Class Book_ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT DUNCAN'S EM, FECim — AND — RESTAURANT, Corner Water and First Streets, :5rEWBlTRC;H, ir. y. Witliiii three luiiiiiteiji' walk oi'all clepotiti and steaiu- boat laudiiigs aud on direct route to Wa.s]ii]ig-ton^M llea<1quarters. N. B.— Weddings and Parties Supplied. 1833. 1887. m mm First-Class in Every Respect, COR. FRONT AND SECOND STS. Dinner on arrival of Albany Day-Boats AXI> IT^TII. 3 P. M. The close proxiiuity to all elieved that Mr. Ruttenl )er has unintentionally l)een led into the statement above copied from his history, a statement he would not have made if he had known all the facts. THE HISTORY. To the many from all parts of the world who have visited the 1;)eaiitiful and historic grounds at Washington's Head- quarters, in Newburgh, the secret history of how they came into the possession of the State may not l)e known. Indeed, it isl)elieved that very few, if any, j^ersons in New- burgh itself know of this history, and liow near this (to the country) valua))le property came to passing into private hands. . AVe are told in Holy AVrit, that in one period of the world's history, or more especially in one period of the history of Egypt, " a King arose who knew not Joseph," meaning that the past benefits which that wonderful man had conferred on the Egyjjtian Monarchy, had, in the lapse of time, the busy onrush of the present, and more particularly in the jealousy of the rising, growing power mthin her midst, l)een forgotten, and the name of the man who pre-eminently al)ove all others had been the means of her exaltation, was heard no more in the land as the founder of her greatness, and her saviour in the years of her dire dis- tress. Not mtli the idea or intention, for a moment, of claiming that tliere is a parallel between Joseph, the great Governor of Egypt, with his prophetic, far-seeing and out- reaching plans which involved the destiny of two nations for all future time, and that of the foresight and oat-reaching plan of the humble individual in private life, wh<^se connec- tion with the salvation of Washington's Headquarters is now to be given. Yet, history which records the greatness 8 Washingtoj^'s Headquarters. and deeds of the one on tlie sacred page, to l)e true and just, onglit also to record tlie fact that to tlie exertions of one man TsVwImrgli is indel)ted to-day for the fact tliat the Hea(l(|uarters property l)eh:)ngs to tlie State of New York, and not to a private individual, or perhaps three individuals. To give the history : As is well known, tlie property in Rev- olutionary times, and before, and after, was known as " The Hasbrouck Property ; " the house as " The Old Hasbrouck House," and so named in public ])apers of that day. For how long it was in the jiossession of the Hasl)rouck family anterior to the time when it l)ecame the property of Jonathan Has])rouck (tlie last of the name who owned it) is to tlie writer unknoA\'n. But it must have been for a considerable period, from the fact that it had come to be identified with the family name, and also that it was cherished as a most precious heir-loom Ijy the memljers of the family, and l)y Jonathan es])ecially, the last owner of the name, whose heai't strings were torn when it was forever alienated fi-om him. To extricate himself from the financial difliculties wliicli in the latter years of his life seemed like a spider's web to environ the old man in their meshes, Jonathan Hasl)rouck and Phebe, his wife, mortgaged "The Has- brouck Property " to the " Commissioners of the United States Deposit Fund " for the County of Orange, on the l'2th day of July, in the year 1837, for $2, GOO. For many years the annual interest was regularly paid in the month of October, the time prescribed by la\v\ "But it fell on a day " (the first Tuesday of October, 1848) that the old man could not make his annual payment, on the last day of the four, in that month, on which he had the option of ])ay- ing, nor could he at the (.'nd of the week of grace thereafter, which the la^v gave, nor at the end of the three months ad- vertised time of sale under foreclosure. It was truly How Acquired.- 9 pitiful the efforts wliicli the old man made to save liis lieart- treasured possession, wliicli had for so long a time l:)een in his family, and it would almost bring tears to tlie eyes of Mr. Caldwell, one of the Commissioners, the letters he received during these three months from Jonathan Has- broiick to know if there could not be some further delay in the proceedings, to give him a chance to raise the amount due on the mortgage, a chance which the old man always saw a little way ahead. But the " Book of Instructions," for the Commissioners' guidance as to their duties, was very plain and explicit, and any deviation to the detriment of the fund would have incurred to themselves personal liability, as well as malfeasance. If the writer remembers correctly, the two Commissioners told Mr. Hasbrouck that if he could raise the money within the time limit of the law, they would remit all fees and commissions which the law allowed them. But he could not. SALE or THE PEOPEPvTY. It was init u]) for sale, and no person appearing to l)id the amount due, it was l)id in l)y the Commissioners for and on account of tlie United States Deposit Fund, at the Court House, in Goshen, on the first Tuesday in FeVjruary, 1849. The old man was at the sale, and ^vhen it was finally struck off he burst into tears. The law provides that Appraisers shall be appointed by the Commissioners who shall put a value on the property, when it is, after a prescribed time, to be again offered for sale ; if no bid is received equal to the appraised value, the Commissioners are to 1)id tliat sum, and the ])roperty becomes the State's aljsolutely. This they did. It should be said, however, that the mortgagor had the right to redeem the property at the appraised value and costs of sale. Old 10 Washington's Headquarteks. Mr. Hasbrouck in the interim was trying to raise tlie money to pay off the claims, ])ut never succeeded. The Com- missioners, who ^vere Andrew J. Cakhvell, of Blooming Grove, and Alexander Camp- l)ell, of Monroe, were made custodians of the property after the sale, l)y the then Comptroller of the State, Hon. Washington Hunt, and v^\ it was liy them })ut in charge ¥:' of a kee])er. It was at this time that efforts were made by private parties, both by letters and tlirough personal interview with the Commis- sioners or rather Commissioner (for Mr. Caldwell was, by the acquiesence of " Father Campbell," the prominent man in tlie transaction) to induce him to use his influ- ence ^^^.th the Comptroller to sell the property to them, which he would have done if the Commissioners had so ad\ased, and the recollection is (which, however, may not be correct) that a less sum was offered than the amount of appraisal and interest to time of the offei-. Mr. Cald- well declined, as he had other , ' ALEXANDER CA31PBELL. plans and. purposes. [From a nteness taken in 1352.] ANDREW J. CALDWELL. [Taken when 80 years of age.] How Acquired. 11 EFFORTS TO IN^Dl CE RESIDENTS OF NEWBURGH TO BUY THE PROPERTY. First he tried to induce private parties in Newburgh to subscribe a sum sufHcieut to liquidate the Deposit Fund claim. In this effort he was heartily seconded by the late Enoch Carter, Esq., who, as far as his desires and pecimiary ability w^ent, was as pu])lie-spirited a man as Newl)urgh ever possessed. But love of money was greater among the men of means of Newburgh at the time, than love of patriotism, or at least of Washington's Headquarters. Mr. Carter was much disappointed and out of patience at the action, or rather non-action, of his fellow townsmen, and gave expression to his opinion of them in words which those who remember him well can very w'ell imagine were much more emphatic than Scriptual. PLANS PROPOSED. Then Mr. Cakbvell entered into correspondence mth Hon. Hamilton Fish, the then Governor of the State, proposing two plans. One was for the Legislatm-e of New York to memorialize Congress to remit its claim on the State of New York for the amount due the United States Deposit Fund to a sum equal to the amount of the morgage, $2,000, mth accrued interest and expenses. This is the plan which Ml'. Caldwell favored, as in case they did, it would not cost the State any money. The other plan was for the Leg- islature to appropriate a sum sufficient to discharge all the amount due to the Fund, the law recpiiring that the principal of the Fund should always be kept intact. THE governor's WISDOM. The Governor cIk^sc the latter course as being moi'e direct and expeditious, and in this he undoubtedly showed his 12 Washington's Headquarters. wsdom, foi" if application had been made to ConoTess, action would perliaps have been delayed through opposition of in- terested parties who had their own private schemes and purposes to carry out. Governor Fish in his first annual message, after his attention had been called to the subject, asked or recommended that the Legislature ap23ropriate the sum required, which they did, and so the property became the State's, absolutely and forever. The Deposit Fund was fully reim1)ursed, and private parties who wanted to make a big speculation out of the old historic spot were foiled in their purpose. Tiie correspondence l^etween Mr. Caldwell and Governor Fish, which was placed before the Board of Trustees by George Corn-wall, Esq., once a Trustee ofjthe Village of Newburgh, and up to his death President of the Highland Bank of that place, is here given, ti'anscribed from the public records of the then Village of Newl:>urgh, as well as the resolution of the Trustees of that village on the subject : Newburgh, May 8, 1850. Andrew J. Caldwell, Esq. : Dear Sir :— -It affords me great pleasure to be enabled to lay your correspondence with Gov. Fish before the Commit- tee on Washington's Headquarters, and subsequently, before our Board of Trustees. The action of the latter body upon the subject you will find enclosed, together with the j^apers sent me. I remain very respectfully yours, etc., GEORGE CORNWALL. The above Committee was prol)nl)ly the one appointed to make arrangements for and take charge of the dedication ceremonies, July 4th, 1850. the correspondence. At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Vil- lage of Newburgh, held at the United States Hotel, on How Acquired. 13 Wednesday, April 24tli, 1850, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : Kesolved, That on behalf of the citizens of ]Slewl)urgh, and the pul)lic generally, the thanks of this Board l^e tendered to Andrew J. Caldwell, Es(i., Commissioner of Loans, for his early and efficient exertions to obtain the pas- sage of the act by the Legislatui'e to retain tlie title to the grounds know^n as Washington's Headquarters, and making them forever public grounds, and tliat his correspondence with Gov. Fish upon the subject l)e entered upon the minutes of the Board, and that a copy of this resolution Ije for- warded to Mr. Caldw ell. Signed, JACKSON OAKLEY, Newbm-gh, May 8, 1850. Clerk. ANDREW J. CALDWELL TO GOV. FISH I Salisbury Mills, Orange County, 1st Oct., 1849. Sir — T beg leave to bring to your notice a transaction in Avhich I have been concerned, in the discharge of official duty, and which I venture to presume will not be considered unw^orthy the Chief Magistrate of the State of New York. The Commissioners of the United States Deposit Fund of the Comity of Orange, in pursuance of law, have exposed to public sale the premises in the Village of Newbiu'gh, con- taining the old stone house known as " Washington's Head- quarters," and have bid in the same on ])elialf of the State. The place consecrated by so many interesting associations has become the property of the State, and in the ordinary course is to V)e sold by the Commissioners of the Land Office, for the l)enefit of the United States Deposit Fund. I need not remind you sir, that the old stone house was the resi- dence of Washington's family for the last two years of the war ; that there he received the news of peace, there he dis- Ijanded the iVi-my of the Revolution, and ^vhen that army, goaded almost to desperation in view of their wTongs as set forth in the famous " Newl)urgh Letters," were preparing to enforce theii- claims at the point of the bayonet, then and 14 Washington's Headquartees. there it was lie achieved the crowning glory of his military career, issued his imcomparable address to the army, soothed the angry passions of the excited soldiery, averted the theatened storm, and thus once more saved the Republic. I venture sir, to submit to you whether it would l)e credital^le for the State of New York to sell this venerable and hallowed spot which has now come into its possession, or whether on the other hand it would not be more to the honor of the State, and in accordance with public sentiment, to hand it down to posterity as a monument to the memory of its former revered and illustrious occupant, and an endur- ing memorial of the interesting transactions of which it ^vas the scene. Should the authorities of the State concur in these views, it would not be difficult to devise a plan, l)y which, under sanction of law, the preservation of the prem- ises as a public ground might l)e effectually secured. It must be borne in mind that these premises have cost the State nothing, and if the competent authorities should see fit to transfer the charge to any ])ublic body, for pu]:)lic uses, there can be no doubt that the United States would release forever their interest in the Deposit Fund to that amount. In taking this liberty, I feel the greater confidence, in that the appeal is to one whose name and family are so intimately connected with the times, and transactions to which it refers. I have the honor to ])e. Sir Your most ol/t servant, ANDREW J. CALDWELL. GOV. fish's reply : New York, Oct. 6th, 1849. Andrew J. Caldwell, Esq., Salisbury Mills, Orange County. Sir : — I am this day favored with your letter of 1st inst. (forwarded to me from Allmny) referring to the sale, by the Commissioners in your County for loaning certain monies of the IT. S., of the old House known as " Washington's Head- quarters." I concm' entirely in the views which you have HON. HAMILTON FISH. [Engraved by Leon Barritt, Middletown, N. Y., from a photograph taken in 1875.] 16 WasiiinctTojst's Headquarters. expressed of tlie propriety of securing!: this liallowed spot for some i)iil>lic o1)ject snital)le and appropriate to its history, and I should i>e most happy to give any aid within the sphere of my duties, which will ensure this end. It will give me pleasure to hear from you on the sul)ject as to any memorial which may l)e made by the citizens in the neigh- borhood. Witli very great regards, Your ob't servant, HAMILTON FISH. There was other correspondence l>etween Gov. Fish and Mr. Caldwell, and other parties, in relation to the best coiu'se to take to secure the property, which cannot now be found. From a memorandum in Mr. Caldwell's hand-writing, found among his papers, it is shown that on August 2(3, 1859, "a bundle " of letters were sent to a gentleman residing in New- burgh accompanied by a letter in which he says " I wish it understood that I do not ^vish my name brought forward prominently in your work, and not more than the history of the case requu-es." ACTION BOARD SUPERVISORS OF ORANGE COUNTY. On page 324, Proceedings of Board Super\dsors on Thurs- day, Nov. 22, 1849, appears the following: "Andrew J. Caldwell, Esq., appeared before the Board and stated that certain premises in Ne^vljurgh had been sold by the Loan Commissioners and l^ought in by them for the State ; said premises are known by the name of Washington's Head Quai-ters. And also by request read a cori'espondence between himself and the Governor of the State on the subject of preserving the said premises for a pul^lic ground. And he also asked the co-operation of the Board in accomplishing that subject. On motion of Mr. Fullerton it was resolved that a Committee of three be ai)pointed to take the subject in consideration, and report to the Board. Whereupon, How Acquired. I'i^ , Daniel Fullerton, O. S. Hathaway and L. M. Ferris were appointed said Committee. It was on motion, Resolved that the Chau'man of the Board l>e added to the Committee." On page 335, Proceedings Board Supervisors, on Wednes- day, Nov. 28th, of same year, is fomid as follows: PETITION BOAliD OF SUPERVISORS TO LEGISLATURE. To the Legislatm-e of the State of New York. The under- signed the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange Respectfully represent : That a portion of the monies deposited by the United States ^vith the State of New York were loaned under the direction of the said State on security of certain premises known as Washington's Head Quarters, located in the vil- lao-e of Newl)urgh in the said County of Orange. And that on default of payment the said premises have been sold and bought in for and on ])ehalf of the State. That it is now the duty of the Loan Office of the said County under the existing law to dispose of said premises, and to restore the proceeds thereof to the fund from whence the same was derived. That the stone building now standing on the said premises is on the Bank of the Hudson River in full view of the multitudes daily passing or. its waters from all parts of the world and that* it still remains unimpaired as when it was honored l)y the residence of AYashington and LaFayette.^ That the said mansion was the head-quarters of Washing- ton for the last two years of the Revolutionary War, and \vas the last he occupied in the character of Commander- in-Chief, and was also the scene of his most glorious triumphs over the fearful designs of tlie celebrated " Newburgh Let- ters," and wliere he. closed a military career unexampled in the history of the world. That the people of Orange County could not witness with- out the deepest mortification the demolition or desecration of an edifice, endeared to tliem and to their fellow citizens 18 Washington's Headquarters. throughout tlie Union by so many Patiiotic associations and so intimately connected witli the History of the Revohition. While Forts Montgomery and Putnam, in its immediate neighV^orhood, aj'e mouldering in decay, your petitioners desire that this venerable edifice may he spared, and every possible exertion used to preserve and maintain it inviolate under the ov/nership and protection of the Empire State. Your Memorialists tlierefore in the name and in behalf of the People of the County of Orange Respectfully pray that your Honorable body will cause to be repaid to the United States Dei)osit Fund the amount that appears from the last annual re])ort of the Commissioners of Loans of the County of Orange to have been loaned upon the said premises and retain the title of the same in the Govei'nment of this State, and that you will furthei* provide l)y necessary laws for its preservation for all time to come. And your petitioners will ever pray. David H. Moffatt, Chairman, Blof)ming Grove. Daniel Fullerton, Minisink. LiNDLY Mt'^rry FePvRis, Moutgomer}'. William V. B. Armstrong, Warwick. Odell S. Hathaway, Newburgh. A. P. Thompson, Mount Hope. Daniel Swartwout, Deerpark. R. M. Vail, Goshen. William Jackson, Hamptonl)urgh. Morgan Shuit, Monroe. Hezekiah H. Moffatt, Chester. John Denniston, Cornwall. Abram Vail, Jr., Wailkill. Augustus Thompson, Crawford. The towns are not appended to the names as they appear on the record ; they have been affixed by the author, to indi- cate where they belonged. All are dead it is ]>elieved l)ut the Superx^sor from Mt. Hope, A. P. Thompson, now Cashier of the Port Jervis National Bank. It will Ije noticed that there are l)ut fourteen towns repre. How Acquired. 19 sented, J. 11. Dickson, tbe Supervisor of the only other town in the county, not l)eing present. The Committee to whom the foregoing suT)ject of Wash- ington's Headquarters was referred, reported the foregoing petition, wliich was unanimously adopted and signed by all the members of the Board. This memorial was written ])y Mv. Caldwell, as learned by a memorandum in his 'handwriting found among his papers, 1)ut was drawn up as a petitii^n from the Supervisors to Congress, but subsequently changed and addi'essed to the Legislature. From the sul)sequent action of the Governor it is giithered that the recommendation made by him to the Legislature was deemed by himself and Mr. Caldwell the best plan to take. The following is an " extract from the Annual Message of Hon. Hamilton Fish, Governor of the State of New York, to the Legislature of 1850" : MESSAGE OF GOVERJfOR FISH. "The foreclosure of a mortgage, given to the Commis- sioners for loaning certain moneys of the United States, has vested in the State the title to a piece of land, and to the stone ])uilding, near Newljurgh, in the County of Orange, known as ' Washington's Head-Quarters.' I respectfully submit that there are associations connected with this veneraljle edifice which rise above the consideration of dollars and cents, and ^vliich should distinguish it from other acquisitions and property of the State, and should prevent its l)eing dis- posed of, unless for objects in some degree congenial with its past history. It is perhaps the last relic ^vithin the boimds of the State, and under the control of its Legisla- ture, connected with the history of the illustrious man who left us this patriotic admonition." [Here follows an extract from an address of George Washmgton :J 20 Washingtoist's Headquarters, appointment of committee. Extract from the Assembly Journal, Jamiary 14, 1850. Mr. Speaker amiouneed the followmg select committees, to wit: * '' " ^' '' ^ On so much of the Annual Message of the Governor as relates to Washington's Head Quarters." Mr. Leland, Mr. Truslow, Mr. Martin, Mr. Lyons, Mr. Lott. [In Assemljly March 6, 1850.] Of the Select Committee in relation to the preservation of " Washington's Head Quarters." REPORT OF ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE. Mr. Leland, from the Select Committee, to which was re- ferred so much of the Annual Message of the Governor as relates to Washington's Headquarters, and also the petition of the Board of Supervisoi's of Orange County, praying for an act causing to be repaid to the United States Deposit Fund the amount, that appears from the last annual report of the Commissioners of Loans of the County of Orange, to have been loaned upon the said premises and retain the title of the same in the government of the State ; and that we will further provide b)^ necessary laws for its preserva- tion for all time to come, having had the same under con- sideration, REPORTS. It is shown that the distinguished individuals whose names are appended to the petition sul)mitted to the consideration of your Committee, are influenced by a laudable desire to preserve and perpetuate one of the most interesting monu- ments of the American Revolution. Though the pages of history may transmit to j)Osterity the events of that interesting period through all time : yet there are certain objects and places connected with our Revolu- tionary .War which every American citizen delights to look How Acquired. 21 upon, and around wliieh lie loves to call back the scenes that rendered them dear to his memory. The chair in which John Hancock sat \vhen he presided over the Convention of 1776, and when he affixed his name to the Declaration of American Indej^endence, is now ])re- served with pions care, in the Capitol of Pennsylvania, where every intellio-ent and patriotic traveler visitinii; the city of Philadel]>hia fails not to examine that ancient rem- nant of Revolutionary times. The old day-book in which Washington, in his own hand- writing, kept his accounts during the E evolutionary War, is still preserved as a precious relic among our archives at the seat of our general government. The citizens of our sister State of Massachusetts have made commendable efforts to preserve from desecration the ground on which was fought the battle of Bunker Hill. In contem- plating such movements of our war of indej^endence the 1)est feelings of the heart are elicited and cherished. If our love of country is excited when we read the ])iog- raphy of our revolutionary heroes, oi^ the history of revolu- tionary events, how much more will the flame of patriotism burn in our bosoms when we tread the ground whei'e was shed the l)lood of our fathers, or when we move among the scenes \vhere were conceived and consummated their noble achievements. Let every true friend of our Country, witli the liveliest fervor of lieart, delight in the written pages of history, or the monuments of marble, or the ancient relics, or the memorable locality, or any other thing, which may transmit to our children a knowledge of the virtues of the fathers of the re])ul)lic. It will be good for our citizens in these days of political collisions, in these days of political demairoo'ueism : it will ])e o-ood for them in these days when we hear the sound of disunion reiterated Irom eveiy part oi the Country; in aU future time occasionally to chasten their minds by reviewing the history of our revolutionary struggle. That the object of the petitioners may be more fully un- derstood yom- Committee would state the following particu- 22 Washington's Headquarters. lars : About fifty rods south of the \illage of Newburgh, in the County of Orange, tliere stands an ancient dwelling, built in an irregular form of rough stone, ^vhieh was erected about one hundred years ago. It is now known in that vicinity by the name of tlie " Old Hasbrouck House," and in revolutionary times l)y the name of " AVashington's Head- quarters." It occupies a commanding eminence on the bank of the Hudson River overlooking the l>eautiful hixj of New- bui'gh, and the military station at W^est Point, and taking within its range all the sj^lendid water and mountain scenery for which that region is remarkaV)le. In every direction from the house the eye may dwell upon views rich in natural beauty and historical recollections ; West Point on the south, enthroned amidst the Highlands, was the scene of some of the most exciting incidents which characterized our revolu- tionary struggle ; the beacon summits of Fishkill mountains, the camjvground on Fislikill and Snake Hill plains, the location of the l)arracks, store-houses, and lios])itals of om* army, are all within a short distance from this interesting spot. The associations of the i)lace call at once to the mind of every patriotic visitor many interesting occurrences con-, nected with the names of Stuben, Koscuisko and Lafayette. The " Hasbrouck House," which it is the design of the petitioners to ])erpetuate, was a long time the head-quarters of General Washington. It remains as yet in nearly the same condition as that in ^vhich Wasliington left it ; but circumstances are such that it must soon fall unless efficient measures are taken to [^reserve it. It contains one room in the centre of the house which is about twenty-four feet square, but the ceiling is so low as to make it appear much larger. This room has seven doors and but one window; Generid A^'ashington used it as his dining-room and parlor ; at night it was converted into a l)ed-ehamber for his staff officers and occasional visitors. On the north-east corner of the house, communicating ^vith the large centre room, is a small chamber which General Wasliington used as a study or private office. Many revolutionary anecdotes have heen told, the scenes of which were laid in the old square room at How Acquired. 23 Newl)iii'i>:]i, with its seven doors and one window. When General Lafayette visited this country in 1824 he made a pilo;i'image to this veneral)le mansion. xVftev an al)sence of half a century his eyes could hardly l)e satisfied with exam- inino- the old rooms, and the little noi-th-east room, the wind<)\vs, the doors, the fire-place, the outside ap])earance, and the surrounding ol)jects and scenery of that memomble place. But the most memorable affair connected with the sul)ject remains to l)e mentioned. While the x\merican army was encamped around the old " Hasbrouck House" near the close of the war there was conceived in their midst the most insidious and formidable treason that ever threatened the prosperity and honor of our Country. The war was about closing by the peace of 1783, with triumph and glory. The army was about to be discharged; they had endured the ]^eenest privations ; they had toiled and bled most nobly for their country, but had suffered for the want of clothing and provisions. " Their pay had l)een withheld and Congress had manifested a reluctance from the embarrassed state of our finances, promptly to adjust their claims. Broken down with pecuniary eml)arrassment, and witli hard service in the " tented field," our officers became discontented, and com- plained bitterly of the injustice of Congress, and the a])parent ingratitude of their country. The prospect of an immediate clisbandment in the midst of their poverty and suffering, without pay or even the adjustments of theiv accounts, was almost too much for even ^"lose noble-hearted men to endure. It was in the midst of tliis universal murmuring of discontent, on the lOth day of March, 1783, that the celebrated "New- burgh Letters " made their appearance. These letters were written in the most touching and po^verful eloquence, and addressed to minds'^already chafed by disappointment and a sense of injustice.""' The}- pointed to a remedy f<^r wrongs endured of a most des]:)erate character; and liad tlieir counsel prevailed, our Revolutionary Army, at the very time of consummating the most glorious achievement the world ever mtnessed, would have incuiTcd indelible dis- honor. It was in tlie small north-east room of this house 24 WASHiNGTOiir's Headquarters. where Washington meditated upon these portentous letters and prepared liimsylf to assuao^t^ the ano-ry passions which Avere kindling \vith such fearful impii't tlu'oughout his army. Taking counsel of h's o\vn lofty mind, the imagiuiition can almost conceive him, on that occasion as personating the genius of American liberty, dictating his orders for a general meeting of his officers, and prepaiing an address containing arguments and appeals which fastened ui)on the very souls of his auditors, 1)rouglit tliem unanimously to confide in the justice of their country, and hushed their rising passions forever. In the elorpient language in which Washington closed his address, our army, " gave one more distinguislied proof of unexampled patriotism and patient virtue^ rising superior to the pressure of tlm most complicated suffering," and l)y the dignity of their conduct liave afforded " occasion for posterity to say, when speaking of the glorious example they have cxli:l)iiod to mnnldnd, had that day bjen wan ing, the world had never seen the last stage of perfection, to wliich human nature is capable of attaining." It was 1 )ut a few days after this event that Wasliington disbanded a portion of his army on tlie lawn before tlie door of this anticjuated house. The hardy soldiers, whose hearts never quailed under danger or toil, melted into tears as they l)ade each otlier a lasting farewell on the consecrated ground which the petitioners seek to commemorate. The Committee believe that the ol)ject ^vhich the ])eti- tioners have in view — " to preserve and perpetuate Wash- ington's headcpiai-ters, in the village of Newburgh" — is worthy of their liigh character, and eminently deserving of legislative sanction. No traveler who touclies upon the shores of Orange county will hesitate to make a pilgrimage to this beautiful si)ot, associated as it is with so many delightful reminiscences in our early history, and if he have an American heart in his bosom, he wall feel himself a better man ; his patriotism will kindle with deeper emotion ; his as])irations of his country's g(^od Avill ascend from a more devout mind for having visited tlic " Head Quarters of Washington." How ACQUIKED. 25 INTRODUCTION OF A EILL IN LEGISLATURE TO BUY THE HEAD QUARTERS. In answer to tlie prayer of tlie petitioners tlie Committee ask leave to introduce a bill. ^' * ''* The 1)111 was passed by a luianimous vote and became a law by signature of the Governor, April 10, 1850, becoming Chapter 265 of the laws of that year. This bill appropriated $2,391.02, and authorized the Commissioners of the Land Office to purchase "certain premises known as Washington's Head Quarters," the amount to be paid to the Commissioners of Loans of Orange County. It also appropriated $6,000 to purchase otlier lots and parcels of ground formerly attached to and part of Washington's Headquarters. As at the time of the oiiginal purchase the house stood quite neai' to the south line of the lot, the Trustees appointed by the act saw that upon the adjoining property at some time in the future, buildings might be erected whose character would be detri- mental to the property which they had in charge, so they secured the passage of an act by the Legislature appropria- ting $5,000 to l)uy a strip of land along the whole south side, thus receding the line further from the house. This rounded up and completed the work initiated by Mr. Caldwell. The State came into possession absolutely and forever, and private parties who wanted to make a gigantic speculation out of the old historic s])ot were foiled in their purpose. The original act appointing Trustee, also provided for a succession, and an annual appropriation is made to pay the " Keeper's " salary, who in addition has his rent free and any gratuity he may receive from visitors, though no charge is made or asked from visitors. Thus was this spot, which has become the shrine of the lovers of Liberty the world over and the Mecca of all those How Acquired. 27 who reverence true greatness, rescued and preserved for all time. That which has heen presented above it is l^elieved was unknown liistory. It certainly has been unwi'itten history, and has the merit of truthfulness, and has been written with a purpose — to give honor where and to whom honor is ue, and as a memorial to a revered father [who, as a com- patriot and college mate of the immortal Robert Emmet, in his youth feeling the iron heel of despotism in his native land, Ireland, was with all his father's numerous family " sent out of the land in haste " by the order of a tyranical government choosing witli them the United States as " The Land of Promise" and adoption] took every occa- sion afterward to instill into t\\e minds of all his children the loftiest piinciples of patriotism, pointing especially to the example and conduct of Washington under the temptation of the " Newburgh Letters." In 1824 Lafayette made his fourth and last ^dsit to the United States, taking an extended tour throughout the whole country. He was greatly delighted at the evidences wliich he everywhere saw of its prosperty, and rejoiced in the stal- wart growth of the young Re])ublic, whose entrance (a half century previous) into the family of nations he had so Since the dedication of the Headquarters which occurred July 4. 1850, 250,000 persons have registered their names on the books kept there for that purpose ; this does not include residents of Newburgh, and these visitors have been of every color, nationalitv, and decree of social position from the plebeian to the titled man and woman, all coming reverently to worship at this Shrine of Liberty. To show the gradual increase of this visitation the number for 1851 (the first full year) and the numbers for the last several years are given : 1851, 4,624. For 1880, - - - 14,361 " 1881, - - - - 19,962 " 1882, - - - 19,471 " 188.3, - - - - 22,835 " 1884, - - - 20,148 " 1885, . - - - 20.534 " 188G, - - - 22.568 139,889 How ACQUIKED. 29 efficiently aided. He came to Newburgh to again revisit the place where sucli imporrant events had transpired in which he had been so conspicuous an actor. His own Head Quarters in that early period wei-e about two miles south of " The Old Hasbrouck House," on the " Vale of Avoca," near what is now known as Quassaic Creek. Visiting in 1824 the old house at Ncwburgh, and entering it, it vv^as some time before the old man could " find his bearing.'" Going around tlie room touch- ing here and there some part of the compartment, he at last exclaimed, " It is ! it is ! the very same, the room witli seven doors and one window," now known as such the world over. 50./^ A— Sitting Room. D— Hall. G— Washington's Beflroom B— Family Room. E— Parlor. H— Store Room. C— Kitchen. F— Washington's Office. DIAGKAM OF THE INTEEIOR OF THE FIRST STOEY OF WASHING- TON'S HEADQUARTERS. 30 WASHDTGToisr's Headquarters. It is ])ut just to Mr. Campl^ell to say that thoiigli not so prominent in the transaction as his associate Loan Commis- sioner, Mr. Caldwell, he was in entire sympathy and accord with the latter in all his efforts to secure to the State a permanent title to the Head Quarters property. Alexander Campbell, who belonged to the Society of Friends, was }x>rn in Argyleshire, Scotland, Nov. 26, 1793, and emigrated to the United States in September, 1806. The likeness of him given was taken when he was sixty years of age. He was respected for his kindness of heart, which indeed ex- pressed itself on his countenance. PROMINENT EVENTS CONNECTED WITH THE NEWBURGII HEAD- QUARTERS. It is believed that it will 1)e most appropriate, as the his- tory of the acquisition of this historic spot has been given, to refer to the event which more than any other connected witli it, makes it pre-eminently historic, and to all lovers of our beloved land, tlie event of all others, and Washington's connected therewith, which has added the crowning luster to his name. On the 3d day of Sei)teml)er, 1783, at Paris, the treaty of peace l>etween Great Britain and the United States was signed by the respective representatives of each government. On the 18th day of Octol»er Congress issued an order that on the 3d day of November tlie army wliich had through the long seven years' conflict maintained the struggle should be disbanded. The ]:)reliminaries of ])eace, however, had been signed on the 20th of January pre\dous. The aiTQy seeing that dis1)andment must T)efore long ensue, and that Congress had not made, and did not appear to be making any efforts to provide for their long arrearages of pay, or to even to adjust their accounts, became restive, and ready How Acquired. 31 to listen to tlie suggestions of e\^l-minded persons. On the lltli of March, 1783, there appeared an "address to the army," wdth no name attaclied. This "address" was com- posed mth great ingenuity, and calcuLated to inflame the rising passions of the army. The following extract is given: [" History of the War of the Independence of the United States of America," by Charles Botta.] " After a pursuit of seven years the object for \vhich we set out is at length brought within our reacli.^ Yes, my friends, that suffering courage was active once; it lias con- ducted the United States of America through a d()ul)tful and bloody war. It has placed her in the chair of inde- pendency, and peace returns again to bless. Whom ? A country willing to redress your wrongs, cherish your worth and reward your services f A country courting^ your return to private life, witli tears of gratitude and smiles of admi- rati<^n, longing to divide with you those riches which your wounds have preserved. Is this the case ? or is it rather a country that tramples upon your rights, disdains y(nir cries, and insults your distresses ? ' Have you not more than once suo^gested your wishes, and made known your wants to Con- gress, wants and wishes Avliich gratitude and policy sliould have anticipated, rather than e^^aded. And have you not lately, in the meek language of entreating memoiials, begged from' their justice what you could no longer expect from their favor ^"^ Have you been answered ? Let the letter of your delegates to Philadelphia reply. If tliis then be your treatment while the swords you wear are necessary for the defense of America, what have you to expect wlien your voice shall sink and your strength dissipate by division, when those swords, the instrmnents and companions of yom- glory, shall be taken from y<^ur sides, and no remain- ing mark of military distinction left, but your wants, in- formities and scars ? ' Can you then consent to be the only sufferers by this revolution,' and retiring from the field grow old in poverty, wretchedness and contempt ? Can you con- sent to wade through the mire of dependency and owe the 32 WASimsTGTON's Headquaetees. miserable remnants of that life to charity, which has hitherto heen spent in honor ? If you can, go ; and cany with you the: jest of Tories and the scorn of Whigs; the ridicule, and, what is ^vorse, the pity of the world. Go ; starve and l^e forgotten ! But if your spirit should revolt at this ; if you have sense enough to discover, and spirit enough to oppose tyranny, under whatever garb it may assume, whether it be the plain coat of repulilicanism or the splendid rolje of royalty; if you have yet learned to dis- criminate between a people and a cause, l)etween men and princij^les, awake ; attend to your situation and redress YOURSELVES. If the PRESENT MOMENT l)e lost, cvcry future effort is vain ; and your threats will be as empty as your entreaties now." Tiie effect was to " chafe minds already exasperated into a delirium of fury." Washington's action. Washington saw the rising storm, and determined to turn aside its violence. He issued orders calling upon his general and field officers, and one officer from each ct)mpany in the army, to assemble, that they might deliberate upon the measures to be adopted for obtaining the redress of their grievances. Washington's general order calling for a meeting of his officers. Head Quarters, Newburgh, March 11, 1783. The Commauder-in-Cliief having heard that a general meeting of the officers of the army was to be held this day at the New Building, in an anonymous letterwliich was circulated yesterday by some unknown person, conceives (although he is fully persuaded that the good sense of the officers would induce|them to pay very little attention to such an irregular invitation) his duty as well as the true interests of the How Acquired. 33 army requires his disapprobation of such disorderly pi-oceed- ings, at the same time he requests the General and Field officers, with one officer from tlie Staff of the army, will assemble at 1 2 o'clock on Saturday next, at the New Build- ing, to hear the report of the Committee of the Army to Congress. After mature delil )eration they will advise what further measures ought to be adopted as most rational and best calculated to attain the just and important object in \dew. The senior officer in rank present will be pleased to preside and report the result of the delil )erations to the Com- mander-in-Chief. On the next day, after the issuance of this order l>y Wash- ington, a second anonymous letter appeared to the effect that they must act with energy in the assembly which was to meet on the 15th of March, at the "Temple," or " New Building," a large log Ijuilding wdiicli had been erected for the purpose of Sunday worship and other meet- ings, situate about three miles south-west from the Head Quarters. In the meantime Washington was not idle. He called into his counsel those tried and trusty patriots — Knox, Steuben, Putnam, Green, Wayne and others, each name the impersonation of loyalty. And in the little north-east room they met and approved of his purpose to attend the meeting and address the malcontents. In conversation with others he appealed to the patriotism of some, he reminded others of the exhausted condition of the public treasury, and that he himself had not received one cent of pay from the be- ginning of the war, and on others he brought to bear other motives and and appeals. The meeting was held and fully attended. It was a grave occasion. When the assembly had l^een called to order by General Gates, Washington stepped for^vard and deliv- ered the well-known masterly written addi'ess, which chained their attention, in language clear and compact, mild 34 Washington's Headquarters. yet severe, elevated and dignified, and withal so loyal to patriotic principles, that tlie whole mutinous scheme was overth^o^vn in the deliberative conference which followed. More than forty years transpired before it w^as ascertained that the author of the incendiary address was Major John Armstrong, [m aid to Gen. Gates. [From " Washington's orders issued at Newburgh," compiled by Major Edward C. Boynton, of Newburgh, one of the Trustees Washington's Headquarters.] Assembled with his officers and men in the Temple he took from his pocket his "address," and ])utting on his spectacles he said, " These eyes, my friends, have grown dim, and these locks white in the service, yet I never doubted the justice of my country.''' EXTRACT FROM THE *' ADDRESS." " My God ! " he exclaimed, " what can this writer have in view by recommending such measures ? Can he be a friend to the army ? Can he V)e a friend to this country ? Ratlier is he not an insidious foe ; some emissary from New York, plotting the ruin of botli by sow^ing the seed of discord and separation V)et^veen the civil and military authorities of the continent ? Let me entreat you, gentlemen, not to take any measures which, viewed in the calm light of reason, will lessen the dignity and sully the glory you liave hitherto maintained ; let me re<[uest you to I'elv on the ])Uglited faith of your country, and place full confidence in the pia-ity of the intentions of Congress, that previous to your dissolution as an army, they will cause all your accounts to l)e fairly liquidated, ancl that they will adopt the most effectual measures in their power to render ample justice to you for your faithful and meritorious services. And let me conjure you in the name of our common country, as you value your own sacred honor, as you respect the rights of humanity, and as you regard the military and national honor of America, to express the utmost horror and detestation of the man who How Acquired. 35 wishes under any speci(^ns pretenses to overthrow the lil)er- ties of our country ; and who wickedly attempts to open the ilood crates of ci\dl discord, and deluge our rising empire with hlood." " By thus deteiTnining, and thus acting, you mil i^ursue the plain and direct road to the attainment of your wishes ; you will defeat the insidious designs of our enemies who are compelled to resort from open force to secret artifice." It will appear from the al)Ove jjartial extracts that while the appeal in the Armstrong letters was most artfully con- ceived, with a purpose to inflame the minds of officers and men, the " address " of Washington, evolved in his mind and written in tlie little north-east room of •' Tlie Old Stone House," was equally adroit in appealing to their patriotism, their sense that justice to them would be done by Congress, and that it was a secret enemy who was thus endeavoring to accomplish in this way what arms had failed to do. conjectures. Fancy attempts in vain to picture that 15th day of March, 1783, when Washington with his asseml^led officers al)out him, stood in the " Temple." Was it a bleak, cold March day — "winter iingering in the lap of Spring?" Did the east wind drive l:)efore it over tlie " Beacon " lieights dark, forl)idding stoiTU clouds, emblematical of the l)lack cloud of sedition gathering in tlie l)rensts of those desperate soldiers? Or was it one of those rare Spring days which sometimes surprise us even in March, when throughout the great "Gate of the Highlands" soft winds came laden with promise of coming beauty, and bird songs here and there are harbingers of hope? Did Washington, as he looked down between the portals of "Storm King" and "Break Neck," toward the plains of West Point turn in thought to that other previous dark day in the history of the young Ke. 36 Washington's Headquarters. puljlic ? Did he remember how tliat damnable treason of Arnold was discovered and thwarted by the ^vatchfiil patri- otism of John Paulding, David Williams and Isaac Van Wert, and did he take refuge in tlie hope that the same watchful Providence which had averted the former disaster, would guard our country in its present danger ? What his thoughts were we cannot know. In that moment of extreme peril he was as ahvays, the strong, self- poised, imperturbable man, hopeful for his country. " There is l)ut one straight course, and that is to seek truth, and to pursue it steadily." Washington. Thus Washington stilled the rising waters of sedition among his officers and soldiers, and dashed from liis own lips the tempting, though poisoned clialice which concealed in its contents a throne, and there])y most worthily imitated the conduct of his Divine Exem])lar, who, "on an exceeding high mountain," nearly eighteen c^'uturies before, met the offer of, " All these things will I give thee " with " Get thee hence satan." " There is no doubt that had Washington so desired he could at tliis time have founded a Monarchy, sustained Ijy the bayonets of his armv. He took the course on the con- trary, of quelling this disposition on the part of his soldiers wherever it showed itself." " He was a man, take him for all in all, "We ne'er shall look upon his like again."— Shakespeare. How Acquired. 37 There are four e\eiit8 iu tlie liistory of the Kevolntionary struggle which are intimately counected with the Head Quarters locality. First, the refusal of Washington on May 22, 1782, to accept a crown offered to him in aii address pre- sented by Colonel Nicola. He met this pr()ix)sal in these ever memoral)le words : " I am much at a loss to conceive what part of my conduct could have given encouragement to an address which to me seems hig with tlie greatest mischiefs which can befall my country. Let me conjure you then, if you have any regard for your country, concern for your- selves, or posterity, or respect iov me, to l^anish these thoughts from your mind, and nexer communicate as from yourself or any one else a sentiment of a like nature." The second event was the su})pression of a, movement to seize upon the government, already narrated ; the third the proclamation of the cessation of Ijostilities with the Mother Country, and the fourth the disbandment of the army, Nov. 8, 1788. In view of the fact that the State is in possession of the property; that Newburgh is in tlie enjoyment of that posses- sion, though neither knowing of the men and means by whom and which that possession and enjoyment were secui'ed, the following is not inapplicable : My name and my place and my tomb all forgotten ; The brief race of time, well and patiently run ; So let me pass away, peacefully, silently : Only remembered by what I have done. I need not be missed, if another succeed me. To reap down those fields which in spring-time I've sown ; He who plowed and who sowed, is not missed by the reaper ; He is only remembered by what he has done. So let my living be, so be my dying ; So let my name lie unblazoned, unknown, Unpraised and unmissed ; I shall still be remembered ; Yes ! but remembered by what I have done. 38 Washington's Headquaeters. On the 4tli day of July, 1850, the property which had been preserved from the grasp of private specuLation, and in the mannei- foretold, secured in possession of the State forever, was dedicated. From the verv measure account which is found in the Newburgh Gazette of July 10, 1850, the following extract is given; and it is an instance of the progress of journalism from that day to this that an event of such interest at the time did not call out more journalistic enterprise in giving a fuller report than the one the Gazette did, so different from the exceedingly interesting and ex- haustive account that the Newburgh Journal gave of the sul)sequent Centennial cele])ration, held on the same grounds. The Gazette says "that by noon 10,000 strangers wei-e in town. Gen. Winfield Scott came from West Point, and hun- dreds called on him at the United States Hotel. x\. street pro- cession followed; arrived at the Head Quarters; after singing an Ode written ])y Mrs. Mary E. Monell, the flag was raised by Gen. Scott. He then addressed the crowd, and after him John W. Edmonds "■ — (Judge Edmonds of the Supreme Court, residing at Poughkeepsie )- — " the orator of the day, then Frederick J. Belts, Jolm J. Monell and William F. Fullerton." The following is taken from the Gazette July 10, 1850. ODE SUNG AT THE DEDICATION OF THE OLD BI'ILDING JITLY 4tH, 1850. Compnsrd hy Mary E. Mondl. Freeman pause ! this ground is holy ; Noble spirits suffered here ; Tardy justice marching: slowly, Tried their faith from year to year; Yet their patience Conquered every doubt and fear. How AcciumED. 39 Sacred is this mansion hoary ! Neath its roof-tree years ago, Dwelt tlie father of our glory. He whose name appalled the foe ; Greater honor Home nor hearth can never know. Unto him and them are owing. Peace as stable as onr hills ; Plenty like yon river flowing, To the sea from thousand rills : Love of country. Love that every bosom thrills. Brothers! to your care is given, Safe to keep this hallowed spot ; Though our warriors rest in heaven, And their places know them not. See ye to it That their deeds be ne'er forget. With a prayer your faith expressing. Raise your country's flag on high : Here where rests a nation's blessing. Stars and stripes sliall float for aye ; Mutely telling Stirring tales of days gone by. Since the fore2:;oing, iu manuscript, was placed in the hands of the publishers, Avith great deligiit the following letter from the Hon. Hamilton Fish, the prominent public actor in the history just given, has 1)een received by the author. It explains itself, and supplies the "missing link" in the transaction. The veneral)le writer is now in his seventy-ninth year of age, and judging from the hand- writing of the letter, as the pul)lic will on reading the sub- ject matter, " his eye is not dim nor his natural force abated." New Yoek, Jan. 24, 1887. RiCHAED Caldwell, Esq., Middletown, Orange Co., N. Y. Deak Sir: — Your letter of the '2-2d inst. was duly re- ceived. I am pleased to learn from it tliat a true account of what led to the securins^ to the State of New York the 40 Washington's Headquaeters. possession of tlie Wasliingion's Head Quarters near NewV)urgli is to Ije iirepared, and that you have undertaken its preparation. I have a vivid recollection (.-f the incident. Mr. Andrew J. Caldwell (your father) was one of the Commissioners for loaning the U. S. Deposit Fund (as it was called) in Orange County, and in his discharge of the duties of his office, on the default of payment on a mortgage on the property known as the " ( )ld Ilasln-ouck House," (Washington's Quarters) foreclosed tlieir mortgage, and advised me, being tlien Governoi" of the State, of the facts, and suggested the importance of its preservation to the State, as an important and valual)le memorial of past associations. The idea im- pressed me most favorably, and I determined to lose no oj^portunity to carry out his patriotic and large-minded sug- gestion. The idea of pi-eserving this property to the State originated with Mr. Caldwell. In addition to the letters, of which you send me copies, namely, one fromJMr. Caldwell to me, dated Salislmry Mills, Oct. 1, 1849, and my reply, dated New York, Oct. 0, 1849, I find only one letter from Mr. Caldwell, dated SalisV)uiy Mills, 28th 'of Octol>er, 1849, in which he says : "Though the intelligent and public-spirited portion of tliat community (tlie village of Newl)urgh) are warmly in favor of tlie ol^ject proposed, no public expres- sion of their views and wishes has yet taken place. The subject, liowever, has been taken up in a more infiuential quarter, and one not liable to suspicion of local or interested motives. The Board of Super\asors, the local Legislature of the county, have had their attention directed to the sul)- ject, and have passed resolutions and prepared a memorial to the Legislature, praying that pro\asion be made foi' pro- tecting and im])i'oving the premises, as pul)lic property, and preservang the " Old Stone House," in its original form and construction. It is also proposed that application l)e made to Congress to release and remit to the State of New York that portion of the United States Deposit Fund wliieli was loaned on tlie premises aforesaid, on such conditions and with sucli guarantees as may best secure tlie preservation How ACQUIKKD. 41 and improvement of the same, to l^e held l)y the State as a pul)lic ground, inalienable forev'er." The letter then pro- ceeded to state that " the Board of Supervisors meet again to-day. I am ])romised a r-opy of their Resolutions and Memorial, and if they ap])eai- worthy of your attention, may take the liberty to forward them." A cknowledging this letter, 80tli Oct., (the day of its recep- tion) I wrote Mr. Caklwell that I had made the subject " a matter of reference in my message, which has been in print for some days.*' The message had been submitted confi- dentially to the consideration and advice of tlie State officers, (as it was the cabinet of the Governor) and the particular pas- sage referring to the Head Quarters had l)een most cordially approved. I did not favor ^lie idea of applying to Congress for any aid in the matter, thinking it l)eneath the dignity of the State of New York to accept, much less to ask assist- ance, for such an object from any quarter. I aided and advised in the preparation of the V)ill, which passed the Legislature, and exercised what influence I could exercise to secure its enactment. But the subject met with such favor that there was lurt little difficulty in the adoption of the law. The State made good the amount to the United States Deposit Fund. You liave the act as it was passed and the copy of the Governor's mes- sage of Jan. 1st, 1850, and I need not refer to them. I do not tind any other corres]iondence between Mi*. A. J. Cald- well and myself than the four letters to which I have referred. I hope that your publication may prove a sub- stantial pecuniary l)enefit to the benevolent association to which you generously propose to appropriate its ]:)roceeds. If you think proper to insert a likeness of myself in the book I enclose a photograph as you recpiest taken some years since, l)ut several years after I had ceased to hold the office of Governor ; in fact photogi'aphing at that time was, if kno^vn at all, in its infancy. With much respect, I am, my dear sir, very truly yours, HAMILTON FISH. 42 Washington's Headquarters. As a part of the history connected with the Head Quarters, the following facts in the life of Washington, and those sterling patriots whom he gathered al)()nt him dm'ing the nearly two years of his army life at Newhurgh ave given: WASHINGTON, C03IMANDER-IN-C1IIEF OF THE ARMY OF THE REVOLUTION. Born in Westmorland County, Va., Fel). l^-2, 1732. Died at Mount Vernon, Va., Dec. 14, 17V)1). Married Mrs. Martha Custis when he w^as 1^ years oi age, Jan n, 1759. Elected Commander-in-Chief hy the Continental Congress while he was a Member of the Virginia Assembly, May 10, 1775, being then 43 years old. Took command at Camln-idge, Jul\- 2, 1875. Nov. 2, 1783, issued at Princeton, N. J., his farewell ad- dress to the army of the United States. Kesigned his commission at Annapolis, Md., Dec, 19, 1783, Returned to Mount Vernon, Dec. 23, 1783. Chosen first President and inaugurated at New York, April 30, 1789. Refused third election and issued his "farewell address to the country" 1796. Was a member of the Church of England. Was six feet two inches high, brown hair, blue eyes, large head and fi-ame, weighing 209 pounds. By Washington's will, dated Feb. 9, 1799, he manumitted all his slaves, 124 in numl)er. The will is long, and (xeorge Washington's name is written at the bottom of every ))age. " First in war, first in peace, first in the liearts of his countrymen." How Acquired. 43 MAJOR GEIS^. LAFAYETTE. Marie Jean Paul liocli Yves GilLeiT Martien Marques 1). Lafayette. Born Sept. 6, 1757, in Castle of Chavagnac Dept., Loire, France. Died May 20, 1834. In 1777 he came to America to take part in the War of the Revolution. Not at first re- ceiving the rank and commission that had l>een jjromised him ])efore leaving France he wrote to Congress thus : " After the sacrifice I have made I have the right to exact two favors — one is to serve at my own expense, the other to serve at fu'st as a volunteer." In 1784, after the close of the war, he made his third visit to the United States ; \asited Washington at Mount Vernon, and everywhere was received with unbounded enthusiasm. In 1824 he visited America for the last time; laid the corner stone of Bunker Hill Monument, and on Sept. 8, em- bai'ked on the government war ship Brandy wine, especially detailed to convey him to France. It was during this trip " that he visited Congress, and was received l)y that l^ody with dis- tinguished honor. It voted $140,000 as payment in part for the money he had expended on our behalf. He had clothed and fed our naked, starving soldiers at his own cost, ex- pended money for the State, fought our l^attles, endured, suffered, and toiled for our welfare ; yet he never asked, never expected compensation. It had been entirely a free- vnl\ offering — his youth, his wealth, his life, all, an unselfish, noble sacrifice to to a ^veak but brave people, struggling to be free." [Washington and His Generals. — Headley.] MA.JOR-GE]^ERAL NATHANIEL GREEN. Born in Warwick, R. I., May 27, 1742. Died June 19, 1786. Member Rhode Island Legislature 1770. When the 44 Washington's Headquarters. war broke out he joined tlie army, and by tJie Society of Friends, of which he was a member, was expelled. Made Brio;adier-General June 22, 1775, and Major-General Aug. 9 177(). President of Court Martial on Major Andre's trial Took command of the army of the South, at Charleston Dec. 2, 1780. Congress voted him a gold medal, commem orative of the l)attle of Eutaw Springs. Considered the al)lest general in the army next to Washington. MAJOR-GENERAL PUTNAN. Bo]-n in Salem, Mass., Jan. 17, 1718. Died in Brooklyn, Conn., May 29, 1790. Meml)erof Connecticut Legislature. In 1777 he was in command in the Highlands, N., Y., and with far-seeing wisdom selected West Point on the Hudson as the site of a fortress. In 1778 took his perilous break- neck ride down the side of a precipice at West Greenwich, Conn, escaping from those who thouglit liis capture secured. While in command in the Higldands, a Tory spy was cap- tured, tried and sentenced to death. Sir Henry Clinton, in command at Ne^v York, sent a flag of truce to Gen. Putnam, demanding the release of the man, to which the General replied : "Head Qfarteks, 7th Aug., 1777. " Edward Pidmer, an officer in the enemy's service, was taken as a spy, lurking within our lines, he has been tried as a spy, condemned a*i a spy, and sliall be executed as a spy, and the flag is (M'dered to depart immediatelv. "ISRAEL PUTNAM." " P. S. — He lias been executed accordingly." MAJOR-GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE. Called " Mad Anthony Wayne " from his impetuosity and the fierceness of his charges. Born in Chester County, Pa., How AcQumED. 45 Jan. 1, 1 "45. Died on Presqiie Isle, 15th Dec, 1790. Farmer and land surveyor until 1774. Member Pennsylvania Legis- lature 1774-1775. Kaised regiment Se])t. 17, 1775. Made a Colonel January 1, 1776, Brigadier-General Feb. 21, 1777. Cai)tured Stony Point at night July 15, 1779, for which Congress gave him a vote of thanks and a gold medal. When asked l)y General Washington if he could storm the fort he replied, " General, if you ^vill only plan it, I will storm the infernal regions." MAJOE-GENERAL STEUBEN. Born in Prussia. Died Nov. 28, 1797. Aid-de-Camp to King of Prussia. Arrived in the United States Dec. 1777. Entered the army as volunteer, on the condition if his ser- vices were not satisfactory or the United States not success- ful, he was not to receive pay. " We are })eginning to walk," he said after the storming and cai)ture of Stony Point. One of Court Martial to try Andre. MAJOR-GENERAL KNOX. Born in Boston, July 25th, 1750. Died in Thomaston, Me., Oct. 27, 1800. Aid to General Ward at Bunker Hill. Sent to Canada to l)ring artillery across the country, and as a reward for his success was placed in command over the artillery. On Court Mai'tial which tried Andi-e. One of the Commissioners to arrange the terms of peace after the close of the war. Secretary of War under Washington, and for eleven years. First proposed " The Society of the Cincinnatti." Death caused by swallowing a chicken bone. Weighed 280 pounds. 46 Washington's Headquarters. TKISTKKS OF IMIK IIKAD (JIAHTKUS, AND HOW AITOINTED. Tlic TrustcH's of tlic Head (Quarters are nominated l»y tlie (Jovcnioi" of tli( State and continued by the Senate. Tliey are ten in nunil)ei', and serve for five years, two u'oin*;' ont eaeli year. Tliey do not receive any remuneration, '^Plie following" are the ])resent Trustees: Joel T. Ileadley, President, James (J. (iraliam, Secretary, Kdwai'd C Hoyuton, A. Smith Kins::, Peter Ward, " T. II. 11. Chapman, (^harles S, Jenkins David Carson, Michael 11. llirschberg, John C. Adams. ACKN0WLE1)(;E]\[ENTS. The authoi' desires thankfully to place on record his indeUtedness to Secretaiy of State, Freih'rick Cook, of Alhany, N. W, for extracts from ]>ul>lic papers in the State archives, the manuscript of which will he ])reserved hy him as most beautiful specimens of penmanshi]). Also to I). C. Contant, City Clei'k of Newhurgh, tor t:anscripts from old villaiiv records, and for courtesies received from the CK'rk of the Board of Supervisors of OranLi'e Cimnty in uiviuii' access to old records ; to the Hon. Hamilton Fish and the repre- sentatives of Alexandei- C\am])l)ell for j photographs respec- tively loaned, from which j)lates were taken ; to the New- hurgh Journal for plates loaned, and last, hut by no means least, to the IMiddletown Press, for very liberal terms of publication, resulting as it is ho]ied it will, through the lib- erality of a generous j)ublic, in a large resultant benefit to ''The Tadies' Home Societv of Oi-ano-e Countv." Anotlior " II(^a(l(|narter8." — THE — B OF MORGAN I HANFORD, No. 6 North St., Middletown, N. Y. S, H. ]\I <)!{(! AN. M T. IIanfoim). We .'ii'c llic TiCndiTitr Dcfilci-s in OUK 8T0CK OK SI'KINO 8UITINGH KMHItACKS AIJ, 'IIIK LA'I'KST I'A'I")'KI{.\S (JK i'()Ki;i<;x AM) domkstk; wkavks. 4^iir 4'iisloiii Work is I04|iial !<» aii.> in iiiis 4'il.v. VVK IIAVK 'I' I IK Gold and Silver Dress Shirt, Laundered and Unlaundered. i:ai{i. a \vii>s<»\*s i.i\i:\ <;4mm»s. Everything in Gents' Furnishings, Handsome Neckwear, Suspenders, Gloves, Hosiery, Etc. VVc have all the Latest Styles of Hats, Caps, Etc., Trunks and Satdu-ls in ,ill sizes. Call and see us. ADAMS & WOODWARD. No. 41 North Street, Mi .s 00 ^ ^ '■^ CO ^ ^ « fis -^ ?^ •^ o (T, a oc ^>. •«i fc:^ <^ A, ci =5 S "^ '^* ^ HEALTH IS BETTER THAN RICHES. ^^ Licorice and Tar HAS ABSOLUTELY NO EQUAL FOR THE CURE OF COUGHS COLDS, BRONCHITIS, Croupy Tendencies, Diflficult Breathing, and all affections of the Throat and Lungs, mnking rapid and permanent cures, and thereby iDi-eventing Con- sumption. Pease's Honey, Horeliomid, Licorice and Tar Is a remarkably efficacious remedy, and contains nothing whatever injurious to Ihe most delicate constitution. It soothes and allays all irritation and in- flammation, giving strength and tone to the tissues, enabling them to enduie the atmospheric changes. 1 his celebrated remedy is prepared by the Grandson of John Pease, the originator of Horehound Candy, and has no equal. No one's stock is complete without it, and eveiy family should iiave it in their home. j^^^Beivare of iveak and icorthless Imitations similar in no.me. Ask for Pease's Honey, Horehound, Licorice and Tar. Buy and receive healing. Take nO Substitute. Three sizes : 25c., 50c., and $1.00. The 50c. size is a Pocket Flask and very convenient for gentlemen. The two larger sizes are cheaper in proportion CHAS. G. PEASE, Prop., New York. aVade SuppUed by THURBER, "WHYLAND & CO. CO CD aa (TO j^D cro ^ Cfo. DRY GOODS, CARPETS, OIL CLOTHS Window Fiiriii^liiiig'«i, 4&e. Read}" for the Spring Campainu with tlie Largest and Finest Stock in this part of the Country. Come and see for yourself the sight will do j^ou good even if j^ou don't wish to purchase. Carpets a Special Featiare At this season of the year. Also a BIO ISAI^E OF llA.^IKlTRCiH EM BROIDERIES At Fifty Cents on the Dollar. CEO. B. ADAMS. C. E. CBAWFORD & BROTHER, 44 and 46 Xortli Street, Ifliddletown, ^T. Y. AND The New York Furniture Co., 84 and 86 ll'^ater Street, Xewbnrgli, X. Y. ALL UNDER ONE MANAGEMENT. The Two Larpst House FiirDisMnE EstaWisliiiieits in Mib Co. WE KEEP EVEKYTHFNG TO PUKNISH A HOUSE, Furniture, Carpets, Crockery, Silver-Plated Ware, I.s, Table Cntlery, &e., &e. Specialties for the Spring of 1887 : A Solid Black Walnut Bedroom Suite for A Solid Ash Bedroom Suite for $25.00. $20.00. C. E. CRAWFORD & BROTHER, THE NEW YORK FURNITURE CO.