The approach to the house is by a road formed on the banks of the Croton river.

The entrance hall is adorned with several stag's heads, the only remains of that wild race which anciently spread from the Hudson to Connecticut.

The library contains together with a valuable collection of books, several interesting autographs, viz : a poetical effusion of Mrs. Madison, wife of his excelleiicv, President Madison, addressed, for Mr. Pierre van Cortlandt, jun :

Happy iho man, and he alone,

Who, master of himself, can saj', To day at least haih been my own,

For 1 have clearly lived to-day.

[D. P. Madison.

Next occurs a letter from Gen. Lafayette to Charles King, Esq.

a New York Gazetteer.

110 HISTORY OF THE

La Grange J September 28, 1832. This letter, my dear sir, will be delivered by Mr. Fiorelli, a young Italian sculptor, a refugee patriot, nephew to the gentleman whom I introduced to you in 1824. I recommend him to your good advice and beg you to accept the best wishes and regards of your obliged and affectionate friend.

Lafayette.

There is also an original letter from Gen. Washington, dated Mount Yernon, x\pri! 3d, 1797, to Mrs. Clinton, near which, is the following, "Mrs. Washington presents her compliments to Mrs. Clinton, and findiuir that Congress will, contrary to their usual practice on Saturdays, assemble to-morrow, proposes to Mrs. Chnton to visit the Federal building, at six o'clock to-morrow afternoon if it should be convenient to her. Friday afternoon."