The scenery of the Peekskill creek is remarkably rich and diversified.

1'his stream rises 14 miles north of Annsville, in the town of Kent, Putnam County ; south-west of Annsville, it receives the waters of the Canopus, (Sprout creek,) a current of water which derives its source from Horton's lake, called by the Indians the " Fire-fly lake," a name derived from that beautiful insect whose bright phosphorescence illumines the dark woods of a summer's evening. The Indian children of the West have the following ex^ quisite chant to this flitting, white fire insect, as they denominate it :

" Fire- fly, fire-fly ! bright little thing; Bright little fairy-bug, night's little king."

Schoolcraft'' s Oneota.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 91

Near the banks of the Canopus, or Peekskill hollow, is situated the site of the old Continental village, which once contained barracks for 2,000 men. The following account of its destruction is given in the dispatches of Gen. Sir William Howe to Sir Henry Clinton, dated Fort Montgomery, October 9, 1777:

" The little army consisting of about 3.000 men arrived off Verplanck's Point, preceded by the gallies under the command of ^Sir .Tames Wallace. On our appearance the enemy retired without firing a shot, leaving a 12 pounder behind them: and Sir James moved up to Peekskill creek to mark the only communication they had across the river on this side the Highlands.

" P.S. -- Major Gen. Tryon was detached this morning with Emmerick's chasseurs, 50 yagers, the royal fusiliers and regiment of Trumback, with a three-pounder to destroy the rebel settlement called the Continental village^ has just returned and reported to me, that he has burned the barrack for 1500 men, several store houses and loaded wagons. 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.''^