198 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

Breuckelyn’s importance was further increased by its appointment as a market town. The record concerning this is as follows:

“Upon a proposall of having a ffayre or markett in or neare this Citty (New York); It is ordered, that after this season, there shall yearely be kept a ffayre and markett at Breucklyn, near the Berry, for all graine, cattle, or other produce of the country; to bee held the first Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in November, and in the Citty of New Yorke the thursday, ffriday, and Saturday following.”1

A pleasant glimpse of the neighborly feeling existing between the people of the neighboring towns, and of the comparative simplicity of the times, is afforded by the following:

“A recommendation on the bebalfe of Capt. Jacques Corteleau, and the inhabitants of New Utrecht, to the Constables and Overseers of Bruyckline—

Whereas, Capt. Jacques Corteleau, having (through misfortune by ffire) sustained great losses; and being intended speedily to build him another House, towards the effecting of which divers good and Charitable People (his Neighbors round about) have already contributed their Assistance, That the same may be the Sooner accomplished, for his more comfortable accomodation, I do hereby recommend to you, that you encourage the People of yor Towne, to assist him with one Daye's worke, towards perfecting the said Building, this or the next weeke, as he shall direct; and that you likewise assist his Neighbors, in the Neighboring Towne of New Utrecht, in their present distresse lf requested tbereunto by them, in the which you will do a good and Charitable worke: Given under my hand in New Yorke, the 1st day of May, 1675.
E. Andors.2

“To the Constables & Overseers of Breucklyn.
“An assessment on the town of Breuckelen, made up to September, 1676, was levied on 57 persons, who represented 70 polls, 1,232 acres of land, 85 horses, 292 cows, 35 hogs, 38 oxen, and 25 sheep.3

1 Ext. from orders made at Court of Gen’l Assizes, beginning 6th and ending 13th Oct., 1675 (Valentine's Manual, 1845, p. 311). By another clause in this order, all persons and goods going to or coming from this fair, were exempted from arrest for debt. This order was to remain in force for three years from the 24th of March ensuing.

2 Warrants, Orders. and Passes, iii. 90.

3 See Appendix No. 7.