INTERVIEWEE: Pierre Van Cortlandt DATE: Octr. 19th LOCATION: Octr. 19th Genl. Pierre Van Cortlandt: "General Washington was in this house two days before Arnold's treason was concocted, and slept here all night with Hamilton and others of his suite. Willett's Hill is the most easterly of the two round hills by the road. Colonel Willett made his attack from the east upon the British picket in Cor…

He got a gallon of brandy -- treated the soldiers -- climbed picket fence -- "Come down, you rebel rascal!" -- At last, watching his opportunity, he got over and made his escape to Nathan Lavinus who kept a livery stable in Chatterton Street where Lorillard's manufactory afterwards was. Paulding said to him: "You must furnish me with a disguise." -- Got a Hessian's coat green turned up with red, g…

Colonel Philipse was taken up early in the Revolutionary war and carried to Connecticut, and paroled by Govr. Trumbull to his Manor. In the early part of 1777, or thereabouts Philips's wife and daughter (great tories) persuaded him to sign a letter informing the British Commander at Kingsbridge that an American party was down at Morrisania. The letter was sent by a servant to the British and found…

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 …

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…