoweta of Corchaki: JVowedonah of Shinacock.
It is dated April 29 th 1648, and conveys the land, to the “Eastward of Southampton bounds, tothe Worshipful Theophilus Eaton Esquire, Governour of the Colony of New Haven and the Wor-shipful Edward Hopkins Governour of the Colony of Conecticut and their assocyates ... forand in consideration of 20 coats, 24 Looking Glasses, 24 hose, 24 Hatchets , 24 Knives, and one hundredMucxs, already received by US , and reserve unto ourselves free Liberty to fish in all the cricks &ponds, and hunt up and down in the Woods without molestation, giving the English Inhabitants noejust cause of offence: likewise are to have the fynns & tails of all Whales cast up, and desire theymay be friendly dealt with in the other part alsoe to fish for shells to make Wampum of, and if theIndyans, in hunting deer shall chase them into the water and the English shall kill them, the English shall have the bodie and the Sachem the skin.” The witnesses were, Richard Woodhull, ThomasStanton, Robert Bond, Job Sayre and Chectanoo (by his mark) the Interpreter.
There is recorded a receipt from Edward Hopkins to “ Robert Bond—inhabitant of East Hamptonfor £34. 4. 8. being the amount of monies paid for the purchase of the Lands,” and a certificate ofthe delivering to said Bond the writings of the said purchase and all the Interest that was therebypurchased dated 16 th April 1651. On a blank leaf of one of the old Books of Records are seenthese words “ Robert Bond delivered unto the Gov r for the purchase of our Lands, for the towns usethe sum of £1. 3. 10. Robert Bond for his expenses, going to the Mayne land in the Town ’s servicethe sum is £1. 3s. 6'd.” It appears that the purchase was made by these two Governors in trust &in behalf of the Original Settlers of the Town .
The English & Natives appear to have lived on good terms. The lands on the East end of LongIsland as well as the neighbouring Islands—Shelter Island, Gardiners Island, Plum Island & FishersIsland—were purchased of the Natives. Some French writers, I think Raynal , speaks in praise of