I need not point out to your excellency the consequence of destroying this post, as it was the only establishment of the rebels on that part of the Highlands, and the place from whence any body of troops drew their supplies.""

The Hudson River Rail Road Bridge now crosses the mouth of the Peekskill creek near Annsville, where the old bridge formerly stood, leading to Roa or Rah way Hook. The total length of the latter, which was built of wood, was fourteen hundred and ninety-six feet. Upon the highest ground of Rahway Hook stood "Fort Independence Hotel," erected by Col. Pierre Van Cortlandt some years ago. From its elevated position this spot commands a most extensive prospect of the Hudson River and the adjacent country. To the north, rise the majestic Highlands, on the west the race and the towering Dunderbarrack. To the south the waters of the Peekskill bay resemble a vast lake bounded by the Mountains of Rockland and Stony and Verplanck's Points, while on the east appears the village of Peekskill and the Cortlandt hills. In the rear of Col. Van Cortlandt's are situated the remains of Fort Independence, whose history is so ina Supplement to n. Gaines' Military Gazette, Feb. 9, 1778, No. 1372.

l6o HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

separably interwoven with the stirring events of the Revolution. A small portion of its embankments and trenches are yet to be discerned The whole is shaded by a luxuriant grove of native pines. The solitude of this delightful spot is occasionally disturbed by the moaning of the wind among the trees,