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 capture of the British guardship " Schuldham " (1777) at the mouth of Eastchester Creek-- a very brilliant performancewas effected by some whaleboatmen from Darien, Conn., who first seized the market-sloop which plied regularly between Eastchester and New York, and then took her alongside the " Schuldham " on the pretense of desiring to sell some of their truck; whereupon …

It was never safe for a rowboat from a British ship to venture to the shore; and even the war-vessels themselves had to keep steadfastly to the middle of the stream, else the wide-awake patriots were likely to improvise batteries and open on them with uncomfortable effect. The capture of Andre and the consequent foiling of Arnold's treason was made possible by no other …

Y- FROM SIMCOE'S JOURNAL). EVENTS City attempted nothing either against New England or the Highlands, Washington drew the army down from the northerly station where he had temporarily posted it, and distributed it in cantonments extending from Connecticut across Westchester County as far as Middlebrook, N. J. This was its situation throughout the winter of 1778-79. All …

"Severe drills and vigorous inspections," says his charming biographer, Barton, " took the place of formal ones." Finding that many of the officers were hopelessly inefficient, he presently " took the bold step of ordering several of them home on the simple ground of their utter uselessness. If any gentleman, he told them, objected to his dismissal, he, Colonel Burr, held …

" Sir," he wrote to General McDougall, the commander at Peekskill, " till now I never wished for arbitrary power; I could gibbet half a dozen good Whigs with all the venom of an inveterate Tory." lie announced in the most emphatic manner that he purposed to protect all the peaceable inhabitants without reference to their politics; that all marauders would be punished with the …

Not another house was plundered, not another family was alarmed, while Colonel Burr commanded in the Westchester lines. The mystery and swiftness of the detection, the rigor and fairness with which the marauders wrere treated, overawed the men whom three campaigns of lawless warfare had corrupted, and restored confidence to the people wrho had passed their lives in terror.'' …

In order ento keep the enemy's spies at a distance, lie issued and rigidly the forced an order that nobody from below should personally pass line of posts on any pretext, all who had business above being required to first communicate with headquarters by some well known resident of the immediate country, especially designated for that service. On the other hand, he always had …

The crowning achievement of Burr's command was the destruction of a British fort and the capture of nearly all its garrison at de Lancey's Mills (West Farms) -- a feat performed, like Wayne's storming of Stony Point, without tiring a musket. This fort was a block structure, built by Colonel de Lancey to protect his outposts at Morrisania. Burr, resolving to take it …

When it is remembered that West Farms is to the south of Kingsbridge, where thousands of the British were encamped, and that there were other posts of the enemy still farther above, the brilliant daring of this exploit will be well appreciated. in WestThe preceding brief account of Burr's memorable rCgimederives his chester County is digested from Parton, who, in turn, facts …

During the whole of his command there was not a single desertion, not a single death by sickness, not one made prisoner by the enemy ; for Colonel Burr taught us that a soldier, with arms in his hands, ought never, in any circumstances, to surrender -- no matter if he was opposed by thousands it was his duty to fight. Richard Piatt, adjutant-general to General McDougall at …

Selecting nights when he knew that he could safely absent himself from the lines, he left the headquarters at White Plains in his usual manner, as though going on a tour of the posts, attended by several of his men, upon whose secrecy he could depend. He rode across country to Tarrytown, where a boat was waiting. His men threw his horse, tied its legs together, and placed it …

Barton laments Burr's untimely retirement from the American army, and complains of Washington's cold treatment of him. He declares that Burr's military character was such-- especially as demonstrated by his services in the Neutral Ground-- that if his lot had been cast in the armies of France under the eye of Napoleon he would have become a marshal of the Empire. In a history …

The next summer occurred the most formidable and prolonged display our county's history. of armed force along the lines and above in splendid organization It can easily be believed that Burr, with his in full flower, would have acquitted himself right gloriously in that period of activity. The expedition of Governor Tryon above referred to was for the object <»f destroying the …

Washington, whose headquarters were at Middlebrook, was not disturbed by these proceedings, well knowing that the British general would soon turn his attention northward. The work at West Point had now made tolerably satisfactory progress, but Washington was dissatisfied with the comparatively unprotected condition of the river below. He particularly desired to have the …

The fleet, under the command of Admiral Sir George Collier, embraced about seventy vessels, great and small, and a hundred and fifty flatboats, and there was a land force of 5,000. The troops were landed in two divisions on the 31st. The principal division, under General Vaughan, debarked on the Westchester County side, seven or eight miles below Verplanck's Point, and the …

After the capture of the two promontories Sir Henry Clinton completed the works on Stony Point, fortified them in a powerful manner (especially with reference to the approach from the land side), and amply garrisoned both forts. Washington prudently refrained from any offensive demonstrations, retiring to the vicinity of West Point and bending all his energies toward the …

He intrusted the execution of it to Wayne, who accepted the commission with the greatest alacrity, signifying his willingness to storm hell itself for General Washing1 The following (furnished to the editor by liest intelligence of any collection of vessels the late Dr. Plagg, of Yonkers, who possessed or boats or embarkation of troops on the oppointeresting letter site shore …

JANUARY, 1779, SEPTEMBER, ton. We borrow the following description of Stony Point, as it then was, from Irving: It was a rocky promontory advancing far into the Hudson, which washed three sides of it. A deep morass, covered at high water, separated it from the mainland, but at low tide might be traversed by a narrow causeway and bridge. The promontory was crowned by strong …

The heroic Wayne, leading one of the columns, received a wound on the head, and, thinking he was dying, said: "Carry me into the fort and let me die at the head of my column." In his report to Washington he used these noble words: " The humanity of our brave soldiery, who scorned to take the lives of a vanquished foe when calling for mercy, reflects the highest honor on them …

On the other hand, whilst the recollection of this prodigious HISTORY WESTCHESTER COUNTY deed of valor was still fresh in men's minds, Major Andre, who was to be the next central object of sentimental attention, found it fitting to select Wayne, of all American generals, as the hero of his Hudibrasian poem, "The Cow Chace." Wayne happened to be distinguished for unconthness of …

It was estimated that a garrison of 1,500 would be required for it, which could not be spared from the army. So after transporting the cannon and stores to West Point, the works were demolished.1 The loss of Stony Point caused Sir Henry Clinton to give up his design against New London, and that place was spared until September of 1781, when the traitor Arnold was sent against …

York merchant put $20,000 into the enterprise, until took large commissions The speculator the hopes of the stockholders failed and the Nothing may be seen there now work ceased. (1876) but the ruins of the works so begun, At that point a bateau at the water's edge. was sunk by a shot from the "Vulture" while conveying the captured iron cannon from Stony the victory by after …

Clinton retained Fort Lafayette, and also resumed possession of Stony Point, reconstructed its works, and fortified it with a more powerful armament than before. But Washington still declined to bring his army down from its Highland position, and Clinton was too prudent to undertake anything Consequently there was no further emformal against West Point. ployment for the …

It seems to have been Clinton's principal plan for the campaign of 1771) to force Washington down from the Highlands by a series of aggressions, of which the seizure As the capture of the King's Ferry route was the most important. of the two Points did not bring about the desired result, he withdrew temporarily and carried fire and sword into Connecticut, expecting The by this …

The British occupation of the fort on Verplanck's Point lasted from the 1st of June until the 21st of October, a period of nearly live months. Clinton's return in force to the northwestern section of Westchester County after Wayne's recapture of Stony Point was made by way of the " Xew Bridge " at the mouth of the Croton River; and it was by the same route that Clinton fell …

A body of about ninety American cavalry, under Colonel Elisha Sheldon, was quartered at Poundridge in and around the house of Major Ebenezer Lockwood, one of the most noted patriots of Westchester County,1 and in the same locality was a militia force of 120 men, commanded by Major Leavenworth. Tarleton, then encamped at the Mile Square near Yonkers, was ordered to make a …

An American spy named Luther Kinnicutt gave notice to Sheldon of but without being able to say on what day it the intended' attack, would occur. This timely information enabled Lockwood to escape. Tarleton chose a very rainy night, and in consequence the Americans were not well on their guard. He moved from the Mile Square about half-past eleven on the night of July 1, with a …

"I proposed to the militia terms," he says, " that if they would not fire shots from buildings I would not burn. They interpreted my mild proposal wrong, imputing it to fear. They persisted in firing till the fired." But torch stopped their progress, after which not a shot was according to accounts left by residents of Bedford the burning of the place was a quite wanton deed …

It is curious that the responsibility for Tarleton's deed was by manv of the Bedford people charged to Colonel James Holmes, their 1 Bolton (rev. ed., ii., 115) relates the follow- which hit his cap and perforated the scalp on who the side of his head without further injury, "John Buckhout, ing amusing incident: happened to be in the rear of Sheldon's regi- ' There.' says the …

He served in the French and Indian War, and, as related in a previous chapter, was an active patriot partisan at the beginning of hostilities between America and Great Britain, being a member of the New York provincial convention, one of the committee which made the first inspection of the heights at Kingsbridge with a view to their fortification, and colonel of one of the …

It is but just to say that Colonel James Holmes was a type of the unfortunate rather than the bloody-minded Westchester County Tories who ultimately took up arms against their country. Just previously to his raid on Poundridge and Bedford, Tarleton, in conjunction with Simcoe's Bangers, successfully attacked an American militia force at Crompond, in the present Town of …

Isaac Martlingh. the incident of the inhuman killing of Sergeant troop from bech's Emmeri With man. ed one-arm a Martlinoli was of Yonkers, vicinity the of ll, Underhi el Nathani certain a low came Martlingh ■I T«»ry who it is said, harbored bitter animosity against Martlingh arrest. his caused had latter the n occasio one because on about just was and water, of pail a had …

" She imprudently appeared at parties hostile two when on, hat man's a with house her of door The were near each other, and was killed by mistake for an enemy. yager fired without orders, and Emmerick made an apology, being much mortified at the occurrence." passing Another incident of the summer of 1779 which deserves of mention was a notable running fight between Captain …

Hopkins conducted himself with great credit m end.1 the at ully successf engagement, retiring Although most of the fighting in our county during the summer and fall of rhis year occurred in the northern and central sections, as the result of British aggressions, the Americans attempted occasional counter-strokes in the territory of the present Borough of On The 5th of the …

August " about oue hundred horse, of Sheldon's, Moylan's, and of the militia, and about forty infantry of Glover's brigade, passed by de Lancey's Mills to the neighborhood of Morrisania, where they took twelve or fourteen prisoners, some stock, etc. The enemy collected and a skirmish ensued, in which the enemy had a number of men killed and wounded; our loss, two killed and …

About the same time that Sir Henry Clinton definitively abandoned his schemes on the Hudson he also withdrew the large command which, since the winter of 1770, had been in occupation of Rhode Island. One of his reasons for this move, as well as for his withdrawal of the garrisons from Verplanck's and Stony Points, was his apprehension that the French fleet of d'Estaing, which …

Not only the whole North River, but much of New York Bay, was frozen solid,1 and if the army under Washington had been in any condition to assume the aggressive New York, with its relatively small garrison, must probably have succumbed. But never was Washington's army in a more deplorable plight than during that terrible winter. It was encamped in two divisions, one 1 General …

This house, owned by Joseph Youngs, was situated about four miles east of Tarrytown and about the same distance northwest of White Plains, at the intersection of an east and west road from Tarrytown and a north and south road from Unionville; and the locality was hence called " The Four Corners.'' As a result of the conflict there the dwelling was burned, and during the …

His orders were " to move between Croton River and the White Plains, Hudson's River and Bedford; never to remain long at any one place, that the enemy might not be able to learn their manner of doing duty or form a plan for striking .them in any particular situation." During this winter, with 250 men, he took a position at the Youngs House, and, contrary to instructions …

In consequence of this unfortunate affair, all attempt by the Americans to hold the country south of the Croton River was abandoned, and from that time until the restoration of peace our lines .lid not extend below Pine's Bridge and Bedford. In September, 1780 (eight months after the Youngs House disaster), when Major Andre was taken at Tarrytown, his captors had to travel a …

Several British were killed, the quarters were burned, and Hat field, three other officers, and eleven men were taken prisoners. Another raid on Morrisania, on a larger scale and much more effective, was made in May. It was led by Captain dishing, of the Massachusetts line, with one hundred infantry. More than forty of de Lancey's troopers were killed or made prisoners. The …

The fleet was commanded by Admiral de Ternay, and the land force (5,000) by the Count de Rochambeau, the instructions of the latter being to act subject to the orders of Washington as commander-in-chief. Three days later Clinton, at New York, was re-enforced by the fleet of Admiral Craves, which gave him a naval superiority. He now decided to attack the French at Newport, and …

Atproject and returned to Manhattan Island. considered his Newport It was supposed at the time that his erratic action was occasioned partly by the delay in the arrival of his transports, partly by Washington's sudden move, and partly by information which he had received of the strengthening of the French troops by large bodies of militia. But the principal cause was …

In 17S0 a change was needed in the command at West Point. General "Robert Howe, then in command, was thought to be inefficient. Having knowledge of this fact, General Benedict Arnold (who had for several months been in traitorous correspondence with Sir Henry Clinton, the commander-in-chief of the British forces in America) resolved to solicit the appointment to the command to …

n-chief, him if any place had been assigned to him. The commander-i who was a warm admirer of Arnold for his skill and bravery in the northern campaigns, replied that he was to take command of the left wing of the army. This was the post of honor, but still Arnold did not seem satisfied, and Washington, perceiving it, promised to meet him at his headquarters at the Birdsall …

Monday, September 11, at twelve o'clock noon, near Dobbs Ferry, was the time and place fixed. On the afternoon of the day before, Arnold went down the river in his barge to the western landing of King's Ferry (Stony Point) and stayed overnight at the house of Smith had Joshua Hett Smith,' about two miles above llaverstraw. and recombeen introduced by General Howe to General …

Y.) for Hartford (Conn.), to hold a conference with Count Rochambeau (the commander-in-chief of the French allies, lately arrived), Arnold wrote to Andre on the 15th, agreeing to send a person to meet him at Dobbs Ferry on the 20th, and to conduct hini to a place of safety where he could confer with him. ()u the 17th Arnold and his aide-de-camp, Colonel Richard Varick, came to …

Frost estate!, Croton, saw a barge tilled with men from the "Vulture" approaching the shore. They seized their gnus, which they had taken with them to their work, ran to the river, concealed themselves behind some rocks, and as the barge approached Peterson tired, and great confusion ensued. A second shot from Sherwood compelled the barge to return to the " Vulture." The …

Arnold rode through Peekskill to Verplanck's Point on the morning of the 21st, and Colonel Livingston handed him the letter which he had just received from Andre. Arnold then crossed the river and went to Joshua Ilett Smith's house. Prom Stony Point he dispatched an officer in his own barge up the river to Peekskill Creek, and thence to Canopus Creek, with orders to bring down …

The negotiations not having been completed, they, in the gray of early morn, rode through Haverstraw to Smith's house, three miles distant, Andre expecting to return to the " Vulture" on the next night. Smith, his servant, and the boatmen returned by water. Andre had scarcely entered the house when booming of cannon was heard, causing him considerable uneasiness, and with …

One of the shots from the "Vulture" lodged in an oak tree, where it remained for more than half a century, when the oak tree, which had become decayed, was cut down, the ball removed and presented by William Underbill to George J. Fisher, M.D., of Sing Sing. Andre had watched the cannonade with anxious eye from an upper window of Smith's house, and after the " Vulture " had …

The approach of the British was to be announced by signals, and the American forces were to be so distributed that they could be easily captured, and at the proper moment Arnold was to surrender the works with all the troops, 3,000 in number. Andre was furnished by Arnold with plans of the works and explanatory papers, which, at Arnold's request, he placed between his …

Upon landing at Verplanck's, Smith called the coxswain into Welsh's hut near the ferry landing and gave him an eight dollar continental bill, and then went to Colonel Livingston's tent. a short distance from the road, and talked with him a few minutes, but declined his invitation to take some liquor, and said that he was going to General Arnold's headquarters. They mounted …

I asked him who he was ; he told me his name was Joshua Smith and that he had a pass from General Arnold to pass all guards. I asked him where he lived ; he told me. I asked him what time he crossed the ferry ; he said "about dusk." I asked where he was bound for ; he told me that he intended to go that night as far as Major (Joseph) Strang's. I told him Strang was not at …

I then asked him to tell me something of his business ; he made answer that he had no objections to my knowing it ; he told me that he was a brother of (Chief Justice) William Smith in Xew York, though very different in principle, and that he was employed by General Arnold to go with that gentleman, meaning the person who was with him, to get intelligence from the enemy ; that …

He examined their passes, and, beingsatisfied, they proceeded on tluur journey eastward about half a mile, until they reached the road southerly to Tine's Bridge over the Croton. Taking that road, they proceeded to the house of Isaac Underbill, where they took breakfast of corn meal mush and milk. They journeyed no farther together. Smith returned to Peekskill, and then went …

In order to cheek the prosecution of this practice, small scouting parties were frequently sent out beyond the American posts to reconnoiter the country between the posts and those of the enemy. As the cattle taken from the Cowboys, unless stolen and reclaimed, were by legislative enactment held to be " prize of war," small volunteer parties were occasionally formed by the …

In the afternoon they proceeded southward with their muskets over their shoulders. After walking about a mile they met David Williams, who joined them. The party now consisted of eight, all of whom were devotedly attached to the American cause, and most, if not all, of whom had been in the American army. All but Sergeant Dean, however, were privates. After walking about …

During the first half hour several persons whom they knew passed, then Van Wart, who was standing guard while Paulding and Williams played cards, discovered, at about nine o'clock, on the rising ground directly opposite to where the Tarrytown Academy now stands, slowly riding toward them, a man on a black horse. He said to Williams and Paulding, k' Here's a horseman coming! We …

He then dismounted and said, " Gentlemen, you had better let me go, or you will bring yourselves into trouble." Paulding then told him that he hoped he would not be offended, as they did not mean to take anything from him, that there were a great many bad people going the road, and they did not know but he might be one, and then asked him if he had any letters about him; to …

I then asked if he would give up his horse, saddle, bridle, watch, and one hundred guineas; he said yes. I asked him if he would not give more, and he said he would give any quantity of dry goods, or any sum of money, and bring it to any place we might pitch on so that we might get it." Upon which Paulding answered: " No, by God, if you would give us ten thousand guineas you …

Franks, when the messenger from Jameson arrived (it being about 0 a.m.), opened the letter, read it carefully, folded it, put it in his pocket, finished the remark which was on his lips when the messenger arrived, and excused himself to those at the table, saying that it was necessary for him to go immediately to West Point, and for the aides to inform General Washington on …

Then priming his pistols, he ordered them to hurry down the river, stating to them that he had to go with a ilag of truce to the kk Vulture," and must hasten back to meet Washington. He tied a white handkerchief to a cane and waved it as he passed Colonel Livingston at Verplanck's Point, and that officer, recognizing the barge, allowed it to pass. In a short time he was safely …

After years of bitter disappointment, cares, and embarrassments his nervous system failed him, sleep became a stranger to his eyes, and at London, on Juno II, 1801, he died, " unwept, unhonored, and unsung." Not long after Arnold left the Robinson house Washington arrived, and on being informed that Arnold had gone to West Point took breakfast at about twelve o'clock and …

After dinner Washington took Generals Lafayette and Knox into his confidence, and with choking voice and tears rolling down HISTORY WESTCHESTER COUNTY his cheeks revealed to them the dark conspiracy. " Arnold is a traitor and has flown to the British. Whom can we trust now?" wore the words of the great commander. At seven o'clock he wrote to Colonel Jameson to use every …

Welde and Jonathan Currey, down Grey's Hill, and into the Peekskill Hollow Road, and from thence southerly to the then public house at the junction of the Albany Post Road and the Peekskill Hollow Road (now owned by Gardner Z. Hollman), where a halt was made for a few minutes. They then proceeded over Gallows Hill, where the spy Edmund Palmer was hanged three years before by …

There, on September 29, he was tried before a board of fourteen general officers: Major-Generals Stirling, Lafayette, Robert Howe, Steuben, and Saint Clair, and BrigadierGenerals Parsons, James Clinton, Knox, (Hover, Patterson, Hand, Huntington, and Stark, Major-General Greene presiding, and upon his own free and voluntary confession was unanimously found guilty of being a …

On his arrival at the gallows he was led to the wagon under it, raised himself into it, and said to those near by, " Gentlemen, I pray you to bear witness that I meet my fate as a brave man." He then took the noose from the hands of the hangman, removed his hat and snow-white neckcloth, pushed down the collar of his shirt, and, opening the noose, put it over his head and …

His death was regretted even by his enemies, but there was nothing in the execution that was not consistent with the rules of war, and his sacrifice was necessary for the public safety. Washington, writing to the president of the continental congress from the Robinson house, September 2(3, 1780, says: " I don't know the party who took Andre, but it is said it consisted only of …

Whereas, Congress have received information that John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, three young volunteer militiamen of the State of New York, did on the 23d of September last intercept Major John Andre, adjutantgeneral of the British army, on his return from the American lines in the character of a spy ; and notwithstanding the large bribes offered them for …

Paulding, Williams, and Van Wart were invited to meet General rs, on which ocWashington at Verplanck's Point at his headquarte casion the medals were presented to them with ceremony, and they had the honor of dining with him. The State of New York also gave a farm to each of the captors. ^~^UZsiA^£CtsUt (^^r-^x^ CAPTURE ANDRE To the foregoing succinct narrative of the capture …

It was an ill-starred enterprise from beginning to end, the only lucky feature connected with it being the final escape of Arnold from Washington's vengeance. From the 12th of September, after Arnold's return from his first before the secattempt to meet Andre, a period of nine days elapsed ond and successful endeavor. It is noteworthy that Andre came up through our county by …

Originally Arnold had no other intention than to return Andre by boat to the " Vulture." If, during his night conference with Andre, he had foreseen the necessity of sending him back overland, through numerous American posts and a wide strip of neutral territory patrolled by vigilant American bands, he certainly would have managed to bring the traitorous transactions to an end …

Rut on leaving Smith's house for his hazardous journey he carefully disguised himself, took off his uniform, and put on an under-coat belonging to Smith and a dark oreat-coat with ik a wide cape and buttoned close to the neck." The sufficiency of his disguise was soon to be put to a startling test. Scarce had he left the post at Verplanck's Point when he came face to face with …

Abbatt shows that it consisted of eight, whose names are accurately given by Mr. Couch. Mr. Abbatt says that "the party was actually under the direction of one of their number, who was a veteran," and that " he alone of the party was not a private " -- Sergeant John Dean. The part of Dean in the affair is overlooked, or only very inadequately referred to, in most accounts of …

At the age of twenty John Dean served as private in Colonel Holmes's regiment in the Montgomery campaign against Canada; he was next on Long Island under Colonel Putnam, and was at the battle of White Plains; promoted to sergeant, he served (1777-79) in the company of Westchester County Rangers commanded by his uncle, Captain Gilbert Dean.1 He was quartermaster of Colonel …

Wli ite I 'lains His con lpany of Rang! ■i's was placed " under the inn uedia te comma ind of the committee of safety." In a short time Dean was at the bend of a picked troop of horse which included the best of the local militia, and for his subordinates were several of the famous " guides " of the Neutral Ground. As a test of the character of the troops, it may be uoted that …

WillPaulding, when prisoner the of charge took Dean that shows iams, and Van Wart brought him to the top of the hill, that Dean exercised commendable discretion in delivering him with the least possible loss of time at Jameson's headquarters, and that when the question of responsibility and reward for the capture was brought up it was ho who reported to Jameson the names of …

Neutral the m which, company a Rangers-- Dean's Gilbert officer of Ground, was as active in the patriot interests as were the Rangers of Colonel de Lancey in those of the enemy-- he was brought in close relation with the predatory movements of the Tories and British, it Thus appears possible that in the preparation for the memorable states, definite informascouting party Dean …

That John Dean did not figure more prominently in the accounts of the capture is due to several reasons. In the first place, he himself CAPTURE ANDRE reported to Jameson that Paulding, Williams, and Van Wart were alone directly responsible for the capture; in the second place, it appears that Dean regarded the taking of a spy as of the nature of hangman's work, with which few …

From the first tendency the men were not apt to refer to John Dean, a man who himself did not want to be associated with the capture of a spy, and from the second they were most apt to ignore the claims of the one who might, had he been so disposed, have given them in his report the credit that they wished. The fact seems to be that Dean had a golden opportunity of advancing …

All this is leaving out of account the question as to whether the actual placing of the captors had been the work of Sergeant Dean. Dad he been disposed to press his claims he could certainly have brought forward a strong case, none the less so that he was a man of considerable education for his day and was supported by his excellent record as a subaltern. And there is no …

Thus Arnold, in his zeal, did not content himself with betraying his own post, but was fain to communicate to the enemy all the vital intelligence in his possession. As related by Mr. Conch, the capturing party took Andre to the nearest American post, in the Town of North Castle, where Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson was in command. This officer, though brave and honest, seems to …

This was accordingly done early on the morning of the 24th, Tallmadge being in command of the escort; and indeed from that day until Andre was hung he remained with the prisoner. Arrived at Lower Salem, the supposed Anderson was installed in "Squire" Gilbert's farmhous< -- a dwelling which was torn down about a quarter of a century ago, unsuccessful efforts having been made by …

I told him that was needless, for a change was at his service, which he accepted. We were close pent up in a bed-room with a guard at the door and window. There was a spacious yard before the door which he desired he might be permitted to walk in with me. I accordingly disposed of my guard in such a manner as to prevent escape." Andre's mind was ill at ease, especially when …

He instructs Washington as to the hitter's appropriate duty in these words: "The request I have to make to your Excellency, and I am conscious I address myself well, is that in any rigor policy may dictate, a decency of conduct toward me may mark that, though unfortunate, I am branded with nothing dishonorable." Then lie proceeds to display tin loftiness of his nature by this …

FLis grandfather, Joseph Paulding, owned a large tract of land east of Tarrytown (where John was born), and had four sons, all of whom were patriot soldiers in the Revolution. John received a common school education, and then worked for farmers in different parts of our county. He was a magnificent specimen of manhood, over six feet tall and well proportioned. Espousing the …

Peter Huggeford, a Loyalist. He disposed of it after some years, and removed to a farm near Lake Mohegan (Yorktown), where he died on the 18th of February, 1818, He lies buried in the cemetery of Saint Peter's Episcopal Church1 near Peekskill, and oyer his grave is a monument with an elaborate inscription, erected " As a memorial sacred to public gratitude " by the corporation …

I was then obliged to take what employment 1 could meet with for my support, chopping, grubbing, and all such work -- living about twenty miles from my house and family.'' He was a volunteer in Captain Daniel Martling's Tarrytown company, served under General Montgomery in the expedition to Canada, and took an active part in the contests of the Neutral Ground. He received from …

The date of Isaac's birth is uncertain, but he was christened on the 25th of October, 1758. The Van Warts were a patriotic family, residing in the present Town of Green1 It is of interest that one of the principal benefactors of Saint Peter's Church was the Tory son-in-law of the third Frederick Philipse, Beverly Robinson, who was on the " Vulture " with Andre on the night of …

He was an esteemed member of the old Greenburgh Church of Elmsford, this county, in whose churchyard his remains lie, marked by a marble monument elaborately inscribed, which was dedicated June 11, 1829. One of his sons, Rev. Alexander Van Wart, delivered the prayer at the dedication of the new Tarrytown monument to Andre's captors, September 23. 1880. For nearly forty years …

Among other circumstances, he stated that when Major Andre's boots were taken off by them it was to search for plunder, and not to detect treason. These persons, indeed, he said, were of that class of people who passed between both armies, as often in one camp as the other, and whom, he said, if he had met with them, he should probably have as soon apprehended as Major Andre …

The major, he said, told him that the captors took him into the bushes and drew off his boots in the act of plundering him, and there, between his stockings and feet, they found the papers; that they asked him what he would give them to let him go; that he offered them his watcli and money, and promised them a considerable sum besides -- but that the difficulty was in his not …

The last offer he made its was ten thousand guineas and as many dry goods as we should ask for, and he would give us his order on Sir Henry Clinton, chief commander of New York, if we would only consent to let him escape after the money and dry goods, or anything else we should please to name, should be received. We said his offers were of no use, we were resolved to do our …

We further certify that the said Paulding and William- are not now resident anion- us', but that Isaac Van Wart is a respectable Freeholder of the Town of .Mount Pleasant ; that we an- well acquainted with him; and we do not hesitate to declare our belief that there is not an individual in the Count) of Westchester acquainted with Isaac Van Wart who would hesitate to describe …

He had a vast deal to say regarding his sensitive honor -- that is all th.it is positively known on the subject, excepting certain circumstances of his behavior which were inconsistent with the sounding profession. ( >n t he 7t li of Sept ember, while devising ways and means to meet Arnold under some plausible pretext, he wrote to Colonel Sheldon, of the American army, n very …

Franklin's books and other property -- conduct contrasting with that of the mercenary General Knyphausen, who, in taking his departure from his quarters in the house of General Cadwallader, " sent for the agent of the latter, gave him an inventory which he had caused his steward to make out on his first taking possession, told him he would find everything iu proper order, even …

These individuals were not Andre's equals; they were poor unlettered peasant boys, utterly beneath any subsequent private allusion on his part except that of magnanimity, naturally duo from a superior soul. Knowing full well that they had saved the very liberties of their country, he must have been aware that this fact was a thing of tremendous importance to them personally …

There is not a scintilla of testimony, direct or circumstantial, except Andre's, to suggest even a suspicion that the young men, when they found that a questionable character had fallen into their hands, wrere ruled by speculative considerations. They were by the roadside on guard in the American interest, to do whatever chance might put in their way as patriotic inhabitants …

The cleverness with which they questioned him in the first place shows that they were men of alert perceptions and not dull country hinds. At least they could not doubt that here was a decidedly promisingchance for a splendid financial speculation, without the least risk. His proposal that two of them should hold him hostage while the third should go to New York and get the …

This fact was highly honorable to them; but there is not the least reason for thinking that it, or any other consideration except their incorruptible patriotic integrity, was instrumental in determining their decision. The simple honesty of these country boys, as well as their freedom 1 It is presumed that Andre was questioned »nd searched by the throe captors only. But the …

In possessing themselves of Andre's money and valuable personal property they took only lawful prize, and Washington, whose scrupulous courtesy to the prisoner in all respects was conspicuous, found no impropriety in this conduct, and did not cause them to make resti!p tution. Moreover, the three captors magnanimously shared the bootv with their comrades who had no part in the …

The British soldiers and American Tories stole cows from the Whigs; the Whigs had no remedy but to steal them back again. ... It is evident they were not thieves for gain, else would they have taken the price which Andre ottered for his ransom, which was more than would have sufficed to purchase the whole stock of cows, sheep, and oxen which belonged to Job when he was in the …

He loved a fair lady, Honora Sneyd, who loved and married another. That was in 1773. As a matter of fact she rejected him as early as 1771, and he then entered the army. There was no reason for her rejection except that it did not please her to love him back, but did please her to love someone else; for Andre was a person of good fortune and family, though without title -- and …

He had all their usual charming qualities in somewhat more than the average degree -- but no original parts of any important interest that very searching inquiry has ever disclosed. His sole claim to distinction -- aside from his part in an infamous transaction -- is that he was put to one of the most righteous and exemplary deaths ever administered, in a highly dramatic …

The resulting monument, consisting of a base and shaft of conventional pattern, was < nt from Sing Sing marble, material and labor being I ho uift of the officials of the State Prison. The inscription was written by the lion. James Iv. Paulding, ex-secretary of the navy and the intimate friend of Washington Irving. On the 7th of October, 1853, the monument was dedicated …

From all that vast multitude assembled on yonder heights to see him die arose no word of exultation; no breath of taunt or triumph broke the sereneness of the surrounding air; melancholy music gave voice to melancholy thoughts ; tears dimmed the eyes and wet the cheeks of the peasant soldiers by whom he was surrounded; and so profound was the impress of the scene upon their …

No consoling word, no pitying or respectful look, cheered the dark hour of his doom. He was met with insult at every turn. The sacred consolations of the minister of Cod were denied him; his Bible was taken from him; with an excess of barbarity hard to be paralleled in civilized war his dying letters of farewell to his mother and sister were destroyed in his presence; and …

It was one of the most characteristic efforts of that distinguished son of our county. The crowd in attendance was estimated at seventy thousand. There was an imposing procession. General James W. Hasted, of Peekskill, acting as grand marshal. The inscriptions on the Tarrytown monument are as follows: [Inscription on the south side.~\ On this Spot, the 23d day of September …

The inscription on Major Andre's memorial in Westminster Abbey is in t liese words: Sacred to the memory of Major John Andre, who, raised by his merit, at an early period of life, to the rank of Adjutant-General of the British forces in America, and, employed in an important but hazardous enterprise, fell a sacrifice to bis zeal for bis King and Country, on the 2d of October …

An inscription was engraved upon it, written by the noted Dean Stanley, reciting' that the stone was placed there " not to perpetuate the record of strife, bur in token of those better feelings which have since united two nations, one in race, one in language, and one in religion, with the hope that this friendly union will never be broken." This memorial has had a troubled …

Indeed, it was not an unusual thing to have our sentinels fired on from parties who would crawl up in the darkness of night and then disappear." But during this period, and indeed throughout the winter of 1780-81, there were few engagements or surprises in our county on any important scale. It was mostly a petty border warfare. The only movement of more than ordinary …

The year 1781, which was to terminate the armed struggle for in- HISTORY WESTCHESTER COUNTY dependence, opened with an event not less appalling in its way than had been the disasters of the preceding year in the South and the Arnold treason. On the 1st day of January the whole Pennsylvania line, 2,000 strong, mutinied and marched off from the Morristown camp toward …

A smaller mutiny in the same month by the New Jersey line was summarily ended by hanging its chief promoters. Toward the end of January a bold and successful raid was made by Lieutenant-Colonel Hull from the Westchester lines upon de Lancey's corps at Morrisania. A number of tin1 British were killed and fifty were captured, some of their huts were burned, and the pontoon …

All that was required was for the Americans to prove themselves worthy of this assistance by respectably matching it with forces of their own; whereas they appeared almost unequal to the task of maintaining any army at all! Moreover, the situation at the South was weekly becoming more desperate. In December Clinton sent Arnold to Virginia with a large expedition, and in the …

It was to this plan and its steadfast pursuance with every manifestation of soberest earnestness that the conquest of American liberties at Yorktown was undividedly due. And it is the proud boast of our County of Westchester that here, on our soil -- entirely on our soil -- the grand programme was inaugurated, developed, prosecuted, and brought to the threshold of assured …

Greene was an officer of notable courage, address, and proficiency; brilliant, generous, and noble; a great favorite of Washington's and indeed one of the ornaments of the American army. A citizen of Rhode Island, he entered the service1 at the beginning of the war, was with Arnold in Canada, and during the operations on the Delaware in the fall of 1777 was intrusted by …

In the same bedroom with him wore Major Flagg (also a gallant officer) and a young lieutenant, and the men were quartered in tents around the dwelling. De Lancey's party crossed the ford unobserved and quickly surrounded the house1. The young lieutenant, aroused by the commotion, sprang to tin1 window and discharged two pistols at the approaching Refugees. This deed of …

He was placed on a horse and compelled to ride off with the ruffianly victors. After going about three-quarters of a mile they perceived he could travel no farther, removed him from his horse, and pitched him into some bushes by the roadside, where he presently expired. He was buried, with Major Flagg, in the churchyard at Crompond.1 The American loss in this ghastly affair in …

On the basis of this news Washington and Rochambeau met at Weathersfield, Conn., on the L'LM of May, and subscribed to the following understanding: The enemy, by several detachments from New York, having reduced their force at that post to less than half the number which they had at the time of the former conference at Hartford in September last, it is thought advisable to …

It was decided with all possible dispatch to effect a union of Washington's and Rochambeau's forces and " move down in the vicinity of New York," there to " take advantage of any opportunity which the weakness of the enemy may afford.'' But whither the licet was to conic was not definitely indicated; and manifestly it was intended thai the ultimate campaign of the armies …

To which point would de Grasse come? or, rather, to -which point should the two generals advise him to come? -- for there was, of course, time to communicate with him before his departure from the West Indies, and that indeed was indispensable. It will be remembered I hat in 1778, when the first French expedition under d'Estaing reached our shores, it proceeded, at …

Washington, on the other hand, deemed a New York campaign of first and supremest importance -- not because he considered American interests less needful of his personal employment in the South than in the North, but for the precisely contrary reason that the proposed move against New York was the one essential instrumentality by which to relieve the stress at the South. At …

W this was not Washington's exact mental attitude from start to finish -- clearly formulated at the beginning and never modified by special conditions later -- then his whole course of conduct and expression was purely accidental, a thing not to be believed of him. Again and again he was besought to leave the army at the North and take the command in Virginia; and uniformly he …

York or a withdrawal of the (enemy's) troops from Virginia.1' On the 4th of June, previously to the junction of the American and French armies in Westchester County, he wrote from his headquarters at New Windsor these most significant words to the Count de Eochambeau: " 1 could wish that the march of the [French] troops might now be hurried as much as possible. ... I know of …

But if at Woathersliold Rochambeau conceived the Virginia campaign, it was certainly not a conception based upon the plan of a formidable preliminary New York campaign. Without the preliminary New York campaign, conducted with the utmost sagacity, there would have been no triumphant Virginia campaign. This digression from the straightforward progress of our narrative seems …

Rochambeau began his march from Newport on the 10th of June, leaving at that place a sufficient garrison, its harbor being still occupied by French ships of war. Washington assembled his troops from their different encampments on the west side of the Hudson, brought them across King's Ferry, and ou the 2(>th established his headquarters at the Van Cortlandt house north of …

The Kingsbridge enterprise was to be under the charge of General Lincoln, of the American army, who was to drop down the river under cover of night, reconnoiter the works at the northern end of Manhattan Island, and, if he found them not too strongly defended, attack Kingsbridge. At the same time the Duke de Lauzun, of the French army, was to come down to Morrisania from …

General Lincoln crossed to the west bank, and from the Palisades reconnoitered the Manhattan Island forts. To his disappointment he discovered that a large body of the enemy was encamped there. Thus his intended surprise of Kingsbridge was made impracticable. He returned to his boats and remained in them till before dawn of the 3d, when he landed his men and guns and advanced …

There were only two halts -- one at Croton Bridge and the other beside the Sleepy Hollow Church near Tarrytown. Valentine's Hill (Yonkers), four miles above Kingsbridge, was reached by sunrise of the 3d. and there Washington stopped to await the result of the movements below. At the same time the French army was on t lie way from < Connecticut. This well-planned and in all its …

Yet during all that period lie had his army drawn up or disposed in New Jersey, the Highlands, or Westchester County, within easy striking distance of New York; and, moreover, the recapture of New York was the grand goal of the lie volution. He did not attempt it because it would have been a simply mad thing to do with the forces at his disposal. When, finally, with the …

The latter lay in two lines, resting on the Hudson at Dobbs Ferry, covered by batteries, and extending toward the Nepperhan River; while their allies were in a single line on the hills farther east, reaching to the Bronx. The left of the French position was at Chattel-ton's Hill, the scene of the battle of October 28, 1776. A very pleasing description of the united encampment …

Some of these were the Baron Viomenil, commanding the Bourbonnais. the oldest regiment of France; the Count de Viomenil, his brother; the Chevalier de Chastelleux; the Count do Custine and the Duke de Lauzun, both of whom fell under the guillotine; Berthier, at the time aide-decamp to Rochambeau and later one of Napoleon's field marshals; and the Count de Fersen, who …

On the evening of the 15th of July there was a spirited engagement with the enemy at Tarrytown, occasioned by an attempt of several British ships of war to capture or destroy American vessels that had come down the river with ordnance and supplies. This affair is known as " the action at Tarrytown," and in commemoration of it a historical tablet was placed on the Tarrytown …

Captain Hurlbut, who was on board one of the latter with twelve men, armed only with pistols and swords, waited until the British were alongside and kk gave them a lire, which they returned, and killed one of his men." The Americans now jumped into the water and swam ashore. After setting fire to the vessels the British quickly retired under a deadly musketry attack from the …

The largest of the ships was set on fire by a bursting shelf, and in consternation a number of the men jumped overboard. Some of them were drowned, and three or four who reached the shore were made prisoners. After these creditable transactions with the enemy's ships, Washington entered vigorously upon his arrangements for threatening New York. About this time he crossed with …

The roads were very bad, and the artillery had difficulty in following. Nevertheless, the two armies marched in perfect order, observing the strictest silence." The troops were disposed so as to cover the proceedings of the two generals, who, with the greatest deliberation, attended by a corps of engineers, traversed the country in front of the British position from river to …

His self-possession now returned, and, ashamed at having given way to an impulse of fear, he at once pricked back with all the rapidity to which he could urge his horse, and resumed his place in tin1 order of march; while the commanding officers, with good-natured peals of laughter, welcomed him back and commended his courage."1 " This reconnoisance," says a French writer, " …

It is known; but this great man is a thousand times greater "and more noble at the head of his army than at any other time.'' J This was no sensational parade before the enemy's position to make a plausible showing of offensive designs, but an elaborate, scientific preparation for a siege. It is said that Washington and Rochambeau were in their saddles twenty-four consecutive …

They brought us two little boats, in which we embarked, with the saddles and trappings of the horses; then they sent back two American dragoons, who drew by the bridle two horses, good swimmers, these were followed by all the rest, urged on by the the boats. lashes of some dragoons remaining on the other shore, and for whom we sentwasbackunnoticed by This maneuver consumed …

There is an abundance of proof that the reconnoissance of New n's part, and York was a perfectly sincere proceeding on Washingto that at the time he fully intended to follow it up with a regular siege in the case that the fleet of de Orasse should make its appearance in New York Bay. Moreover, he earnestly desired that de Orasse should come there. Previously to the junction of …

On July 21 -- the day when he set out to reconnoiter New York -- he addressed the following autograph letter (whose original is now in the possession of the editor of this History) to Brigadier-General David Forman1 at Monmouth X. J. : Head Quarters, Dobbs Ferry, 21st July, 1781. Dear Sir:-- When I request your particular Care of the enclosed, it is necessary that 1 should …

You will be so good as to give me by the return of this, or in the chain which you shall establish, the present situation, number, strength, and station of the Enemy's Ships -- and as particular information of this kind may lie very useful and consequential to me and to our French Allies -- 1 beg you will continue to keep me informed from time to time of any alterations which …

His younger brother, Colonel Jonathan Forman, was at the head of a regiment in the New Jersey line, and after the war became the first president of the Order of the Cincinnati in New Jersey. Both were animated by the loftiest spirit of patriotism, served throughout the Revolution, ai in at l>< ai C< of ife ofOf G >r the w inotln in was Fornn Histor Itidenrehi of Was] niian s …

Cornwallis, finding his position perilous in the interior of thai State, was retreating to Yorktown, with the intention of intrenching himself there. At this juncture, should de Grasse enter the Chesapeake instead of New York Harbor, Cornwallis would be .aught between the American fleet and the Southern American land forces, in which eventuality it would probecome highly …

On July 2(5 he wrote to Cornwallis to have three regiments dispatched to New York from the Carol inas, saying: - 1 shall probably want them, as well as the troops \jou man be able to spare me from the Chesapeake, for such, offensive or defensive operations as may offer in this quarter." The order was countermanded after the coming of the 3,000 Hessians, but it shows how …

While perhaps in the general opinion my force is equal to the commencement of operations against New York, my conduct must appear, if not blamable, highly mysterious at least. Our allies, who were made to expect a very considerable augmentation of force by this time, instead of seeing a prospect of advancing must conjecture upon good grounds that the campaign will waste …

I am very fearfull that you have met with more Trouble in establishing the Chain of expresses than you expected -- as I have not had the Pleasure of hearing from you since your first Favor of 2.3d inst. -- -and I am informed from N. York that a fleet with part of the Army of Lord Cornwallis from Virginia arrived at that Place last Tuesday. My Anxiety to be early and well …

If the latter, they will immediately send in a light ship, or one will come out to them." In this letter he also expressed apprehension that Forman's expresses from Monmouth might be intercepted by small parties of the enemy, and directed that ;i new and less exposed route for them be established. It is well known that Washington, as soon as he decided on the move to Virginia …

Conclusive proof on this point is also afforded by the following item in his "Accounts with the United States," dated August, 1781: "To Cash advand Cap Pobbs & other Pilots, to carry them to Monmouth City to await the arrival of the French Fleet -- hourly expected, £18 13s Id [lawful currency]." As he relates in his Journal, under date of August 1, Washington, while encamped …