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

314 The Hudson River

for a short time, and here old Israel Putnam commanded in 1777. Paulding, one of the captors of

BIRDS-EYE VIEW OF THE HUDSON FROM A PEAK IN THE HICHLANDS

(Drawn by 11'. C. H'llson)

Andre, was born in Peekskill and was buried there in 181 8. Andre himself stopped at the Wayside Inn on the day following his memorable interview with Arnold.

At the Gate of the Highlands 315

Washington made a flyinj^^ \'isit to Peekskill after the battle of White Plains to reconnoitre; Lee came here

while tardily and reluctantly obeying Washington's orders to advance into New Jersey. General Heath was then in conmiand of the post and had received positive orders from Washington to retain all the troops then w^ith him. General Lee, as Heath's senior in rank, ordered that two of the latter 's regiments at Continental Village should accompany his own troops across the river. Heath instantly refused to give the necessary directions, exclaiming, " I have received positive written orders to the contrary." Lee replied that he would then give the orders himself, to which Heath could not do otherwise than to assent. "That makes all the difference," he said. "You are my senior; but I will not myself break those orders." He then showed Lee General Washington's letter of instructions, upon which his visitor made some comment to the effect that being upon the ground he would feel at liberty to act according to his own judgment in the matter.