The amount of the bequest was $50,000.

Mount Florence was purchased by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd for the purpose of establishing a novitiate for their order. The number of sisters is at present seven. This novitiate is intended for the training

a Religious Soc. Lib. B. p. 4T.

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

of sisters for their future labor in caring for and reforming those of their own sex who have fallen from virtue.

One of the most interesting objects in the village of Peekskill, is the old Birdsall residence, situated directly opposite the Bank. This house, during the American Revolution, was occupied occasionally by General Washington as head-quarters when the army happened to be stationed here. In this time honored mansion the visitor is still shown the sleeping apartments of Washington, and his noble companion in arms -- La Fayette. The furniture occupies nearly the same position as at that day, and the old clock still marks the passing hour as it did seventyseven years ago. The colored woman who waited upon the illustrious visitors, died in 1844. The Rev. George Whitfield also preached in one of the parlors.

The Village landing is pleasantly situated at the foot of a high bank, commanding a fine view of Peekskill Bay, the Dunderbarrach, Rahway Hook, and the entrance to the Highlands; directly opposite is Caldwell's Landing, in Rockland county, with which the Westchester shore is connected by a ferry. Across this ferry the American troops were frequently transported during the Revolution. In the vicinity of the landing there was formerly a silver mine in operation; the following register of its discovery occurs in the Secretary of State's office :