“Anne, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Queen, defender of the Faith, &c. To all whom these presents may in any wise concern, sendeth greeting. Whereas the mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the city of New-York, by their petition to our trusty and well-beloved cousin Edward, Viscount Cornbury,[30] our captain general and governor in chief in and over our province of New-York, and territories depending thereon in America, and Vice Admiral of the same, &c. preferred in council; therein setting forth, that they having a right and interest, under divers antient charters and grants, by divers former governors and commanders in chief of our said province of New-York,[31] under our noble progenitors, in a certain ferry from the said city of New-York, over the East River, to Nassau Island, (alias Long-Island) and from the said Island to the said city again, and have possessed the same, and received all the profits benefits and advantages thereof for the space of fifty years and upwards; and perceiving the profits, advantages, and benefits usually issuing out of the same, to diminish, decrease, and fall short of what might be reasonably made of the same, for the want of the bounds and limits to be extended and enlarged on the said Island side, whereby to prevent divers persons transporting themselves and goods to and from the said Island Nassau (alias Long Island) over the said river, without coming or landing at the usual and accustomed places, where the ferry boats are usually kept and appointed, to the great loss and damage of the said city of New-York; have humbly prayed our grant and confirmation, under the great seal of our said province of New-York, of the said ferry, called the Old Ferry, on both sides of the said East River, for the transporting of passengers, goods, horses and cattle, to and from the said city, as the same is now held and enjoyed by the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of New-York, or their under tenant, or under tenants; and also of all that vacant and unappropriated land, from high water mark to low water mark, on the said Nassau Island, (alias Long Island) lying contiguous and fronting the said city of New York, from a certain place called the Wall-about, unto the Red Hook, over against Nutten Island, for the better improvement and accommodation of the said ferry; with full power, leave and license to set up, establish, maintain, and keep one or more ferry, or ferries, for the ease and accommodation of all passengers and travellers, for the transportation of themselves, goods, horses and cattle, over the said river, within the bounds aforesaid, as they shall see meet and convenient, and occasion require; and to