F 127 -^ ■y 1 «; Mil Copy 1 V. w .'ii>APtr<? -^r^r^wv HALF MOON SERIES EDITED BY MAUD WILDER GOODWIN ALICE CARRINGTON ROYCE RUTH PUTNAM AND EVA PALMER BROWNELL Vol. ILlNo. fiflEce) >» \ Ube "Beutral (3roun6 ff Cbarlea pr^er e^ Copyright, 1898, by Q. P. PUTNAM'S SONS New York London Ube ftntclierbocfier press. New Rochelle, N. Y. Entered at the Post Office, New Rochelle, N. Y., …

DURING the War of the Revolution the County of Westchester, and particularly the lower towns (now forming the Borough of Bronx or Bronck's'), was the prey of the foraging parties of both armies, as it lay directly between them and was permanently occupied by neither. Being common property to both parties, it was, therefore, called the "Neutral Ground." The views of the inhabitants themselve…

The first meetings called to consider the question of electing delegates to Congress were broken up by the violent efforts of Philipse, Wilkins, and other Royalists, and when the matter was finally decided in the affirmative, the delegates chosen were instructed to do nothing disloyal to "the government of his Majesty the King," and it is an historic fact that New York was the last colony to…

Boston had been evacuated, and the brothers Howe had sailed from Halifax ; already rumors were current that the General had been largely re-enforced, and that My Lord the Admiral had taken his entire command on board his magnificent and irresistible fleet, and was on his way to capture New York. Washington was even now in the city to defend it with the Continental army. On June 28, 1776, the …

It may be here said to his credit, that he always carried the olive-branch with the sword, and fought with the greatest reluctance, so it was not until August 22, that he landed at Graves End, with twenty thousand men, his army in the interim having been augmented by the arrival of Sir Henry Clinton from the South. To oppose this force the Americans had nine thousand men under General Putn…

body of the army marched with Howe himself, Clinton, Percy, and Cornwallis at their head. Their object was to march by the ridge where Sullivan was stationed, and then to wheel near the village of Bedford in order to attack him on the flank and rear. In this movement Howe undoubtedly out-generaled Putnam ; Sullivan was completely routed, with the loss (including those of Sterling's divisio…

This is one of the most masterly retreats in the face of a superior force on record, and if Howe had shown his ability in his flanking march on ton IRctreate from ^Srootil^n Ubc "IReutral 0roun^" perilous position of Putnam's CommanD the night of the twenty-seventh, Washington more than equalled him by his brilliant retreat on the night of the twenty-ninth, or two days later. Wash…

In 1776, the city of New York did not extend beyond Chatham Street, and the Island was much narrower at that period, as several blocks have been filled in on both rivers since those days; thus the command in the town did not have so much territory to cover as might appear at first sight, but it was perfectly self-evident that, from the moment that Long Island was lost, the city could not be…

Howe now had New York, but it was of very little use to him so long as Washington's army occupied a strong position extending from the mouth of "Harlem Creek" right across the Island to the Hudson. The British commander, however, had two alternatives besides a direct assault ; he could pass between Forts Lee and Washington with his fleet, ascend the Hudson, and make the position of the Amer…

He hoped by this movement to get directly in the rear of the Continental army, and so force it either to surrender, or entirely to rout and scatter it; but the rebels had not been sleeping. General Heath, with a force of several thousand men, had been sent to defend the causeway and tear down the bridges across Westchester Creek, so it would be impossible for Howe to gain the rear of the …

Howe had at last succeeded in reaching the place he wanted, but it was too late for his purpose of capturing the Continental army; for the Americans had evacuated Manhattan Island, except Fort Washington, and were now comparatively Ube ''Bcutral GrounD" safe on Chatterton Heights, near the village of White Plains. For a few days Howe's army covered a wide field, and we hear of some of hi…

Some ten thousand men took part in the ceremonies, and the effect must, indeed, have been inspiring and beautiful. The bright scarlet of the British regulars, contrasted well with the more sombre green of Knyphausen's Hessians, and with the background of the yellow sedge grass covered with sparkling frost. This was a fine picture by which, on that chill October morning, to impress the inha…

That lunch just before the march to White Plains has become historic, and the old resident can still point out the trees with pride to any visitor who may be passing that way. Let us hope, however, that the meal of these fine gentlemen was not spoiled by the presence of that rough old German, the Count von Knyphausen, who, though a dashing soldier and a brave man, was no courtier, and anythi…

"The days of old" were discussed, and the historic spot examined in all its bearings; but after a time the conversation flagged, and they sat gazing up into the shady trees, whose leaves were f^ist turning into those brilliant hues with which the American forest-trees bid good-bye to summer, when the elder man turned to his companion and said: "Here is the pistol which my grandfather carri…

nineteenth century seemed to fade into the Indian summer mist, and they could only see the scarlet of the British regulars and the green of their Hessian allies; the figures of the chivalric Cornwallis; the gallant but peace-loving Howe, and the rough old soldier, Knyphausen. But to return to our narrative. The day after the " Grand Review " Howe went in pursuit of the Continental army and on…

After Howe had established himself securely in the city, and Washington was at distant North Castle, the British had to take Fort Washington, on the northern part of New York or Manhattan Island, to make their conquest complete. It would have been far wiser for the Continentals to have evacuated the stronghold, as it was evidently impossible to hold it in the face of such an army as was no…

Now, at last, the island was free from armed rebels, and there was no regular force of the enemy for many miles north of it ; but a number of foraging bands or cavalry of both parties, were wandering through the country in all directions, and when these parties met there was apt to be more or less trouble. The first, and probably most tragic of these affairs occurred very soon after the even…

As the night advanced one or two of the more sober ones heard the distant sound of horses' hoofs, and at once tried to arouse their stupefied and sleepy companions, but without much success, while the tramp of many hoofs grew nearer and nearer, as the troopers galloped over the frozen ground. The jingling of the sabres and the word of command proved that they were soldiers, and before even …

It was hardly to be expected that they would take into consideration the intoxicated condition of the man, nor did they, but sprang forward, sabre in hand, and cut down the innocent and unfortunate Delavan first ; then they rushed into the house and took the lives of all whom they met, or, as the old farmers used to say, "stuck them like so many pigs." Some of the victims jumped from the wi…

An old homestead, situated not far from the scene just narrated, had not been deserted as were most of the houses in the vicinity. During the long, cold winter the occupants lived in constant fear of those marauders who subsisted by plundering the inhabitants, under cover of the pretended espousal of one cause or the other, the Skinners being the Continental robbers, while the Cowboys claime…

The farmer jumps up and rushes to the door to listen, -- 710 there is no mistake, nearer and nearer come those ominous sounds, and soon a party of some fifteen men or more, can be seen advancing like spectres of the night. In a few moments they reach the house and enter without invitation. With small ceremony, they make their business known, by demanding all the money and valuables to be …

couple of their number to guard him and his family, and proceed to search the house for themselves. After an absence of about half an hour, during which time all the upper rooms are thoroughly ransacked, the party return with very little booty and again threaten the unfortunate proprietor, who can only tell them just what he did before, that he has nothing to satisfy them; which answer is…

This remark abe ''Beutral Ground" set the robbers to thinking that there might be a little absurdity in what they were doing. After assuring themselves that he was not shamming in regard to having nothing, they let him return to his fireside, much to the satistaction of himself and family. In the morning, he was not much astonished that his few remaining cattle were gone, but was, on the wh…

Be this as it may, everything was reasonably quiet around the place during the remainder of the day, but shortly after nightfall, a small party of Cowboys (for they were Cowboys this time) was observed approaching. The young woman immediately concealed the money about her person, and putting on a bold front prepared to receive them. Soon they entered, but instead of demanding valuables in…

It becomes unavoidable, in writing of the Revolutionary occurrences of this locality, to change the scenes constantly, as there was no connected campaign or regular army in the vicinity after Howe drove the Federalists from Chatterton Heights. There was only a series of events entirely independent of each other. Somewhat nearer Kingsbridge than the homestead visited by the Skinners and the C…

and I now fear for my children confined in the house; and 1 would therefore humbly beseech your Honorable Body to grant a pass for the said children and such servants as may be deemed necessary to their safety in the present unsettled condition of the country. With the Greatest Respect Your Most Obedient and Humble Servant, " DiRCK Lefferts." Now, in reading this, the question that one nat…

No merry jingle of bells in this sleighing party; no laugh, no sound save the grim click of a musket's lock, or the rattle of the officers' side arms. On and on they sped over the silent, yielding snow, until their goal was almost reached, when suddenly an order rang out loud and clear upon the frosty air of midnight, and on all sides, like spectres from their graves, appeared armed and m…

The table had been covered with flowers and beautifully decorated with cut-glass and silver, and the guests, many of whom were ladies, were strolling about the grounds in the balmy summer evening, when a servant suddenly rushed from the house and informed the Colonel that the building was burning. That officer, not in the least discomposed, calmly ordered the tables brought out on the lawn…

At the time of Washington's retreat before White Plains, a series of forts and earthworks were erected from the East River to the Hudson across Morrisania and the lower part of the present city of Yonkers. After their desertion by the Continentals, these works were often utilized by both parties in their expeditions against each other, and held for longer or shorter periods of time as might b…

This brought out the guard and its commander, who called across the river, "I thought we had agreed not to have any more of that business." The Continental replied, "Your man began it." "What! this Scotchman.^ he shall be punished " : and in future there was no more firing. In fact the sentries became so amicable after a while that they would talk together, and even exchange pipes, tobacco, …

When the war broke out and the American army was in that vicinity, many of the officers frequented the tavern, and even the commander (who was very fond of French cooking) often dined there, and is said to have become quite fond of the dishes of Gainos. At all events, when the Continentals retired northward, the poor Frenchman thought the British would maltreat him for having fed the rebels…

So the Cowboys picked up one of their number who had been hit, and proceeded through the meadows, woods, and orchards, for they seldom followed the roads, towards Kingsbridge. They had not gone far when they discovered that their wounded companion was dying from the effects of his injuries. This discovery made a halt necessary; they laid the poor fellow down on a grassy bank in an old orcha…

The next day some of the residents came for water and were horrified to find the liquid stained with blood, and to this day the spot is called the bloody well. Many are the tales that are told of supernatural sights and sounds that emanate from the locality. As to the truth of the ghostly part of the occurrences, we are unable to say, but certain it is that even as recently as our own time…

They had not far to go ; for soon they descried them silently advancing in single file as is the wont of these sons of the forest ; but long before •Cbc 43*^ IT be '"IReutral GrouiiD" Zbc Defeat of tbc Stocks biib^e ■flnMane the troopers had discovered their swarthy foes the sharp eyes of the Indians had seen the horsemen and prepared for action. As was planned, the British horse on…

To show what a crude idea the British ministry had of the topography of this country, it may not be out of way here to insert an order received by Lord Admiral Howe : " As the County of Westchester is in a very unsettled condition, and our troops are much hnrrassed by the ' Rebels,' whenever in that vicinity, you will send a couple of frigates up the Bronx River, to protect our forces and fir…

His plan apparently succeeded perfectly ; the Americans were not in any way disturbed until the enemy supposed they had entirely surrounded their intended victims. The Colonel himself was oblivious of all outside events, for never had the beautiful widow been more engaging, and never had he remained at her house so late. But all evenings however enchanting, must come to an end, and this one …

It is very doubtful if he would have been able to do this, however, had it not been for the fact that one of the enemy's commands had lost its way and thereby left a passage open for him, which he was not slow to use. He therefore reached his friends, not indeed without fighting, but with the loss of only about one third of his command. How his affairs prospered with the widow after this …

One of these young men, Harry, was a drunken, worthless chap, who had caused the death of his beautiful and devoted wife by his brutality, while the other seems to have been a very respectable member of society. Some time after the visit of the before-mentioned party of Skinners, both brothers (who were not on good terms) by a strange coincidence resolved to dig up the bell and procure th…

He took an instant to assure himself he was not mistaken, then put out his own lantern and stepped behind a tree to await his visitor. In a few moments he saw his brother, pick in hand, advance to the spot, and heard him exclaim: "What! somebody has been here before me, but they must have left hurriedly, for nothing is taken." Harry waited no longer, but stepping from behind the tree, infor…

One evening an old Indian, the last of his race, sat at the door of his wigwam watching the fading rays of the chill October sun disappear from the western sky, when two roughlooking men and a dog crossed the farther end of the clearing. The chief, whose head the ashes of time had long since whitened, recognized the newcomers at once to be members of a band of Skinners, supposed some mischi…

The man called Paul disappeared within the hut, and soon returned leading a terrified but still beautiful young girl, whom the ruffians tied to a tree and then prepared to shoot. UnSian's IRescue of a loung Oirl XTbe **1Reutral GrounD" HnOlS UnJian's IRescuc of a ij'oun^ Oirl "1 will give you one more chance," said the man who appeared to be the leader. "Tell us where the money lies…

The poor old man, however, perished at the battle of White Plains while fighting gallantly in the Colonial army.® But our tales are finished, and the "Neutral Ground " is neutral no longer. The great city has stretched out its long arms and encircled it in its grasp. The days of the Cowboy and the Skinner are over. The British soldier and his Hessian ally are seen no more. Clinton, Howe,…

as we understand it. 6. Some tiiirty years ago this tree was cut down by the proprietor. Some of the wood has come into the possession of the writer, through a relative to whom it was given. It now forms a couple of book-cases. 7. Some writers state that a Hessian officer committed this deed, but we think the Cowboy version is correct. 8. The last two anecdotes were told to the writer by Mr…

SERIES OF 1897 Price per number - - - lo cents The 12 numbers also bound in volume form, with 29 illustrations and maps. 12°, cloth bound, gilt top . $2.50 i.--Zbc StaDt tbu^s of IHcw BmsterOam. By Alice Morsk Earle. II.-- •RlnCj'S College. By John B. Pine. III.-- Bniietje 5an'S 3farm. By Ruth Putnam. IV.-- Wlall street. By Oswald Garrison Villard. V,-- ©ovenioc's HslanD. By Blanche Wilder B…

The book is charmingly written, and is embellished by a large number of illustrations very carefully selected and engraved. Among the homesteads presented are: Brandon, Westover, Shirley, Marshall House, Cliveden (Chew House), Morris House, Van Cortlandt Manor-House, Oak Hill (The Home of the Livingstons^ Philipse Manor-House, Jumel House (Fort Washine;ton), Smith House (Sharon, Conn.), Pier…

Bound in one volume. With portraits. 16°, gilt top . . $1.75 Little Journeys to the Homes of FAMOUS WOMEN ) . vols., flat box GOOD MEN AND GREAT ) AMERICAN AUTHORS ) , vols., tlat box AMERICAN STATESMEN I Or four vols, in box Also sold separately, each .... SV50 83-50 $7.00 Si. 7=; G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS, New York & London ^Ixc Southern "Plorfemaw mxA ^amptott ^dtaol 4? Record ^ ^ ^ ^ …

This may be sent to Rev. H. B. FRISSELL, Hampton, Va, Ube Bewest jfiction. One of the Pilgrims. A Bank Story. By Anna Fuller, author of " A Literary Courtship," "A Venetian June," etc. 12°, gilt top $1.25 Final Proof; Or, The Value of Evidence. By Rodrigues Ottolengui, author of " An Artist in Crime," " The Crime of the Century," etc. No. :^2 in the Hudson Library. 16°, cloth, $1.00 ; …

This little volume deserves the widest circulation as a peace tract of the first order in the present craze for bloodshed." -- N. )'. Fast. Boston Neighbours. In Town and Out. By Agnes Blake Poor. 12°. $1.25 " A distinctly readable little volume, comprising eight clever stories and character studies by a shrewd observer of men, women, and things. The author writes in a sprightly satire, with …

New edition, re-set with selected full-page illustrations, specially produced for this volume. Octavo, gilt top $2.50 " This interesting work, written in 1871 and originally published in 1880, is now for the first time put before the public in a shape befitting its merits as a historic record of an interesting period in the life of this city. The volume is illustrated with a number of portrait…

The above volume forms the second of a series of four in which the author intends to present a general sketch of the history of the art of war from the Greek and Roman times down to the beginning of the 19th century. The first volume in chronological order, which will cover the classical division of the subject, will be issued shortly. The third volume will be devoted to the 15th, i6th, and 17…

" The most complete, comprehensive, and interesting account of the Civil War which has ever been published. . . . We unhesitatingly recommend it as containing a we.Tlth of information that no one can afford to be deprived ol."--New Haven Eve. Lender. " The work is thoroughly impartial, and moreover is free from individual caprice. . . . The manner is much that of a skilled attorney stating his…

By Theodork Roosevelt. 3d edition, 8°, pp. xxxviii. + 531 ...... $2. 50 " Shows in so young an author the best promise for a good historian -- fearlessness of statement, caution, endeavor to be impartial, and a brisk and interesting way of telling events." -iV. Y. Times. " The reader of Mr. Roosevelt's book unconsciously makes up his mind that he is reading history and not romance, and yet n…

"Tammany Hall," by Talcott Williams; "Old Family Names," by Berthold Fernow; "Bowling Green," by Spencer Trask; "Prisons and Punishments," by Elizabeth Dike Lewis ; " Breuklen," by Harrington Putnam ; " Old Taverns and Posting Inns," by Elizabeth Brown Cutting ; " The New York Press in the iSth Century," by Charlotte M. Martin and Benjamin Ellis Martin ; " Neutral Ground," by Charles Pryer…