The house which commands a fine view of the river, contains among other valuable family relics, the original portrait of General Washington, painted by Stewart for the Hon. Alexander Hamilton j after his death it remained in the possession of Mrs. Hamilton, upon whose decease it passed into the hands of her son -- the present owner. The Hamilton estate formerly belonged to the Odell family. Jonathan Odell, father of the destinguished Colonel John Odell, was residing here in the Autumn of 1776, when the British army, after retiring from White Plains, encamped in the neighborhood.

The enemy, upon their final retreat to New York, arrested Mr. Odell and four of his neighbors as prisoners of war. On their arrival in the city, they were consigned to the provost. Here four of them died of poison, said to have been administered in their food. Jonathan Odell escaped through the kindness of a friend, who daily brought him provisions. Each of the sufferers had sons in the Continental army, which was the cause of this inhuman treatment.

Bordering the river 111 the same vicinity, about two miles south of Tarrytown, a winding lane leads to Sunny Side, the residence of the Hon. Washington Irving. "There is scarcely (observes Mr. Downing,) a building or place more replete with interest in America than the cottage of Washington Irving, near Tarrytown. The legend of Sleepy Hollow, so delightfully told in the sketch book, has made every one acquainted with his neighborhood; and especially with the site of the present building there celebrated as the 'Van Tassel House,' one of the most secluded and delightful nooks on the banks of the Hudson. With characteristic taste, Mr. Irving has chosen this spot -- the haunt of his early days, since rendered classic ground by his elegant pen -- and made it his permanent residence.