That large town lies upon the steep slope on the western shore, and presents a beautiful appearance to the traveller by railway or steamboat, especially when it is lighted up by the morning sun. Around that old town, the site of the oldest permanent settlement in Orange County, are clustered many associations of the war for independence ; for near there the Continental Army was encamped ; there it was disbanded ; and in a house yet standing, and well preserved, Washington had his head-quarters for a loug time, as we shall observe presently.

The first European settlement at Newburgh was commenced in 1709, by some Palatines, who went up from New York for the purpose, seated themselves a little above Quassaic (sometimes called Chambers') Creek, where the Quassaic Indians resided, and laid the foundations of "Newborough." They obtained a patent from Queen Anne in 1719, but becoming dissatisfied, they went some to Pennsylvania, and some to the Mohawk' Valley. English, Irish, l\ew England, and Huguenot settlers supplied their places. New Windsor (two miles below), and other places, were settled, and a flourishing little commonwealth was commenced. New Windsor, upon the shores of a sheltered bay near the mouth of the Quassaic, was, for some time, the rival of Newburgh. They were included in the "Highland Precinct" until 1763, when they were divided into separate municipalities, and so remained until organised into towns in 1788.

j^: HE house at Newbxirgh, -svhich was occupied by c Washingtou, was built by Jonathan Hasbrouck, in 1750, and is known by the respective names of "Hasbrouck House" and "AVashington Headquarters." It has been the property of the State for several years, and a sufficient annual appropriation from the State treasury is made, to keep it, with the grounds around, in good order. "Within it are collected many relics of the revolution, the Avar of 1812-15, and the war with Mexico.