Shonnard, Frederic, and W.W. Spooner. History of Westchester County, New York, from its Earliest Settlement to the Year 1900. New York: The New York History Company, 1900.

The supporters of the announced business of the day made their headquarters at the tavern kept by Isaac Oakley, and the " friends of government " at the establishment of Captain Hatfield. About noon the former party proceeded to the court house, and, without waiting for the appearance of their friends of the other side, organized a meeting and elected Colonel Lewis Morris …

came the authority that had summoned them hither; but that they ngs, proceedi ly disorder such all against protest to only with a design and conand to show their detestation of all unlawful committees ions oresses » They then, according to the account of their transact detertheir declared " press, which their leaders furnished to the mined resolution to continue steadfast in …

Notwithstanding tives conserva organization of the meeting by the Morris party, the to their will could, of course, have made its proceedings conformable retire with Their preference to if they had been in the majority. into a mere nothing more than a protest, and convert themselves discretion. rump was an act either of political petulance or studied apprecause good with were …

Cortlan landt of the Manor of y of ing thanks to " the virtuous minority of the general assembl CortVan Pierre and Thomas this province, and particularly to John attachment landt, Esquires, two of our representatives, for their firm of the union of to and zeal for. on a late occasion, the preservation and also thankthe colonies and the rights and liberties of America/ the …

Ious?namely, a bounty of twelve dollars, an annual and fully fufficient ample ration of provifions, together with sixty dollars a yeaT in gold lay up for himfelf and friends, as all articles proper for his fubfiftance and kove, will have an opportunity of hearing and feeing in a more particular in viewing the [embrace this opportunity of fpendino* a few happy years in …

Samuel Seabury and Luke Babcock, Judges Jonathan Fowler and Caleb Fowler, and several other prominent persons, including Mayor Nathaniel Underbill, of the Borough of Westchester, and Philip Pell, of Pelham Manor. The patriotic meeting at White Plains was conducted with perfect decorum, and, in spite of the aggressive speech of Mr. Wilkins against "disorderly proceedings" and …

In this statement, which appeared in Rivington's paper on the 20th of April, the day after the battle of Lexington, it was charged that the meeting held at the court house had, by assuming (o represent the true sentiment of Westchester County, imposed upon the world and insulted the "loyal County of Westchester" in a most barefaced manner"; that it was "the act of a few …

To give the appearance of dignity to these curious and very orderly protestors, the author has been very mindful to annex every man's addition to his name, upon a. presumption perhaps that it would derive weight from the title of Mayor, Esquire, Captain, Lieutenant, Judge, etc. But it is not easy to conceive why the publisher should be less civil to the clergy than to Samuel …

Luke Babcock, who preaches and prays for Colonel Philipse and his tenants at Philipseburgh." Tn his analysis of the signers of the protest he showed that no fewer than one hundred and seventy of the three hundred and twelve were persons not possessing the least pretensions to a vote, many of them being lads under age; while of the one hundred and forty-two who were freeholders …

Among the recanters was Jonathan Fowler, one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the county, who, in a published card, declared that " upon mature deliberation and more full knowledge of the matter" he had come to the conclusion that the sentiments expressed in the protest were "not only injurious to our present cause, but likewise offensive to our fellow-colonists …

Spread from mouth to mouth throughout the county, it everywhere intensified the passions which had been stirred by the local political events of the previous few weeks. Already incensed at the arrogant bearing of the conservative party, which had just been freshly illustrated by the injudicious narrative of the proceedings at White Plains that the leaders of that party had …

And that the Senfe of the Freeholders and Freemen of this City and County, upon this Subject, may be better procured and afcertained, the Committee are further unanimoufly of Opinion, That the Polls be tzken on Friday Morning next, at 51 o'clock, at the ufual Places cf -Election in each Ward, under the Infpection of the two Vestrymen of each Ward, ar.d two of this Committee …

And that a Letter be forthwith prepared and difpatchedto all the Counties, requeuing them to unite with us in forming a Provincial Cong-cfs, and to appoint their Deputies withoutDclay^ to meet at New-York, en Monday the 22 d of May next. By Order cf the Committee, ISAAC LOW, Chairman, FACSIMILE YORK COMMITTEE CIRCULAR AFTER BATTLE LEXINGTON". jority in the provincial assembly …

Although a provincial convention had just been held, and a continental congress was about to meet, it was decided to summon a provincial congress; and a call was promptly issued for such a body to meet in New York City on the 22d of May and "deliberate upon and from time to time to direct such measures as may be expedient for our common safety." In the circular sent to the …

Robert Graham, Colonel Lewis Graham, and Colonel James Van Cortlandt, all of the Town of Westchester; Stephen Ward and Joseph Drake, of Eastchester; Major Philip Van Cortlandt, of Cortlandt Manor; Colonel James Holmes, of Bedford; John Thomas, Jr., of Rye; David Dayton, of North Castle; and William Paulding, of Philipseburgh Manor. It is noteworthy that among the results of …

He immediately espoused the cause of the anti-government party, although identifying himself, like Jay, with its more moderate advocates; and it was not until the die had been cast by the introduction of the Declaration of Independence in the continental congress that he took a pronounced position in support of radical doctrines. As a delegate from Westchester County to the …

There he resided during the closing years of his life, and died on the Kith of November, 1816. Jonathan G. Tompkins,1 of Scarsdale, the lather of Governor and Vice-President Daniel I>. Tompkins, was a prominent Westchester County figure throughout the Revolution and for many years after. His ancestors emigrated from the north of England to MassachuJusl dale from Westchtster …

When the New York provincial congress assembled on the 22d of May, the programme of revolution had already been well marked out. This provincial body was equal to the emergency, being fully controlled by the patriotic element, although well balanced in its membership. Itentered at once upon the serious business of the hour. By the election of Peter Van Brugh Livingston, an …

The British garrison in New York had given little trouble to the populace since the Golden Hill affray of January, 1770. During its brief stay in the city after the battle of Lexington it was not reenforced. Although as yet no armed body of colonists had arisen to threaten the British soldiers, it was perfectly understood that the people, and not the garrison, were masters of …

Indeed, as early as the 4th of May the New York City committee ordered " that Captain Sears, Captain Randall, and Captain Fleming be a committee to procure proper judges to go and view the ground at or near Kingsbridge, and report to this committee, with all convenient speed, whether it will answer for the purposes intended by it." Thus the very first warlike measure …

At the corner of Broad and Beaver Streets a single citizen, Marinus Willett by name, emerged from the crowd, seized the horse of the leadingvehicle by the bridle, and commanded the driver to turn back. An altercation now ensued, several prominent gentlemen expressing their opinions -- among them Gouverneur Morris, who, consistently with the pacific attitude that he had taken …

History records that one of the men deserted in response to this appeal. In all the preliminary events of the devolution there is no more dramatic episode than this exploit of Marinas Willett. It is typical of the whole course of the people of New York from the earliest period of the troubles with the mother country -- a course of unfaltering aggression, taking no thought of …

HISTORY WESTCHESTER COUNTY That a post be also taken in the Highlands, on each side of Hudson's River, and batteries erected in such a manner as will most effectually prevent any vessels passing that may be sent to harass the inhabitants on the borders of said river ; and that experienced persons be immediately sent to examine said river, in order to discover where it will be …

In addition to its function as a citadel at the northern end of Manhattan Island, Fort Washington covered the passage up the Hudson River, to which end Fort Lee, erected about the same time directly opposite on the New Jersey bank, also contributed. The committee having iu charge the matter of advising as to fortifying both banks of the Hudson in the neighborhood of the …

Of the various Revolutionary fortresses in the Highlands and that section, West Point was built last. In addition to its particular recommendations respecting Kingsbridge, the Highlands, and the Hudson, the continental congress advised New York to have its militia thoroughly armed and trained, and placed in "constant readiness to act at a moment's warning"; and, as a final …

Three of its ten com panics were largely from Westchester County. In the summer of 1775 the provincial congress ordered a complete reorganization of the militia of the colony, and required every member of that body, between the ages of sixteen and fifty, to provide himself with a musket and bayonet, a sword or tomahawk, a cartridgebox to contain twenty-three rounds of …

These regulations were drastic, and, as they were applied with particular severity in Westchester County, a somewhat detailed notice of i hem is called for. The measure embodying them was adopted on the 2(>th of August. It prohibited the furnishing of provisions or other necessaries, kk contrary to the resolutions of the continental or of this congress," to the ministerial …

general was necessaryConsequently to sternly punish abusessafety," of suchit privileges. all persons were prohibited from opposing or denying "the authority of the continental or this congress, or the committee of safety, or the committees of the respective counties, cities, (owns, manors, precincts, or districts in this colony" and from "dissuading any person or persons from …

It is true that Kings, Queens, Suffolk, and Richmond Counties contained a large Loyalist population -- perhaps as numerous and important, proportionately, as that of Westchester. But with the capture of New York City in the summer of 1776 these island counties came under the complete protection of the British forces, and their Tory inhabitants were consequently exempted from …

The Americans at least seldom burned private mansions or devastated estates, which the British did not fail to do in their raids; and, indeed, the Westchester raids of the British were often exclusively for these j:)recise purposes. Summary arrests by the British in this county of persons not in arms, but deemed obnoxious for political reasons, were also very frequent; and …

So far as their individual cases have been traced, documentary evidence has been found showing that at least twenty of the number were duly convicted and cast into prison. A specially interesting case was that of Godfrey Hains, of live, denoun ced by one Eunice Purdy, supposed to have been a revengeful sweetheart, in an affidavit over her mark. Eunice, being sworn " upon the …

The ship was wrecked, its cargo was seized by the Revolutionary government, and Hains was again imprisoned, this time in the Ulster County jail, where a strong guard was placed over him, and where, presumably, he languished long enough for his Tory ardor to become cooled. Hains was supposed to have been concerned in a plot to seize the distinguished Judge John Thomas, and …

It was particularly feared that British vessels of war would appear on the Westchester shore of the Sound and land marines to carry out concerted local Tory plans. Strong feelinghad been excited in this county by an order of the committee of safety for the general impressment of arms -- that is, the seizure of all fire-pieces belonging to private persons -- on the ground that …

Fowler, although he had signed <i recantation of expressed views of a similar character, was still regarded with a good deal of suspicion. The three men were leading representatives of the disaffected classes who wTere giving so much trouble to the Revolutionary committee in Westchester County, and Sears conceived the idea that their simultaneous arrest by means of a dashing …

At the time of the Golden Hill conflict between the citizens and the soldiers, in 1770, he was in the thick of the fray, and, finding himself confronted at one stage of it by a fierce grenadier with a bayonet, with great presence of mind and precision of aim hurled a rani's horn at the unfortunate man, which struck him full in the forehead and put him liors de combat. Wherever …

With sixteen mounted and armed men, described by a New Haven newspaper of the day as " respectable citizens of this town," Sears set out on the 20th of November for the avowed purpose of an expeditionto " East and West Chester, in the Province of New Yrork, disarm the principal Tories there and secure the persons of Parsonto Seabury, Judge Fowler, and Lord Underbill." On the …

He had long been displeased with the editorial conduct of Rivington's New York Gazetteer, and he now rode with his remaining men, a troop of about seventy-five, down to the city, "which they entered at noon-day, with bayonets fixed and the greatest regularity, went down the main streets, and drew up in close order before the printing office of the infamous James Rivington.,,1 …

Our nineteenth century Tory historian, Dawson, in his account of this raid, comments with uncontrolled and terrible excitement upon every phase of it, describing Sears as a cowardly, plundering ruffian of the dirtiest water, and his troopers as diabolical banditti, and insists that they returned to Connecticut laden with spoils. Of this there is no evidence whatever. Abundant …

neck, where on the 27th of November they were joined by the parent band. The next day the whole party took up their triumphal march to New Haven. They were escorted, says the local newspaper from which we have already quoted, " by a number of gentlemen from the westward, the whole making a grand procession. Upon their entrance into town they were saluted with the discharge of …

Farmer " tracts, so peculiarly offensive to the patriotic sentiment of the times; and however that might be he was undeniably a Tory of the most intractable and odious type. It was remembered with great indignation against him that he had refused to open the church at Eastchester on the day appointed for the continental fast. Finally, he was regarded with deep private …

During the military campaign of 1776 he was obliged to give accommodation in his house to a company of FROM JANUARY, 1775, JULY 9, 1776 Revolutionary cavalry, who, says Dawson, consumed or destroyed all the products of his glebe. The poor Tory clergyman finally, in desperation, fled with his wife and six children to the British lines. Like Isaac Wilkins, also of the Borough of …

Farmer, and many others to the same purpose, which are replete with i he most impudent falsehoods and the grossest misrepresentations; and that the authors, printers, and abettors of the above and such like publications ought to be esteemed and treated as traitors to their country, and enemies to the liberties of America." A writer in Dawson's Historical Magazine (January …

the burden of evidence furors the opinion that Wilkins was their author.1 The provincial congress which assembled in May, 1775, continued in session, with several brief recesses, until the 4th of November, when it adjourned sine die. On the 7th of November elections for delegates to a second provincial congress were held in a number of the counties of New York, those in …

During its lifetime the general condition of affairs steadily grew more critical, events of commanding importance transpired, and developments ofportentous significance to the people of New York and Westchester County resulted. In the early part of this period the invasion of Canada by the American troops was brought to a disastrous end before the walls of Quebec,1 but tin1 …

If the British had not captured and held New York, it is in every way historically improbable that they could have made even a respectable struggle for 1 The lamented General d M. whose death in this expedition will always be remembered as one of the capital tragedies of the Revolution, was a resident of our county, and seme of the most important associations of the War of …

the retention of the colonies, and, indeed, it is not likely that they would have persevered long in the attempt. In the very act of taking New York they all but annihilated the American nation at one blow, missing by a mere chance the capture of Washington's whole army; and thereafter for a dreary period the distinguishing phases of the War of Independence were complete …

In such an event, or in any other except the mastery of New York, which, with its inevitable consequences, seemed to establish the supremacy of Great Britain beyond the possibility of dispute, the French alliance would have been a matter of months instead of years. After the evacuation of New York by its small British garrison, in •Tune, 177."), the city, although in fact …

At Kingsbridge they were divided, by the order of congress, into three parcels, one portion being left there, another sent to Williams's Bridge, and a third to Valentine's Hill, near Kingsbridge.1 "Before the close of the year 1775," says Dawson, whose facts may generally be accepted without question, " between three and four hundred cannon, of all calibers, grades, and …

Subsequently, during the military administration of the noted and notorious General Charles Lee in Xew York City, most of the heavy cannon in Fort George and upon the Battery were, in anticipation of the capture of the place by the British, removed to Kingsbridge. These were about two hundred altogether, mostly excellent pieces of artillery. The reply of General Lee to the …

nental army, was dispatched by Washington to New York in the latter part of January, 177G, with instructions to put the place " in the best posture of defense the season and circumstances will admit of." In his march through Westchester County he caused numerous dwellings to bo entered and searched for arms, which ho appropriated and bore away with him for the good of the …

Of this organization it is recorded in an official document that it possessed, when summoned into active duty, no fewer than " four field officers, two captains, thirteen other commissioned officers, and twenty non-commissioned officers " -- a most ridiculous state of things, about which Dawson makes merry as illustrating the abominable propensity to office-holding among the …

The committee of safety, in its instructions to the recruiting officers charged with enlisting men under this act, prescribed that the pay of privates should be |5 per month, and that each should receive, as a bounty, a felt hat, a pair of yarn stockings, a pair of shoes, and, if they could be procured, a hunting-shirt and a blanket. On the other hand, the men were to furnish …

This was the beginning of the well-known Westchester Troop of Horse. About the same time there were various enlistments in the county for the infantry service. Local zeal for the cause continued to manifest itself in the ominous forms of information and arrest, and it was even proposed by some Westchester enthusiasts, who doubtless had acquired thorough experience in that …

No quorum was obtained, however, until the 18th. The delegates from Westchester County were Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt, Colonel Lewis Graham, Colonel Gilbert Drake, Major Ebenezer Lockwood, Gouverneur Morris, William Paulding, Jonathan G. Tompkins, Samuel Ilavilaml, and Peter Fleming. The third provincial congress was the last of the series to sit in the City of New York …

One of the first acts of the congress was the appointment of a committee "to consider of the ways and means to prevent the dangers to which this colony is exposed by its intestine enemies." Although the committee was headed by one of the principal conservatives of the province, John Also]), who soon afterward resigned his seat in the continental congress on account of the …

In such circumstances, and in view of the crisis of invasion then impending, it is not surprising that the third provincial congress, although comprising in its membership influential men of singularly calm and judicious temperament, who had previously been noted for moderation, was pervaded by a determination to deal summarily wit li all Tories of the dangerous or …

The committee was directed to inquire as to their guilt or innocence upon the following points: (1) Whether they had afforded aid or sustenance to the British fleets or armies; (2) whether they had been active in dissuading inhabitants from associating for the defense of the united colonies; (3) whether they had decried the value of the continental money and endeavored to …

Richard Morris was a brother of Colonel Lewis Morris, the signer of the Declaration of Independence, and a half-brother of Gonverneur Morris, lie was judge of the colonial Court of Admiralty, but his designation as a possible foe to the Revolutionary programme seems to have been wholly undeserved, lie resigned his crown commission, giving as his reason that he could not …

Who it is that has made such a representation, or upon what particular facts it is founded, as you have not stated them it is impossible for me to imagine ; but, considering my situation and the near and intimate ties and connections which I have in this country, which can be secured and rendered happy to me only by the real and permanent prosperity of America, I should have …

This being my real situation, I must request the favour of you to excuse my attendance to-morrow ; but you may rest assured, Gentlemen, that I shall punctually attend, as soon as I can, consistent with my health, flattering myself, in the meantime, that, upon further consideration, you will think that my being a friend to the rights and interests of my native country is a fact …

The lord of Philipseburgh Manor deemed himself well within the bounds of political sagacity in treating the committee with such exact though courteous reserve. The overpowering fleet and army of Great Britain had just arrived, the provincial congress was scurrying out of New York ( V.y, and, indeed, if Frederick Philipse had been so obliging as to journey to the city on that …

Philipse to England, and survived him but one year. They are interred in the same churchyard. Charley Philips, son of Angevine, lived for many years on the banks of the Hudson, and wa.s sexton of Saint John's Church (Yonkers) forty-five years. After the Philipse family had left Philipseburgh (1777), John Williams, steward of the manor, had possession of the manor until its …

The Uniform Rectitude of His conduct commanded the Efteem of others : Whilft the Benevolence of His Heart and Gentleness of His Manners secured their Love. Firmly attached to His Sovereign and the British Constitution, He opposed, at the Hazard of His life, the late Rebellion in North America ; and for this Faithful discharge of His Duty to His King and Country He was …

In addition to summoning or arresting the various individuals specified in the resolutions to which wo have alluded, the third provincial congress authorized its committee for the detection of conspiracies to summon or apprehend all other persons deemed dangerous or disaffected, and to use for that purpose not merely detachments of the militia, but troops of the continental …

It will thus be seen how rigid and detailed were the arrangements, upon the eve of the breaking out of the war in the Colony of New York, for com pelling absolute submission everywhere to the will of the Revolutionary authorities, and for visiting swift and condign punishment upon all refractory or sullen spirits. 11 is needless to remark that t here was no relaxation of this …

FLAG OF THE men Who were its controlling members to bring thirteen colonies. its labors promptly to a conclusion, and to have it superseded by a new congress, freshly elected by the people upon the great issue of American independence which was being shaped for ultimate decision at Philadelphia. in anticipation of the Declaration of Independence, the continental congress had …

Consequently on the 31st of May action was taken summoning the electors of the various counties to meet at an early date and choose delegates to a fourth provincial congress. Meantime steady progress was being made at Philadelphia toward the definite consideration of the subject of American independence, and some of the New York representatives in the continental congress …

It then adopted a series of resolutions whose essential purport was to declare the congress's unwillingness and incapacity to deal with the matter, and 1<> commit it for decision to the people at the forthcoming election The first of these resolutions was for a new provincial congress. an emphatic intimation to the delegates at Philadelphia that they possessed as yet no …

FROM JANUARY, 1775, JULY 9, 1776 with independence pending possible final efforts for reconciliation The resolutions embodied, so far as it was posthe mother country. sible for them to do, an absolute prohibition of support of independfurther inence by the New York delegates at Philadelphia until instructi ons No further structions should be dispatched to them. ot ion Declarat …

It can scarcely be questioned that his bold attitude, in which he was joined by the highly respected Philip Livingston, was influential in persuading two of the signers of the communication of June S to in like manner set duty above caution. Particularly apropos to the four courageous delegates from New York, in view of the embarrassing circumstances which compassed them …

In June, 177C>, he was appointed by the New York provincial congress brigadier-general of the militia miliof Westchester County, and later he was made major-general of tia. Alwavs devoted to agricultural pursuits, he resumed his favorite avocation as soon as peace was restored. He lived to witness the complete realization of all the patriotic aims and governmental prinmost …

It was there that the Declaration of Independence was formally proclaimed, that the name of the State of New York was substituted for the ancient designation of the Province of New York, and that the original steps for the organization of the State machinery were taken. To the lasting regret of all who hold venerable associations dear, the historic court house where these …

Robert Graham, who was supervisor of White Plains from 1769 to 1775. and county the credit of having judge in 1778, White riains fixed upon is the county-seat, having the court house building erected, and having the courts removed there from WestHe gave to the county the site upon ehester irt house was erected. His efwhich t ly seconded by John Thomas, .if forts w< Rye, who …

In the adopted without a dissenting voice: In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New York, White Plains, July 9, 177G. the continental congress '^Jecl^ Resolved, unanimously, That the reasons assigned hyare cogent and conclusive , and that inP- the United Colonies free and independent States le, we approve ruel necessity which has rendered that measure unavoidab …

Resolved, That five hundred copies of the Declaration of Independence, with the two last-mentioned resolutions of this congress for approving and proclaiming the same, be published in handbills and sent to all the county committees in this State. Resolved, That the delegates of this State, in continental congress, be and they are hereby authorized to consent to and adopt all …

A committee of thirteen, of which John Jay was chairman and Gouverneur Morris was a member, was appointed on the 1st of August to take into consideration and report a plan for instituting a form of government. Out of this action resulted the first constitution of the State, which was reported on March 12 and adopted on April 20. 1777. Meantime, and until the new governmental …

The local committees every where were supreme, and manifestations of an unfriendly nature, even in the form of disfavoring remark, were pretty certain to involve the culprits in difficulty. The name of one bold spirit, who for three weeks persevered in a public attitude of defiance, has come down to us; and before proceeding with the narrative of the momentous events which now …

Next, he was ordered to furnish blankets for the " Rebel soldiers," and, refusing, was sent under guard to the committee, which, failing to persuade him on the same point, gave orders to search his house^and appropriate the desired goods; but happily his wife had Then he was directed to pay - upsafely secreted all they possessed. wards of thirty shillings " to the mortified …

On the second Sunday he still pursued the even tenor of his duties in this particular; but on the third Sunday, says Bolton, 4k when in the afternoon he was officiating, and had proceeded some length in the service, a company of armed soldiers -- said to have belonged to Colonel Sheldon's regiment, stationed on Keeler's Hill, opposite marched into the church with drums beating …

His ship foundered, and he and his whole family perished. The first vessels of the British expedition against New York, which arrived at Sandy Hook on June 2!), were gradually joined by the entire fleet. The united military force comprised the army formerly quartered in Boston (which, after evacuating that place, had been transported to Halifax), some troops from the Southern …

But if such was the purpose of the British commander, he promptly abandoned it (being actuated, it is supposed, by the prudential feeling that it would be wisest to await the arrival of the bulk of his forces); and, indeed, it was not until the 22d of August that the landing on Long Island was made. There Washington was granted a respite of seven weeks, which he availed of by …

But toward the end of peace so devoutly to be wished for, he unfortunately was not able to make any progress whatever One of his first acts was to dispatch an officer under a flag of truce with a letter addressed to " George Washington, Esq./' impertinence, the offireminding one of that other historic British cial designation of the fallen and captive Emperor Napoleon, after …

This was that been threatened had so ful chastisement On the 2d of July the British ships left Gravesend, advanced in stately procession through the Narrows, dropped anchor one by one along the shores of Staten Island, and began to discharge the troops, who, gladly remarks Dawson, were tk welcomed by the inhabitants of oppression that' beautiful island as their deliverers from …

But there was no such endeavor; and, although the hostile ships remained opposite Tarrytown for four days, no clash of arms occurred there. Meantime the State convention at White Plains sent supplies of powder and ball to Tarrytown, and also ordered re-enforcements thither. It is very conjecturable that the purpose of the British warships in staying so long at that spot was to …

Solicitude was likewise felt for KingsIn June Washbridge, a point of even greater immediate importance.Kingsbridge and ington had made a personal visit of inspection to fortificaadvantageous of admit to locality the found had vicinity, tion in seven distinct places, and, " esteeming it a pass of the utmost importance in order to keep open communication with the country," had …

It is well known that General Howe placed not a little dependence upon the hope of receiving active co-operation in the held from the loyal inhabitants of the lower counties of this State, and in that hope he was encouraged by assurances which he received from Governor Tryon and others upon his arrival. So far as Westchester County is concerned, no evidence exists that any …

One-fourth of the entire militia of Westchester, Dutchess, and Orange Counties was called out, and, in view of the emergency, each militiaman taking the field was granted a bounty of twenty dollars ut generous allowance in the circumstances of the time), with continental This whole militia force (Westchester County's ami subsistence. pay contingent being under the command of …

Returning slowly down the stream, they soon found that some tolerably lively adventures had been prepared for (hem by the alert American commander. At Tarrytown, on the 4th of August, they were boldly engaged by a number of galleys -- the " Washington," kk Lady Washington," kl Spitfire," k Whiting," kk Independence," and " (Vane " -- which Washington had procured from the …

One of our tars, being mortally wounded, cried to his messmate: kI am a dying man; revenge my blood, my boys, and carry me alongside my gun, that I may die there.' We were so preserved by a gracious Providence that in all our galleys we had but two men killed and fourteen wounded, two of which are thought dangerous." An (wen more exciting experience was reserved for the kk …

FItOM JULY OCTOBER 12, published in the Worcester Magazine in 1826) is so explicit and in essential respects so intelligent that it seems to us his statement that the event transpired on the west side of the river mast be accepted without question. Yet Dawson, after examining numerous original authorities, all carefully cited in his footnotes, gives no suggestion of this …

" The fire-ships," says Ruttenber, whose account is digested from the narrative of Captain Bass, "had been prepared with fagots of the most combustible kinds of wood, which had been dipped in melted pitch, and with bundles of straw cut about a fool long, prepared in the same manner. The fagots and bundles tilled the deck and hold as far aft as the cabin, and into this mass of …

One of the fire-ships grappled a tender (or " bombketch," according HISTORY WESTCHESTER COUNTY to Bass), and the other made fast to the " Phoenix." The fires were lighted, and instantly the rafts were aflame. The tender, or bombketch, was burned to the water's edge, and the "Phoenix" seemed exerin a fair way of total destrnction, but was saved by desperate tions. Nevertheless …

One of the captains, Thomas, it is to be feared perished in the attempt, or in making his escape by swimming, as he has not been heard of. His bravery entitled him to a better fate. Though this enterprise did not succeed to our wishes, I incline to think it alarmed the enemy greatly; for this morning (Aucmst 18 ) the " Phoenix " and « Rose," with their two remaining tenders …

With the details of the battle of Long Island, which presently followed, our narrative is not concerned, and it is sufficient for the purpose of this History to briefly summarize its results. By noon on the 27th of August that disastrous battle ended in complete victory for the British, and Washington, having sustained a heavy loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners, retired …

Without was therefore that of the most expeditious possible escape. of the evening the By arrangements. his make to began he delay 29th all the available craft in the surrounding waters had been colThe night was lected and brought to the Brooklyn end of the ferry. fortunately dark, and not a, ship of the enemy's had yet appeared in the vicinity, while Howe's army lay before …

Rapelje, living near the ferry, as that the wife of a Tory named began after nightfall, dispatched soon as the retreating movement a negro with information of it to the British camp, but that the mesthe American lines, senger, after safely making his way through had the ill luck to stumble upon an outpost of Hessian mercenaries, who were unable to understand a word of his …

HISTORY WESTCHESTER COUNTY money on an enormous scale. It was best that he should be rid of it at once with no greater sacrifice than that incurred in the brief Long Island campaign and the mainly defensive movements that followed it. lie was thereby released from a most perilous situation and enabled to withdraw his army into the interior, where it could recruit its strength …

On Manhattan Island Washington was still undisputed master, and the British, without any precipitancy but with great thoroughness, proceeded to bring him to another reckoning there. Although the ileet made no attempt to dispose itself around the island for days with Howe's land forces until several purposes of co-operation Island, two of the warships, with a brig, had after …

Manhattan Island, it was now imperatively necessary for Washington to withdraw his whole command to the northern portion of the island, which lie was fortunately able to do, following the Bloomingdale Koad on the west side, and camping on the evening of the 15th on Harlem Heights. Here he established his headquarters in the Roger Morris mansion, which afterward became the …

Beverly Robinson, between who of friendship subsisted, which, indeed, continued without liil severed by their opposite fortunes twenty years aft rward ange in the Revolution. It happened that Miss Mary Philipse, a sist r of Mrs. Robinson, and a young lady of rare accomplishments, wa mate in the family. The charms of the lady made a deep an insion upon the heart of the Virginia …

The lady lived to be ninetyHeights resilive years old, dying in England in 1825. The Harlem dence was occupied for a time after the Revolution as a tavern, and a wealthy Frenchman, whose was then purchased by Stephen Juniel, wi<low became the wife of Aaron Burr. of HarOn the 16th of September occurred the lively encounter lem Plains, in which the Americans acquitted themselves …

In the weeks that incifollowed the convention adopted a great number of measures dental to the serious situation, of which many applied specially to Westchester County. We can not here attempt anything more than a mere allusion to some of the more interesting of these measures. Provision was made for removing all the horses, cattle, and other livestock from Manhattan Island …

This clievaux de frise consisted of a line of sunken craft stretching across the stream, and it was hoped that the obstructions would at least detain the enemy's vessels long enough to admit of their being so destructively played upon by the Fori Washington and Fort Lee batteries as to compel them to turn back. It is true the batteries did some execution, killing and wounding …

It is the general opinion of historical writers that the real purpose of the British commander in sending them tip the stream was to make a feint and cause the Americans to fix their attention upon the Hudson while he was preparing to outflank Washington from the Sound. The incident certainly did produce a vast deal of uneasiness on the We shall recur to this subject in detail …

Early in Septem^. -- --- .... <" * * <" > • * >• from inm of ber he established «> < hain Morrisania to Throgg's vedettes moven Neck, so as to provide tor immediate informatio of any hostile render to began also lie force, in resistance require ment'that 1I1 the Harlem and the Sound ds might leading from the villages artillery British trees athwart them the to telling le by …

On Washof September, five davs before the British army moved upon Island Randall's) (now 's Montressor Bay, Kip's from ington's forces amount w;?s taken, and a detachment was placed there, with a large Colonel of stores. The island commanded the Morrisania shore, and hunfour Some range. convenient within Morris's manor honse was dred of Heath's men were posted along the shore …

They arrived at the calculated time, with no other misadventure than an unfortunate experience with an American sentry, who, refusing to believe that they were friends, discharged his gun at them, thereby probably alarming the enemy. Yet the endeavor would undoubtedly have succeeded if it had not been for the cowardly behavior of the troops on two of the boats, who at the …

At that point also a large quantity of cordwood had been piled up, which General Heath found to be "as advantageously situated to cover a post defending the pass as if constructed for the very purpose." It Avas a valuable strategic position -- a few men posted there could hold an army at bay. and, moreover, as the bridge and causeway communicated direct with the Village of …

be the chosen landingsibilitv that Throgg's Neck might prove to Accordingly the genplace of the now daily expected invading host. ed Colonel Hand, eral-we qnote from -Heath's Memoirs "-" direct of the best sub ah one upon fix to camp, to return immediately on his and assign them corps, his of men tern officers and twenty-five picked m case the m and tin.es; all at post alarm …

It was, in the aggrega conto the a curious armament that Westchester County contributed these militinental battalions. The State convention, in ordering out arms they tiamen, directed that if any of the men were without tened and fixed should bring -a shovel, a pickaxes or scythe, straigh them all "disarmed OI1 a poie." They were, moreover, to take with sixteen and fiftyand …

Jo tne lasi a . ^^ ^ bl.idge> ,,n tlu, promises of i„ a good state of preservation for its age, , ana Brainerd T. Harrington, grape-shot wore was still in use for grinding gram The old Mr Bu mu j_ b_ evidently wore mill," writes a venerable resident of the local- found as ^te^amissiles ■ M^ th< of some in sided "was historian, present itv to the lean artillery. and a man …

Great numbers of them have gone off; in some instances almost by whole regiments, by half ones, ami by companies at a time." And in a letter to his brother he gave the following vivid account of the situation: "The dependence which the congress have placed upon the militia has already greatly injured and, 1 fear, will totally ruin our cause. Being subject to no control …

General Howe had at his disposal for the invasion of Westchester County, after leaving behind him ample garrisons, as well as all his sick, an army many thousands larger -- all professional soldiers. The contrasting conditions are thus powerfully summarized in the notorious Joseph Galloway's " Letters to a Nobleman": "The British army was commanded by able and experienced …

In all the official correspondence on the American side up to the day of Howe's landing in our county (October 12), there appears not the slightest inkling of the real designs of the British commander. Indeed, during the days when Howe was making the final preparations for his grand coup, American attention was absorbed by the successful passage of the three British frigates …

During the pause after the bitter American defeat on Long Island, all the conditions seemed to indicate that whatever General Howe's preference might: be in the selection of a quarter from which to renew his direct operations against Washington's army, he would at least not neglect to secure a substantial foothold at the essential points along the lower Hudson. Hence the …

The escape of Washington to New been obliged to have would he and off, cut been have then would oi waging a retreal into New England, with the single alternative bout northern round-a a by ing proceed or there war local defensive route to the middle colonies, where also he would have been under the disability of local confinement, with his lines of eastern communication closed …

It was not doubted that when he got ready to act he would choose some point on .he Sound for his outflanking movement, since that const was wholly unprotected by American forts or improvised impediments to navigation, and from its low formation afforded perfectly satisfactory conditions for landing, which nowhere existed on the precipitous shores of the Hudson. But there to …

The originals furnished us, thirty-seven in number, are from the documentary remains of Colonel Tilghman now owned by his descendant, lion. Oswald Tilghman, of Maryland; behalf of and for the most part are the communications of Duer, on although the committee, in reply to Tilghmans notes of information, tocommittee, the o1 a few letters to Tilghman from other members gether …

The following are extracts army in correspondence up to the date of the landing of the British our county: Letter to the Convention Duer to Tilghman, September 25.-I shall communicate your to the Obstruction --to-morrow who will (I doubt not) be happy to find that their Attention n. approbatio 's of Hudson's River meets with General Washington making some Duer to Tilolnnan …

I dare say however them across the Sound, in order to come on the Rear of our Works. that Precautions will be made here to prevent any Surprise of that Kind. Ducr to Livingston, September 27. -- I have heard it reported that near 100 Sail of the Enemy's ships are gone out of the Hook [Sandy Hook]. Is it true? If so, it is far from improbable that they will go round Long Island …

Duer to Tilghman, September 28.-- You observe that if the Passage of the North River is sufficiently obstructed that our Lines will keep the Enemy from making any Progress in Front. This is certainly true; but you must recollect that the Sound is, and must ever be, in 'Landing a Body of Men in Westchester County, they open;' and if they shouldto succeed the North River as …

Duer to Tilghman, September 30.-- I am extremely happy to hear that you are in so to force your Lines, good a Situation for opposing the Enemy shonld they make an Attempt down, properly Sunk. and I should be still more so were the Yessells, we have lately sent are certainly are Sound the from Roads the up The Precaution you have taken by breaking they land very proper; and …

Should they succeed no Event so fatal befall the American Cause. you I am sorry the Ships have been so long detained; but I hope they will be with the before this arrives. Don't let their Youth or their Beauty plead for them, if there is in that part of Hudson's River more least Probability of their rendering the Obstructions would be a effectual. I am convinced upon the …

Cook is now up the River cutting Timber for Chevaux de Frise, as he is much wanted here to sink the old Vessels-- the General begs that he has Superhe may be sent down immediately, we are at a Stand for want of him, for as be obstructed. intended the Matter from the Beginning he best knows the properest places to If the new ships should be found necessary to our Salvation you …

He is now at Fishkill Landing on Ins Way down & is to set out in the Morning with a quantity of Oak Plank &c. for the Enemys Procrastination unless Duer to Tilghman, October 8.-- I cannot account it proceeds from some of their Ships being sent into the Sound round Long Island for the Purpose of making an Attempt to Land in West Chester County. They never certainly will make …

If you have any Stores on the Water Side you had better have them removed or secured in time. Boards especially for which we shall be Streights if the Communication above should be cut off. The Enemy have put to nogreat Move on the land Side. made p. s.-- Be Pleased to forward this Intelligence up the River and to Albany. The two new Ships are put in near Colo. Phillips's. A …

It is impossible for the Convention to draw out a force which can be depended on from the Counties last mentioned. By the Influence and Artifices of the Capital Tories of this State the Majority of Inhabitants in those Counties are ripe for a Revolt; many Companies of Men have actually been enlisted in the Enemys service, several of whom are now concealed in the Mountains …

Tilghman to the committee, October 11.-- We have no Intelligence of any Troops, either Horse or Foot, going round long Island into the Sound. Duer to Tilghman, October 12.-- Notwithstanding the Enemy had, agreeable to your last Advices, sent no Yessells tip the Sound, depend upon it they will endeavor to make an Attack upon your Flanks by means of Hudson's and the Fast River …

As late as the 11th of October (the very day before Howe's complete disclosure of his project) Colonel Tilghman, writing to the committee of Hie State convention from the American cam]), with full knowledge of such informal ion as Washington himself possessed, made this peculiarly malapropos statement: "We have no intel igence of any troops, either horse or foot, going round …

It is true that, contrasted with the conditions which would have obtained if Howe had been in possession of the Hudson simultaneously with opening his campaign from the Sound, the situation created by his sudden descent on Throgg's Neck was not without an element of hope. At least, one flank of the American army remained quite unimperiled, which afforded scope for thwarting …

Washington, intrenched on the Heights of Harlem -- that is, in the northwestern portion of .Manhattan Island, -- with New York City below him in the hands of the British, and Howe making ready to fall upon him on his flank, had but three possible courses of action -- first, to remain in that position and undergo a siege, which could have resulted in nothing but early …

It was by no means plain to him at first just what ultimate object it repreHowe's appearance on Throgg's Neck imported, or whether A too sented all or even the essential part of the British scheme. have would part precipitate retirement to the north on Washington's had the aspect and all the ill moral effect of a cowardly retreat; whereas just on this occasion it was most …

Meantime the royal army, as the aggressor, had but to march with reasonable expedition to White Plains-- the natural n, because, in Howe's case, of destination for Howe as for Washingto its central location, and the excellent roads leading thither from the Sound and the circumstance that all the other roads of the county converged there-- and Washington would be completely …

Neither but at nor any part of the Neck was occupied by American troops, the only loWestchester causeway and also at the head of the creek, calities affording passage to the mainland, the picked riflemen posted of General about a week previously, through the happy foresight invader on Heath still stood guard. As soon as the presence of the ripped up bridge the at men the them …

General Heath "immediately ordered Colonel Prescott, the hero of Bunker Hill, with his regiment, and CaptainLieutenant Bryant, of the artillery, with a three-pounder, to reenforce the riflemen at Westchester causeway, and Colonel Graham, of the New York line, with his regiment, and Lieutenant Jackson, of the artillery, with a six-pounder, to re-enforce at the head of the …

The responsibility for the selection of Throgg's Neck as theof Britthe ish lauding place has been charged to the commander fleet, Admiral Lord Howe, General Howe's brother; and in explanation of the choice of that locality it has been urged that a direct lauding on Pell's Neck would have been an imprudent measure because of the shallowness of the water at the latter place …

The of which were two arrived, s regiment s Lincoln' Gen. > jotted on the North River. 12-th.-- Early in the morning, 80 or 90 Britifh boats, full of men, flood up the found, from Montrefors Ifland, Long-Mand, &c. The troops landed at Frog's Neck, and their advance pufhed towards the caufeway and bridge, at Weft Chefter mill. Col. Hand's riflemen took up the planks of the …

Jackfo-n of the artillery, with a 6 pounder, to reinforce at the head of the creek ; all of which was promptly done, to the check and difappointment of the enemy. The Britifh encamped on the neck. The riflemen and Yagers kept up a fcattering^ popping at each other acrofs the marfh \ and the Americans on their fide, and the Britifh on ihe other, threw up a work at the end of …

But even granting the force of the special objection to Pelham Neck as an original landing place, one marvels why Throgg's Neck should have been regarded as the only alternative spot. Surely there was adequate depth of water at points farther up the Sound (Mamaroneck Harbor, for instance); and General Howe's sole object being to outflank Washington, it would have been rather …

The complacency of Washington in renminbis in his Harlem Heights and Kingsbridge position until after Howe had pushed northward to Pell's Neck, although six days had elapsed meanwhile, is of itself plain demonstration that Howe blundered egregionsly in his choice of ground so far as his intention of outflanking the patriot general was concerned. The civilian Duer, of t lie …

I think they will endeavor to Land the Main Body of their Army near Rye and endeavor to surround our Troops from the Sound to the North River." And the next day. writing to Robert Harrison, Washington's secretary, he says: " I . . . am happy to find you have got the Enemy in so desirable a Situation. " There appears to me an actual Fatality attending all their Measures. One …

On the evening of the 12th he rode over to Westchester village and personally inspected the situation, becoming satisfied that it threatened no immediate clanger and that his plain duty, pending a further disclosure of the enemy's intentions, was to strengthen his defensive position in every way. At a loss to understand why Throgg's Neck should have been selected if the …

His confidence in his ability to repel a mere movement against Kingsbridge is well reflected in the following extract from a letter written from headquarters on the loth of October by Lieutenant-Colonel Tilghman to the committee of correspondence of the State convention: The Grounds leading from Frogs Point towards our Post at Kingsbridge are as defensible as they can be …

The cheerful remark in this letter that the commander-in-chief had matters so well in hand as to be able to spare a considerable number of his best troops for purposes other than his own defense against Howe received practical application on the same day by the send1 This letter 0 f Ti Ighman's was replied to on i Duer. from the citations the 14th, by Wi made in previo US ]l …

to FishhiU off of Colonel Tash's regiment of New Hampshire militia kill " for the assistance of the committee of safety in holding the disaffected in check." By recurring to the consecutive extracts from the Duer-Tilghman correspondence printed on pp. 359-362, it will he seen that Duer, on the 12th of October, communicated to Washington's headquarters information (or supposed …

Washington seems also to have been considerably impressed by Duer's intel igence of a general British plan for the 17th of October. The pre diction was evidently treasured up at headquarters, for Tilghman, writing to Duer on the 15th, remarks: "The information you furnish concerning the intended operations on Thursday next deserve our highest thanks; it may be false, if it is …

To-morrow one Company actually enber 1 1 that thirty-two of the latter listed in the Enemy's Service will be march'd been taken into custody, to Philadelphia, there to be confined In jail ion or her conspirators, says: "I till the Establishment of our Courts enables us In rpe Matters be so managed that two or to hang the Ringdeaders." And on October 10 iree of ■nthen cipal …

On the morning of the loth Washington issued a stirring address to the army, probably as characteristic a specimen of his writings of this nature as his career affords: "As the enemy seem mew to be endeavoring to strike some stroke before the close of the campaign," said he, "the General most earnestly conjures both officers and men, if they have any love for their country and …

At that period Lee was still generally estimated at his own enormous valuation of himself; and it is amusing to note in the public and private correspondence of the time the satisfaction with which the coming of this littlest of little souls, most vile of marplots, and most heinous and despicable of willing though impotent traitors was hailed on account of his supposed …

his power to reap a fresh Harvest of Laurels, and inure on accountof of this Country wli leeks up to him as one of the brave Apostles her dearest Rights." Lee's machinations to supplant Washington in the supreme command were in course of development at this period, g ;n„l the gloomy outlook for the American cause, with the appallin record of recent disaster, gave buoyancy to …