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.

A council of war was held in attendance, beat the headquarters of General Lee, the officers Lee, Putnam, sides the commander-in-chief, being Major-Generals Stirling, Lord -Generals Brigadier Heath, Spencer, and Sullivan, Fellows, Scott, , Wadsworth Nixon, Parsons, McDougal, Mifflin, George Clinton, and Lincoln, and Colonel Knox, commanding the artillery-- to whom Washington …

At the same time the expediency of retaining possession of Fort Washington was considered, and all the general officers, most of them influenced doubtless by the desire of congress that this stronghold should be held as long as possible, favored the policy-- although Washington's judgment was against it. Preparations were now begun, though with no special haste, for CAMPAIGN …

" We are sinking the Ships as fast as possible," wrote Tilghman to Duer on the 17th; "200 Men are daily employed, but they take an immense Quantity of Stone for the purpose." Although the ultimate necessity of quitting Manhattan Island and Kingsbridge was not decided on until the Kith, and the beginning of the formal movement was delayed several days longer, the objective …

And finally White Plains commanded the whole country below, and equally the country above, since all the roads centered there; while directly in its rear rose the range of North ' In most historical references to Washington's march through Westchester County the Irnpression is given thai the intrenched camps along tlie Bronx wer nslrneted by detachments from the army during …

It and Kingsbrid ment from Harlem is generally characterized by loose and hasty writers-- and not infrequently bymore careful ones -- as a retreat. This is a strange misconception ofits nature. It was not a retreat in any proper or admissible sense of the term, but really a deliberate conntermove for position, fearless and almost aggressive in its fundamentals.^ So far from …

If his object had been simply to retire beyond his enemy's reach, he wo aid not have stopped at White Plains, a comparatively exposed locali ty, but would have gone at once to the North Castle hills, which v ere practically impregnable with the force he had. lint with those hills at his back to resort to in case of need, he was satisfied to oil Vr battle at White Plains …

Finally, at one o'clock on the morning of the 18th, he embarked a portion of his forces on flatboats and had them rowed over to Pelham's or Rodman's Point, on the opposite side of Eastchester Pay. They were successfully landed in the darkness. This was a preliminary movement to secure the ground for his main body, which he put in motion at daylight; and simultaneously he …

Washington, says Heath inhave his division formed ready (Heath) to return immediately and for action, and to take such a position as might appear best calculated to oppose the enemy should they attempt to land another body of troops on Morrisania, which he thought not improbable." Having distracted the attention of the Americans by his pretended plan of crossing the marsh from …

Its total strength upon this occasion was about Captain Curtis). 750, and il was equipped with three field pieces, which, however, were not brought into action because of the unevenness of the ground and The fact that the American the nature of the tactics employed. numerous and effecrelatively so place to general had the discretion tive a body on Pell's Neck, despite his …

Both sides now tired, several rounds being exchanged. of the British party were seen to fall, and of the Americans two were The British were soon re-enforced and killed and a number wounded. charged the Americans, who retreated in good order, leading their ambuscaded regiment (Colonel Read's) pursuers up to where the first The concealed men rose from behind the stone wall and …

The three regiments, having well performed the duties which fell to them, then retired across Hutchinson's Kivei and up a slope of ground to where the fourth, commanded by Captain Curtis, was This ended the fighting, alstationed, with the three field-pieces. though the British cannon continued to belch thunderously at the the CAMPAIGN BATTLE WHITE PLAINS disappearing …

Dawson, after careful examination of all the known facts, concludes that the number of the enemy actually engaged by Glover and his men could not have been less than 4,000; while the two regiments of Read and Shepard, which sustained practically the entire attack of this army, could not have exceeded 400 rank and file. The American losses, according to official returns, were …

The reports of deserters, and other unofficial reports, made the total losses, hoth British and German, from eight hundred to a thousand men ; and it is difficult to make one helieve that four hundred Americans, familiar from their childhood with the use of firearms, sheltered by ample defenses, from which they could fire deliberately and with their pieces rested on the tops …

Dawson's extreme compassionate feeling for the miserable Tories of Westchester County procures naturally from his magnanimous pen a properly respectful reception of the British forces sent to their relief by a gracious sovereign; and in this particular he goes so far in several places as to express impatience at the traductions of General Howe as a military commander which so …

The gallant behavior of Colonel (Hover and his men was made the subject of very complimentary observations in general orders issued by Washington; and General Lee, to whose command they belonged, paid a visit to them in their cam]) and tk publickly returned his thanks for their noble-spirited and soldier-like conduct during the battle." After the retreat of this obstructing …

Also on the 21st he detached a Loyalist corps Rogers, as the Queen's Gangers, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel the to occupy Mamaroneck, which was successfully accomplished, any without ly apparent it ing abandon place that at post n America was attempt at defense. Thus as early as the 21st General Howe encamped with his whole army in a splendid strategic position on the Sound …

After the advance of the British on the 18th from Throgg's Neck to Pell's Neck, and thence t<> New Rochelle, Washington put forth his utmost exertions toward marching his army as quickly as possible to the north. The enterprise, aside from the extreme fundamental hazard attending it on account of the expected appearance of Howe at any moment athwart the line of march, was …

in-;- terms to the State convention: "Upon a Survey of our Stores we find we are not so fully stocked as we could wish. Flour is what is most likely to be wanted. His Excellency therefore rails upon your Convention in the most pressing maimer, and begs you will set every Engine at work to send down every Barrel you can procure towards the Army." Yet at the last some eighty or …

On the morning of the 20th Washington dispatched Colonel Rufus Putnam, an able engineer and very trustworthy officer,1 to reconnoiter the country in the vicinity of the enemy. Colonel Putnam proceeded to within two or three miles of White Plains. From his observations of the easy accessibility of that place to the enemy, he became profoundly convinced of the immediate …

Supplementing The 21st was a day of great and fruitful activity. of Colonel receipt the upon before night the of action his prompt Heath, then at directed General report, Washington Putnam's Kino-sbrido-e, to break camp, " if possible, at eight o'clock this mornHe was himing," and take his division speedily to White Plains. self in the saddle at an early hour, and rode to …

But once ing, Heath did not get started until four in the afternoon. on the way, he performed the maneuver with remarkable rapidity, arriving in White Plains at four o'clock in the morning (October 22), It was only twelve hours after his departure from Kingsbridge. practically a forced march, for the immediate purpose of throwing a strong body into White Plains-- Stirling's …

The withdrawal of Heath's division from Kingsbridge left the whole southern line of Westchester County denuded of defenders, except that a garrison of 600, under Colonel Lasher, was spared for Port Independence on Tetard's Hill; but even this was only a temporary measure, for, as we shall see, Colonel Lasher's small command was withdrawn from that station a few days later and …

In short, in the instructions for the management of the corps, its commander seems to have anticipated the more modern tactics of the Freneh army." The sending of this body to Mamaroneck-- the home, by the way, of the distinguished Tory family of de Lancey-- was the first enterprise of the British commander apart from his main forward movement since his landing in Westchester …

A surprise was thus prevented, and a hand to hand fight ensued in the darkness, the Rangers, inspired by the great courage and address of their colonel, defending themselves excellently. The Americans were finally forced to retire, sustaining aloss of three or four killed and about fifteen wounded, but bearing with them thirty-six prisoners and a quantity of captured arms and …

On the 21st Washington advanced his headquarters from KingsHill, a promibridge a distance of about four miles to Valentine's nent ridge in the present City of Yonkers, upon whose brow Saint Joseph's Seminary stands. From this place a number of documents in connection with the movement then in progress are dated, and of sentimental interest. Valentine's Hill here occurred an …

The following item appears in "Washington's Accounts with the United States,'' under date of October 22, 177<5: " To Exp3 at Valentine's, Mile Square -- 20 Doll8." It has been claimed that while in the vicinity of Yonkers, Washington availed himself of the hospitalities of the Manor House of and the southwest room of the second story is said to Philipses, the have been his …

Philipse had written to him in not too amiable terms about seizures of cattle belonging to her family which had been made for the American army. His reply, dated " Headquarters at Mr. Valentine's, 22 Oct., 177(5," is couched in strictly ceremonious language. "The misfortunes of war,'' he says, "and the unhappy circumstances frequently attendant thereon to individuals, are more …

Hence the traditions which associate him with the last hospitalities of the Philipses at the Manor House have not the slightest likely foundation. It is unquestionable, however, that on more than one occasion during the Revolution he was the guest of the patriotic Colonel James Van Cortlandt at the old Van Cortlandt mansion in the " Little Vonkers." The old Valentine house …

During the night, of the 22d General Sullivan's division completed the march, and from then until the close of the 26th the weary and bedraggled battalions kept steadily tiling into the White Plains camp. General Lee's division had the honor of bringing up the rear; and the time occupied on the march by this body, commanded by an officer of undoubted capacity (whatever may be …

Lee, encamped were British the where section the evei-fiipon reaching (Scarsdalel, was apprehensive of attack, and by a forced niglll march lefl the Tnckahoe Uoad ami gained the Dobbs Kerry road, by which army lie proceeded the rest of the way. There was no pursuit of the Colonel even and City, York New in remaining by the British forces Lasher's little command of a few …

It may be said, we think without the possibility of mistake, that for fully six days after General Howe's passage to Pell's Neck on the L8th it was abundantly in his power, with ili«> forces at his disposal and from the positions successively occu pied by him, to cut the Revolutionary army in twain by an easy flank movement; and that, without speculating at all as to the …

Aside from the engagement in Pelham on the 18th and the affair at the outlying British post of Mamaroneck on the morning of the 22d, both brought on by the enterprise of the Americans, there were two or three skirmishes of some interest along the line ^i' inarch -- which likewise were precipitated by the Americans. On the 23d a scouting party Glover attacked a party of …

The remarkable forbearance of the British general was duo, as he subsequently explained, to his settled policy "not wantonly to commit His Majesty's troops where the object was inadequate." He abhorred skirmishes, and he despised such a merely partial issue as the capture of ;i portion of Washington's forces or even the shattering of the whole -- for his cautious mind saw only …

According to his definition of his object, it was to make a master stroke which would end the war. This he might have attempted by assailing Washington in his intrenchments on Harlem Heights, which would have been foolhardy because of the strength of the position. His whole purpose in coming up to Westchester County was to surround thai position from the north, and, by thus …

Instead he tral locality in the upper part of Westchester County. occupied had gton Washin until Sound the of shores the on loitered his adWhite Plains with a powerful body, and then lie -ranted versary time to fortify his now station; so that, when he finally did move forward to bring on the decisive engagement for which he was he had longing, he was in precisely the same …

These intrenchments, says Dawson, - had been hastily constructed, without The stony soil prenced engineers. the superintendence of experie vented the ditch from being made of any troublesome depth or the Only The latter was not (raised. parapet of a troublesome height. where it was least needed-- probably because the construction of it elsewhere had been interfered with-- was …

On the crest of this hill a breastwork had militiabeen begun on the night of the 27th by some Massachusetts men, but it was not sufficiently advanced to prove of any value. There were no American works or troops whatever west of Chatterton's Hill. The easterly termination of the White Plains intrenchments, as already said, was at Horton's Pond, and there were no supplemental …

In its dispersal the Hessians bore a conspicuous part, but obtained not much substantial satisfaction for the hard blows they had suffered on previous days, as the Americans made good their escape -- in fact fled in every direction with the utmost diligence. Yet a noticeable loss was inflicted-- 22 killed, 24 wounded, and one missing, a total of 47, or about half as many as …

That catastrophe so agitated the comrades of the hapless man that it is related they " broke and not rallied without much difficulty." But the hill was were sturdier fled, and soon to have defenders. The American troops on Chatterton's Hill who had engaged the attention of Colonel Rahl were Colonel Haslet's Delaware regiment (which participated in the raid on the Queen's …

During these preliminaries the main body of Howe's army, in its two columns, continued to approach the American intrenchments, as if to proceed forthwith to the general attack. But at the distance of about a mile from Washington's lines a halt was ordered, and General Howe and his principal officers held a consultation on horseback. They concluded that the force on …

The Massachusetts militiamen, who had been so skittish under the artillery lire, showed themselves equally disinclined to sustain an infantry shock; and, although sheltered by a stone wall, " lied a random, scattering tire;' when in confusion, without more thanduty to oppose, advanced upon them. Rain's troops, whom it was their and New Yorkers awaited unders Marylan the hand …

It seems canthat before the ascent of the assailing party, while the enemy's nonade was still in progress, one of the l wo field-pieces belonging to Alexander Hamilton's company of New York Artillery was, upon Colonel Haslet's application to General McDougall, assigned to his l Haslet 'si command. This gun became, however, partially disabled by a Hessian cannon-ball, and …

COUNTY WASHINGTON From the original cabinet-size Portrait by Peale, presented by John Quincy Adams to Carlo Giuseppe Guglielmo Botta, author of " History op the War of American Independence." Purchased from the Botta Family, with full credentials of authenticity, by Frederic de Peyster, LL.D., a former President of the New York Historical Society, and presented by his son …

A feature of the fighting at the left of the line was the spirited defense of a portion of the position, against a force twice as strong as his own, by Captain William Hull (afterward General Hull, distinguished in the War of 1812), who commanded a company of the Connecticut regiment. It has already been mentioned that a slight intreiichment was thrown up (or rather begun) on …

Everything reasonably possible was performed by all concerned -- if we except the single regiment of undisciplined militia: the position at every point was nobly defended, and in several instances with signal brilliancy; the retreat, when nothing but retreat remained, was performed with dignity as well as discretion and without material loss; and finally the punishment visited …

It is probable that a good many of our killed and wounded fell under the artillery fire which preceded the assault. This, although not long continued, was very heavy for the time that it did last. A participant on the American side, writing over the signature of " A Gentleman in the Army," has left a truly epic description of it, whereof we will not deprive our readers …

It is said that Alexander Hamilton, visiting Chatterton's Hill many years after, remarked on this point: "For three successive discharges the advancing column of British troops was swept from hill-top to river," and in the writings of his son, John C, Hamilton, much is made of the artillery phase of the American defense. Dawson, whose animus against Hamilton is strong, utterly …

In the often-quoted words of Stedman, the English historian of the Revolution, " the difficulty of co-operation between the left and right wings of our army was such that it was obvious that the latter could no longer expediently attempt anything against the enemy's main body/' That is, in the storming and occupation of the hill Howe split his forces into two remotely …

The light horse leaped the fence of a wheat field at the foot of the hill on which Colonel Malcolm's regiment was posted, of which the light horse were not aware until a shot from Lieutenant Fenno's field-piece gave them notice by striking in the midst of them, and a horseman pitching from his horse. They behindbuta came in, as they as fastcame out .of. .theThefield 'short …

But while there was no battle at White Plains, the whole engagement having transpired on Chatterton's Hill in the Town of Greenburgh, the name of the battle of White Plains, by which alone the event is known in general histories, is a strictly appropriate one; and indeed it would have been regrettable if this exceedingly important conflict-- one of the most important and …

Moreover, as rural battlefields are always named alter the most conspicuous and most familiarly known locality of their vicinage, it would have been a peculiar departure from such ethics not to dignify this very notable engagement with the name of tin1 flourishing and widely known village beside which it occurred. There exists no public memorial, either on Chatterton's Hill or …

fort Washington's fall -- the delinquency of general lee TIE divided British army, with its right resting on the road from White Plains to Mamaroneck, and its left on the Bronx River and Ghatterton's Hill, remained completely inactive not only during the rest of the 28th of October, but throughout the period of its continuance before Washington's As we have seen, it was deemed …

In other words, he sought counsel of his fears. It is true the Americans did strengthen their lines to every extent possible, thankfully taking advantage of the respite granted them; but when Howe marched from Scarsdale he was coming to assail intrenchments of entirely uncertain strength, and if willing to venture against them then he could hardly have changed his mind after …

Between the hours of nightfall on the 31st of October and daybreak on the 1st of November, Washington retired to his new position in the North Castle hills, about a mile above his first stand, leaving, however, a tolerably strong force on the lines at White Plains, which held them for a number of hours on the 1st without suffering disturbance from the enemy, and then abandoned …

As tin- reader doubtless knows, that stream, previously to the diversion of its waters for the uses of New York City, had a decidedly wide channel for a considerable distance from its mouth; and at the lime of the Revolution the only structure affording passage over it to the north was Line's Bridge, some live miles east of the Hudson River.1 There was a ferry at the mouth of …

of the country above Howe made no offer to dispute the possession he even attempted that r appea not does it and the No rt Castle hills, w which was Agne al Gener o re ei noi er it. B it the brigade of two mile.be about rd forwa d pushe was k ItioZatMamaronec force at the can Ameri an v 1 Eye in order, if possible, to bring returned to w Agne this, in ng Faili nt. geme Sawpits …

The Tory clergyman no mark of violence were found on his Propagation Society about the to ng Seaburv of Westchester, writi persons that he was mursome of cture mentions the conje hi, preference to the opinion gives ently appar but ," tl e " rebels ., uced by distress of nnnd ;,;1:|;,,111;N,1;„| from „,„„,„ causes,he superind was subjected, „,„!,. ,. the persecutions to which …

FORT WASHINGTON'S FALL his mastery of the lower Hudson complete; second, to transport his army to the west bank of the Hudson, and by a march through New Jersey seize Philadelphia, the Revolutionary capital; or third, to proceed up the Hudson River along its west bank and take possession of the Highlands. In the case of an intended capture of Forts Washington and Lee it was …

Conformably with this decision Washington on the 9th detached 3,000 men under General Heath to Peekskill and removed 5,000 to New Jersey under the temporary charge of General Putnam, intending to assume this command personally within a few days, and on the 10th he committed to General Loo the command of the North Castle residue, at that time about T.oOO. In making this …

He directed that the stores ami baggage be removed north of the Croton River into General Heath's jurisdiction, and closed with this injunction: " If the enemy should remove the greater part of their foreo to the west side of Hudson's River, I have no doubt of your following with all possible dispatch." We shall see later how Lee, in his commander's direst need during the …

"The General expressly forbids any person or soldier belonging to the army to set fire to any house or barn, on any pretense, Avithout The burning of the court someof "general fromnight order the special ahouse was therefore done in defiance of the 5th officer." during The cula recent stringent prohibition by the commander-in-chief. prits were a band of Massachusetts troops …

It belong to a general narrative history of moderate for ns persecutio individual of cases the in as is sufficient to say that, ess mercilessn and activity with d perpetrate were they political belief, by both sides-- with the important distinction, however, that while the offenses committed by the American soldiers were the acts of individuals or small detachments in defiance …

The following, from a letter written from Peekskill, War: January 19, 1777, reads like a chapter from the Thirty Years' General Howe has discharged all the privates who were prisoners in New York ; one-half he sent to the world of spirits for want of food. The other he hath sent to warn their countrymen of the danger of falling into his hands, and so convince them, by ocular …

At Delancey's farm the body of a beautiful young lady, which had been buried for two years, was taken out of the ground and exposed for five days in a most indecent manner ; many more instances could be mentioned, but my heart sickens at the recollection of such inhumanity. Some persons try to believe that it is only the Hessians who perpetrate these things, but I have good …

But his reasons for so abruptly retiring from in front of Washington at North Castle, where he seemed to have established himself with the serious intent of attacking him sooner or later, remained none the less shrouded in mystery; and indeed for more than a hundred years historical writers, in commenting on this phase, were quite at a loss to reasonably account for his …

The the at ce eviden in out t brough sons might, if necessary, be successwas secret the and s"ted proceedings were not taken, e of AmeriMagtmn the in article an in when, 1877, until fully guarded supported by docucan History bv Mr. Edward Floyd de Lancey, al reasons alluded politic « The d. mentary proof, it was fully expose the attack on from ed divert was b General Howe were …

withdrawing from his hopeless campaign in the field, faced about and with a celerity, skill, and success which had never characterized his operations up to that hour proceeded to the investment and reduction of the betrayed stronghold. Fort Washington, to which reference has so frequently been made in these pages, barred all progress by land to and from New York City, and with …

The three intrenched lines of Harlem Heights, crossing the island, were to the south ; Laurel Hill, with Fort George at its northern extremity, lay to the east ; upon the river edge, near Tnbby Hook, was Fort Tryon, and close to Spuyten Duyvil were some slight works known as Cockhill Fort ; and across the creek, on Tetard's Hill, Fort Independence. The main communication with …

At the very first council of war on the subject, held at Kingsbridge on the Kith of October, he advised its abandonment, both because he was convinced that in the case of a siege it would be taken, and because he foresaw that the whole theater of war would soon be shifted from Manhattan Island and the lower Hudson, in which event its usefulness would be ended. But he was loath …

From there on the 7th lie dispatched his pack of artillery to Kingsbridge, and immediately upon its arrival at that place the work of erecting These were shore was begun. batteries along the Westchester planted in conformity with the secret information about the Fort Washington works which the traitor Demont had furnished; and it was always a matter of astonishment to American …

To this san guinary threat Magaw replied that it was unworthy of General Howe and the British nation, at the same time declaring that he intended to hold out to the last extremity. During the night of the 15th numerous small boats for the transportation of the attacking troops from the Westchester side were passed up the Hudson and through asSpuyten Duyvil Creek into the …

But the loss of 3,000 men, at the moment when he was engaging in a. new campaign having for its probable object the defense of the capital, with but a meager force at his disposal, which was rapidly moldering away in consequence of desertions and the expiration of militia terms of service, was about as disastrous a thing as could betide short of his own destruction. On the …

Indeed, though he was strengthened eight days later by the 2,000 from Fort Lee, his ranks were so reduced by the departures of militiamen and other causes that by the time he gained the west shore of the Delaware on the 8th of December it is doubtful if he had more than 3,000 soldiers effective for active purposes. Soon after arriving in New Jersey lie appealed in pressing …

On the 16th, the day of the capitulation of Fort Washington, the commander-in-chief wrote to Lee at length upon the subject of the proper employment of his time so long as it should be expedient for him to remain in Westchester County, plainly giving him to understand that the North Castle position was no longer of any particular importance, and that for the time being he …

On the 10th he had the impudence to send to Washington in person a letter reciting his "objections" to moving from North Castle. On the 20Th, when Fort Lee was abandoned and there remained no doubt that the British would begin a campaign in New Jersey, WashNKW YORK STATE REGIMENTAL FLAG EMBLEM. illgton, tllOU at HaCkeilsack, dispatched an express command was repeated This …

On the 20th he wrote the following astonishing words to Ben" I could say many things-- let jamin Rush, a member of congress: you much good-- might me talk vainly-- had I the powers I could do will never give any man I but dictate one week-- but I am sure you read the Roman over congress the of the necessary power-- did none order from on's Washingt receiving upon 21st, On the …

I, of course, command on this der-in-chief isnow separated I must and will be obeyed. future the for and water, the side of communication Washington was obliged to notify Lee in a positive In a letter to Bowdom, that not a man must be taken from Heath. ized then at the bead of the Massachusetts government, Lee character as Castle North from move to him to ns instructio on's …

He request let him take 1,000 The to , refused was that when and his troops, should march from soldier single a not that d latter bluntly declare in command, to senior as , assumed then Lee order. his bv the post a statemenl sign to him d require Heath but , himself order issue the bility. responsi own his certifying that he did this exclusively upon use own his for ts regimen …

J., by some British horsemen, having just completed a letter to General Gates, in which he said: " Entre nous, a certain great man is most damnably deficient." His troops, thus happily disencumbered of him, presently joined Washington, although not in time to participate in the glorious victory of Trenton. General Lee's occupation of the North Castle position for nearly a …

The condition of the men under Lee's command was deplorable, most of them being without shoes, stockings, blankets, or proper clothing, and this was instanced by him as an excuse for not leaving the post, But he was no worse off than Washington in that particular. When the latter, with his band of heroes, attacked the Hessians at Trenton, the whole line of march of the little …

Even Mamaroneck was to Seed on the 21th of November, Lee mentioned a project he had formed to cut off Rogers's corps of Queen's Bangers at that place, together with a troop of light horse and a part of the Highland (Scotch) and another brigade; but upon attempting to carry it into execution he found that these hostile forces had been withdrawn. of WestBut though the enemy for …

On the 22d of November he issued orders to General Nixon to proceed with two brigades and a party of light horse "to Phillips's house," and, beginning at. that place, collect all the stout, able horses, all the cattle, fat and lean, and all the sheep and hogs, with the exception of such few milk cows and hogs as should be necessary to the subsistence of the families, and drive …

It is true that Newport (K, I.) was taken in the winter of 177(5, Philadelphia in (he fall of 1777, and various important Southern points at later periods. But all these were occupied only by isolated, temporary, or shifting British commands. New York alone, from the beginning to (he end of its possession by the enemy, was held without incidental disturbance on the part of the …

On the other hand, the British were content to abide at Kingsbridge as their most advanced permanent establishment, never attempting to take a formal stand above as an added feature of their basic position. Their occupation of Westchester County beyond Kingsbridge was only for the minor business of covering that place, controlling the territory to some extent, cutting off …

And like the Rhode Island expedition, the various British attacks on Connecticut (with one minor exception) proceeded by water from New York, accomplishing nothing but local results. Consequently although Westchester County was continually exposed to the enemy at the south, and suffered terribly and without cessation from his incidental occupation and aggression, it was nor …

Peekskill was no less clearly indicated as the vital post for the Americans, to be maintained at all hazards, than Kingsbridge was Lying just below the Highlands and just above the for the British. point on the Hudson River where its waters, previously confined between closely approaching banks, suddenly spread out into a broad commanded equally the passes into the mountains …

In this respect it was at first the American policv to push down advance posts as near as practicable to the to enemy's sphere, and at no time did the patriots retire their lines Yet Peekskill, the northward of Pine's Bridge across the Croton. with the country immediately dependent upon it, always remained HISTORY WESTCHESTER COUNTY the seat of the serious American …

In order to make a formidable campaign on New York City -- which could proceed only by way of Kingsbridge, a point not to be reached except by a long march down the Westchester County peninsula, and not to be deliberately assailed without the previous concentration of all of Washington's forces -- the Americans would have had to lay bare their SIR HENRY CLINTON. intentions …

in several of his main movements preliminarily to the unfolding of the enemy's principal project for the impending campaign, he made it the cardinal point of his programme to take a central station from which he could with equal convenience march to Peekskill or to other threatened points according to ultimate circumstances. To the vigilance with which he watched the Hudson …

The situation as finally developed was in detail briefly as follows: On the east side of the river, just above Peekskill village, was a work called Fort Independence.1 This was substantially completed during the winter of 1770-77. There was at that time no other fort on the Westchester shore, although later Fort Lafayette was built at the extremity of Yerplanck's Point to …

These two strongholds, with the co-operation of Fort Independence below and the help of the obstructing chain, were deemed adequate to the protection of the river. II was considered impossible that the enemy would ever attempt to march through the diffieull passes south of Fori Clinton and attack that place and Fort Montgomery from the rear-- although just such a contingency …

Wherever the term, "the Neutral Ground," occurs in general histories of the Revolution, it applies exclusively to Westchester County-- and to substantially the whole of the county. It is generally considered that the Neutral Ground proper embraced only the district between the Croton River at the north and a limit at the south about identical with the present city line of New …

As late as 1782 Crompond, though well above the Croton, was deemed a quite exposed situation. On the other hand, daring assaults by the Americans were frequently undertaken down to the very outposts of Kingsbridge, and no part of the comity witnessed more animated scenes than the present Borough of the Bronx. The command on the lines, as the projection of the American position …

Washington Irving's description is without doubt familiar to all our readers: This debatable land was overrim by predatory bands from either side ; sacking henroosts, plundering- farmhouses, and driving off cattle. Hence arose those two great orders of border chivalry, the Skinners and Cowboys, famous in the heroic annals of Westchester County. The former fought, or rather …

No one went to his bed but under the apprehension of having his house plundered or burnt, or himself or family massacred, before morning.-' The following picture of the times is from the " Bevolutionary Services and Civil Life of General William Hull," who was an officer on duty in Westchester County during a portion of the war: 41^ HISTORY WESTCHESTER COUNTY called Refugees …

beThe fmures of comparative population in Westchester County In ant. signific ngly exceedi are ion Revolut the after fore during and next census, 1756 the population of the county was 13,257, and at the After in 1771 it was 21,715-- an increase of 8,148 in fifteen years. ants 1771 no' enumeration was taken until 1700, when the total inhabit n year s preof the county were …

Timothy Dwight, in his « Travels," desola te condition to which and solate discon the of tial description period of the RevoluWestchester County was reduced at an early ly present so inpossib could write tion Nothing we could hope to simple narrat's Dwigh Dr. as t subjec whole the forming aview of on here is citati its d quote ntly freque been has it h thoug tion; ami e …

Their inclosures were burnt where they were capable of becoming fuel, and in many cases thrown down where they were not. Their fields were covered with a rank growth of weeds and wild grass. Amid all this appearance of desolation, nothing struck my eye more forcibly than the sight of the high road. Where I had heretofore seen a continual succession of horses and carriages …

The inhabitants of the villages ceased ; they ceased in Israel." The fearful depredations in the Neutral Ground were viewed by the higher military authorities on the British side with entire approval, and on the American side, it must be admitted, generally without any acute disapprobation. The command of the American troops " on the lines " was always particularly coveted by …

It is but fair to say, however, that the American commanders on the lines were usually men of good personal antecedents, and it does not appear that any very notorious person on our side was ever intrusted with authority in Westchester County. But while the American commanders were well-intentioned as a rule, they generally allowed their subordinates and men much license …

Governor Tryon, in his reply, said: "I have candor enough to assure yon -- as much as I abhor every principle of inhumanity or ungenerous conduct -- I should, were I in more authority, burn every committeeman's house within my reach, as I deem those agents the wicked instruments of the continued calamities of this country; and in order sooner to purge the country of them, I am …

It is widely known that Cooper was mainly indebted to Chief Justice John Jay for the facts of Crosby's career which led to the writing of the " Spy," that Jay was in error in supposing that Crosby's operabut it appears tions took him occasionally within the British lines in New York the counCity. The fact is, he devoted himself quite exclusively to historian of try districts …

Thus he not only acquired that intimate knowledge of the country that was to prove so valuable to the American cause, but also was brought into contact with the Whigs and Tories, the bumCowboys, and Skinners "who infested the Neutral Ground between the lines of mers, raiders,armies. the opposing His first work as a spy was accidental. Determining to re-enlist, he tramped …

Learning that a meeting of the Tory band was to be held on a certain night, lie slipped away on the previous morning and by a forced march across the country reached at midnight the house of a Mr. Youngs, eight miles from White Plains, whom he knew to be a true American. Prevailing on this man to accompany him, they aroused Messrs. Jay, Duer, Sackett, and Piatt, the committee …

One who can counteract these infiuences is entitled to more credit employdemurred at first, but finally accepted thewould than he who&fights in the ranks." Crosby should see die in their service the committee ment of a spy on the condition that if he that his name was vindicated. Witli much feeling Mr. Jay and his associates gave him this task. arduous and dangerous his to …

He gained the confidence of the Tory leaders so completely that he was allowed to examine the roll, and was shown an immense haystack in a meadow near the captain's house, which proved to be a framework covered with hay and capable of concealing forty or fifty men. A meeting of the company having been arranged for the next evening, he left his bed in the captain's house during …

Suggesting to the captain that they had best leave the cave due time with he departed and sent word to the committee. Crosby arrived at the barn m outside, the the Tories and laid down with them in the hay. Presently he heard a cough with the rangers. signal agreed upon, which he answered, and the barn was quickly filled purpose of Colonel Duer, of the committee of safety, had …

This was at Pawling, Dutchess County, and, fearing to a VV hig of the the vengeance of Captain Townsend, he arranged with Colonel Morehouse, When their rendezvous was neighborhood, to raise a body of volunteers and capture them. out from under a surrounded, Crosby, he having again made a false enlistment, was dragged so much injured that he bed, where he had taken refuge, and …

He ioined Captain Philip Van Cortlandt's company, boats ordinate officer. ' While on duty at Teller's Point, in the spring of 1780, he decoyed adressed on the beach a soldier crew from a British ship in the stream to the shore by parading the In all them captured and them for in Lafayette's uniform. He had his ambuscade set His whole pay from the following; fall his enlistment …

Putnam Carmel, near nd, burying-grou in the old Gilead Colonel Green was also a soldier of He married the widow "of Colonel Benjamin Green. NEUTRAL GROUND Centre depot. the Revolution, and after the close of the war settled near the present Somers Crosby, After the Colonel's death his widow remained in the house until her marriage with on one which was brought about by Dr …

But there were other spies and guides of the Neutral Ground, unknown to general fame, whose faithfulness was equally conspicuous and whose deeds were hardly less meritorious. Of one of them, Elisha Holmes, who was bom in Bedford and died there about 1838, a most interesting story is told. Holmes enjoyed the implicit conhdence of Washington, who caused him to take a command …

Washington, when he heard of the fact, was so much concerned that he wrote as follows to Major Tallmadge: it is to The loss of your papers was a most unlucky accident, and shows how dangerous I beg you will take care to guard against post. . at an advance of any consequence papers keep re tu . in fu the like wlio lives The person who is most endangered by the acquisition of …

Culver, in his History of Somers, relates some incidents of his career. k* Luther Kinnicutt," he says, " was the compeer of Crosby in his dangerous work, and although it is not known that they worked together, the character of the novelist was evidently drawn from both these men. Kinnicutt frequented the town after the close of the war, and is remembered by some of our old …

On the 9th of December he was ordered to join the army in Xew Jersey with a portion of his troops, and went as far as Hackensack, but he was soon sent back, arriving in Peekskill on the 23d. The winter passed without any British movement being- attempted against him-- on the contrary he took the aggressive and boldly assailed the enemy at Kingsbridge in a siege of old Fort …

The operations involved but slight losses, which wore abundantly compensated for by the actual damage done the enemy and by the excellent moral effect of so bold an enterprise as a sequence to the transactions of the main army in Xew Jersey. After Washington's magnificent return movement from across the Delaware, resulting in the battles of Trenton and Princeton, he went into …

In March he transferred Heath from Peekskill to the command of the Eastern department, with headquarters at Boston, and soon afterward he instructed him to send on to Peekskill eight of the Massachusetts battalions, explaining that at Peekskill "they would be well placed to give support to any of the Eastern or Middle States, or to oppose the enemy should they design to …

Howe, being informed of the existence of large depots of stores at and near Peekskill, decided to destroy them, and on the 23d of March, the river having become freed of ice, sent iip Colonel Bird for that purpose with 500 troops and four light of the expedition McDougall, beingfield-pieces. Before the arrival informed of its coming, removed a portion of the stores to Ports …

Thus the first attempt on the American position about the Highlands, although made at a moment when our forces were ill prepared for it, and having in view only the destruction of stores, was a failure. In this same month of March, 1777, occurred the capture of the eminent Judge John Thomas, at his home in the " Rye Woods," by a British expeditionary force sent for that …

The affair of March at Peekskill greatly agitated the State convention, which caused a portion of the militia of Orange, Dutchess, aud Westchester Counties to be called out, sent to the Highlands, and iThe Van Cortlandt mansion, near Peekskill, of the was built about 1770. In consequence Van Cortlandt. the of Pierre firm adhesion head of the family, to the patriot cause, the …

About the end of April several British transports advanced up the river, but came no farther than Dobbs Ferry. In May Washington dispatched Generals Greene and Knox to Peekskill, who, in conjunction with Generals McDougall, George Clinton, and Anthony Wayne, made a careful examination of the Highland situation and submitted a joint report, in which the importance of the chain …

On the 1st of August, 1776, the " Convention of Representatives of the State of New York v appointed a committee of thirteen (our Gouverneur Morris being one of its members) to prepare a kk form of government," and that body in turn delegated the task to John Jay. Mr. Jay set to work conscientiously to draft a State constitution, which, having been approved by the committee …

The old State convention reserved to itself the authority to appoint the first judges, and designated as chief justice our John Jay, who opened the first session of the Supreme Court at Kingston in September, 1777. He held tin1 office, however, for only two years, being succeeded on the 23d of October, 1779, by Richard Morris, also a son of Westchester County.1 Chief Justice …

Our county's members of the first assembly held under the State government were Thaddeus Crane, Samuel Drake, Robert Graham, Israel Honeywell, Jr., Zebadiah Mills, and Gouverneur Morris. The first county judge under the constitution was Lewis Morris (appointed by the State convention, May S. 1777); he was succeeded, the reFebruary 17, 177S, by Robert Graham, who served during …

Previously to the war these divisions, as represented in the board of supervisors, were the Manor of Cortlandt, Ryck's Patent [Peekskill], White Plains, Bedford, Rye, North Castle, Westchester Town, Mamaroneck, Poundridge, Philipseburgh Manor, Scarsdale Manor, Eastehester, Salem, Pelham, and New Rochelle. The board of supervisors had only a nominal existence during the …

Positive news was received about this time of the descent of Burgoy ne's splendidly appointed host from Canada. Burgoyne, of course, would be dealt with by the Northern Army under Schuyler, assisted by the militia of the section through which he passed; but what were the intentions of Howe with his large New York command? Would he co-operate with Burgoyne by ascending the …

He sent thither two brigades, commanded by Parsons and Yarinim, and later General Sullivan with his division, also ordering Generals George Clinton and Putnam to call out more militia; and meantime forwarded troops and artillery to re-enforce the Northern Army. From his own southern position in New Jersey he fell back to the Clove, a defile in the Highlands on the west side of …

This campaign included the battles of the Brandywine (September 11). and Germantown (October 4), and the fall of' Philadelphia, which Howe entered on the 25th offof toSeptember. PhiladelAfter Washington, resolving his doubts, marched phia, Putnam, commanding at Peekskill, was let alone by the British for two months. This did not suit the old lighter's temperament. He longed …

Sir Henry Clinton, whom Howe had left in upon mand at New York, hastily sent up a ship of war, from which, its arrival at Verplanck's Point, a message was forwarded to Putnam under a flag of truce, claiming Palmer as a lieutenant in the British made if harm befell service, and intimating that reprisal would be stic reply: him. Putnam returned the following characteri …

Gallows Putnam during his Peekskill adminAnother spy was executed bywho, when arrested, had on his person istration--one Daniel Strang, and dated a paper drawn by Colonel Rogers, of the Queen's Rangers, " Valentine's Hill, December 30, 177(5," which authorized the bearer to bring recruits for the British service. Strang also was tried by court-martial, condemned, and hanged …

Americ Queen's the for in number he or they shall bring man, which No more than forty shillings bounty is to be given to any during the serve to ries; necessa sing purcha toward applied is to be P™portmn their have will They present Rebellion, and no longer. his Majesty s of all rebel lands, and all privileges equal to any of manner they troops The officers are to be the best …

It was the plan he heard British ministry, as Washington at once suspected when the of the northern invasion, for a co-operating expedition to ascend be far Hudson from New York about the time that Burgoyne should effect a enough advanced in his march to descend it, and thus to on Philnt moveme aneous simult Howe's with ed Combin junction. adelphia, which drew off Washington's …

That undertaking was the forcing of a passage up the Hudson River, which could be done only by reducing several forts splendidly situated for defense and supported by a considerable body of troops posted below for the protection of the mounNo one can inspect the ground at Peekskill and above passes tain without a vivid realization of the severity of the task which the …

His re enforcements could not have been large-- could hardly have been worth waiting for, indeed,-- since he took with him only 3,000 men. It seems to us that an important contributing reason, if not the chief reason, for his delay was a discreet resolve to wait until Washington, battling against great odds around Philadelphia, should, by his emergent necessities, summon to …

On the 4th of October the expedition up the Hudson got under way. Its advance consisted of two ships-of-war, three tenders, and a large number of flatboals, and a second division followed comprising one large man-of-war, five topsail vessels, and numerous small craft. A stop was made at Tarrytown, where troops were landed and marched several miles into the country. But this …

Put before daybreak Sir Henry transported 2,000 of his force from Verplanck's Point to the wholly unprotected west shore, leaving 1,00(1 behind to keep up the appearance of a meditated movement on Putnam. Then, with his main body, he made the circuit of the Dunderberg, marched without experiencing the least detention through those mountain passes which Washington's board of …

Governor Clinton was informed somewhat in advance of the coming of the enemy through the passes, and sent to Putnam for help, but his messenger never reached the doughty general. Irving says he turned traitor and deserted to the enemy. Putnam had been completely outmaneuvered. Although the crossing of a British force to the west side had been reported to him, he supposed this …

When the magazines were reached blew up with terrific explosions, which long reverberated among they mountains. the Continental Village, with its barracks, storehouses, and a number of loaded wagons, was burned on the 9th by a detachment under was not Major-General Trvon. Westchester County below Peekskill Putnam included in this Visitation, and before the end of October was …

This was the number. was only a small it that one of his schemes to mask the proceedings of nam firmly believed the American storehouses main body at King's Ferry All writers detachment to burn of a large an-ee "hat Putnam was informed betimes of on that side, and the appearance British fire near Stony Point shortly afterward conShe transportation of a part ofthethewest …

It was his dearly cherish appointed the was now that felt he and York, New capture to object a At this juncture Alexander Hamilton arrived at Peekskill on time chief orIns of name the in and dates, to gton Washin from mission dered Putnam to send on two continental brigades. lie then went to however, Albany and interviewed Gates. Getting little satisfaction, to forPutnam to …

WashClinton, now peremptorily commanded Putnam to dispatch to forces. ington all his continental regiments, retaining only his militia Hamilton was greatly enraged against PutThis order was obeyed. nam, and advised Washington to make an example of him, saying: But Washington was un- His blunders and caprices are endless." willing to too deeplv wound the sensibilities of the …

The WashFrench alliance was signed in Paris on the (5th of February. the inoton still at Vallev Forge (Pa.), was in position to attack te co-opera to fleet French a of British in Philadelphia, and the arrival EVENTS with him against that city was expected monthly. It became impracticable for the enemy to continue there, ami the evacuation of the place was decided on. Just …

In the resulting correspondence between the two commanders it was resolved to begin at once joint operations against New York, and Washington forthwith broke up his New Jersey camp, crossed King's Ferry into our county, and descended to White Plains, where he spread his tents about the 20th day of July. From this place, whither he had retired from New York island under such …

But it was not ordered •that the arrangement for the taking of New York, whose successful execution would doubtless have terminated the war, should be carried out. The French fleet sailed up to Sandy Hook. The British naval force in New York Bay at thai time comprised only six ships of the line, four 50-gun ships, and a number of frigates and smaller vessels. D'Estaing …

Washington, at White Plains, feared an Point West the of on conditi ary the rlrghhamls, which, in the element eared an equally he but nce; resista for d prepare ill defenses, were In this uncertainty he proceeded as he expedition against Boston. waiting for Howe to unfold his while before year the done had troops at Peekskill and above, the rced He largely re-enfo projects s …

Donop's Hessian yagers, than a party of about a hundred of Captain Ferry and thev were in full maraud between Tarrytown and Dobbs and Butler, Richard Colonel under y infantr of when attachment by surprise, of cavalrv under Major Henry Lee, came upon them and eighteen killed ten of them on the spot, captured a lieutenant had not the whole the privates, and would have taken or …

On The 20th of August the Indians attacked and drove down to Kingsbridge a force of the enemy under LieutenantColonel Emmerick. During the next few days they continued in the lower part of the Town of Yonkers. Here, on August 31, they were surrounded and surprised by the Queen's Rangers under Simcoe, the Chasseurs under Emmerick, de Lancey's 2d battalion, and the Legion …

He was one of the leaders of the patriot party in our county before the war, sat in the assembly in 1778 and in the State senate from 1780 to 1783, and was appointed county judge in 1784. His home, on the Tuckahoe Road, was the post for a detachment of Revolutionary troops dependent upon the " lines" above, and as such it was attacked several times. Upon one occasion the …

Luke Babcock, from whom it took its April, of o manifest Tory the signed who n clergyma was the same as 1775, and whom Colonel Lewis Morris scornfully characterized " the Reverend Mr. Luke Babcock, who preaches and prays for Colonel the Philips and his tenants at Philipsburg." Like his compatriots, oi Reverends Samuel Seabury, of Westchester; Epenetus Townsend, perwas Salem …

She at least did not discourage this devotion, and it has even been surmised that she reciprocated it; and the companion of her loneliness, Miss Williams, apparently regarded the romantic affair with a kindly interest. The ardent Colonel Gist, during his occasional warlike employments below the lines, made his rendezvous at the foot of Wild Boar Hill, opposite the parsonage …

Babcock, having stationed herself in one of the dormer windows of the parsonage, aided their escape, wherever they appeared, by the waving of a white handkerchief." Our salutations to the shade of the gentle, gracious, and (we doubt not) beauteous Mrs. Babcock! During the years 1777 and 1778 a very useful " whaleboat " service was organized and developed in the hamlets of our …