The battle of White Plains, October 28th, will long be remembered, as will the dismal prospect of that year, when the Patriot Fathers of America had still the courage to declare Independence, and assert the rights of nature and of nations.*1 But though the morning sun of Declared Independence arose thus in a cloud, -- while yet it was morning, Princeton, Trenton and the plains of Saratoga enjoyed a broad refulgence, diffusing new spirits over the nation. And it were well worthy the attention of every American youth to study the history of that war, and thus learn the price paid for Independence ; the better to know how to appreciate its value. Nor ought we to forget that the privileges so dearly purchased, can only be preserved to our posterity, by that zeal for our country which governed the conduct of our fathers, now descended to the grave."6

"The County of Westchester," says Mr. N. P. Willis, "has been made the scene of, perhaps, the best historical novel of our country, and, more than any other part of the United States, suffered from the evils of war. The character and depredations of the '■'Cow-boys" and "Skinners" whose fields of action were on the skirts of this " Neutral Ground," are familiar to all who have read " the Essay'' of Mr. Cooper. A distinguished clergyman" gives the following very graphic picture of Westchester County in those days: -- a July 4th, 1770.

& Stafford's (iazetteer of N. Y. Upon the evacuation of New York by the British forces, Nov. 25, 1 7S3, the Governor of the State and Commander-in-chief were escorted by a body of H'»/.7.'.ff - r I,, <il.' hoi-si , commanded by Captain Delavan," -- JSdUor. c Dr. Timothy D wight's Travels, 3d vol.