Pierre Van Cortlandt Jr.
John M. McDonald interview — 1845-10-31
Pierre Van Cortlandt, Jr. (1762-1848) was a son of Pierre Van Cortlandt, Lieutenant Governor of New York, and a brother of Brigadier General Philip Van Cortlandt. At the time of this interview, he was residing at the Van Cortlandt Upper Manor House in Van Cortlandtville. He describes the location of a skirmish that took place on March 24, 1777, between an American force led by Colonel Marinus Willett and British troops commanded by Colonel Bird. Willett had pointed out the location of the skirmish to Van Cortlandt shortly before his death.
Original findings from this interview
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 238 -
October 31st . General Pierre Van Courtland, of Peekskill: “The hill east of and adjacent to the Post Road about a quarter or a half a mile south of my house and contiguous to the ‘Old Orchard’ is the spot where the Picket Guard of the British was posted in 1777, when it was attacked by Colonel Willett. There is a deep valley (that is, the Peekskill valley) every part of which is conspicuous from the Hill, on its left or west flank; and which at that time was covered with brush and wood, and much less conspicuous from the Hill – Along this valley or depressed ground Willett, probably (?), advanced. Shortly before his death he spoke of it and
- Hufeland Index Page 239 -
pointed it out to me. (?) Mr. Thomas Strang informs me that the French army in 1782, was encamped on the long ridge of ground south west of Crompond Meeting House.