On the spot where Major Andre was captured by Paulding, Williams, and Van Wart, September 23, 1780, a monument in commemoration of that event was unveiled with much ceremony, the governor of the State and other distinguished guests being in attendance. In a previous chapter the particulars of this event and also of the dedication of the " new " monument on the same spot in 1880 have been given (see p. 493). The burning of the Hudson River steamboat " Henry Clay " on the 28th of July, 1857, the most terrible disaster of that period, is vividly remembered by many citizens of Yonkers still living. The " Clay ,f was a fast passenger boat plying between New York and Albany, and had a competitor, the " Armenia," operated by another management. It was alleged that the two boats frequently raced, especially on the down trip, and although there was no conclusive evidence that they were engaged in racing on the day of the disaster, the burning of the " Clay " was supposed to have been attributable to the carelessness engendered in the crew by these efforts for undue speed, very inflammable material being sometimes thrown into the furnaces, in addition to the ordinary fuel, to increase the heat of the boilers. The two vessels came down the river on the afternoon of the fatal day,

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the " Clay " being slightly in advance. As she passed Yonkers, moving at a high speed, smoke was seen issuing from her sides. She was at once headed for the dock at Riverdale, but meantime the flames had burst forth and it was necessary to beach her with all the haste possible. " Mr. Edwin Forrest, the actor, who lived near, was there, and soon others came. It was an awful sight.