In March 1777, the British advanced guard occupied two conical hills, about one mile north of Peekskill which was situated on the east side of, and near the public road, and about, 200 or 300 feet apart. Colonel Willett attacked the most easterly of these where most of the British were posted. He advanced upon them through a valley formed by a small branch of the Peekskill which runs towards these hills and through fields covered with underwood and brush and got near them unperceived, when his men shouted out and charged with the bayonets. The British were much alarmed and retreated instantly. General Washington once came to Governor Clinton, and told him he wanted a favor from him. Governor Clinton re- -quested him to specify the favor, saying, there was scarcely any one which he would not grant cheerfully. General Washington
<left margin> Gen. Washn. & Govr. Clinton - "You must get £200,000, or we are ruined" - C. employed Aspenwall & one Williams - gold - L.J. farmers. <left margin>
- Hufeland Index Page 548 -
replied that without the assistance he alluded to the American cause was lost, and added: "Governor Clinton, you are the only man that can prevent the army from disbanding. You must raise me 200,000 pounds immediately." At first Governor Clinton thought the proposal impracticable; but, on reflection, he sent two agents, Aspenwall and Williams, to Long Island who obtained the requisite loan on his bonds from the Long Island farmers, which was entrusted for the purpose to these agents. The money brought over was nearly all gold. The loan was made entirely upon Governor Clinton's personal responsibility, for which was ^he never made any charge by commission or otherwise. He was compelled, moreover, to sign the bonds in blank, trusting Aspenwall's and Williams' honesty, as the loan was of many persons and in various amounts."