They conveyed him as far as Fishkill village, 19 miles distant ; but loss of blood and the fatigue of his journey, prostrated the powers of nature ; and though he received surgical aid, survived but a few hours. "^
Two miles north of Peekskill is located the property and residence of General Pierre van Cortlandt, who derived his title to this portion of the ancient manor from his brother Gilbert, heir of his grand-aunt, Mrs. Gertrude Beeckman,
The situation of the Van Cortlandt estate is very fine, covering, as it does, some of the most graceful undulations of a hilly district, diversified with the richest scenery.
The old brick mansion erected A. D. 1773, occupies a very sequestered and romantic spot on the north side of the post road, immediately above the vale of Annsville. At one period of the revolution it was occupied by the American] commander-in-chief ^ as head quarters. Here also the Van Cortlandt family for some time found a safe asylum amid surrounding desolation. The interior contains a valuable collection of family portraits, consisting of Catharine, first wife of Gen. Pierre van Cortlandt, eldest daughter of George Clinton, Vice-President of the United States, by Aimes ; General Pierre van Cortlandt, by Collins ; Ann Stevenson, second wife of General Pierre van Cortlandt, by Aimes ; Mrs. Magdalen Stevenson, mother of the above lady, by ditto j Nicholas Giiman, &c.
The bed rooms contain three curious pictures, of full length figures, representing John van Cortlandt as a boy. dressed in a long blue coat reaching to the knees, with large cuffs turned up to the elijows, knee breeches, scarlet stockings, high shoes and silver buckles ; his right hand rests on a stag. Pierre, (afa Weetchefcter and Putnam Republican, Aug. 1838.