The latter half of the year 1776 was one of the most eventful periods in the history of America, if not in that of the entire civilized world ; and in the great drama of political and military events, teeming with immediate interest and with ultimate importance, and occupying only that short half-year, Westchester-couuty, in New York, and those who were, then, within the limits of that ancient County -- the peaceful and industrious farmers whose homes were there, as well those strangers, armed or unarmed, who had gone into the County, uo matter for what purpose -- occupy places which were, then, as conspicuous as, since the close of that period, they have been well-known, from one extreme of Christendom to the other.
On the second of July,* General Howe and the army which he commanded, whose entrance into the harbor of New York, a few days before, has been already noticed,' occupied Stateu-Island -- Richmondcounty -- with the military and naval forces which ho had brought from Halifax, say seven thousand, five hundred, and fifty-six, rank and file, including those
* Journal of the Provincial Congress, "Die Sabbati, A.M., June 15 " 1776."
5 Vide page 338, ante.
"General Howe's Observations on a pamphlet entitled Lettei-s to a Xoblenian, 47.
See, also, General Hoice to Lord George Gennain, " Staten Islanh, 7th "July, 177G; " General Washington to the President of the Coutinentul Congress, "New- York, July 3, 1776."
' Vide pages 339, 340, aute.
HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.