There yet remains a fine specimen of the ancient denizens of the forests on the western edge of this hill, by the road side leading to the village. Tiiis venerable chesnut tree in the fall of the year appears to be the favorite gathering place of thousands of swallows just before they commence their migrations.

In possession of the Valentine family are numerous receipts given for rent ; formerly due the Lords of Philipsborough. As a specimen occurs the following:

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. -4^

Op Nipper a Des 20 Mars No. 1727.

den 20 Mars heft Theis Valentin en syn Moeder hier gebracht 13i boschel tarwe vor de hner von land vor ye Tahr Ao 1726. Yonckers, January ye 28 day 1734-5.

Then received of Mr. Matthiase Vallentiiie 7^ bushels of Rent wheat on behalf of Mr. Philipse. I said received by me

William Peck.

At the commencement of the revolutionary war this hill was rented by two grandsons of the first proprietor Thomas and Gilbert Valentine who occupied it through the whole course of the war. In the summer of 1775, the American army threw up entrenchments on its summit the remains of which are still visible. "When hisExcellencyGeneral Washington lay encamped on Valentine's hill in the fall of 1776, it was supposed to be the design of the enemy to attack his position. On this occasion Thomas Valentine wasengaged with the General in conversation, leaningupon the pominel of his saddle when the heads of the British columns were seen approaching at a distance of three or four miles on the opposite side of the Bronx, as if taking the direction of the hill. Under this supposition Washington ordered out several companies to attack the flanking parties of the enemy, who it was discovered were taking tlie high road to (he White Plains.