By an indenture bearing date the 29th of July, 1774, the trustees of Westchester, for clivers considerations, sold to James and Oliver de Lancey, and their heirs and assignees, the ground under the water of Broncks's river, and all such lands as has been granted or appointed by the town, for the use of the mills, etc.'' The present proprietor, Philip M. Lydig, Esq., holds by conveyance from under Oliver de Lancey, Esq. The dwelling-house which once served as the head-quarters of Washington, was destroyed by fire a few years since.
a Fornianyof Thi.- a'M'VL-iJarticulars we are uulebtPil to Mr. Cooper's correspoudjcco in the ll<-iv .hiiirii'i' III isus. 6 Kec. of TruiteLS, pp. c3, S9.
430 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY Ot' WESTCHESTER.
The grounds, which display all the elegance of modern gardenin-. rise in a succession of terraces from the water's edge. Near the oIJ mansion stands a majestic pine tree -- a noble jelic of the past.
The following appropriate lines were written by a gentlemen, after a visit paid to this beautiful spot, the former residence of the de Lancey family : --
DE LANCET'S ANCIENT PINE.
Where gentle Bronx clear winding flows, The shadowy banks betsveen, Where blossomed bell or wilding rose Adorns the briglitest green ; Memorial of the fallen great, The rich and honoured line, Stands high in solitary state, De Lancey's ancient pine.
There once at early dawn arrayed
The rural sport to lead,
The gallant master of the glade,
Bedecked his eager steed.