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.''^

The Cortlandt bridge crosses the mouth of the Peekskill creek near Annsville, on the road leading to Roa or Rahway Hook. The total length of this bridge, which is built of wood, is fourteen hundred and ninety-six feet. Upon the highest ground of Rahway Hook stands " Fort Independence Hotel," lately erected by Col, Pierre van Cortlandt. From its elevated position this spot commands a most extensive prospect of the Hudson River and adjacent country. To the north rise the mnjestic Highlands, on the west the race and towering Dunderbarrack. To the south the waters of the Peekskill bay resemble a vast lake bounded by the mountains of Rockland and Stony and Verplanck's Points, while on the east appears the village of Peekskill and the Cortlandt hills. The proximity of this place to the city, and the unequalled facilities of communication by steamboat, renders this

"^ Supplement to H. Gaines' Military Gazette, Feb. 9, 1778, No. 1372,

92 HISTORY OF THE