Peekskill was no less clearly indicated as the vital post for the Americans, to be maintained at all hazards, than Kingsbridge was Lying just below the Highlands and just above the for the British. point on the Hudson River where its waters, previously confined between closely approaching banks, suddenly spread out into a broad commanded equally the passes into the mountains, the naviit sea, gation of the whole upper river, and the communication with the western shore, and consequently with all the middle and southern The lower river, all the way from New York Bay to VerStates. planck's Point, was controlled absolutely by the British ships, and on account of its great width, as well as of the barrier from west to was utterly uneast interposed by the wide expanse of the Croton, available for American use after the removal of the army from Kings Consequently no point south bridge and the fall of Fort Washington. of Peekskill was to be considered for a moment as a suitable station counterpoise to the enemy's position for the principal American Other points all the way down through the county were, of below course, occupied by guards. In this respect it was at first the American policv to push down advance posts as near as practicable to the to enemy's sphere, and at no time did the patriots retire their lines Yet Peekskill, the northward of Pine's Bridge across the Croton. with the country immediately dependent upon it, always remained

HISTORY

WESTCHESTER

COUNTY