For the erection of these forts or strong-holds, Van der Donck informs us. '-that the Indians usually selected a situation on the side of a steep hill, near a stream or river, which is difficult of access except from the water, and inaccessible on every other side ; with a level plain on the crown of the hill, which they enclose with a strong stockade work in a singular manner." Near their plantations they also frequently erect small works to secure their wives and children, against the sudden irruption of the small marauding parties of their enemies. When their castles and forts are constructed according to their rude custom, they consider the same very safe and secure places.^

The vestiges of a military redoubt at present occupy the summit of the adjoining hill, commonly called Jones's hill. This elevated spot commands the valley of Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, and splendid prospects of the Hudson river.

In 1680, the Indian sachem Glioharius, with the consent of his brother Weskora, for a certain sum of wampum and other goods, released unto Frederick Philipse a large strip of land, lying on each side of the Pocanteco river, for which they acknowledged to have received full satisfaction. This sale was ratified before the governor of the province, at Fort James, in New York, and subsequently confirmed to Frederick Philipse by royal patent, the same year.

Sir Edmund Andros, Knight, &c. Whereas Frederick Philipse of this city, merchant, hath made apphcation unto me for a grant of a certain creek or viver, called by the Indians, Pocantico, (whereon to set a mill,) with a proportion of land on each side adjoining thereunto ; the same lying within the bounds of the Indians' land at Wickers creek, "^ on the east side of Hudson's river ; and by my leave and approbation hath made purchase thereof from the native Indian proprietors, the which they have acknowledged before me, as