Documentary History of the State of New York, Vol. III
Tripe's, or Tribe's hill, about 20 miles above Schenectady, we have the prospect of a few hundred acres of excellent meadow, which was formerly the seat of the famous Hendrick, the sachem of the Mohawks. The ancient and elegant seat of Sir- William Johnson I passed about 4 miles back. This is commonly called the Old fort. On Tribe's hill, I had great satisfaction and pleasure of meeting a M^ Plum, an old acquaintance from Westtield, and was treated with great kindness in his family -- tarried with him until Monday the 25th ; received correct and considerable intelligence from him respecting the country-- especially in Montgomery county.
There is an apple tree on this hill, whicli I am credibly informed produces apples without a core or seeds. There is also in this town, what is called by the p.eople the Jerusalem thorn. There is also a singular production called mandrakes -- of wliicb I have taken a rough drawing.
This place appears to be a perfect Babel, as to language: But very few of the people, I believe, would be able to pronounce Slnbboleth. The articulation even of New-England people, is injured by their being intermingled with tlie Dutch, Irish, and Scotch. The character of the Dutch people, even on first acquaintance, appears to be that of kindness and justice. As to religion, they know but Uttle about it -- and are extremely superstitious. They are influenced very much by dreams, aiid apparitions. The most intelhgent of tliem seem to be under tiie influence of fear from that cause. The High Dutch have some singular customs with regard to their dead. When a person