It appears that Clinton had sent up a flag of truce from New York, demanding the release of Edmund Palmer, his lieutenant, who had been detected as a spy in the American camp. The brief and emphatic answer of Putnam runs thus:

'' Head Quarters, 7th August, 1777. " Sir : Edmund Palmer, an officer in the enemy's service, was taken as a spy lurking within the American lines. He has been

72 ' HISTORY OF THE

tried as a spy, condemned as a spy, and shall be executed as a spy ; and the flag is ordered to depart immediately.

Israel Putnam."

" P. S. -- He has been accordingly executed."

From this circumstance the hill derived its present appellation. The story of Palmer's sad fate is thus graphically described in the republican paper of Peekskill : --

" In the summer of the year 1780, and for some time preceding and following, on the southern and eastern sides of the hill, and along the rich valley \vhich lies at its base, was quartered a division of the American army under the command of Gen. Putnam. Disaffection and treachery prevailed on every side ; men there were who from fear or from other base causes refused to take part on the side of virtue and patriotism, and remained as neutrals, wavering between each party, and acting as their personal safety seemed most to require. Many, calling themselves Whigs, were constantly endeavoring by covert means to blast the hopes and discourage the gallant few who were struggling at the side of liberty, by giving to their enemies that information of their situation and prospects which they had obtained by the most abject treachery. To destroy these evils required the greatest vigilance and severity on the part of the American commander.