The winding stream that buries itself in the adjoining ravine, supplies valuable water privileges for the chemical and button works of Mr. Sheckler, a brass factory, and the celebrated axle manufactory of Mr. Saunders.

The advantages presented by the river, combined with the healthfulness of the situation, has rendered Hastings a favorite resort for New York citizens during the summer season.

The site of the present village nearly covers the old Post estate, formerly owned by Peter Post, who occupied it during the

180 HISTORY OF THE

revolutionary war. The house (a small stone edifice) is still standing. Immediately subsequent to tlie revolution, this buildins: was used as a tavern, and became celebrated as the rendez- A^ous of cock fighters, and hard drinkers. Since that period, it has been transformed into the present neat cottage.

On the east side of Edgar's Lane, (a continuation of the Albany Post Road.) stands the mansion of Anthony Constant, Esq., formerly the residence of William Edgar. It is a fine wooden edifice, surrounded by rich plantations of cedar, fir and locust trees, and commands delightful views of the river, and adjacent hills. Judge Constant is the son of Col. .loseph Constant, and grandson of the Rev. Silas Constant, of York Town. .

A. D. 177(3, a skirmish took place in Edgar's Lane between a body of Hessians, commanded by Lieut. Wurtz, and a troop of Sheldon's horse, under the following circumstances. Col. Sheldon having received information from his spies, that the enemy were prepaiing an incursion into this vicinity, left his quarters at New Castle, and led by Isaac Odell, a trusty guide, followed the by-roads to this place, where he ascertained from Peter Post, that the Hessians had not yet passed. Enjoining secrecy upon Post, the Colonel ambuscaded his horse in the adjoining cedars, which he had barely done, when the Hessians rode up, and demanded of Post, if he had seen the rebels.