There were five deserters from us in the fort, three of which they hanged with little ceremony -- 10 pieces of cannon, a large number of small arms, with military stores of all kinds fell into our hands. Sunday we should have attacked the fort on this side the River, but General Clinton's arrival at Croton Bridge with a large force prevented it. It must otherwise have fallen into our hands soon. Your Friend and Brother Richard Sill.

Chapter XIX At the Gate of the Highlands

JOHN PEAK, some time before 1685, Hved on a creek, or "kill," that has been ever afterwards called b}' his name. It was on the land claimed by Chief Sirham, sachem of the Sachus Indians, and became afterwards part of the broad manor of Cortlandt. Three hundred acres were bought in the }'ear above mentioned, for the value of three hundred guilders in sea-want. The grounds of the New York State cam]3 for military instruction occupy part of that purchase. The pleasant village of Peekskill has a memorable history, associated as it was during the War for Independence with important military movements. From its position, so near the lower gate of the Highlands, it was destined to be ridden over by both of the opposing armies. We have spoken elsewhere of some of the more noteworthy occurrences of Revolutionary days, as they presented themselves in sequence with other events. Fort Independence occupied the point above, the stores and barracks that the British burned were near by, Washington once had his headc[uarters here