Edmund Fanning, his friend and secretary; and after remaining a night, he proposed a walk, and after proceeding to the highest point of land on the fiirm, being a height which affords a most delightful prospect, when the governor commenced with observing what great favors could be obtained if my father would relinquish his opposition to the views of the king and parliament of Great Britain, what grants of land could and would be the consequence, in addition to other favors of eminence, consequence, cfcc. My father then observed that he was chosen a representative by the unanimous approbation of a people who placed confidence in his integrity to use all his ability for their benefit and the good of his country as a true patriot, which line of conduce he was determined to pursue. The governor then turned to Col. Fanning and said, '*' I find our business here must terminate, for nothing can be effected in this place, so we will return ;" which they did by taking a short and hasty farewell, and embarked on board the sloop and returned to New York. This was in the year 1774."*

Much valuable property was destroyed in this vicinity by the great Croton flood of 1840, caused by the giving way of the dam, on which occasion the river (directly opposite the mansion) rose suddenly to the height of eight feet above the ordinary tide level. At the wire mills, lialf a mile distant, it exceeded fifty feet.

A long walk leads through the old garden or pleasaunce to the ancient ferry house. This building was occupied by a conti nental guard during the Revolution, and occasionally favored with the presence of Washington and other distinguished military officers.