Notwithstanding the disparity of numbers was great, and the measure absolutely necessary, it was with the utmost reluctance they retired to the pass. As usual, these heroes of Britain have burnt some houses, plundered the inhabitants of what they could conveniently take with them, frightened the w^omen and children, and raised the spirits of their tory brethren in that quarter, but which, alas, as is always the case when unnaturally elevated, are now again proportionably depressed."

The old oak tree east of the Van Cortland t residence, served the purpose of a military whipping post.

Upon the summit of a high knoll, south east ot the Yan Cortlandt residence, stands the Episcopal Church of St. Peter's. This humble structure was erected A. D. 1767. The site and the adjoining grave-yard were the gift of the Johnson family.

St Pelcr'ri Church and ihe Tomb of I'aulding.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 79

In the possession of Mr. James Brown, of Peekskill, is the following indenture, bearing date 23d of March, 1750, between Andrew Johnson, of Perth Amboy, East Jersey, of the first part, and Caleb Hall, Joseph Travis and Palatiah Haws, of the second :

Wherein the former party for the value of £5, conveys to the latter a parcel of land lying at a place called Peekskill, being a part of lot No, 8, beginning at the north east corner of the second parcel of land lately purchased of Joseph Taylor, by north side ofCrumpond road, containing six acres, &c. : to have and to hold in trust for a school and burying place, and also for their executors and successors in trust, to the only proper use, benefit and behoof, and exercise of the public worship of God, and that it be for that purpose in the erecting and building of a meeting house or houses for the religious, (under the protection of our most gracious majesty,) either the Church of England, Presbyterian, Independents Baptists, or Congregational, &c. to erect and build a house for the religious exercise of the public worship of God, with a convenient yard thereto, for each or either of the above written denominations to them, the said Caleb Hall, &c., their heirs and successors, in trust for the neighborhood and inhabitants round about, from generation to generation for ever, and for no other use, purpose or intent whatsoever. a-