Even the Declaration of Independence and the immortal proclamation of the rights of men would all have been in vain, but for the sword. Wielded in a righteous cause the light of justice flashes from the shining blade, and as the very impersonation of the patriotic spirit of those times the poet still sings "The Sword of Bunker Hill!" And so we present the sword hilt of our hero, a photo representation of the blade of steel which the gallant Colonel Hammond who commanded the troops of this Manor carried durincr the stormy days of the Revolution, as

a fitting initial to this story.

Apparently, William Hammond is the first of the name appearing upon this Manor, his marriage with Ester Storm being recorded in

'

HISTORICAL SKETCHES.

the books of the old Dutch Church, date of November 4, 1714. The following' is the record of their children so far as it there appears :

Isaac, bapt. Nov. 11, 1720.

MariTje, bapt. Apr. 23, 1723. ,

Abram, bapt. Apr. 10, 1725.

Jacobus (James), bapt. June 20, 1727.

William Hammond was a prominent man in the community, and probably resided on the place east of the County House afterward owned and occupied by his son, Colonel James Hammond. In 1755 he was the Captain of the upper part of the Manor. In a census of the slaves of that district, which is published in the Documentary' History' of New York, and winch is signed William Hammond, Captain, he reports : "Twenty negro men and eleven negrois women." In the tax list of 1732, Captain Win. Hammond was assessed at ^18. Was a Fence Viewer in 1742, and had doubtless held other offices on the Manor. Was also an Elder in the old Dutch Church.