This creek was called Mosli-u-la by the Indians, and the valley was ^e favourite residence of a wavlike Mohegan tribe. Its lower portion was the scene of almost continual skirmishing during a portion of the war for independence.

THE CiiM'LKV llOLSE.

Tippett's Creek is crossed by a low bridge. A few yards beyond it is Kingsbridge, at the head of the Harlem River, which here suddenly expands into lake-like proportions. The shores on both sides are beautiful, and the view that opens towards Long Island, beyond the East River, is charming.

Kingsbridge has always been a conspicuous point. Land was granted there, in 1693, to Frederick Philipse, with power to erect a toll-bridge, it being specified that it should be called Tlie King's Bridge. This was

3 B

THE HUDSON.

the only bridge that connected Manhattan Island with the Main, and hence all travellers and troops were compelled to cross it, unless they had boats for ferrying. Here, during the war for independence, hostile forces were frequently confronted ; and from its northern end to the Croton river, was the famous "Neutral Ground" during the struggle, whereon neither Whig nor Tory could live in peace or safety. Upon the heights each side of the bridge redoubts were thrown up ; and here, in January, 1777, a bloody conflict occurred between the Americans, xmder General Heath, and a large body of Hessian mercenaries, under General Knyphausen. The place was held alternately by the Americans and British ; and little more than half a mile below the bridge an ancient story-and-a-half house is yet standing, one hundred and twenty-five years old, which served as head-quarters at difi'erent times for the officers of the two armies : it is now a house of public entertainment, and is known as " Post's Century House."