One of the Dutchmen, in running ]:)lindl\' forward, stepped u])on the teeth of a rake, whereupon, according to the time-honoured custom of rakes when their teeth are stepped on. the handle sprang up and rapped him on the head. That was too much for overwrought ner\'es. Thinking that the enemy had overtaken him, the fugitive fell upon his knees, shouting, " I gifs up -- I gifs up! Hurrah for King Shorge !' ' According to an estimate made by Sharpe, there stood in Kingston, after the conflagration, the stone walls of above forty of the strongly built Dutch houses, though the woodwork was entirely consumed. Among this number was the old Senate House, the roof and interior of which were absolutely destroyed, though the walls were uninjured. In common with several other fire- washed shells of the same class, it was afterwards repaired and occupied. The Hasbrouck mansion was similarly preserved, as were also the old academy building, the vSchoonmaker mansion, and the Beekman house. It has been stated that Vaughan with great reluctance gave the order to burn the church deciding to do

4^4 The Hudson River

it only as a matter of military duty. Whether this is or is not true, there is no doubt that to most Americans the burning of Kingston has always seemed a wanton act of barbarity on the part of troops flushed with recent victory and unrestrained by authority. The smoke and flame spread consternation among the inhabitants of other villages, and fugitives from the destroyed town sought asylum among the hills and in remote places. The spectacle of Kingston burning must have moved with rage and pity the stout hearts of Putnam and Clinton, on opposite sides of the river, witnesses to a calamity they were powerless to avert. Clinton had used the utmost dispatch, but was two hours too late to interpose an effort to save the town.