USA > New York > Gazetteer of the State of New York: embracing a comprehensive view of the geography, geology, and general history of the State, and a complete history and description of every county, city, town, village, and locality, Part 2 > Part 85
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8 Named from Bedfordshire, England, whence many of the early settlers came. It formed part of the territory known as Rippowarns. Privilege of plantation was granted under the present name by a court of election held at Hartford, Conn., May 11, 1682. In 1697 a patent was granted by Conn. to the town. In 1700 the royal approval was obtained to the survey
of 1683 and '84, by which Bedford and Rye were included in New York; and in April, 1704, a patent with town privileges was granted by that colony. In 1690 there were 31 proprietors residing in town.
4 County courts are held alternately bere and at White Plains. The village was burned in the Revolution by a party of British light horse, on their route to Fairfield, Conn. By an act passed April 11, 1785, courts were ordered to be held in the Presb. church nntil the courthouse should be rebuilt, or till the fur- ther order of the Legislature.
6 The title to 5,115 acres of land in this town became invested in Jacobus Van Cortlandt at an early period. This estate was divided in 1743, Frederick Van Cortlandt receiving 1.424, Abram De Peyster 1,110, Jobn Chambers 1,282, and Peter Jay 1,299 acres. Gov. John Jay, a son of Peter Jay, became invested with a large portion of the last mentioned allotment. The estate is still owned by his descendants. On a tract known as "the Hop Grounds" are still living many families of the same name as the first purchasers. Among these are families named Green, Miller, Holme, Roberts, Ambler, Clark, Ayers, Westcott, Simpkin, Mead, Webb, Clason, and Higgins. Tradition locates in this town the scene of a bloody engagement fought in Feb. 1644, between the Dutch and Indians, in which 500 of the latter perished.
6 3 M. E., 2 Prot. E., 2 Presh., and Bap.
7 Named from the original patentee.
8 Named from Antoine De Ilooge, Sec. of Rensselaerwyck .- Benson's Memoirs, p. 40.
9 Among these minerals are epidote, sphene, and sulphate of barytes. In opening the R. R. tunnel through Anthonys Nose, beautiful flat bexagonal crystals of calcite were found.
10 There were in Ang. 1858. 34 establishments worked as sepa- rate yards, 11 of which used steain power and 9 made pressed brick. This business began here about 1812-15, and was most thriving from 1847 to 1854. Large quantities of these brick were used on the Croton Aqueduct. The business gives employ-
699
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
Peekskill,1 (p. v., ) upon Peekskill Bay, in the N. w. part of the town, was incorp. April 17, 1816. It is situated in an elevated valley surrounded by heights which afford extensive views of the river. It contains 10 churches, the Peekskill Academy, 4 boarding schools, a bank, newspaper office, and several manufactories .? It is connected by a steam ferry with Caldwells Landing, and by a daily steamer and line of sloops with New York. It is a station upon the H. R. R. R. Pop. 3,538. Verplancks Point, (Verplanck p. o.,) upon the IIudson, near the center of the w. border of the town, was laid out in 1836. It contains a church, steamboat landing, several im- portant brick manufactories, and 1,456 inhabitants.3 Croton' (Croton Landing p. o.) is a R. R. station, in the s. part of the town. It contains 4 churches, a rolling inill, wire mill, and several brick- yards. Pop. 400. Crugers5 (Boscobel p. o.) is a landing and R. R. station, 4 mi. s. of Peekskill. Annsville, a small village on Peekskill Creek, contains a church and wire mill.6 Cortland- ville, near the Van Cortlandt mansion, contains a church, a planing mill, and about 20 houses. Oregon, on the line of Putnam co., contains a rolling mill and a wire mill. Mount Airy, E. of Croton, is a hamlet. Croton Point' is a peninsula in the s. part of the town, devoted chiefly to vineyards. Montroses Point is a peninsula s. of Verplancks and separated from it by Meanagh Creek. Daniel Birdsall, Nathaniel Brown, Joseph Travis, and Capt. Isaac Conklin settled at Peekskill, in 1764.8 There are 18 churches in town.º
EAST CHESTER10-was recognized as a town March 7, 1788. It is an interior town, lying in the s. part of the co. Its surface is broken by ridges extending N. and s. and separated by narrow valleys. Bronx River,11 forming the N. boundary, and Hutchinsons or East Chester Creek, 12 forming a portion of the E. boundary, are the principal streams. The soil is a sandy and gravelly loam, with some alluvium along the river intervalcs. Marble is extensively quarried along the w. border.13 The llarlem R. R. extends along the valley of the Bronx, and the N. Y. & N. 11. R. R. crosses the s. part of the town at nearly right angles to the hills, requiring heavy cuttings and embankments. A portion of the territory of the town is public land, under the management of 3 trustees. East Chester, (p. v.,) at the head of sloop navigation on Hutchinson Creck, con- tains 2 churches and 551 inhabitants. Mount Vernon, (p. v.,) a station at the junction of the Harlem and N. H. R. R.s, was incorp. Dec. 13, 1853. It contains 4 churches, several private schools, and 1,161 inhabitants. West Mount Vernon contains 630 inhabitants; East Mount Vernon 275 inhabitants; and Waverly and Washingtonville are suburban villages, inhabited principally by mechanics and men doing business in New York. Bronx- ville, (p. v., ) on the line of Yonkers, is a R. R. station, and contains a manufactory of carriage axles. Tuckahoe (p. v.) is a R. R. station, near the marble quarries. Burpos Corners is a small settlement on the N. border. Fleetwood and Jacksonville are places projected
ment to 1,350 men, and turns out 80.000,000 to 90,000,000 of | owners. The ship Vulture anchored opposite this point Sept. bricks annually. The pressed brick made liere are known in 21. 1780, with André's mission. niarket as "Croton fronts," and sell at from $8 to $3 per M. There is a small firebrick manufactory at Peekskill, using clay from N. J.
I Named from Jan Peek .- Benson's Mom. p. 39; Bolton's West Chester, I, 62. The vicinity was called Sachus, or Sackhoes, by the natives, and the stream, Magrigaries.
2 Among the manufactories are 6 iron founderies, chiefly en- gaged in the manufacture of atoves and plows, and giving em- ployment to 300 men; 2 machine shops, 2 tobacco factories, a pistol and gun factory, tannery. and gin distillery.
8 Named from the family of Verplancks, former owners. This point lies opposite Stony Point: and upon it Fort La Fayette was erected during the Revolution. King's Ferry, a part of an important military route. was between the two points. The fort was captured by the enemy, under Sir Henry Clinton in person, June 1, 1779. but was abandoned Oct. 21 of that year. Col. Livingston held command of this place in 1780, at the time of Arnold's treason; and the headquarters of Gen. Washington were located here for some time. This locality wag called by the Indians " Meanagh," and was sold to Stephanns Van Cortlandt in 1683, with the lands E .. called "Appamachpogh." A stall creek N. was called " Tammo-six." The purchase was . confirmed by patent. with a quitrent of 2 bushels of wheat. About 1734 it was held by Jolin Lent, at an annual rent of one Imponer-corn .- Bolum's Hist. 1.94. The population mentioned in the text is much less in winter.
4 Formerly called " CUdverg Landing."
5 Named from Col. John P. Cruger, whose estate, including Ocawana I-land. is adjacent. .. Baral" (the original naine) was the residence of Staats Morris Dycknian.
6 Cortlandt Bridge, across the innuth of Peekskill Creek, is 1.496 feet long. Upon the point at the mouthi of the creek are the remains of Fort Independence. During the Revolution two British vessels were sunk opposite this point. and about 40 years since several cannon were raised from them by diving bells.
8 The first store was built by Daniel Birdsall, in the vicinity of the Middle Dock. Capt. Swim is said to have sailed the first sloop from Pemart's Dock, in 1773 .- Bolton's Westchester, I, 62. Many stirring events of the Revolution occurred in this vici- nity, and the country suffered much from the enemy's incur- sions. In March. 1777. Col. Bird landed with 500 men. and the few Americans stationed here fired the storehouses and retired. In Sept. 1777, the whole village was racked and burned. Ed- mund Palmer, a tory spy, was hanged on Gallows Ilill, 2 mi. N. of the village; and Daniel Strang, another spy from the enemy, was executed on a pear tree near the present academy. John l'aulding, one of the captors of Andre, was a native of this vil- lage. and received from the State a farm in this town. ITis remains repose in the Episcopal graveyard, 2 mi. N. of the vil lage, where a neat monument was erected, at the expense of the corporation of New York, in 1527 ; and the work was completed with imposing ceremonies Nov. 22 of that year. Gen. Pierre Van Cortlandt formerly resided 2 mi. x. of Peekskill; and at this place Gen. McDougal posted his advanced guard when the enemy took possession of Peekskill in March. 1777. East of the Van Cortlandt mansion stands St. Peter's Church, an old, di- lapidsted building, erected in 1767. The united parishes of St. Peter's and St. Philip's were endowed by Col. Beverly Robinson, and the title was confirmed Mar. 27, 1794. The property has been sold by order of the court of Chancery, and the avails equally divided between the two churches.
9 4 Friends, 4 M. E., 3 Prot. E., 2 Presb., Bap., Wes. Meth., Prot. Meth .. Ref. I'rot. D., and R. C.
10 Auciently called " Hutchinums." and afterward " The Ten Forms." It's present name was used as early as 1656 .- Ballon's Westchester. I, 12).
II Named by the Indians " Aquchung."
12 Named by tho Indians "Aqueanotinck."
18 The marble is of the variety called dolomite. The N. Y. Cnstoin House aud the City Hall at Brooklyu were built of this material. The Custom House at New Orleans is being con-
" By the Indians called Senasqua Neck, and long known as "Tellers Point," from Win. Teller and Sarah his wife, firet ! structed of stone from these quarries.
700
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
by building associations. This town appears to have been a favorite residence of the natives ; and when first settled by the whites it contained traces of former occupation. The Indian title was ac- quired in 1654 and confirmed in 1654, 1666, and 1700. Thos. Pell, the purchaser, granted it to James Eustis and Philip Pinkney, of Fairfield, Conn., and their associates. In 1665, 26 persons signed a covenant for the security of their mutual rights.1 The settlers were incorp. by patent, March 9, 1666,2 and for many years were engaged in a controversy with Westchester concerning the bounds of their grant. A house was fortified in Oct. 1675, as a place of refuge from Indians. The first schoolhouse was agreed upon in 1683 ; and the site has ever since been occupied for this purpose. A townhouse was voted in 1685. East Chester was celebrated for the interest it took in behalf of Leisler.' The Cong. church of this town was formed in 1665 ; and a place of worship was built about 1700." The town suffered greatly in the Revolution, from its being the middle ground between the opposing armies. A farm of 252} acres was granted in this town to David Williams, one of the captors of Andre, June 16, 1783. He afterward removed to Schoharie co., where he died.
GREENBURGHIS -- was formed March 7, 1788. It lies on the w. border of the co., s. of the center. Its surface is much broken by hills parallel to the Hudson, and separated by narrow val- leys, through which flow several streams, the principal of which is Neperhan or Sawmill Creek. Hudson River forms the w. boundary, and Bronx River the E. The soil is clay and sandy loam. Several marble quarries are worked near the Hudson. Hastings, (Ilastings upon Hudson p. o.,) near the s. w. corner, a station on the H. R. R. R. and a steamboat landing, contains 2 churches, steam marble works, limekilns, and a limited number of manufactories. Pop. 1,135. Dobbs Ferry,6 (p. v., ) a station on the II. R. R. R. and a landing on the river, contains 3 churches and 1,040 inhabitants. Irvington,7 (p. v.,) a station on the II. R. R. R. and a landing on the river, contains 2 churches and 599 inhabitants. Tarrytown,8 (p. v.,) on the N. border, a steamboat landing and a station on the II. R. R. R., contains 4 churches, the Pawling Insti- tute, and about 2,000 inhabitants. Harts Corners, (Moringville p. o.,) a station on the Harlem R. R., is a hamlet; Middletown is a settlement below Tarrytown; Halls Cor- ners,9 a neighborhood in the N. part; Ashford, a settlement 3 mi. below; Abbotsford, a locality near Dobbs Ferry; and Greenville, a neighborhood in the s. part. The first Indian purchase was made in 1649. In 1662 Connecticut bought all the Indian lands w. to the North River, and in 1681-82-84 Frederick Philipse bought the lands now included in this and other towns which, by Patent of 1693, were formed into the Philipsburgh Manor. In 1779 they were forfeited by the attainder of Col. F. Philipse and sold for small sums to the former tenants, 10 under a pre-emption clause in the general act of May 12, 1784, for the sale of confiscated estates. The census reports 6 churches in town.11
HARRISON12-was formed March 7, 1788. It is an interior town, near the E. border, s. of the center of the co., its N. E. corner touching the line of Conn. Its surface is generally level. Biind
1 Thos. and Richard Shute, Nathaniel and John Tompkins, Thos. and John A. Pinkney, Joseph Joans, John and Moses Iloitt, James Eustis, Daniel Godwin, Wm. Squire, David Os- burn, John Goding, Samuel and John Drake, John and Moses Jackson, Nathaniel White, Wm. Haidon, Jolin Gay, Richard Hoadley, Henry Fowler, John Emory, and Jobn Clarke were the signers of this agreement.
2 Philip Pinkney, James Eustis, and Wm. Haidon were named in this patent; and these persons resigned their trust to the inhabitants soon after.
8 Bolton's Westchester, I, 135.
4 Tbe census reports 8 churches in town ; 3 M. E., 2 Ref. Prot. D .. Bap., R. C., and Univ.
5 In the Dutch "Greinburgh," literally "Graln town." In some early deeds it Is called " Lawrence's Plantatiou;" and by the Indians, Weckquaskeck, Weckquoesqueeck, Wiequoeshook,- in pure Algonquin, Weic-quoes-guck, the place of the hark kettle .- Bolum's Hist. Westchester Co., I, p. 163. This town was inhabited by a powerful tribe of Indians known as the Wick- quoes-quicks, called by the English Wickers Creeks; and until the middle of the last century the natives were numerous. A cold bloxled murder of an Indian was avenged 20 years after- ward by his nephew, in Sept. 1691. The Dutch attempted to retaliate. but without success. In Feb. 1641, the Mohawks made a descent upon these Indians, wbo fled to the Dutch for protection. The soldiers of the fort by night crossed to New Jer- sey, where the Indians had assembled. and wantonly butchered nearly 100: and 30 were murdered at Corlears Ilook. This barbarity aronaed Il tribes to vindictive war. in which the Dutch settlements around Fort Amsterdam were laid waste. A peace was agreed upon April 22, 1643, but was not fully established for many years.
" Named from a family of this name who were early settlers and kept a ferry. The first interview between Arnold and André was to have taken place here; but, for some reason, it did not. The British commissioners sent up to obtain Andre's release had their interview here with Gen. Greene. Gen. Washington and Gov. Clinton here met Gen. Tarleton, at the close of the war, in 1783.
7 Named from Washington Irving, whose quaint Dutch home- stead, "Sunny Side," is a short distance above. The village was formerly called "Dearmans," or " Dearmans Landing."
8 From "Tarwe," wheat; and, by the natives, Alipconck, or Place of Elins. By an act of May 1, 1786, a tract of 2 acres for a burial place, 100 acres for a glebe to the Ref. Prot. D. church, and 17 acres to the Prot. E. church, were confirmed. The vil- lage is pleasantly situated opposite the widest part of the Tap- pan Zee. The site of Andre's capture, marked by a handsome monument, dedicated Oct. 7, 1853, is about three-fourths of a mi. N. E. from the station.
9 Near the Presb. church is the monument to Isaac Van Wart, one of the capturers of Major Andre,-erected by the citizens of the co., June, 1829.
10 Among these were families named Van Tassel, Van Wert, Odell, Lawrence, Post, Archer, Ilart, Acker, Dyckman, and Reqna.
11 2 M. E., 2 Ref. Prot. D., Prot. E., and Bap.
12 Sometimes called " Harrisons Precinct," or "The Purchase." Prior to 1774 it formed one of the six precincts of Rye Parish .- Bolton's Westchester, I, 246. It was named fromn John Harrison, who purchased it from the Indians Feb. 1, 1695, and confirmed to Wm. Nicolls, John Harrison, and others, June 25, 1696. It was formed a separate precinct by act of March 9, 1774.
701
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
Brook1 forms a part of the E. boundary, and Mamaroneek Creek a part of the w. Rye Pond? lies on the N. border, and St. Mary's Pond on the w. The soil is a fertile, gravelly loam. Purchase, (Harrison p. o.,) in the N. part, is a hamlet, containing 2 Friends' meeting houses. The first set- tlement commenced at an early period. The census reports 2 Friends' meeting houses3 in town.
LEWISBORO'-was formed March 7, 1788, as " Salem." Its name was changed to " South Salem" April 6, 1806, and to its present name Feb. 13, 1840. A part of North Salem was an- nexed April 26, 1844. It lies on the E. border, near the N. E. corner, and forms the eastern angle of the co. Its surface is much broken and in places mountainous. Croton River forms its w. boundary. Cross River flows through a small portion of the central southern part. Waecaback Lakes and North and South Ponds are in the N. part, and Cross Pond is on the line of Poundridge. The soil is a clayey and sandy loam. South Salem, (p. v.,) in the E. part, is a scattered vil- lage, containing a church and 15 houses. Cross River, (p. v.,) in the s. corner, contains 2 churches, several manufactories, and 20 houses. Goldens Bridge (p.o.) is a station on the Harlem R. R. Vista, (p. o.,) in the s. E. corner, is a small settlement. Lewisboro (p. o.) is in the s. part. Settlement was commeneed under the authority of Connecticut, at an early period. This region was the scene of several Revolutionary incidents.6 There are 7 churches in town.7
MAMARONECK8-was recognized as a town March 7, 1788. It lies upon L. I. Sound, in the s. E. part of the co. Its surface is broken by low ridges of gneiss, generally extending N. and s. Mamaroneck Creek, forming the E. boundary, and its tributary, Sheldrake Creek, are the prin- cipal streams. The coast is deeply indented by several bays, which divide it into numerous penin- sulas and headlands. Mamaroneck, (p. v.,) near the head of Mamaroneck Bay, is partly in Rye. It contains 2 churches, (Prot. E. and M. E.,) and several manufactories not at present in operation. Orienta,' Washingtonville, Chatsworth,1º and Hickory Grove are village plats and prospective villages. Kelloggsville, on the line of New Rochelle, has an extensive tide mill. The Indian title was obtained in 1640 and in 1662. John Richbell received a ground brief from the Dutch, and letters patent from Gov. Lovelace, Oct. 16, 1668, to three necks of land, at a quitrent of 8 bushels of winter wheat. In 1700 Caleb Heatheote acquired title to most of the castern neck, with other lands, which was confirmed March 21, 1701. A portion descended in marriage to James De Lancey, afterward Governor of the colony, and ancestor of the present Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Western New York. Settlement began about 1660; and the village of Mamaroneck is one of the most ancient in the co. The town records date back to 1697 ; they were suspended from April, 1776, to April, 1785. During this period numerous events of historical interest occurred in this town. The day before the battle of White Plains, Col. Small- wood surprised and cut off a large body of the enemy under Major Rogers, stationed upon Nelson Hill. Col. White, of the Continental army, was overtaken near this place by Lieut. Hickford, and some thirty stragglers, who had taken refuge upon the ice, were killed.
MORRISANIA1-was formed from West Farms, Dee. 7, 1855. It is the s. w. corner town of the eo., lying upon Harlem River, contiguous to New York. Its surface is broken by several low ridges which extend N. and s. Most of its surface is occupied by village plats laid out since the extension of railways, and is inhabited by persons doing business in New York. Morrisania, (p. v., ) a R. R. station, in the N. E. corner, contains the St. Joseph's Ursuline Convent, an academy and free school, and 2,587 inhabitants. Mott Haven, (p. v.,)12 opposite Harlem, contains 2
1 Called hy the Indians Mockquams.
? This pond covers 210 acres, and abounds in pickerel. It discharges into Broux River; and it was at one time proposed to take this water to supply New York City.
3 One of these was built before the Revolution, and was used by the Americans during the war as a hospital.
+ Named from John Lewis, a prominent citizen. Its northern part formed a portion of Cortlandt Manor: and on its division in 1734 the part in this town fell to the share of Stephen Van Cortlandt, Gertrude Beckman, Margaret Boyd, and -Skinner. Its eastern part is included in the Oblong. See p. 269.
5 This like covers 212 acres, and, with the adjacent ponds, is fed by springs and rivuleta from Great Long Pond Mountain. Beavers inhabited its shores as late as 1837.
6 Maj. Andre was conducted to the headquarters of Col. Jameson, in North Castle, and thence, in charge of Maj. Tall- madge, to Col. Sheldon's queirters, in this town. From this place he fuldressed Gen. Washington, disclosing his true name and rank. The house where he was detained is still preserved.
7 2 M. E .. Meth. Prot., Prot. F .. , Presb., Bap., and Friends.
8 Pronounced both Mam-a ro'neck and Mam-ar'o-neck. The latter is more generally used, and is often contracted to "Mor-
neck" or "Mar-neck," in common speech. It has heen variously written Momoronack, Mamarinck, Merinack, and Momoronuck It has heen hy somne supposed to signify "the place of rolling stones."-Bolton's Westchester, I, 282. There was an Indian chief of this name, who resided upon the Croton.
9 Formerly called " Mamaroneck Point," "Great Neck," and "De Lanceys Neck." The eastern part of this neck is called Seamans Point, from Giles Seaman, former owner. The natives called it Waumalnuck. The modern name "Edgewater" has been applied to this place. The western part is called "Long Beach Point."
10 Near this place is a rocking stone, estimated to weigh 150 tons, which may he moved by the hand.
11 A town of this name was formed March 7, 1788, and annexed to Westchester Feb. 22, 1791. It was named in honor of Gou- verneur Morris, whose estate was situated in the town.
12 Named from Jordan L. Mott, principal founder of the works. Steel works have heen erected near the rail road bridge. By Act of March 31, 1790, Lewis Morris was allowed to build a toll bridge at this place across Harlem River. He assigned his right to Jolin B. Coles, who was allowed, March 24, 1795, to build a dam in Harlem River, with locks, and liability for damages.
702
WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
churches, an extensive iron foundery, and 843 inhabitants. Port Morris,1 upon the Sound, has a harbor of 60 ft. depth ; and it is proposed to land vessels here that draw too much water to enter New York Harbor. A branch of the Harlem R. R. 2} mi. long connects this plaec with Melrose. Wilton, Old Morrisania, East Morrisania, West Morrisania, South Mel- rose, East Melrose, Eltona, Woodstock, Claremont, and High Bridgeville, are suburban village plats. A tract known as Broncks Land,2 granted by Gov. Nieoll to Jonas Broneks, was sold to Richard Morris in 1668; and on May 8, 1697, Lewis Morris obtained a patent for the township or Manor of Morrisania, with a quitrent of 6 shillings. Prior to the Revolution it formed one of the precincts of Westchester parish. Early in the war a division of the American army was stationed here; but after the disasters of Long Island it retired northward, and British troops were posted there, but not without annoyance from partisan eorps. The dwellings at Mor- risania were burned the same day as was the courthouse at White Plains.
MOUNT PLEASANT-was formed March 7, 1788. Ossining was taken off in 1845. It lies upon the Hudson, near the center of the w. border of the eo. Its surface is broken by high ridges, the principal of which are Buttermilk and Chappequa Hills. Bronx River forms the E. boundary ; and Neperhan and Pocantico Rivers flow obliquely across the town. The soil is a clayey and sandy loam, well adapted to cultivation. There are several marble quarries in town.3 Pleasantville,' (p. v.,) near the N. line, contains 2 churches and 358 inhabitants. Union- ville, (Neperhan p. o.,) a station upon the Harlem R. R. contains 97 inhabitants. Beek- mantown, on Poeantico River, in the s. w. part of the town, is a suburb of Tarrytown. It con- tains 5 churches, the Irving and Tarrytown Institutes, and about 1,500 inhabitants. Sleepy Hollow,5 Upper Cross Roads, and Lower Cross Roads are hamlets. This town was included in the Manor of Philipsburgh, granted to Frederick Philipse; and by his will, dated Dec. 9, 1702, he granted to his son Adolph the portion of the manor N. of Dobbs Ferry, including this town. The title descended to his son Frederick, and was forfeited by the attainder of a son of the latter of the same name in 1779. One of the principal grantees under the State was Gerard G. Beeckman. Many Revolutionary associations are connected with this town; and several encounters took place within its limits. The census reports 6 churches in town.6
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