October 21st, 1779, three deserters came in from Verplanck's Point, and reported, that the enemy were on the point of evacuating their works. The oflicer commanding the advanced picket, soon after sent information that the works appeared to be on fire, and the shipping standing down the river. Major Waldbridge, who commanded the advanced picket, immediately sent a detachment to take possession of the works. Several loaded shells, left by the enemy in places where the fire would come at them, burst,

"i Heath's Mem. 211. b Heath's Mem. 218.

Vol. I. 13

OS HISTORY OF THE

but did 110 harm. The enemy left one horse, a few old entrenching tools, and some other trifles at the Point. f^

Colonel Livingston held command of this post in 1780, when Arnold came there for the purpose of carrying on his treasonable correspondence with Andre.

Upon the south- west side of Verplanck's Point was situated King's Ferry, the ancient pass to Rockland. The old sign post placed at the head of the lane, leading to this ferry, bore the following direction : --

'• DiSHE HIS DI ROODE TOE DE KsHINg's FaRRY."

Upon the 30th of August, 1779, fifteen sail of the enemy lay at anchor near the King's Ferry. ^'

On the evening of September 22d, 17S0, Major John Andre, the British spy. crossed the King's Ferry in company with Smith and the negro boy. V.'illiam van Wert, the ferry-master on this occasion, afterwards testified at Andre's trial, " that Mr. Smith crossed King's ferry from Stoney Point to Yerplanck's Point on the evening of a day in the week before last, in company with another man, and a negro boy was with him ; -- each of them had a horse. The day of the month I do not recollect. 1 have not seen the person since to know him.