had a redoubt called No. 8 on the east side of Haarlem creek, nearly opposite to the fort on Laurel hill, and under the fire of its cannon, for the security of their advanced troops on the Morrisania side."^ When the British made the bold and successful attack upon Fort Washington in 1776, the guns of No. 8, which lay directly opposite, covered the advance of the Hessians and Lord Percy. " On the 20th of October, 1782, the enemy were demolishing their works at No. 8, Morrisania."''

Fo7't hidependence, the ruins of which are still visible on Tetard^s hill, was not dismantled until 1833. Prince Charleses redoubt, and the Negro fort, both well known fortifications, in the annals of the Revolution, lie on the south side of Valentine's hill. From the former, which commands a splendid view of the surrounding country, the morning and evening gun of the British was fired.

Williams' Bridge, in the north-east corner of West Farms, is situated on the line of the Haarlem and Westchester railroad, where is a depot, thirteen and a half miles north of the City Hall ; here are two taverns and a store.

The Haarlem river (Muscoota,) which forms the western boundary of the town, is one of the sweetest streams that ever gave a charm to landscape. On the Westchester shore high woods cover the sides of undulating hills, while here and there rich meadows form a gradual and beautiful descent to the water's edge. The opposite banks are abruptly terminated with rocky declivities, and present by their greater boldness a fine contrast. These waters afford an agreeable haunt to the king fisher, " the most celebrated and besung of all other birds says Aldrovand," likewise to the heron and fish hawk.