The British garrison in New York had given little trouble to the populace since the Golden Hill affray of January, 1770. During its brief stay in the city after the battle of Lexington it was not reenforced. Although as yet no armed body of colonists had arisen to threaten the British soldiers, it was perfectly understood that the people, and not the garrison, were masters of the local situation, and that at the slightest manifestation of aggression on the part of the troops sanguinary events would be precipitated. The British com-

HISTORY

WESTCHESTER

COUNTY

niander had the good sense to abstain from anything of that nature, and, on the other hand, the populace made no attempt to interfere with him. But this forbearance was about the only instance of moderation displayed in the City of New York at that critical time. The people, under the leadership of the Sons of Liberty, committed overt acts which were in the line of open rebellion. A government storehouse at Turtle Bay was seized, and about one hundred pieces of ordnance were carted to Kingsbridge, which, as the point of communication with the mainland, was instantly recognized as a principal strategic position, demanding intrenchment. Indeed, as early as the 4th of May the New York City committee ordered " that Captain Sears, Captain Randall, and Captain Fleming be a committee to procure proper judges to go and view the ground at or near Kingsbridge, and report to this committee, with all convenient speed, whether it will answer for the purposes intended by it." Thus the very first warlike measure determined upon in this portion of the country had reference to a locality upon the borders of our county. The supremacy of the popular power in New York was well evidenced by the dictatorial authority assumed and successfully enforced by the committee of one hundred upon the occasion of the departure of the garrison from the city.