It is probable that at this assembly, which fixed the bounds of the several towns, the names of many of them were altered. The town of Rutsdorpe, was called Jamaica, Amersfort was changed to Flatlands, Middleburgh to Newtown, and Midwout to Flatbush, or Flakkebos, that is, Flat Woods. This name was given to it from its being situated on an apparently level plain, and surrounded on almost every side by woods. But it is here proper to remark, that the ground in and about Flatbush, is far from being a deal level. It is an inclined plane gradually extending and lessening in inclination to its southern boundary. Hence, here are no stagnant pools or marshes, but all surplus water from rains and storms, passes off gradually, but yet in a very short period to the ocean. This renders the situation of the town healthful, and hence it has seldom if ever, been visited with any prevailing epidemic.

The tract of country now comprising the town of Flatbush as we have stated, was originally obtained by purchase from the Canarsee Indians, who were the true and original owners. The first Dutch settlers of the town, in their various purchases of the Indian proprietors, dealt fairly and honorably with them. They did not drive them from their possessions by force, but gave what was then esteemed by themselves to be a valuable consideration, for their lands. This integrity and uprightness of conduct, secured a lasting friendship with the Canarsee Indians, which continued till the total extinction of that Tribe. These purchases were confirmed to the inhabitants of Flatbush by sundry Patents, issued to them by the Dutch and English Governors.

The inhabitants continued in the peaceable enjoyment of these premises thus obtained, without any claim, hindrance or molestation, from any person or persons, until the year 1670, when Eskemoppas, Sachem of Rockaway, and his two brothers, laid claim to the same, as the true Indian owners and proprietors thereof. There can be no doubt, that this claim was ill founded, but the Dutch inhabitants of the town for the purpose of quieting the title to their possessions, consented to take a conveyance from him and his two brothers, for which they paid a valuable consideration, which is set forth in a schedule subjoined to their deed. It may be gratifying to some to know the terms of this purchase, and the contents of this ancient document. The Deed is as follows:—"To all christian people to whom this present writing shall come: Eskemoppas, Sachem of Rockaway, upon Long Island, Kinnarimas and Ahawaham, his brothers, send greeting: Whereas they the said Sachem, Eskemoppas and his two brothers, aforementioned, do lay claim to the land now in the tenure and occupation of the inhabitants of Midwout, alias Flatbush, as well as to other lands thereto adjacent, as the right born Indian owners, and proprietors thereof: Know ye, that for, and in consideration of certain sums of seewant, a certain sum of wampum and divers other goods (hereinafter specified,) unto the said Sachem, and his brothers, in hand paid, and received, from Adrian Hegeman, Jacob Stryker, Hendrich Jorise and Jan Hansen, for and on behalf of themselves and the rest of the inhabitants of Midwout, alias Flatbush, the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge, and themselves to be fully satisfied and paid: Have given, granted, contracted and sold, and by these presents, freely and absolutely do give, grant, bargain and sell, unto the said Adrian Hegeman, Jacob Stryker, Hendrick Jorise and Jan Hansen, for and in behalf of themselves and the inhabitants aforesaid, their heirs aud successors: All that parcel and tract