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COl'YRIGHTED BY JAMES R. OSGOOD & CO. FOR " THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK," AND USED BY THEIR PERMISSION.

1 I (

PICTORIAL HISTORY

STATE OF NEW YORK;

A GENERAL COLLECTION OF THE MOST INTERESTING FACTS, BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES, VARIED DESCRIPTIONS, &0.

RELATINO TO THE

PAST AND PRESENT;
WITH
GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTIONS
OF THE
COUNTIES, CITIES, AND PKINCIPAL VILLAGES,
THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
Illustrated by nnmerous SngraviagB.

BY JOHN W. BARBER,
AUTHOR OF THE ELEMENTS OP GENERAL HISTORY, AND THE CONNECTICUT
AND MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS.

[Arms of tbe State of New York.]

[Moie elevated.]

COOPERSTOWN, N. Y. :
PUBLISHED BY H. & E. PHINNEY.
M DCCC XLVI.

37-98
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1846,
By John W. Barber,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Coilirt of Connecticut.

6

PREFACE.

The present work is for the most part a compilation from the
" Historical Collections of the State of New York," a larger work by
the compiler of the present volume and Mr. Henry Howe, published
in 1841. This work, the result of their united labors, has been well
received by the public, and favorably noticed by a large number of the
most prominent and influential men in the state.
The minuteness of the geographical descriptions which were given
in the above work of all the towns in the state, swelled the volume to
a size which has been thought rather too expensive for the means of
many persons who wish to avail themselves of the information which
it contains. The present volume, which comprises all the most inter
esting and most valuable part of the original work, at a much less price,
will, it is believed, meet the views of those who wish for correct infor
mation respecting the " past and present" of the " Empire State." Our
aim has been to produce a work which will be read, and for this pur
pose, all dry detail and tedious ojBScial documents have been avoided.
In collecting the materials and preparing them for publication, and
in making the drawings for the engravings, each of the compilers of
the original work spent more than a year of close and laborious appli
cation. They visited every part of the state, and besides travelling
thousands of miles in the public conveyances, journeyed many hun
dreds on foot.
Although conscious of having used every effort which could be rea
sonably expected, in order to have the work accurate in every respect,
ylst experience has taught us not to claim an entire exemption from
those imperfections ever attendant on works of this kind. Travellers,
in giving accounts of foreign countries, their history, &c., may make
statements at random, which may pass for truth when there is no one
at hand able to correct their errors. This volume will come before
many persons, who, on some subjects introduced, have better means
of information than the compilers of the original work. A certain
writer defines history to be merely " an approximation towards truth."
Although this humiliating statement will not be allowed to its full ex
tent, yet, when the imperfection of every thing human is considered,
it must be confessed to have some foundation in truth.
In the prosecution of this work, the compiler has availed himself of
the labors of those who have preceded him. The historian of necessi-

IV PREFACE.
ty derives his information from others. It will be observed that quo
tations have been made from a great variety of publications, to which,
in most instances, credit has been given. It was thought advisable to
have each author give his testimony in his own words, from which the
reader can draw his own inferences. Truth ought always to be pre
ferred before elegance of language. In the geographical department,
much information has been derived from Spafford's and Gordon's
Gazetteers. Spafford may be considered as the pioneer in furnishing
geographical descriptions of the state ; his first Gazetteer was published
in 1813, the second in 1824. The Gazetteer by Mr. Gordon, an able
work of 800 closely printed octavo pages, was published in 1836. A
valuable, though smaller work of the same kind, was published by
Mr. Disturnell in 1842.
The numerous engravings interspersed throughout this volume,
were, with few exceptions, copied from original drawings taken on the
spot. The principal object was to give faithful representations, rather
than picturesque views, or beautiful specimens of art. Before decid
ing that any of these representations are incorrect, our readers should
consider that the appearance of any place will be materially altered by
viewing it from different points of observation. In order to form an
entirely correct judgment, it will be necessary to stand on the spot from
whence the drawing was taken.
J. W. B.
Feb. 1846..

CQUNTIES, TOWNSHIPS, VILLAGES.

Adams, 117.
Addison, 332.
Alabama, 107.
Albion, 275, 276.
Alden, 88.
Albany, 45.
Albany Co., 45.
Alfred, 53.
Alexandria, 116.
Allen, 53.
Alexander, 107.
Almond, 53.
Allegany Co., 53.
Amboy, 276.
Amenia, 84.
Amherst, 88.
Amity, 53.
Amsterdam, 146.
Ancram, 76.
Andes, 81.
Andover, 53.
Angelica, 53.
Annsville, 227.
Antwerp, 116.
Arcadia, 354.
Argyle, 348.
Arietta, 112.
Arkwright, 65.
Ashford, 64.
Astoria, 292.
Athens, 111, 109.
Athol, 344.
Attica, 366.
Aubam, 59.
Augusta, 227.
Aurelius, 59.
Aurora, 88, 63.
Austerlitz, 76.
Au Sable, 72.
Avon, 139, 135.
Avon Springs, 135.
Bainbridge, 71.
BaldwinsviU'5, 254.
Ballston, 309.
Ballston Spa, 309.
Bangor, 100.
Barcelona, 67.
Barker, 56.
Barre, 275.
Barrington, 367.
Barton, 338

Batavia, 107.
Bath, 332.
Bedford, 356, 364.
Beekman, 84.
Beekmantown, 72.
Belfast, 53.
Belmont, 100.
Bennington, 366.
Benton, 367.
Bergen, 107.
Berkshire, 338.
Berlin, 294.
Berne, 45.
Bethany, 107.
Bethel, 337.
Bethlehem, 45.
Big Flats, 67.
Binghamton, 56.
Birdsall, S3.
Black Brook, 72.
Black Rock, 88.
Bleeker, 102.
Blenheim, 329.
Bloomingsburg, 337.
Blooming Grove, 262.
Bolivar, 53.
Bolton, 344.
Bombay, 100.
Boonville, 227.
Boston, 88.
Bovina, 81.
Boylston, 276.
Bradford, 332.
Brandon, 100.
Brasher, 304.
Brant, 88.
Bridgewater, 227.
Brighton, 143.
Bristol, 256.
Broadalbin, 102.
Brockport, 145.
Brookfield, 140.
Brookhaven, 333.
Brooklyn, 126.
Broome Co., 56.
Booome, 329.
Brownville, 116.
Brunswick, 294.
Brutus, 59.
Buffalo, 88.
Burlington, 281.
Bums, S3.

Bushwick, 126.
Burton, 64.
Busti, 65.
Butler, 354.
Butternuts, 281.
Byron, 107.
Cairo, 109.
Cahoes, 52.
Caldwell, 344.
Caledonia, 135.
Cambridge, 348.
Camillas, 243.
CampbeU, 332.
Cambria, 215.
Camden, 227.
Cameron, 332.
Canaan, 76.
Canajoharie, 146.
Canandaigua, 256.
Canadice, 256.
Candor, 338.
Caneadea, 53.
Caiiisteo, 332.
Canton, 308
Carlton, 275.
Caroline, 340.
Carlisle, 329.
Carmel, 287.
Carrol, 65.
Caton, 332.
Castile, 366.
Castleton, 294.
Cattaraugus Co., 64.
Catherines, 67.
Catlin, 67.
Cato, 59.
Catskill, 109.
Caughnawaga, 146.
Cayuga Co., 59.
Cayuga, 63.
Cayuta, 67.
Cazenovia, 140.
Centreville, 53.
Champion, 116.
Champlain, 72.
Charlotte, 65.
Charleston, 146.
Charlton, 309.
Chateaugua, 100.
Chatham, 76.
Chatauooe Co., 65.

Chatauque, 65.
Chazy, 72.
Chemung, 67.
Chemung Co., 67.
Chenango, 56.
Chenango Co., 70.
Cherry Valley, 281
Cherry Creek, 65.
Chester, 344.
Chesterfield, 95.
Chictawaga, 88.
Chili, 143.
China, 366.
Chittenaiigo, 142.
Cincinnatus, 80.
Cicero, 243.
Clarence, 88.
Clarendon, 275.
Clarkson, 143.
Clarkstown, 300.
Clarkesville, 53.
Claverack, 76.
Clay, 243.
Clayton, 116.
Clermont, 76.
Clifton Park, 309.
Clinton Co., 75.
Clinton, 84.
Clyde, 355.
Clymer, 65.
Cobleskill, 329.
Cochecton, 337.
Coeymans, 45.
Colchester, 81.
Colden, 88.
Colesville, 56.
Coldspring, 287, 64
Collins, 88.
Columbia, 112.
Columbia Co., 76.
Columbus, 71.
Concord, 88.
Conesville, 329.
Conesus, 135.
Coney Island, 126.
Conhocton, 332.
Conklin, 56.
Connewango, 64.
Conquest, 59.
Constable, 100.
Constantia, 276.
Copake, 76.

COUNTIES, TOWNSHIPS, VILLAGES.

Cooperstown, 281.
Corinth, 309.
Cornwall, 262.
Cortlandt, 80, 356.
Cortland Co., 80.
Cortlandville, 80.
Coventry, 71.
Covert, 330.
Covington, 366.
Coxsackie, 109.
Crawford, 262.
Croghan, 134.
Crown Point, 95.
Cuba, 53.
Danby, 340.
Danube, 119.
Dansville, 138, 332.
Darien, 107.
Davenport, 81.
Day, 309.
Dayton, 64.
Decatur, 281.
Deerfield, 227.
Deer Park, 269.
De Kalb, 304.
Delaware Co., 81.
Delhi, 81.
Denmark, 134.
Depeyster, 304.
Deposit, 304.
De Ruyter, 140.
Dewitt, 943.
Diana, 134.
Dickenson, 100.
Dix, 67.
Dobb's Ferry, 309.
Dover, 84.
Dresden, 348.
Dryden, 340.
Duane, 100.
Duanesburg, 392.
Dundee, 368.
Dunkirk, 66.
Durham, 109.
Dutchess Co., 84.
Eagle, 53.
East Bloomfield, 956.
East Chester, 356.
East Hampton, 333.
Easton, 348.
Eaton, 140.
Eden, 88.
Edinburg, 309.
Edmeston, 981.
Edwards, 304.
Elba, 107.
Elbridge, 943.
Ellenburg, 79.
Ellery, 65.
Ellioott, 65.
ElUoottvUle, 64.

Ellington, 65.
Ellisburg, 116.
Elmira, 67.
Elizabethtown, 95.
Enfield, 340.
Ephrata, 109.
Erie Co., 87.
Erwin, 332.
Erin, 67.
Esopus, 341.
Essex, 95.'^
Essex Co., 95.
Evans, 88.
Exeter, 281.
Fabius, 243.
Fairfield, 119.
Fallsburg, 337.
Farmersville, 64.
Farmington, 256.
Far Rockaway, 992.
Fayette, 330.
Fayetteville, 954.
Fenner, 140.
Fishkill, 87.
Flatbush, 196.
Flatlands, 196.
Fleming, 59.
Florence, 227.
Florida, 146.
Floyd, 227.
Flushing, 291.
Forrestburg, 337.
Fort Ann, 348.
Fort Edward, 348.
Fort Covington, 100.
Fort Plain, 152.
Fowler, 304.
Frankfort, 119.
Franklin, 81, 89.
Franklin Co., 100.
Franklinville, 64. '
Fredonia, 66.
Freedom, 64.
Freetown, 80.
French Creek, 65.
French Mills, 100.
Friendship, 53.
Fulton, 280, 329.
Fultonville, 153.
Gaines, 275.
Gainesville, 366.
Galen, 354.
Gallatin, 76.
Galway, 309.
Gardner's Island,336.
Gates, 143.
Geddes, 244.
Genesee, 53.
Genesee Co., 107.
Geneseo, 135.
Genoa, 59.

Geneva, 260.
Georgetown, 140.
German Flats, 112.
German, 71.
Germantown, 76.
Gerry, 65.
Ghent, 76.
Gilman, 112.
Glen, 146.
Glenn Falls, 347.
Glenville, 332.
Gorham, 256.
Goshen, 967.
Gouverneur, 304.
Grafton, 994.
Granby, 976.
Granger, 53.
Granville, 348.
Gravesend, 196.
Great Valley, 64.
Greece, 143.
Greenbush, 998.
Greene Co., 108.
Greene, 71.
Greenport, 76, 335.
Greenfield, 309.
Greensburg, 356.
Greenville, 109.
Greenwich, 348.
Greenwood, 339.
Greig, 134.
Groton, 340.
Grove, 53.
Groveland, 135.
Guilderland, 45.
Guilford, 71.
Hadley, 309.
Hague, 344.
Half Moon, 309.
Hallet's Cove, 992.
Hamburgh, 88.
Hamilton, 140.
Hamilton Co., 111.
Hammond, 304.
Hamden, 81.
Hampton, 348.
Hamptonburg, 962.
Hancock, 81.
Hannibal, 976.
Hanover, 65.
Harlaem, 207.
Harmony, 65.
Harpersfield, 81.
Harrisburg, 134.
Harrison, 356.
Hartford, 348.
Hartland, 215.
Hartwick, 281.
Hastings, 276.
Havana, 70.
Haverstraw, 300.
Hebron, 348.

Hector, 340.
Hempstead, 293.
Henderson, 116.
Henrietta, 143.
Herkimer Co., 112.
Herkimer, 113.
Hermon, 304.
Hillsdale, 76.
Hinsdale, 64.
Holland, 88.
Homer, 80.
Hoosick, 294.
Hope, 112.
Hopkinton, 304.
Hopewell, 956.
Horicon, 344.
Hornby, 332.
Hornelsville, 332.
Hounsfield, 116.
Howard, 332.
Hudson, 76.
Hume, 53.
Humphrey, 64.
Hunter, 109.
Huntington, 333.
Hurley, 341.
Huron, 354.
Hyde Park, 87.
Independence, 53.
Ira, 59.
Irondequoit, 143.
Islip, 333.
Italy, 367.
Ithaca, 340.
Jackson, 348.
Jamaica, 291.
Jamestown, 65.
Jasper, 332.
Jay, 95.
Java, 366.
Jefierson, 329.
Jefferson Co., 116.
Jerusalem, 367.
Johusburg, 344.
Johnstown, 109.
Jordan, 254.
Junius, 330.
Keene, 95.
Keesville, 95.
Kendall, 275.
Kent, 287.
Kinderhqok, 76.
Kingsbury, 348.
Kings Co., 126.
Kingston, 340.
Kirkland, 227.
Kuox, 45.
Kortright, 81.
Lafayette, 243.

COUNTIES, TOWNSHIPS, VILLAGES.

La Grange, 84.
Lake Pleasant, 112.
Lancaster, 88.
Lansing, 340.
Lansinbuig, 298.
Laurens, 281.
Lawrence, 304.
Lebanon, 140.
Lee, 227.
Ledyard, 59.
Leicester, 135.
Lenox, 140.
Leon, 64.
Le Ray, 116.
Le Roy, 107.
Lewis, 95.
Lewisboro, 356.
Lewis Co., 134.
Lewiston, 215.
Lexington, 109.
Leyden, 134.
Liberty, 337.
Lima, 139, 135.
Lincklaen, 71.
Lindley, 332.
Lisbon, 304.
Lisle, 56.
Litchfield, 112.
Little Falls, 114.
Little Valley, 64.
Liverpool, 244.
Livingston, 76.
Livingston Co., 135.
Livonia, 135.
Locke, 59.
Lockport, 915.
Lodi, 330.
Long Island, 139.
Long Lake, 112.
Lorraine, 116.
Louisville, 304.
Lowville, 134.
Lumberland, 337.
Luzerne, 344.
Lyme, 116.
Lyndon, 64.
Lyons, 354.
Lysander, 243.
Machias, 64.
Macedon, 354.
Macomb, 19.
McDonough, 71.
Madison, I4O.
Madison, 140.
Madrid, 304.
Malone, 100.
Malta, 309. ,
Mamakating, 337.
Mamaroneck, 356.
Manhattanville, 207.
Marlborough, 341.
Maroellus, 243, 254.

Manchester, 256.
Manheim, 112.
Manlius, 253.
Mansfield, 64.
Marathon, 80.
Marbletown, 341.
Marion, 354.
Marcy, 227.
Marshall, 227.
Martinsburg, 134.
Maryland, 281.
Masonville, 81.
Massena, 304.
Mattawan, 86
Mayfield, 102.
Mayville, 65.
Medina, 975.
Meudon, 143.
Mentz, 59.
Meredith, 81.
Mexico, 976.
Middlebury, 366.
Middleburg, 399.
Middlefield, 981.
Middlesex, 367.
Middletown, 262, 81.
Milan, 84. •
Milford, 281.
Milton, 309.
Milo, 3G7.
Mina, 65.
Mmden, 146.
Minerva, 95.
Minisink, 969.
Mohawk, 146.
Moira, 100.
Monroe, 262.
Monroe Co., 143.
Montezuma, 63.
Montgomery, 267.
Montgomery Co.,145
Monticello, 337.
Mooers, 72.
Moravia, 59.
Moreau, 309.
Morehouse, 112
Moriah, 95.
Morrisiana, 365.
Morrisville, 140.
Morristown, 304.
Mount Hope, 262.
Mount Morris, 138.
Mount Pleasant, 356.
Murray, 975.
Nantiooke, 56.
Naples, 956.
Napoli, 64.
Nassau, 294.
Nelson, 140.
Neversink, 337.
New Albion, 64.
Newark, 388.

New Baltimore, 109.
New Berlin, 71.
Newburg, 962.
Newcastle, 356.
Newcomb, 95.
Newfield, 340.
New Fane, 215.
New Hartford, 227.
New Haven, 276.
New Hudson, 53.
New Lebanon, 76.
New Lisbon, 281.
New Paltz, 341.
Newport, 112.
New Rochelle, 365.
New Scotland, 45.
Newstead, 88.
Newtown, 291.
New Utrecht, 126.
New Windsor, 262.
New York Co., 154.
Niagara, 215.
Niagara Co., 215.
Nichols, 338.
Niles, 59.
Niskayuna, 322.
Norfolk, 304.
Northampton, 102.
North Castle, 356.
Northfiold, 299.
N: Hempstead, 291.
North East, 84.
North Salem, 356.
Northumberiand, 309.
Norway, 119.
Norwich, 71.
Nunda, 53.
Ohio, 119.
Ogden, 143.
Ogdensburg, 304.
Olean, 64.
Olive, 341.
Oneida Co., 997.
Oneonta, 981.
Onondaga, 943.
Onondaga Co., 243.
Ontario, 354.
Ontario Co., 256.
Oppenheim, 102.
Oquago, 58.
Orange Co., 262.
Orange, 332.
Orangetown, 300
Orangeville, 366.
Oriskany, 235.
Oriskany Falls,
Orleans, 116.
Orleans Co., 974.
Orwell, 976.
Ossian, 53.
Ossissing, 356.
Oswegatchie, 304.

Oswego, 276.
Oswego Co., 275.
Owego, 338.
Otego, 281.
Otisco, 243.
Otto, 64.
Otsego, 281.
Otsego Co., 280.
Otselic, 71.
Ovid, 330.
Owasoo, 59.
Oxford, 71.
Oyster Bay, 291.
Painted Post, 332.
Palatine, 146.
Palermo, 976.
Pamelia, 116.
Palmyra, 354.
Paris, 997.
Parish, 976.
Parishville, 304.
Parma, 143.
Patohogue, 335.
Paterson, 287.
Pavilion, 107.
Pawling, 84.
Peefcskill, 356.
Pelham, 356.
Pembroke, 107.
Pendleton, 215.
Penfield, 143.
Penn Van, 367.
Perrinton, 143.
Perry, 366.
Perrysburg, 64
Persia, 64.
Peru, 72.
Petersburg, 294.
Perth, 102.
Pharsalia, 71.
Phelps, 256.
Philadelphia, 116.
Phillipstown, 287.
Pierrepont, 304.
Piermont, 302.
Pike, 53.
Pinckney, 134.
Pine Plains, 84.
Pitcairn, 304.
Pitcher, 71.
Pittsfield, 281.
Pittsford, 143.
Pittstown, 994.
Plainfield, 281.
Plattekill, 341.
Plattsburg, 72.
Pleasant Valley, 84.
Plymouth, 71.
Poland, 65.
Pomfret, 65.
Pompey, 243, 254.
Portage, 53.

8

COUNTIES, TOWNSHIPS, VILLAGES.

Porter, 215.
Portland, 65, 67.
Port Byron, 63.
Port Chester, 365.
Port Genesee,
Portville, 64.
Potsdam, 308.
Potter, 367.
Poughkeepsie, 84.
Poundridge, 356.
Prattsburg, 332.
Prattsville, 109.
Preble, 80.
Preston, 71.
Princeton, 322.
Providence, 309-
Pulaski, 280.
Pulteney, 332.
Putnam Co., 287.
Putnam Valley, 287.
Putnam, 348.
Queensbury, 344.
Queens Co., 290.
Ramapo, 300.
Randolph, 64.
Reading, 332
Redfield, 276.
Redhook, 84.
Remsen, 227.
Rensselaer Co., 994.
Rensselaerville, 45.
Rhinebeck, 84.
Ridgeway, 975.
Richfield, 281.
Richford, 338.
Richland, 276.
Richmond, 956.
Richmond Co., 299.
Riga, 143.
Ripley, 65.
Riverhead, 335.
Rochester, 341, 143.
Rockland, 337.
Rockland Co., 300.
Rodman, 116.
Rome, 227.
Romulus, 330.
Rondout, 342.
Root, 146.
Rossie, 304.
Rose, 354.
Rotterdam, 329.
Roxbury, 81.
Royalton, 915.
Rush, 143.
Rushford, 53.
Russell, 304.
Russia, 119.
Rutland, 116.
Rye, 356.

Sacketts Harbor, 117.
Sagg Harbor, 333.
St. Johnsville, 146.
St. Regis, 101.
Salem, 350.
Salina, 944.
Salisbury, 112.
Sanford, 56.
Sandlake, 294.
Sandy Creek, 976.
Sandy Hill, 350.
Sangerfield, 227.
Saranac, 72.
Saratoga, 310.
Sardinia, 88.
Saratoga Co., 309.
Saratoga Springs,310.
Saugerties, 341.
Savannah, 354.
Sawpits, 365.
Scarsdale, 356.
Schaghticoke, 294.
Schenectady Co.,/
322.
Schenectady, 323.
Schoharie, 329.
Schoharie Co., 328.
Schodac, 294.
Schroon, 95.
Schroeppel, 276.
Schuyler, 112.
Schuylerville, 310.
Scio, 53.
Scipio, 59.
Scott, 80.
Scriba, 276.
Sempronius, 59.
Seneca, 256.
Seneca Co., 330.
Seneca Falls, 330.
Sennet, 59.
Seward, 329.
Setauket, 335.
Shandaken, 341.
Sharon, 322.
Shawangunk, 341.
Shelby, 275.
Shelter Island, 333.
Sheldon, 366.
Sherburne, 71.
Sheridan, 65.
Sherman, 65.
Sidney, 81.
Sing Sing, 360.
Skaneateles, 251.
Sleepy Hollow, 360.
Smithfield, 140.
Smithtown, 333.
Smithville, 71.
Smyrna, 71.
Sodus, 354.
Solon, 80.
Somers, 356.

Somerset, 215.
South Bristol, 956.
South East, 987.
Southfield, 299.
Southampton, 335.
Southold, 333.
Southport, 67.
SpaiFord, 243.
Sparta, 135.
Spencer, 338.
Springfield, 281.
Springport, 59.
Springwater, 135.
Stamford, 81.
Stafford, 107.
Stanford, 84.
Stark, 112.
Starkey, 367.
Stephentown, 294.
Steriing, 59.
Steuben, 227.
Steuben Co., 332.
Stillwater, 315.
St. Lawrence Co.,
304.
Stockbridge, 140.
Stockholm, 304.
Stockport, 76.
Stockton, 65.
Stratford, 102.
Stuyvesant, 76.
Suffolk Co., 333.
Sullivan, 140.
Sullivan Co., 337.
Summer Hill, 59.
Summit, 399.
Sweden, 143.
Syracuse, 244.
Taghkanic, 76.
Tappan, 302.
Tarrytown, 358.
Thompson, 337.
Ticonderoga, 95.
Tioga, 338.
TioGA Co., 338.
Tompkins, 81.
Tompkins Co., 339.
Tonawanda, 94.
Trenton, 227.
Triangle, 56.
Troupsburg, 332.
Troy, 994.
Trumansburg, 340.
Truxton, 80.
TuUy, 243.
Turin, 134.
Tyre, 330.
Tyrone, 332.
Ulster Co., 341.
Ulsterville, 343.
Ulysses, 340.

Unadilla, 981.
Union, 350, 56.
Union Vale, 84.
Union VillagCi 350
Urbana, 339.
Utica, 227.
Valatie, 77.
Van Buren, 943, 67.
Varick, 330.
Venice, 59.
Vernon, 927.
Verona, 227.
Vestal, 56.
Veteran, 67.
Victor, 256.
Victory, 59.
Vienna, 262, 227.
Villenova, 65.
Virgil, 80.
Vohiey, 276.
Walden, 267.
Wales, 88.
Walkill, 262.
Walton, 81.
Walworth, 364.
Warren, 112.
Warren Co., 344.
Warrensburg, 344.
Warsaw, 366.
Warwick, 262.
Washington, 84.
Washington Co.,348.
Waterford, 321.
Waterioo, 330.
Watertown, 117.
Watervliet, 45.
Watson, 134.
Wawarsing, 341.
Wayne, 332.
Wayne Co., 354.
Webster, 143.
Weedsport, 63.
Wells, 112.
West Almond, 53.
West Bloomfield, 256.
Westfield, 67.
West Monroe, 276.
West Point, 267.
Westchester, 356.
Westohester Co.,
356.
Westerlo, 45.
Western, 227.
Westfield, 65.
Westford, 281.
Westmoreland, 297.
Westport, 95.
West Troy, 52.
West Turin, 134.
Westville, 100.
Wethersfield, 366.

counties, townships, villages.

Wheatfield, 215.
Wheatland, 143.
Wheeler, 332.
White Creek, 348.
Whitehall, 348.
White Plains, 356.
Whitesborough, 232.
Whitestown, 227.
WUlet, 80.

Williamsburg, 133.
Williamson, 354.
Williamstown, 276.
Willsborough, 95.
Wilmington, 95.
Wilmurt, 112.
Wihia, 116.
Wilson, 215.
WUton, 309.

Wmdham, 109.
Windsor, 56.
Winfield, 112.
Wirt, 53.
Wolcott, 354.
WoodhuU, 332.
Woodstock, 341.
Worcester, 281.
Wyomuig, 366.

Wyoming Co., 366.
Yates, 275.
Yates Co., 367.
Yonkers, 365.
York, 135.
Yorkshire, 64.
Yorktown, 356.
Youngstown, 294.

Population of the counties in the state of new york in 1845.

Compiled from official returns in the office of the Secretary of State.

Albany,Allegany, Broome,Cattaraugus,Cayuga,Chautauque,Chemung, Chenango, .
Clinton, Columbia, .
Cortland,Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, . (
Essex,Franklin, Fulton,Genesee,Greene,
Hamilton, Herkimer, .
Jefferson, Kings,Lewis,Livingston,Madison, Monroe,
Montgomery,
New York,
Niagara, .
Oneida,

77,268
40,084 25,80830,16949,663
46,548 23,689 39,900
31,278 41,976
25,081 36,99055,12478,635
25,102 18,69218,579
28,84531,957 1,882
37,424 64,999
78,691
20,21833,193 40,987
70,899
29,643
371,102 34,550 84,776

Onondaga,

70,175

Ontario,

42,592
Orange, .
52,227
Orleans,
25,845
Oswego, , .
48,441
Otsego, .
50,509
Putnam, .
13,258
Queens,
31,849
Rensselaer,
62,338
Richmond,
13,673
Rockland, .
13,741
Saratoga, .
41,477
Schenectady,
16,630
Schoharie,
32,488
Seneca,
24,972
St. Lawrence,
62,354
Steuben, .
51,679
Suffolk,
34,579
Sullivan, .
18,727
Tioga,
22,456
Tompkins, .
38,168
Ulster,
. 48,907
Warren, .
14,908
Washington,
40,554
Wayne,
42,515
Westchester,
47,578
Wyoming,
. 27,205
Yates,
20,777
Total,
2,600,374
INDEX.

Page
Abercrombie, Gen., defeat of, . . 97
Allen, Indian,  145
Amsterdam, Nieuw, in 1659, . . 156
Andre, taking of, ... . 358
Andre, execution of, , . . . 302
Anecdotes, ludicrous, . . . 284
Ararat, city of,  94
Arnold the traitor, anecdote of, . .153
Astor House,  203
Backus, Azel, D. D., epitaph, . . 240
Ballad, on the destruction of Schenec
tady  327
Battery and Castle Garden, . . 200
Black Rock, attack on, ... 90
Bowne Mansion House, . . . 292
Boyd, Lieutenant, horrible death of, . 136
Brock, Sir James, death of, . . 218
Brant, Joseph, notice of, . . . 149
Bread, scarcity of, . . . . 339
Bridgewater, battle of, . . . 222
British officers, desfcription of, . .177
Brown, Colonel, notice of, . . . 153
Burgoyne, surrender of, . . . 311
Butler, Walter, death of, . . . 106
Cahoes Falls  52
Canajoharie, invasion of, . . . 149
Caroline, burning of, . . . . 224
Carthage Bridge  144
Catskill Mountain House, . . . 110
Cayuga Bridge, .... 63
Census, New York city, . . . 154
Census of counties, .... 9
Chatauque gas springs, . . .66
Chemung, battle of, . . . .68
Chimney Point Gulf, . . .135
Church, ancient, at Caughnawaga, . 146
Church, ancient, Albany, ... 47
Churches, number of in N. York, 19, 198
Cholera in New York, . . .183
Chippewa, battle of, . . . . 291
Cherry Valley, destruction of, . . 285
City Hall, New York, . . .185
Clinton, George, notice of, . . 273
Clinton, De Witt, notice of, . . 265
Cobleskill, attack on, ... 330
Colden, Governor, effigy of, . .166
Colden, Cadwallader, notice of, . . 293
Cornbury, lord, notice of, . . . 23
Crown Point,  95
Croton Aqueduct, .... 205
Customhouse,  192

P«?«
Diploma for the Indians, . . . 106
Dobb's Ferry  302
Dodd, Rev. Bethuel, epitaph, . . 937
Dutch, ancient, church, ... 47
Dutch church at Caughnawaga, . 146
Edwards, D. D., Jonathan, notice of, 58
Erie Canal celebration, . . . 204
Fire, great, in New York, 1776, . 172
Fire, great, in New York, 1S36, . 190
Five Nations, invade Canada, . . 21
Fort Erie, assault on, ... 90
Fort Erie, sortie of, . . . .91
Fort Plain, block-house, . . .152
Fox, George, notice of, . . . 292
Frazer, General, death of, . . 320
French colony, account of, . . 255
Frederic, Fort, notice of, . . . 95
Fulton, Robert, notice of, . . . 209
Gardner, Lyon, notice of, . . .336
Genesee Falls, . . . . . 144
Glcnns Falls,  347
Gray, Colonel, death of, . . . 125
Granger, Gideon, epitaph, . . . 259
Greig, Capt, remarkable preservation of, 231
Gothic or Temperance Hall, . . 198
Harpers, William and John? adven
tures of,  82
Hale, Captain Nathan, notice of, . 177
Halls of Justice, . . . .187
Hariaem Tunnel, .... 207
Hamilton, Alexander, notice of, . 213
Hamilton College, .... 938
Han Yerry, anecdote of, . . . 934
Herkimer, General, notice of, . .115
Herkimer, burning of, . . . 1 13
Hendrick, King, notice of, . .159
Hornby Lodge,  55
Holland Land Company's Office, . 108
Howe, Lord, death of, . . . 97
Hudson River discovered, . . .15
Indians, natives, .... 14
Indians, Tuscarora, .... 217
Indians, Onondaga, .... 243
Jay, John, LL. D., notice of, . . 364
Jolmson Hall, ..... 103
Johnson, Sir William, notice of, . 103
Johnson, Sir Guy, residence of, . 147

INDEX.

11

P«?e
Kalm, Professor, visit to Albany, . 48
Kidd's Heights, Albany, ... 46
Kidd, William, the pirate, . . ., 336
Kirtland, Rev. Mr., notice of, . . 238
Kingston, destruction of, . . . 342
Knickerbocker, extract from, . .159
Kosciusko, notice of, . . . . 271
Lake George, battle of, . . . 344
Lee, Ann, notice of, . . . .52
Letter, anonymous, Newburg, . . 264
Livingston, Philip, notice of, . . 208
Livingston, William, notice of, . . 209
Livingston, Brockhaldst, . . . 211
Lindesay, Mr., notice of, . . . 283
Long Island, battle of, . . . 128
Long Island, account of, . . . 139
Lundy's Lane, battle of, . . . 222
McCrea, Miss Jane, murder of, . . 353
Merchants' Exchange, New York, . 194
Meigs, Colonel, expedition of, . . 334
Mohawk Castles, taking of, . . 151
Montgomery, General, notice of, . 212
Montauk Point, view of, . . . 336
Montour, Catharine, notice of, . . 70
Morris, Gouverneur, notice of, . . 365
Navy Yard, Brooklyn, . . . 126
Negro plot,  164
New York, evacuation of, . . . 310
New York in 1800, . . . .184
New York University, . . . 195
New York Deaf and Dumb Asylum, 196
Newspapers, ancient, extracts from, . 165
Niagara Falls, view of, . . . 290
Niagara Fort, account of, . . . 225
Norton, Seth M., epitaph, . . . 240
Officers, Dutch names of, . . . 156
Ogdensburg, attack on, . . . 305
Oneida Institute, view of, . . . 232
Onondagas, account of, . . . 243
Onondaga, French colony at, in the
year 1656,  248
Oriskany, battle of, . . . . 235
Oswego, attack on, . . . . 279
Oswego Fort, surrender of, . . 277
Painted Post, the history of, . . 332
Palatinates, settlement of, . . . 24
Patroons, notice of, . . . . 18
Paulding, John, notice of, . . . 358
Peekskill, incursion into, . . . 357
Penitentiary, Blackwell's Island, . 189
Phelps and Gorham's surveys, . . 258
Phelps, Hon. Oliver, epitaph, . . 260
Pike, Gen. Z. M., death of, . . 120
Plattsburg, battle of, .... 73
Pompey, ancient remains at, . . 254
Portage Falls, view of, . . .54
Prison at Auburn, . . . . 61
Prison ships, revolutionary, . . 127

Page
Prescott, battle of, . . . . 306
Publications, periodical, in New York, 202
Putnam's battle with Indians, . . 350
Queenstown Heights, battle of, . . 218
Red Jacket, notice of, . . . 92
Red Jacket, conference with, . . 258
Rensselaer, manor of, ... 297
Rensselaer, Hon. Stephen, notice of, . 51
Revolutionary incidents in New York, 173
Rivington press destroyed, . . .169
Robinson House, the, . . . 988
Royalists executed at Kingston, . 343
Sachems visit England, ... 24
Sacketts Harbor, attack on, . . 199
Salina salt works  940
Sailor's Snug Harbor, . . . 299
Schlosser Landing, view of, . . 223
Schuyler, Honyost, stratagem of, . 231
Schuyler, General Philip, notice of, . 315
Schuyler Mansion House, . . .311
Schenectady, destruction of, . . 395
Schoharie, Fort, attack on, . . 329
Seneca Mission House, ... 92
Shakers, notice of, . . . .52
ShakeiB at New Lebanon, ... 78
Sing Sing Prison  360
Skeene, Major, royalist, . . . 349
Skenandoah, epitaph, . . . 240
Skenandoa, notice of, ... 239
Sleepy Hollow,  360
Standard, first, taken in last war, . 101
Stadt Huys in 1649, . . . .155
Stuyvesant, Governor, notice of, . 208
Sterling, Lord, notice of, . . . 219
Stanwix, Fort, siege of, . . . 930
Steuben, Baron, notice of, . . . 941
Stillwater, battle at, . . . .316
Steamboat, Fulton, first American, . 911
Stony Point, stormmg of, . . . 300
Tammany Hall, New York, . . 199
Ticonderoga, Fort  96
Ticonderoga, capture of, by Allen, . 98
Ticonderoga, St. Clair's evacuation of, 99
Trenton Falls,  949
Troy Female Seminary, . . . 296
Tunnel at Portage, .... 55
Tuscarora Indians, . . . .217
Union College,  323
Van Kleek House, .... 85
Van Rensselaer, S., notice of, . . 51
Van Wart, Isaac, epitaph, . ¦ . 360
Wadsworth, James and William, notice
of,  136
Washington, Fort, capture of, . . 363
Washington inaugurated, . . . 193
Washington's head-quarters, Newburg, 263

12

INDEX.

P«ge

West Point Academy,

. 267

West Pouit, ancient view of,

. 279

White, Hugh, notice of.

. 233

White, Hugh, epitaph,

. 237

White Plains, battle of, .

. 361

Williams, Rev. Mr., capture of, .

. 101

Williamson, Captain, first settler

at

Bath, 

. 332

Wilkinson, Jemuna, "the Universal
Friend," . . • • •
William Henry, Fort, capture of.
Yellow Fever in New York,
York Island, military movements on,
York, U. C, attack on, .
Young, Major G. D., notice of, .

Pap368
346 180 170
118101

ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS.

In 1846, there were 188 houses for public worship, in the city of New York,

Presbyterian,

39

Methodist,

35

Episcopal,

32

Baptist,

25

Dutch Reformed, -

17

Catholic,

16

Lutheran,

Jews,

- 5

Unitarian,

Friends,

5

Moravian,

Congregationalist,

. 4

Universalilt,

- 4

3
2 1

Macomb, a new township in St Lawrence Co. formed in 1841, 20 miles S. W
of Canton.

NEW YORK.

OUTLINE HISTORY.

There is reason to believe that the first Europeans who landed on
the soil of New York, were the crew of a French vessel under the
command of John de Verrazzano, a Florentine, in the service of
Francis I., of France. " Verrazzano had been for some time intrusted
with the command of four ships, in cruising against the Spaniards.
These vessels being separated in a storm, the commander resolved
with one of them, the Dauphin, to undertake a voyage for the purpose
of discovering new countries." About the middle of March, 1524,
he arrived on the American coast near Wilmington, N. C. From
this point he proceeded as far south as Georgia. He then turned
and proceeded northward, until he came to about the latitude of 41°
north, where he entered a harbor, which, from his description, is
believed to be that of New York.*
It appears from Verrazzano's accotmt, that he stayed in the harbor
about fifteen days. It seems he had much intercourse with the natives
of the coumtry. " They came on board his ship frequently, and without
reserve ; traded with him freely for such articles as he needed, and
generally attended his men, in greater or smaller numbers, whenever
they went on shore." He sailed from the harbor on the 5th of May,
and proceeded as far north as the coast of Labrador ; from thence
he sailed for France, where he arrived in July. In a letter to the
king, he gave an account of his voyage, giving the name of N?w>
France to the country he visited. As his voyage neither produced
nor promised any addition to the revenues of France, his discoveries
were not pursued, and even the memory of it was almost forgotten.
It is supposed that Verrazzano, in a subsequent voyage, was cut to
pieces and devoured by the savages.
In 1607, a London company fitted out a ship under the command
of Henry Hudson, for the purpose of discovering a northwestern
passage to the East Indies. This voyage, and another the next year
* An account of this voyage, given in a letter to the French king, ]a found in Richard
Hakluyt's Voyages, Navigations, &c., published in 1600, in London, in three vols, folio.
It is republished in vol. i. of the Coll. of the New York Hist, Soe.

14 OUTLINE HISTOEY.
for the same purpose, both proving unsuccessful, the company sus
pended their patronage. Hudson then went to Holland, and entered
into the service of the celebrated Dutch East India Company, 1 his
company fitted out a small ship, named Half Moon, under the com
mand of Hudson, with a crew it is said of twenty men, Dutch and
English. Hudson left Amsterdam on the 4th, the Texel on the fath
of April, and arrived on the American coast on the 18th ot July,
1609, near Portland, m the state of Maine. ^ n a \,
Pursuing his course southward, Hudson came to Cape Cod, where
he landed, about the 3d of August. After this, he sailed southward
and vsrestward for one-and-twenty days, "making remarks on the
soundings and currents," until he came to the entrance of Chesapeak
Bay, about the 24th of August. From this point, he returned north
ward along the coast, and on the 28th discovered Delaware Bay
During the six follovnng days, Hudson pursued his northerly course,
until, on the 3d of September, 1609, he anchored within Sandy Hook.
" The next day, the 4th of September, he sent a boat on shore for
the purpose of fishing. The tradition is that his men first landed on
Coney Island, which lies near to Long Island, and now makes a part
of Kings county. On the same day the natives came on board his
ship, as she lay at anchor, conducting themselves with great apparent
friendliness, and discovering a strong disposition to barter the produce
of their country for knives, beads, clothes, and other articles of a
similar kind. The next day, the 5th of September, Hudson again
sent his boat on shore, for the purpose, as appears from the journal,
of exploring and sounding the waters lying to the south, within Sandy
Hook, and forming what is now called the Horse Shoe. Here the
boat's crew landed and penetrated some distance into the woods, in
what is now Monmouth county, in New Jersey. They were very
well received by the natives, who presented them very kindly with
what the journal calls ' green tobacco,' and also with ' dried cur
rants ;' [these were probably whortleberries,] which are represented
as having been found in great plenty, and of a very excellent quality.
" On the 6th of September, Hudson sent a boat manned with five
hands to explore what appeared to be the mouth of a river, at the
distance of about four leagues from the ship. This was no doubt
the strait between Long and Staten islands, generally called the
Nirrows. Here, the writer of the journal observes, ' a good depth
of water was found ;' and within, a large opening, and a narrow
river to the west ; in which it is evident he refers to what is now
called the Kills, or the channel between Bergen Neck and Staten
Island. In exploring the bay and the adjacent waters, the boat's
crew spent the whole day. On their way in returning to the ship
towards night, they were attacked by the natives, in two canoes ; the
one carrying fourteen men, and the other twelve. A skirmish ensued,
in wliich one of Hudson's men, named John Colman, was killed by
an arrow, which struck him in the throat, and two more were
wounded. The next day the remains of Colman were interred on a
point of land not far from the shin, which from that circumstance

OUTLINE HISTOHT. 15
received the name of Colman's Point ; and which, probably, was the
same that is now called Sandy Hook.
" On the 8th, 9th and 10th days of September, Hudson still rode
cautiously at anchor, without the Narrows, and seems to have been
chiefly employed in trading with the natives, and in guarding against
any insidious attacks which might have been meditated by them, and
which he evidently feared. On the 11th, he sailed through the
Narrows, and found, as the writer of the journal expresses it, ' a very
good harbor for all winds.' On the 12th, he first entered the river
which bears his name, and sailed up about two leagues. On these
two days the ship was visited by great numbers of the natives, who
brought Indian corn, beans, tobacco, and oysters, in abundance, and
exchanged them for such trifles as the ship's company were disposed
to barter. They had pipes of 'yellow copper,' in which they
smoked. They had also various ornaments of copper ; and earthen
pots, in which they dressed their meat. But, although they were
' civil,' as the writer of the journal tells us, and ' made show of love,'
Hudson did not think proper to trust them ; and by no means would
suffer any of them to remain on board during the night.
"From the 12th to the 22d of September, Hudson was employed
in ascending the river. The journal represents it in general about a
mile wide, and of a good depth, abounding with fish, among which
were ' great store of salmons.' As he advanced, he found the land
on both sides growing higher, until it became ' very mountainous.'
This high land, it is observed, ' had many points ; the channel was
narrow, and there were many eddy winds.' In his passage up the
river, the natives frequently came on board of his ship, and sometimes
in considerable numbers, but always in an amicable manner.
" Hudson appears to have sailed up the river a little above where
the city of Hudson now stands ; and beyond that point, he himself
never ascended. Not considering it as safe to proceed farther with
his ship, he sent a boat with five hands, (the mate, who had the
command of the expedition, being one,) to explore and sound the river
higher up. The boat proceeded eight or nine leagues beyond where
the ship lay at anchor ; but finding the soundings extremely irregular,
and the depth, in some places, not more than seven feet, it was judged
unadvisable to attempt any farther progress. It is evident, from the
whole account, that the boat went as far as where the city of Albany
now stands.
" It is worthy of notice, that the farther they went up the river,
the more friendly and hospitable the natives appeared. After they
had passed the highlands, the writer of the journal observes : ' There
we found a very loving people, and very old men ; and were well
used.' On the 18th of September, when the ship was lying about
twenty-five or thirty miles below the present situation of Albany,
' the mate,' it is farther observed, ' went on shore with an old savage,
a governor of the country, who took him to his house and made him
good cheer.' At this place the savages flocked on board the ship in
considerable numbers, bringing with them corn, tobacco, pumpkms.

16 OUTLINE BISTORT.
and grapes, and some of them beaver and otter skins, which they
exchanged for hatchets, knives, beads, and other trifles. On the 20th
of September, Hudson and his crew, for the purpose of raakmg an
experiment on the temper of the Indians, attempted to make a number
of their principal men drunk. But though they ' were all merry,
as the journalist expresses it, only one of them appears to have been
completely intoxicated. This phenomenon excited great surpnse
and alarm among his companions. They knew not what to make
of it, and it was not until the next day, when he had completely re
covered, that they became composed. This, so far as we know,
is the first instance of intoxication by ardent spirits, among the Indi
ans on this part of th€S American continent. It is very remarkable that
among the Six Nations there is a tradition, still very distinctly pre
served, of a scene of mtoxication which occurred with a company of
the natives when the ship first arrived  On the 22d of the
month, confidence on the part of the natives being restored, a number
of their chiefs came on board the ship as she lay at anchor. This
interview the writer of the journal describes in the following man
ner : ' At three o'clock in the afternoon they came on board, and
brought tobacco and beans, and gave them to our master, and made
an oration, and showed him all the cotmtry round about. Then they
sent one of their company on land, who presently returned and brought
a great platter of venison, dressed by themselves ; and they caused
him to eat with them. Then they made him reverence and departed.'
" On the 23d of September, Hudson began to descend the river.
On his way down, his men went frequently on shore, and had several
very friendly interviews with the natives, who expressed a desire
that they might reside among them ; and made them an offer of lands
for that purpose. But when the ship came below the highlands, the
savages appeared to be of a different character, and were extremely
troublesome ; especially those who inhabited the western side of the
river. They attempted to rob the ship, and repeatedly shot at the
crew with bows and arrows from several points of land. Hudson's
men discharged several muskets at them, and killed ten or twelve of
them. In these conflicts, which were frequently renewed during the
first and second days of .October, none of the ship's crew appears to
have been injured. The land on the eastern side of the river, near
its mouth, was called by the natives ' Manna-hatta.^
"On the 4th day of October, (just one month from the day on
which he landed within Sandy Hook,) Hudson came out of the river
which bears his name ; and vnthout anchoring in the bay, immedi
ately stood out to sea. By twelve o'clock at noon that day he was
entirely clear of land. He steered directly for Europe ; and on the
9th of November following he ' arrived,' as the writer of the journal
expresses it, ' in the range of Dartmouth, Devonshire.' Here the
journal ends.
" Whether Hudson immediately landed in England, cannot now be
clearly ascertained ; but it appears that he left that country in April,
1610, and reached the American coast early m the summer. He

OUTLINE HISTOEY. 17
soon discovered the great northern bay which bears his name. There,
after a^ unwise deliy, he was compelled to pass a distressing and
dangerous winter. In the spring, in addition to all his other misfor
tunes, he found a spirit of dissatisfaction and mutiny growing among
his crew, and at length manifesting itself in open violence. This
proceeded so far, that on the 22d of June, 1611, a majority of the
crew arose, took command of the ship, put Hudson, his son, and seven
others, most of whom were sick or lame, into a boat, turned them
adrift in the ocean, and abandoned them to their fate. They never
were heard of more.
" Hudson did not give his own name to the river which he discov
ered. The Iroquois Indians called it Cahohatatea. The Mahicans,
Mahakaneghtuc, and sometimes Shatemuck. Hudson styled it em
phatically the ' Great River,' or the ' Great River of the Mountains;'
no doubt from the extraordinary circumstance of such a body of
water flowing through the mountains without a cataract, , The name
of its discoverer, however, was early attached to it. I find it familiarly
called Hudson's river, in some of the public documents of the Dutch
colonial government; but more frequently the North river, to dis
tinguish it from the Delaware, which was discovered by the same
navigator, and which being within "the territory claimed by the Dutch,
was called by them the South river.
" The Dutch immediately began to avail themselves of the advan
tage which the discovery of Hudson presented to their view. In
1610, it appears that at least one ship was sent hither by the East In
dia Company, for the purpose of trading in furs, which it is well known
continued for a number of yefirs to be the principal object of com
mercial attraction to this part of the new world. In 1614, a fort and
trading-house were erected on the spot where Albany now stands,
and called Fort Orange ; and about the same time another fort and
trading-house were established on the southwest point of Manhattan
Island, and called New Amsterdam. The whole colony received
the name of New Netherlands." — -Hist. Discourse by Samuel Miller,
D. D., vol. i. Coll. New York Hist. Soe.
In 1621, "the Privileged West India Company" was formed in
Holland ; this company in 1623 began its operations along the Hud
son,, with a direct view to colonization. A number of settlers during
this year were sent out, under the command of Cornells Jacobse Mey,
who were most heartily welcomed by the few previous inhabitants.
Before these arrived they had been two years without supplies, and
had been obliged to cut up the sails of some of their boats for neces
sary clothing. In comphment to Capt. Mey, they named the bay of
New York Fort Mey. During the same year the forts New Amster
dam and Orange -were erected, upon the sites of the present cities of
New York and Albany.
In 1625, the West India Company freighted two ships, in one of
which Peter Minuit arrived in New Netherknd, with a company of
Waloons, who settled on Long Island opposite New Amsterdam.
Minuit is considered by some as the first Governor or Director of
2 3

18 OUTLINE HISTOEY.
New Netherland. Subordinate to him, the gradation of authority
and rank seems to have been: 1. Opper-Koopman ; 2. Onder-Koop-
man; 3. Koopman; 4. Assistant. The office oi Opper-Koopman,
chief-merchant or commissary, was vested in Isaac de Raiser. In
four or five years the trade with the natives was greatly extended,
attracting dealers even from the lakes, and from the banks of the bt.
Lawrence near Quebec,
In 1629, the company adopted a charter of " Liberties and exemp
tions for patroons, masters, and private individuals, who should plant
colonies in New Netherland, or import thither any neat cattle." The
terms of encouragement to those who should send out settlers, were
great. Such as should undertake to plant a colony of fifty souls, up
wards of fifteen years old, were to be acknowledged Patroons, a name
denoting somethhig baronial and lordly ui rank and means. They
were allowed to select lands for miles in extent, which should descend
to their posterity for ever. Under this charter, several directors ot
the company determined to avail themselves of these privileges,
among whom were Samuel Goodyn, Samuel Bloemart, Killian Van
Rensselaer, the Heer Pauw, and Jan de Laet. These persons sent
out Wouter Van Twiller, as agent, to inspect the condition of the
country, and to purchase the lands of the natives for the purpose of
settlement. Owing to some disturbances in the colony, Minuit was recalled in
1633, and Wouter Van Twiller was appointed in his place. The
arrival of Van Twiller, as governor, gave a fresh impulse to the set
tlements. During his administration, the controversy occasioned by
the encroachments of the English was begun. In 1638, William
Kieft succeeded Van Twiller as governor of New Netherland. In
1642, he broke up the English settlement on Long Island, and fitted
up two sloops to drive them out of the Schuylkill, of which they had
possessed themselves. In 1643, the New England colonies entered
into a league both against the Dutch and Indians. In 1646, a severe
battle was fought on part of Strickland's Plain, called Horse Neck,
between the Dutch and Indians. There appears not to have been
any particulars of the action preserved ; but it is said the battle was
contested with mutual obstinacy, and great numbers were killed on
both sides. The Dutch ultimately remained masters of the field.
In 1647, Peter Stuyvesant arrived at Fort Amsterdam, as govern
or. He was a brave old officer, and had been commissioned gov
ernor-general of Curacoa and the Dutch West Indies. He laid claim
to all the lands and streams from Cape Henlopen to Cape Cod ; he
went to Hartford, and demanded a surrender to the Dutch of all the
lands on Connecticut river. These claims were opposed, and left to
the decision of arbitrators. Long Island was divided : the eastern
part was to be held by the English, the western by the Dutch ; to
the main, the boundaries were amicably adjusted.
In 1664, Charles II. of England, disregarding the Dutch claim on
New Netherland, made a grant to his brother, the Duke of York and
Albany, which included all the mainland of New England, begin-

OUTLINE HISTOEY. 19
ning at St. Croix, extending to the rivers Coimecticut and Hudson,
" together with the said river called Hudson's river, and all the lands
from the west side of Connecticut river, to the east side of Delaware
Bay." In order to enforce this claim of England for the New Nether
land, an expedition, consisting of three ships, 130 guns, and six hun
dred men, was sent against it, under the command of Col. Richard
Nichols. On his arrival at Manhattan, Nichols demanded the sur
render of the fort. Gov. Stuyvesant was exceeding loth to surrender
without an attempt at defence, but the favorable terms offered to the
inhabitants disposed them to an immediate capitulation. After some
fruitless negotiation, during which Gov. Stuyvesant pleaded the justice
of the title of the States-General, and the existing peace between them
and the English nation, the province was surrendered, August 27th,
1664, upon the most liberal terms to the vanquished.
Having taken possession of the country, Nichols assumed the gov
ernment, with the title of " Deputy-governor under his royal high
ness the Duke of York, of all his territories in America." New
Amsterdam was now called, in honor of the Duke, New York, and
Fort Orange, Albany. Gov. Nichols proceeded to erect a Court of
Assizes, consisting of the governor, council, and justices of the peace
This court compiled a body of laws, collected from the ancient cus
toms and usages, with additional improvements, such as the times
required, regarding English law as the supreme rule. These ordi
nances were sent to England, and confirmed by the Duke of York the
following year. >
It is supposed that, at the time Nichols took possession of the
province, the Dutch inhabitants were about 6000 in number. New
Amsterdam, the metropolis, it is said, contained about 3000 persons,
about half of whom returned to Holland. Their habitations, however,
were soon occupied by emigrants, partly from Great Britain, but
mostly from New England. Upon Hudson river there were many
Dutch settlers ; and upon the shores of the Delaware, there were
numerous plantations of Diitch and Swedes.
Col. Nitjhols, after having governed the province about three years,
resigned his office, and Col. Francis Lovelace was appointed by the
duke to succeed him. Lovelace assumed the government in 1667,
and continued his administration till the colony was re-surrendered
to the Dutch. War having been declared against Holland, a small
squadron was sent over by the Dutch, which arrived at Staten Island
July 30th, 1673. Lovelace teing absent from New York, Captain
Manning, who had the charge of the town, rejected the aid of the
English uihabitants, who offered to defend the place, sent a messenger
to the enemy, and struck his flag before their vessels appeared in
sight. As the fleet advanced, the garrison showed their willingness
to fight ; but Manning forbade a gun to be fired, imder pain of death,
and surrendered the place unconditionally to the invaders. He was
afterwards tried by a court-martial, and pleaded guilty to all the
charges preferred. His sentence was as extraordinary as his con
duct ; it was, that, " though he deserved death, yet, because he had

20 OUTLINE HISTORY.
since the surrender been in England, and seen the king and duke, it
was adjudged that his sword should be broke over his head, in pub
lic, before the City Hall ; and himself rendered, incapable of weanng
a sword, and of serving his majesty for the future, in any public trust
in the government," .
Anthony Clove was constituted the Dutch governor, but he remained
in the office but a short period, A treaty of peace, in 1674, was
concluded between the Dutch and EngUsh, by which New Nether
land was restored to the English, The Duke of York, to remove all
controversy respecting his property in America, took out a new patent
from the king, and commissioned Major Edmund Andros " Governor
of New York, and all his territories in these parts." Andros, as the
agent of a despotic master, was unpopular to the people under his
government, and involved himself in disputes with the neighboring
government of Connecticut.
The province of New York, about the year 1678, contained twenty-
four towns, villages, and parishes. Fifteen vessels, on an average,
traded yearly with England, importing English manufactures to the
valne of £50,000 sterling. Its annual exports, besides pease, beef,
pork, tobacco, and peltry, consisted of about sixty thousand bushels
of wheat. The city of New York containf^d 3,430 inhabitants, and
owned only three ships, eight sloops, and seven boats. " A trader
worth £500 was considered a substantial merchant; and the planter,
worth half that sum in movables, was accounted rich. All the es
tates in the colony were valued at £150,000. Ministers were scarce,
and religions many. The duke maintained a chaplain at New York,
which was the only certain endowment of the church of England.
There were about twenty houses for public worship, of which about
half were vacant. The law made it obligatory upon every district
to build churches, and provide for their ministers, whose compensa
tion varied from £40 to £70 a-year, besides a house and garden.
But the Presbyterians and Independents, the greater and more sub
stantial portion of the inhabitants, pnly, showed much willingness to
comply with the requisition. There were no beggars in the province,
and the poor were well cared for. The militia amounted to 2000,
including 140 horsemen ; and some regular troops were maintained
for the forts at Albany and New York."
Col. Thomas Dongan arrived at New York, in August, 1683, as
the successor of Andros in the government. He immediately, on the
request of the magistrates of New York, gave orders that an assem
bly should be elected by the freeholders. This assembly, consisting
of a council of ten, and eighteen representatives, convened at Hemp
stead on the 17th of October. They passed an act of general natural
ization ; an act declaring the liberties of the people, or a Bill of Rights ;
one for defraying the expense of government ; and a few others, regu
lating the internal affairs of the province. In 1686, James II. having
come to the throne, on the renewal of Gov. Dongan's commission,
refused to confirm the privileges granted when he was Duke of York.
The assembly was prohibited, and orders were given to Dongan to

OUTLINE HISTORY. 21
" suffer no printing-press in his government." Much disaffection
arose at this time, among the colonists, on account of the appointment
of, professed Catholics to the principal crown offices. At this period
there were in the province 4000 foot, 300 horse, and one company
of dragoons. The shipping, belonging to the city of New York, had
increased to nine or ten three-masted vessels, of about 80 or 90 tons ;
200 or 300 ketches or barks, of 40 tons ; and about twenty sloops,
of twenty-five tons.
In 1687, the French court aimed a blow, which threatened the
British interests in Noirth America. M. Denonville, with 1500 French
and 500 Indians, took the field against the Senecas, one of the con
federated tribes of the " Five Nations," who were the friends of the
English. An action took place near the principal Seneca village, in
which 100 Frenchmen, ten French Indians, and about eighty of the
Senecas were killed. Denonville, the next day, marched forward to
burn the village, but fotmd it in ashes. The Senecas had burnt it,
and fled. After destroying the corn in this and several other villages,
the French returned to Canada, For this attack, and other outrages
committed by the French, the confederated Five Nations thirsted for
revenge. " On the 26th of July, 1688, twelve hundred of their men
landed on the south side of the island of Montreal, while the French
were in perfect security, burnt their houses, sacked their plantations,
and put to the sword all the men, women, and children, without the
skirts of the town. A thousand French were slain in this invasion,
and twenty-six carried into captivity, and burnt alive. Many more
were taken prisoners in another attack, in October, and the lower part
of the island wholly destroyed ; only three of the confederates were
lost, in all this scene of misery and desolation." Nothing but the
ignorance of the Indians, in the art of attacking fortified places, saved
Canada from being utterly cut off.
In 1688, it was determined to add New York and the Jerseys to
the jurisdiction of New England, and Sir Edmund Andros was ap
pointed captain-general and vice-admiral over the whole. Governor
Dongan was removed from his office of governor, and Francis Nichol
son, who had been lieutenant-governor under him, was appointed in his
stead. The constitution, established on this occasion, was a legisla
tive and executive governor, and a council, who were appointed by
the king, without the consent of the people. The news of the acces
sion of William and Mary, in 1689, to the throne of England, was
joyfully received in New York. Andros, the tyrant of New Eng
land, was seized at Boston. Jacob Leisler, with forty-nine men,
seized the fort at New York, and held it for the protestant king and
queen of England.
Leisler's assumption of the command at New York excited a spirit
of envy and hatred among many of the people, at the head of whom
were Col. Bayard and the Mayor, who, unable to make any effectual
resistance, retired to Albany. A letter arriving from the English
ministry, addressed " To Francis Nicholson, Esq., or, in his absence,
to such as, for the time being, take care for preserving the peace and

22 OUTLINE HISTOEY.
administering the laiws in his majesty's province of New York, &;°-'
to do every thing pertaining to the office of lieutenant-governor, till
farther orders— Nicholson having absconded, Leisler considered the
letter as addressed to himself, and accordingly assumed the office of
governor. The people of Albany, though friendly to William and
Mary, refused subjection to Leisler. They were however compelled
to submit to his authority by an armed force under Milbom, his son-
m-law. The colonists continued in a state of contention nearly two
years. During this period, the French and Indians from Canada, in
1690, surprised Schenectady, and massacred sixty men, women, and
children. In 1691, Col. Henry Sloughter arrived at New York, as governor
of the province ; which was, at this time, by an act of the assembly,
divided into ten counties. The arbitrary acts of James were repealed,
and the former privileges of the colonists were restored. Leisler
and Milbom, having made a foolish attempt to retain their authority,
Were imprisoned on a charge of high treason. They were tried by
a special commission, and sentenced to suffer death. Gov. Sloughter
hesitated to command their execution, and wrote to tho English niin-
isters for directions how to dispose of them. Their enemies, fearing
the result of this application, made a petition for, and earnestly pressed
their execution. " The governor resisted, until, having been invited
by the petitioners to a sumptuous entertainment, he was, when his
reason was drowned in wine, seduced to sign the death-warrant.
Before he recovered his senses, the prisoners were executed." Slough
ter died suddenly, in July, 1691, and ended a short, weak, and turbu
lent administration.
Upon the death of Sloughter, the government, pursuant to the late
act for declaring the rights of the people, committed the chief com
mand to Richard Ingoldsby. His authority was terminated by the
arrival of Col. Benjamin Fletcher, who arrived with the commission
of governor, in August, 1692. Fletcher is represented as a man of
violent temper, shallow capacity, and avaricious disposition. He
made considerable disturbance, by his efforts to establish the Episco
pal form of church government in the province. By virtue of a com
mission which he held, Fletcher attempted to take the command of
the militia of Connecticut ; and went to Hartford, in that colony,
while the legislature were in session, to compel obedience. While
attempting to have his commission read to the train-bands at that
place, Capt. Wadsworth, their senior officer, ordered the drums to
beat, and told Fletcher, who commanded "silence," that if he was
interrupted he would " make the sun shine through him." Fletcher
upon this desisted, and returned to New York.
Early in 1693, Count Frontenac, with a force of 6 or 700 French
and Indians, made an incursion into the Mohawk country, and sur
prised an Indian village on the river, slew many of the inhabitants,
and took 300 prisoners. Col. Schuyler hastened to the assistance of
his allies, and with about 300 Indians, mostly boys, followed the re
treating enemy, and several skirmishes ensued. When the French

OUTLINE HISTORY. 23
reached the north branch of Hudson's river, a cake of ice opportunely
served them to cross it ; and Schuyler, who had retaken about fifty
Indians, desisted from the pursuit. The French, in this expedition,
lost about eighty men, and such were their sufferings, that they were
compelled to eat their own shoes ; the Iroquois, while in pursuit, fed
upon the dead bodies of their enemies. In 1696, Frontenac made
another descent, with a large force, and spread devastation among the
possessions of the Five Nations. After this expedition, the Indians
in the English interest continued to harass the inhabitants near Mon
treal, and similar parties in the French interest to harass those
near Albany, until the peace of Ryswick, in 1697.
In 1698, Richard, Earl of Bellamont, .arrived as the successor of
Fletcher, and his commission included the governments of Massachu
setts and New York : and for the latter, he brought with him his
kinsman, John Nanfan, as lieutenant-governor. Piracy, at this time,
prevailed in the American seas to a great extent, and. the inhabitants
of several colonies were accused of giving the pirates aid. The most
noted of these marauders was a Captain Kidd, the remembrance, of
whom is kept alive by the belief that he buried immense sums of money
along the coast. To suppress piracy was one of the avowed purposes
of the king, in selecting a man of the high rank, resolution, and integ
rity of the Earl of Bellamont. The earl died in 1701, and Nanfan, the
lieutenant-governor, assumed the command. Lord Cornbury was
appointed governor the following year.
Cornbury began his administration by espousing one of the factions
in the colony which had its rise from Leisler, who was executed for
treason. By a series of outrageous acts, he endeavored to establish
the Episcopal party. He prohibited the Dutch ministers and teach
ers from exercising their functions without his special license, and
imprisoned some of them for disobeying his orders. This tyrant was
the grandson of the Earl of Clarendon, and first cousin of the queen.
" Having dissipated his substance in riot and debauchery, and being
compelled to fly from his creditors, he obtained from his patron the
government of New York, which was confirmed by the queen, who
added the government of New Jersey. His character is portrayed
as a compound of bigotry and intolerance, rapacity and prodigality,
voluptuousness and cruelty, united with the loftiest arrogance and
the meanest chicane." His dissolute habits and ignoble manners
completed the disgust with which he was universally regarded ; and
when he was seen rambling abroad in the dress of a woman, the people
beheld with indignation and shame the representative of their sove
reign and the riiler of the colony. In 1709, the queen was compelled
to revoke his commission by the complaints of the people of New
York and New Jersey. When deprived of his office, his creditors
put him in prison in the province he had governed, where he remain
ed till the death of his father elevated him to the peerage, which
entitled him to liberation,
John, Lord Lovelace, Baron of Hurley, the successor of Cornbury,
arrived in the province, December, 1708, The hopes entertained,

24 OUTLINE HISTOEY,
from his exalted character, of a happy adminis.tration, were frustrated
by his death on the succeeding 5th of May, The governrnent now
devolved upon Richard Ingoldsby, lieutenant-governor. His admin
istration of eleven months is chiefly distinguished by an unsuccessful
attempt on Canada. In this attempt, the province of New York dis-
<!overed much zeal. Besides raising several companies, she procured
six hundred warriors of the Five Nations, paid their wages, and
maintained a thousand of their wives and children at Albany while
they were in the campaign, at the expense of about twenty thousand
pounds. In 1710, Colonel Schuyler went to England, to press upon
the ministry the importance of subduing Canada. The more effectu
ally to accomplish this object, he took with him five Indian chiefs,
who gave Q,ueen Anne assurances of their fidelity, and solicited her
assistance against their common enemies, the French.*
Brigadier-general Robert Hunter, a native of Scotland, arrived as
governor of the province, in June, 1710. He brought with him three
thousand Palatines, who, in the previous year, had fled to England
from the rage of persecution in Germany. Many of these persons
settled in the city of New York, others in Livingston Manor in Co
lumbia county, while others went into Pennsylvania. In 1711, the
assembly of New York, in order to assist the enterprise under the
command of Colonel Nicholson for the reduction of Canada, passed
an act for raising troops, restricted the price of provisions, and issued
10,000Z. in bills of credit, to be redeemed by taxation in five years.
Nicholson mustered at Albany two thousand colonists, one thousand
/.  ¦ 
* f The arrival of the five sachems in England, made a great bruit through the whole
kingdom. The mob followed wherever they went, and small cuts of them were sold
among the people. The court was at that time in mourning for the death of the Prince of
Denmark ; these American kings were, therefore, dressed in black underclothes, after tlie
English manner ; but instead of a blanket, they had each a scarlet-in.grain cloth mantle
edged with gold, thrown over all their other garments. This dress was directed bv the
dressers of the play-house, and given by the queen, who was advised to make a show of
them. A more than drdinary solemnity attended the audience they had of her majesty.
Sir Charles Cotterel conducted them in two coaches to St. James's; and the Lord Cham
berlain introduced them into the royal presence. Their speech on the 19th of April, 1710
is preserved by Oldmixon, and is in these words :
" Great Queen— We have undertaken a long voyage, which none of our predecessors
could be prevailed upon to undertake, to see our great queen, and relate to her those things
which we thought absolutely for the good of her, and us her allies, on the other side of the
water. " We doubt not but our great queen has been acquainted with our long and tedious war
in conjunction with her children against her enemies, the French, and that we have been
as a strong wall, for their security, even to the loss of our best men. We were mightily
rejoiced when we heard our great queen had resolved to send an army to reduce Canada •
and immediately, in token of friendship, we hung up the kettle, and took up the hatchet'
and with one consent, assisted Colonel Nicholson, in making preparations on this side the
lake : but at length, we were told our great queen, by some important affairs, was prevented
in her design at present, which made us sorrowful, lest the French, who had hitherto dreaded
us, should now think us unable to make war against them. The reduction of Canada isi
of great weight to our free hunting ; so that if our great queen should not be mindful of us
we must, with our families, forsake our country, and seek other habitations, or stand neuter'
either of which will be much against our inclinations. '
" In token of the sincerity of these nations, we do, in their names, present our greai
queen with these belts of wampum, and in hopes of our great queen's favor, leave it to her
most gracious consideration."

OUTLINE HISTOEY. 25
Palatines, and one thousand Indians, who commenced their march
towards Canada on the 28th of August. A fleet, under the command
of Admiral Walker, sailed from Boston with a land force of six thou
sand four hundred men, with the intention of joining Colonel Nich
olson before Quebec. The admiral arrived in the St. Lawrence
early in August, but owing to fogs and tempestuous weather, eight or
nine transports, with about a thousand men, were lost by shipwreck.
This put an end to the expedition, and the admiral sailed for Eng
land. Nicholson, who had proceeded as far as Lake George, was
compelled to retreat. The peace of Utrecht, signed March, 1713,
put an end to hostilities, and continued till 1739.
Governor Hunter, after a wise and popular administration, left the
province in 1719, and the command devolved on Colonel Peter Schuy
ler. In September, 1 720, William Burnet, son of the celebrated Bishop
Burnet, arrived as the successor of Governor Hunter. His administra
tion of seven years was prosperous. Soon after his arrival, for the
purpose of securing the trade and friendship of the Six Nations, he
erected a trading-house at Oswego, in the country of the Senecas.
The great merit of Governor Burnet's administration consisted in his
effectual efforts to diminish the trade and influence of the French
with the northern Indians. He failed, however, in his endeavors to
prevent the establishment of a French fort at Niagara, by which they
secured to themselves the possession of the west end of Lake Ontario,
as they had previously that of the east by the erection of Fort Fron-
tinac many years before. The persecutions in France at this period,
which ensued the revocation of the edict of Nantz, drove many of the
protestant subjects of Louis XIV. into foreign countries. Many fled
to this province. The most wealthy settled in the city : others planted
New Rochelle on the East river, and a few seated themselves at
New Paltz in Ulster county.
In 1728, Colonel John Montgomery received from Governor Bur
net the seal of the province, and assumed the government. His short
administration, terininated by his death in 1731, was one of tranquiUity,
and not distinguished by any important event. During his term, in
1731, the boundary between New York and Connecticut was finally
settled ; and a tract of land upon the Connecticut side, of 60,000
acres, called the Oblong, was ceded to the former in consideration of
another near the Sound, surrendered to the latter.
Governor Montgomery was succeeded by Rip Van Dam, the old
est member of the council, and an eminent merchant of the city, who
held the government until August, 1732, when William Cosby ar
rived, with a, commission to govern this, and the province of New
Jersey. The French, during this year, erected Fort Frederic at
Crown Point, which gave to them the command of Lake Champlam.
The finances at this period were much embarrassed ; while the fre
quent calls for supplies imposed a heavy burden upon the colony. '
In 1734, the establishment of a court of equity was agitated in the
assembly. The governors had previously exercised the office of chan
cellor, which had at times excited the jealousy, and produced much

26 OUTLINE HISTORY.
controversy among the colonists. The court party insisted that the
governor was, ex officio, chancellor of the colony, while the popular
party warmly opposed this position. After the close of the' session,
there appeared in the paper called " Zenger's New York Weekly
Journal," severe animadversions on the government. Several printed
ballads likewise appeared, which ridiculed some of the members of
the legislature. The governor and council considering the subject
worthy of notice, voted that the obnoxious numbers of Zenger's
paper, and two printed ballads, were derogatory to the dignity of his
majesty's government, and tended to raise sedition and tumult. They
likewise voted that said papers and ballads should be burnt by the
common hangman. Zenger was imprisoned for eight months, and
much ferment was produced in the colony.
Governor Cosby died in March, 1736. One of his last acts was the
suspension of Rip Van Dam from his seat as councillor of the pro
vince. After Cosby's death, the council immediately convened, and
George Clarke, the senior councillor, next after Rip Van Dam, was
declared president, and assumed the government. A powerful party,
however, was formed in favor of Mr. Van Dam, as his suspension
from the council was by many declared illegal. The sharp contro
versy on this point was ended in October, when Mr. Clarke received
his commission as lieutenant-governor.
During the administration ' of Governor Clarke, the colony was
embroiled in. controversies principally relating to the prerogatives of
the governor on one hand, and the rights of the people on the other,
In their second session, 1737, the house departed from their accus
tomed mode of proceeding, and instead of voting to take the govern
or's speech into consideration, voted that his honor the lieutenant-
governor be addressed. This address is a remarkable production
for the times in which it was formed. On the subject of the revenue,
the house adopted the following bold and energetic language :
" The true causes of tho deficiency in the revenue, we believe are too well known to
your honor, to make it necessary for us to say much on that head. Had the conspicuous
loyalty of the inhabitants of this province met with a suitable treatment in return, it is not
unlikely that we should now be weak enough to act like others before us, in being lavish
beyond our abilities, and raising sums unnecessary to be given, and continued the donation
like them for a longer time than what was convenient for the safety of the inhabitants ; but
experience has shown the imprudence of such a conduct ; and the miserable condition to
which the province is reduced, renders the raising of large sums very difficult if not imprac.
ticable. We therefore beg leave to be plain with your honor, and hope you will not take it
amiss when we tell you, that you are not to expect that we will raise sums unfit to be
raised, or put what we shall raise into the power of a governor to misapply, if we can pre.
vent it ; nbr shall we make up any other deficiencies than what we conceive are fit, and
just to be paid, or continue what support or revenue we shall raise for any longer time than
one year; nor do we think it convenient to do even that, until such laws are passed as we
conceive necessary for the safety of the inhabitants of this colony, who have reposed a trust
in us for that only purpose, and which we are sure you will think it reasonable we should
act agreeable to, and by the grace of God, we shall endeavor not to deceive them."
In 1738, Captain Norris, of the ship Tartar, then lying in the city of
New York, made application to the mayor for liberty to impress thirty
seamen to man his vessel. The governor and council ordered the
mayor to cause the impressment to be made. The mayor refused to

OUTLINE HISTORY. 27
obey the order, and the governor and coimcil prudently declined ta
king measures to enforce obedience. At the close of Clarke's admin
istration, the finances of the colony were in a depressed condition.
" The duties on negro slaves, wine, rum, brandy, cocoa, and dry
goods, from September, 1741, to September, 1742, amounted to
£2,197 7s. Ifd. only ; while the expenses of government, for about
the same period, amounted to upwards of £4,600."
In. 1743, George Clinton, the son of the Earl of Lincoln, was ap
pointed to supersede Mr.* Clarke as governor of the colony. His
arrival was highly gratifying to the colonists, and a spirit of harmony
prevailed. In 1744, war was declared between France and England,
and great preparations were made on both sides, to carry it on with
vigor. A similar spirit prevailed in their respective colonies in Amer
ica. Large appropriations were made by the assembly of New York
to carry on the war. In 1745, the English colonies united in an ex
pedition against Louisburg, on Cape Breton Island. This important
fortress was surrendered in June. Eight thousand pounds was voted
by the assembly for the promotion of this enterprise.
The country north of Albany was kept in a continued state of
alarm by Indian warriors, who ranged in small parties, marking their
course by conflagration and indiscriminate slaughter. The fort at
Hoosic was captured by M. De Vaudreuil, in August, 1746 ; and the
settlements at Saratoga were surprised, and many of the inhabitants
killed or carried into captivity. These events caused much distress,
and occasioned much alarm even in Ulster and Orange counties. The
plan of the war, in 1746, was, that a squadron under the command
of Admiral Warren, with a body of land forces, should proceed up
the St. Lawrence ; while the troops from New York, and other colo
nies at the south, should be collected at Albany, and proceed against
Crown Point and Montreal. The assembly of New York entered
with great zeal upon this design : they levied a tax of £40,000, to re
deem bills issued for the occasion. In July, a congress of the Six
Nations was held with the governor, at Albany, who was attended
by Df. Colden, Mr. Livingston, and Mr. Rutherford, members of the
council. The indisposition of the governor prevented him from open
ing the council in person, and that duty fell upon Dr. Colden. The
Indians formally renewed their pledge to unite zealously in the war
against the French. The efforts of the colonies were, however,
rendered nearly useless by the failure of the promised assistance from
England. ' In April, 1748, the preliminaries of peace were signed at Aix-la-
Chapelle, and hostilities soon after ceased. After the close of the
war, the colony enjoyed a period of general tranquillity. The in
habitants vigorously pursued the arts of peace, and by industry,
economy, and enterprise, repaired, in a great measure, the losses sus
tained in the preceding war. In 1750, the entries at New York were
two hundred and thirty-two, and the clearances two hundred and
eighty-six. Above six thousand tons of provisions, chiefly flour, were
exported, besides large quantities of grain.

28 OUTLINE HISTORY.
Governor Clinton having resigned. Sir Danvers Osborne arrived as
his successor, in October, 1753. "Clinton is represented to haye been
mercenary ; to have used every plausible device, for enhancing the
profits of his government ; to have sold offices and even the rever
sions of such ?is were ministerial ; and to have amassed a fortune,
during his administration of ten years, of more than £80,000 sterling.
He became, afterward, governor of Greenwich Hospital." The ad
ministration of Sir Danvers Osborne endured but a few days only.
Five days after his arrival, he was found 'suspended by the neck in
the garden of Mr. Murray, with whom he resided. This ^ unfortu
nate gentleman is supposed to have committed suicide on account
of grief for the loss of his wife, and by the embarrassments which
he apprehended would attend the exercise of his office as gov
ernor. James de Lancey, who had been appointed lieutenant-governor by
one of the last acts of Governor Clinton, on the death of Osborne
assumed the administration of government. At this period, the Eng
lish and French extended their settlements in the colonies, and each
were anxious to secure the most eligible situations for trading-houses
and forts. Mutual complaints of aggression were soon followed by
open acts of hostility.
In 1754, a convention of delegates from New Hampshire, Massa
chusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland,
with the lieutenant-governor and council of New York, was held at
Albany, for the purpose of uniting upon some scheme for the com
mon defence. The plan for a political imion, drawn up by Dr. Frank
lin, a delegate from Pennsylvania, was adopted on the 4th of July.
This plan had the singular fortune to be rejected by the provincial
assemblies, because it gave too much power to the crown ; and, at
the same time, to be rejected by the crown, because it gaVe too much
power to the people.
In September, 1755, Sir Charles Hardy, a disthignished naval offi
cer, arrived in New York with commission of governor. Being
ignorant of civil affairs, he put himself into the hands of Mr. De
Lancey, and was guided altogether by his counsels. Early in the
spring of this year, the colonies made preparations for vigorous exer
tions against the enemy. An expedition was planned against the
French in Nova Scotia, another against the French on the Ohio, a
third against Crown Point, and a fourth against Niagara. The first
expedition resulted in the reduction of Nova Scotia. That agiainst
the French on the Ohio failed by the defeat of General Braddock,
who was drawn into an ambuscade of French and Indians near Fort
du Quesne. The expedition against Crown Point, commanded by
Gen. Wm. Johnson, though unsuccessful in its main object, served, in
a measure, to dispel the gloom occasioned by the defeat of Braddock.
Governor Shirley, of Massachusetts, took the command of the expe
dition against Niagara. He advanced to Oswego, where, being poorly
supplied with provisions, the expedition was abandoned, and the troops
returned to Albany. During the winter and spring following, ma-

OUTLINE HISTORY. 29
rauduag parties of western Indians committed many atrocities in the
counties of Orange and Ulster.
In the plan of operations for the campaign of 1750, Niagara and
Crown Point, then in possession of the French, were the principal
points of attack. Owing to the improvidence of Gen. Abercrombie,
then in command, in the absence of Lord Loudon, nothing of import
ance was effected by the English forces. In August, Marquis de
Montcalm, commander of the French troops in Canada, captured the
two forts at Oswego, which he demolished, took 1,600 men prisoners,
with 120 cannon, 14 mortars, two sloops-Of-war, 200 boats and bat
teaux, with a large quantity of stores and provisions. The campaign
of 1757 was equally unsuccessful on the part of the English. Fort
William Henry, on Lake George, with a garrison of 3,000 men under
Col. Munro, was compelled, after a brave defence, to surrender to
Montcalm. This event gave the French the command of the lake
aiud the western frontier.
In 1758, the celebrated William Pitt, Lord Chatham, now placed at
the head of the British ministry, gave a new tone to their measures,
and a fresh impulse to the colonies. The tide of success was soon
turned in favor of the English, which continued, with few exceptions,
till Canada was subjected to their arms. > The plan for this year com
prehended three expeditions, viz, Louisburg, Ticonderoga, and Fort
du Quesne. Louisburg surrendered to Gen. Amherst in July. Gen.
Abercrombie, with an army of 16,000 men, passed Lake George and
made an attack on Ticonderoga. After a contest of four hours, he
was compelled to retire with the loss of nearly two thousand in
killed and wounded. Abercrombie, after his defeat, sent Col. Brad
street, with 3^000 men, against Fort Frontenac, on the northeastern
side of the outlet of Lake Ontario. Bradstreet sailed down the lake,
landed within a mile of the fort, and in two days compelled it to
surrender.* The garrison at Fort du Quesne, unsustained by their
savage allies, on the 24th of November abandoned and burnt, this
fortress on the approach of the British army under Gen. Forbes.
Great Britain, having resolved to annihilate the French power in
* The expedition under Col. Bradstreet consisted of the following troops : — Regulars,
135 ; Royal artillery, 30 ; New York provincials, 1,112 ; Massachusetts do., 675 ; New Jer.
sey do., 412 ; Rhode Island do., 318 ; batteau-men, 300 ; and about 60 rangers ; in all
3,035. The regulars were commanded by Capt, Ogilvie, and the artillery by Lieut. Brown,
The New York troops consisted of two detachments. The first commanded by Lieutenant.
colonel Charles Clinton, of Ulster, amounting in the whole to 440, under Capts. Ogden, of West.
Chester, Peter Dubois, of New York, Samuel Bladgely, of Dutchess, and Daniel Wright, oi
Queens. The second was commanded by Lieut«nant-colonel Isaaie Corse, of Queens, and
Major Nathaniel Woodhull, of Suffolk, amounting to 668, under Captains Elias Hand, of Suf.
folk, Richard Hewlett, of Queens, Thomas Arrowsmith, of Richmond,. William Humphrey,
of Dutchess, Ebenezer Seeley, of Ulster, and Peter Yates and Goosen Van Schaick, of Al.
bany. The troops left Fort Stanwix, August 14th, 1758, and the fort capitulated on the
27th. The commander of the fort was exchanged for Col. Peter Schuyler. Col. Corse,
who had distinguished himself in the three preceding campaigns, with a part of his troops,
volunteered to erect a battery, in the night of the 26th, in the midst of the enemy's fire,
which in the morning commanded their fort, and led to an immediate surrender. The
colonel received a slight wound, but not so severe as to unfit him for duty. The detach .
ment returned to Fort Stanwix the/ 10th of September." — Gordon's Gax. of New York,

30 OUTLINE HISTOEY.
America, made adequate preparations for the campaign of ^'^^?'
The colonies now displayed that zeal with which men pursue their
interests when animated with well-founded hopes of success. The
legislature of New York authorized a levy of 2,680 men, and ^sued
the sum of £100,000 in bills of credit, bearing interest, and redeem
able in 1768, by the proceeds of an annual tax. The impositions, m
the space of five months of the year 1759, amounted to $625,000.
At the instance of Gen. Amherst, a loan of £150,000 was made to
the crown, which was paid in specie.
The contemplated points of attack, in 1759, were Ticonderoga;
Crown Point, Niagara, and Quebec. Gen. Amherst took Ticonde
roga, and proceeded to Crown Point, which surrendered without op
position. In July, Gen. Prideaux invested Niagara, but was slam by
the bursting of a cohort in the trenches. The fort was, however,
captured by Sir William Johnson, who succeeded him in command.
On the 13th of September, a severe battle was fought between the
British forces under Gen. Wolfe, and the French under Montcalm.
Both these commanders were killed, the French were defeated, and
Quebec surrendered to the British arms. In the ensuing spring of
1760, the French made a fruitless attempt to recover Quebec. On
the 8th of September, Montreal, Detroit, Michilimackinac, and all
other places within the government of Canada, were surrendered to
his Britannic majesty.
The conquest of Canada, by preventing the incursions of the French
and Indians into the territory of New York, removed a great obstacle
to the prosperity of the colony. Gov. De Lancey died suddenly,
July 80th, 1760. Cadwallader Colden assumed the government, as
president of the council, and received the appointment of lieutenant-
governor in August, 1761, Mr, Colden was superseded by General
Robert Monckton on the 26th of October, This gentleman being
placed at the head of an expedition against Martinique, on the 15th
of November, left the government of the province to Mr, Colden,
under an agreement for an equal division of the salary and per
quisites. In 1763, the celebrated controversy with New Hampshire, respect
ing boundaries, commenced. The territory in question comprised the
country between Connecticut river and Lake Champlain, since known
as Vermont. The original character of the colonies, owing to im
perfect surveys of the country, were many of them extremely indefi
nite, vague, and often contradictory. A grant was made in 1664
and 1674, by Charles II. to his brother, the Duke of York, containing,
among othgr parts of America, " all the lands, from the west side of
Connecticut river, to the east side of Delaware bay." This territory
was, however, by many supposed to fall within the limits of New
Hampshire, although claimed by New York, by virtue of the grant
made to the Duke of York.
The government of New Hampshire, in 1760, made large grants
of land to settlers west of Connecticut, and the settlements progressed
with astonishing rapidity. In 1763, one hundred and thirty-eight

OUTLINE HISTORY. 31
townships had been granted by New Hampshire, extending as far
west as the shore of Lake Champlain, and to what was esteemed
twenty miles east of Hudson river. To check these proceedings.
Gov. Colden issued a proclamation, claiming jurisdiction as far east
as Connecticut river. He also commanded*^ the sheriff of Albany
county to make return of all persons, who, under the New Hampshire
grMits, had taken possession of lands west of the river. In opposi
tion to this, the governor of New Hampshire issued a proclamation,
declaring the grant of the Duke of York to be obsolete, and that
New Hampshire extended as far west as Massachusetts and Con
necticut. Application having been made to the crown, a decision was ob
tained in 1764, by which the western bank of Connecticut river was
declared to be the boundary line between the provinces of New
Hampshire and New York. The government of New York proceeded
to organize the new territory, and to exercise jurisdiction. The new
district was divided into four counties. The southwestern part was
annexed to the county of Albany, and the northwestern part formed
into a county, by the name of Charlotte ; east of the Green Moun
tains were formed the counties of Gloucester and Cumberland. Courts
were held in these counties, the grants of land under New Hamp
shire were declared illegal, and the settlers required to take out new
charters from New York. Some of the towns complied, and pur
chased their lands the second time, but th^ greater part refused. Ac
tions of ejectment were commenced in Albany against several of the
ancient settlers, which were decided in favor of the New York titles.
When the executive officers came to eject the inhabitants, they gene
rally met with opposition, and were not allowed to proceed in the
execution of their offices. The mihtia were called out to support
the sheriff; but as they agreed in sentiment with the settlers, they
disbanded themselves on the appearance of armed opposition. As
the efforts of the government were continued, mobs were raised, the
opposition of the settlers became more bold and daring, and was fre
quently characterized by acts of outrage and violence.
In 1765, much excitement was produced by the stamp act, passed
by the British parliament, for the purpose of raising a revenue from
the colonies. This act ordained that all instruments of writing, such
as deeds, bonds, notes, &c., among the colonies, should be null and
void, unless executed on stamped paper, for which a duty should be
paid to the crown. In October, a congress of twenty-eight delegates,
from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and South Carolina, was
held at New i ork, to consult on the common interest. They made
a declaration of the rights and grievances of the colonies, and peti
tioned for redress. In Connecticut and New York originated an
association of persons styling themselves ; tbe " Sons of Liberty,"
which extended into other colonies, who bound themselves, among
other things, to march to any part of the continent, at their own ex
pense, to support the British constitution in America : by which was

32 OUTLINE HISTOEY.
understood, the prevention of any attempt to carry the stamp act into
operation. In New York, Peter de Lancey, James M'Evers, and other stamp
officers, obeyed the public voice, and renoimced their commissions.
Gov. Colden, having taken the oath to execute the stamp act, became
the object of popular indignation. His effigy was carried about the
city and hung; his carriage and other property were burned; and
his person was probably preserved from violence, only by his ad
vanced age. When the stamps arrived, they were lodged in the fort,
which the governor, contrary to the advice of his council, put into a
state for defence. He was obliged to surrender their custody to the
city corporation, on the assurance of being responsible for their value,
and to declare that he would take no measures to enforce the act, but
leave the subject to his successor, who was hourly expected. Sir
Henry Moore, Bart,, who was commissioned governor in July, 1765,
met the council on the 13th of November following, and proposed at
once to attempt the execution of the stamp act. The unanimous ad
vice of his council, and the demonstration of public feeling, induced
him to a more prudent course.
Gov, Moore's administration was terminated by his death, in Sep
tember, 1769, During his term of service efforts were made, unsuc
cessfully, to settle the boundaries between this province and Massa
chusetts, who claimed territory to the Pacific Ocean, Emigrants
from Massachusetts intruded into the counties along the Hudson, and
settled even in the manor of Rensselaerwyck, ^ They were frequently
removed by force, and blood was shed more than once in the attempt.
Commissioners fi-om both colonies met at New Haven, October, 1767,
who agreed that the western line of Massachusetts should be fixed
at twenty miles east from Hudson river, but differed as to the man
ner in which that line should be determined.
At the termination of Gov, Moore's administration, the supreme
court consisted of four judges : Daniel Horsemanden, chief justice ;
David Jones, second ; William Smith, third ; and Robert R, Livings
ton, the fourth justice. The first received £300, and the others
£200 per annum. The salary of the governor had been increased,
from time to time, to £2,000 per annum, with a perquisite of £400,
granted as an appropriation for fire- wood and candles for Fort George.
The attorney had £150, and the colonial agent, Mr. Charles, at Lon
don, £500 per annum. The colony of New Yorfc contained, at this
period, upwards of one hundred and sixty thousand inhabitants.
By the death of Sir Henry Moore, the government again devolved
on Mr. Colden. This his third administrfition, continued till Novem
ber, 1770, when he was superseded by John, Lord Dunmore. With
the service of this nobleman commenced the practice of paying the
fovemor by the crown. This practice was afterward denounced
y most of the colonies as a serious grievance, as it made the govern
or independent of the assembly. Dunmore governed the colony until
his removal to Virginia, when his place was supplied on the 8th of
July, 1771, by WilUam Tryon, the last of the royal governors.

OUTLINE HISTORY. 33
In 1772, Governor Tryon made an unsuccessful attempt to con
ciliate the minds of the settlers of the New Hampshire grants. In
1774, the assembly passed an act by which it was declared felony,
punishable by death, for any of these settlers to oppose the govern
ment by force. The governor at the same time made proclamation
offering a reward of fifty pounds for the apprehension of Ethan Al
len, Seth Warner, and six others of the most obnoxious of the settlers.
The inhabitants of the New Hampshire grants became still more
violent in their opposition. The proscribed persons, in an address to
the people of the county of Albany, made this pubhc declaration : —
" We will kill and destroy any person or persons whomsoever, who
shall presume to be accessary, aiding, or assisting in taking any of us."
In the spring of 1775, an event took place in the New Hampshire
grants which exasperated both parties. At the time appointed for
the session of the court at Westminster, in the disputed territory,
some of the inhabitants in this and the adjacent towns took possession
of the courthouse, to prevent the officers under the authority of New
York from entering. The judges, on being refused admittance, retired
to their quarters. About eleven o'clock at night, the sheriff and other
officers, attended by an armed force, repaired to the courthouse,
when, being again refused admittance, some of the party fired into the
house, killed one man, and wounded several. The people were highly
inflamed by these rash proceedings. Some of the officers were seized,
and carri-ed to the jail at Northampton, Massachusetts. Matters now
appeared about to be brought to a sanguinary crisis. But at this
period, an event took place, which arrested the attention of all, and
gave a new channel to the torrent of popular fury. The breaking
out of the revolutionary war at Lexington, caused a suspension of
local and provincial contests ; and the public mind was exclusively
directed to the great contest now opening between "Britain and
America. >
In May, 1775, the second continental congress was to be assembled
at Philadelphia; The subject of sending delegates to this-body was
agitated in the assembly of New York ; and on the refusal of that body
to appoint them, a provincial convention was called by the people for
this purpose. The convention assembled at New York on the 22d of
April, and proceeded to make the appointments. This convention
was composed of deputies from New York, Albany, Dutchess, Ulster,
Orange, Westchester, Kings, and Suffolk counties. They appointed
Philip Livingston, George Clinton, James Duane, John Alsop, Simon
Boerum, William Floyd, John Jay, Henry Wisner, Philip Schuyler
Lewis Morris, Francis Lewis, and Robert R. Livingston, Jr., dele
gates to the continental congress, who, or any five of them, were
intrusted with full power to concert with the other coJoaies, and adopt
those measures best adapted to sustain their rights.
The news of the battle of Lexington, (19th of April, 1775,) caused
a violent agitation in the city of New York, which prevailed for some
days, until a new committee of superintendence, consisting of one
hundred of the most respectable citizens, was. foumed at the instance
3

34 OUTLINE HISTORY.
of the " committee of observation." It was resolved that a provincial
congress ought to be speedily assembled, to assume the government
of the colony, to prepare for defence, &c. It submitted at the same
time the form of an association, to be signed by the inhabitants, de
claratory of their rights and liberties, and of their determination to
sustain them. This association was signed by the whigs with great
cordiality, and by the tories under the fear of, or by actual constraint.
The inhabitants generally began to arise under the direction of com
mittees. Six hundred stands of arms were seized in the city arsenal
and distributed among the people : another parcel was taken from
the soldiery by Colonel Willet, when on the way to the harbor to be
exported to Boston.
It was deemed of importance, in order to put the country in a pos
ture of defence, to secure the fortresses at Ticonderoga and Crown
Point. On the 10th of May, Colonel Ethan Allen took possession of
Ticonderoga by surprise : on the same day. Crown Point was sur
rendered to Colonel Warndr ; a third party surprised Skeensborough,
(now Whitehall.) The capture of an armed sloop at St. Johns soon
after, gave to the Americans the entire command of Lake Champlain.
Governor Tryon, who had been absent on a visit to Europe, returned
to New York on the 24th of June. He was much esteemed by
many of the citizens, and received a complimentary address from the
city authorities. His exertions to promote the royal cause, soon ren
dered him extremely unpopular. In October, he became alarmed for
his personal safety, and retired on board of the Hahfax packet.
On the 22d of May, 1775, a provincial congress, consisting of about
seventy members, convened at New York. The proceedings of the
convention were determined by counties ; New York having four,
Albany three, and each of the others two votes. Two regiments
were authorized to be levied ; bounties were offered for the manufac
ture of gunpowder and muskets in the province ; fortifications were
projected at Kingsbridge, and the Highlands ; and Philip Schuyler
and Richard Montgomery were recommended, the first as major-
general, the second as brigadier, to be appointed by the continental
congress. Upon the adjournment of the congress, in September, for a month,
they delegated their powers to a " Committee of Safety ;" and this ex
pedient was resorted to upon every subsequent adjournment. Ordina
rily, this committee was composed of three members from the city,
and one from each of the other counties. When on the re-assembling
of the congress, and at other times, a quorum was not present, the
members resolved themselves into a " committee of safety," and thus
the public business was never interrupted. The committee was em
powered to execute the resolves of the provincial and general con
gresses, to superintend the military affairs of the province, to appro
priate money for the public service, and to convene the congress
when and where they deemed necessary.
While General Washington was engaged in organizing the main
body of the American army in Massachusetts, an important expedi-

OUTLINE HISTORY, 35
tion was planned against Canada, the command of which was assign
ed to Generals Schuyler and Montgomery. General Schuyler having
retired on account of ill health, Montgomery, with a force of one
thousand men, proceeded to Montreal, and from thence led his gallant
little army to Quebec. During his progress, Colonel Arnold, with a
boldness and perseverance rarely surpassed, passed up the Kennebec
river and pursued his course through a trackless wilderness of three
hundred miles, and joined Montgonaery at Quebec. On the last day
of the year, (1775,) General Montgomery, with a force of less than
eight hundred, attempted to take Quebec by storm. This brave com
mander fell in the assault, and the Americans were repulsed with the
loss of about half their number. Arnold, now in the command, en
camped about three miles from Quebec, where he maintained his
position till spring. He was afterward compelled to make a disas
trous retreat, and by the 1st of July the whole army was driven from
Canada. Congress being informed that a large number of the inhabitants of
Tryon county were disaffected to the American cause, and, undef the
direction of Sir John Johnson, were making military preparation, re
solved to disarm them. General Schuyler, to whom this business
was committed, in January, 1776, called out seven hundred of the
Albany militia, and commenced his march. But such was the enthu
siasm of the people that, on his arrival at Caghnewaga, his force
amounted to near three thousand, including nine hundred of the
Tryon county militia. The approach of this formidable body awed
the royalists into submission. The whole number disarmed was
supposed to amount to about six hundred. About the same time, a
considerable number were entrenching themselves on Long Island,
in order to support the royal cause. A detachment of the Jersey
militia was sent over, by whom they were disarmed, and their lead
ers secured.
The fourth provincial congress convened at White Plains on the
9th of July. This body took the title of " The Representatives of the
State of New York," and exercjsed all the powers of sovereignty,
imtil the establishment of the government under the constitution. On
the first day of their meeting, they received from the continental con
gress The Declaration of Independence. They immediately passed
an unanimous resolution, fully approving of the measure, and express
ing their determination at all hazards to support it. The convention,
on the 16th of July, on the motion of Mr. Jay, declared that all per
sons abiding in the state, and who were entitled to the protection of
the laws, Who should aid or abet its enemies, should on conviction
suffer death.
In 1776, it was expected that the enemy would make New York
their principal point of attack. Gen. Washington arrived in the city
on the 14th of April, and great exertions were made for putting the
f)lace in a posture of defence. On the 22d of August, Lord Howe
anded a force, estimated at 24,000 men, on Long Island, at Gravesend
bay. The Americans, amounting to 15,000, under the command of

38 OUTLINE HISTOEY.
Gen. Sullivan, were encamped on a peninsula near the village of
'Brooklyn. On the 27th, an obstmate battle was fought, and the Ameri
cans were compelled to retire to their entrenchments with great loss.
On the night of the 30th, a safe retreat was effected from the j^and.
On the 15th of September, the British took possession of New York,
the American troops having retired to Harlaem and King's ^^dge.
A few days after the British took possession, a fire broke out, in which
about one thousand houses were destroyed, being about one fourth
part of the city.
A large proportion of the distinguished and wealthy inhabitants of
the city of New York, and many in the adjacent country, were loy-
ahsts, and, of course, enemies to American independence. On the
arrival of the British army, the disaffected in this part of the state
and the neighboring parts of New Jersey, embodied themselves under
officers selected by themselves. Oliver de Lancey was appointed a
general, with authority to raise a brigade of tories, and a like com
mission was given to Courtland Skinner, of New Jersey. These
troops committed many murders and robberies on both sides of the
Hudson river, but more especially in Westchester county. The pro
vincial congress now adopted energetic measures. The " Council of
Safety" were empowered to send for persons and papers, and to em
ploy mihtary force. By its dread power numerous arrests, imprison
ments, and banishments, were made throughout the state. Many
tories and their families were sent into New York, others expelled the
state, others required to give security to reside within prescribed
limits ; and occasionally the jails, and even the churches, were crowded
with its prisoners, and many were sent for safe-keeping to the jails
of Connecticut. The personal property of those who had joined the
enemy was confiscated.
The American army being in point of numbers greatly inferior to
that of the British, General Washington drew off the main body of
his army from York Island, and encamped at White Plains. Lord
Howe advanced upon him with 15,000 men. An engagement ensued
on the 28th of October, but no decisive advantage was obtained ; the
Americans retired to a strong position on the heights of North Cas
tle, which the enemy declined to attack. General Washington, leav
ing about 7,500 men under General Lee to defend North Castle,
crossed the Hudson and continued his retreat to the southward. The
American army continuing to retire from New York, Sir William
Howe embraced the opportunity of reducing Fort Wasliington and
Fort Lee, on the Hudson. While these operations were going on in
the southern part of the state, the northern division of the army, vmder
General Gates, was engaged at the north in putting Ticonderoga in
a state of defence, and made preparations to secure the command of
Lake Champlain. General Arnold, who commanded the American
fleet, being pursued, was obliged, to blow up his vessels, and, after
firing the fortress at Crown Point, retreated to Ticonderoga. The
British general, Carlton, after reconnoitering the latter place, deemed
it prudent on the approach of winter to return to Canada.

OUTLINE HISTORY. 37
The state convention, driven from New York, convened from time
to time at Harlaem, King's Bridge, Philip's Manor, Fishkill, White
Plains, Poughkeepsie, and Kingston. On the 1st of August, 1776, a
committee was appointed to report a constitution. The draft of this
instrument, which was prepared by Mr. Jay, was reported on the
12th of March, and finally adopted on the 20th of April, 1777. It
was amended by convention in October, 1801, and superseded by the
present constitution in November, 1821. The constitution of 1777
was republican in its character. The supreme executive power was
vested in a governor and lieutenant-governor, who was to preside
over the senate, and perform the duties of the governor in case of
vacancy. The legislative power was vested in the senate and house
of assembly, who were to hold at least one session every year. The
governor and members of the senate and house of assembly, were
to be elected by the freeholders of the state of New York.
The returns of the first elections under the new constitution were
made to the Council of Safety, July 9th, 1777. General George
Chnton was chosen governor, and was sworn into office on the 30th
of the same month, at Kingston, being then in the active command of
the New York mihtia. He did not quit the field until after the defeat
of Burgoyne, but discharged such civil duties as devolved on him, by
correspondence with the Council of Safety. At the adoption of the
constitution, the state was divided into fourteen counties : New York,
Richmond, Kings, Queens, Suffolk, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange,
Ulster, Albany, Tryon, Charlotte, Cumberland, and Gloster ; the two
last form part of the present state of Vermont. The first six (except
part of Westchester and part of Orange) remained in possession of
the enemy until the peace, the highlands forming the great barrier to
his farther advance from the south.
The principal object of the British in the campaign of 1777, was
to open a communication between .the city of New York and Canada,
and to separate the New England from the other states. The plan
consisted of two parts : General Burgoyne, with the main body of
the army from Canada, was to advance by the way of Lake Cham
plain, and effect a junction, at Albany, with the royal army from New
York. A detachment pf British soldiers and a large body of Indians,
imder Colonel St. Leger, with a regiment of New York loyahsts,
under Sir John Johnson, were to ascend the St. Lawrence to Lake
Ontario, and penetrate towards Albany by way of the Mohawk river.
General Burgoyne, with an army of more than 7,000 men, exclusive
of a corps of artillery and a large body of Indians, invested Ticon
deroga on the 30th of June. This fortress was abandonded by
General St. Clair, on the approach of the enemy. The rear-guard
of the American army, consisting of 1,000 men, under Colonel War
ner, was overtaken and defeated at Hubbardston. General Schuyler,
who commanded at Fort Edward, was obliged to retire to Saratoga
before the superior force of the enemy. While the British were en
camped at Fort Edward, a detachment, imder Colonel Baum, was
sent to take possession of the American stores at Bennington, in the

38 OUTLINE HISTOEY.
New Hampshire grants. General Stark collected the militia m that
vicinity, and an obstinate engagement took place, in which the Britisn
were totally defeated. On the 3d of August, St. Leger, with about
1,800 men, invested Fort Schuyler, under the command of General
Gansevoort. He had a severe conflict with General Herkimer, who
was advancmg to the relief of the garrison, and was obliged to aban
don the siege and return to Montreal. General Burgoyne, havmg
advanced as far as Saratoga, found himself surrounded by a brave
army, from which he endeavored in vain to effect a retreat. In this
extremity, on the 17th of October, he was compelled to surrender his
whole army, consisting of more than 5,700 men, to General Gates.
During the operations at Saratoga, Sir Henry Clinton, with three
thousand men, proceeded up the Hudson, with the view of effecting
a diversion in favor of Burgoyne. On the 6th of October, he made
an attack on forts Montgomery and Clinton. These works were car
ried at the point of the bayonet, but most of the garrisons escaped.
Forts Independence and Constitution were evacuated, and General
Putnam, who had the command on the Hudson, retreated to Fishkill.
General Tryon on the following day burned Continental Village,
where considerable stores were deposited ; General Vaughan with a
strong detachment, proceeding up the river, devastated the settle
ments along its banks, burned the village of Kingston, and then em
barked for New York.
In the campaigns of 1778 and 1779, nothing decisive was effected ;
the British engaged in no enterprise of much importance, and appear
to have aimed at little more than to plunder and devastate the unpro
tected parts of the country. Many acts of cruelty were committed,
and a great amount of public and private property destroyed. The
main body of the American army was concentrated near West Point,
for the protection of that important fortress. General Clinton, having
seized the works at Verplanck's Neck and Stoney Point, General
Washington formed a design for their recovery. The reduction of
the fortress at Stoney Point by Gen. Wayne, by assault, on the 16th
of July, 1779, was one of the most bold and daring enterprises which
occurred during the war.
The Indians of the Six Nations (with the exception of the Oneidas
and a few others) had been induced by the presents and promises of
Sir John Johnson, and with the desire of plunder, to invade the fron
tiers, and wherever they went they carried slaughter and devasta
tion. To put a stop to these incursions, congress, in August, 1779,
sent General Sullivan with an army against them. Sullivan, with a
force of 3,000 men, marched from Easton, Pennsylvania, to Tioga
Point, where he was joined by General Clinton, who marched from
the Mohawk with a force of about one thousand men. The Indians
collected their forces, and took a strong position near Newtown, Tioga
county, determining to resist the advance of Sullivan. They stood
a cannonade for more than two hours, during which time they repelled
several assaults ; they were, however, compelled to give way and
abandon their works. Generals Sullivan and Cluiton penetrated with-

OUTLINE HISTORY. 39
out obstruction into the heart of the Seneca country, and spread deso
lation on every side. Eighteen towns and villages, besides hamlets
and detached habitations, were burnt. All their fields of corn, their
orchards and gardens, were entirely destroyed. By this summary
proceeding the ardor of the Indian warriors was damped, and their
inroads became much less frequent and destructive.
At the period of this expedition, different parts of the state suffered
severely from the depredations of detached parties of Indians. In
July, Colonel Brandt, with a party of Indians and royalists, burned
the Minisink settlement and took several prisoners. In August, the
Indians with their tory associates destroyed the settlements at Cana
joharie, and burnt a number of houses at Schoharie and Norman's
creek. In October, these irruptions were renewed, a great extent of
country about the Mohawk was laid waste, and many of the settlers
were killed or made prisoners.
During the year 1780 and 1781, the -operations of the war were
chiefly conducted in the southern states, the British occupying the
city of New York and its vicinity. In 1780, a plot, fraught with im
minent danger to the American cause, was happily discovered. Gen
eral Arnold having' solicited and obtained the command of West
Point, entered into a negotiation with Sir Henry Clinton, to deliver
that important fortress into the hands of the enemy. To facilitate
the correspondence, John Andre, the adjutant-general of the British
army, proceeded up the Hudson in the Vulture sloop-of-war, as near
West Point as practicable, without exciting suspicion. On the night
of September 21st, Andre went on shore in a boat, and met Arnold
on the beach. Failing to get on board the Vulture again, Andre at
tempted to return to New York by land, in disguise. Receiving a
passport from Arnold, he passed the guards and outposts without
suspicion. When about thirty miles from New York, he was met
by three militia-men, Paulding, Williams, and Van Wert, who, re
fusing the bribes which Andre offered, carried him to their command
ing officer. He was tried as a spy by a board of officers, condemned,
and executed.
The capture of Comwallis at Yorktown, Virginia, convinced the
British government of the impracticability of conquering the United
States. The provisional articles of peace between the two countries
were signed at Paris, November 30th, 1782. On the 19th of April,
1783, a formal proclamation of the cessation of hostilities was made
throughout the army, and the definitive treaty, acknowledging the
independence of the United States, was signed on the 30th of Sep
tember. The British troops evacuated New Yprk on the 25th of
November, and the Americans took possession the same day.
The termination of the revolutionary war, and the adoption of the
federal constitution in 1788, gave a new aspect to the affairs of the
country. During the war a considerable portion of New York was
in possession of the enemy, and many of its most fertile tracts open
to their ravages : many of the new settlements were broken up. On
the return of peace these were resumed, and many others commenced.

40 OUTLINE HISTORY.
which progressed with astonishing rapidity. Commerce, also, expe
rienced a rapid revival on the return of peace. In 1791, the exports
to foreign ports amounted to above two million five hundred thousand
dollars. In 1793, six hundred and eighty-three foreign vessels, and
one thousand three hundred ahd eighty-one coasting vessels, entered
the port of New York.
The controversy relative to the New Hampshire grants still con
tinued. Frequent application had been made by both parties to the
general congress for the interference of that body, but no decisive
result was obtained. In 1789, the legislature passed an act in order
to settle this controversy, and acknowledging the territory as an in
dependent state. Commissioners were mutually appointed, and in
1790, after a controversy of twenty-six yeafs, the subject was brought
to an amicable adjustment. In 1791, the new state was admitted into
the Union, with the name of Vermont.
In 1786, the state of New York, to quiet or put at rest certain an
tiquated claims of Massachusetts to a portion of her territory, granted
that state large tracts of vacant lands. These lands consisted of two
parts : one part comprehended all that part of the state lying west
of a line beginning at the north at the mouth of Great Sodus bay,
on Lake Ontario, and running thence southerly to the north line of
Pennsylvania, except one raile on the east side of Niagara river, and
the islands in that stream. This tract consisted of six milhons one
hundred and forty-four thousand acres, and was called the Genesee
Country. The other tract comprehended ten or twelve tovimships,
of six square miles each, embraced in the counties of Broome and
Tioga. These cessions embraced about 10,000 square miles, nearly
one fourth of the state, New York ceding every thing, save sove
reignty, to Massachusetts without an equivalent. The government
of Massachusetts sold the first tract to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel
Gorham, for one million of dollars, and the other to John Brown
and others, for three thousand three hundred dollars and some cents.
The " Military Lands" as they were called, were set apart by the
legislature, in 1782, for the officers and soldiers of the state of New
York, who should serve in the army of the United States till the end
of the war, according to law. The military tracts contained about
one milhon eight hundred thousand acres, comprehending, generally
speaking, the counties of Onondaga, Cortlandt, Cayuga, Tompkins,
and Seneca, and parts of the counties of Oswego and Wayne. Pre
vious to the cession made to Massachusetts, and the grant made to
the soldiers, the Indian title was not extinguished. Messrs. Phelps
and Gorham, and the government of New York, had to extinguish
these before settlements could be made. The first permanent settle
ment made in the western territory was by Hugh White, in 1784, in
company with four or five families from Connecticut, who seated
themselves at Whitestown, near Utica.
A party of emigrants, in 1790 or 1791, made a road through the
woods from the settlements of Whitestown to Canandaigua. Emigra
tion now increased from yek? to year. The winter was the season

OUTLINE HISTORY. 41
usually chosen for emigrating from New England to the western
countrJ^ Then, as the country was shaded by forest trees, there was
commonly snow enough for sleighing. In 1796, the British evac
uated forts Oswegatchie and Oswego, and immediately afterward set-
ments were begun at these places. In 1797 and 1798, settlements
were commenced at Lowville, Watertown, and Brownville, in the
counties of Lewis and Jefferson. , Settlements were now rapidly ex
tended on every side. The settlements along the great road from
Utica to Genesee river, were mostly connected by the year 1800, and
from that year the western country began to attain consequence in
the councils of the state.
In 1795, Governor Clinton, having for eighteen years discharged
the office of governor, declined a re-election on account of sustaining
the republican principle of rotation ih office. He was succeeded by
John Jay, who continued in the office till 1801, when Mr. Clinton
again accepted a re-election. In 1796, the legislature granted the
Oneida Indians an annuity of $5,552, in lieu of all former stipulations
for lands purchased in 1795 ; $2,300 to the Cayugas ; and $2,000 to
the Onondagas. A general organization act was passed in 1801,
dividing the state into thirty counties. Mr. Clinton, having been
elected vice-president of the United States, Morgan Lewis succeeded
him as governor, in 1804. Mr. Lewis was succeeded by Daniel
D. Tompkins, in 1807. Albany, the same year, was made the capi
tal of the state.
In 18l0, an act was passed by the legislature "for exploring the
route of an inland navigation from Hudson's river to Lake Ontario
and Lake Erie." Commissioners were appointed for this purpose,
who made a report the following year.* The subject now began to
excite general interest, and a bill being introduced by Mr. Clinton, an
act was passed, " to provide for the improvement of the internal navi
gation of the state." Commissioners were again appointed to solicit
* The first legislative movement with reference to a communication hke the present
canal between riie Hudson and Lake Erie, was brought about by the exertions of Mr.
Joshua Forman, then a member of assembly from Onondaga county, who proposed to the
House, February 4th, 1808, that " a joint committee be appointed, to take into consideration
the propriety of exploring and causing an accurate survey to be made of the most eUgible
and direct route for a canal, to open a communication between the tide waters of the Hud.
son and Lake Erie, to the end that congress may be enabled to appropriate such sums as
may be necessary to the accomplishment of that great object." " The proposition," saya
Gordon, in his very able Gazetteer, " was received by the House ' with such expressions of
surprise and ridicule, as are due to a very wild and fooUsh project.' It was fortunately,
however, firmly sustained by the proposer and his friends, and finally sanctioned upon the
principle, ' that it could do no hann and might do some good.' But the joint committee, pre.
possessed in favor of the Oswego route, directed the surveyor-general to cause a survey of
the rivers, streams, and waters in the usual route between Hudson river and Lake Erie, and
such other route as he might deem proper : shifting to the surveyor-general the responsi.
biUty of countenancing a project deemed absurd. Six hundred dollars, only, could be pro.
cured for the exploration.  When in January, 1809, Mr. Forman waited upon
President JeflTerson, and informed him that in view of his proposal to expend the surplus
revenues of the nation in making roads and canals, the state of New York had explored
the route of a canal from the Hudson to Lake Erie, and had found it practicable ; and when
he had described all the advantages anticipated, the president replied, ' that it was a very
fine project, and might be executed a century hence.' "
6

42 OUTLINE HISTORY.
aid from the congress of the United States. De Witt Chnton and
Governeur Morris were appointed to lay the subject before the gen
eral government. They proceeded to Washington, and presented a
memorial to congress ; but were unsuccessful in their application to
that body for assistance. In March, 1812, the commissioners again
made a report to the legislature, and insisted that now sound policy
demanded that the canal should be made by the state on her own
account. The subject was, however, soon after suspended by the
breaking- out of the war with Great Britain.
War having been declared in 1812, the attention of the Americans
was early directed to the invasion of Canada, and troops to the num
ber of eight or ten thousand were collected along the line for this
purpose. They were distributed into three divisions ; the northwest
ern army, under General Harrison ; the army of the centre, under
General Stephen Van Rensselaer, at Lewiston ; and the army of the
north, in the vicinity of Plattsburg, under General Dearborn, the
commander-in-chief. Great exertions were also made in preparing a
naval force upon the lakes, the command of which was intrusted to
Commodore Chauncey. About the 1st of October, Commodore Chaun
cey, with a body of seamen, arrived at Sacketts Harbor ; several
schooners which had been employed as traders on the lake were
purchased, and fitted out as vessels of war. Lieutenant Elliot was
despatched to Black Rock, to make arrangements there for building a
naval force superior to that of the enemy on Lake Erie.
On the 13th of October, a detachment of one thousand men under
Colonel Van Rensselaer crossed the Niagara river at Lewiston, and
attacked the British on the heights of Queenston. They succeeded
in dislodging the enemy, but not being reinforced from the American
side, as was expected, were afterward repulsed, and compelled to
surrender. During the ensuing winter, the operations of the war on
the New York frontier were mostly suspended. Some skirmishing
took place along the St. Lawrence ; but the opposing enemies being
divided by a barrier of ice, not sufficiently strong to admit of the
transportation of artillery, no enterprise of importance was attempted.
In April, 1813, General Dearborn made dispositions for a descent
upon York, the capital of Upper Canada. The enterprise was com
mitted to a detachment of one thousand seven hundred men, under
the command of General Pike, assisted by the fleet under the com
mand of Commodore Chauncey. General Pike was killed in the
attack, but the place, with large quantities of military stores, fell into
the hands of the Americans. Commodore Chauncey having returned
with the fleet to Fort Niagara, it was immediately resolved to make a
descent upon Fort George, situated upon the opposite shore. An
attack was made on the 27th of May, and after a short contest the
place fell into the hands of the Americans.
During these operations of the Americans, several enterprises were
undertaken by the enemy. About the last of May, a detachment of
about one thousand British soldiers, under Sir George Prevost, made
an attack on Sacketts Harbor, but were repulsed with considerable

OUTLINE HISTOEY. 43
loss. On the 10th of September, Commodore Perry captured the
British fleet on Lake Erie. The operations on Lake Ontario were
less decisive. During the latter part of summer and autumn, frequent
skirmishes took place, but no important advantage was obtained by
either party. After the victory on Lake Erie, great preparations
were made for the conquest of Montreal. This object was to be
effected by two divisions under Generals Wilkinson and Hampton,
wjio were to effect a junction on the St. Lawrence. The division
tmder Wilkinson moved down the river early in November ; on the
11th, a severe but indecisive engagement with the enemy took place
at Williamsburg. General Hampton made a short incursion into
Canada, but no junction was effected. The enterprise against Mon
treal was abandoned, and the troops retired to winter quarters at
French Mills, near St. Regis. Fort George was evacuated and blown
up by the Americans. In December, the British crossed over above
Fort Niagara, and took that place by storm. After the capture of the
fort, they proceeded up the river and burnt Lewiston, Youngstown,
Manchester, and the Indian village of Tuscarora. On the 30th, a de
tachment of the British crossed over near Black Rock. They were
feebly opposed by the militia, who soon gave way, and were totally
routed. Having set fire to Black Rock, the enemy advanced to
Buffalo, which they laid in ashes, thus completing the desolation of
the Niagara frontier.
Early in July, 1814, Fort Erie was taken by the Americans, and
during the same month sanguinary battles were fought at Chippewa
and Bridgewater. On the 1 1th of September, Sir George Prevost,
with an army of fourteen thousand men, made a descent upon Platts
burg, and after a severe engagement was compelled to retire with
great loss. The British fleet, under Commodore Downie, was cap
tured by Commodore Macdonough, on the same day. The war
was terminated by the treaty of Ghent, signed by the commissioners
of both countries, December 24th, 1814, and ratified by the president
and senate on the 17th of the following February.
On the termination of the war, the consideration of the great plan
for the internal navigation of the state was resumed. During the
session of 1817, a memorial was presented, signed by upwards of
one hundred thousand citizens, calling upon the legislature to pass
laws for the commencement and execution of the proposed canals.
An act was accordingly passed, and large appropriations made for
this purpose. The Erie and Champlain canals were immediately
commenced and vigorously prosecuted. The Erie canal, from Al
bany to Buffalo, was completed in 1825, at an expense of about eight
millions of dollars, and is one of the most magnificent works of the
kind ever constructed. The Champlain canal; seventy-one miles in
length, was completed in 1823, at an expense of $875,000.
In 1817, Governor Tompkins was chosen vice-president of the Uni
ted States, and De Witt Clinton was elected to succeed him as gov
ernor of New York. In 1822, Mr. Clinton declining a re-election, he
was succeeded by Joseph C. Yates. During this year, (1822,) the

44 ALBANY COUNTY.
constitution of the state having been revised by a convention at Al
bany the preceding year, was accepted by the people in January. In
1824, De Witt Clinton was again re-elected to the office of governor.
He died suddenly, February 11th, 1828, and the duties of his office
devolved on Nathaniel Pitcher, the lieutenant-governor. Martin
Van Buren was next elected governor. He entered on the duties of
the office on the 1st of January, 1829, which, after holding for three
months, he resigned. He was succeeded by Enos T. Tbroop, who
exercised the office of governor from 1829 to 1833, when he was suc
ceeded by William L. Marcy. Governor Marcy was succeeded in
the office of governor by William H. Seward, in 1837.
In the year 1839, an outbreak took place among the tenants on the
Rensselaer estate. A body of the Anti-Renters, (as they were call
ed,) convened at Berne on the fourth of July, and determined to
refuse the payment of rent. The Sheriff, and some other public of
ficers were resisted, and in some instances ba*ely escaped with their
lives. The Anti-Renters while engaged in these proceedings were
disguised as Indians and great difficulty was found by the officers of
justice in identifying the persons of these disturbers of the public
peace. A military force was called out, and the difficulties were ap
parently suppressed. But the rebellious spirit was only smothered
for a short period. The Anti-Renters soon met as usual, and effected
a kind of organised resistance to the execution of the laws.
In 1843, Gov. Seward was succeeded in the office of Governor, by
William C. Bouck. During his administration, on the 20th of De
cember, two persons were killed by the Anti-Renters in Rensselaer
County. In 1845, Gov. Bouck was succeeded in office by Silas
Wright. The Anti-Renters still continued their disturbances and on
the 7th of August, 1845, Dep. Sheriff Steele was murdered at Andes,
while serving a process of law. Gov. Wright now declared Dela
ware County to be in a state of insurrection ; a military force was
ordered on to the scene of disorder ; a large number of the Anti-Ren
ters were seized and imprisoned. Two of the ring leaders were
sentenced to death ; but subsequently this punishment was commut
ed to imprisonment for life.

ALBANY COUNTY. 4?

ALBANY COUNTY.
Albany county was originally organized in 1683 ; but its limits
have since been greatly altered. In the year 1768, there were but ten
counties in the state, viz : New York, Westchester, Dutchess, Orange,
Ulster, Albany, Richmond, Kings, Queens, and Suffolk. This county
then embraced the whole of the territory of New York lying north of
Ulster and west of the Hudson river, as well as all northward of Dutch
ess on the east side of the Hudson. Its greatest length now is 28, and
greatest breadth 21 miles.
The surface and soil are very much diversified. Along the Hudson
are alluvial flats, nowhere exceeding a mile in width, susceptible in
some places of high cultivation. From these flats, the surface rises
abruptly 140 feet, and thence gradually westward to the mountains.
On the Mohawk, the land is broken, rugged, and naturally sterile ; on
the west are the Helderberg Hills, precipitous and craggy, with a soil
of calcareous loam. Centrally the county consists of undulating
grounds and plains, with small -marshes and tracts of cold, wet sands
and clay, but which of late years have been greatly fertilized by gyp
sum, converting the piny and sandy desert into fragrant clover and
fruitful wheat fields. StiU, large tracts in this county are unimproved
and perhaps unimprovable ; but the greater portion is productive of
wheat, of which a large surplus is annually sent to the New York
market. The country is well watered by streams which, flowing
from the highlands, empty into the Hudson, affording valuable hydrau
lic power.
In many parts of the county both limestone and graywacke are ex
tensively quarried for building ; and many of the locks on the Erie ca
nal, near Albany, are constructed of the former. Mineral springs
abound. At the village of Coeymans is one containing sulphate of
magnesia, muriate of lime, iron, sulphureted hydrogen, and carbonic
acid gas. Sulphureted hydrogen springs abound in every direction.
The county is divided into 10 towns, viz :
Albany city, Coeymans, New Scotland, Westerlo.
Berne, Guilderland, Rensselaerville,
Bethlehem, Knox, Watervliet,
Albany, the capital of New York, and the oldest city, and next to
Jamestown the eariiest European settlement within the original thir
teen United States, lies in 42° 39' 3" N. lat., and 3° 12' E. Ion., from
Washington. It received its present name in the year 1664, in honor
of James, duke of York and Albany, who afterward mounted the
throne of England as James II. Its original Indian name was
Scagh-negh-ta-da, signifying "the end of the pine woods," and this

4(( ALBANY COUNTY.
name for the same reason was applied by the aborigines to the site
of the city of Schenectady, where it is yet retained with a slight va
riation in the orthography. The Dutch named Albany "Beaver-
wyck," [i. e. Beaver-town,] and afterward, " Willemstadt." It was
never known as Fort Orange, or Urania, as has been asserted ; but
the fort only was called Fort Orange.* Albany was probably never
visited by a white man till Sept., 1610, when Hendricke Chrystance,
who was sent up the river by Henry Hudson to explore the country,
first landed here; and as far as can be learned from tradition and
some documentary evidence, he landed somewhere in the present
North Market street. In that or the succeeding year, a party of
the Dutch built a blockhouse on the north point of Boyd's Island, a
short distance below the Albany ferry.
This house was erected for a two-fold purpose ; first, to open a
trade with the Indians for furs ; the next, to secure themselves against
any sudden attack from the savages. But it was soon demolished,
for the next spring's freshet and ice swept the whole of it away.
This party then chose a hill, subsequently called " Kiddenhooghten"-\
within two miles of Albany, for the erection of another trading-
house. The Indians called this hill " Ta-wass-a-gun-shee," or the
" Look-out Hill." Not long afterward, this spot was abandoned,
and a more convenient post selected. The place last chosen was in
the vicinity of the house now called " Fort Orange Hotel," in South
Market street. The Dutch there erected a Fort, " mounting eight
stone pieces"X and called it " Fort Orange."
Until after the year 1625, the Dutch did not contemplate making
any permanent settlements in this state. They merely visited the
country in the autumn and winter, with a view to the fur trade
with the Indians, returning in the spring to Holland, or "Vader-
landt." But in that year, the Dutch West India Company first en
tertained the idea of colonizing their newly discovered territories in
America, and accordingly offered large appropriations of land to
such families as should " settle" in their colony of New Netherlands.
This soon brought many over, and from that period till 1635, several
of our most respectable Dutch families arrived ; among them were the
ancestors of the Van Schelluyne, Quackenboss, Lansing, Bleeker,
Van Ness, Pruyn, Van Woert, Wendell, Van Eps, and Van Rensse
laer families.
It does not appear that any stone or brick building was erected
here (the fort excepted) until the year 1647, when, according to
* For most of the statements given respecting the early history of Albany, the authors
are indebted to the " Historical Reminiscences," published in the American Journal, 1835.
t Kiddenhooghten, or Kidds-heights or hill, received its name about the year 1701; and,
according to tradition, in memory of the pirate Kidd, so celebrated " in song and story,"
who it is supposed concealed much of his ill-gotten treasure in the vicinity. It is, however,
doubted whether Kidd ascended the Hudson as far as Albany.
X According to Mr. Vander Kempt, the translator of our Dutch records, they were called
" Stien-gestucken," or stone pieces, because they were loaded with stone instead of iron
hall. They were formed of long and strong iron bars, longitudinally laid, and bound with
iron hoops, and were of immense caUber.

ALBANY COUNTY.

47

a "letter from Commissary De la Montagnie" to the Dutch gov
ernor at New Amsterdam, (New York,) a stone building was erected
near the fort, and he complains of the " enormous libations" upon
the occasion of celebrating its completion : " No less" (he says)
"than 8 ankers (128 gallons) of brandy were consumed."
About 100 years since, Albany was protected against sudden ir
ruptions from the Indians by the erection of palisades,* part of the
remains of which were visible within the last forty years. Barrack
(now Chapel) street, was the principal place for business. The gov
ernment of the city was extremely rigid, and often cruel ; it bore
the character more of a military despotism than that of a civil po-
hce ; heavy penalties were imposed for the least infraction of the
laws regulating the trade with the Indians, and many families conse
quently ruined. This severity drove some of the "traders" to the
Schenectady flats, where they intercepted a considerable portion of
the fur on its way to Albany, and which occasioned for many years
the most bitter animosities between the inhabitants of both places.
The circulating medium then in Use consisted principally of sewant,
or wampum.
Ministers of the reformed religion were regularly sent out from
Holland to the colony. In 1657, the Rev. Gideon Schaats sailed
from Amsterdam for this colony, and about the same time the Dutch
West India Company wrote a letter, stating that they would send a
bell and a pulpit, " for the inhabitants of Fort Orange, and of the vil- '
lage of Beaverwick, for their newly constructed little church." In

Ancient Dutch Church, Albany.
1715, this church becariie too small for the congregation, and the
proprietors adopted a singular mode of enlarging it. Beyond and
on every side of the ancient building, they sunk a new stone wall ;

* These palisades consisted of large pieces of timber in close contact with each other,
driven endwise into the ground, and gates or openings were made at suitable intervals,
which were closed at night.

48 ALBANY COUNTY.
on this foundation they raised a larger structure. Haviiig thus com
pletely enclosed the first church, they took it down and removed the
whole, with only the loss of public worship for three sabbaths. The
new edifice, which had been constructed in this manner, was one
story high, of Gothic appearance, having its windows richly orna
mented with coats of arms. This church, of which the preceding en
graving is a representation, stood about ninety-two years hi the open
area formed by the angle of State, Market, and Court streets. It
was taken down m 1806, and the stone of which it was constructed
was used in the erection of the South Dutch Church, between Hud
son and Beaver streets. Fort Orange, on the river bank, appears to
have been but a slight fortification. In 1639, a complaint was
made by the commandant of the fort to Gov. Stuyvesant, stating
" that the fort was in a miserable state of decay, and that the hogs
had destroyed a part of it." A later work built of stone was, erected
on the river hill, at the west end of State-street. The Enghsh Church
was just below it, at the west end of a market.
As has been stated, the government of Beaverwick, or Albany,
while under the Dutch rule was rigid and arbitrary. It was in the
hands of three or more " commissaries," appointed by the governor
and council, who usually held their offices for one year. Without the
permission of the commissaries, no one was allowed to build houses,
buy or sell, or to establish manufactories, stores, shops, taverns, or
beer-houses. In 1647, Jan La Battle applied for permission "to
build a brewery," which was granted " on Ins paying yearly six beav
ers, a duty of perhaps of about eighty dollars. The duties were
generally farmed out, or sold at auction ; and during this year and
several years afterward, the duties on beer in Beaverwick Exceeded
eight hundred dollars. The fines imposed for the violation of ordi
nances were generally distributed in the sentence in this way : " one
third to the church, one third to the pubhc, and one third to the
attorney-general." " Professor Kalm, who visited Albany in 1749, has left us some facts. All the people
then understood Dutch. All the houses stood gable end to -the street;' the ends were of
brick, and the side walls of planks or logs. The gutters on the roofs went out almost to
the middle of the street, greatly annoying travellers in their discharge. At the stoopes
(porches) the people spent much of their time, especially on the shady side ; and in the
evenings they were filled with both sexes. The streets were dirty by.reason of the cattle
possessing their fi'ee use during the summer nights. They had no knowledge of stoves,
and their chimnies were so wide that one could drive through them with a cart and horses.
Many people still made wampum to sell to Indians and traders. Dutch manners every
where prevailed ; but their dress in general was after the English form. They were re
garded as close in traffic ; were very fi'ugal in their house economy and diet. Their
women were over-nice in cleanHness, scouring floora and kitchdn iitensils several times a
week ; rising very early and going to sleep very late. Their servants were chiefly negroes.
Their breakfast was tea without milk, using sugar by putting a small bit into tpe mouth.
Their dinner was buttermilk and bread ; and if to that they added sugar, it was deemed
delicious." — Watson's Sketches of Olden Times in New York;
Albany was incorporated as a city, under Governor Dongan's
administration, in 1686. The charter limits were one mile on the
river, and extended northwest to the north line of the manor of Rens
selaer, and retaining that width thirteen and a half miles ; the fee simple

J W Baahfr del

s-SoTiBiriiffii AiMi^T^iFiK^wMmmissm'SM'm-wMm&r.

Sh,enntOi & Smitti. fc ^ .Y.

T//e (it!/ ane/ Steite lir/h eatJi sn/mi'untei/ mlA a dome, are seen towermt/ a/'pir the ether huMnii/s en the hiU <>n vhieh Alhd/ii/ is mf.ttti/ huh. The
,ntre/riee cf fhe Ene Can^J is seen, m the ne/ht, tjie Seuth nr ffreenJ/ush Fern/ lam/uu/. pri the /eh

ALBANY COUNTY.

49

of which was vested in the corporation. Its bounds were enlarged
by the addition of part of the small town of Colonie, in 1815, which
now forms the fifth ward. The government of the city is now lodged
in a mayor, recorder, ten aldermen, and ten assistant aldermen, who
are annually elected on the first Tuesday of May. The plat on which
the city is built is uneven. A low alluvial flat extends along the river
from fifteen to one hundred rods wide ; west of which rises abruptly
a hill of clay and sand, in the first half mile one hundred and fifty-
three feet, and in the next about sixty-seven feet high; from this
summit the countiry extends in nearly an even plain to Schenectady.
The position of Albany, necessarily makes it a great thoroughfare.
The completion of the canals has given it a great commercial im
portance, making it the entrepot for a great proportion of the pro
ducts destined for the New York market. To accommodate this
trade, a basin has been constructed by the citizens on the river, in
which all the northern and western canal boats are received. It
consists of part of the river included between the shore and a pier
eighty feet wide, and four thousand three hundred feet long. The
pier contains about eight acres, on which stores have been built, and
where immense quantities of lumber and other articles of trade are
deposited. The basin has ah area of thirty-two acres.

State and City Halls, Albany.
The above is a west view of the State and City Halls, the fronts
of which face the Academy Park, a small section of which appears
on the left. The building on the right is the City Hall, constructed
of white marble, hewed out by the state prisoners, at Sing Sing, and
distinguished above all other edifices in this coimtry by its gilded
dome, like the Invalides at Paris. It was completed in December, 1832.
In the rotimda of this building there is a statue of Hamilton, a copy
of that by Greenough, in the Merchants' Exchange, destroyed by the
great fire in New York, in 1835. There are also two designs in bass-
relief, executed by W. Coffee, at the cost of the citizens, commemora
tive of De Witt Clinton and Sir Walter Scott. A bust of each is
4

50

ALBANY COUNTY.

introduced in the designs; that of Clinton is surrounded by figures,
representing Commerce, Agriculture, Science, a canal lock, &c. The
bust of Scott is accompanied with a female figure, presenting a volume
inscribed " Marmion ;" the words « Minstrel" and " Waverly" appear
on a scroll below ; the Genius of History, Fame, and the emblems of
death and immortality, are also introduced. The New State Hall, par
tially seen on the left, was commenced in 1835. It covers an area of
one hundred and thirty-eight by eighty-eight feet, and is sixty-five feet
in height. The materials of the building are brick and stone ; the
exterior faced with marble, from Mount Pleasant ; the ceilings arei
arched with brick, and the whole fire-proof. This edifice contains
the offices of the secretary of state, comptroller, treasurer, attorney-
general, surveyor-general, &c.

''^•-1?*.' ujf\]J: '¦\ '!.y: ¦•¦¦¦'¦ W,fJ

East View of the Capitol at Albany.
Tjie above is an eastern view of the capitol, situated at the head
of State-street, one hundred and -thirty feet above the level of the
river. It is substantially built of stone, at an expense of $120,000, of
which the city corporation paid $34,000. The hall of the repre
sentatives and the senate chamber, each contain full length portraits
of Washington, and of several governors of the state. The Academy
is on the north, side of the public square ; is a fine building, con
structed of Nyac stone, three stories high and ninety feet front;
cost, at the city charge, $90,000, exclusive of the site and some im
portant donations. The Albany Institute has commodious apartments
in the Academy. Its library contains about two thousand volumes,
and its museum more than ten thousand specimens in geology,
mineralogy, botany, coins, engravings, casts, &c. It publishes its
transactions from time to time, and has a high reputation abroad.
The Albany Female Academy, is a beautiful building, erected by a
company incorporated February, 1821 ; this institution has a high
reputation. The Exchange, Stanwix Hall, the Museum, and several
7

ALBANY COUNTY. 51
of the churches, are fine buildings. The Atheneum was established
in 1827 ; the Albany Library, established in 1792, and now connected
with the Atheneum, has about nine thousand volumes.
There are six banks, viz : — Bank of Albany, incorporated in 1792 ;
capital, $240,000. New York State Bank, incorporated 1803 ; capi
tal, $369,600. Mechanics and Farmers' Bank, incorporated 1811;
capital, $442,000. Commercial Bank, incorporated 1825 ; capital,
$300,000. Canal Bank, incorporated 1829; capital, $300,000. Al
bany City Bank, incorporated 1834 ; capital, $500,000. The Albany
Savings Bank was incorporated in 1820.
There are 25 churches : 4 Presbyterian ; 1 Associate do. ; 3 Dutch
Reformed ; 4 Methodist Episcopal ; 1 Protestant Methodist ; 1 Color
ed do. ; 3 Baptist ; 1 Colored do; ; 2 Catholic ; 3 Episcopalian ; 1
Friends ; 1 Universalist. Population 33,663. Albany is distant from
New York 148 miles ; from Washington city, 376 ; Philadelphia,
237; Boston, 171; Hartford, 92; Montreal, 247 ; Quebec, 394;
Detroit, 664 ; Buffalo via Utica by land, 296 ; via Cherry Valley, 282 ;
by the canal, 363.
Upon the northern bounds of the city is the mansion house of the
late Stephen Van Rensselaer, Esq., the patroon of the manor of Rens
selaerwyck. It is almost entirely surrounded by a thick forest of trees,
giving it an unusually retired aspect. " The name of this gentleman
can scarcely be mentioned without a passing tribute to his merit.
Blessed with great wealth, which so frequently, leads to selfish egotism
and exclusiveness, he has through life been distinguished as an active
and efficient public man ; bestowing his personal services and his for
tune, to the encouragement of every species of improvement in litera
ture, science, and art. His name, as a benefactor, is associated with
most of the charitable and scientific institutions of the state ; and he
has perhaps done more than any other citizen to foster agriculture
and internal improvements."
Rensselaerville is a village of about 1,000 inhabitants, 150 houses,
4 churches, and 7 stores, 24 miles SW. of Albany. Coeymans vil
lage, 12 miles below Albany, contains 2 churches, 100 dwellings, and
about 700 inhabitants. There are several extensive brick yards in this
place, which has a convenient steamboat landing.
The flourishing manufacturing village of Cahoes is situated near
the falls, on the bank of the Mohawk, within a short distance of the
junction of the Erie and Champlain canals. The water-power devel
oped here is very great, and the advantages of this position for manu
facturers are among the best in the state.
" The Cahoes Falls, in full view of the village, and seen with special advantage from
the bridge, have a total descent of 78 feet, and a perpendicular pitcii of about 40. Above
the cataract, the bank on the left has nearly 100 tjet perpendicular elevation, and below,
170 feet. On the right above the pitch, th||&ahk is low ; but below it, the shore is be
tween 80 and 90 feet high ; below the faljjproe river runs in a deep, rocky, and broken
bed for a short distance, expanded into the'placM pool formed by the state dam, and glides
over that dam in one lovely sheet of about ^jFa mUe in length, whose gentle fall of 7
feet makes a pleasant contrast with the gfeiit c^.t^racfr^bove. In floods, the whole bed
at the latter is covered with water, which descends in one unbroken torrent about 900 feet
wide. At such seasons, the high rocky barriers which confine the stream, the roar of the

52 ALBANY COUNTY.
\
cataract, the dashing of the troubled waters as they descend the rapids, and the striking
assimilation of the torrent with the wilderness above, give to the scene unusual sub
limity." West Troy, incorporated in 1836, comprising Gibbonsville, Wa-
tei:vliet, and Port Schuyler, is situated upon the Hudson, opposite
Troy. A communication is constantly kept up with it by ferries, and
a fine macadamized road 6 miles in length along the river connects it
with Albany. A valuable water-power is derived from the Junction
canal, and used at the arsenal and other works. The village has,. by
the census of 1840, a population of 4,607; and enjoying all the ad
vantages of navigation possessed by Troy, grows rapidly. The Uni
ted States arsenal, located here, comprises several extensive buildings
of stone and brick, in which there are a large quantity of arms, with
workshops for their repair. Among the cannon are some pieces
taken at Saratoga and at Yorktown ; others, presented to the United
States by Louis XVI., with some cast in New York and Philadelphia
during the revolution. A suburb of Troy, called North Troy, has been
laid out upon Tibbet's island, upon which is the railroad depot.
At Niskayuna there is a small society of Shakers, which was
established here in September, 1776, by Ann Lee. They own 2,000
acres of good land, well cultivated, and divided into four farms, on
each of which is a family, the whole amounting to about 80 persons
of both sexes and all ages. From a very small beginning, the society
has grown into several communities, the largest of which is established
at New Lebanon, Columbia county.
Ann Lee, or " Mother Ann," (as she is usually called,) was born
at Manchester, England. About the year 1758, she joined herself to
the society of Shakers, so called from the singular tremblings and
shakings with which these people were affected at their religious
meetings. According to the account given by her biographer, she
passed through great trial and distress of mind for the space of nine
years, during which period she had many visions and revelations.
She set herself up as a religious teacher, arid soon collected a num
ber of followers, who beheved her to be the " elect lady," spoken
of in the 2d of John. After having been imprisoned in England and
confined in a madhouse, she set sail for America, in the spring of
1774, with a number of her followers ; particularly, Abraham Stan
ley, her husband, Wilham Lee, her brother, James Whitaker, and
John Hocknell ; and arrived at New York the following August. It
appears that Mother Ann remained in New York nearly two years,
and then went to Albany, and thence, in the following September, to
Niskayuna. In 1781, she began a progress through various parts of
the country, particularly of New England, which lasted, we are told,
about two years and four months. She died in 1784.

ALLEGANY COUNTY.

53

ALLEGANY COUNTY.
Allegany county was taken from Genesee in 1806. It is 44
miles long, 28 wide, being part of the tract ceded to Massachusetts.
The two western tiers of towns are within the Holland Land Com
pany's purchase. The Genesee river flows through the county by a
deep channel, depressed from five hundred to eight hundred feet below
the higher hills. By an act passed in 1828, this river was declared
a public highway from Rochester to the Pennsylvania hne. The soil
is of a good quality, there being extensive tracts of alluvion, and the
uplands embrace a variety. The northern part is best for grain, but
as a whole it is belter for grazing. Wheat and corn thrive well in
the valley and on the river flats. Of the former, twenty-five bushels
an acre are an average crop, and of the latter forty. On the upland,
corn, rye, potatoes, oats, and buckwheat, are productive crops. The
growth of forest trees being heavy, lumbering is carried on exten
sively. The Rochester and Olean canal, chartered in 1836, and now
constructing, enters the county at Portage and terminates at Olean, in
the adjoining county of Cattaraugus. The line of the Erie railroad
also passes through it. The county contains 30 towns, viz.,

Alfred,

Bolivar,

Allen,

' Burns,

Almond,

Caneadea,

Amity,

Centerville,

Andover,

Clarksville,

Angelica,

Cuba,

Belfast,

Eagle,

Birdsall,

Friendship,

Genesee,
Granger, Grove,
Hume, Independence,
New Hudson,
Nunda,
Ossian,

Pike,Portage, Rushford,Scio,
West Almond,
Wirt.

Angelica village, 52 miles S. from Batavia, and 250 W. from Albany,
is the county seat. The village contains about 130 dwellings, 4
churches, a bank, and 2 printing offices. About three miles SW. of
the village is the seat of Philip Church, Esq., the first settler of the
county in 1804. The town and village are named after his mother,
Mrs. Angelica Church, the eldest daughter of Gen. Philip Schuyler.
The vihage of Nunda Valley, about 18 miles NE. from Angehca,
on the line of the Genesee Valley canal, contains ujiwards of 100
dwellings, 3 churches, and 10 stores. This place was first settled
about 1826, and is located in a fertile country. Cuba village, about
15 miles SW. of Angelica, contains about 100 dwellings. Portage-
ville,' on the west side of the Genesee, near the " Falls," contains about
100 dwellings, 4 churches, and 8 or 10 stores, a number of mills, &c.
This place is situated in the vicinity of the gorge of the Genesee,
celebrated for its wild grandeur, also for the exhibition of enterprise
and skill in the construction of a tunnel for the canal through the solid
rock, which here bounds thS valley of the Genesee. "There are
three distinct falls on the river, respectively sixty, ninety, and one
hundred and ten feet high, within the space of two miles, each differ-

54

ALLEGANY COUNTY.

ing in character, and each having peculiar beauties. Although the
cascades are highly admirable, they are almost disregarded in the
wonder and fear caused by the stupendous perpendicular walls of the
river, rising to four hundred feet in height, and extending along the
stream for three miles, with almost as much regularity as if constructed
by art. To this great depth the river has worn its bed in the sohd
rock, in turns as short and graceful, as if winding through the softest
meadow."

Pass of the Genesee at Portage Falls.
The above is a representation of the gorge, at that point where'the
river, coming from the south, takes a sudden and abrupt bend to the
east. It IS situated below the middle and upper falls ; both of which
are in lull sight from near this point. The spectator is supposed to
be standing in the valley, and looking eastwardly in the direction of
the lower falls, which are about a mile and a half distant. Imme
diately in front rise massy, perpendicular rocks, to the height of four
hundred ieet, their summits crowned with gigantic pines and hem-

ALLEGANY COUNTY. 55
locks, the aged sentinels of an hundred years. In the perspective,
the river meanders along its' rocky bed, until finaUy lost to the view
behind projecting precipices. Far in the distant' horizon is seen the
hills of the Cashaqua, and to the right " Hornby Lodge," standing on
the verge of the precipice, resembling an ancient chateau ; its rude,
gothic architecture in keeping with the wildness of the situation.
The sketch for the above engraving was taken at the close of the
year. Winter had thrown her snowy mantle upon the face of na
ture. The huge evergreens and naked limbs of the other forest trees
were enveloped in their dtapery of white ; iinniense icicles hung
from the rocks ; while the blue of the distant hills, contrasting with
the icy splendor and sublimity of the foreground, combined to render
it a scene of indescribable grandeur. Some years since, a party of
surveyors cut down an immense pine, standing on the verge of the
precipice. It turned one somerset in its descent, and struck its butt
perpendicularly upon the rocky bottom of the gorge. Every limb
fell to the earth with the shock. It stood for a moment, a tall, limb
less trunk, quivered, and fell with a crash.
The tunnel, eleven hundred and eighty feet in length, to which al
lusion has been made, commences at a point on the southern side of
the gorge, about six hundred feet east of the lodge, and has a south
western termination near the middle falls. The following description
of this work, and the " lodge," is from an interesting series of letters,
entitled " Midsummer Rambles," published in the New York Com
mercial Advertiser in the summer and autumn of 1840. " The trunk
of the tunnel is to be twenty-seven feet wide and twenty feet high.
Fortunately, the character of the rock (sandstone) is favorable to the
progress of the work. « The contractor for this section is Elisha
Johnson, Esq., formerly mayor of Rochester, and one of its most
enterprising citizens. Mr. Johnson commenced this vast excavation
last year, first running a shaft or ' heading' five and a half feet near
est the roof, and of the entire width required, through the whole length
of the tunnel. One of the latera| drifts, for the introduction of air
and light from the river brink to the main tunnel, had also been pre
viously completed," the opening to which is seen in the engraving
on the rock in front of the " Lodge."
" The entire excavation of this tunnel, including the gallery, shaft,
and lateral drifts, will amount to more than twenty-five thousand cubic
yards, for which the price paid is four dollars per yard. This, how
ever, will not, by a great amount, cover the entire cost of the tunnel ;
for since the excavation has been commenced, such is the character
of the rock^-thrown together apparently by nature in loose masses
and blocks — that it now appears that the entire roof and sides of the
tunnel will require arching with solid mason work. Indeed, tempo
rary arches of wood have been found necessary during the progress
of almost every successive yard of the work. It is by far the great
est undertaking of the kind that has been attempted in our country.
" Perceiying, at the outset, that his contract would require a long
time for its completion, Mr. Johnson, whose daily presence was

56 BROOME COUNTY.
necessary, wisely determined, to surround himself by his family. He
accordingly prepared ' a lodge' for them in the ' wilderness.' The site
selected is wild and picturesque in a high degree. It stands upon a
small plain or table, upon the highest verge of the precipitous bank of
the river so often adverted to, a few yards only from the edge, which
juts out, and almost impends over the abyss, threatening to descend
and overwhelm all that may be below. The site of the building-is
near the southwestern entrance of the tunnel. Facing that direction, a
full view is presented of the chasm of the river, and the upper and mid
dle falls ; the roar of which is incessant, and the ascending clouds of
vapor of which form objects of ever-varying and incessant inter,est and
beauty. ' Hornby Lodge' is the name of Mr. Johnson's castle, and the
grounds around it — purposely kept as wild as nature herself has made
them — are called ' Tunnel Park.^

BROOME COUNTY.
Broome county, named after Lieut. Gov. Broome, was taken from
Tioga in 1806. Length, on the Pennsylvania line, 37 miles ; breadth,
on the Tioga boundary 28, on the Delaware 13, and midway 17 miles.
Centrally distant from New York, northwest, 252, and from Albany,
southwest, 145 miles. The surface of the country is broken and
mountainous. Among its principal elevations are the Cookquago, th^e
Oquago, and the Randolph mountains. The valleys bordering on its
numerous streams are extensive and fertile, producing large quantities
of wheat. The soil is generally better adapted to grazing than the
culture of grain. Fruit succeeds well. The inhabitants are principally
farmers, and its agriculture is respectable. The Chenango canal en
ters the county on the north, follows down the valley of the Chenango
river, and enters the Susquehannah river at Binghamton. The line of
the Erie railroad passes through the county. The county is divided
into 11 towns, viz. :
Barker, Conklin, Sandford, Vestal,
Chenango, Lisle, Triangle, Windsor.
Colesville, Nanticoke, Union,
The village of Binghamton, formerly called Chenango Point, the
shire village of the county, was incorporated in 1813, 1824, and 1834.
It derived its present name from Wilham Bingham, a munificent bene
factor of the village in its infant state. This gentleman was possessed
of a large estate, and was the proprietor of a large patent of land lying
on both sides of the Susquehannah, including the site of the village.
Mr. Bingham was a native of England, and came to this country when
a young man, and went into the mercantile business in Philadelphia.
He was a member of congress for some years while it held its sessions
at Philadelphia. His two daughters married, the one Alexander, the
other Henry Baring, two noted .bankers in London. Mr. Bingham
died in London in 1804. .

BECOME COUNTY.

57

Western View of Binghamton.
The above shows the appearance of the village as it is entered
from the west side of Chenango river, by the red bridge, (so called,)
which is 600 feet long. The village is principally on the east side
of the Chenango, and contains about 400 nouses, 30 stores, and 2,000
inhabitants. There are six churches, viz : 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist,
1 Presbyterian, 1 Congregational, 1 Baptist, and 1 Catholic. There
are two, female seminaries, a large school for boys, two printing-
offices, the courthouse and , prison ; two banks — the Broome County
Bank incorporated 1831, with a capital of $100,000, and the Bing
hamton Bank, which commenced its operations in 1839, with a capital
of $100,000, and the privilege of extending it to one million. The
village of Binghamton is 150 miles from Albany, 90 from Utica, 40
from Norwich, 22 from Owego, and 7 from the Pennsylvania line.
The great medium of transportation to the place is by the Chenango
canal. This canal, which terminates at Binghamton and Utica, is
95 miles long, 46 feet wide, and 4^ deep. The number of locks ia
the whole route is 105. The canal was commenced in 1834 and
completed in 1837, and cost nearly two millions of dollars.
The tract of country in which Binghamton is situated, became
first known to the whites by the expedition of Gen. SuUivan against
the Indians in 1779. Upon the site of Binghamton, a brigade of
American troops under the command of Gen. James Clinton, the
father of De Witt Clinton, encamped for one or two nights on their
way to join the main body mlder Sullivan, then penetrating westward.
The first white man who made a permanent settlement in what is
claimed for the village vicinity, was Capt. Joseph Leonard, who was
originally from Plymouth, Massachusetts. He first emigrated to
Wyoming, Pennsylvania. He owned a farm in that place, and was
under arms there at the time of the massacre, though not on the field
of action. He moved from Wyoming in 1787, with a young wife and
two little children. His wife and children were put on board a

58 BROOME COUNTY.
canoe, with what goods he brought up, and the canoe rowed by a hired
man ; while he himself went up on land with two horses, keeping the.
shore, and regulating his progress by that of his family on the river.
A Capt. Baldwin, who settled on the Chemung river, moved up at the
same time in company with him.
Previous to the settlement of these first emigrants, a number of
persons from Massachusetts came on an exploring tour to this region ;
on their return they obtained a grant from the legislature of Massa
chusetts of a large tract, which they afterward^urch^-sed of the In
dians. This tract contained 230,000 square acres, for which the
company paid to the state £1,500. It appears that when the agents
of the company came on, they found that patents had already been
granted to Bingham, Wilson, and Cox, by the state of New York,
which interfered with their grants. This claim of Massachusetts to
this part of the state, originating in some ancient colonial claims, was
finally satisfied by the grant of the right of pre-emption to certain
lands in western New York.
The valley of Oquago was settled by the whites about the year
1788. The most of the earlier inhabitants were from Waterbury and
Watertown,- in Connecticut. The Rev. Mr. Buck was the first min
ister who preached in the place. He was called by the first settlers
Major Buck, as he had held that office during the revolutionary war.
Mr. Williston, a missionary from Connecticut, appears to have been
the next. Soon after the formation of the Presbyterian church. Rev.
Seth Sage became the settled pastor, and remained such till his death.
The Episcopal church was organized in 1803, by Bishop Chase, then
a missionary in Western New York.
Oquago, now Windsor in this county, about 16 miles from Bing
hamton, was the residence of a tribe of Indians. It appears to have
been a half-way resting-place for the " Six Nations" as they passed
south of Wyoming, and also for the tribes of the Wyoming valley as
they passed north. Jonathan Edwards, the celebrated divine, while a
minister at Stockbridge, Mass., took a deep interest in the welfare of
the Indians in this place. He procured a missionary for them. Rev.
Mr. Hawley, and three other persons, Mr. Woodbridge, Mr. and Mrs.
Ashley. The three latter returned. Mrs. Ashley, it appears, was
employed during her stay as an interpreter. Mr. Hawley remained
their missionary until the commencement of the French war, when it
was considered unsafe for him to remain longer. About one year pre
vious to this time, Mr. Edwards sent one of his sons, a lad of about
nine years of age, to Oquago, under the care of Mr. Hawley, to learn
the Indian language, in order to become an Indian missionary. When
the war commenced, a faithful Indian, who had special care of the
lad, took him and conveyed him to his father, part of the way on his
back. This lad was afterwards President of Union College.

CAYUGA COUNTY. 59

CAYUGA COUNTY.

Cayuga county was formed from Onondaga in 1799 ; but other
counties have since been taken from it. Greatest length N. and S.
55, greatest breadth E. and W. 23 miles. From Albany, W., 156
miles, from New York, 301. Upon the S. the surface rises into
ridges, along the Cayuga lake, the Owasco lake and inlet, and the
Skaneateles lake. 'The principal streams ; are the Salmon and Fall
creeks, tributaries of the Cayuga lake ; the inlet and the outlet of the
Owasco lake, and the Seneca river, which is the eventual recipient of
all these waters. The river flows through a plain in which its sluggish
course is scarce perceptible, and the marshes which it waters, extend
to the western border of the county ; in its way it passes through
Cross lake, a basin 5 miles long by 2 wide, lying on the eastern boun
dary, in a low swampy district, whose surface. is 370 feet above tide.
The disposition of the waters shows an irregular surface. The
Poplar ridge, E. of the Cayuga lake, rises in some places to 600
feet above, but has a gentle slope towards the lake, displaying
finely-cultivated farnis. The eastern declivity of this and other
hills is more abrupt. On the N. of Auburn, the country is com
paratively level, yet has a rolling appearance from the many large
gravel hills scattered over the plain, assuming in many places the
semblance of stupendous mounds formed by art. This gravel has
much limestone, and produces excellent wheat. Few portions of the
state possess more fertile lands, or can boast of higher cultivation.
In all the fruits of the climate, this county is prolific. About two
thirds of the land is under improvement. The southern portion is
most thickly settled. The Cayuga lake, which forms a large part of
the western boundary, is a beautiful sheet of water, 36 miles long,
and from 1 to 4 broad. The county is divided into 22 towns :

Auburn,

Genoa,

Niles,

Sterhng,

Aurelius,

Ira,

Owasco,

Summer Hill,

Brutus,

Ledyard,

Scipio,

Venice,

Cato,

Locke,

Sempronius,

Victory.

Conquest,

Metz,

Sennet,

Fleming,

Moravia,

Springport,

The town of Auburn, taken from Aurelius in 1823, is 3 miles by
2, comprehending 6 lots of the old military tract, included within the
chartered limits of the village. The compact part of the village lies
2j miles from Lake Owasco, on the outlet of that name. It is on
the line of the Western Railroad, 156 miles from Albany, 314 from
New York, 7 from Weedsport on the Erie canal, and 339 from Wash
ington. Pop. 5,626. There are 7 chuirches, a state prison, court
house, theological seminary, an academy, two banks, 4 printing-offices,
and a number of splendid hotels. Auburn is one of the most thriving
and beautiful villages in the state. Its principal streets are adorned
with lofty buildings of brick and limestone.

60

CAYUGA COUNTY.

Eastern part of Genesee-street, Auburn.
Auburn was first settled in 1793, by Col. John L. Hardenbergh,
and was for many years called " Hardenbergh's Corners." It became
a post village in 1800, and in 1805 the county town ; and received its
present name from Dr. Cresset. At this time, the village consisted
of but a few log dwellings, a store or two, a grist-mill, (fee, all situ
ated near the bank of the creek, not far from the spot occupied by
the establishment of Messrs. Leonard & Warden.
In 1807j the building of the courthouse was commenced, and the
county courts removed to this place from, Aurora. In 1811, the .vil
lage is supposed to have contained about 300 inhabitants ; the court
house was the only public building ; even thi^ was in an unfinished
state.. The construction of an academy, a three-story brick biiilding,
and a neat little Episcopal church were commenced, and a Presby
terian society formed during this year.
In 1815, Auburn was incorporated a village, at which time it con
tained 1,000 inhabitants. From this period, its improvement became
more rapid and uniform ; walks were now put down on the principal
streets, which before were muddy and uneven. In 1816, the state
prison was founded in this place ; the first Presbyterian church in
North-street was commenced, and the Bank of Auburn, capital
$200,000, was chartered. In April, 1817, the village contained
1,506 inhabitants, 148 dwellings, 20 stores, and 40 mechanic shops.

CAYUGA COUNTY.

61

Auburn Theological Seminary.

The Auburn Theological Seminary was estabhshed by the synod
of Geneva in 1819, and by the act of incorporation, in 1820, was placed
under commissioners, chosen by the synods of Genesee, Geneva, and
Oneida. There are four professors in the institution. Over 300 cler
gymen have been educated since its establishment. In 1839, the num
ber of students was 71. The principal building is of stone, presenting
a front of 200 feet. The library exhibits a valuable collection of choice
theological works, and contains upwards of 5,000 vols.
The' following is a representation of the state prison as viewed from
the N. ; the cupola of the courthouse is seen in the distance. The

State Prison at Auburn.
erection of this prison commenced in 1816. "It occupies a plot of
ground forming a square 500 feet each way, enclosed with a boundary
waU 2,000 feet in extent, 30 feet high, and 4 feet thick at the base.
A small river or creek runs along the S. side of the boundary, and
sufficient power from the stream is obtained, by means of a water-
wheel and shaft through the wall, to work the machinery within the
prison. The prison buildings stand back about 80 feet from the

62 CAYUGA COUNTY.
road, and form three sides of a square ; the front part being about
280 feet long ; each of the return wings is 240 feet long and 45 in
depth." The cost of erecting the prison was more than $500,000.
The usual number of prisoners of late years has been between 6 and
700. The earnings of the prison during the year ending Sept. 1839,
was $60,161.46 ; the expenditures during the same period, $51,671.21.
Religious instruction is regularly given by the chaplain. _ Sunday
schools are instituted in the prisons, in which the students in the the
ological seminary and other pious persons assist ; the younger portion
of the convicts, if illiterate, are taught to read, write, and cast ac
counts. " The building contained originally 550 cells. More, we believe,
have lately been added. They are principally distributed into four
tiers or stories, and constriicted on each side of the block or wing.
The cells are each 7 feet long, 7 feet high, and 3i wide. They are
sufficiently lighted, well warmed, and ventilated. The area between
the cells and the parallel walls, 10 feet wide, is open from, the ground
to the roof; and of this interval, 3 feet adjoining the cells are occu
pied by the galleries. This space in front of the cells forms a com
plete sounding-gallery, so that the watchhian in the open area on the
ground can hear even a whisper, from a distant cell in the upper
story. " Such are the provisions and precautions for the separate confinement of the prisoners
at night. In the daytime, they are compelled to labor together, in an orderly and peni
tential manner. Soon after daylight, on a signal given by the prison bell, the turnkey un
locks the doors of the cells, when the convicts, each with his night tub, water can, and
mush kid, march out ; and having disposed of these articles according to the order of the
prison, proceed to the workshops, where they commence the labor of the day. At a fixed
hour another bell is rung, when they form again in line, and march in silence, with closed
files, to the mess-room, where they breakfast at narrow tables, so arranged that they are
unable to exchange even looks or signs. After an interval of 20 to 30 miniites, they re.
turn in the same manner to the workshops. At 12 o'clock, they dine under the same care
to prevent intercourse. On the approach of night, they wash their faces and hands, and
at the ringing of the bell, form a line according to the number of their cells, march out of
the shops to their tubs, and at the word of command take them up, step forward and
empty into the drain the water which had been placed in them in the morning to purify
them. They then proceed, with closed files, the tubs hanging on their arms, to the wash
room, adjoining the kitchen, where their mush and molasses in a kid, and water in a can
for drinking, have been placed together, in rows, by the cooks ; and, without breaking
their step, they stoop and take up the can and kid, march to their respective galleries,
enter their , cells as they arrive at them, and pull the doors partly shut. Each gallery is
occupied by one company, which is marched and locked up by one turnkey, with two
keys, differing from each other, and from all the rest. The convicts then eat supper in
their respective cells. At an early hour, they are required, by the ringing of a bell, to take
off their clothes and go to bed, upon their canvass hammocks ; when well, they are not
permitted to lie down before the hell rings, nor to get up again, but from necessity, until the
ringing of the morning bell. During the night, turnkeys are constantly moving round the
galleries, wearing wopUen socks on their feet, and walking so noiselessly that the convicts
are not able to discover their presence or absence ; and thus the whole wing, containing
several hundred convicts, is preserved in perfect stillness 'and order. It is obvious that no
communication can take place between the convicts at night, without the connivance or
negligence of the turnkeys, which is guarded agauist by the visits of the keeper and hia
deputies at diflerent hours."

CAYUGA COUNTY.

63

Cayuga Bridge.
. The above view of Cayuga Bridge, which crosses the Cayuga
lake on the great western turnpike, was taken on the western bank,
and shows on the opposite side of the lake a portion of the litde vil
lage of Cayuga. The large building on the right is the well-known
tavern of Mr. Titus, having superior accommodations. This bridge,
so famous in political estimates, was commenced in May, 1799, and
finished in September, 1800. It was built by the Manhattan Com
pany of New York, and cost $150,000. Its length is one mile.
"This bridge is the longest in America, perhaps in the world, and
yet five years ago," says a traveller in 1800, " the Indians possessed
the shores of the lake, imbosomed in almost impenetrable^ woods."
The first bridge was built on mud sills — the second on piles — the
third and last was erected in 1833, and cost about $15,000,
Weedsport, on the line of the Erie canal, consists of upwards of
100 dwellings, 2 churches ; is 7 miles N. from Auburn, and 26 W.
from Syracuse. Aurora, 18 miles S.W. from Auburn, is, a most beau
tiful village on the east bank of Cayuga lake. It contains about 80
dwellings, 3 churches, and the Cayuga Academy. Port Byron, on the
Erie canal, 8 miles W. from Auburn, has about 150 dwellings, 3
churches, and an extensive flouring and other mills. Montezuma vil
lage, 10 miles from Auburn, at the junction of the Seneca, Cayuga,
and Erie canals, consists of about 80 dwelhngs. In 1839, the state
was successful in sinking a shaft about 300 feet, from which issues a
large quantity of the best salt water in the state. The salt made from
it is remarkably free from impurities, and the facihties for its manu
facture are great, the ground being good and fire-wood plenty. No
lime is used in the manufacture of salt from these springs. The
Montezuma marshes commence about a mile westward of the village ;
they are gradually drying away, and it is believed that the healthful-
ness of this town is now equal to that of any in the vicinity.

64

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.

CATTARAUGUS COUNTY.-
Cattaraugus county, taken from Genesee in 1803 ; centrally dis
tant from New York via ; Catskill, 384; from Albany, 292; from
Buffalo, SE., 50 miles. Length, E. and W., 39, and greatest breadth
N. arid S. 36 miles. It derives its name from the Indian word Gah-
ta-ra-ke-ras, signifying stinking shore or beach, originally applied to
Lake Erie, and thence extended over the adjacent country. This
county is highly elevated, being from 500 to 1200 feet above Lake
Erie. Its surface is broken by some hills of no mean pretensions to
the character of mountains, but in general it is but moderately uneven,
and in some parts quite level. In the S., along the Allegany river,
there are broad belts of white pine, behind which there are marshes ;
excepting these, the lands are generally firm, and timbered with a
variety of trees of lofty growth. No region of this state, and proba
bly none of any other in the Union, was originally covered with an
equal amount of valuable timber. Some of the trees have measured
230 feet in height, and five of them have been known to furnish a
hundred " lumberman's" logs. , Shingles and boards for the supply
of the whole western world, have been manufactured in the shingle-
shanties and saw-mills upon the Allegany and its tributaries. 'The
lands in the northern part are warmer and better adapted to grain and
grass crops than in the south, except at the SW. comer. This
county formed part of the Holland Land Company's purchase, who
originally owned it all excepting the Indian reservations. About one
eighth of the county is under improvement. The county is divided
into 26 towns, viz. :

Ashford,Burton, Cold Spring,
Conewango,
Dayton,Ellicottville,Farmersville,

Franklinville,
Freedom,
Great Valley,
Hinsdale,Humphrey, Leon,
Little Valley, Otto,

Lyndon,

Perrysburgh,

Machias,

Persia,

Mansfield,

Portville,

Napoli,

Randolph,

New Albion,

Yorkshire

Olean,

Ellicottville, the county seat, is,292 miles from Albany, 50 W. from
Angelica, and 50 SW. from Buffalo. Besides the county buildings,
it contains 2 churches, about 90 dwellings, 2 printing and 2 extensive
land offices. Olean, at the junction of Olean creek with Allegany
river, is the oldest place in the county. The village contains ^about
100 dwellings, 2 churches. A large amount of lumber is annually
sent to market down the Allegany, and thence to the Ohio, from this
place. Lodi, 25 miles NW. from Ellicottville, on both sides of Cat
taraugus creek, lies partly in Brie county. "The village consists of
about 100 dwellings, 2 churches, printing office, and a number of mills'
and factories. The water-power at this place is abundant.

chatauque county. 65

CHATAUQUE COUNTY.
Chatauque county, the southwestern county of the state, was
formed from Genesee in 1808. The name is a corruption of the In
dian word Ots-ha-ta-ka, which signifies a foggy place, and was ap
plied to the country around the head of the Chatauque lake, even now
famous for its fogs. Its greatest length N. and S. is 40, and greatest
breadth E, and W. 36 miles ; centrally distant from Albany, W.^
330, and from New York, by way of CattskiU, NW., 428 miles.
The soil generally is strong clay loam, very productive of large crops
of wheat, barley, and corn ; the last is however destroyed sometimes
by the early frosts to which the country is subject. The plain upon
the lake is nighly fertile, and produces the finest fruits adapted to the
climate. This county, though bordering on Lake Erie, is situated on the
elevated ground known as the " Chatauque Ridge," which divides the
waters of the northern lakes from those of the Allegany river. This
ridge is generally from 5 to 10 miles from the shore of Lake Erie,
and elevated from 790 to 1400 feet above it. The general surface
of the county, though hilly, is not mountainous, and the highest hills
are arable to their summits, and frequently adorned with valuable farms.
The soil along the shore of Lake Erie, from 1 to 4 miles wide, is a
border of rich alluvion, and along the margin of the rivers. The up
land is generally a moist loam. Grain is raised in considerable quan
tities, and the county is generally well adapted to grazing. Fruit, such
as apples, pears, and plums, succeeds well.
Chatauque lake is a fine sheet of water 16 miles long, and from 1
to 4 wide. Its elevation is 1,305 feet above the ocean, and it is navi
gated by steamboats. This county formed part of the Holland Land
Company's purchase ; and wild lands were offered by them at $1,50
to $4 per acre ; but a company from Batavia bought their interest in
the wild land of the county. More than three quarters of the county
are yet unimproved. The county is divided into 24 towns, viz. :

Arkwright,

Clymer,

Hanover, .

Ripley,

Busti,

Ellery,

Harmony,

Sheridan,

Carroll,

Ellicott,

Mina,

Sherman,

Charlotte,

Ellington,

Poland,

Stockton,

Chatauque,

French Creek,

Pomfret,

Villenova,

Cherry-creek,

Gerry,

Portland,

Westfield,

Ma3rville, the county seat, incorporated in 1830, is 66 miles SW.
from Buffalo, and 33 W. of Albany ; contains about 80 dwellings, 4
churches ; beautifully situated at the head of Chatauque lake. There
is a steamboat plies between this place and Jamestown, 22 miles dis
tant, during the season of navigation.
Jamestown, the principal village in the county, is on the Chatauque
outlet, 4 miles below the lake, and contains about 200 dwellings.
5

66 CHATAUQUE COUNTY.

Southern view of Jamestown.
The above view was taken near the sawmill on the Chatauque out
let, seen in front, and shows the principal portion of the place. The
spire in the centre of the view, is that of the Congregational church.
The steeple on the left is the Presbyterian, and that on the right the
Academy. There are also a Methodist and a Baptist church, and
2 weekly newspaper offices in the place. A steamboat plies on the
lake between here and Mayville. James Pendergrast, Esq., from
Pittstown, Rensselaer co., established himself here in 1811 or '12,
and laid the foundation of the village. The first tavern was built
shortly after by Jacob Fenton. But few dwellings were erected till
1816, when the place rapidly increased by emigrants, principally from
the eastern part of the state.
Fredonia village is situated upwards of 2 miles E. from Lake Erie,
45 SW. from Buffalo. It is the oldest village in the county, incorpo
rated in 1829. It contains about 1000 inhabitants, 150 dwellings, 5
churches, and an incorporated academy. In the immediate vicinity
are situated the Chatauque Gas Springs, near the bed of Canadawa
creek : the gas, which escapes from the same in great quantities, is
suitable for lighting streets and for domestic purposes.
Dunkirk, formerly owned by the Dunkirk Land Company, is
pleasantly situated on Lake Erie, and is destined to be a place of
great importance from its being the terminating point of the line of
the New York and Erie railroad. The distance from Buffalo is 44
miles, and to Piermont, on the Hudson, (about 22 miles N. of New
York,) by the line of the railroad, 446 miles. This whole distance
from Dunkirk to New York, on the completion of the road, will be
accomplished in from 20 to 24 hours. The U. S. government, view
ing the growing importance of the place, has expended large sums in
the improvement of its harbor. This port is occasionally open many
days, and even weeks, earlier in the spring and later in the fall, than
that of Buffalo. The following view was taken about a mile from the
village, seen on the left. The large cupola is that of the hotel, a
capacious brick structure ; the steeple next to it is that of the Presby
terian church, and the smaller one the Academy. The opposite shore

CHEMUNG COUNTY.

67

Northeastern view of Dunkirk Harbor.
of the harbor is seen beautifully curving around in the distance, and
is lined to near the water's edge with a fine growth of forest trees.
Van Buren is the name of a place laid out as a city 2 miles above
Dunkirk, where there is a good harbor.
Westfield village, 6 miles NW. from Mayville, and 60 from Buffalo,
contains upwards of 100 dwellings, 3 churches, and an incorporated
Academy, 12 stores, 2 flouring and 4 sawmills. Barcelona, or Port
land, on Lake Erie, about one mile from Westfield, contains about 40
dwehings. It is a port of entry, and is a place of considerable trade.
It has a light-house which is lighted by gas issuing from the bed of a
creek about a mile distant, and is carried to the hght-house by pipes.
The French, at an early period, had a military post at this place.

CHEMUNG COUNTY.
Chemung county was formed from the western part of Tioga in
1836. Greatest length, N. and fe., 28 ; greatest breadth, E. and W.,
20 miles. The surface of the county is hilly. The soil consists gen
erally of sandy and gravelly loam, interspersed with patches of mari
and clay. The uplands are commonly better adapted to grass than
grain; but the valleys give fine crops of wheat and corn; oats,
beans, bariey, peas, and hops thrive almost everywhere. The pine
plains, principally in the towns of Elmira and Big Flats, formerly
considered almost worthless, are now deemed highly valuable ; pro
ducing, by treatment with plaster, and due succession of crops, aburi-
dant returns in wheat, Indian corn, and clover. The Chemung canal,
connecting Elmira with Cayuga lake, is about 20 miles m length.
The New York and Erie railroad passes through the towns ot Ohe-
mung, Southport, Elmira, and Big Flats. Chemung county is divided
into ten towns, viz. :
Bis Flats, Catlin, Chemung, Elmira, Southport,
Catherines, Cayuta, Dix, Erin, Veteran.

68

CHEMUNG COUNTY.

Elmira village is situated at the confluence of Newtown creek with
the Chemung river. It was formerly the half-shire village of Tioga
county, and is now the seat of justice for Chemung county. It was
incorporated in 1815 by the name of Newtown, which was changed
to Elmira in 1828 : its ancient Indian name was Conewawah, a word
signifying " a head on a pole."

Distant view of the Village of Elmira.
The above view was taken near the Sullivan mill,* about a mile
eastward of the village, near the junction of Newtown creek with the
Chemung river. The first spire on the right is that of the Presbyte
rian church, the next to the left the courthouse ; the others are those
of the Episcopal and Baptist churches. The bridge seen extending
across the Chemung is 600 feet in length.
Elmira is admirably situated for the purposes of trade, in the midst
of a fertile valley, eight to ten miles in extent froni N. to S., and from
twelve to fifteen miles E. and W. The place is connected with Penn
sylvania and Maryland, in trade, by the Chemung and Susquehannah
rivers, and with almost every portion of the state by means of the
Chemung canal, which leads through Seneca lake, and thence by the
Seneca to the Erie canal. The village contains about 300 dwelhngs,
and upwards of 2000 inhabitants, 4 churches, 2 newspaper establish
ments, 1 bank, and a number of select schools. The village is on the
line of the Erie railroad.
The section of country in which Elmira is situated became known
to the whites during the revolutionary war. When Gen. Sullivan
was penetrating into the Indian country, in 1779, the Indians under
Brant, and the tories under Colonels Butler and Johnson, made a
* So called from its being only a few rods above Sullivan's landing-place, where he en
camped, both on the advance of, and return from his expedition against the Indians. The
site of the fortress which Sullivan built, csui be distinctly seen from the south windows of
this mill.

CHEMUNG COUNTY. 69
Stand to oppose his progress at the SE. point of this town. They
intrenched themselves by a breastwork of about a half a mile in
length, so covered by a bend in the river as to expose only their front
and one of their flanks to attack. On Sullivan's approach, Aug. 29th,
an action commenced which is sometimes called the " Battle of the
Chemung ;" the force of the Indians and tories has been estimated
from 800 to 1500, while that of the Americans was between 4000
and 5000. The following account of the battle is extracted from the
2d vol. of " Stone's Life of Brant."
" The enemy's position Was discovered'by Major Parr, commanding the advance guard,
at about 11 o'clock in the morning of the 29tli of August General Hand immediately
formed the light infantry in a wood, at the distance of about 400 yards from the breast
work, and waited until the main body of th? army arrived on the ground. A skirmishing
was, however, kept up by both sides — the Indians sallying out of their works by small par
ties, firing, and suddenly retreating — making the woods at the same time to resoimd with
their war-whoops, piercing the air from point to point as though the tangled forest were
alive with their grim-visaged warriors. Correctly judging that the hill upon his right was
occupied by the savages, Gen. Sullivan ordered Poor's brigade to wheel oS, and endeavor
to gain their left flank, and, if possible, to surround them, while the artillery and main body
of the Americans attacked them in front. The order was promptly executed ; but as Poor
climbed the ascent, the battle became animated, and the possession of the hill was bravely
contested. In front, the enemy stood a hot ceumonade for more than two hours. Both
tories and Indians were entitled to the credit of fighting manfully. Every rock, and tree,
and bush, shielded its man, from i behind which the winged messengers of death were
thickly sent, but with so little effect as to excite astonishment. The Indians yielded ground
only inch by inch ; and in their retreat, darted from tree to tree with the agility of the pan
ther, often contesting each new position to the point of the bayonet — a thing very unusual
even with militiamen, and still more rare among the undisciplined warriors of the woods.
Thayendanegea was the animating spirit of the savages. Always in the thickest of the fight,
he used every effort to stimulate his warriors, in the hope of leading them to victory. Until
the artillery began to play, the whoops and yells of the savages, mingled with the rattling of
musketry, had wellnigh obtained the mastery of sound. But their whoops were measur
ably drowned by the thunder of the cannon. This cannonade ' was elegant,' to adopt the
phraseology of Sullivan himself, in writing to a friend, andgave the Indians a great panic
Still, the battle was contested in front for a length of time with undiminished spirit. But
the severity of fighting was on the flank just described. As Poor gallantly approached the
point which completely uncovered the enemy's rear, Brant, who had been the first to pene
trate the design of the American commander, attempted once more to rally his forces, and
with the assistance of a battalion of the rangers, make a ¦ stand. But it was in vain, al
though he exerted himself to the utmost for that purpose — flying from point to point, seem
ing to be everywhere present, and using every means in his power to reanimate the flag
ging spirits, and reinvigorate the arras of his followers. Having ascended the steep, and
gained his object without faltering, the enemy's flank was turned by Poor, and the fortunes
of the day decided. Perceiving such to be the fact, and that there was danger of being
surrounded, the retreat-halloo was raised, and the enemy, savages and white men, precipi
tately abandoned their works, crossed the river, and fled with the utmost precipitation —
the Indians leaving their packs and a number of their tomahawks and scalping-knives
behind them. The battle was long, and on the side of the enemy bloody. Eleven of their
dead were found upon the field — an unusual circumstance with the Indians, who invariably
exert themselves to the utmost to prevent the bodies of their slain from falling into the
hands of their foes. But being pushed at the point of the bayonet, they had not time to
besu: them away. They were pursued two miles, their trail aflTording indubitable proof that
a portion of their dead and wounded had been carried off! Two canoes were found cov
ered with blood, and the bodies of 14 Indian warriors were discovered partially buried
among the leaves. Eight scalps wei-e taken by the Americans during the chase. Consid
ering the duration of the battle, and the obstinacy with which it was maintained, the loss
of the Americans was small almost to a miracle. Only 5 or 6 men were killed, and be
tween 40 and 50 wounded. Among the American officers wounded, were Maj. Titcomb,
Capt. Clayes, and Lieut. CoUis — the latter mortally. All the houses of the contiguous
Indian town were burnt, and the cornfields destroyed."

70 CHENANGO COUNTY.
Havanna is a thriving village of about 700 inhabitants, 18 miles N.
from Elmira, on the line of the Chemung canal, 3 miles S. of Seneca
lake. It contains 2 churches, 10 stores, and a number of mills of va
rious kinds. The village was founded in 1836, and incorporated in
1839, and is in the limits of the town of Catherines, so named from
its having been the residence of Catherine Montour, the wife of an
Indian sachem, or king. She has sometimes been^called Queen Esther.
This remarkable woman, it is said, was a native of Cana(|^a, a' half-
breed, her father being one of the French governors, Jirobably. Count
Frontenac. During the wars between, the Six Niitipns and thsFrench
and Hurons, Catherine was taken jAsoner, whfeh''ghe was about ten
years old, and carried into the Sen^c}i. country, and adopted as one of
their children. At a suitable age she was' married to a distingui'shed
chief of her tribe, by wl^p^iJiJine haH' sev'e'ral children. Her husband
was killed in battle about 1,730. ¦ She is represented as having been a
handsome woman when ;j;6ring, genjet^l, ;and of good address. She
frequently accompanied the'&Me^.of 'the'Six Nations to Philadfelphia,
and other places where .treaties* were 'holden. On account of her
character and manners, she was mucfi 'caressed by the American la
dies of the first resjie'ctability, and invited and entertained at their
houses. Her residence was at the head of Seneca lake. She has
been accused of perpetrating some savage atrocities at the massacre
at Wyoming, but the account does not appear to be well authenti
cated. At-the period of .the revolutionary war, Catherine's town con
sisted of thirty houses, cornfields, orchards, &c. ; these were all de
stroyed by Gen". SuUivap, Sept. 3, 1779, in his expedition into the In
dian country. . ' ,

'•',CHf;KA:Nf'GO county.' . , /
Chenango county was formed from Herkimer and I'ioga counties
in 1798 ; the northern part of which was erected into Madison county
in 1806. Its form is irregular ; the greatest length N. and S., 35
miles ; greatest width, 28. The general surface of the county is
broken and hilly, though not mountainous. Its valleys are extensive,
rich, and fertile, producing large crops of grain ; while the uplands
are well adapted to grazing. Its agriculture is respectable, and its
inhabitants are generally farmers. Live-stock is one of their prin
cipal exports. "The Susquehannah river crosses the SE. corner of the
county. The Chenango river, one of its principal branches, flows
southerly through the centre of the county. The Unadilla river
forms most of the eastern bounds of the county. The numerous
streams in this county furnish abundance of fine mill sites. The
Chenango canal passes through the county in the valley of the Che
nango river. This county was principally settled by emigrants from
the eastern states. It originally included the twenty townships of

CHENANGO COUNTY.

71

the " Governor's purchase," a part of which are now in Madison.
county. The county is divided into 19 towns, viz. :

Bainbridge, Columbus,Coventry,German,
Greene,

Guilford,
< Lincklean,
Macdonough,
New-Berlin,Norwich, •

Otselic,Oxford,
Pharsalia,
Pitcher, Plymouth,

Preston, Sherbourne, Smithville,
Smyrna.

Norwich village, the county seat, is delightfully situated upon the
Chenango river, lip miles from Albany. Its site is much admired by
travellers.. It is surrounded by lands in a high state of cultivation

Courthouse and other buildings in Norwich.
and well supplied with pure and wholesome water. There is a min
eral spring near the village, resorted to for cutaneous diseases. The
above view shows the courthouse in the centre of the engraving ; the
building with a spire on the left, is the Presbyterian church. 'The
courthouse has been but recently erected. It is built of freestone, and
is one of the most splendid structures of the kind in the state. Be
sides the above, there are in the village 1 Episcopal, 1 Baptist, and 1
Methodist church, 2 weekly newspaper offices, the Chenango Bank,
several manufactories, and about 200 dwelhngs.
The village of Oxford, on the Chenango canal, 8 miles S. from
Norwich, contains about 170 dwellings, 4 churches, a flourishing
Academy, 2 printing offices, 20 stores, and various manufacturing es-
tabhshments. New Beriin village, 13 miles NE. from Norwich, on
the west bank of Unadilla river, contains upwards of 100 dwellings,
4 churches, and several large manufacturing establishments. Sher-
biirne village, on the hne of the Chenango canal, 12 miles N. of Nor
wich, contains about 100 dwellings, 4 churches, and an Academy.
Greene, 20 miles SW. of Norwich, contains about 90 dwehings and 4
churches.

72

CLINTON COUNTY.

CLINTON COUNTY.
Clinton county lies on the western shore of Lake Champlain, at
the northeastern extremity of the state, about 170 miles N. from Al
bany. Soon after the conquest of Canada, in 1759, the shores of Lake
Champlain were visited by speculators in quest of pine and oak tim
ber, but no permanent settlements were made until about the close of
the revolution. Its greatest length N. and S. is 40i miles, greatest
breadth 37 miles. The northern boundary being latitude 45°, indi
cates the rigors of a cold northern country.
The natural advantages enjoyed by this county have been undervalued. Along the
whole eastern border, adjoining the shore of Lake Champlain, a wide tract of land ex
tends, moderately uneven or quite level, with a pretty strong inclination or depression
eastward, averaging 8 miles in width, of no inferior quality. It amply repays the labor of
the husbandman. The western part is mountainous, but these mountains are covered
with timber, and the county with rapid streams and mill sites, and abounds with the rich
est and best of iron ores, already extensively manufactured. The soil is of various quali
ties. On the broad belt of comparatively level land above noticed, it is principally a
clayey with some tracts of a sandy loam. The streams supply a profusion of good
natural sites for all sorts of hydraulic work. With these advantages, this county looks
forward with confidence to increased sources of business and profit.
About one fifth part is settled. The county is divided into 10 towns :
Au Sable, Black Brook, Chazy, Mooers, Plattsburg,
Beekmantown, Champlain, EUenburgh, Peru, Saranac.

View of Plattsburg.

Plattsburg, an incorporated village and county seat, is distant from
New York 319, from Albany 164, from Whitehall 112, and from Og
densburg, E. 120 miles. The accompanying view was taken on the
eastern bank of the Saranac, about 30 rods above the bridge. The
first steeple on the left is that of the Presbyterian church, the second
the Methodist, the third the courthouse, the fourth the Episcopal, and
the fifth the Catholic. Besides the abovementioned public buildings,
there is an academy, the Clinton county bank, and about 300 buildings.

CLINTON COUNTY. 73
Plattsburg is rendered memorable as the place of the victory of
Com. McDonough and Gen. Macomb, over the British naval and
land forces, in Sept., 1814. The following account of the military
movements on the land are copied from the statements given by Maj.
A. C. Flagg and Gen. St. J. B. L. Skinner, who both were actors in
the scenes described.
" ' On the 31st Aug., (says Maj. Flagg,) the advance of the British army under Gen.
Brisbane entered Champlain, and encamped on the north side of the great Chazy river,
and on the same day Maj. Gen. Mooers ordered out the militia of the counties of Clinton
and Essex,' en masse. ' The regiment from Clinton co., under Lieut. Col. Miller, imme
diately assembled, and on the 2d Sept. took a position on the west road near the village
of Chazy ; and on the 3d, Gen. Wright, with such of his brigade as had arrived, occu
pied a position on the same road, about 8 miles in advance of this place. On the 4th, the
enemy having brought up his main body to Champlain, took up his line of marcli for
Plattsburg. The rifle corps, under Lieut. Col. Appling on the lake road, fell back as far
as Dead creek, blocking up the road in such a manner as to impede the advance of the
enemy eis much as possible. The enemy advanced on the 5th, within a few miles of Col.
Appling's position, and finding it too strong to attack, halted, and caused a road to be
made west into the Beekmantown road, in which the light brigade under Gen. Powers
advanced ; and on the morning of the Gth, about 7 o'clock, attacked the militia, which
had at this time increased to nearly 700, under Gen. Mooers ; and a small detachment of
regulars under Maj. Wool, about 7 miles from this place. After the fiist fire, a consider
able part of the militia broke and fled in every direction. Many, however, manfully
stood their ground, and with the small corps of Maj. Wool, bravely contested the ground
against five times their number, falling back gradually, and occupying the fences on each
side of the road, till they arrived within a mile of the town, when they were reinforced
by two pieces of artillery under Capt. Leonard ; and our troops occupying a strong position
behind a stone wall, for some time stopped the progress of the enemy.'
" At this point, one of the finest specimens of discipline ever exhibited, was shown by
the British troops on the occasion of the opening Capt. Leonard's battery upon them. The
company to which I was attached, formed a part of the left flank of our little army, and
was on the rise of ground west of the road leading from Mr. Halsoy's corner to Isaac C.
Piatt's, and about midway between the artillery and the head of the British column ; and
the whole scene was open to our view. Here, (at Halsey's corner,) was a battery of two
field-pieces, so perfectly masked by a party of the infantry, that the enemy probably was
not aware of it, until it opened upon him. There a dense, column of men, with a front
equal to the width of the road, and extending nearly half a mile in length, pressed on with
a buoyeincy and determination of spirit, betokening an expectation that they would be per
mitted to walk into our works without much opposition. How sad the disappointment to
the victorious veterans of so many bloody fields of Europe ! So perfect was the motion of
the troops in marching, that they seemed a great mass of living matter moved by some
invisible machinery. Yet I can now almost fancy we could hear them cracking their
jokes, and each claiming for himself the honor of being the first to make a lodgment in
the Yankee forts ; when suddenly, with the noise of thunder, the sound of a cannon
came booming through the air. It sent forth a round shot which took effect near the centre
of the front platoon, about breast high, and ploughed its way through, sweeping all before
it, the whole length of the coliunn, opening a space apparently several feet wide, which,
however, was immediately closed, as if by magic ; and on the column pressed as if nothing
had happened. A second shot was fired with the like effect, and similar consequences ;
but when the thu:d discharge came, with a shower of grape-shot, there was a momentary
confusion. Immediately, however, the charge was sounded by some dozen British bugles ;
which through the clear and bland atmosphere of a bright September morning, was the
most thrilling and spirit-stirring sound that could greet a soldier's ears. In an instant of
time, the men forming the advance of the column had thrown their knapsacks on either
side the road, and bringmg their pieces to the charge, advanced in double quick tune upon
our miniature battery.
" Our troops being at length compelled to retke, contested every inch of ground, until
they reached the south bank of the Saranac, where the enemy attempted to pursue them,
but was repulsed with loss. The loss of the British m this skirmish, was Col. Wellington,
10

74 CLINTON COUNTY.
and a Lieut, of the 3d Bufis, and two Lieuts. of the 58th, killed ; and one Capt. and one
Lieut, of the 58th light company wounded, together with about 100 privates killed and
wounded, while that on our part did not exceed 25. The corps of riflemen under Col.
Appling, and detachment under Capt. Sproul, fell back from their position at Dead creek
in time to join the militia and regulars just before they entered the village, and fought with
their accustomed bravery. The British got possession of that part of the village north of
the Saranac about 11 o'clock, but the incessant and well-directed fire of our artillery and
musketry from the forts and opposite banks, compelled them to retire before night beyond
the reach of our guns.' The bridge in the village was defended during this day by Capt.
Martin I. Aikin's company* of volunteers, who were stationed in the saw-mill on the south
bank of the river for that purpose. The enemy arrived towards night with his heavy artil
lery' and baggage on the lake road, and crossed the beach, where he met with a warm re
ception fi'om our row-galleys ; and it is believed, suffered a heavy loss in killed and wound
ed. On our side, Lieut. Duncan of the navy lost an arm by a rocket, and 3 or 4 men were
killed by the enemy's artillery. The enemy encamped on the ridge west of the town, hia
right near the river, and occupying an extent of nearly 3 miles, his left resting on the lake
about a mile north of the village. From the 6th until the morning of the 11th, an almost
continual skirmishing was kept up between the enemy's pickets and our militia and volun
teers stationed on the river, and in the mean time both armies were busily engaged — ours
in strengthening the works of the forts, and that of the enemy in erecting batteries, collect.
ing ladders, bringing up his heavy ordnance, and making other preparations for attacking
the forts. On the morning of the 7th, a body of the enemy under Capt. Noadie, attempted
to cross at the upper bridge about 7 miles west of the village, but were met by Capt.
Vaughn's company of about 25 men, and compelled to retire with the loss of two killed, and
several wounded. On the morning of the 11th, the enemy's fleet came round the Head
with a tight breeze from the north, and attacked ours which lay at anchor in Cumberland
bay, two miles fi-om shore east of the fort.
" ' The enemy commenced a simultaneous bombardment of our works from 7 batteries,
from which several hundred shells and rockets were discharged, which did us very little
injury ; and our artillery had nearly succeeded in silencing them all before the contest on
the lake was decided.
" ' The enemy attempted at the same tinje to throw his main body in the rear of the fort,
by crossing the river 3 miles west of the town, near the site of Pike's cantonment. He
succeeded in crossing, after a brave resistance by the Essex militia and a few of the Ver.
mont volunteers, in all about 350, stationed at that place, who retired back a mile and a
half firom the river, continually pouring in upon them an incessant fire from behind every
tree, until Lieut. Sumpter brought up a piece of artillery to their support, when the enemy
commenced a precipitate retreat.
" ' The Vermont volunteers, who had hastened to the scene of action on the first alarm,
fell upon the enemy's left flank, and succeeded in making many prisoners, including 3 officers.
" ' Had the British remained on the south side of the river 30 minutes longer, he must
have lost nearly the whole detachment that crossed. Our loss in this affair was five killed
and eight or ten wounded, some mortally.
" ' Immediately on ascertaining the loss of the fleet. Sir George Prevost ordered prepara.
tions to be made for the retreat of the army, and set off" himself, with a small escort, for
Canada, a little after noon. The main body of the enemy, with the artillery and baggage,
were taken off" in the afternoon, and the rear guard, consisting of the light brigade, started at
daybreak and made a precipitate retreat ; leaving their wounded and a large quantity of pro.
visions, fixed ammunition, shot, shells, and other public stores, in the different places of
deposit about their camp. They were pursued some distance by our troops, and many
prisoneia taken ; but owing to the very heavy and incessant rain, we were compellsd to
return. The enemy lost upon land more than 1,000 men, in killed, wounded, prisoners,
and deserters, while our aggregate loss did not exceed 150.' "
The following account of the naval action is from " Perkins^ His
tory of the late War"
" The American fleet, under Commodore McDonough, lay at anchor in the bay, on the
right flank of the American lines, and two miles distant. Great exertions had been made

• " This company was composed of young men and boya of the village, most of whom were not subject to
military duty, who volunteered after tlie militia liad gone out on the Chazy road, offered their services to
Gen. Macomb, who accepted their offer, armed the company with rifles, and ordered them to repair to tho
head-quarters of Gen. Mooers, and report for duty." Three only, it ia said, of the members of this coma
were over 18 yean of age.

CLINTON COUNTY. 75
by both parties to produce a superior naval force on this lake ; the Americans at Otter
creek, and the British at the Isle aux Noix. On comparing their relative strength on the
11th of September, the American fleet consisted of the Saratoga, flag-ship, mounting 26
guns ; Eagle, 20 guns ; Ticonderoga, 17 guns ; Preble, 7 guns ; 6 galleys, of 2 guns each,
12 guns; 4 of 1,4 guns: making in the whole 86 guns, and 820 men. The British
fleet consisted of the frigate Confiance, flag-ship, mounting 39 guns ; Linnet, 16 guns ;
Cherub, 11 guns ; Finch, 11 guns ; 5 galleys of 2 guns each, 10 guns ; 8 of 1, 8 guns :
making in the whole 95 guns, and 1,020 men.
" The British land forces employed themselves from the 7th to the 11th, in bringing up
their heavy artillery, and strengthening their works on the north bank of the Saranac.
Their fortified encampment was on a ridge a little to the west of the town, their right near
the river, and their left resting on the lake, 1 mile in the rear of the village. Having deter
mined on a simultaneous attack by land and water, they lay in this position on the morning
of the 11th, waiting the approach of their fleet. At 8 o'clock, the wished-for ships appear
ed under easy sail, moving round Cumberland head ; and were hailed with joyous acclama
tions. At 9, they anchored within 300 yards of the American squadron in line of battle ;
the Confiance opposed to the Saratoga, the Linnet to the Eagle ; 13 British galleys to the
Ticonderoga, Preble, and a division of the American galleys. The Cherub assisting the
Confiance and Linnet, and tl^p»Finch aiding the galleys. In this position, the weather
being perfectly clear and calfti, and the bay smooth, the whole force on both sides became
at once engaged.* At an houRand a half after the commencement of the action, the star
board guns of the Saratoga w%re nearly all dismantled. The commandant ordered a stern
anchor to be dropped, and the bower cable cut, ^ means of which the ship rounded to,
and presented a fresh broadside to her enemy. "The Confiance attempted the same ope
ration and failed. This was attended with such ^o^erful effects, that she was obliged to
surrender in a few minutes. The whole broadsidB^of the Saratoga was then brought to
bear on the Linnet, and in 15 minutes she followed>the example of her flag-ship. One of
the British sloops struck to the Ea|lfe ^ 3 galleys were sunk, and the rest made off"; no ship
in the fleet being in a condition fo follow them, they escaped down the lake. There was
no mast standing in either squadron, at the close of the action, to which a sail could be
attached. The Saratoga received 55 round shot in her hull, and the Confiance 105. The
action lasted without any cessation, on a smooth sea, at close quarters, 3 hours and 20
minutes. In the American squadron 52 were killed, and 58 wounded. In the British, 84
were killed, and 110 wounded. Among the slain was the British commandant, Com.
Downie. This engagement was in full view of both armies, and of numerous spectators
collected on the heights, bordering on the bay, to witness the scene. It was viewed by the
inhabitants with trembling anxiety, as success on the part of the British would have opened
to them an easy passage into the heart of the country, and exposed a numerous poptdation
on the borders of the lake to British ravages. When the flag of the Confiance was struck,
the shores resounded with the acclamations of the American troops and citizens. The
British, when they saw their fleet completely conquered, were dispirited and confounded."
" A short distance from the village, are the ruins of the cantonment and breastworks
occupied by Gen. Macomb and his troops. A mile north, is shown the house held by Gen.
Prevost, as his head-quarters, during the siege ; between which and the village the marks
of cannon-shot on the trees and other objects are still visible. ' Further onward about 5
miles, ou a hill overlooking the village; of Beekmantown, is the spot where a sanguinary
engagement took place between the American and British troops, which resulted in tll.e
death of the British Col. Wellington, and several men of both armies." — Gordon's Gaz.
I ' , » . — : — ;  '-.^  ¦
* " I will mention one circumstance for the purpose of sljowing the frame of^Inhift in wliich the brave
McDonough entered the battle, and in whom he put his truat for srtccgfes.' After the enemy's fleet hove in
sight, the men of Ills ship were assembled on the quarter-deck, when he IFneeled dowdi, and in humble,
and fervent prayer, commended himself, his men, and tlie cause in which thc^ were engaged, to the God
of Battles, and arose from that posture, with a calmness and serenity depicted on his brow, which
showed he had received comfort and assurance from above. One other little incident, and Iwill proceed
with my subject. During the hottest part of the battle, the hen-coop was shot away, when a cock es
caped and flew up into the rigging, flapped his wings, and crowed most manfully ! The sailors consid
ered this as a sure omen of success, and, cheering from one end of the ship to the other, went to their
work of dealing death to the enemy with redoubled exertion. The cock remained in the rigging during
the whole of the engagement, ever and anon cheering the men on to a greater exertion by his clear
shrill voice." — Oen. SMnner's account of the Battle of Plattsburg.

76 COLUMBIA COUNTY.

COLUMBIA COUNTY.

Columbia county, taken from Albany in 1786 : its greatest length
on the E. line 36, medium breadth 18 miles. Centrally distant N.
from New York 125, from Albany, SE., 34 miles. The surface of
the county is considerably diversified, though no part can be called
mountainous. Ranges of small hillocks are interspersed with exten
sive plains of valleys, and much of rich alluvion. There are some
excellent lands, and much of the larger portion may be, by judicious
culture, rendered highly productive. Nature, in the abundant beds of
lime, has furnished the means, as if by a special providence, of tem
pering the cold and ungrateful constituents of, the clay ; and in many
places the lime in the form of marl does not require burning to become
a stimulant. Scarce any portion of the state "is better adapted to the
raising of sheep, and the profits from this source, already great, are
yearly increasing. This counfy is famed for the quantity and quality
of its Indian corn. Lead and iron ore are found in this county. It is
divided into 19 towns :
Ancram, Clermont, Greenport, New Lebanon,
Austerlitz, Copake, Hillsdale, Stockport,
Canaan, Gallatin, Hudson City, Stujrvesant,
Chatham, Germantown, Kinderhook, Taghkanic.
Claverack, Ghent, Livingston,
Hudson, the capital of Columbia county, is situated on the E. bank
of Hudson river, 116 miles from. New York, 29 from Albany, and 28
from West Stockbridge, Mass. Lat. 42° 14' N., long. 14' E. from
New York. The city is finely situated on an elevation of about 50
feet above the Hudson, the western part of which is a bold chff or pro-
rnontory projecting into the river, more than 60 feet high. The prin
cipal part of the city is built on a street one mile long, extending in a
straight line from the foot of Prospect HiU, to the promenade on the
extremity of the cliff. Nearly aU the streets intersect each other at
right angles, except near the river, where they conform to the shape
of the ground. The promenade at the western extremity, and fronting
the prinoipal .street, commands a beautiful view of the river, the vil
lage of Athens opposite, the country beyond, and the towering Catskill
mountains. The bay south of the city is locked in by a lofty emi
nence, anciently termed Rorabuck, now cahed Mount Merino, in con
sequence of there being a sheep farm established here some years
since. The city contains 5 churches — 1 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal, 1
Baptist, 1 Methodist, and 1 Universalist. There is an academy, a
number of classical schools, the Hudson Lunatic Asylum, a private
hosphal for the reception and cure of lunatics, 1 bank, and 3 printing-
offices. An elegant courthouse has been recently erected. Water is
brought in subterranean pipes from the foot of Becraft's mountain for
the use of the city. Pop. 5,671.

SOUTH EASTERN VIEW OF HUDSON CITY, N. Y., FROM ACADEMY, OR PROSPECT HILL.
The principal street in Hudson, one mile in length, is seen m the central petrt of the engraving. The village of Athens appears on the
opposite bank of the Hudson ; the Catskill mountains are seen in the extreme distance, on the left.

COLUMBIA COUNTY. 77
Hudson was founded in 1783, by enterprising men of property from
Rhode Island and Nantucket, of the names of Jenkins, raddock, Bar
nard, Coffin, Thurston, Greene, Minturn, Lawrence, and others, in all
thirty persons. About twenty of this company, in the early part of
1783, sailed up the Hudson to find some navigable situation on which
to commence a new settlement. They selected and purchased the site
on which the city now stands, which at that time was occupied as a
farm, with a single store-house on the bank of the river. In the fall of
this year, two families arrived and commenced a settlement. In the
spring of 1784, the other proprietors arrived, bringing with them seve
ral vessels ; they were soon followed by other emigrants from the east
ward. Between the spring of 1784 and that of 1786, there were 150
dwelling-houses erected, besides wharves, warehouses, shops, bams,
&c., and several works connected with manufactures ; and the popu
lation had increased to 1,500 persons. In 1795, Mr. Ashbel Stoddard
removed from Connecticut, established a printing-office, and issued a
weekly paper, the " Hudson Gazette."
Hudson was incorporated a city in 1785. At this period about
twenty-five vessels were owned in the place, which were mostly em
ployed in the West India trade ; a few were engaged in the whale and
seal fishery, which was carried on with considerable success, and Hud
son rapidly increased in wealth and population. During the revolu
tionary struggle in France, and the long protracted war in Europe, such
was the demand for neutral vessels, and such the high prices of freight,
that the vessels owned here were engaged in the carrying trade. This
trade was not long enjoyed, for British orders in council and French
decrees swept many of them from their owners. Other losses follow
ed by shipwreck, and the embargo, non-intercourse, and the war
which succeeded, almost finished the prosperity of Hudson. The city
was a port of entry till 1815. The immense losses at sea produced
much embarrassment and many failures, and kept the place in a state
of depression for a considerable period. From this depression it is
gradually and steadily advancing. The Hudson and Berkshire rail
road proceeds from this city, across the route of the New York and
Albany railroad, 31 miles to the west hne of Massachusetts at West
Stockbridge, whence it is continued for two miles, till it unites with
the great western railroad of that state.
Valatie is a large manufacturing village 14 miles N. from Hudson,
at the junction of the Valatie and Kinderhook creeks. It has 4 exten
sive cotton mills, besides other manufacturing estabhshments ; it con
tains about 300 dwellings, and 1,700 inhabitants. The village of Kin
derhook IS 12 miles N. of Hudson, 5 E. from the river, and is finely situ
ated on a level plain. It has several churches, an academy in high
repute, a bank, and upwards of 100 dwellings. It is distinguished as
the birthplace and residence of ex-president Van Buren.

78 COLUMBIA COUNTY.
Lebanon Springs village is 25 miles from Albany, 32 NE. from
Hudson. There are here about 35 dwehings, and several taverns for
the accommodation of visiters at the spring. The spring is ten feet in
diameter and four deep, and discharges water sufficient to turn several
miUs near its source. The water is tasteless, inodorous, and soft, and
is deemed beneficial in internal obstructions, salt-rheum, and cutaneous
affections generally. The place is much resorted to for health and
amusement. The surrounding country is salubrious and picturesque.
New Lebanon is a smaU settlement, one mile and a half SE. of the
spring.

Shaker Buildings in New Lebanon.
New Lebanon, Shaker village, called by its inhabitants the village
of the " Millennial Church," is two and a half miles S. of the spring,
on the western side of the Taghkanic mountain, and contains about
six hundred inhabitants. The annexed view shows one of their
dwelhngs, (containing d, family oi 150 persons,) and their meeting
house, which was erected in 1823. This place of worship is some
what singular in its construction. It is eighty feet long by sixty-five
wide, all in one room, without beams or pillars, having a domical roof
covered with tin ; and a porch thirty-four by twenty-seven feet, roofed
and covered the same way. The building is of wood, but the founda
tion and flights of steps are of marble.
" This edifice," says a visiter, " stands in a beautiful grass plat, in
the centre of the vihage. There are no seats in the house, except for
spectator? of their worship. Their stone walls and other fences are
constructed with the utmost regularity and precision, and their gate
posts are of massive marble columns, of many tons weight. They
manufacture a great variety of articles for sale, which are remarka
ble for their neatness and durability ; and, in short, their farms, their
gardens, their manufactories, and houses, all exhibit the pleasing effects
of industry and rural economy. Indeed, they are one independent
community ; — their property is aU held in common, and ' nowhere,'
says Professor Silliman, ' in any community, can the moralist, the
philosopher, or the statesman, see such a demonstration of the power

COLUMBIA COUNTY. 79
of industry and economy.' They cheerfully pay their proportion of
the public taxes, and share all the burdens of government except the
bearing of arms, which they deem to be unlawful. They never ask
charity for any purpose, but always have hands and hearts to give.
We were conducted through the whole establishment in every de
partment. Their internal domestic arrangement is excellent. Their
standing motto seems to be, to save time and labor, and all their va
rious machines and utensils are constructed to this end. We visited
their extensive dairy, their washing-house, mills and manufactories,
all of which evinced the most consummate skill and nicety. We also
visited their school, consisting of about one hundred hearty, rosy-
cheeked, and contented children, from eight to fifteen years of age.
They underwent a very creditable examination in the various branches
of astronomy, grammar, reading, spelling, arithmetic, &c., and gave
us the most satisfactory proof that they are not trained up in igno
rance  As far as our observation extended, they are as willing
to let others think for themselves, as they are to cherish their own
peculiarities ; and, surely, if they are tolerant, we should not be in
tolerant. They are, indeed, a most singular people, but they have
many, very many, excellent quahties. They are plain in their de
portment and manners, close though honest in their dealings, but kind,
benevolent, and hospitable ; and they remember and treasure up
every kindness shown to them. In short, they are inoffensive, quiet,
and valuable citizens ; and notwithstanding the idle, and even abomi
nable stories that have been put forth against them, after close obser
vation for many years past, it is our deliberate conviction that among
themselves they strictly live up to their professions, and that their con
duct and morals are irreproachable."
The society own about 2,000 acres of land in this town, and about
half as much more in Hancock, Mass., the adjoining town. Within
a few years after " Mother Ann," as she is usually called, made an
establishment at Neskayuna, another was begun at New Lebanon,
which is now the principal Shaker establishment in the state. Their
rehgious tenets must, of course, necessarily affect the order of their
societies, by producing an entire separation of the men from the wo
men. The leading characteristic in the worship of this people, is their
dancing. This they describe as the involuntary result of the exhilirat-
ing and overpowering delight received through the outpouring of di
vine grace upon their hearts. The evolutions and changes in the
dance, by constant practice, become as precisely correct as the ma-
ncEUvres of a regiment of experienced soldiers ; it becomes, in fact, a
mechanical movement. No one ever makes a mistake, or throws the
rank in disorder from inattention or inexperience ; but eveiy thing is
conducted in the most exact order, as if every step and movement of
the body was directed by a gauge and rule. Dances are sometimes
held in private houses, when variations are frequently introduced.
On some occasions, it is said, their movements are so rapid, that the
eye can scarce foUow or keep pace with their swift motions.

80

COETLAND COUNTY.

CORTLAND COUNTY.
Cortland county, taken from Onondaga in 1808, was named in
honor of Gen. Pierre Van Cortlandt, who was a large landholder
here: centrally distant NW. from New York, 200, and from Al
bany, W., 145 miles. This county forms part of the high central
section of the state. It has the dividing ridge between the northern
and southern waters across its northern and western borders. It is
consequently elevated. Its surface is composed of easy hills and
broad valleys, giving it a gently waving and diversified aspect. The
soil is generally a gravelly loam, rich and productive. This county
comprises four whole and two half townships of the tract granted by
the state to the soldiers of the revolution, and is settled chiefly by
emigrants from the eastern states. It is divided into 11 towns, viz. :
Cincinnatus, Homer, Scott, Yirgil,
Cortlandvihe, Marathon, Solon, Willett.
Freetown, Preble, Truxton,

Public buildings in Cortland.

Cortland, the county seat, is 140 miles from Albany. The first
building on the right is the Methodist church, the second the Academy,
the third the Presbyterian, the fourth the Baptist, and the last the
Universalist church. The courthouse is seen 09 the opposite side of
the street. The village is pleasantly situated, and laid out in regular
squares. There are here two weekly newspaper offices and about 120
dwelhngs, some of them being fine edifices.
Homer village, the largest in the county, is beautifully situated upon
a plain, upon the W. bank of the Tioughnioga river ; from Albany
138 miles, 40 N. from Owego, 30 S.from Syracuse, 2i N. from Cort
land village. The Cortland Academy is a highly flourishing institu
tion, having a collection of philosophical apparatus and a cabinet of
minerals. The public buildings are upon a square of 6 acres. Homer
was incorporated in 1825, and has about 200 dwellings and 4 churches.

DELAWARE COUNTY. 81

DELAWARE COUNTY.

Delaware county, formed from Ulster and Otsego counties in
1797, is centrally distant from New York, via CattskiU, 166, SW. from
Albany, 77 miles. Greatest length NE. and SW. 60 ; greatest breadth
SE. and NW. 37 miles.
The county has a broken and diversified surface — ^from the rugged,
lofty, and barren mountain side and summit, to the subsiding hill and
the high and low plain, with the rich valley, and the low and fertile
alluvion. Its climate is subject to sudden and great changes of tem
perature, yet not unfriendly to health and longevity. It is princi
pally watered by the northeastern sources . of the Delaware river.
The east branch of the Susquehannah, another large stream of Penn
sylvania, forms a part of the northeastern boundary, as does the Del
aware a part of its southwestern. The Cookquago branch of the
Delaware, or the true Delaware, as it ought to be called, runs nearly
centrally through the county from NE. to SW. ; the Popacton branch
runs nearly parallel with this, a short distance to the south of it
These streams with their branches, and many smaller streams, spread
plentifully over the whole county, and supply a vast profusion of fine
sites for mills. The quality of the soil is as various as the surface.
On the upland there is a large proportion of chocolate-colored loam,
and the valleys and alluvial flats have a rich mould. The whole may
be pronounced a good country for farming, well watered by small
springs and rivulets. The heavy trade of this county follows the
course of its lumber, which goes in rafts by the Delaware and Sus
quehannah rivers to Philadelphia and Baltimore ; while considerable
traffic is carried on with the towns on the Hudson, to which there
are turnpikes in various directions. The value of the wild lands in
the county is from two to three dollars an acre, and the improved
lands in the valleys average about 30 dollars, while those on the hills
are worth about 5 dollars the acre. West of the Mohawk branch
of the Delaware, the county was divided into several patents ; but
east of it was included in the Hardenburgh patent. In 1768, Wilham,
John, Alexander, and Joseph Harper, with eighteen others, obtained
a patent here for 22,000 acres of land, and soon after the Harpers
removed from Cherry Valley, and made a settlement which was
called Harpersfield, but which was broken up by the Indians and
tories during the revolutionary war. About one quarter of the county
is under improvement. The county has 18 towns, viz. :
Andes, Franklin, Masonville, Stamford,
Bovina, Hamden, Meredith, Tompkins,
Colchester, Hancock, Middletown, Walton.
Davenport, Harpersfield, Roxbury,
Delhi, Kortright, Sidney,
The annexed view of Delhi vihage, the county seat, was taken on
the eastern bank of the Delaware. This village was incorporated in
1821. The building with a steeple seen on the extreme right is a
6 11

82

DELAWARE COUNTY.

^??23to^rJ^

Eastern view of Delhi Village.
factory — the spire near the centre of the view is that of the Episcopal
.church, the one to the left the Presbyterian, and the cupolas are re
spectively those of the Courthouse, Jail, and Academy. The village
contains about 100 dwellings, situated about 70 miles westerly from
Kingston and CattskiU.
Franklin vihage is pleasantly situated 16 miles W. of Delhi, 60 S.
from Utica ; has 3 churches and about 100 dwehings, and " The Dela
ware Literary Institute," incorporated in 1835, which is a flourishing
institution. Deposit, 40 miles S W. of Delhi, is a village of about 100
dwellings, on Delaware river, and is a place where great quantities of
lumber are deposited to float down the river to market.
The following is extracted from Mr. Campbell's interesting and val-
.uable work, entitled " Annals of Tryon County."
" In 1768, William, John, Alexander, and Joseph Harper, with eighteen other individuals,
.obtained a patent for twenty-two thousand acres of land lying in the now county of Dela
ware. The Harpers removed from Cherry Valley soon after, and made a settlement there
which was called Harpersfield. This settlement had begun to flourish at the commence
ment of the war. Col. John Harper had command of one of the forts in Schoharie.
" The following account of a successful enterprise of Col. Harper, was furnished bv the
Rev. Mr. Fenn, who received the information from him. He informed me that in the'year
1777, he had the command of the fort in Schoharie, and of all the frontier stations in this
region. He left the fort in Schoharie, and came out through the woods to Harpersfield in
the time of making sugar, and from thence laid his course for Cherry Valley to investigate
the state of things there ; and as he was pursuing a blind kind of Indian trail, and was as-
'Cending what are now called Decatur Hills, he cast his eye forward, and saw a company of
men coming directly towards him, who had the appearance of Indians. He knew that if
he attempted to flee from them they would shoot him down ; he resolved to advance right
up to them, and make the best shift for himself he could. As soon as he came near enough
to discern the white of their eyes, he knew the head man and several others ; the head
man's name was Peter, an Indian with whom Col. Harper had often traded at Oquago be
fore the revolution began. The colonel had his great-coat on, so that his regimentals were
concealed, and he was not recognised ; the first word of address of Col. Harper was,
'How do you do, brothers?' The reply was, 'Well — how do you do, brother? Which
way are you bound, brother?' ' On a secret expedition : and which way are you bound,
brothers V ' Down the Susquehannah, to cut off' the Johnston settlement.' (Parson John-
¦ston and a number of Scotch families had settled down the Susquehannah, at what is
.now called Sidney's Plains, and these were the people whom they were about to destroy.)

DELAWARE COUNTY. 83
Says the colonel, 'Where do you lodge to-night ?' ' At the mouth of Schenevas creek,'
was the reply. Then shaking hands with them, he bid them good speed, and proceeded
on his journey.
"He had gone but a little way from them before he took a circuit through the woods, a
distance of eight or ten railes, on to the head of Charlotte river, where were a number of
men making sugar ; ordered them to take their arras, two days' provisions, a canteen of
rum, and a rope, and meet him down the Charlotte, at a small clearing called Evans's place,
at a certain hour that afternoon ; then rode with all speed through the woods to Harpers
field ; collected all the men who were there making sugar, and being armed and victualled,
each man with his rope laid his course for Charlotte ; when he arrived at Evans's place, he
found the Charlotte men there, in good spirits ; and when he mustered his men, there were
fifteen, including himself, exactly the same number as there were of the enemy ; then the
colonel made his men acquainted with his enterprise.
" They marched down the river a little distance, and then bent their course across the
hill to the mouth of Schenevas creek; when. they arrived at the brow of the hill where
they could overlook the valley where the Schenevas flows, they cast theur eyes down upon
the flat, and discovered the fire around which the eneray lay encaraped. ' There they
are,' said Col. Harper. They descended with great stillness, forded the creek, which was
breast-high to a man ; after advancing a' few hundred yards, they took some refreshment,
and then prepared for the contest. Daylight was just beginning to appear iri the east.
When they came to the enemy, they lay in a circle with their feet towards the fire, in a
deep sleep ; their arms and all their implements of death, were all stacked up according to
the Indian custom when they lay themselves down for the night : these the colonel se
cured by carrying them off' a distance, and laying thera down ; then each man taking his
rope in his hand, placed himself by his fellow ; the colonel rapped his man softly, and said,
' Come, it is time for men of business to be on their way ;' and then each one sprang upon
his man, and after a most severe struggle they secured the whole of the enemy.
" After they were all safely bound, and the morning had so far advanced that they could
discover objects distinctly, says the Indian Peter, ' Ha ! Col. Harper ! now I know thee —
why did I not know thee yesterday?' 'Some policy in war, Peter.' 'Ah, me find em
so now.' The colonel marched the men to Albany, delivered them up to the commanding
officer, and by this bold and well-executed feat of valor he saved the whole Scotch settle
ment from a wanton destruction.
" Eariy in the spring of 1780, a party of tories and Indians, under the command of Brant,
destroyed Harpersfield. The uihabitants had generally left the place ; but a few of the
men were at the time engaged in making maple sugar. Nineteen were taken prisoners,
and several killed. A consultation was held in the Indian language in presence of the
prisoners relative to a contemplated attack upon the upper fort, in Schoharie ; the Indians,
satisfied with the booty and prisoners already obtained, were unwilling to risk any thing
in an uncertain expedition ; some of the tories represented the plan as promising success,
and advised tho Indians to kill the prisoners, that they might not be encumbered with thera.
Brant carae up to Capt. Alexander Harper, one of the prisoners, and drawing his sword,
asked him if there were any troops in the fort : saying his life should be taken if he did
not inform him correctly. Harper knew enough of the Indian language to have learned
the subject of the foregoing conversation, and immediately answered that it was well gar
risoned, believing that they would all be killed should he answer differently. Another pris
oner, not knowing the determination of the Indians, and fearing their vengeance should the
falsehood be detected, stated truly that there were few if any troops in the fort. Harper
insisted that his statement was true ; he was believed, and they returned to Niagara. The
last night of their journey they encamped a short distance from the fort. In the morning
the prisoners were to run the gauntlet. Harper, knowing the hostility of the Indians to
wards him, and fearing they might take his life, requested Brant to interfere and protect
him, which he promised to do. The Indians arranged themselves in two parallel lines,
facing inward, with clubs and whips in their hands.
" Harper was selected first ; he was a tall, athletic man, and on the first signal sprang
from the mark with extraordinary swiftness. An Indian near the end of the line, fearing
he might escape with little injury, stepped before him ; Harper struck him a blow with his fist,
and then springing over him, ran towards the fort ; the Indians, enraged, broke their ranks
and followed him. The garrison, tpho had been apprized of the movements of the Indians,
were upon the walls when they saw Harper approaching ; they threw open the gate, and
he rushed in, when they immediately closed it. It was with difficulty they could keep
the Indians back. The other prisoners took different courses, and got into the fort without
passing through this, if not fiery, yet bloody ordeal."

84 DUTCHESS COUNTY.

DUTCHESS COUNTY.
Dutchess county was organized in 1683. It is on the E. side of
the Hudson river, 75 miles S. of Albany, and 74 N. of New York.
Greatest length N. and S. 38, greatest breadth E. and W. 26 miles.
This county is one of the most opulent in the state, though its area
has been reduced by the erection of the small county of Putnam from
its southern end. Along the eastern border towns there are ranges
of hills caUed the Fishkill or Matteawan mountains. Along the west
ern borders of these, the surface is tossed into ridges and valleys,
knolls and dales, fancifully diversified, producing a great variety of
position, of soil and aspect, and a multitude of brooks and springs.
In the southern part are some of the highest peaks of the Highlands.
That called the Old Beacon, two miles from Matteawan vihage, and
three from Fishkill Landing, raises its crest 1,471 feet, and the New
Beacon, or Grand Sachem, half a mile southward, towers 1,685 above
tide. Their names are derived from the Beacons placed on their
summits during the revolution. From the top of the latter, the view
on the S. embraces the country upon the Hudson, for 25 miles to
Tappan bay; on the SE. includes Long Island and the Sound; and
upon the NE. and W. comprehends in the diameter of a circle, 50
miles in extent, scenery of every diversity, blending the beauties of
cultivation with the stern and unchangeable features of nature. The
principal streams are the Hudson river on its western boundary, Ten
Mile, Fishkill, and Wappinger's creeks. As a whole, the county is
highly fertile, producing abundantly wheat, rye, corn, oats, and grass,
and an immense amount of produce is annually exported to New York.
This county is divided into 18 towns, viz. :

Amenia,

Hyde Park,

Pine Plains, Stanford,

Beekman,

La Grange,

Pleasant Valley, Union Vale,

Clinton,

Milan,

Poughkeepsie, Washington.

Dover,

Northeast,

Redhook,

Fishkill,

Pawhngs,

Rhinebeck,

Poughkeepsie was organized in 1788 : its name is said to have
been derived from the Indian word Apokeepsing, signifying safe har
bor. The face of the country along the Hudson river is somewhat
broken, but the general surface is but moderately uneven. Pop.
10,006. The vihage of Poughkeepsie, one of the most thriving and
substantial places in the state, was first founded by a number of
Dutch famihes somewhere about the year 1700. Being situated
about half way between New York and Albany, it occasionally be
came, in early periods of its history, the place of legislative deliberations.
The convention which met to deliberate on the Federal Constitution,
and voted for its adoption, met in this place in 1788. The annexed
engraving, taken from one published in the Family Magazine, Dec.
1838, is a representation of the first house erected in this place. It

WESTERN VIEW OF POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y.
The above shows the appearance of Poughkeepsie, as seen from the elevated bank on the west side of the Hudson, a short distance below
New Paltz landing. The Hotel at the Steamboat landing, is seen on the extreme right.

DUTCHESS COUNTY.

85

Van Kleek House.
was built in the year 1702, by Myndert Van Kleek, one of the earhest
settlers of Dutchess county. The house and grounds attached are
StiU in possession of his descendants. It belonged to Matthew Vas-
sar, Esq., in 1835, the year in which this house was demolished.
The distant building seen on the left, is that of the old brewery : this
ancient edifice exhibited its port-holes, a feature so common in the
buildings of the early settlers, they being necessary for defence against
the original possessors of the soil. In 1787, this building, then a
public house of some note, was used as a stadt-house ; the eleventh
session of the legislature of this state was held therein. George
Clinton was then governor of the state, and Pierre Van Cortlandt,
afterward mayor of New York, lieutenant-governor.
Poughkeepsie is by the river, 70 miles from Albany, 75 from
New York, 18 from Kingston, 14 from Newburg, and 42 from Hud
son. Population of the vihage in 1840, was 7,710. The central part
of the village is nearly a mile from the landing place on the Hudson,
standing on an elevated plain about 200 feet from the river. Several
roads conveniently graded, and the principal one paved, lead from
the shore to the plain above, which, on the north, is overlooked by a
beautiful slate hill, from which is a commanding prospect of the adja
cent country. The Fall creek or kill meanders through the plain on
which the vihage is built, and finahy passes into the Hudson by a
succession of cataracts and cascades, which together fall more than
160 feet, affording water-power for a number of mihs and factories.
There are 13 churches, viz. : 1 Dutch Reformed, 2 Episcopal, 2 Meth
odist, 2 Friend, 1 Baptist, 1 Catholic, 1 Congregational, 1 Presbyte
rian, 1 Universalist, and 1 African. There are 3 banks, 5 newspaper
offices, and a variety of manufacturing establishments. Within the
limits of the village are 12 male and female schools, ah of which are
of a superior order.

86

DUTCHESS COUNTY.

Poughkeepsie Collegiate School.
The above is a representation of the Poughkeepsie Cohegiate
School, erected on the summit of an elevated hill about a nhle from
the Hudson, and half a mile northward from the business part of the
village. This structure is modehed after the Parthenon at Athens, and
is 35 by 115 feet in size, exclusive of the colonnade ; inclusive, 77 by
137 feet. It cost, exclusive of the ground, about forty thousand dol
lars. This institution was opened for the reception of pupils in Nov.,
1836, under the superintendence of Mr. Charles Bartlett, assisted by
eight competent teachers. During the first term, there were 50 pu
pils ; the second, 84 ; the third, 94 ; and the fourth term, 108. " Its
situation is truly a noble one ; standing on an eminence commanding
an extensive view of almost every variety of feature necessary to the
perfection of a beautiful landscape. From the colonnade, which en
tirely surrounds it, the eye of the spectator can compass a circuit of
nearly fifty miles : on the south, at a distance of twenty miles, the
Highlands terminate the view, within which an apparent plain stretches
to their base, covered with highly cultivated farms, neat mansions, and
thriving villages. Similar scenery meets the eye on the east, but more
undulating. On the west and north, the Hudson rolls on in its pride
and beauty, dotted with the sails of inland commerce and numerous
steamboats, all laden with products of industry and busy men. In the
dim distance, the azure summits of the Cattskih, reared to the clouds,
stretch away to the north, a distance of forty miles, where the far-famed
' Mountain House' is distinctly seen, like a pearl, in its mountain crest,
at an elevation of nearly three thousand feet above the river. At our
feet, hke a beautiful panorama, lies the village of Poughkeepsie, with
its churches, its literary institutions, and various improvements in view,
indicating the existence of a liberal spirit of well-directed enterprise."
The Dutchess County Academy was erected in 1836, in the southeast
part of the viUage, at an expense of about #14,000. The average
number of its pupils is about one hundred. " The objects of this institu
tion are to prepare yomig men for college, for teachers of common
schools, for the counting-house, or any of the active pursuits of life."
Matteawan is a large manufacturing village on Fishkill creek, up
wards of a mUe from the landing on Hudson river, about 10 mUes S.
of Poughkeepsie. It was founded in 1814, by Messrs. Schenck and
Leonard, about which time the Matteawan company was formed.

ERIE COUNTY. 87
There are here several large cotton mills, and factories of various de
scriptions. There are about 2,000 persons connected with and em
ployed in the works. There are many neat dwelhngs, and two beau
tiful churches, one Presbyterian and one Episcopalian, at whose
sabbath schools 250 children attend. No intoxicating liquors are per
mitted to be sold, and almost the whole population have pledged
themselves to abstain from their use. " The deep valley, with its cas
cades and rapids ; the village, with its neat white dwellings, magnifi
cent factories, and ornamental churches, overhung by the stupendous
mountain, render this one of the most beautiful scenes in the state,
where enlightened, cheerful, and persevering industry is reaping its
due reward. It attracts much attention, and is greatly resorted to in
the summer season."
Glenham, Franklinville, and Rocky Glen, are small manufacturing
vUlages. Fishkill' viUage, on the creek, 5 miles from the Hudson
river, and 16 from Poughkeepsie, is situated upon a beautiful plain, in
a fertile country, and has about eighty dwellings, an academy, one
Episcopal, and one Dutch church. A portion of the American army
were located here in the revolutionary war. Their barracks were
about half a mile south of the village. Pleasant Valley, 7 miles NE.
from Poughkeepsie, is a manufacturing village on Wappinger's creek
of about 100 dwellings and 4 churches. Hyde Park viUage and land
ing, about 7 miles N. of Poughkeepsie, has about 80 dwellings and 3
churches. The seat of the late Dr. Hosack is in this place. The vil
lage of Rhinebeck Flats, about 9 miles from New York, 2 miles from
the landing, contains upwards of 100 dwellings, 3 churches, and an
academy.

ERIE COUNTY.
Erie county was taken from Niagara county in 1821. Greatest
length N. and S. 44, and greatest breadth E. and W. 30 miles. Cen
trally distant from New York 357, from Albany W., 298 miles. Lake
Erie and the Niagara river form its western boundary, the Tonawanta
creek its northern, and the Cattaraugus its southern. The many
streams which enter into Lake Erie furnish fine mill sites. The Erie
canal enters the Tonawanta creek on the northern border ; from which
a towing path has been constructed along the bank of the creek, which
is used as a canal 12 miles to the Tonawanda viUage, a short distance
above its junction with Niagara river, near Grand Island. A railroad
connects Buffalo with the village at Niagara FaUs, and one with the
Black Rock ferry. The surface in the northern part of the county is
level or gently undulating ; the southern is more diversified, but no
part is hilly. Generally the soU is good ; consisting in the northern
half, of warm, sandy, and gravelly loam, occasionaUy mixed with
clay, and adapted to wheat ; in the southern, clay prevails, and is pro-

88 ERIE COUNTY.
ductive of grass. Both portions yield excellent and various fruits.
About one third of the land is under improvement. The whole county
was within the Holland Land Company's purchase, excepting a strip
a mile wide on the Niagara river. The county has 21 towns.

Alden,

Buffalo City,

Eden,

Sardinia,

Amherst,

Chictawaga,

Evans,

Tonawanda,

Aurora,

Clarence,

Hamburgh,

Wales.

Black Rock,

Colden,

Holland,

Boston,

Collins,

Lancaster,

Brandt,

Concord,

Newstead,

Buffalo city is situated at the outlet of Lake Erie, at the head of
Niagara river, at the mouth of the Buffalo creek, and at the western
extremity of the Erie canal ; Lat. 42° 53' N., long. 2° west from
Washington. Distant from Albany by the great western road 298
miles j by the Erie canal, 364 ; from New York, by Albany and
Utica, 445 ; by Morristown, N. J., Owego, and Ithaca, 357 ; from
Rochester, 73 ; from Niagara Falls, 22 ; from Erie, Penn., 90 ; from
Cleveland, Ohio, 103 ; from Detroit, Mich., 290 ; from Toronto, U.
C, 72 ; from Montreal, L. C, 427 ; and from Washington City, 376
miles. Buffalo is the port of entry for the Niagara district, including
Silver Creek, Dunkirk, and Portland, and all above the falls. It is
an entrepot for the great and growing trade between New York and a
large portion of Upper Canada and the great west.
Bufialo was originally laid out in 1801, by the Holland Land Com
pany, on a bluff or terrace rising 50 feet above the water, and partly
on the low and marshy ground extending from the terrace to the creek
and lake. This marsh has been drained, and a large portion of the
business part of the city lies upon it. The Erie canal from Tone-
wanda village is continued along the margin of Niagara river and the
shore of the lake to the city. A mole or pier of wood and stone,
1,500 feet long, extends from the south side of the mouth of the creek,
forming a partial breakwater to protect the shipping from the gales
which are felt here. For the better accommodation of trade, a ship
canal, 80 feet wide and 13 deep, was completed in 1833, across the
harbor near the mouth of the creek, a distance of 700 yards. A
hghthouse built of limestone stands on the end of the pier, 46 feet in
height. From the time of the foundation of this place to 1812, it increased
slowly. In that year it became a military post, and in December,
1813, every building in it was burnt save two, by the British and In
dians. Many of the inhabitants were taken prisoners to Montreal.
The place was soon rebuilt, and by 1817, it contained 100 houses,
some of which were large and elegant. It was incorporated as a
viUage in 1822, and, in 1823, had the courthouse and jail, and up
wards of 300 buildings. It had then felt in advance the influence of
the Erie canal, and much improvement was made in anticipation of
the completion of that great work. In 1 829, it had 400 houses, and
more than 2,000 inhabitants. It was incorporated as a city in 1832,

NORTH WEST VIEW OF BUFFALO, N. Y.
The above view was taken on a gentle elevation, a short distance westwardly of the city. A small portion of Lake Erie is seen on the
extreme right.

ERIE COUNTY.

89

and contains at this time about 2,000 houses, and 20,000 inhabitants.
There are 25 churches, a literary and scientific academy, incorporated
in 1827, 7 banks, 8 newspapers, and many hotels and taverns, required
for the great concourse of strangers here. The buildings, pubhc and
private, are generally good, many of them four stories high, among
which are fine specimens of architecture. An enterprising citizen,
Mr. Rathbun, during the year 1835, erected 99 buildings, at an aggre
gate cost of about $500,000 ; of these, 52 were stoires of the first
class, 32 dwellings, a theatre, &c."

Distant view of Black Rock and vicinity.
The village of Black Rock is in two divisions, the upper and lower.
The post-office, which is in the south part, is 3 miles from Buffalo,
opposite the village of Waterloo on the Canada side.
The foregoing is a distant northern view of part of the village of
Black Rock ; the Canada side, on which is the village of Waterloo,
is seen on the right, and Lake Erie in the extreme distance. A ferry
boat plies between Waterloo and the south part of Black Rock vil
lage. Niagara river at this point is three fourths of a mile wide, 20
feet deep, and runs with a current of 6 miles an hour. The harbor
of Black Rock is 4,565 yards long from N. to S., and from 88 to 220
yards broad, containing an area of 136 acres. It begins in the lake
opposite Buffalo, at Bird island, and is continued, by a mole of double
wooden cribs filled in with stone, 18 feet wide and 2,915 yards long,
to Squaw island, and is raised from 1 to 4 feet above the surface of
the river, rising gradually towards the north. A dam at the end of
Squaw island, connecting it with the main land, raises the water about
4^ feet to the level of the lake. The average depth of the water in
this harbor is 15 feet. By means of the dam, great water-power is
obtained, and miUs of various kinds are estabhshed at the lower vil
lage. The viUage of Black Rock contains about 350 dweUings, and
2,000 inhabitants.
Black Rock, in common with other places on the Niagara fron
tier, was ravaged and burnt by the enemy in December, 1813. On
the 11th of July previous, the Bri};ish made an attack on the place.
The foUowing particulars of this event are compiled from the Buffalo
Gazette. 12

90 ERIE COUNTY.
" The British troops which crossed over at Black Rock on the 10th inst. were commanded
by Cols. Bishop and Warren. They crossed the Niagara below Squaw island, and marched
far above the navy yard before any alarm was given. The detached militia being surprised,
retreated up the beach, and left the enemy in quiet possession of the village, who proceeded
to burn the sailors' barracks and block-houses at the great battery. They then proceeded
to the batteries, dismounted and spiked tliree 12 pounders, and took away 3 field-pieces
and one 12 pounder ; they took from a storehouse a quantity of whiskey, salt, flour, pork,
&c., which, with four citizens, they took across the river. At the first moment of the alarm.
Gen. Porter left Black Rock for Buff'alo, at which place he assembled a body of volunteers
and a few regulars, which, with 100 militia and 25 Indians, formed a junctioil about a mile
from the enemy. After being formed with the militia and Indians on the flanks and the
volunteers and the regulars in the centre, they attacked, and the enemy, after a contest of
20 minutes, retreated in the utmost confusion to the beach, embarked in several of our
boats, and pulled for the opposite shore ; all the boats got off' without injury, except the last,
which suff'ered severely from our fire, and from appearance, nearly all the men in her were
killed or wounded. The British lost 8 killed on the field, besides those killed and wounded
in the boats. We took 15 prisoners, who were sent to Batavia. Capt. Saunders, of the
British 49th, was wounded while stepping into his boat ; he was conveyed to Gen. Porter's
house. He states that Col. Bishop was badly wounded and carried into the boat, and says
also, that several killed and wounded were carried into the boats. On our side. Sergeant
Hartman, Jonathan Thompson, and Joseph Wright were killed, and 5 wounded, 2 of whom
were Indians. The Indians behaved well and committed no act of cruelty. They fought
because they were friendly to the United States, and because their own possessions, which
are very valuable, were in danger of invasion. They are opposed to crossing the river
to fight, but are ready to meet the enemy at the threshold in defence of the country which
protects them. Maj. King was at Black Rook overnight, and was present and assisted in
the action. Two hundred regulars have arrived from Erie at Black Rock, where they are
to be stationed."
Fort Erie, about a mile S. from the ferry at Waterloo on the Can
ada side, was a post of much importance during the last war. After
the battle at Niagara, the Americans fell back to Fort Erie, of which
they had previously taken possession. This fortress is situated on
the margin of the lake, at its outlet into the Niagara river ; being
nearly a horizontal plain 15 feet above the level of the water, it pos
sesses no natural advantages. On the 13th of Aug. 1814, the British
troops, having invested the fort, opened a brisk cannonade, which was
returned from the American batteries. At sunset on the 14th, one
of their shells lodged in a small magazine, which blew up without any
injurious effects. The following account of the assault which took
place a few hours afterward, is taken from " Perkins' History of the
Late War."
" Gen. Gaines, expecting an assault in the course of the night, kept his men constantly
at their posts. The night was dark, and the early part of it rainy ; at 2 o'clock in the
morning, the British columns, enveloped in darkness, were distinctly heard approaching the
American lines. The infantry under Maj. Wood, and Capt. Towson's artillery, opened
a brisk fire upon them. The sheet of fire from this corps, enabled Gen. Gaines to discover
this column of the British, 1,500 strong, approaching the American left. The infantry were
protected by a line of loose brush representing an abattis bordering on the river. The
British, in attempting to pass round this, plunged into the water breast high. The com
manding general was about to order a detachment of riflemen to support Maj. Wood, but
was assured by him that he could maintain his position without a reinforcement. The
British columns were twice repulsed, and soon afterward fled in confusion. On the right,
the lines were lighted by a brilliant discharge of musketry and cannon, which announced
the approach of the centre and left columns of the enemy. The latter met the veteran 9th
regiment, and Burton's and Harding's companies of volunteers, aided by a 6 pounder, and
were repulsed. The centre column, under Col. Drumraond, approached at the same time
the most assailable points of the fort, and with scaling ladders ascended the parapet, but
were driven back with great carnage. The assault was twice repeated, and as often check
ed ; this column, concealed by the darkness of the night and the clouds of smoke which

ERIE COUNTY. 91
rolled from the cannon and musketry, then passed roUnd the ditch, repeated their charge,
reascended their ladders, and with their pikes, bayonets, and spears, fell upon the artillerists.
Most of the officers, and many of the men, received deadly wounds. Lieut. McDonough
being severely wounded, and in the power of tho enemy, surrendered and demanded quar
ter ; Col. Drumraond, refusing it, drew a pistol and shot him dead. In a moment after
ward, as he was repeating the order to give no quarters, Col. Drumraond was shot through
the heart. The bastion was now in the possession of the British. The battle raged with
increased fury on the right ; reinforcements were ordered and promptly furnished from Maj.
Wood's corps on the left. Capt. Fanning kept up a spirited and destructive fire frora his
artillery on tho enemy as they wore approaching the fort. Majs. Hiiidraan and Trimble,
failing to drive the British from the bastion, with the remaining artillerists and infantry,
and Capt. BIrdsall's detachment of riflemen, rushed in through the gateway, to the assist
ance of the right wing, and made a resolute charge. A detachment, under Maj. Hall, was
introduced over the interior of the bastion, for the purpose of charging the British, who still
held possession, but the narrowness of the passage, adraitting only 2 or 3 abreast, prevented
its accomplishment, and they were obliged to retire. At this moment, every operation was
arrested by the explosion of the principal magazine, containing a large quantity of cartridges
and powder, in the end of a stone building adjoining the contested bastion. Whether this
was the effect of accident or design, was not known. The explosion was tremendous, and
its eff'eots decisive. The British in possession of the bastion were destroyed in a moment.
As soon as the tumult occasioned by that event had subsided, Capt. Biddle posted a field-
piece so as to enfilade the exterior plain, and the salient glacis. Fanning's battery at the
same time opened on the British who were now returning. In a few rainutes they were all
driven frora the works, leaving 222 killed, 174 wounded on the field, and 186 prisoners.
To these losses are to be added those killed on tho left flank by Maj. Wood's infantry and
Towson's artillery, and floated down the Niagara, estimated in the oSioial reports at 200.
The American loss during the bombardment of the 13th and 14th, was 9 killed, and 36
wounded, and in the assault of the night of the 14th, 17 killed, 56 wounded, and 11 missing."
The British troops still continuing their investment of Fort Erie,
on the 17th of September a part of the American garrison made a
sortie, and took the British works about 500 yards in front of their
line. The British had two batteries on their left, which annoyed the
fort, and were about opening a third. Their camp was about 2 miles
distant, sheltered by a wood ; their works were garrisoned with one
third of their infantry, from 1,200 to 1,500 men, and a detachment of
artillery. -
" Early on the morning of the 17th, General Porter, with a large detachment, was order
ed to penetrate through the woods by a circuitous route, and get between the British main
body and their batteries ; while General Miller was directed to take a position in the ravine,
between the American lines and the batteries, and attack them in front. The advance of
Gen. Porter's coraraand consisted of two hundred riflemen, under Colonel Gibson. The
right column, of 400 infantry, commanded by Col. Wood ; the left, under Gen. Davis, of
500 militia, designed to act as a reserve, and to hold in check any reinforcements from
the British main body. Gen. Porter's corps carried the blockhouse in the rear of the third
battery by storm, the magazine was blown up, and the garrison made prisoners. The
leaders of the 3 divisions under Gen. Porter, all fell nearly at the same time ; Col. Gib
son, at the head of the riflemen, at the second battery, and Gen. Davis and Col. Wood in
an assault upon the first. While these transactions were taking place in the rear of the
eneray's works. General Miller in front penetrated between the first and second batteries,
and, aided by the operations of Gen. Porter in the rear, succeeded in carrying them. With
in 30 minutes from the commencement of the action, 2 batteries, 2 blockhouses, and the
whole line of intrenchments were in possession of the Americans ; and immediately after
ward, the other battery was abandoned by the British. Gen. Ripley was now ordered up
with the reserve, and at the close of the action, was dangerously wounded in the neck.
Strong reinforcements from the British main body arrived while the Americans were en
gaged in destroying the works, and took part in the action. The object of the sortie being
fully accomplished, the American troops were ordered to return to the fort. During the
action, Gen. Porter, in passing from the right to the left column of his detachment, accom
panied with only 2 or 3 officers, suddenly found himself within a few yards of a body of
• 60 British soldiera, who had just emerged from a. ravine, and were hesitating which way to

92 BRIE COUNTY.
go: The general immediately advanced, and ordered them to surrender ; approaching the
first man on the left, he took his musket, and pushed him towards the American lines : in
this way he proceeded nearly through the whole company, most of the men voluntarily
throwing down their arms, and retiring towards the fort : when on a sudden, a soldier,
whose musket the general was about to seize, presented the bayonet to his breast, and de
manded his surrender. Gen. Porter seized the musket, and was about wrenching it from
him, when he was seized by a British officer, and 3 or 4 men who stood in the ranks, and
thrown on the ground. He succeeded in gaining his feet, when he found himself sur
rounded by 15 or 20 men, with their guns presented at him, demanding his surrender. By
this time, several American officers with a number of men were advancing to the scenp
of action. Gen. Porter, now assuming an air of composure and decision, told them they
were now surrounded and prisoners, and if they fired a gun they should all be put to the
sword. By this time a company of Cayuga riflemen had arrived, and after a momentary
scene of confusion and carnage, the whole British party were killed, or made prisoners."
The American loss was 79 kOled, 432 wounded and missing. The
British loss, as estimated by the American commander, was 500 in
killed and wounded : 385 prisoners were taken, and their advance'
works were destroyed. On the night of the 21st, Gen. Drummond,
after an investment of 56 days, broke up his camp, and retired to his
intrenchments behind Chippewa river.

House of Red Jacket, on the Buffalo Reservation,
The above is the eastern view of the cabin of the celebrated Indian
chief. Red Jacket, and the house of Wm. Jones, about four miles from
Buffalo. The cabin of Red Jacket is seen on the left, the house of
Jones, which is a fair specimen of the better sort of Indian houses, on
the right. The Seneca mission church is about 80 rods east from
this place. Red Jacket died Jan. 20tli, 1832, and has a monument
erected to his memory a few rods from the church.
Red Jacket was born in 1756. His birthplace is supposed to have been at a place for
merly called " Old Caste," about. 3 miles west of Geneva, in the present limits of the town
of Seneca. His Indian name was Sa-go-you-wat-ha, a word signifying one who keeps
awake by magical influence. During tlie revolution, the Senecas fought under the British
standard. Although quite young, his activity and intelligence attracted the attention of
the British officers. By thera he was presented with a richly embroidered scarlet jacket.
This he wore on all occasions, and from this circumstance arose the name by which he is
known among the whites. During the revolution he took little or no part as a warrior,
but his personal activity and transcendent talents won the esteem of his tribe. A gentle
man who knew him intimately for more than 30 years, in peace and in war, speaks of him
in the following terras. " Red Jacket was a perfect Indian in every respect, in costurae,
in his contempt of the dress of the white men, m his hatred and opposition to the mission-

ERIE COUNTY. 93
aries, and in his attachment to, and veneration for the ancient customs and traditions of
his tribe. He had a contempt for the English language, and disdained to use any other
than his own. He was the finest specimen of the Indian character that I ever knew, and
sustained it with more dignity than any other chief. He was second to none in authority
in his tribe. As an orator he was unequalled by any Indian I ever saw. His language
was beautiful and figurative, as the Indian language always is, and delivered with the
greatest ease and fluency. His gesticulation was easy, graceful, and natural. His voice
was distinct and clear, and he always spoke with great animation. His memory was very
strong. I have acted as interpreter to most of his speeches, to which no translation could
do adequate justice."
The following interesting anecdotes are illustrative of his peculiar points of character, as
well as of his ready eloquence. At a council held with the Senecas, a dispute arose be
tween Gov. Tompkins and Red Jacket, connected with a treaty of some years standing.
The governor stated one thing, and the Indian chief insisted that the reverse was true.
But, it was rejoined, " you have forgotten — we have written it down on paper." " The
paper then tells a lie," was the confident answer ; " I have it written here," continued the
chief, placing his hand with great dignity upon his brow. " You Yankees are born with a
feather between ^our fingers ; but your paper does not speak the truth. The Indian keeps
his knowledge here — ^this is the book the Great Spirit gave us — it does not lie." A refer
ence was immediately made to the treaty in question, when, to the astonishment of all
present, and to the triumph of the tawny statesman, the document confirmed every word
that he had uttered.
It happened during the revolution that a treaty was held with the Indians, at which
Lafayette was present, the object of which was to unite the various tribes in amity with
America. The majority of the chiefs were friendly, but there was much opposition made
to it, especially by a young warrior, who declared that when an alliance was entered into
with America, he should consider that the sun of his country had set forever. In his travels
through the Indian country, when last in Araerica, it happened at a large assemblage of
chiefs, that Lafayette referred to the treaty in question, and turning to Red Jacket, said,
" Pray tell me, if you can, what has become of that daring youth who so decidedly op
posed all propositions for peace and amity ?" " I myself am the man," replied Red
Jacket ; " the decided enemy of the Americans, so long as the hope ,of successfully op
posing them remained, but now their true and faithful ally until death."
During the late war. Red Jacket with his tribe enlisted on the American side. He
fought through the whole war, and displayed the most undaunted intrepidity ; while in no
instance did lie exhibit the ferocity of the savage, or disgrace himself by any act of hihu-
manity. Red Jacket was the foe of the white man. His nation was his god ; her honor, preser
vation, and liberty, his religion. He hated the missionary of the cross, because he feared
Borae secret design upon the lands, the peace, or the independence of the Senei^as. He
never understood Christianity. Its sublirae disinterestedness exceeded his conceptions.
He was a keen observer of human nature ; and saw that among white and red men, sor
did interest was equally the spring of action. He therefore naturally enough suspected
every stranger who came to his tribe, of some design on their little and dearly prized do
mains. His tribe was divided into two factions, one of which, from being in favor of the
missionaries, was called the Christian, and the other, from their opposition, the pagan
party. His wife, who would attend the religious meetings of the Christian party, re
ceived much persecution from him on this account. During his last sickness there seemed
to be quite a change in regard to his feelings respecting Christianity. He repeatedly re
marked to his wife, that he was sorry that he had persecuted her, — that she was right
and he wrong, and, as his dying advice, told her, " Persevere in your religion, it is the
right way .'"
A few days before his decease, he sent for Mr. Harris, the missionary ; but he was at
tending an ecclesiastical council, and did not receive the message until after the death of
the chief. In his last wandering moments it is said that he directed that a vial of cold
water should be placed in his coffin, so that he might have something with which to fight
the evil spirit. A considerable number of people from Buff'alo attended his funeral, some
of whom wished him buried in the ancient or pagan style. He was, however, interred in
the Christian manner, in accordance with the wishes of his relatives. He left two wives,
but none of his children survived him. Two of his sons aresupposed to have died Chris
tians. Rev. Jabez B. Hyde, a teacher to the Senecas before the war of 1812, states that
one of the sons of Red Jacket was the first convert to Christianity frora this tribe.
For some months previous to his death, time had made such ravages on his constitution

94 ERIE COUNTY.
as to render him fully sensible of his approaching dissolution. To that event he often ad-"
verted, and always in the language of philosophic calmness. He visited successively all
his most intimate friends at their cabins, and conversed with them upon the condition of
the nation in the most affecting and impressive manner. He told them that he was pass
ing away, and his counsels would soon be heard no more. He ran over the history of his
people frora the most remote period to which his knowledge extended, and pointed out, as
few could, the wrongs, the privations, and the loss of character, which almost of them
selves constituted that history. " I am about to leave you," said he, " and when I am
gone, and my warning shall no longer be heard or regarded, the craft and the avarice of
the white man will prevail. Many winters have I breasted the storm, but I am an aged
tree, and can stand no longer. My leaves are fallen, my branches are withered, and I am
shaken by every breeze. Soon my aged trunk will be prostrate, and the foot of the ex
ulting foe of the Indian may- be placed upon it. in safety ; for I leave none who will be
enabled to avenge such an indignity. Think not I mourn for myself. I go to join the
spirits of my fathers, where age cannot come ; but my heart fails when I think of my
people, v,^ho are soon to be scattered and forgotten."
Tonewanda village, having about 100 dwellings, lies at the mouth
and en both sides of Tonewanda creek, the portion lying, on the north
side of the creek being in Wheatfield, Niagara co. It is 16 miles
SW. from Lockport, 11 N. from Buffalo, on the lines of the Buffalo
and Niagara railroad and the Erie canal, which latter here runs in the
Tonewanda creek. Grand Island, called by the Indians Owanungah,
in the Niagara river, commences about 5 miles below the termination
of Lake Erie, runs down 8 miles, and ends within 3 of Niagara Falls.
Its breadth varies from 3 to 6 miles. Originally this, with the small
islands of Strawberry, Snake, Squaw, and Bird, belonged to the
Senecas, and were purchased of them by the state for $1,000, and
an annuity of $500. " The state, in 1833, sold Grand Island to the
East Boston Co., who have erected upon it, on the site of the pro
posed Jewish city of Ararat, opposite to the mouth of the Tonewanda
creek, the village of White Haven, (named after Mr. Stephen White,
who resides upon Tonewanda island nearly opposite,) where they
have a steam grist-mill and saw-mill 150 feet square, with room for
1 5 gangs of saws, said to be the largest in the world, several dwell
ings, a buUding used for a school, and church, a commodious wharf,
several hundred feet long, and a spacious dock of piles for storing and
securing floating timber. The principal object of the company is to
prepare timber for vessels on the lakes' and the ocean, fitting the
frames to the models given ; in which they avail themselves, not only
of their special resources on the island, but of all which the vast
region around the upper lakes affords." The operations of this com
pany are at present suspended.
" In 1816 and '17, a number of persons from the United States and Canada went on
this island. They niarked out the boundaries of their different possessions ; elected magis
trates and other officers frora among themselves ; and gave out that they were amenable
to neither government, but an independent community. After the question of boundary
was settled, the state of New York passed a law to drive them oflT; but that was not ef
fected till the severe measure was resorted to of destroying their houses, which was done by
tlio sheriff' and posse of Erie county. Grand Island was selected by Major Noah, (now of
the city of New York,) on which to build a city, and establish a colony of Jews, with the
view of making it the Ararat, or resting-place of that dispersed people. There it was antici
pated that their government would be organized, and thence the laws would emanate which
agaiii were to bring together the eliildren of Israel, and re-establish them as a nation upon
the earth. The European Rabbi did not sanction the scheme, and it vanished as a day
dream of the learned and worthy projector." — Steele's Book of Niagara Falls.

ESSEX COUNTY. 95

ESSEX COUNTY.

Essex county, formed from Clinton in 1799, was originally settled
from New England. Its greatest length N. and S. 43, greatest breadth
E. and W. 41 miles ; centrally distant from New York 271, and from
Albany 126 mUes. " The surface of this county is decidedly moun
tainous, in which respect it bears a striking contrast to the St. Law
rence. In addition to this, it may be remarked, that the hills, as well
as the mountains, are steep and abrupt, and almost uniformly present,
on one side, a precipice nearly perpendicular. In this county there
are no long and gradual slopes, or gentle risings towards the mountain
summit, but they are always bold and difficult of ascent. A surface
of country thus characterized, combined also with great height, both
of the general surface and especially of numerous peaks, alters to a
very great extent its agricultural character. By this combination, the
mean temperature of the county is reduced so low, that the cultivation
of some of the most useful vegetables is prevented, or they are crops
so uncertain, on account of late springs and early autumnal frosts,
that little inducement is held out for trying them even as matters of
experiment. " The whole of this county lies within the northern primitive dis
trict, except a strip of lower secondary, which borders the lake for
many miles, and which has generally a surface of rock lime. Iron ore
of the best quality abounds everywhere on the hills ; marble is appa
rent in Moriah ; plumbago in several districts ; ochres, from which
paint is made, in Ticonderoga ; and some copper, it is said, has been
discovered in the northern part of the county." — The county is di
vided into 15 towns, viz. :

Chesterfield,

Jay,

Moriah,

Westport,

Crown Point,

Keene,

Newcomb,

Willsborough,

Elizabethtown,

Lewis,

Schroon,

WUmington.

Essex,

Minerva,

Ticonderoga,

Keesville, situated on both sides of Au Sable river, 16 mUes S.
from Plattsburg and 4 from Port Kent, contains about 300 dwellings,
4 churches, a bank, several large manufacturing establishments, and
is a center of business for iron and lumber. Ehzabethtown, where
the county buildings are located, is a village of some 30 or 40 dwell
ings. Crown Point, whence the name pi th# town and ancient fort
is derived, is situated at the NE. extremity, and is formed by an
extensive deep bay on the west, skirted by a steep mountain, and on
the north and east by the body of the lake. Fort Frederick, at this
place, was buih by the French in 1731. This fortress was a star
work, being in the form of a pentagon, with bastions at the angles,
and surrounded by a ditch walled in with stone. This post secured
the command of Lake Champlain, and guarded the passage into Cana
da. It was through this lake, by the route of Crown Point, that the

96

ESSEX COUNTY.

parties of French and Indians made their bloody incursions upon the
frontiers of New England and New York. This fort was subse
quently blown up ; and its site is now marked by a heap of ruins.
This place being abandoned by the French, in 1759, to Gen. Am
herst, fort Crown Point was afterward erected, about a quarter of a
mile from the shore, and has at a distance something the appearance
of Ticonderoga. The waUs were of wood and earth, 16 feet high, 22
thick, enclosing an area of 1,500 yards square, surrounded by a deep
broad ditch cut into granite. There were here a double row of stone
barracks, and on the north, a gate with a drawbridge and covered way
leading to the lake. These works and those adjoining, which were
extensive, are now mostly heaps of rubbish. Crown Point fell into
the hands of the Americans at the time of the capture of Ticonde
roga, in May, 1775, but was evacuated the next year. The disastrous
expedition against Canada was terminated near this place, by the
destruction of the lake fleet under the command of Gen. Arnold, Oct.
13th, 1776. Arnold, on his retreat from Canada, on board his fleet,
was pursued by the enemy so closely, that he was obliged to run his
vessel on shore and blow up five gondolas. The British soon estab
lished themselves, with their army and fleet, at Crown Point, and
strengthened the fortifications ; but ere long they abandoned the sta
tion and retired to Canada.

Ruins of Fort Ticonderoga.

The above is a representation of the ruins of Fort Ticonderoga, 96
mUes from Albany, th^fortress so celebrated in colonial and revolu
tionary history. These ruins are situated on a peninsula of about 500
acres, elevated upwards of 100 feet above Lake Champlain, at the
mouth of Lake George's outlet. This fortress was originally erected by
the French in 1756, and was caUed by them CariUon, and was a place
of much strength by nature and art, surrounded on three sides by water,
and having half the fourth covered by a swamp, and the only approach
able point defended by a breastwork. It was, however, commanded
by Mount Defiance on the south side of the creek or outlet, which

ESSEX COUNTY. 97
towers 750 feet above the lake. It was on the summit of this moun
tain that Gen. Burgoyne's troops showed themselves on the morning
of July 4th, 1777, with a battery of heavy cannon, which they had
drawn up along the ridge during the night. The distance from the
summit to the fort, in a straight line, is about a mile. The position was
so commanding that they could count all the men in the fort, and
fully justified Gen. St. Clair in ordering an immediate retreat of the
garrison. Mount Independence, connected in history with Ticonde
roga, hes in Vermont, one mile from the fort on the east side of the
lake. There are here also remains of military works.
The fohowing account of the defeat of Gen. Abercrombie before
Ticonderoga, July 8, 1758, is from the 3d volume of Macauley's His
tory of New York :
" The expedition against Ticonderoga and Crown Point was conducted by Abercrombie
in person. In the beginning of July he embarked his forces, amounting to nearly seven
thousand regidars and ten thousand provincials, on Lake George, on board of nine hundred
batteaux, and one hundred and thirty.five whale boats, with provisions, artillery, and ammu
nition. Several pieces of cannon were mounted on rafts, to cover the proposed landing at
the Outlet of the lake. Early the next morning he reached the landing place, which was
in a cove on the west side of the lake near its issue, leading to the advanced guard of the
enemy, composed of one battalion, in a logged camp. He immediately debarked his
forces, and after having formed thera into three columns, marched to the enemy's advanced
post, which was abandoned with precipitation. He continued his march with the army to.
wards Ticonderoga, with the intention of investing it ; but the route lying through a thick
wood that did not admit of any regular progression, and the guides proving extremely ig.
norant, the troops were bewildered, and the columns broken by falling in one on another.
Lord Howe being advanced at the head of the right centre column, encountered a French
detachment, that had hkewise lost its way in the retreat from the advanced post, and a
warm skirmish ensuing, the enemy were routed with considerable loss ; and one hundred
and forty-eight were taken prisoners. This advantage was purchased at a dear rate. Lord
Howe, and one other officer, besides privates, were killed. The former is spoken of in
very high terms for his bravery.* Abercrombie perceiving the troops were greatly fatigued
and disordered, deemed it advisable to fall back to the landing place. Then he detached
Lieutenant-colonel Bradstreet, with a detachment, to take possession of a saw-mill in the
vicinity of Ticonderoga, which the enemy had abandoned. This post being secured^
Abercrombie advanced again towards Ticonderoga, where, he understood fi'om the prisoners,
the enemy had assembled eight battalions, with a body of Canadians and Indians, amount
ing in all to six thousand men. The actual number, however, was considerably less,, not
exceeding four thousand men, as was afterward ascertained. These, they said, being en.
camped before the fort, were employed in making a formidable intrenchment, where they
intended to wait for a reinforcement of three thousand men,, who had been detached^under
the command of M. de Levi, to make a diversion on the side of the Mohawk ; but upon
intelligence of Abercrombie's approach,were now recalled for the defence of Ticonderoga.
This information induced Abercrombie to strike, if possible, some decisive blow before the
iunction could be effected. He therefore early next morning sent his engineer to recon.
noitre the enemy's intrenchments ; and he, upon his return, reported that the works being
still unfinished, might be attempted with good prospect of success. A disposition was
made accordingly for the attack, and after proper guards had been left at the saw-mill, and
the landing place, the whole army was put in motion. The troops advanced with great alacrity
towards the intrenchments, which, however, they found altogether impracticable. The
breastwork was raised eight feet high, and the ground before it covered with an abattis,
* "This young officer was the idol of the army. From Ma first arrival in,Miericai he badi accommodated
himself and his regiment to the peculiar nature of the service. He cut liis hair short, and induced the regi
ment to follow the example. He fashioned their clothing for the activily of service, and divested himself
and them of every article of superfluous baggage. When near Ticonderoga, major, afterward Gen. Futnam,
with about 100 men, advanced in front of the array as a kind of scouting party. Pumam endeavored to
prevent Lord Howe from accompanying him, saying, ' My Lord, if I am killed, the loss of my life will be of
Uttle consequence, but the preservation of youra is of intinite importance to this army,' The only answer
was, ' Putnam, your life is as dear to you, as mine is to me ; I am determined to go.* They soon met the lelt
flank of the enemy's advance, by whose first fire his lordship felL" — Humphrey's Life of, Butnam.

98 ESSEX COUNTY.
or felled trees, with their boughs pointing outward, and projecting in such a manner as to
render the intrenchment almost inaccessible. Notwithstanding these discouraging difficul
ties, the troops, marched up to the assault with an undaunted resolution, and sustained a
terrible fire. "They endeavored to force their way through these embarrassments, and some
of diem even mounted the parapet ; but the enemy were so well covered, and defended
their works with so much gallantry, notwithstanding their greatly inferior numbers, that no
impression could be made ; the carnage became fearfully great, and the assailants began to
fall into great confiision, after several attacks, which lasted several hours. Abercrombie by
this time saw plainly that no hope of success remained ; and in order to prevent a total de
feat, sounded a retreat, leaving about two thousand men on the field. Every corps of the
army behaved, on this unfortunate day, with remarkable intrepidity ; the greatest loss bus.
tained among the corps, was that of the regiment of Lord Johii Murray."
The seizure of the fortress of Ticonderoga, by Col. Ethan Allen,
on the 10th of May, 1776, is thus related by Ramsay, in his history
of the American Revolution : ¦
" It early occurred to many, that if the sword decided the controversy between Great
Britain and her colonies, the possession of Ticonderoga would be essential to the security
of the latter. Situated on a promontory, forraed at the junction of the waters of Lake
George and Lake Champlain, it was the key of all communication between New York and
Canada. Messrs. Deane, Wooster, Parsons, Stevens, and others of Connecticut, planned
a scheme for obtaining possession of this valuable post. Having procured a loan of 1 ,800
dollars of public money, emd provided a sufficient quantity of powder and ball, they set off
for Bennington, to obtain the co-operation of Colonel AUen of that place. Two hundred
and seventy men, mostly of that brave and hardy people who are called green mountain
boys, were speedily collected at Castleton, which was fixed on as the place of rendezvous.
At this place Colonel Arnold, who, though attended only with a servant, was prosecuting
.the same object, unexpectedly joined them. He had been early chosen a captain of a vol.
unteer company by the inhabitants of New Haven, among whom he resided. As soon as
ihe received news of the Lexington battle, he marched off with his company for the vi-
¦cinity of Boston, and arrived there, though 150 miles distant, in a few days. Immediately
.after his arrival he waited on the Massachusetts committee of safety, and informed them,
that there were at Ticonderoga many pieces of cannon and a great quantity of valuable
stores, and tliat the fort was in a ruinous condition, and garrisoned only by about 40 men.
They appointed him a colonel, and commissioned him to raise 400 men, and to take Ti.
cconderoga. The leaders of the party which had previously rendezvoused at Castleton, ad-
.mitted Colonel Arnold to join tliem, and it was agreed liiat Colonel AUen should be the
commander in chief of the expedition, and that Colonel Arnold should be his assistant.
They proceeded without delay, and arrived in the night at Lake Champlain, opposite to Ti-
.conderoga. Allen and Arnold crossed over with 83 men, and landed near the garrison.
They contended who should go in first, but it was at last agreed that they should both go
in together. They advanced abreast, and entered the fort at the dawning of day. A sentty
¦snapped his piece at one of them, and then retreated through the covered way to the pa.
rade. The Americans followed, and immediately drew up. The commander, surprised in
his bed, was called upon to surrender the fort. He asked, By what authority ? Colonel
Allen replied, ' I demand it in the name of the great Jehovah, and of the continental
¦congress.' No resistance was made, and the fort, with its valuable stores and forty-eight
.prisoners, fell into the hands of the Americans. The boats had been sent back for the re.
mainder of the men, but the business was done before they got over. Colonel Seth War
ner was sent off with a party to take possession of Crown Point, where a sergeant and 12
men performed garrison duty. This was speedily effected. The next object, calling for
the attention of the Americans, was to obtain the command of Lake Champlain, but to ac
complish this, it was necessary for them to get possession of a sloop of war, lying at St,
Johns, at the noEthern extremity of the lake. With the view of capturing this sloop it
was agreed to man and arm a schooner lying at South Bay, and that Arnold should com.
mand her, and that Allen should command some batteaux on the same expedition, A fa
vorable wind carried the schooner ahead of the batteaux, and Colonel Arnold got immedi.
ate possession of the sloop by surprise. The vriad again favoring him, he returned with
his prize to Ticonderoga, and rejoined Colonel AUen. The latter soon went home, and the
former with a number of men agreed to remain there in garrison. In this rapid manner
the possession of Ticonderoga and the command of Lake Champlain were obtained, with.
out any loss, by a few determined men,"

ESSEX COUNTY, 99
The following account of the evacuation of Ticonderoga by Gen
eral St, Clair, on July 6, 1777, and some of the events which follow
ed, is from the 3d volume of Macauley's History of New York :
" From Crown Point, the British army advanced on both sides of the lake ; the naval
force keeping its station in the centre ; the frigate and gun-boats cast anchor just out of
cannon-shot from the American works. On the near approach of the right wing, which
advanced on the west side of the lake, on the second of July, the Americans abandoned
and set fire to their works, block-houses and saw-mills, towards Lake George ; and with
out attempting any serious opposition, suffered General PhiUips to take possession of Mount
Hope. This post commanded the American lines in a great degree, and cut off their com-
mimication with Lake George, The eneray charged the Americans, on this occasion, with
supineness and want of vigor ; but this charge seems not well-founded ; they had not men
enough to make any effectual opposition to the powerful force which threatened to enclose
them. " In the mean time, the British army proceeded with such expedition in the construction
of their works, the bringing up of their artilleiy, stores, aijd provisions, and the estabhsh.
ment of posts and communications, that by the fifth, matters were so far advanced as to
require but one or two days more to corapletely invest the posts on both sides of the lake.
Mount Defiance had also been examined, and the advantages which it presented were so
important, that it had been determined to take possession, and erect a. battery there. This
work, though attended with extreme difficulty and labor, had been carried on by General
Phillips with much expedition and success. A road had been made over very rough
ground, to the top of the mount ; and the enemy were at work in constructing a level for a
battery, and transporting their cannon. As soon as this battery should be ready to play,
the American works would have been completely invested on all sides.
" The situation of General St. Clair was now very critical. He caUed a councU of war,
to dehberate on measures to be taken. He informed them that their whole effective num.
ber was not sufficient to man one half of the works ; that as the whole must be constantly
on duty, it would be impossible for them to endure the fatigue for any considerable length
of time ; that General Schuyler, who was then at Fort Edward; had not sufficient forces to
relieve them ; and that, as the enemy's batteries were nearly ready to open upon them, and
the place would be completely invested in twenty-four hours, nothing could save the ti-oops
but an immediate evacuation of the posts.
" It was proposed that the baggage of the army, with such artillery stores and provisions
as the necessity of the occasion would admit, should be embarked with a strong detach.
ment on board of two hundred batteaux, and despatched under convoy of five armed gal.
leys, up the lake to Skeensborough, (WhitehaU,) and that the main body of the army should
proceed by land, taking its route on the road to Castleton, which was about thirty milfes
southeast of Ticonderoga, and join the boats and gaUeys at Skeensborough. It was thought
necessaiy to keep the matter a secret till the time should come, when it was to be ex.
ecuted. Hence, the necessary preparations could not be made, and it was not possible to
prevent irregularity and disorder, in the different embarkations and movements of the
troops. " About two o'clock in the morning of July the sixth. General St. Clair left Ticonderoga
and about three, the troops at Mount Independence were put in motion. The house which
had been occupied by General de Fermoy was, contrary to orders, set on fire. This afforded
complete information to the enemy of what was going forwsfrd, and enabled them to see
every movement of the Americans — at the same time, it impressed the latter with such an
idea of discovery and danger, as precipitated them into great disorder. About four o'clock.
Colonel Francis brought off the rear.guard, and conducted their retreat in a regidar man
ner ; and soon after, some of the regiments, through the exertions of their officers, recov.
ered from their confusion. When the troops arrived at Hubbardton they were halted for
nearly two hours, and the rear.guard was increased by many who did not at first belong to
it, but were picked up on the road, having been unable to keep up with their regiments.
The rear.guard was here put under the command of Colonel Seth 'Warner, with orders to
foUow the army, as soon as the whole came up, and to halt about a mile and a half short
of the main body. The army then proceeded to Castleton, about six miles further — Colonel
Warner, with the rear-guard and stragglers, remaining at Hubbardton.
" The retreat of the Americans from Ticonderoga and Mount Independence, was no
sooner perceived by the British, than General Frazer began an eager pursuit with his bri
gade. Major-general Reidesel was ordered to join in the pursuit with the greater part of his
Germans. General Frazer continued the pursuit through the day, and having received in-

100 FRANKLIN COUNTY.
telligence that the rear of the American army was at no great distance, ordered his men
to lie that night upon their arms. On July 7th, at five in the morning, he came up with
Col. Warner, who had about one thousand men. The British advanced boldly to the
attack, and the two bodies formed within sixty yards of each other. The conflict was
fierce and bloody. Colonel Francis fell at the head of his reghnent, fighting with great
gallantry. Warner was so well supported by his officers and men, that the assailants
broke and gaye way. They soon, however, recovered frora their disorder, formed again,
and charged the Americans with the bayonet, when they, in then: turn, were put into dis
order ; these, however, rallied and returned to the charge, and the issue of the battle be
came dubious. At that moment. Gen. Keidesel appeared with the advance party of hia
Germans. These being led into action, soon decided the fortune of the day, and the
Americans had to retreat. The loss in this action was very considerable on the American
side. Col. Hale, who had not brought his regiment, which consisted of militia, into action,
although ordered so to do, in attempting to escape by flight fell in with an inconsiderable
party of the enemy, and surrendered himself, and a number of his men, prisoners. In
killed, wounded, and prisoners, the Americans lost in this action three hundred and twenty-
four men, arid the British one hundred and eighty-three in kiUed and wounded."

FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Franklin county, taken from Clinton in 1808, is centraUy distant
from New York 287, from Albany NW, 142 miles. Greatest length
60, greatest breadth 30 miles. The high northern latitude sufiiciently
indicates the rigors of the climate. The forests are very dense, con
sisting of trees of immense size. In the southwestern part are some
lofty ridges of mountains, but of all the rest a large portion is rather
level than hilly. The settlements are almost wholly in the northern
part, extending about 15 miles S, from the N, line, and even here are
sparse ; much the larger portion of the county being as yet covered
^ith the primitive forests. The soil is a sandy loam, occasionally
mixed with clay, and stony. The fields commonly among thrifty farm
ers are fenced with stones gathered from the surface. Some wheat
is raised, but it is an uncertain crop, whilst grass, oats, barley, com,
&c., generally are very productive. No portion of the state is per
haps better adapted to the sugar-beet. Grazing and lumbering are
the chief pursuit of the inhabitants, who find their market upon the
St. Lawrence river. The county is divided into 13 towns, viz, :
Bangor, Chateaugay, Fort Covington, Westville.
BelmOnt, Constahle, Franklin,
Bombay, Dickinson, Malone,
Brandon, Duane, Moira,
Malone, the county seat, is 51 miles W. from Plattsburg, and 212
from Albany. It is a vihage of about 100 dwehings, 3 churches, the
Franklin Academy, a bank, and a number of manufacturing estabhsh
ments. It is situated on both sides of Salmon river, and is well sup-
phed with water power. Fort Covington, formerly called French
Mills, is a vihage of about 130 dwehings, on Salmon river, 5 miles
from the St. Lawrence, 223 miles from Albany. It contains 4

TRANKLIN COUNTY. 101
churches, an academy, and a number of extensive factories and
mills. The Indian village of St, Regis lies on the left bank of the St. Regis
river, upon the northern boundary of this county. The present or late
chief of the St. Regis Indians, is or was a descendant of the daughter
of the Rev. John Wilhams, the minister of Deerfield, Mass., who was
with most of his family and neighbors taken prisoner to Canada in
1704, Mr, Williams was carried to Lake Champlain, and from thence
to Montreal and Quebec, In 1706, a flag-ship was dispatched to the
latter place, and Mr. Williams and 57 other captives were redeemed
and sent to Boston : all his children returned with the exception of his
daughter Eunice, who, at the age of 10 years, was left behind. She
adopted the manners of the Indians, to one of whom she was married,
and became converted to the Catholic faith. Some time after the war,
she, with her husband, visited her relations at Deerfield, dressed in the
Indian costume ; and though every persuasive was in vain tried to in
duce her to abandon him and remain among her connections, she still
persisted in wearing her blanket and counting her beads, and returned
to Canada, where she ended her days. Her descendants still continue
to visit their relatives in New England, by whom they are hospitably
received. One of them, by the name of Eleazer Williams, has been
educated by his friends in New England, and employed as a mission
ary to the Indians at Green Bay. Mr. Williams some years since,
when on a visit to Canada, found the Bible of his great-grandfather,
" the Rev. John Williams, with his name in it. He states, that when
Deerfield was destroyed, the Indians took a small church bell, which
is now hanging in the Indian church at St. Regis. It was conveyed
on a sledge as far as Lake Champlain and buried, and was afterward
taken up and conveyed to Canada.
The first standard captured from the enemy in the late war was
taken at this place by Major Guilford Dudley Young, on the 22d of
Oct., 1812. The following account of this event is extracted from
newspapers published at the time :
" Major Young, of the Troy militia, commandant of a detachment stationed at French
Mills, on the St. Regis river, having received information that a party of the enemy had
arrived at the village of St. Regis, and that more were shortly expected, formed a resolu-
tion to take thera before they were reinforced. For this purpose, he marched a detach.
ment, at 11 o'clock on the night of the 21st of October, crossed the river at Gray's Mills
about 3, and at 5 in the morning arrived within half a mile of the village unexpected by
the eneray. Here the major made such a judicious disposition of his men, that the enemy
were entirely surrounded, and after a few discharges, surrendered themselves prisoners
with the loss of 5 killed. The result of this affair was the capture of 40 prisoners with
their arms, equipments. Sec, one stand of colors and two batteaux, without a man of our
party being hurt. They got safe back to camp at 11 o'clock in the morning. The
prisoners were sent off to Plattsburg. Major Young has thus had the honor of taking the
fiiBt standard from the enemy in the present war.''

102

FULTON COUNTY.

FULTON COUNTY.
Fulton county was taken from the northern part of Montgomery
county in 1838 ; NW. from Albany 40 miles ; length E. and W. 32
miles, breadth N. and S. 17, The surface of the northern part of this
county is hilly, with some ranges of a mountainous character. The
Kayaderosseras range of mountains enters the county on the NE., but
sinks to the general level in the town of Northampton. The county is
well watered and contains several small lakes. It is divided into 9
towns.

Bleecker,Broadalbin,Ephratah,

Johnstown, Mayfield,Northampton,

Oppenheim, Perth, Stratford.

Southern view of Johnstown.
Johnstown, originally named Caughnawaga, was founded about the
year 1770, by Sir William Johnson, who resided here during the lat
ter period of his life, essentially in the rank, and with much bf the
splendor of a nobleman. Sir William and his family, by various
means, became possessed of vast tracts of valuable land in this section
of the country, and had many tenants and retainers under them.
Their great possessions, however, were confiscated during the revo
lutionary war, on account of their adherence to the British cause.
The village of Johnstown is about 4 miles N. of Fonda, the seat of
justice for Montgomery county, and 44 from Albany. The accom
panying engraving shows the appearance of the vihage as viewed
from the first elevation south, on the road to Caughnawaga or Fonda
village. The courthouse is the first building seen on the left with a
spire ; Mayfield mountains appear in the extreme distance. The vil
lage contains a bank, an academy, 4 churches — 1 Presbyterian, 1
Episcopal, 1 Dutch Reformed, and 1 Methodist — and about 250

FULTON COUNTY. 103
dwellings. It is situated on a handsome plain, skirted on the N.
and W. by Cayadutta creek, and on the S. by a hill of moderate ele
vation. It was regularly laid out by Henry Oothoudt, Jeremiah Van
Rensselaer, and Christopher P, Yates, state commissioners, in 1784,
and was incorporated in 1807,
About three .fourths of a mile from this village is a house built by
Sir William Johnson, called " Johnson Hall." This was the place of
resort for the sachems of the Six Nations, and all the Mohawks re
paired thither to receive their presents from the British government.
William Johnson was born in Ireland, about the year 1714; he
was a nephew of Sir Peter Warren, the naval commander who dis
tinguished himself at the siege of Louisburg in 1745. Sir Peter hav
ing married a sister of Chief-justice De Lancey of New York, pur
chased a large track of land on the Mohawk, and about the year
1734, sent for his nephew to come to America and superintend this
estate. Young Johnson first established himself at the mouth of the
Schoharie, afterward erected a house in the town of Amsterdam,
and subsequently the hall at Johnstown, To fulfil the duties of his
commission, he learned the language of the Indians, studied their
manners and cultivated their acquaintance. His situation between
Albany and Oswego, presented a fine opportunity for trade, and he
carried on a large trafiic with them, supplying them with goods, and
receiving in return beaver and other skins. By a course of sagacious
measures, he obtained an influence over the Indians greater than was
ever possessed by any other white man,
" Sir William Johnson possessed considerable talents as an orator,
and his influence over the Indians was not a little owing to the im
pression made upon them by means of his elocution  He had
wives and concubines, sons and daughters, of different colors," By
Lady Johnson he had 3 children — 1 son and 2 daughters. His son.
Sir John Johnson, took side with the British, in the revolutionary
war, and became the scourge of the Mohawk valley. One of the
daughters married Col, Claus, and the other Sir Guy Johnson. Sir
William died suddenly, at Johnson Hah, July 11th, 1774, aged 60
years ; and was succeeded by his son in his title, and also to his post
as major-general of the militia.
The following anecdote respecting Sir William, seems to evince, that in his dealings
with the Indians, who have a good reputation for cunning, he was not outwitted. Hen-
drick, the chief of the Mohslwks, was at the house of Sir William when he received
several rich suits of laced clothes. Soon after, the chief carae to him and said, " I
dream." " Well ! what did you dream?" " I dream you give me one suit of clothes."
This hint could not be mistaken or well avoided, and accordingly Hendrick received a
suit. Some time afterward Sir WiUiam, meeting Hendrick, said to him, " I dreamed last
night." "Did you! What did you dream?" "I dreamed you gave me a tract of
land," describing it. Hendrick at first paused at the enormity of the demand, but at
length said, " You may haye the land ; but we no dream again, you dream too hard for
me." The tract of. land thus obtained, is stated to have been 12 miles square, in the
present county of Herkimer ; the title to it was confirmed by the king, and was called
the " Royal Grant."
The power which Sir Wilham Johnson acquired over the Indians

104 FULTON COUNTY.
descended to his son and to his nephew. Col. Guy Johnson, who suc
ceeded him in the agency of Indian affairs. As the family had de
rived most of their wealth and consideration from the crown, they
were, as might be supposed, devoted loyalists. In 1775, Gen. Schuy
ler prevailed upon the Indians to agree to be neutral in the coming
conflict. It appeared, however, that the influence of the Johnson
family prevailed with the Indians, and induced them to join the
British cause. It also appeared that Sir John was fortifying his
house and arming the Scotch Highlanders, his tenants and adherents.
Congress having heard of these movements, sent Gen. Schuyler' to
disarm these persons, and take other measures to secure the tranquillity
of Tryon county. Schuyler set out on this mission with 700 militia,
but before he reached Caughnawaga his force had increased to three
thousand. At Schenectady a deputation of Mohawks under the in
fluence of the Johnsons met him, and with much artfulness endea
vored to dissuade him from advancing. On the 16th of January,
1776, Gen. Schuyler despatched a letter to Sir John, requesting him
to meet him on the morrow ; they accordingly met, and after some
subsequent delay, he and the Scotch gentlemen agreed to make a
delivery of the arms of the inhabitants. Sir John likewise agreed
that he would not go westward of German Flats and Kinsland dis
trict, and that six Scotch inhabitants might be taken as hostages. On
the 19th, Schuyler marched into Johnstown and drew up his men in
a line ; the Highlanders were drawn up facing them, and grounded
their arms. The military stores were surrendered : and this service
being performed, Schuyler and the militia returned. It was found
afterward that the Highlanders had not delivered up their broad
swords or ammunition.
Gen. Herkimer was left by Gen. Schuyler to complete the disarm
ing of the hostile inhabitants. Sir John, notwithstanding his word of
honor, continued his hostile intrigues with the Indians, and otherwise
forfeited his promises. It was found necessary to secure him, and in
May, 1776, Col. Dayton was sent on this duty. The tories in Al
bany gave notice to Sir John of his approach, and the knight and his
followers fled to the woods, and escaped to Canada, arriving at Mon
treal after nineteen days of suffering and starvation. He left his re
sidence in much haste : an iron chest with the family Bible and papers
were buried in the garden. On arriving in Canada, the baronet was
commissioned a British colonel, and raised the regiment of tories called
the Royal Greens. By his adherence to the British, his immense estate
was forfeited, and this appears to have inspired him with implacable
revenge. On Sunday, the 21st of May, 1780, at dead of night, Sir
John Johnson, with a force of about 500 men, part of whom were
Indians, made an incursion into Johnstown. He had penetrated the
country by way of Lake Champlain to Crown Point, and thence
through the woods to the Sacondaga river. The following account
of this incursion is from a newspaper published June 15th, 1780.
" By the latest intelligence from Schenectady, we are informed that Sir John Johnson,
(who styles himself Lieut, colonel commanding tho King's Royal Yorkers, in the parcels

FULTON COUNTY^ 105
given to some of the prisoners,) on Lord's day evening, the 21st ult., made his first appearance
at Johnson HaU, undiscovered by any but his friends, who no doubt were in the secret.
On Monday, about daybreak, they began to burn aU the houses except those of the tories,
beginning at Aaron Putnam's, below Tripe's Hill, and continued burning to Anthony's
Nose, or Acker's house, except a few which by the vigilance of the people were put out
after the enemy had set them on fire. There liave been burnt 33 houses and out-houses
and a mill ; many cattle were kUled in the field, and 60 or 70 sheep burnt in a bam.
Eleven persons were killed. Col. Fisher [Visscher] and his two brothers fought with great
bravery, when the two brothers were killed and scalped' ; the colonel went up stairs and there
defended himself, but being overpowered, was knocked down and scalped, on which they
plundered the house, set it on fire, and then went off! The colonel recovering a little, though
he was left by tlie enemy for dead, he pulled one of his dead brothers out of the house then
in flames ; the other was consumed in the house, It is said that the doctors have hopes
that Col. Fisher wUl recover. His mother had a narrow escape for her life, being knocked
on her head by an Indian ; hut she is like to do well. Capt. Hansen was killed by an In
dian, who had formerly been used by hira with kindness, and professed much gratitude.
Old Mr. Fonda was cut in several parts of his head with a tomahawk. Had it not been
for the alertness of Mr. Van Vrank, probably more would have been butchered by their
savage hands ; he alarmed the people along the way to Caughnawaga, who by crossing
the river saved their lives. Having done all the mischief to the distressed inhabitants they
possibly could, they returned to Johnson Hall in the afternoon ; when Johnson dug up his
plate, and about sundown marched for the Scotch Bush, about four miles that evening. He
lias 15 or 20 of his negroes who had been sold ; several of his tenants and others have gone
with him. He has permitted some of his prisoners to return on parole. His whole force
when he landed at Crown Point, is said to bo about 500 men, 200 of thera British, part of
his own regiment, and Indians. Capt. Putnam and four men followed them in their retreat
four days, on their way to Lake Champlain. He saw him '24 miles from Johnson Hall.
Some think they will take their route to Oswagatehie ; but this seems improbable, as they
have not provisions sufficient with them. His excellency the governor has collected a
body of militia to iutercept their way to Ledie Champlain ; a number have also marched
from the New Hampshire grants' for the same purpose : Col. Van Schaick, with 800 men,
is in pursuit of him by the way of Johnstown. We hear that the enemy had their feet
much swelled by their long march ; and being greatly fatigued, it is hoped our people may
come up with and give a good account of the Lieut, colonel and his murdering bandittL"
In the summer of 1781, another expedition was sent against Johns
town, This was conducted with so much secrecy, that on the 24th
of Oct,, the enemy, about one thousand in number, under Majors Ross
and Butler, were upon the settlement at Warrensbush before their
approach was suspected. Col, Willet, who was at Fort Rensselaer
about twenty miles distant, on hearing the news, immediately marched
for Fort Hunter, which he reached early on the following morning
with all the forces he could muster, being but 416 men in all. When
he arrived here, he learned that Ross and Butler had the preceding
day crossed the river some distance below Tripe's Hih, and arrived
at Johnstown about the middle of the day, kUling and taking the peo
ple prisoners, destroying buildings and cattle on their way. Having
effected the passage of the river. Col. Willet pushed on in pursuit of
the enemy. Having ascertained their position, he detached Major
Rowley, of Massachusetts, with part of his force, by a circuitous
march, to fall upon the rear of the enemy while he attacked them in
front, a short distance above the Hah. The battle became spirited
and general, but the militia under Col. Wihet gave way, and ran in
the utmost confusion to the stone church in the vihage. Here the
colonel succeeded in bringing them to a halt. But the defeat would
have been complete, had not Major Rowley, at this period of the ac
tion, emerged from the woods and fell upon the enemy's rear in the
14

106

FULTON COUNTY.

very moment of their exultation at their easy victory. The fight
was now maintained on both sides with obstinacy till near sunset,
when Willet was enabled to collect a respectable force, with which
he returned to the field, and again mingled in the fight. The battle
was kept up till dark, when the enemy, pressed on all sides', fled in
disorder to the woods— nor stopped short of a mountain six miles
distant. The loss of the Americans in this conflict was about forty.
The enemy lost about the same number kihed, and about fifty pris
oners, " Major Ross retreated up the north side of the Mohawk, marching all night, after the
battle. In the morning he was pursued by Col. WiUet, but was not overtaken. The re
gion of country over which Ross retreated, after he had passed the settlements, lies twenty
or thirty miles north of Fort Schuyler, and at that time was uncultivated and desolate.
His army suffered much from hunger. — It was on this retreat that Walter Butler was
kiUed : he was pursued by a small party of Oneida Indians ; when he arrived at West
Canada creek, about 15 miles above Herkimer, he swam his horse across the stream, and
then turning round, defied his pursuers, who were on the opposite side. An Oneida irame-
diately discharged his rifle and wounded him ; he fell. Throwing down his rifle and his
blanket, the Indian plunged into the creek and swam across ; as soon as he had gained
the opposite hank, he raised his tomahawk, and with a yell, sprang like a. tiger upon his
fallen foe. Butler supplicated, though in vain, for mercy ; the Oneida, with his uplifted
axe, shouted in his broken English, ' Sherry Valley .' remember Sherry Valley .'' and
then buried it in his brains : he tore the scalp frora the head of his victim still quivering
in the agonies of death, and ere the remainder of the Oneidas had joined him, the spirit
of Walter Butler had gone to give up its account. The place where he crossed is called
Butler's Ford to this day." — Campbell's Annals of Tryon County.

The above is a copy of a kind of diploma, in possession of the
New York Historical Society, which it would seem the Johnson fam
ily were in the habit of giving to those Indians in whom they confided.
In the vignette, a British oflicer is seen presenting a medal, or some
thing resembling it, to an Indian dressed in the aboriginal style, 
the council fire, the pipe of peace, the chain of friendship, &c.,are
all represented,
" By the Honorable Sir WUUam Johnson, Bart., His Majesty's sole Agent and Super-

GENESEE COUNTY. 107
intendent of Indian Affairs for the Northern Department of North America, Colonel of
the Six United Nations, their Allies and Dependants, &c. &c.
" To Whereas, I have received repeated proofs of your attachment to his
Britannic Majesty's Interests and Zeal for his service upon sundry occasions, more par-
ticidariy I do therefore give you this public Testimonial thereof, as a proof
of his Majesty's Esteem and Approbation, Declaring you, the said to be a
of your and recommending it to all his Majesty's Subjects and faithful Indian Al-
lies to Treat and consider you upon all occasions agreeable to your character. Station and
services. Given under my hand and seal at Arms at Johnson Hall the day of 17
By Command of Sir W : Johnson.

GENESEE COUNTY.
Genesee county was taken from Ontario in 1802, and has since
been much reduced by the formation of several counties from it ;
centrally distant from New York 321, from Albany 258 miles. This
county pertains to the great plain of the west, and forms with Wyo
ming the highest portion of it. Upon the west, the streams run to
Lake Erie, and on the east to the Genesee river : as in hmestone
countries generally, the streams are subject to much fluctuation.
The soil is generally highly fertile, and produces as fine crops of
wheat as any part of the state. By the recent erection of Wyoming
county from the southern portion, this county is reduced to twelve
towns, viz. ;

Alabama,

Bergen,

Darien,

Pavilion,

Alexander,

Bethany,

Elba,

Pembroke,

Batavia,

Byron,

Le Roy,

Stafford.

Batavia, the shire vhlage, is by the railroad 283 miles W. of Al
bany. It contains about 300 houses, mostly on a single street up
wards of a mile long, the county buildings, the state arsenal, the ofiice.
of the Holland Land Company, 5 churches, 2 banks, 3 printing
offices, and a female seminary. This place has acquired some
celebrity from its being the place from whence William Morgan was
abducted in 1826, for attempting to reveal the secrets of Free-Ma
sonry. The following is an eastern view of the ofiice of the Holland Land
Company in Batavia, about 80 rods northward from the court
house. The state of New York, in 1786, granted the state of Massa
chusetts more than six million acres of her western territory, which
that state sold to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham for one mil
lion of dollars. These gentlemen soon after extinguished the In
dian title to a part of this territory ; they surveyed it into tracts, de
nominated ranges and townS'hips, and sold large parcels to specu
lators and actual settlers. In 1790, they sold nearly the whole of the
residue of the survey, 1,204,000 acres, to Robert Morris, of Philadel
phia, for eight pence the acre, who resold it to Sir Wihiam Pultney.
Phelps and Gorham being unable to fulfil their contract in full with
Massachusetts, compromised and surrendered that part of the land to

108

GREENE COUNTY.

Office of the Holland Land Company.
which the Indian title was unextinguished ; in consideration of which,
the state relinquished two-thirds of the contract price. In 1796, Rob
ert Morris purchased from the state this portion also — extinguished the
Indian title — sold off several large tracts upon the east side, and along
the Genesee, and mortgaged the residue to Wilhem Wihink, of Am
sterdam, and 11 associates, cahed the "Holland Land Company."
This company, by the foreclosure of the mortgage, acquired full title
to the land, surveyed it, and opened their first land-office in Batavia in
1801. " Having sold a large proportion of the country, they, in 1805,
conveyed the residue of the wild lands to several companies, who have
undertaken to retail them."
Le Roy village, on Allen's creek, 10 miles E. of Batavia, was
founded in 1810, by Mr. Le Roy, and incorporated in 1834. It
contains about 250 dwellings, 4 churches, and a female seminary. Al
exander, 8 miles S, of Batavia, is a village of about 80 dwellings, 2
churches, a bank, and a flourishing incorporated classical school.

GREENE COUNTY.
Greene county, on the west side of the Hudson river, was taken
from Ulster and Albany counties in 1800 ; greatest length 42 miles;
greatest breadth on the Hudson 28 miles ; centrally distant from
New York 130, and from Albany 35 miles. The surface is every
where hihy, and the larger portion mountainous. The CattskiU
mountains, after following the southern boundary of the county in an
easterly direction to the southeast angle, turn north and northwest, and
pass nearly through the centre of the county into Schoharie. The
general elevation of this range is from 2,000 to 2,500 feet above the
adjacent country ; while many of the peaks are elevated from 3,000 to
3,800 feet above the level of the Hudson. Round Top has aii eleva
tion of 3,718 feet. High Peak 3,804, and Pine Orchard 3,000 feet.
The whole southwestern part of the county is hilly and mountainous,

GREENE COUNTY.

109

yet it affords a fine soil for pastures, with some arable land. The
northeastern and eastern parts of the county are less hilly, and have
many valleys, rich and extensive. Much attention is paid to agricul
ture, and more leather is manufactured in this than in any other county
in the state. The county was originally settled by the Dutch, A large
proportion, however, of the present inhabitants are of New England
descent, and are noted for morality and industry. The county is di
vided into 1 1 towns :

Athens,

Coxsackie,

Hunter, Prattsville,

Cairo,

Durham,

Lexington, Windham.

CattskiU,

Greenville,

New-Baltimore,

Northwestern view of Catskill.
The village of Catskill was incorporated in 1806, and is the seat of
justice for the county. The village is principally built in the deep
valley of the Catskill, between which and the Hudson is a bluff 150
feet in height. The annexed engraving is a NW. view of the village,
as seen from an elevation called Ashley Hill, at its northern extremity.
The drawbridge over the Catskill is seen on the right, and will admit
the passage of sloops some distance above it. The mouth of the creek
makes a good harbor for sloops ; and a long and broad dike, walled
with stone, connects the shore with an island in the river, affording a
place for buildings, and a commodious landing for steamboats. The
principal street in the village is about half a mile in extent, having
quite a business-like appearance. The steamboat landing is about one
mile distant. There are in the viUage 1 Dutch Reformed, 1 Episco
pal, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist church. There are 2
banks, 2 newspaper estabhshments, and about 300 dweUings. Distant
6 miles from Hudson, 111 miles from New York, and 33 from Al
bany. " Although not in the town, yet as connected by name and many
relations with Catskill, we may describe here the Pine Orchard and
Mountain House, noted attractions to tourists. They are in Hunter,

110

GREENE COUNTY.

near its eastern boundary, 12 mUes west from CatskiU viUage. The
road from the viUage to the foot of the mountain, 9 miles, has little
of interest. The ascent of the mountain is by a good though circui
tous road of 3 miles, but which, often running upon the brink of a deep
ravine, or beneath frowning precipices, excites an unwelcome degree
of terror. The hotel, erected by ' The Kaatskill Mountain Associa
tion,' at the cost of $22,000, is on a circular platform of rock, 140 feet
by 24, 4 stories high, with piazzas in front, and a wing for lodging
rooms, and is duly fitted and furnished for the accommodation of its
numerous guests.

Catskill Mountain House.
" The prospect from this rock is more extensive and diversified
than, perhaps, from any other point in the United States. Petty ine
qualities disappear, 'and the whole surrounding country is spread out
as a plain. The eye roves, in endless gratification, over farms, vil
lages, towns, and cities, stretching between the Green mountains of
Vermont on the north and the Highlands. The Hudson river, with its
green isles and thousand sheets of white canvass, becomes visible for
60 mUes in. a clear atmosphere. At times, a thick curtain of clouds
of ever-changing form, veils the region of lower earth from sight ; and
in their respective seasons, storms of rain and snow spend their 'force
in mid air, beneath the rays of a bright sun which gilds the mountain
above them. The scene, when gradually unfolded with the day is
most enchanting.
" A few years since this delightful position was almost unknown and
rarely visited ; but the reports of the extent, beauty, and grandeur of
its prospects, and the salubrity of its atmosphere, at length fixed pub
lic attention. The number of visiters at each successive season in-

HAMILTON COUNTY. Ill
creased, until the temporary buildings at first erected gave place to the
edifice we have described. The foUowing heights on the mountain
have been given by Capt, Partridge : Mountain house, 2,212 feet
above the Hudson ; 1,882 feet above Lawrence's tavern ; 1,547 feet
above the turnpike gate, at the foot of the mountain, and 947 above
Green's bridge,
" Two miles from the hotel are the Kaaterskill Falls, upon a stream
flowing from two lakes, each about a mile and a half in circumference,
and about a half mile in the rear of the house. After a west course of
a mile and a half, the waters fall perpendicularly 175 feet, and paus
ing, momentarily, upon the ledge of a rock, precipitate themselves 85
feet more, making the whole descent of the cataract 260 feet. Below
this point, the current is lost in the dark ravine or clove through which
its seeks the valley of the Catskill, The water-fall, with all its bold
ness, forms, however, but one of the interesting features of this scene.
From the edge of the first falls is beheld a dreary chasm, whose steep
sides, covered with dark ivy and thick summer foliage, seem like a
green bed prepared for the waters. Making a circuit from this spot,
and descending about midway of the first fall, the spectator enters an
immense natural amphitheatre behind the cascade, roofed by a magnifi
cent ceiling of rock, having in front the falling torrent, and beyond it
the wild mountain dell, over which the clear blue sky is visible. The
falls on the west branch of Kaaterskill have a perpendicular descent
of more than 120 feet, and the stream descends in rapids and cascades
400 feet in 100 rods. The KaaterskiU has a devious and very rapid
course of about 8 miles, to the Catskill, near the vUlage. The faUs
are best seen from below ; and the view from the Pine Orchard is
better between 3 o'clock, P. M, and at sunset, than in the middle of
the day,"
Athens village was incorporated in 1805, It lies on the west bank
of the Hudson, opposite the city of Hudson; from New York 116,
from Albany 29 miles. It is beautifully situated, extending along the
shore about a mile and a half, and is viewed advantageously from the
city of Hudson, [See view of Hudson.] The northern section of the
village was laid out about 1790, by Edward Livingston, Brockholst
Livingston, Elihu Chauncey Goodrich, and associates ; the southern
in 1801, by Isaac Northrop, Alexander Alexander, Patrick Hamilton,
and others. The village now contains several churches, and about
150 dwellings. It is a place of much business, and its natural advan
tages are such, that in time it must be one of considerable importance
A ferry plies constantly between it and Hudson.

HAMILTON COUNTY.
Hamilton county was provisionally erected, in 1816, from the N.
end of Montgomery county, but not organized. It remained attached
to Montgomery county until 1838; when, by the division of Mont-

112 HERKIMER COUNTY.
gomery, it became attached to Fulton county. It is not yet separately
organized ; though probably from its flourishing condition it will soon
become detached from Fulton. It is 62 mUes long N. and S., and
with an average breadth, E- and W., of 30 mUes ; centrally distant
from New York 250, and from Albany, westerly, 105 miles. This
county contains 7 towns :
Arietta, Hope, Long Lake, Wehs.
Gilman, Lake Pleasant, Morehouse,
The whole, middle and northern section of this county is yet an un
broken wilderness. It has a number of lakes abounding with trout and
other fish of a delicious flavor, and they are becoming a place of much
resort to the angler and sportsman. Its mineral resources are as yet
little known, but there is no doubt of the existence of iron ore, and
many other valuable minerals.

HERKIMER COUNTY.
Herkimer county was originally constituted in 1791. Greatest
length N, and S. 90, greatest breadth E. and W. 23 miles. Centrally
distant from New York 260, from Albany 115 miles. This county
has a broken and diversified aspect. South of the Mohawk, within
this county, is the great dividing ridge separating the waters of the
Mohawk from those of the Susquehannah.. A high range of hiUs
extends across the vaUey of the Mohawk at the Little FaUs, and the
whole county north of the Mohawk is of a mountainous character.
Most of the county south of the Mohawk, and for many miles north
of it, is under cultivation, which the greater portion of the hiUs wih
admit of to their summits. There is a variety of soil, but the greater
part of the county is better adapted for grass than grain. "The exten
sive alluvial valley of the Mohawk, and those of some of the smaUer
streams, are among the finest grain lands in the state. The northern
part of the county is elevated, and covered with extensive forests of
evergreens and marshes, and is of a cold and sterile soil. The Mo
hawk river runs across its whole width.
The lands of this county were originally granted in large tracts ;
such were the " Royal Grant," to Sir WiUiam Johnson, embracing the
country between the East and West Canada creeks ; the " Jerserfield
patent," covering a larger portion of the northern part of the county,
made in 1770 ; the " German Flats patent," granted in 1725, and
others. The county has 19 towns, viz. :
Columbia, Herkimer, Norway, Starks,
Danube, Litchfield, Ohio, Warren
Fairfield, Little Falls, Russia, Wilmurt,
Frankfort, Manheim, Salisbury, Winfield!
German Flats, Newport, Schuyler,

HERKIMER COUNTY. 113
The following shows the appearance of the viUage as seen from an
elevation rising from the south bank of the Mohawk and the Erie

View of Herkimer, from the Erie Canal.
canal, about a mile distant. The vhlage was incorporated in 1807-
1825, and is built on a gravelly plain elevated some 10 or 15 feet
above the surrounding flats, occupying the site of the ancient Fort
Dayton, The village consists of upwards of 100 dwelhngs, the county
buildings, 1 Dutch Reformed and 1 Methodist church, a printing office,
&c. The principal street runs N. and S„ and is about half a mile in
extent ; the raUroad passes through the vhlage at its southern extremi
ty, Dist. from Albany 80, Little FaUs 6 miles.
The foUowing account of the destruction of this place by the tories
and Indians in 1778, is from Stone's Life of Brant.
" At the time of which we are writing, the settlement on the south side of the river
numbered 34 dwelling-houses, and there were about an equal number upon the north side,
together with as many bams and other outbuildings, and several mills. The population,
for the number of houses. Was numerous. The lands, rich by nature, and well cultivated,
had that year brought forth by handfuls ; so that the barns were amply stored with their
products. " It was at the close of August, or early in the month of September, that this fine dis
trict was laid waste by the Indians under the direction of Brant. Most providentially,
however, the invasion was attended with the loss of but two lives — one man being killed
outright, and another, named McGinnis, perished in the flames. The particulars of this
hostile irruption were these : — Entertaining some suspicions of Brant, who was at Una-
dilla, a scout of four men had been dispatched into that vicinity for observation. Three
of these men were killed at the Edmeston settlement. The fourth, John Helmer, sue.
Deeded in making his escape, and returned to the Flats at half an hour before sunrdown,
just in time to announce that Brant, with a large body of Indians, was advancing, and
would, in a few hours, be upon them. All was, of course, terror and alarm through the
settlement ; and the inhabitants — ^men, women, and children — were gathered intc forts
Dayton and Herkimer for security. In flying to those defences, they gathered up the
most valuable of their stuff, and by means of boats and canoes upon the river, succeeded,
in the course of the evening, in collecting a large portion of theu: best articles of. furniture.
But they had no time to look after their flocks and herds.
" Early in the evening Brant arrived at the edge of the settlement, but as the night
came on excessively dark and rainy, he halted with his forces in a ravine, near the house
of his tory friend Shoemaker, where the younger Butler and his party were captured tbe
8 15

114

HERKIMER COUNTY.

preceding year. Here the chieftain lay with his warriors until the storm broke away to
wards morning — unconscious that his approach had been notified to the people by the
scout in season to enable them to escape the blow of his uplifted arm. Before the dawn
he was on foot, and his warriors were sweeping through the settlement ; so that the torch
might be almost simultaneously applied to every building it contained. Just as the day
was breaking in the east, the fires were kindled, and the whole section of the valley was
speedily iUurainated by the flames of houses and barhs, and all things else combustible.
The spectacle, to the people in the forts, was one of melancholy grandeur. Every family
saw the flames and smoke of its own domicil ascending to the skies, and every farmer the
whole product of his labor for the season dissolving into ashes.
" Having no fire.arms larger than their rifles, the Indians avoided even a demonstra
tion against the forts, notwithstanding their chagrin that neither ^calpe nor prisoners were
to grace their triumph. But as the light of day advanced, their warriors were seen singly,
or in smaU groups, scouring the fields, and driving away all the horses, sheep, and black
cattle that could be found. Nothing upon which they could lay their hands was left ; and
the settlement, which, but the day before, for ten miles had smiled in plenty and in beauty,
was now houseless and destitute. Happily, however, of human life there was no greater
sacrifice than has already been mentioned. After the Indians had decamped with their
booty, a force of between 300 and 400 militia-men coUected, and went in pursuit — follow
ing as far as Edmeston's plantation on the UnadiUa river, where the bodies of the three
scouts were found and buried. But no other results attended this expedition."

Southern view of part of the Village of Little Falls.

The engraving shows a southern view of part of the village as
seen from a point about 20 rods below the aqueduct over the Mo
hawk. The village consists of upwards of 300 dwellings, 5 churches
—yw.., 1 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist, 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist, and 1 Cath
olic — a bank, an academy, 2 newspaper printing offices, and various
manufacturing establishments. The vUlage is supplied with water
brought from a spring in the granite mountain, 300 feet above, the
tops of the houses. The singular building with a spire, seen in the
engraving on the left, on elevated ground, is the oldest church in the
viUage, formerly used by the Scotch Presbyterians, but now occupied
by the Catholics.
" This spot is remarkable for the passage of the Mohawk river
through the mountain barrier ; for its wild and picturesque scenery ;
and for the difficulties which have been overcome in constructing tbe
Erie canal through the pass. It receives the name of the Little FaUs,

HERKIMER COUNTY. 115
in contradistinction to the Great Falls at Cahoes, The falls extend
upon the river about three fourths of a mile, descending in that dis
tance 42 feet, and consist of two long rapids, separated by a stretch
of deep water, occupying each about the fourth of a mile. The up
per rapids are most considerable. Above them a dam across the
stream renders it placid, over which the waters, separated by a small
island, form beautiful low cascades, falling into a deep pool beneath,
whence the current rushes, murmuring and foaming, over ridges and
amorphous masses of granite and gneiss rock, flowing with compar
ative gentleness beneath the overarching bridge and aqueduct, and
thence hurrying, with new impetuosity, over the stony bed below.
" This waterfall would be beautiful anywhere ; but it acquires
grandeur here from the high hiUs which confine it, and which the
slightest observation teaches us have been cut down by its ever en
during and irresistible force. The defile is two miles long, with a
medial breadth of one hundred rods. On either bank, the hill, on
which deciduous and evergreen trees are pleasingly intermingled,
rises from 360 to 400 feet, and the fall, over which may have once
poured the waters of Lake Ontario, may have had a very little infe
rior altitude. A mound, raised here to the height of 70 feet, would
now cause the waters to overflow the Rome summit, and send them
again by Wood creek and the Oneida lake to Ontario,
" The Erie canal descends this pass by 5 locks, 40 feet in the distance
of one mile, and the time of the passage permits the traveller in boats
to view, leisurely, the natural scenery and artificial improvements."
The viUage of Fairfield, 8 miles N, of Little Falls, has about 50
dwellings, 3 churches, the Fairfield Academy, one of the oldest in the
state, and the Medical College of physicians and surgeons of the
Western District, Newport village, about 10 miles N, of Herkimer,
is a flourishing place, having upwards of 60 dwellings.
About 2 miles eastward of Little Falls is the house of Gen, Herki
mer, where he died after the battle of Oriskany : he was buried a few
rods from his house, in a family burying-ground, without a monument
to tell where he lies.
The battle of Oriskany was fought on the 6th of Aug., 1777 ; and
Gen. Herkimer did not long survive his wound. The following ac
count of .his last moments, and his character, is taken from Col.
Stone's interesting account in his Life of Brant, vol, I,
" He was conveyed to his own house near the Mohawk river, a few miles below the
Little Falls ; where his leg, which had been shattered 5 or 6 inches below the knee, was
amputated about ten days after the battle, by a young French surgeon in the army of Gen.
Arnold, and contrary to the advice of the general's own medical adviser, the late Dr. Pe
trie. But the operation was unskilfully performed, and it was found impossible by his
attendants to stanch the blood. Col. Willet called to see the general soon after the opera
tion. He was sitting up m his bed, with a pipe in his mouth, smoking, and talking in ex-
ceUent spirits. He died the night following that visit. His friend. Col. John Roff, was
present at the amputation, and affirraed that he bore the operation with uncommon fortitude.
He was likewise with him at the time of his death. The blood continuing to flow--thero
being no physician in immediate attendance — and being himself satisfied that the time of
his departure was nigh, the veteran directed the Holy Bible to be brought to him. He then
opened it and read, in the presence of those who surrounded his bed, with aU the composure

116 JEFFERSON COUNTY.
which it was possible for any man to exhibit, the 38th psalm — applying it to his own situa
tion. He soon afterward expired ; and it may weU be questioned whether the annals of
man furnish a more striking example of Christian heroism — calm, deliberate, and firm in
the hour of death — than is presented in this remarkable instance. Of the early history of
Gen. Herkimer, but little is known. It has been already stated that his family was one of
the first of the Germans who planted themselves in the Mohawk valley. And the massive
stone mansion, yet standing at German Flatts, bespeaks its early opulence. He was an
uneducated man — with, if possible, less skiU in letters, even than Gen. Putnam, which is
saying much. But he was, nevertheless, a man of strong and vigorous understanding-
destitute of some of the essential requisites of generalship, but of the most cool and dauntless
courage. These traits were all strikingly disclosed in the brief and bloody expedition to
Oriskany. But he must have been well acquainted with that most important of all books —
The Bible. Nor could the most learned biblical scholar, lay or clerical, have selected a
portion of the Sacred Scriptures more exactly appropriate to the situation of the dying sol
dier, than that to which he himself spontaneously turned. If Socrates died like a philoso-
pher, and Rousseau like an unbelieving sentimentalist, Gen. Herkimer died like a Chris.
TiAN Hero. Congress passed a resolution requesting the governor and council of New
York to erect a monument, at the expense of the United States, to the memory of this
brave man, of the value of five hundred dollars.
" Sixty years have since rolled away, and the journal of Congress is the only monument,
and the resolution itself the only inscription, which as yet testify the gratitude of the re.
pubUc to General Nicholas Herkimer."

JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Jefferson county, taken from Oneida in 1805, is situated at the
E. end of Lake .Ontario, and on the St. Lawrence river, comprising
Chaumont bay, and most of the islets called the " Thousand Isles,"
and is a territory having as many natural advantages as any portion of
the interior of the sfate. It is centrally distant NW. from New York
305, and from Albany 160 miles. Length N. and S. 48 mhes ; great
est breadth E. and W. 36. This county in its surface is either quite
level or agreeably diversified, waving in gentle undulations. Gener
ally, the soil is of a sandy loam of a superior quality, with some gravel
and clay, and yields abundant crops. The natural growth of timber is
luxuriant. Originally it was covered with trees of an enormous height.
The many and very rapid streams of this county furnish an abundance
of hydrauhc power. The cattle sent to market from this county ex
ceed 4,000 head per annum. Its horses are equal to any in the state,
and their sale is a source of much revenue. The raising of sheep is a
growing business. The roads in the county are numerous and good ;
among which may be noticed a turnpike from Brownville to Cape Vin
cent, 21 miles, the St. Lawrence and Ogdensburg turnpikes, and the
great military road between Sacketts Harbor and Plattsburg, on Lake
Champlain. About one half of the exports descend to Montreal. It
is divided into 19 towns, viz. :
Adams, Clayton, Lorraine, Rodman,
Alex;andria, Elhsburgh, Lyme, Rutland,
Antwerp, Henderson, Orleans, Watertown,
BrownviUe, Hounsfield, Pamelia, Wilna.
Champion, Le Ray, Philadelphia,

JEFFERSON COUNTY. 117
The village of Watertown, the county seat, is situated on the S. side
of Black river, 176 miles from Albany, 81 from Utica. It is connected
with the vUlages of Whliamstown and JuhelviUe by bridges ; number
ing altogether about 700 houses, and 4,000 inhabitants. There are 7
churches, 3 banks, a state arsenal, and the Black River Literary and
Religious Institute. The water power at this place is very great, and
is improved by mills and factories of various kinds.
In March, 1800, this town was first settled by Henry Coffin, who
originally came from New Hampshire, and built his log cabin on the
brow of the hill about 3 rods easterly from the front door of the
American Hotel. Soon after, he was joined by Zechariah Butterfield,
who built his cabin on the ground now occupied by Davenport's tav
ern. Both of these individuals brought with them their families.
The unevenness and apparent unproductiveness of the soil were more
than counterbalanced, in the discerning minds of these pioneers, by the
immense hydraulic power appropriable, from the numerous falls and
rapids of Black river at this point, which in the space of about a mile
amount to nearly 1 00 feet descent. In this, as well as the richness
and fertility of the adjacent country, they wisely believed that they
discovered the elements of future prosperity and greatness.
Hart and Isaiah Massay, who came from Windsor, Vermont, joined
them in the succeeding year. In 1 802, the first tavern was opened by
Isaiah Massay, and the first saw-mill erected on the present site of W.
Pattridge's woollen factory. The high reputation of the Black river
country now began to be sounded abroad, and the number of settlers
rapidly augmented. Among the other earliest emigrants were Aaron
Bacon, Jonathan Cowan, two brothers by the name of Thornton,
Jesse Doolittle, M. Canfield, Aaron Keyes, D. Huntington, William
Smith, John Paddock, Chauncey Calhoun, Philo Johnson, and John
Hathway. Adams, 14 miles S.'from Watertown, 149 from Albany, contains
upwards of 100 dwellings, 2 churches, a seminary for young ladies.
It has a number of mills and manufacturing establishments. Brown
viUe, on the right bank of Black river, 3 miles from its mouth, 4 miles
below Watertown, has upwards of 100 dwelhngs, 3 churches, and is a
place of considerable manufacturing business.
Sacketts Harbor was incorporated in 1821, on the SW. side of Black f
river bay, on Lake Ontario, The settlement of this town was com- I
menced in 1802, by Augustus Sackett, Esq,, agent for the owners, l
who came from New York and settled at the harbor which derives j
its name from him. The first house built here, erected by Judge
Sackett, is now standing in Baird-street, and is occupied by Mrs,
McGwin, The progress of the settlement was slow until 1812, After |
the declaration of war this spot became an important military and naval '
position. The harbor is the best on the lake for shipbuilding and as a
naval depot. The above view was taken from the military hospital. The
smaU building on the point of the harbor, on the right of the engraving,
is the old blockhouse which stands near, or on the site of old Fort
Tompkins. The large building on a rocky island a few yards from the

118

JEFFERSON COUNTY.

Northern view of Sacketts Harbor, N. Y.
shore, is a ship-house, which covers the frame of the "New Orleans,"
a 110 gun ship commenced during the late war. The steeple on the
left is that of the Presbyterian church. There is also an Episcopal and
a Methodist church in the place, and about 1,800 inhabitants. This is
an important military station, 185 miles from Albany, and 35 from
Kingston, U. Canada. The United States have erected at this place 3
extensive stone barracks, an hospital, &c. A considerable trade is car
ried on here by the lake and St. La'vsrrence river, and by the Oswego,
Erie, and Welland canals. After the late war, business very much
decreased, but it has since grown with the general improvement of the
country. The troops destined for the attack upon York, (U. C.,) embarked
from this place. The following account of the expedition is from
Thompson's History of the late war :
On the 22d and 23d of April, 1813, agreeably to previous arrangement with Commo
dore Chauncey, who had the command of the fleet on Lake Ontario, General Dearborn
and his suite, with a force of seventeen hundred men, embarked on this expedition, but tho
prevalence of a violent storm prevented the saUing of the squadron until the 95th. On
that day it moved into Lake Ontario, and having a favorable wind, arrived safely at 7
o'clock, 6n the morning of the 27th, about one mile to the westward of the ruins of Fort
Toronto, and two and a half from the town of York. The execution of that part of the
plan which appUed immediately to the attack upon York, was confided to Col. Pike, of
the 15th regiment, who had then been promoted to the rank of brigadier-general, and the
position which had been fixed upon for landing the troops, was the site of the old fort.
The approach tff the fleet being discovered from the enemy's garrison. General Sheaffe,
the British commandant, hastily collected his whole force, consisting of upwards of seven
hundred and fifty regulars and militia, and one hundred Indians, and disposed them in the
best manner to resist the landing of the American force. A body of British grenadiers
were paraded on the shore, and the Glengary fencibles, a corps which had been disciplined
with uncommon pains since the commencement of the war, were stationed at another
pomt. Bodies of Indians were observed in groups in different (lirections, in and about the
woods below the site of the fort, and numbers of horsemen were stationed in the clear
ground surrounding it. These were seen moving into the town, where strong field works
had been thrown up to oppose the sissailants. The Indians were taking post at stations,
which were pointed out to them by the British officers with great skUl, from which they
could annoy the Americans at the point where the water and the weather would compel
them to land. Thus posted, they were to act as tirailleurs. The regulars were discov
ered to be moving out of their works in open columns of platoons, and marching along the
bank in that order into the woods.

JEFFERSON COUNTY. 119
" At 8 o'clock the debarkation commenced ; at ten it was completed. Major Forsythe
and his riflemen in several large batteaux, were in the advance. They puUed vigorously
for the designated ground at the site, but were forced by a strong easterly wind a consid
erable distance above. The enemy being within a few feet of the water, and completely
masked by the thickness of a copse, commenced a galUng fire of musketry and rifle. To
have fallen further from the clear ground at which he was first ordered to land, would have
subjected, not only his own corps, but the whole body of the troops, to great disadvantages ;
and by landing at a greater distance from the town, the object of the expedition might be
frustrated. Major Forsythe therefore determined upon making that part of the shore on
which the enemy's principal strength was stationed, and desired his men to rest a moment
on their oars, until his riflemen should return the shot. General Pike was at this moment
hastening the debarkation of the infantry, when, as he was standing on the ship's deck, he
observed the pause of the boats in advance, and springing into that which had been reserved
for himself and his staff, he called to thera to jump into the boat with him, ordered Major
King of the 15th (the same who had distinguished himself in carrying the enemy's batteries
opposite Black Rock,) to follow him instantly with three companies of that regiment, and
pushed for the Canadian shore. Before he reached it, Forsythe had landed and was already
engaged with the principal part of the British and Indian force, under the immediate com.
mand of General Sheaffe. He contended with them nearly half an hour. The infantry
under Major King, the fight artUlery under Major Eustis, the volunteer corps commanded
by Colonel M'Clure, and about thirty men, who had been selected frora the 15th at Platts.
burg, trained to the rifle, and designed to act as a small corps of observation, under Lieu
tenant Riddle, then landed in rapid succession, and formed in platoons. General Pike took
command of the first, and ordering the whole body to prepare for a charge, led them on to
the summit of the bank, firora which the British grenadiers were pouring down a volley ot
musketry and rifle shot. The advance of the American infantry was not to be withstood,
and the grenadiers yielded their position and retired in disorder. The signal of victory was
at the same instant heard from Forsythe's bugles, and the sound had no sooner penetrated
the ears of the Indians, than they gave a customary yeU and fled in every direction. The
Glengary corps then skirmished with Forsythe's, whilst a fresh body of Grenadiers, sup.
posed to have been the 8th or King's regiment, made a formidable charge upon the Amer
ican column, and partially compeUed it to retire. But the officers instantly rallied the
troops, who returned to the ground, and impetuously charged upon, and routed the grena.
diers. A reinforcement of the remainder of the 15th then arrived, with Captain Steel's
platoon and the standards of the regiment, and the Americans remained undisputed mas.
ters of the ground. A fresh front, however, was presented by the British at a distance,
which gave way and retured to the garrison, as soon as the American troops were again
formed by Major King, for the charge. The whole body of the troops being now landed,
orders were given by General PUie to form in platoons, and to march in that order to the
enemy's works. The first line was composed of Forsythe's riflemen, with fi-ont and flank
guards ; the regiments of the first brigade, with their pieces ; and three platoons of reserve,
under the orders of Major Swan ; Major Eustis and his train of artiUery were formed in
the rear of this reserve, to act where circumstances might require. The second Hne was
composed of the 21st regiment, in six platoons, flanked by Col. M'Clure's volunteers, di.
vided equally as light troops, and aU under command of Colonel Ripley. Thus formed, an
injunction was given to each officer, to suffer no man to load ; when within a short distance
of the enemy, an entire reUance would be placed upon the bayonet ; and the column moved
on, with as much velocity as the streams and ravines which intersected the road along the
lake would permit. One field.piece, and a howitzer, were with difficulty passed over one
of these, the bridffes of which had been destroyed, and placed at the head of the column,
in charge of Lieutenant Fanning, of the 3d arfiUery. As the column emerged from the
woods, and came immediately in front of the enemy's first battery, two or three 24 pound.
ers were opened upon it, but without any kind of effect. The column moved on, and the
enemy retreated to his second battery. The guns of the first were immediately taken, and
Lieutenant Riddle, having at this moment come up with his corps to deliver the prisoners
which he had made in the woods, was ordered to proceed to take possession of the second
battery, about one hundred yards ahead, the guns of which. Lieutenant Eraser, aid.de-camp
to the general, reported to have been spiked by Jhe enemy, whom he discovered retreating
to the garrison. General Pike then led the column up to the second battery, where he
halted to receive the captured ammunition, and to learn the strength of the garrison. But
as every appearance indicated the evacuation of the barracks, he suspected the enemy of
an intention to draw him within range of the shot, and then suddenly to show himseff in
great force. Lieutenant Riddle was sent forward with his corps of observation, to discover
i there were any, and what number of troops, within the garrison. The barracks were

120 JEFFERSON COUNTY.
three hundred yards distant from the second battery, and whilst this corps was engaged in
reconnoitering. General Pike, after removing a wounded prisoner from a dangerous situa.
ation, had seated himself upon a stump, and commenced an examination of a British ser
geant, who had been taken in the woods. Riddle having discovered that the enemy had
abandoned the garrison, was about to return with this information, when the magazine,
which was situated outside the barrack yard, blew up, with a tremendous and awful explo.
sion, passed over Riddle and his party, without injuring one of liis men, and killed and
wounded General Pike, and two hundred and sixty of the column. The severity of Gen.
eral Pike's wounds disabled him from further service, and the command of the tropps de.
volved upon Colonel Pearce of the 16th regiment, who sent a demand to the town of York
for an immediate surrender. The plan of the contemplated operations was known only to
General Pike, and, as General Dearborn had not yet landed, the future movements of the
troops would depend upon the wiU of their new commander. Hi ordered them immedi.
ately to form the column, and to march forward and occupy the barracks, which Major
Forsythe, who had been scouring the adjoining wood, had already entered. Meanwhile
the British regulars were retreating across the Don, and destroying the bridges in their rear.
After the explosion, which killed about fifty of the enemy who had not retired in time from
the garrison, Lieutenant Riddle with his party, then reinforced by thirty regulars under
Lieutenant Horrel of the 16th, pursued the enemy's route, and annoyed his retreating guard
from the wood. This was the only pursuit which was made. Had a more vigorous push
foUowed the abandonment of the enemy's garrison, his whole regular force must have been
captured, and the accession of mihtary stores would have been extensively great. The
majority of the officers were weU aware of this, and as it was known that the stores were
deposited at York, they urged the necessity of the immediate approach of the whole column,
to prevent their removal. Colonel Pearce then marched towards the town, which was dis.
tant three-quarters of a mile. About half way between York and the garrison, the column
was intercepted by several officers of the Canadian militia, who had come out with terms of
capitulation. Whilst these were discussing, the enemy was engaged in destroying the mil.
itary storehouse, and a large vessel of war then on the stocks, which in three days might
have been launched, and added to the American squadron on Ontario. Forsythe, who was
on the left in advance, being aware of this, despatched Lieutenant Riddle to inform Col.
onel Pearce. Colonel Ripley was at the same tirae urging a rapid march, and the troops
again proceeded. Colonel Pearce enjoined the observance of General Pike's orders, that
the property of the inhabitants of York should be held sacred, and that any soldier who
should so far neglect the honor of his profession, as to be guUty of plundering, should, on
conviction, be punished with death. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the Americans were in
possession of the town, and terras of capitulation were agreed upon, by which, notwith.
standing the severe loss which the army and the nation had sustained by the death of the
general ; ihe unwarrantable manner in which that loss was occasioned ; and the subtlety
with which the miUtia colonels offered to capitulate at a distance from the town, so that the
column might be detained until General Sheaffe should escape, and the destruction of the
public property be completed, although one of its articles stipulated for its delivery into the
hands of the Americans ; the miUtia and inhabitants were freed from aU hardship, and not
only their persons and property, but their legislative haU and other public buildings were
protected. The terms of the capitulation were, ' that the troops, regular and militia, and
the naval officers and seamen, should be surrendered prisoners of war. That all public
stores, naval and military, should be immediately given up to the commanding officers of
the army and navy of the United States, and that aU private property should be guaranteed
to the citizens of the town of York. That aU papers belonging to the civU officers should
be retained by them, and that such surgeons as might be procured to attend the wounded
of the British regulars and Canadian militia, should not be considered prisoners of war.'
Under this capitulation, one Ueutenant,colonel, one major, thirteen captains, nine lieuten
ants, eleven ensigns, one deputy adjutant-general, and four naval officers, and two hundred
and fifty-one non-commissioned officers and privates, were surrendered. The American
infantry were then ordered to return to, and quarter in the barracks, while the riflemen
were stationed in the town.
" When General Pike's wound was discovered to be mortal, he was
removed from the field, and carried to the shipping with his wounded
aids. As they conveyed him to the water's edge, a sudden exclama
tion was heard from the troops, which informed him of the American
having supplanted the British standard in the garrison. He expressed
his satisfaction by a feeble sigh, and after being transferred from the

JEFFERSON COUNTY. 121
Pert schooner to the commodore's ship, he made a sign for the British
flag, which had then been brought to him, to be placed under his
head, and expired without a groan. Thus perished in the arms of
victory, by the ungenerous stratagem of a vanquished foe, a soldier
of tried valor and invincible courage, — a general of hlustrious virtues
and distinguished talents.
" When the British general saw the American column advancing
from the woods, he hastily drew up the articles of capitulation, and
directed them to be delivered to a colonel of the York militia. This
colonel was instructed to negotiate the terms, after the regulars
should have retreated. General SheaSe, therefore, considered the
garrison to be as much surrendered, as if the articles had been act
ually agreed upon and signed. Yet he treacherously ordered a train
to be laid, which was so calculated, that the explosion of the maga
zine should be caused at the time when the Americans would arrive
at the barracks. Had not General Pike halted the troops at the en
emy's second battery, the British plan would have attained its con
summation, and the destruction of the whole column would have been
the natural consequence. The train had been skilfully laid, and the
combustibles arranged in a manner to produce the most dreadful
effect. Five hundred barrels of powder, several cart loads of stone,
and an immense quantity 9f iron, shells, and shot, were contained in
the magazine. The calamity which followed the explosion, caused
no discomfiture among the troops. A number of their officers of
high rank, and of equal worth, were either killed or wounded, and
they became actuated by a desire to revenge their fall. ' Push on,
my brave fellows, and avenge your general,' were the last words of
their expiring commander. They instantly gave three cheers, formed
the column, and marched on rapidly. Had they been led directly to
York, the issue of the expedition would have been fruitful with ad
vantages. As it was, however, the enemy's means were crippled, his
resources cut off, and the military stores of the captors extensively
multiplied. Most of the guns, munitions of war, and provisions, ne
cessary to carry on the campaign by the enemy, had been deposited
at York, and notwithstanding the firing of the principal storehouse,
an immense quantity fell into the hands of the Americans. The
baggage and private papers of General Sheaffe were left at York, in
the precipitation of his flight, and proved to be a valuable acquisition
to the American commander. These and the public stores were the
only articles of capture. The conduct of the troops needed no re
straint. Though their indignation was highly excited, by the circum
stance of a scalp having been found suspended near the speaker's
chair, in the legislative chamber, neither the ornaments of the cham
ber, the building itself, nor the public library, was molested. A large
quantity of flour, deposited in the public stores, was distributed among
the inhabitants, on condition that it should be used for their own con
sumption ; and those whose circumstances were impoverished, were
supplied with many other articles of the captured provisions. The
balance was taken on board the fleet, with the naval stores, or de
stroyed upon the shore.

122 JEFFERSON COUNTY.
« " Immediately after the faU of General Pike, the commander-in-chief landed with his
staff, but he did not reach the troops until they had entered York. He there made arrange
ments to expedite their departure for the other objects of the expedition, and they were
Boon after re.embarked,
" The co-operation of the squadron was of the greatest importance in the attack upon the
enemy's garrison. As soon as the debarkation was completed, Commodore Chauncey di.
rected the schooners to take a position near the forts, in order that the attack of the army
and navy might, jf possible, be simultaneous. The larger vessels could not be brought up,
and in consequence of the wind, the schooners were obliged to beat up to their intended
position. This they did, under a very heavy fire from the enemy's batteries, and having
taken their station within six hundred yards of the principal fort, opened a gaUing fire, and
contributed very much to its destruction. The loss on board the squadron, was three kiUed
and eleven wounded. Among the kiUed were midshipmen Thompson and Hatfield, the
latter of whom, in his dying moments, had no other care than to know if he had performed
his duty to his country.
" In the action the loss of the American army was trifling ; but in consequence of the
explosion, it was much greater than the enemy's loss in killed and wounded. Fourteen
were killed and thirty.two wounded in battle, and thirty-eight were kiUed and two hundred
and twenty-two wounded by the explosion, so that the total American loss amounted to
320 men. Among those who feU by the explosion, besides General Pike, were seven cap.
tains, seven subalterns, one aid.de-camp, one acting aid, and one volunteer aid. The en.
emy's loss in kiUed and wounded amounted to two hundred, and in prisoners to five hun.
dred and fifty. His wounded were left in the houses on the road leading to and in the
neighborhood of York, and were attended to by the American array and navy surgeons.
The prisoners were aU paroled, and the troops withdrawn from York immediately after its
capture," The following is an account of the attack on Sackett's Harbor
by the British, May, 1813:
" Whilst the troops were preparing to embark at York, for the expedition against Fort
George, the British at Kingston, having gained intelligence of their absence from Sackett's
Harbor, of the batteries at that place having been principally dismantled, and of the smaU-
ness of the force which had been left for its protection, hastily collected all their disposables,
and embarked on board their fleet, under the command of Sir George Prevost, The fleet
was commanded by Sir James Yeo. On the night of the 27th day of May, five hours after
the capture of Fort George, the British appeared off the entrance to the harbor. The
American force consisted of two hundred invaUds, and two hundred and fifty dragoons,
then newly arrived from a long and fatiguing march. Two smaU vessels, under Lieutenant
Chauncey, were stationed at its mouth, and gave instant signals of alarm, at the approach
of the British squadron. Expresses were immediately forwarded to General Brown, then
at his seat, eight mUes from the harbor, and he immediately repaired thither, to take the
command, " The tour of duty of the miUtia of his brigade had expired many weeks before, but he
had been requested by General Dearborn to take the command of the harbor, at any time
when the enemy should approach it, and to provide for its defence. Immediately on his
arrival, dispositions were made to that effect. The moveraents of the enemy indicated his
intention to land on the peninsula, called Horse Island, General Brown, therefore, deter
mined on resisting hira at the water's edge, with the Albany volunteers, under Colonel
MUls, and such miUtia as could be instantly collected. Alarm guns were therefore fired
and expresses sent out for that purpose. Lieutenant.colonel Backus, of the first regiment
of United States dragoons, who commanded at Sackett's Harbor in the absence of the
officers who had proceeded to Fort George, was to form a. second Une with the regulars.
The regular artillerists were stationed in Fort Tompkins, and the defence of Navy Point
was committed to Lieutenant Chauncey.
" On the 28th, the Wolfe, the Royal George, the Prince Regent, the Earl of Moira, and
one brig, two schooners, and two gun.boats, with thirty-three flat-bottomed boats' and
barges, containing in all twelve hundred troops, appeared in the offing, at five miles dis
tance. They were standing their course for the harbor, when, having discovered a fleet of
American barges, coming round Stony Point with troops from Oswego, the whole of their
boats were immediately despatched to cut them off. "They succeeded in taking twelve of
them, after they had been run on shore and abandoned by their crews, who arrived at the
harbor in the night. The remainder, seven in number, escaped from their pursuers, and
got safely in. The British commanders, being then under an impression that other barges

JEFFERSON COUNTY. 123
would be sailing from Oswego, stood into South bay, and despatched their armed boats to
waylay them. In this they were disappointed ; and during the delay which was caused by
this interruption of their intended operations, the militia from the neighboring counties col.
iected at the harbor, and betrayed great eagerness to engage in the contest with the in
vading enemy. They were ordered to be stationed on the water side, near the island on
which Colonel MUls was posted with his volunteers. The strength at that point was near
ly five hundred men. But the whole force, including the regulars, effectives and invalids,
did not exceed one thousand. The plan of defence had been conceived with great skiU,
and if the conduct of the militia had proved to be consistent with their promises, it would
have been executed with equal ability. Disposed of as the forces were, in the event of
General Brown's being driven from his position at Horse Island, Colonel Backus was to ad.
Vance with his reserve of regulars, and meet the head of the enemy's column, whilst the
general would raUy his corps, and faU upon the British flanks. If resistance to the at.
tack of the enemy should still fail. Lieutenant Chauncey was to destiroy the stores at Navy
Point, and to retire with his two schooners, and the prize schooner, the Duke of Gloucester,
which had been a few weeks before captured from the eneray, to the south shore of the
bay, and east of Fort Volunteer. In this fort the regulars and mUitia were to shut them.
selves up, and make a vigorous stand, as their only remaining resort. Every tiling being
thus ordered, General Brown directed his defensive army to lay upon their arms, whilst he
continued personally to reconnoitre the shores of the harbor, during the whole night of the
28th, At the only favorable point of landing, he had caused a breast-work to be thrown
up, and a battery en barbette to be erected. Behind this most of the militia were stationed.
" At the dawn of the 29th, the eneray was discovered with his vessels drawn up in Une,
between Horse Island and Stony Point ; and in a few minutes, aU his boats and barges
approached the shore, under cover of his gun-boats, those being the heaviest of his vessels
which, in consequence of the lightness of the winds, could be brought up. The troops
with which the boats were filled, were coraraanded by Sir George Prevost, in person.
Commodore Yeo directed the movements of the barges. General Brown instantly issued
his orders, that the troops should lay close, and reserve their fire until the enemy should
have approached so near, that every shot might take effect. This order was executed, and
the fire was so destructive, that the enemy's advance boats were obliged to make a tempo.
rary pause, and numbers of their officers and men were seen to fall. Encouraged by the
desired effect of the first fire, the militia loaded their pieces with the utmost quickness, and
the artillery was ordered to be opened at the moment of their second. But, before the
second round had been completely discharged, the whole body of the mUitia, none of whom
had ever seen an enemy until now, and who were entirely unaccustomed to subordination,
though they were Well protected by the breastwork, rose from behind it, and abandoning
those honorable promises of noble daring which they had made but a little whUe before,
they fled with equal precipitation and disorder, A strange and unaccountable panic seized
the whole line ; and with the exception of a very few, terror and dismay were depicted in
every countenance. Colonel MiUs, vainly endeavoring to rally his men, was kUled as he
was reminding them of the solemn pledges which they had given ; but the fall of this brave
officer .served rather to increase their confiision, than to actuate them to revenge it,
" General Brown seeing that his plan was already frustrated, and
fearing his inability to execute any other without the vigorous co-op
eration of the mUitia, hastened to intercept their retreat ; and, finding
one compcmy, of about one hundred men, who had been rallied by
the active and zealous conduct of Capt. M'Nitt, of that corps, he
brought them up, and ordered them to form in line with the regulars
and volunteers, who had continued to keep their ground.
" In the interval which had thus elapsed, the enemy had effected
his debarkation, with little opposition; and drawing up his whole
force on Horse Island, he commenced his march for the village ; on
the road to which, he was met by a small party of infantry, under
Major Aspinwall, and a few dismounted dragoons under Major Laval,
who opposed him with much gallantry. Two of the gun-boats
ranged up the shore, and covered the field with grape. This handful
of troops then gradually retired in good order, from an immense su
periority of numbers, and occupied the intervals between the barracks.

124 JEFFERSON COUNTY.
" Lieutenant-colonel Backus, with his reserve of regulars, first en
gaged the enemy, when the militia company of Captain M'Nitt was
formed on his flank ; and in the vigorous fight which then followed,
this company behaved with as much gallantry as the bravest of the
regulars. The whole force was compelled to fall back, however, by
the superior strength of the enemy's column, and resorting to the
barracks for what shelter they could afford, they posted themselves
in the unprotected log houses, and kept up an incessant and effective
fire. From these, the most violent assaults, and the repeated and
varying efforts of the British, were incompetent to dislodge them.
Colonel Gray, the quartermaster-general of the enemy's forces, ad
vanced to the weakest part of the barracks, at the head of a column
of regulars, and after exchanging shots with an inferior party of mili
tia and regulars, led his men on to the assault. A small boy, who
was a drummer in Major Aspinwah's corps, seized a musket, and lev
elling it at the colonel, immediately brought him to the ground. At
that moment Lieutenant Fanning, of the artUlery, who had been so
severely wounded by the explosion at Little York, and was yet con
sidered to be tmable to do any kind of duty, leaned upon his piece
whilst it was drawn up, and having given it the proper elevation, dis
charged three rounds of grape into the faces of the enemy, who im
mediately fell back in disorder. At this instant, Lieutenant-colonel
Backus fell, severely wounded.
" Whilst the battle was raging with its greatest violence, informa
tion was brought to Lieutenant Chauncey, of the intention of the
American forces to surrender. He therefore, in conformity to his
previous orders, relating to such an event, fired the navy barracks,
and destroyed all the property and public stores, which had pre
viously belonged to the harbor, as well as the provisions and equip
ments which had been brought from York. The destruction of these
buildings, and the conflagration which was thence produced, was
thought to have been caused by the troops of the enemy, and although
the imdisciplined militia and volunteers, and the invahd regulars, were
suspicious of being placed between the fire of two divisions of the
enemy, they continued to fight on, regardless of their inferiority, or
the consequences of their capture.
" General Brown was aU this time actively superintending the operations of his little
army. He now determined on making a diversion in its favor, which, if it should be sue.
cessful, would be the only means of saving the place, or of relieving his exhausted troops.
Having learned that the miUtia, who had fled from their stations in the early part of the en
gagement, had not yet entirely dispersed, and that they were stiU within a short distance
of the scene of action, he hastened to exhort them to imitate the conduct of their brave
brethren in arms. He reproached them with shameful timidity, and ordered them instantly
to form and foUow him, and threatened with instant death the first man who should refiise.
His order was obeyed with alacrity. He then attempted a stratagem, by which to deceive
the enemy, with regard to the forces against which he was contending. Silently passing
through a distant wood, which led towards the place at which the enemy had landed Gen.
eral Brown persuaded the British general of his intention to gain the rear of his forces to
take possession of the boats, and effectuaUy to cut off their retreat.
" This was done with such effect, at the moment when the fire of Lieutenant Fanning's
piece had caused the destruction in the British Une, that General Sir George Prevost was
well convinced of the vast superiority of the American force to his own. He gave up all
thoughts of the caphu'e of the place, and hurrying to hie boats, put off immediately to tha

JEFFERSON COUNTY. 125
British squadron. He was not pursued, because, if the real number of the American
troops had been exposed to his view, he would have returned to the contest, might easUy
have outflanked, and in aU human probabiUty, would still have captured the army and the
ViUage. " But the precipitation of his flight was such, that he left not only the wounded bodies of
his ordinary men upon the field, but those of the dead and wounded of the most distin.
guished of his officers. Among these were Quartermaster-general Gray, Majors Moodie
tmd Evans, and three captains. The return of his loss, as accurately as it has been ascer.
tained, amounted to three field officers, one captain, and twenty-five rank and file, found
dead on the field ; two captains and twenty rank and file found wounded ; and two cap
tains, one ensign, and thirty.two rank and file made prisoners. In addition to which, many
were kiUed in the boats, and numbers had been carried away previously to the retreat.
The loss of the Americans was greater in proportion, as the number of their men engaged
were less. One colonel of volunteers, twenty regulars, privates, and one volunteer private,
were kiUed ; one Ueutenant-colonel, three Ueutenants, and one ensign of the regulars, and
seventy-nine non-commissioned officers and privates, were wounded ; and twenty-six non
commissioned officers and privates were missing. 'Their aggregate loss was one hundred
and ten regulars, twenty-one volunteers, and twenty-five mUitia ; making a total of one
hundred and fifty-six. It was severe, because of the worth, more than of the number of
those who feU. The injury in public stores, sustained at Sackett's Harbor, though not by
any act of, the invading enemy, was extensive ; but the gaUantry of several individuals
prevented its being more so. Lieutenant Chauncey was no sooner apprized of the error of
the report which had been brought to him, than he made every exertion to save as much of
the public property as it was possible to rescue from the increasing conflagration, and to
that effect, he ran the Fair American and the Pert up the river. The new frigate, ihe Gen
eral Pike, which was then on the stocks, was Saved ; and Lieutenant Talman, of the army,
at the imminent risk of his life, boarded the prize schooner the Duke of Gloucester, which
was then on fire, with a considerable quantity of powder in her hold, extinguished the fire,
and brought her from under the flames of the storehouses,
" Notwithstanding this signal repulse, the British commanding officers attempted to play
off the stratagem which Sir James Yeo afterward adopted at the Forty Mile Creek. They
sent in a flag with a peremptory demand for the formal surrender of the post, which was as
peremptorily refused."
The British colonel. Gray, fell near the present residence of Mr.
John Hall, in Hill-street, and the stump against which he reposed his
head, is stiU to be seen by the sidewalk. He was a noble-looking
man, about six feet in height, and about forty years of age. Beside
him was a Glengarian officer, mortally wounded. A private named
David Johnson, from Berkshire county, Mass., lay near, wounded in
a most horrible manner. This young man was a widow's only son.
At the time of his enlistment at Greenbush, his mother requested the
sergeant to take good care of him. His face was carried away by a
side shot from below his forehead, downward, including his eyes,
nose, upper jaw, tongue, and some of the teeth of the lower jaw. He
notwithstanding had his reason. Being requested by the bystanders,
if he wanted water to hft up his right hand, he did so. A soldier
who was shot by a musket ball through the abdomen, informed his
captain, who gave him permission to leave the ground, with the ex
pectation that he would faU before he had got many rods distant. An
hour or two after the battle, the officer was astonished to meet the.
man quietly walking in the streets of the vihage. He asked him
where he had been ? " To get some milk," was the reply. It appears
that he had not eaten any thing for thirty hours previous to the ac
tion, and the ball was thus enabled to pass through the intestines
Ti''ithout mortal uijury.

126

KINGS COUNTY.

KINGS COUNTY.
Kings county was organized in 1683, by an act of the colonial as
sembly dividing the province, and abolishing the ridings which previ
ously existed. Its greatest length is 12, and greatest breadth 7 miles.
The county includes Coney and Barren islands, and all other islands
south of the town of Gravesend. The surface on the NE. for three
or four miles back from the river is hilly and ridgy. Upon the SE. a
plain of sandy loam and sand extends to the ocean. The soil for the
most part is Ught, warm, and when properly manured, fertile. It is
generally well improved, and supplies a large portion of the vegetables
sold in New York. The first settlement in the county was made at
Brooklyn in 1625. In 1641, the Dutch government permitted some
English settlers to locate themselves at Gravesend. All the other towns
of the county appear to have been settled by the Dutch. The county
courts were originally held at the village of Gravesend ; they were re
moved in 1686 to Flatbush, where they were held till 1832, when they
were removed to Brooklyn, The county contains seven towns :
Brooklyn city, Flatbush, Gravesend, Williamsburg.
Bushwick, Flatlands, New-Utrecht,

Northern view of the Navy-yard at Brooklyn.
The most compact part of Brooklyn was incorporated into a village
in 1816, which, ahhough much opposed by a portion of the population,
gave a new impulse to the spirit of improvement, which has resulted in
raising it to be the second city in point of population in the state of
New York. In April, 1834, the whole territory of the town was incor
porated under the name of the "City of Brooklyn," It is divided into
9 wards ; the powers of the corporation are vested in a mayor, and a
board of aldermen, composed of two elected from each ward, Brook
lyn contains 28 churches, viz : 6 Episcopalians, 2 Dutch Reformed, 7
Presbyterian, 2 Baptist, 4 Episcopal Methodist, 1 Centenary Episco
pal Methodist, 1 Primitive Methodist, 1 Wesleyan Methodist, 2 Ro
man Catholic, 1 Unitarian Congregational Church, and 1 Friends

KINGS COUNTY. 127
meeting-house. Population in 1820, 7,175; in 1825, 10,790; in
1830, 15,394; in 1835, 25,312; in 1840, 36,233 ; in 1845, 59,574.
The engraving shows the appearance of the buildings, shipping, &c.,
at the navy-yard, Brooklyn, as seen from Corker's Hook. The
United States possess about forty acres at this spot, including the old
mill-pond. Here have been erected a spacious navy-yard, public
stores, machine shops, and two immense edifices, in which the largest
ships are protected from the weather, while building. On the east
side of the Wallabout bay, opposite the navy-yard, stands the U, S,
Naval Hospital, a magnificent structure. The Wallabout was the
scene of the heart-rending sufferings of many thousand American pris
oners confined in the prison ships stationed in the bay. The following,
relating to these vessels, was written by Jeremiah Johnson, Esq., of
Brooklyn, a gentleman who has fiUed many pubhc offices in this place.
" The subject of the naval prisoners, and of the British prison ships stationed at the Wal
labout during the revolution, is one which cannot be peissed by in silence. From printed
journals published in New York at the close of the war, it appears that eleven thousand
five hundred American prisoners had died on board the prison ships. Although the num
ber is very great, still, if the number who perished had been less, the commissary of naval
prisoners, David Sprout, Esq., and his deputy, .had it in their power, by an official return,
to give the true number exchanged, escaped, and dead. Such a return has never appeared
in the United States. This man returned to Araerica after the war, and resided in Phila
delphia, where he died. He could not have been ignorant of the statement published here
on this interesting subject. We may therefore infer, that about that number perished in
•the prison ships. A large transport, named the Whitby, was the first prison ship anchored
in the Wallabout. She was moored near ' Rerasen's Mill,' about the 20th of October,
1776, and was crowded with prisoners. Many landsmen were prisoners on board this
vessel ; she was said to be the most sickly of all the prison ships. Bad provisions, bad
water, and scanted rations were dealt to the prisoners. No medical men attended the sick.
Disease reigned unrelieved, and hundreds died from pestilence, or were starved, on board
this floating prison. I saw the sand-beach between a ravine in the hill and Mr. Rerasen's
dock become filled with graves in the course of two months ; and before the 1st of May,
1777, the ravine alluded to was itself occupied in the same way. In the month of May of
that year two large ships were anchored in the Wallabout, when tho prisoners were trans-
ferred frora the Whitby to thera. These vessels were also very sickly, from the causes
before stated. Although many prisoners were sent on board of thera and were exchanged,
death raade room for all. On a Sunday afternoon, about the middle of October, 1777, one
of the prison ships was burnt ; the prisoners, except a few, who, it is said, were burnt in
the vessel, were removed to the remaining ship. It was reported at the tirae that the pris
oners had fired their prison ; which, if true, proves that they preferred death, even by fire,
to the lingering sufferings of pestilence and starvation. In the month of February, 1778,
the remaining prison ship was burnt at night ; when the prisoners were removed from her
to the ships then wintering in the Wallabout. In the month of April, 1778, the Old Jersey
was moored in the Wallabout, and all the prisoners (except the sick) were transferred to
her. The sick were carried to two hospital ships, named the Hope and Falmouth, anchor-
ed near each other about two hundred yards east from the Jersey. These ships remained
in the Wallabout until New York was evacuated by the British. The Jersey was the re.
ceiving-ship — the others, truly, the ships of Death '. It has been generally thought that all
the prisoners died on board of the Jersey. This is not true ; many may have died on board
of her who were not reported as sick : but all the men who were placed on the ¦ siek.list
were removed to the hospital ships, from which they were usually taken, ^ewed up in a
blanket, to their long home.
" After the hospital ships were brought into the Wallabout, it was reported that the sick
were attended by physicians ; few, very few, however, recovered. It was no uncommon
thing to see five or six dead bodies brought on shore in a single morning ; when a small
excavation would be made at the foot of the hill, the bodies be cast in, and a man with a
shovel would cover thera by shovelling sand down the hill upon them. Many were buried
in a ravine on the hill ; some on the farm. The whole shore from Ronnie's Point to Mr.
Remsen's dock-yard was a place of graves ; as were also the slope of the hUl near the

128 KINGS COUNTY.
house, the shore from Mr. Remsen's bam along the mUl-pond to Rapelje's farm and the
sandy island, between the flood.gates and the mill-dam ; while a few were buried on the
shore, the east side of the WaUabout. Thus did Death reign here, from 1776 until the
peace. The whole Wallabout was a sickly place during the war. The atmosphere seemed
to be charged with foul air from the prison ships, and with the effluvia of the dead bodies
washed out of their graves by the tides. We have ourselves examined many of the skulls
lying on the shore ; from the teeth, they appear to be the remains of men in the prime of
life. A singularly daring and successful escape was effected from the Jersey about 4 o'clock
one afternoon, in December, 1780. The best boat of the ship had returned from New
York, was left fastened at the gangway, with the oara on board. It was stormy ; the wind
blew from the northeast, and the tide ran flood. A watchword was given, and a num.
ber of prisoners placed themselves between the ship's waist and the sentinel ; at this junc
ture four eastern captains got on board the boat, which was cast off by their friends. The
boat passed close under the bows of the ship, and was a considerable distance from her
before the sentinel on the forecastle gave the alarm, and fired at her. The boat passed
HeU.gate, and arrived safe in Coimecticut next morning."
In 1808, a tomb was erected to the memory of these martyrs to
liberty, on the corner of Jackson-street, nearly opposite the end of
Front-street, in the vicinity of the navy-yard. Thirteen coffins were
filled with their bleached bones, and interred in it with great venera
tion and respect. " The tomb is a small square frame buUding, sur
mounted by an eagle on the point of the roof ; the interior is an ante
chamber to the vault beneath, in which the coffins are deposited ;
there is a row of posts and rails in front of the tomb, on which the
names of the 13 original states of the Union are inscribed ; the area
around the tomb is enclosed by a rail fence, over the entrance of
which is the following inscription: 'Portal to the Tomb of 11,500
Patriot Prisoners, who died in dungeons and prison ships, in and
about the city of New York during the revolution.' "
The most sanguinary part of the battle of Long Island, August
27th, 1776, took place in this town. The fohowing account is from
Thompson's History of Long Island.
"After the commencement of hostUities in 1776, New York being
situated near the centre of the colonial sea-board, and readily acces
sible from the sea, was selected by the enemy as a principal point for
their future operations. With this view, a first division of their army
arrived at Staten Island in the latter part of June of that year, fol
lowed, about the middle of July, by the grand armament under Lord
Howe, consisting of six ships of the line, thirty frigates, with smaller
armed vessels, and a great number of transports, victuaUers, and
ships with ordnance.
"The Americans, anticipating the invasion of Long Island, had
fortified Brooklyn before the arrival of the British at Staten Island.
A line of intrenchment was formed from a ditch near the late Toll-
House of the Bridge Company at the navy-yard to Fort Green, then
called Fort Putnam, and from thence to Freek's miU-pond. A strong
work was erected on the lands of Johannis Debevoice and of Van
Brunt ; a redoubt was thrown up on Baemus' HUl opposite Brown's
mill, and another on the land of John Johnson, west of Fort Green.
Ponkiesburg, now Fort Swift, was fortified, and a fort built on the
land of Mr. Hicks, on Brooklyn heights. Such were the defences of
Brooklyn in 1776, whUe a chevaux de frise was sunk in the main

NORTH WESTERN VIEW OF BROOKLYN, N. Y., FROM NEAR PECK SLIP, NEW YORK CITY.
The view shows the appearance of the most compact part of Brooklyn, as seen from New York city, opposite Fulton street, Brooklyn. The
/ Colonnade buildings on Brooklyn heights, appear on the right.

KINGS COUNTY. 129
channel of the river below New York. The troops of both divisions
of the British army were landed on Staten Island after thteir arrival
in the bay, to recruit their strength and prepare for the coming con
flict. It was not tiU the middle of August, that a first landing on
Long Island was made by them at New Utrecht. Here they were
joined by many royalists from the neighborhood, who probably acted
the infamous part of informers and guides to the enemy. General
Sir Henry Clinton arrived about the same time, with the troops re
conducted from the expedition to Charleston.
" Commodore Hotham already appeared there with the reinforce
ments under his escort ; so that in a short time the hostile army
amounted to about twenty-four thousand men, — English, Hessians,
and Waldeckers. Several regiments of Hessian infantry were ex
pected to arrive shortly, when the army would be swelled to the
number of thirty-five thousand combatants, of the best troops of Eu
rope, all abundantly supplied with arms and ammunition, and mani
festing an extreme ardor for the service of their king. The plan
was, first to get possession of New York, which was deemed of most
essential importance.
" To resist this impending storm, Congress had ordained the construction of rafts, gun.
boats, galleys, and floating batteries, for the defence of the port of New York and the
mouth of the Hudson. They had also decreed that thirteen thousand of the provincial
mUitia should join the army of Washington, who, being seasonably apprized of tlie danger
of New York, had made a movement into that quarter; they also directed the organiza.
tion of a corps of ten thousand men, destined to serve as a reserve in the province of the
centre. AU the weakest posts had been carefuUy intrenched, and furnished with artiUery.
A strong detachment occupied Long Island, to prevent the English from landing there, or
to repulse them if they should effect a debarkation. But the army of Congress was very
far from having all the necessary means to support the burden of so terrible a war. It
wanted arms, and it was wasted by diseases. The reiterated instances of the commander-
in-chief had drawn into his camp the raUitia of the neighboring provinces, and some regular
regiments from Maryland, from Pennsylvania, and from New England, which had sweUed
his army to the number of twenty-seven thousand men ; but a fourth of these troops were
composed of invalids, and scarcely was another fourth furnished with arms.
" The American army, such as it was, occupied the positions most suitable to cover the
menaced points. The corps which had been stationed on Long Island, was commanded
by Major-general Greene, who, on account of sickness, was afterward succeeded by Gene-
ral SuUivan. The main body of the army encamped on the island of New York, which, it
appeared, was destined to receive the first blows of the English.
" Two feeble detachments guarded Governor's Island and the point of Paulus' Hook,
The miUtia of the province, commanded by the American General CUnton, were posted
upon the banks of the Sound, where they occupied the two Chesters, East and West, and
New RocheUe, For it was to be feared that the enemy, landing in force upon the north
shore of the Sound, might penetrate to Kingsbridge, and thus entirely lock up aU the Amer.
ican troops on the island of New York, Lord Howe made some overtures of peace upon
terms of submission to the royal clemency, which, resulting in nothing, decided the British
general to attack Long Island. ' Accordingly,' says Botta, ' on the twenty-second of Au.
gust, the fleet approached the Narrows; aU the troops found an easy and secure landing.
place between the vUlages of Gravesend and New*Utrecht, where they debarked without
meeting any resistance on the part of the Americans. A great part of the American army,
under the command of General Putnam, encamped at Brooklyn in a part of the island which
forms a sort of peninsula. He had strongly fortified the entrance of it with moats and in.
trenchments ; Ins left wing rested upon the Wallabout bay, and his right was covered by a
marsh contiguous to Goivanu.s' Cove. Behind him he had Governor's Island, and the arm
of the sea which separates Long Island from the Island of New York, and which gave him
a direct communication with the city, where the other part of the army was stationed under
Washington himself. The commander-in-chief, perceiving the battie was approaching,
continuSy exhorted his men to keep their ranks, and summon aU their courage : he re.
9

130 KINGS COUNTY. /
minded them that in their valor rested the only hope that remained to American Uberty ; that
upon their resistance depended the preservation or the piUage of their property by barbarians ;
that they were about to combat in defence of their parents, iheir wives, and their children,
from the outrages of a licentious soldiery ; that the eyes of America were fixed upon her
champions, and expected frora their success on this day either safety or^total destruction.'
" The English having effected their landing, marched rapidly for
ward. The two armies were separated by a chain of hills, covered
with woods, called the heights, and which, running from west to east,
divide the island into two parts. They are only practicable upon
three points : one of which is near the Narrows ; the road leading to
that of the centre passes the village of Flatbush ; and the third is ap
proached, far to the right, by the route of another vihage called Flat-
lands. Upon the summit of the hills is found a road, which follows
the length of the range, and leads from Bedford to Jamaica, which is
intersected by the two roads last described : these ways are all in
terrupted by precipices, and by excessively difficult and narrow
defiles. " The American general, wishing to arrest the enemy upon these
heights, had carefuUy furnished them with troops ; so that, if all had
done their duty, the English would not have been able to force the
passages without extreme difficulty and danger. The posts were so
frequent upon the road from Bedford to Jamaica, that it was easy to
transmit, from one of these points to the other, the most prompt in-
telhgence of what passed upon the three routes. Colonel Miles, with
his battalion, was to guard the road of Flatland, and to scour it con
tinually with 'his scouts, as well as that of Jamaica, in order to recon
noitre the movements of the enemy. Meanwhile the British army
pressed forward, its left wing being to the north and its right to the
south ; the vUlage of Flatbush was found in its centre. The Hes
sians, commanded by General Heister, formed the main body ; the
English, under Major-general Grant, the left ; and the other corps, con
ducted by General Clinton, and the two lords, Percy and Cornwalhs,
composed the right. In this wing the British generals had placed
their principal hope of success ; they directed it upon Flatland. Their
plan was, that while the corps of General Grant, and the Hessians
of General Heister, should disquiet the enemy upon the two first de
files, the left wing, taking a circuit, should march through Flatland,
and endeavor to seize the point of intersection of this road with that
of Jamaica ; and then rapidly descending into the plain which extends
at the foot of the heights upon the other side, should fall upon the
Americans in flank and rear. The English hoped, that as this post
was the most distant from the centre of the army, the advanced
guards would be found more feeble there, and perhaps more negli
gent: finally, they calculated that, in all events, the Americans would
not be able to defend it against a force so superior. This right wing
of the English was the most numerous, and entirely composed of se
lect troops.
" The evening of the twenty-sixth of August, General CUnton commanded the vanguard,
which (jonsisted in light infantry ; Lord Percy the centre, where were found the greniidiera,
Jie artiUery, and the cavalry ; and Comwallis, the rear-guard, followed by the baggage,

KINGS COUNTY. 131
some regiments of infantry and of heavy artiUery ; aU tiiis part of the EngUsh army put
itself in motion with admirable order and silence, and leaving Flatland, traversed the coun
try caUed New Lots, Colonel MUes, who this night performed his service with Uttie ex.
actaess, did not perceive the approach of the enemy ; so that two hours before day the
EngUsh were already arrived within a half raile of the road to Jamaica, upon the heights.
Then General Clinton halted, and prepared himself for the attack. He had met one of the
enemy's patrols, and made him prisoner. General Sullivan, who commanded all the troops
in advance of the camp of Brooklyn, had no advice of what passed in this quarter. He
neglected to send out fresh scouts ; perhaps he supposed the English would direct their
principal efforts against his right wing, as being nearest to them.
" General CUnton, learning from his prisoners that the road to Jamaica was not guarded,
hastened to avail himself of the circumstance, ahd occupied it by a rapid movement.
Without loss of time he immediately bore to his left towards Bedford, and seized an im
portant defile, which the American generals had left unguarded. From this moment the
success of the day was decided in favor of the English. Lord Percy came up with his
corps ; and the entire column descended by the viUage of Bedford from the heights into
the plain which lay between the hills and the camp of the Americans. During this time
General Grant, in order to amuse the enemy, and divert his attention from the events
which took place upon the route of Flatland, endeavored to disquiet him upon his right :
accordingly, as if he intended to force the defile which led to it, he had put himself in mo.
tion about midnight, and had attacked the militia of New York and of Pennsylvania, who
guarded it. They at first gave ground ; but General Paisons being arrived, and having
occupied an eminence, he renewed the combat, and maintained his position till Brigadier.
general Lord StirUng came to his assistance with fifteen hundred men. The action be.
came extremely animated, and fortune favored neither the one side nor the other. The
Hessians, on their part, had attacked the centre at break of day ; and the Americans, com.
manded by General SuUivan in person, vaUantly sustained their efforts. At the same time
the English ships, after having made several moveraents, opened a very brisk cannonade
against a battery established in the Uttle island of Red Hook, upon the right fiank of the
Americans, who combated against General Grant, This also was a diversion, the object
of which was to prevent them from attending to what passed in the centre and on the left.
The Americans defended themselves, however, with extreme gallantry, ignorant that so
much valor was exerted in vain, since victory was already in the hands of the enemy.
General CUnton being descended into the plain, feU upon the left flank of the centre, which
was engaged with the Hessians. He had previously detached a small corps, in order to
intercept the Americans,
" As soon as the appearance of the English light infantry apprized
them of their danger, they sounded the retreat, and retired in good
order towards their camp, bringing off" their artillery. But they soon
fell in with the party of royal troops which had occupied the ground
on their rear, and who now charged them with fury ; they were
compelled to throw themselves into the neighboring woods, where
they met again with the Hessians, who repulsed them upon the Eng
lish ; and thus the Americans were driven several times by the one
against the other with great loss. They continued for some time in
this desperate situation, till at length several regiments, animated by
an heroic valor, opened their way through the midst of the enemy,
and gained the camp of General Putnam ; others escaped through
the woods. The inequality of the ground, the great numbers of po
sitions which it oflTered, and the disorder which prevaUed throughout
the hne, were the cause that for several hours divers partial combats
were maintauied, in which many of the Americans fell.
" Their left wing and centre being discomfited, the Enghsh, desir
ous of a complete victory, made a rapid movement against the rear
of the right wing, which, in ignorance of the misfortune which had
befallen the other corps, was engaged with General Grant. Finally,
having received the uitelligence, they retired. But, encountering

132 KINGS COUNTY.
the English, who cut off their retreat, a part of the soldiers took shel
ter in the woods ; others endeavored to make their way through the
marshes of Gowan's Cove ; but here many were drowned in the wa
ters or perished in the mud ; a very small number only escaped the
hot pursuit of the victors, and reached the camp in safety. The total
loss of the Americans, in this battle, was estimated at more than three
thousand men in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Among the last
were found General Sullivan, and Brigadier-general Lord Stirling.
Almost the entire regiment of Maryland, consisting of young men of
the best families in that province, was cut to pieces. Six pieces of
cannon fell into the power of the victors. The loss of the English
was very inconsiderable ; in killed, wounded, and prisoners, it did not
amount to four hundred men.
" The enemy encamped in front of the American lines ; and on the
succeeding night broke ground within six hundred yards of a redoubt
on the left, and threw lip a breastwork on the WaUabout heights,
upon the Debevoice farm, commenced firing on Fort Putnam, and
reconnoitred the American forces. The Americans were here pre
pared to receive them ; and orders issued to the men to reserve their
fire till they could see the eyes of the enemy, A few of the British
officers reconnoitred the position, and one, on coming near, was shot
by WiUiam Van Cotts, of Bushwick, The same afternoon Captain
Rutgers, brother of the late Colonel Rutgers, also fell. Several other
British troops were killed, and the column which had incautiously
advanced, fell back beyond the range of the American fire. In this
critical state of the American army on Long Island — in front a nu
merous and victorious enemy with a formidable train of artUlery, the
fleet indicating an intention of forcing a passage up the East river,
the troops lying without shelter from heavy rains, fatigued and dis
pirited — General Washington determined to withdraw the army from
the island ; and this difficult movement was Effected with great skiU
and judgment, and with complete success. The retreat was to have
commenced at eight o'clock in the evening of the 29th, but a strong
northeast wind and a rapid tide caused a delay of several hours ; a
southwest wind, springing up at eleven, essentially facUitated its pas
sage from the island to the city ; and a thick fog hanging over Long
Island towards morning, concealed its movements from the enemy,
who were so near that the sound of their pick-axes and shovels was
distinctly heard by the Americans.
" General Washington, as far as possible, inspected every thing
from the commencement of the action on the morning of the 27th ;
tiU the troops were safely across the river, he never closed his eyes,
and was almost constantly on horseback. After this the British and
their allies, the tories and refugees, had possession of Long Island.;
and many distressing scenes occurred, which were never made pubhc,
and can therefore never be known. The whigs, who had been at
all active in behalf of independence, were exUed from their homes,
and their dwellings were objects of indiscriminate plunder. Such as
could be taken, were incarcerated in the church of New Utrecht and

KINGS COUNTY. 133
Flatlands ; while royalists, by wearing a red badge in their hats, were
protected and encouraged. It is believed that had Lord Howe availed
himself of the advantages he possessed by passing his ships up the
river between Brooklyn and New York, the whole American army
must have been almost inevitably captured or annihilated. General
Washington saw but too plainly the policy which might have been
pursued, and wisely resolved rather to abandon the island than attempt
to retain it at the risk of sacrificing his army."

Western view of Williamsburg, New York.
The above shows the appearance of the central part of the village
of Williamsburg, as seen from the New York side of the East river.
This flourishing village was till within a few years an inconsider
able place, although it was commenced by a few spirited individuals
nearly thirty years ago, by erecting a few houses and establishing a
ferry between it and the foot of Grand-street. In 1817, a ferry boat,
impelled by horse power, gave Williamsburg a new impulse, and in
1827, an act of incorporation was obtained. The village has a bold
water front upon the East river, one mile and a half in extent, and
a sufficient depth of water for all commercial purposes. Several
large and substantial wharves and docks have been constructed,
affording safe and convenient moorings for vessels even of the largest
class. Its ferry is the nearest approximation to the upper parts of
the city of New York from the eastern towns of Long Island, by two
lines of steam ferry boats. So great has been the progress of im
provement that the ancient village of Bushwick can scarcely be iden
tified, having been amalgamated with Williamsburg. The vUlage has
now upwards of 70 streets permanently laid out, about 30 of which
have been graded and regulated, some paved, and one macadamized.
There are upwards of six hundred dwellings, 5 churches — 3 Method
ist, 1 Dutch Reformed, and 1 Episcopal — a newspaper printing office,
and manufacturing estabhshments of various kinds. Population of
the viUage in 1840, 5,094 ; in 1845, 11,338.

134 LEWIS COUNTY.

LEWIS COUNTY.

Lewis county was taken from Oneida in 1805, and named in honor
of Governor Morgan Lewis. CentraUy distant NW. from New York
275, and from Albany 130 miles. Greatest length N. and S. 54;
greatest breadth E. and W, 35 mUes, The whole of this county was
included in the patent from the state to Alexander Macomb, and was
sold by him to William Constable, and by the latter in parcels : the
portion west of the Black river, to capitalists in New York city, among
whom Nicholas Low, Richard Harrison, and Josiah Ogden Hoffman,
were principal purchasers ; and the portion on the east of the Black
river, to a French company in Paris, From these sources the present
possessors derived their title. The first settlements commenced here
in 1795, by pioneers from Massachusetts and Connecticut, who, with
characteristic enterprise and perseverance, entered the wilderness with
a determination to surmount the most formidable obstacles. There
were at this time smaU settlements at Utica and Fort Stanwix, (now
Rome,) whence the settlers made their way into this county, by a hne
of marked trees, to the High Falls, on Black river ; and thence floated
with the stream to the town of LowvUle, where they estabhshed them
selves. Their families followed in the succeeding winter, shod with
snow shoes ; mothers making their way with infants in their arms,
whilst their husbands and fathers trod paths through the snow for their
cattle and teams. It was not unusual, some time after, for farmers to
go forty mUes to mill, and to carry the grist upon their shoulders.
The Black river divides the county into two not very unequal por
tions. Upon this river are broad aUuvial flats, of easy cultivation and
highly productive. Of the Black river we may observe here, that be
low the High Falls at Leyden, which are 63 feet in altitude, it has a
tranquU course of nearly 40 miles through the country ; in all which it
is navigable for steamboats. The Black river canal, the construction
of which was authorized in May, 1836> commences at Rome in Oneida
county. The county is at present thinly inhabited, but it merits attention from
the great forests of useful timber which encumber the soil, the beds of
iron ore which he beneath it, and the vast water-power which the
streams supply. The staple products are wheat, rye, Indian corn, peas,
beans, oats, and barley, and the whole country is adapted to grass. It
is divided into 12 towns :
Croghan, Greig, LowviUe, Turin,
Denmark, Harrisburgh, Martinsburgh, Watson,
Diana, Leyden, Pinckney, West Turin.
LowviUe, on the great road from Utica to Sacketts Harbor, 3^ mUes
from Martinsburg, in a pleasant valley, handsomely laid out in squares,
is the largest vUlage in the county, and contains 4 churches, a flourishing
incorporated academy, a printing office, publishing a weekly paper,
1 large grist and saw-miU, and 60 neat dweUings. Martinsburg, post

LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 135
village and county town, is situated upon a high and commanding site,
contains a court-house and prison of wood, 1 cotton and 1 wooUen fac
tory, 40 dwelhngs, the Lewis County Bank, and a printing office.
About two miles from Martinsburg there is a remarkable chasm near
the junction of two forks of Whetstone creek, a tributary of Black
river. It is about 200 feet in depth, and of a bowl-like shape. It is
known by the name of Chimney Point Gulf.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Livingston county was taken from Ontario and Genesee counties
in 1821. Greatest length N. and S. 30 ; greatest breadth E. and W.
28 mUes. Centrally distant NW. from New York 360, and from
Albany W. 224 miles. The surface of the country is in some parts
hilly, in others quite level, or but gently undulated. Flats of rich al
luvion border the Genesee river in its course through the county from
1 to 2 miles in width, but a gravelly loam predominates on the upland.
The great staples are wheat, pork, and cattle. Of the first, it is esti
mated that there is an annual surplus of over a million of bushels.
The Avon Springs, in the village of Avon in this county, about 10
mUes from Geneseo, have acquired considerable celebrity. The first,
called the New Avon Bath Spring, was discovered in 1835. Its depth
is about 36 feet, and thq formation through which the water passes is
limy slate. Analysis and experience have fully tested the sanative prop
erties of these waters ; they are found peculiarly efficacious in disorders
of the digestive organs, rheumatic complaints, and gout, and in many
of the most formidable cutaneous affections.
The Genesee Valley canal enters the county at Caledonia, and follow
ing the vaUey of the Genesee, crosses the same near Mount Morris, and
passing along the valley of the Cashqua creek, leaves the county in the
southern portion of Mount Morris, Four mUes south of Mount Morris
village a branch runs to Dansville, The county is part of the tract
ceded to Massachusetts, and is divided into 12 towns.

Avon,

Geneseo,

Lima,

Sparta,

Caledonia,

Groveland,

Livonia,

Springwater,
York.

Conesus,

Leicester,

Mount Morris,

The village of Geneseo, the seat of justice of Livingston county,
about one mile from the river, was incorporated in 1832, It contains
about 120 dwelhngs, the county buildings, 3 churches, the Livingston
county high school, 2 newspaper printing offices, and a bank. Distant
from Albany 226, from Washington 345, and from Rochester about 27
miles. " The village is pleasantly situated upon a site sloping to the
west, and enjoys a delightful prospect, stretching across the vaUey, and
including the town of Leicester. The landscape, embracing an area

136 LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
of perhaps fifteen miles in diameter, agreeably undulated with gentle
hills and valleys — rich in the garniture of fields, agreeably interrupted
by masses of woods, and enlivened by villas, bespeaking the comforta
ble circumstances of their owners — ^forms a prospect of matchless
beauty. It is rendered still more picturesque by the river, which flows
lazily through the valley, but disclosing only here and there a section
of the stream, breaking through the bower of trees and clustering vines
by which its bright waters are overarched.
" This town was first settled by WiUiam and James Wadsworth in
1790. Lands being cheap, and they being gentlemen of sagacity, who
foresaw the rapid growth of the country in no distant prospective, they
were enabled to accumulate splendid estates. The former. Gen. Wil
ham Wadsworth, served with his militia command upon the Niagara
frontier during the last war with England, and acquitted himself with
gallantry, Mr, James Wadsworth (recently deceased) may be consid
ered the patriarch of the Genesee country. The whole valley of the
Genesee was studded with Indian towns, when the white men made
their advances thither, and the country was full of Indians when he
planted himself down among them. His mansion, the abode of refine
ment and elegant hospitality, is finely situated at the southern extrem
ity of the principal street of the village, embosomed in groves of orna
mental trees, thickly sprinkled, among which are the elm, locust, and
willow, and looking out upon a princely domain of his own, including
a broad sweep of flats  Adjacent to the mansion is a large gar
den, rich with every description of fruit which the climate wiU aUow,
and adorned with flowers of every variety and class of beauty.
" .... It was at this point that the memorable campaign of Gen
eral SuUivan in 1 779 was brought to a close. In setting this expedi
tion on foot, it was the intention of Washington that the American
forces should pass through to the great Indian and loyalist rendezvous
at Niagara ; but having ravaged the most populous portions of the In
dian country, Sullivan, for reasons never fully explained, proceeded no
further than Genesee — sending a detachment across the river, however,
to Little Beardstown, (now the town of Leicester.) The Indian town
of Genesee, lying on the eastern side of the river, was the largest of
their populous places, containing, according to Sullivan's official report,
' one hundred and thirty-eight houses, most of them very elegant. It
was beautifully situated, almost encircled with a clear flat, extending
for a number of miles ; on which extensive fields of corn were growing,
together with every kind of vegetable that could be conceived.' This
and the neighboring towns, together with thousands of acres of corn,
were destroyed. The Indians were disposed to make a stand for the
protection of their towns, but the numbers and disciphne of SuUivan's
army were too much for them."
During Sullivan's expedition, Lieut. Boyd with a scouting party had
a severe battle with a superior force of Indians in this vicinity. Boyd
and a man named Parker were taken prisoners, and the former tortured
in the most horrible manner. The foUowing account is from Wilkin
son's Annals of Binghamton :

LIVINGSTON COUNTY. 137
" From Canandaigua the army proceeded to Honeoye which they destroyed ; and passing
by Hemlock Lake, they came to the head of Connissius Lake, where the army encamped
for the night, on the ground which is now called Henderson's Flats,
" Soon after the army had encamped, at the dusk of evening, a party of twenly-one men,
under the command of Lieut, WilUam Boyd, was detached from the rifle corps, which was
commanded by the celebrated Morgan, and sent out for the purpose of reconnoitering the
ground near the Genesee river, at a place now called WilUamsburgh, at a distance from the
place of encampraent of about seven railes, and under the guidance of a faithful Indian
pilot. The place was then the site of an Indian viUage ; and it was apprehended that the
Indians and rangers, as their aUies were called, might be there, or in its vicinity,
" When the party arrived at WiUiarasburgh, they found that the Indians had very re.
cently left the place, as the fires in their huts were still burning. The night was so far spent
when they got to the place of their destination, that the gallant Boyd, considering the fatigue
of his men, concluded to remain quietly where he was, near the viUage, sleeping upon their
arms, till the next morning, and then to despatch two messengers with a report to the camp.
Accordingly, a littie before daybreak, he sent two men to the main body of the army with
information that the enemy had not been discovered, but were supposed to be not far dis.
tant, from the fires they found burning the evening before,
" After daylight, Lieut, Boyd and his men cautiously crept from the place of their con.
cealment, and upon getting a view of the vUlage, discovered two Indians lurking about the
settiement. One of whom was immediately shot and scalped by one of the riflemen, by
the name of Murphy, Lieut, Boyd — supposing now that ff there were Indians near they
would be aroused by the report of the rifle, and possibly by a perception of what had just
taken place, the scalping of the Indian — thought it most prudent to retire and make his best
way back to the main army. They accordingly set out, and retraced the steps they had
taken the evening before,
" On their arriving within about one mile and a half of the main army, they were sur.
prised by the sudden appearance of a body of Indians, to the amount of five hundred, un.
der the command of Brant, and the same number of rangers, commanded by the infamous
Butler, who had secreted themselves in a ravine of considerable extent, which lay across
the track that Lieut, Boyd had pursued. These two leaders of the enemy had not lost
sight of the American army since their appaUing defeat at the narrows above Newtown,
though they had not shown themselves till now. With what dismay they must have wit.
nessed the destruction of their towns and the fruits of their fields, that marked the progress
of our army ! They dare not, however, any more come in contact with the main army,
whatever should be the consequence of their forbearance,
" Lieut. Boyd and ids little heroic party, upon discovering the enemy, knowing that the
only chance for their escape would be by breaking through their Unes, an enterprise of
most desperate undertaking, made the bold attempt. As extraordinary as it may seem, the
first onset, though unsuccessful, was made without the loss of a man on the part of the
heroic band, though several of the enemy were killed. Two attempts more were made,
which were equaUy unsuccessful, and in which the whole party feU, excepting Lieut, Boyd
and eight others, Boyd and a soldier by the name of Parker, were taken prisoners on the
spot ; a part of the remainder fled, and a part feU on the ground apparently dead, and were
overlooked by the Indians, who were too much engaged in pursuing the fugitives to notice
those who fell,
" When Lieut, Boyd found himself a prisoner, he solicited an interview vrith Brant,
preferring, it seems, to throw himself upon the clemency and fideUty of the savage leader
of the enemy, rather than trust to his civiUzed colleague. The chief, who was at that mo.
ment near, immediately presented himself, when Lieut. Boyd, by one of those appeals and
tokens which are known only by those who have been initiated and instructed in certain
mysteries, and which never fail to bring succor to a distressed brother, addressed him as the
only source from which he could expect respite from cruel punishment or death. The ap.
peal was recognised, and Brant immediately, and in the strongest language, assured him
that his life should be spared,
" Boyd and his feUow.prisoner were conducted immediately by a party of the Indians to
the Indian village caUed Beardstown, after a distinguished chief of that name, on the west
side of the Genesee river, and in what is now caUed Leicester,' After their arrival at
Beardstown, Brant, being caUed on service which required a few hours' absence, left them
in the care of Col, Butier. The latter, as soon as Brandt had left them, commenced an in
terrogation, to obtain from the prisoners a statement of the number, situation, and intentions
of the army under Sullivan ; and threatened ihera, in case they hesitated or prevaricated
'in their answers, to dehver them up immediately to be massacred by the Indians; who, in
Brant's absence, and with the encouragement of their more savage coimnander, Buller,

138

LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

were ready to commit the greatest cruelties. Relying probably upon the promises which
Brant had raade Jhera, and which he most likely intended to fulfil, they refused to give
Butler the desired information. Upon this refusal, burning with revenge, Butler hastened
to put his threat into execution. He delivered them to some of their most ferocious ene
mies, among which the Indian chief Little Beard was distinguished for his inventive fe-
rocity. In this, that was about to take place, as well as in all the other scenes of cruelty
that were perpetrated in his town, Little Beard was master of cereraonies. The stoutest
heart quails under the apprehension of iramediate and certain torture and death ; where,
too, there is not an eye that pities, nor a heart that feels. The suffering Ueutenant was
first stripped of his clothing, and theu tied to a sapling, when the Indians menaced his
life by throwing their tomahawks at the tree directly over his head, brandishing their
scalping-knives around him in the most frightful manner, and accompanying .their cere.
' monies with terrific shouts of joy. Having punished him sufficiently in this way, they
made a small opening in his abdomen, took out an intestine, which they tied to a sapling,
and then unbound hira from the tree, and by scourges, drove him around it till he had
drawn out the whole of his intestines. He was then beheaded, and his head was stuck
upon a pole with a dog's head just above it, and his body left unburied upon the ground.
Throughout the whole of his sufferings, the brave Boyd neither asked for mercy, nor ut
tered a word of complaint.
" Thus perished William Boyd, a young officer of heroic virtue and of rising talents ;
and in a mannerthat will touch tlie sympathies of all who read the story of his death. Hia
fellow-soldier, and fellow-sufferer, Parker, was obliged to witness this moving and tragical
scene, and in full expectation of passing tlie same ordeal. According, however, to our in
formation, in relation to the death of these two men, which has been obtained incidentally
from the Indian account of it, corroborated by the discovery of the two bodies by the
American army, Parker was only beheaded.

Western view of Mount Morris village, Livingston county.
Mount Morris village, incorporated in 1835, is at the head of the
boat navigation on Genesee river, 36 miles S. of Rochester, and by
the Genesee vaUey canal 38i, from Geneseo SW. 6 miles. The site
is beautiful, being elevated above the fertile flats which border the
river. The annexed view was taken near the residence of Mr. Jo
seph Starkey. The three churches seen in front are respectively
the Episcopal, Baptist, and Methodist ; the spire on the left is that of
the Presbyterian church. The hills in the distance are on the op
posite side of the Genesee flats. The village contains about 150
dwellings. Dansville, at the southern extremity of the county, 18 miles SE.

LONG ISLAND. 139
from Geneseo, 45 from Rochester, and 231 from Albany, is a flourish
ing vhlage of upwards of 200 dwellings, 4 churches, a bank, and an
academy. Within a circle of 6 miles there are about 60 saw-mills.
The DansvUle Branch of the Genesee Valley Canal commences at
this place, and unites with the main canal about 11 miles distant.
Lima village is a scattered viUage of about 100 neat dwellings, and is
the seat of the Genesee Wesleyan University, a flourishing institution.
Avon, the seat of the medicinal springs, about 10 mUes from Geneseo,
is a finely-situated village of about 90 dweUings.

LONG ISLAND.
" Long Island may be described as the southeasterly portion of the
state of New York, and extending from about 40° 34' to 41° 10' north
latitude, and from 2° 58° to 5° 3' east longitude from Washington
city ; being in length from Fort Hamilton, at the Narrows, to Mon
tauk Point, nearly one hundred and forty miles, with a mean range
north, 80° 44' east. Its breadth from the Narrows, as far east as the
Peconic bay, varies from 12 to 20 miles in a distance of ninety miles."
A ridge or chain of hills commences at New Utrecht, in Kings county,
and extends with occasional interruptions to near Oyster Pond Point,
in Suffolk county. The surface of the island north of the ridge is
in general rough and broken, while the surface south of the range is
almost a perfect plain, with scarce a stone exceeding in weight a few
ounces. On the south side of the island is the great South bay, extending
from Hempstead to the eastern boundary of Brookhaven — a distance
of more than seventy miles of uninterrupted inland navigation. It
varies in width from two to five miles, communicating with the sea
by a few openings in the beach, the principal of which is opposite
the town of Islip, called Five Island Inlet, In this bay are very exten
sive tracts of salt marsh, and islands of meadow furnishing imtnense
quantities of grass ; while its waters contain great quantities of shell
and scale fish. Wild-fowl of many kinds and in almost countless
numbers are found here, and many hundreds of people are engaged
in taking them for the New York market. The north shore of the
island is very irregular, and where not protected by masses of rock
and stone, has been worn away by the sea to a considerable extent.
The soil on the north side generally consists of loam, on the south
side it consists more of sand, whUe through the middle of the island it
consists chiefly of sand and gravel. The soU on the high grounds is
in most cases better than that upon the plains, yet that found upon the
necks or points on both sides is better than either. The soil in the
vicinity of New York is highly productive and valuable, but in the
greater part of the island it is naturally light and poor. Much of the
land in the central part of the island is covered with a vast pine forest,
in which wild deer are still to be found.

140 MADISON COUNTY.
Long Island was claimed by the Dutch and English nations re
spectively by right of discovery. The Dutch commenced their set
tlements as early as 1625, at the west end of the island. In 1623,
the Plymouth company, by order of Charles I,, issued letters patent
to William Alexander, Earl of Stirhng, for the whole of the island.
The Enghsh made settlements at the east end of the island, but they
were for a season resisted by the Dutch. The settlements, both at
the E, and W, end, were nearly cotemporary. In the Dutch towns,
the Indian title was bought by the governor, and the lands granted to
individuals by him ; in the English towns lands were obtained under
the license of the agent of Lord Stirhng, and after his death, by the
people of the several towns for their common benefit. The line of
division between the two nations was a source of much contention and
many complaints. The several English towns united themselves with
the colonies of Connecticut and New Haven. After Connecticut re
ceived her royal charter, in 1662, she exercised jurisdiction, and gave
each of the towns who united with her, permission to send a deputy
to the general court. But before these measures could be fully com
pleted, they were frustrated by the grant of Long Island to the Duke
of York. Long Island is divided into three counties — Kings, Queens,
Suff^olk, »

MADISON COUNTY,
Madison COUNTY was taken from Chenango county in 1806, and
named after James Madison, president of the United States. Great
est length N, and S. 33, greatest breadth E. and W. 32 miles. Cen
trally distant from New York 250, from Albany 108 miles. The
surface of the county is much diversified. The middle and southern
towns are more or less uneven and hilly ; but the northern is more
level. In the northern part much wheat is produced : the southern is
better adapted to grass. The county is generally well watered. The
route of the Chenango canal follows up the Oriskany, and crosses
thence into the Chenango valley. The Erie canal runs westerly
through the northern towns of Lenox and Sullivan. The county is
divided into 14 towns, Stockbridge,SuUivan,

Brookfield,

Fenner,

Lenox,

Cazenovia,

Georgetown,

Madison,

De Ruyter,

Hamilton,

Nelson,

Eaton,

Lebanon,

Smithfield,

MorrisviUe, the county seat, 102 mhes from Albany, and 15 S, of
the Erie canal, was founded in 1803, by Thomas Morris from Con
necticut, The viUage consists of about 100 dwelhngs, the county
buildings, 3 churches, and an academy.

MADISON COUNTY.

141

Southwestern view of Cazenovia.
Cazenovia viUage was founded by Col. Linklaen, about 1795, and
incorporated in 1800. ' ^
It is situated upon the margin of Cazenovia lake and its outlet, ^and
upon Chittenango creek, 8 miles S. of the Erie canal, 11 from Mor
risville, 40 from Utica, and 113 from Albany. The above engraving
is a SW. view of the viUage as seen from the bridge, at the outlet of
the lake. The village contains upwards of 200 dweUings, 1 Presby
terian, 1 Methodist, 1 Baptist, and 1 Congregational church, a bank,
2 printing offices, and the " Oneida Conference Seminary," incorpo
rated in 1825. This institution was established under the patronage
of the Methodist denomination, and has ever maintained a high
standing.

Northern view of Hamilton viUage, Madison county.
Hamilton viUage is 8 miles SW. of MorrisviUe, 28 from Utica, and
96 from Albany ; it contains upwards of 300 dwellings, 1 Baptist, 1

142 MADISON COUNTY.
Presbyterian, and 1 Methodist church, and a newspaper printing
office. The above engraving shows the appearance of the village as
seen from a point near the burying-ground. The buildings of the
" Hamilton Literary and Theological Seminary" are seen on the ele
vated ground on the left. This institution was incorporated in 1819, and
commenced operations in 1820. The principal building, which was
erected in 1827, is of stone, 100 by 60 feet, 4 stories, containing 34
rooms for study, 34 lodging rooms, a reading room, hbrary, and a
large chapel. Another large stone edifice, 100 feet by 60, was erect
ed in 1834. There is a boarding-house, a joiner's shop, and a farm
of 130 acres belonging to the society. The regular course of studies
is six years ; four in the collegiate, and two in the theological depart
ment. This seminary was established under the patronage of the-
Baptists, and it is said to be the largest theological institution of that
denomination in the world. " The institution is open to young men
having the ministry in view from every denomination of evangelical
Christians." De Ruyter village, 17 mUes SW. of MorrisvUle, has about 75
dwellings, and the De Ruyter Institute, a literary seminary, established
under the patronage of the Seventh-day Baptists. Chittenango, 1
mile S. of the Erie canal, 2 from the railroad, 34 from Utica, is a vil
lage of 100 dwellings, 3 churches, a large woollen factory, and several
other manufacturing establishments. Canastota on the line of the
Erie canal and railroad, has upwards of 100 dwelhngs, 3 churches,
and is an active place of business.

MONROE COUNTY.
Monroe county was taken from Ontario and Genesee in 1821.
Distant from New York by way of Albany NW. 365, and from
Albany W. 219 miles. Greatest length E. and W, 34, greatest
breadth N, and S, 24 mUes, The surface is level, or gently wav
ing. The mountain ridge, a high terrace of land nearly parallel with
Lake Ontario, extends across the county, as also the alluvial way,
supposed to have been formed by the action of the waters of that
lake at some former period. The soil is generally a rich mould and
very productive, " It is said that an analysis of the Genesee wheat,
for which this county is so celebrated, exhibits more saccharum than
that of the southern states ; whilst the latter combines with a larger
portion of water in the composition of bread. This may explain why
southern flour is more acceptable to the baker, and Genesee to the
consumer. It is common for extensive farmers to sow from 50 to
200 acres with wheat, and to reap an average crop of 20 bushels lo
the acre. The product is sometimes 30, 40, and even 50 bushels to
the acre," The long level of the Erie canal continues 2^ miles E.
of the Genesee river. In the towns of Rochester, Mendon, and Gates,
there are sulphur springs. " The towns of Parma, Ogden, Chili, Riga,

MONROE COUNTY. 143
Gates, and Greece, E. of the Triangle, belonged to the great tract of
Phelps and Gorham, together with that portion of the county E. of
the (xenesee river. Clarkson and Sweden, part of the Triangle, and
Wheatland, were of the tract purchased by Robert Morris from Mas
sachusetts. Phelps and Gorham sold out Greece and Gates, in frac
tional parts to settlers ; and Parma, Ogden, Riga, and Chili, in mass
to Robert Morris. The lands on the east side of the river were sold
by them in parcels, consisting of whole and parts of townships. The
county was settled chiefly by emigrants from New England, with a
few from Pennsylvania and the lower parts of New York." It con
tains the city of Rochester and 19 towns, viz. :

Brighton,

Henrietta,

Penfield,

Rush,

Chih,

Irondequoit,

Perrinton,

Sweden,

Clarkson,

Mendon,

Pittsford,

Webster,

Gates,

Ogden,

Riga,

Wheatland

Greece,

Parma,

Rochester,

Rochester, one of the most remarkable instances of a rapid and vig
orous growth as a village or city in this country, is situated in lat. N.
43°, long. W. 40' ; distant from Albany 217 miles, Bufialo 73, Canan
daigua 28, Batavia 35, S. from Lake Ontario 7, and 361 mUes from
Washington. In the year 1810 there was not a house where Roch
ester now stands. The first allotments for a viUage were made in
1812, when Nathaniel Rochester, Charles H. Carroll, and WiUiam
Fitzhugh, surveyed the hundred-acre tract for a settlement, under the
name of " Rochester," after the senior proprietor. This tract was a
" miU-lot," bestowed by Phelps and Gorham on a semi-savage called
Indian Allen, as a bonus for building mills to grind corn and saw
boards for the few settlers in this region at the time. The mills de
cayed, as the business of the country was insufficient to support them,
and Allen sold the property to Sir William Pulteney, whose estate
then included a large section of the " Genesee country," The sale
to Rochester, Fitzhugh, and Carroll, took place in 1802, at the rate
of #15.50 per acre, or $1,750 for the lot, with its "betterments."
Some of the land on the east side of the Genesee in Rochester, (the
hundred-acre tract being on the west side,) was sold by Phelps and
Gorham in 1790, for eighteen pence an acre.
The last war with Great Britain, which produced much distress in
this frontier region, impeded the progress of Rochester to such a de
gree, that the population at the commencement of 1816 amounted to
only 331. By the opening of the Erie canal, Rochester became the
great thoroughfare between the seaboard and the inland waters. On
the incorporation of the viUage in 1817, about 750 acres were includ
ed within its limits. The city charter, in 1834, extended the bounds
so as to embrace upwards of 4,000 acres. The staple product of the
fertile valley of the Genesee is wheat, remarkable for its quantity as
weU as its quality. Its celebrity is increased by the skill with which
it is prepared for market. By the immense water-power formed by
the faUs of the Genesee, Rochester is the largest as weU as the best

144

MONROE COUNTY.

flour manufactory in the world. There are now within the city 20
mills, (exclusive of grist-mUls,) with nearly 100 runs of stone. These
mills are capable of manufacturing 5,000 barrels of flour daily, and
when in full operation, require about 20,000 bushels of wheat daily.
About half a million barrels of flour are yearly manufactured. There
are 12 saw-mills, and various other estabhshments that use the water-
power, such as turning, stone-cutting, grinding dye-woods and bark.
There are 1 cotton and 3 wooUen mills. Carpets, edge tools, and va
rious other articles are here manufactured. The business portion of
the city is compactly built, and contains many splendid houses and
stores four stories high. The east and west portions of the city are
connected by several bridges, and by the great aqueduct of the Erie
canal, upwards of 800 feet long. There are about 2000 dwehing-
houses, the county buUdings, 2 public markets, 6 banking houses, 5
Presbyterian, 2 Episcopal, 2 Baptist, 2 Methodist,2 Catholic, 2 Friends,
1 Covenanters, 1 Universalist, 1 Lutheran, and 1 Christian churches,
24 hotels and taverns, 6 newspapers, and numerous religious, benevo
lent, and hterary associations. Population in 1840 was 20,202.

Genesee Falls at Rochester.
The following is a view of the middle or main falls, as seen from
the east bank of the Genesee, The Rochester and Auburn railroad
bridge is viewed a few rods north of the falls. The perpendicular fall
of the water at this place is 96 feet ; towards the right of the engra
ving is seen a small tabular projection from the general line of the
verge of the precipice. From this projection, in the fall of 1829,
Sam Patch took a last leap, and perished, not much unlike many oth
ers before him,
" seeking tho bubble reputation, even in the cannon's mouth.''
The river below this fall is broad and deep, with occasional rapids
for a mile and a half to the Lower FaUs, the first 25, the other 84 feet,
making a total descent of 109 feet in a few rods. Just below this place

CENTRAL PART OF BUFFALO STREET, ROCHESTER, N, Y.
The view shows the central part of the city, near the junction of State and Exchange streets, with Buffalo street The spire of the Court
House IS seen on the right ; part of the Methodist church, and other public buildings, on the left.

MONROE COUNTY. 145
Stood the celebrated Carthage bridge, remarkable in its fate as in its
construction. It was conipleted in February, 1819; it consisted of
an entire arch, the chord of which was 352 feet, and the versed sine
54 feet. Its entire length was 718 feet, and the width 30 ; the sum
mit of the arch was 196 feet from the water. " The most lofty single
arch at present in Europe, is 116 feet less in length than this was,
and the arch not as high by 96 feet." This daring work stood but
one year and one day ; which latter period saved the builders from
loss, as they guarantied that the structure should endure for one year.
It contained about 70,000 feet of timber, running measure, besides
64,620 feet of board measure. " The immense weight of timber press
ing unequally upon the arch, threw up the centre from its equUibrium,
and the whole tumbled into ruins." A port of entry was established
at what is now known as the harbor of Rochester, in 1805; when
Samuel Latta, residing at the junction of the river and lake, was ap
pointed the first collector. The Rochester or Genesee revenue dis
trict has a frontier of about 70 miles on Lake Ontario, extending
westward from Sodus bay, Wayne county. The port of Rochester,
at the Ontario steamboat landing, is situated at the north line of the
city, about five miles from the lake. The largest vessels on the lake
can ascend the river to this point. There are three railways for facUi-
tating the business between the vessels and the warehouses on the
upper banks, which are here about 160 feet high.
Brockport village was incorporated in 1829. It is situated on the
Erie canal, 20 miles NW. from Rochester, and 239 from Albany.
The viUage consists of about 300 dweUings, some of them three and
four stories high, built of brick or freestone. The citizens have erect
ed a noble stone building five stories high, for a collegiate institution,
at an expense of $25,000, Large quantities of wheat have been pur
chased in this village for the Rochester mills ; 451,000 bushels were
bought here in 1835, The first buildings in the viUage were erected
in 1820,
Scottsville, on Allen's creek, 12 miles SW, from Rochester, near
Genesee river, contains several churches, and upwards of 100 dweU
ings. The water-power here has been lately much improved by a
canal one mile in length, taken from the creek to the Genesee river,
by which a head of about 16 feet is obtained. Indian AUen, so called,
was the first settler at the mouth of the creek which goes by his
name. In the year 1800, Isaac Scott located himself where the vil
lage is now built. From this pioneer of the wilderness the viUage
derives its name. There are within three miles of this place the re
mains of four ancient fortifications. Trees have grown on these
mounds indicating a lapse of from four to five hundred years since
they were constructed,
Pittsford, on the line of the Erie canal, is a village of about 100
dwellings, 6 miles E. from Rochester, and was incorporated in 1827.
10 * 19

146

MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Montgomery county was named after the lamented Gen. Montgom
ery, who fell at the attack on Quebec, in the revolution. Its greatest
length is 34 E. and W., greatest breadth N, and S, 13 miles. It was
originally taken from Albany, and named in honor of William Tryon,
then governor of the province. Its name was changed in 1784, It
embraced all that part of the state lying west of ' a line running north
and south nearly through the centre of the present county of Schoharie,
It was divided into five districts — subdivided into precincts. The Mo
hawk district included Fort Hunter, Caughnawaga, Johnstown, and
Kingsboro' ; Canajoharie district embraced the present town of that
name, with all the country southward, comprehending Cherry Valley,
of Otsego, and Harpersfield of Delaware counties ; Palatine district,
north of the Mohawk, extended over the region so called, and Stone
Arabia, &c, ; German Flats district and Kingsland covered the most
western settlements. The Erie canal crosses the county on the south
side of the Mohawk, and the Schenectady and Utica railroad on the
north side. The Erie canal passes the Schoharie creek through a
pond formed by a dam across the stream below. Its fall within this
county is 86 feet, by 12 locks. The county is divided into ten towns :
Amsterdam, Florida, Minden, St, Johnsville.
Canajoharie, Glenn, Palatine,
Charleston,' ' Mohawk, Root,

East view of the Courthouse and Hotel in Fonda.
The above is an engraving of the courthouse and hotel recently
erected in the new vUlage of Fonda. The railroad passes between
these two buildings. The central part of the village of Caughnawaga
is about half a mile eastward of the courthouse, and consists of about
30 dwelling-houses, on the north side of the Mohawk, 40 miles from
Albany, and 4 mUes S, from Johnstown.-" The viUage occupies the site
of an ancient Indian village, one of the principal towns of the Mohawk
tribe.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

147

The annexed is a representation of
the ancient Dutch church in Caughna
waga. It is a massive stone structure,
and is believed to have been erected in
1763. The following is a copy of the
inscription on the stone tablet which
was formerly placed over the door :
" Komt laett ons op gaen tot den
Bergh des Heeren, to den huyse des
Godes Jacobs, op dat hy ons leere van
syne wegen, en dat wy wandele in
syne paden,"
[" Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain
of the Lord ; to the house of the God of Jacob,
and he will teach us his ways, and we will walk
in his paths."]

Ancient Church, Mohawk.

Southern view of Sir Guy Johnson's house, Amsterdam.
Amsterdam village, incorporated in 1830, upon the Mohawk river
and turnpike and Utica raUroad, 16 miles W. of Schenectady, contains
4 churches, an academy, a female seminary, a banking-house, and
many manufacturing estabhshments, and about 1700 inhabitants. The
Erie canal is on the south side of the river, over which there is a com
modious bridge.
The above shows the appearance of the mansion house of Colonel
Guy Johnson,, as seen from the opposite side of the river. It is built
of stone, on the north bank of the Mohawk, about a mile from Amster
dam viUage. The western railroad now passes a few rods north, and
in front. It is a beautiful situation, and was formerly called " Guy
Park." The house occupied by Sir John Johnson is further to the
west, on the opposite side of the road. These men lived here essen
tially in tbe rank and splendor of noblemen, till their possessions were
confiscated by the state for their adherence to the British cause. Sir
John was not as popular as his father, Sir William Johnson, being less

148

MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

social and less acquainted with human nature. He accompanied his
father on some of his mUitary expeditions, and probably saw considera
ble service. After his . flight from Johnstown to Canada, he, in the
month of January, 1777, found his way into New York, then in pos
session of the British troops. " From that period he became not only
one of the most active, but one of the bitterest foes of his own coun
trymen of any who were engaged in the war, and repeatedly the scourge
of his own former neighbors. He was unquestionably a loyalist from
principle, else he would scarcely have hazarded, as he did, and ulti
mately lost, domains larger and fairer than probahly ever belonged to a
single proprietor in America, William Penn only excepted."
After the flight of Sir John from Johnson Hall, [see Fulton co.,]
lady Johnson, his wife, was removed to Albany, where she was re
tained as a kind of hostage for the good conduct of her husband, " She
wrote to Gen. Washington complaining of this detention, and asking
his interference for her relief; but the commander-in-chief left the
matter with Gen, Schuyler and the Albany committee. After the con
fiscation of the property of Sir John, the furniture of the hall was sold
at auction at Fort Hunter, The late lieutenant-governor of New York,
John Taylor, purchased several articles of the furniture ; and among
other things, the Bible mentioned in the text. Perceiving that it con
tained the family record, which might be of great value to Sir John,
Mr, Taylor wrote a civil note to Sir John, offering its restoration.
Some time afterward a messenger from the baronet called for the Bi
ble, whose conduct was so rude as to give offence. ' I have come for
Sir William's Bible,' said he, ' and there are four guineas which it
cost.' The Bible was delivered, and the runner was asked what mes
sage Sir John had sent. The reply was, ' Pay four guineas and take
the book !' " — Stone's Life of Brant.

Eastern view of Canajoharie.
The village of Canajoharie was incorporated in 1829. It is situa
ted at the confluence of Bowman's creek with the Mohawk, and on the

MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 149
Erie canal, 55 miles from Albany, It consists of about 100 houses, a
Lutheran church, and an academy. The Radii, a newspaper, edited
and printed by Mr, L, S, Backus, a deaf and dumb person, is published
in this place, " The Canajoharie and Palatine manufacturing com
pany" was incorporated in 1833, The accompanying engraving shows
the appearance of the village as viewed from the elevated bank of the
Mohawk, a few rods from the bridge seen passing over the river, con
necting the village of Palatine Bridge with Canajoharie,
In the spring of 1780, the Indians again made their appearance in
the Mohawk valley. Gen. Clinton hearing of their movements, sent
orders to Col. Gansevoort, on the 6th of June, to repair to Fort Plank
with his regiment, to take charge of a quantity of stores destined for
Fort Schuyler. These stores were to be transported in batteaux,
and carefully guarded the whole , distance. Joseph Brant, the cele
brated chieftain, at the head of four or five hundred Indians, was in
the vicinity, and he artfully caused a rumor to be circulated that he
intended to capture the batteaux, in order to divert attention from
other points of attack. This artifice proved too successful ; the mili
tia of the lower section of the county were drawn off to guard the
convoy. Brant now made a circuit through the woods, and coming in
the rear of them, laid waste the whole country around Canajoharie.
On the first approach of Brant in Canajoharie a few miles eastwardly
of the fort, the alarm was given by a woman, who fired a cannon for
that purpose. The following account of this incursion is given by
Col. Samuel Clyde, in a letter to Gov, George Clinton, dated at Can
ajoharie, Aug, 6, 1780 : —
" I here send you an account of the fate of our district. On the second day of this
instant, Joseph Brant, at the head of about four or five hundred Indians and tories, broke
in upon the settlements, and laid the best part of the district in ashes, and killed sixteen
of tiie inhabitants that we have found ; took between fifty and sixty prisoners, mostly
women and children, twelve of whom they have sent back. They have killed and drove
away with them upwards of three hundred head of cattle and hor^s ; have burnt fifty-
three dwelling-houses, besides some out-houses, and as many bams, one very elegant
church, and one grist.raill, and two small forts that the women fled out of. They Jiave
burnt all the inhabitants' weapons and implements for husbandry, so that they are l^ft in
a miserable condition. They have nothing left to support themselves but what grain they
have growing, and that they cannot get saved for want of tools to work with, and very
few to be got here.
" This affair happened at a very unfortunate hour, when all the militia of the county '
were called up to Fort Schuyler to guard nine batteaux about half laden. It Was said
the enemy intended to take them on their passing to Fort Schuyler. There was scarce
a man left that was able to go. It seems that every thing conspired for our destruction
in this quarter ; one whole district almost destroyed, and the best regiment of militia .iu
the county rendered unable to help themselves or the public. This I refer you to Gen.
Rensselaer for the truth of.
" This spring, when we found that we were not Ukely to get any assistance, and knew
that we were not able to withstand the enemy, we were obliged to work and build our.
selves forts for our defence, which we had nearly completed, and could have had our lives
and effects secure, had we got liberty to have made use of them. But that must not be,
we must turn out of them ; not that we have any thing against assisting the general to
open the communication to Fort Schuyler, but still doubted what has happened while we
were gone. But it was still insisted on, that there was no danger when we were all out ;
that in my opinion there never has been such a blunder cdmraitted in tbe county since the
war commenced, nor the militia so much put out ; and to send generals here without men,
is like sending a man to the woods to chop without an axe, I am sensible had the general

P.M

150 MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
had sufficient men, that he would have been able to have given satisfaction both to the
public and inhabitants here."
The parents of Joseph Brant, the celebrated Mohawk chieftain, re
sided at the Canajoharie castle, the central of the three castles of the
Mohawks, in their native valley. He appears to have been born in
the year 1742, on the banks of the Ohio, whUe his parents were on a
hunting excursion in that part of
the country.* In July, 1761, he
was sent, by Sir William John-
. .^ , son, to the " Moor's Charity
/y J school," at Lebanon, Connecti-
cut, established by the Rev. Dr.
Fae-simae of Brant, signature. Whcclock, which WaS afterward
removed to Dartmouth, and became the foundation of Dartmouth Col
lege. The following mention of him is made in the memoirs of that
gentleman : —
" Sir William Johnson, superintendent of Indian affairs in North
America, was very friendly to the design of Mr. Wheelock, and, at
his request, sent to the school, at various times, several boys of the
Mohawks to be instructed. One of them was the since celebrated
Joseph Brant ; who, after receiving his education, was particularly
noticed by Sir William Johnson, and employed by him in public busi
ness. He has been very useful in advancing the civilization of his
countrymen, and for a long time past has been a military officer of
extensive influence among the Indians in Upper Canada."
In confirmation of these statements it may be added, that he trans
lated into the Mohawk language the gospel of St. Mark, and assisted
the Rev. Mr. Stewart, the Episcopal missionary, in translating a num
ber of religious works into the Indian tongue. Brant being a neigh
bor, and under the influence of the Johnson family, he took up arms
against the Americans in the revolutionary contest. " Combining the
natural sagacity of the Indian with the skUl and science of the civil
ized man, he was a formidable foe. He was a dreadful terror to the
frontiers. His passions were strong. In his intercourse he was affa
ble and polite, and communicated freely relative to his conduct. He
often said that during the war he had killed but one man in cold blood,
and that act he ever after regretted. He said, he had taken a man
prisoner, and was examining him ; the prisoner hesitated, and as he
thought, equivocated. Enraged at what he considered obstinacy, he
struck him down. It turned out that the man's apparent obstinacy
arose from a natural hesitancy of speech.
" In person. Brant was about the middling size, of a square, stout
build, fitted rather for enduring hardships than for quick movements.
* The Indian name of Brant was Thayendanegea, a word signifying, it is said, two-
sticks-of -wood-bound-together, denoting strength. The life of Brant, in two octavo vol^
umes, has been recently written by the late William L. Stone, Esq., editor of the Com.
meroial Advertiser, New York. This valuable and highly interesting work is one of great
research, and embraces a full history of the border wars of the revolution, and much
other matter connected with Indian history.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 151
His complexion was lighter than that of most of the Indians, which
resulted, perhaps, from his less exposed manner of living. This cir
cumstance, probably, gave rise to a statement, which has been often
repeated, that he was of mixed origin. He was married in the winter
of 1779 to a daughter of Col. Croghan by an Indian woman. The
circumstances of his marriage are somewhat singular. He was pres
ent at the wedding of Miss Moore from Cherry Valley, who had been
carried away a prisoner, and who married an officer of the garrison at
Fort Niagara.
" Brant had lived with his wife for some time previous, according to
the Indian custom, without marriage ; but now insisted that the mar
riage ceremony should be performed. This was accordingly done by
Col. Butler, who was stiU considered a magistrate. After the war
he removed, with his nation, to Canada. There he was employed in
transacting important business for his tribe. He went out to England
after the war, and was honorably received there. He died about ten
or fifteen years since, at Brantford, Haldiman county. Upper Canada,
where his family now reside. One of his sons, a very intelligent man,
has been returned to the Colonial Assembly."
The fohowing is an account of the taking of the three Mohawk cas
tles, which were situated in this vicinity, by the French and Indians,
in the early settlement of the country. It is drawn from Colden's His
tory of the Six Nations,
In January, 1692-3, a large body of French and Indians, amount
ing to six or seven hundred, started on an expedition from Canada, for
the purpose of punishing the Five Nations, who had the previous sum
mer carried the war into Canada, and in small parties had ravaged
the whole country. Count de Frontenac chose the winter season
for this incursion, when the enemy could not, without great hardship,
keep scouts abroad to discover them, or their allies, the English, give
assistance. On the 15th of January, they set out from la Prairie de Magda-
leine, and endured innumerable hardships. The ground was at that
time covered with a deep snow, and the foremost, marching on snow-
shoes, beat a track for tiiose which followed. At night the army was
accustomed to divide itself into small groups, and each party to dig
a hole in the snow, throwing up the snow all around, but highest to
wards that side from whence the wind blew. The ground was then
covered with the small branches of fir-trees, and each man, wrapped
in his cloak, with his feet pointed towards a fire in the centre, would
thus pass the night.
They passed by Schenectady on the 8th of February. The two
first forts of the Mohawks being in the neighborhood of the English
settlements, were not fortified, and were therefore easily taken. At
the last Mohawk fort, which was strongly garrisoned, they met with
considerable resistance, and the French lost thirty men before the In
dians submitted. The Indians at Schenectady having obtained infor
mation of the capture of their castles, sent to Albany for assistance

152

MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

to pursue the enemy. Col. Peter Schuyler, with a body of militia,
regulars, and Indians, pursued the enemy on their retreat, and had a .
severe skirmish with them. On the 20th, Col, Schuyler was obliged
to give up the pursuit, the weather being very cold, and provisions
scarce, Schuyler lost only 8 men killed and 14 wounded. The
French lost 59 men in kUled and wounded, besides several by desertion.
The French arrived at their settlements in a* state of starvation,
having been obliged to eat their shoes on their march.
The village of Fort Plain is situated on the Mohawk river and Erie
canal, 15 miles from Fonda, 12 mUes from Cherry Valley, 22 from
Cooperstown, and 60 from Albany : it consists of about 80 houses, 2
churches, a banking house, printing office, and a number of mUls.

Ancient Blockhouse, Fort Plain.
The above is said to be a correct representation of Fort Plain, from
which the viUage derives its name.
" The fort was situated on the brow of the hill, about half a mile northwest of the vil
lage, so as to command a full view of the valley, and the rise of the ground, for several
miles in any direction ; and hence it doubtless derived its name, because its beautiful loca-
tion commanded a 'plain' view of the surrounding country. It was erected by the gov
ernment, as a fortress, and place of retreat and safety for the inhabitants and families in
case of incursions frora the Indians, who were then, and, indeed, more or less during the
whole revolutionary war, infesting the settlements of this whole region. Its form was an
octagon, having port.holes for heavy ordnance and muskets on every side, i It contained
three stories or apartments. The first story was thirty feet in diameter ; the second, forty
feet ; the third, fifty feet ; the last two stories projecting five feet, as represented by the
drawing aforesaid. It was constructed througliout of hewn timber about fifteen inches
square ; and, besides the port.holes aforesaid, the second and third stories had perpeudicii-
lar port-holes through those parts that projected, so as to afford the regulars and militia, or
settlers garrisoned in the fort, annoying facilities of defence for themselves, wives, and
children, in case of close assault from tlie relentless savage. Whenever scouts came in
with tidings that a hostile party was approaching, a cannon was fired from the fort as a
signal to flee to it for safety.
" In the early part of the war there was built, by the inhabitants probably, at or near
the site of the one above described, a fortification, of materials and construction that ill com
ported with the use and purposes for which it was intended. This induced government to
erect another, (Fort Plain,) under the superintendence of an experienced French engineer.
As a piece of architecture, it was well wrought and neatly finished, and surpassed all the
forts in that region. After the termination of the revolutionary war. Fort Plain was used
for some years as a deposite of military stores, under the direction of Captain B. Hudson.
These stores were finally ordered by the United States government to be removed to Al-

MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 153
bany. The fort is demolished. Nothing of it remains except a cireumvaUation or trench,
which, although nearly obliterated by the plough, still indicates to the curious traveller
sufficient evidence of a fortification in days by .gone." — Fort Plain Journal, Dec. 26, 1837.
Hendrick, a celebrated Indian chieftain, lived in this town. He is
sometimes called old King Hendrick, and the great Hendrick.
" ' The site of his house,' says Dr. Dwight, ' is a handsome elevation, commanding a
considerable prospect of the neighboring country. It will be sufficient to observe here,
that for capacity, bravery, vigor of mind, and immoveable integrity united, he excelled all
the aboriginal inhabitants of the United States of whom any knowledge has come down to
the present time. A gentleman of very respectable character, who was present at a coun
cU held with the Six Nations, by the governor of New York, and several agents of distinc-
tion from New England, informed me that his figure and countenance were singularly im.
pressive and commanding ; that his eloquence was of the same superior character, and that
he appeared as if bom to control other men, and possessed an air of majesty unrivalled
within his knowledge.' In the French wars he led forth his Mohawk warriors and fought
side by side with Sir William Johnson. Through aU the intrigues of the French he re
mained faithful to his alliance."
Fultonville, on the canal, 1 mile S. from Fonda, 57 mUes from Al
bany, is a viUage of about 60 dweUings. St. JohnsviUe, 77 miles from
Albany, on the line of the, railroad, has about 40 dwelhngs. Stone
Arabia, a small vUlage 3 mUes N. of Canajoharie, is the place where
a small stockade was erected during the revolutionary war, called Fort
Paris. When Sir John Johnson was ravaging the valley of the Mo
hawk, in 1 780, this fort was in command of Col, Brown, with a gar
rison of one hundred and thirty men. Gen. Van Rensselaer, who
was pursuing Sir John up the valley, having received information that
he intended to attack Fort Paris on the 19th of Oct., despatched or
ders to Col. Brown to march out and check his advance, while he fell
upon his rear. Col, Brown accordingly sallied forth, and gave Sir
John battle near the site of a formei; work, called Fort Keyser, Van
Rensselaer having failed to advance at the appointed time. Brown's
force was too feeble to check the progress of the enemy. Col, Brown
fell gallantly at the head of his httle division, of which from forty to
forty-five were also slain, and the remainder sought safety in flight,*
* Colonel Brown was a brave soldier of high moral worth. He was early in the service,
and wets engaged in the disastrous campaign in Canada. Col. Stone, in his Life of Brant,
states that Col. Brown detected, or believed he detected, a design on the part of Gen. Ar-
nold to play the traitor when the American army was at Sorel, by an attempt to run off
with the American flotilla and sell out to Sir Guy Carleton. During the winter of 1776-7,
while Arnold and many other officers were quartered in Albany, a difficulty arose between
him and Col. Brown. The latter published a handbill severely reflecting on Arnold, and
concluded with these remarkable words — " Money is this man's God, and to get enough
of it he would sacrifice his country." This publication produced quite a sensation araong
the officers. Arnold was greatly excited ; he applied a variety of coarse and harsh epithets
to Col. Brown, calling him a scoundrel, and threatened to kick hira wherever he should
meet him. This coming to the ears of the latter, he proceeded to the dining place of Ar.
nold,' where a company of officers were assembled ; going directly up to Arnold, he stopped,
and looked hira in the eye. After a pause of a moment, he observed : " I understand, sir,
that you have said you would kick me : I now present myself to give you an opportunity
to put your threat into execution .'" Another brief pause ensued. Arnold opened not his
lips. Brown then said to him — " Sir, you are a dirty scoundrel .'" Arnold still remained
silent. Col. Brown, after apologizing to the gentlemen present for his intrusion, left the
room. Arnold appears to have kept an unbroken silence on this occasion, which can only
be accounted for on the supposition that he feared to provoke inquiry on the charges of
Col. Brown. A monument to the memory of Col. Brown has recenUy been erected by
his son, at Stone Arabia.
20

154

NEW YORK COUNTY.

NEW YORK COUNTY.

The county and city of New York are of the same extent, com
prising the whole of New York, or Manhattan Island, about 14^ miles
long, varying from half a mile to two miles in width ; area 21 1 square
miles, or 13,920 acres. It is bounded on the north and east by Haer-
lem and East rivers, south and west by the Hudson, or by New York
bay and the state of New Jersey. The legal subdivisions of the county
and city are the wards, 17 in number, of various extent, according to
local convenience. Agreeably to the charter of New York, its jurisdic
tion extends to the lands under the adjoining waters as far as to low-
water mark on the opposite sides. The compact part of the city is at
the southern part of the island, and covers about one-sixth part of its
surface. Its latitude and longitude, reckoned from the City Hall, were
determined in 1817, by order of the corporation, as follows : -N. lat.
40° 42' 43" ; W, long, from Greenwich, England, 73° 59' 46", and E,
long, from the city of Washington 3° 1' 13",
" The number of buildings in the compact part of the city of New York is 39,116 ; of
which there are used as breweries, distilleries, tanneries, and the like, 46 ; as dwelling
houses exclusively, 16,458 ; as dwellings with shops, 6,614 ; as stores and offices exclu-
' sively, 3,855 ; as taverns and private boarding-houses, 736 ; as baths, 9 ; as factories, with
engines equal to 1100 horse-power, 74; as large factories, with labor-saving power, 172 ;
as private stables, 3,603 ; as livery stables, 137 ; as dairy stables, 57 ; miscellaneous, 1,355.
" The valuation of real estate in the city, as corrected by the board of supervisors in
1840, is $187,222,714 ; and of personal estate, $65,013,801. Aggregate, $252,235,515.
" From 1810 to 1841, the corporation has expended for opening, widening, and improv
ing streets, &c., $6,275,317.
" The total amount derived from the city, by the state, frora auction duties, from 1816
to 1840, inclusive, is $4,249,527.
" The receipts into the general treasury during the year 1840, from the ordinary reve
nues of the city, from the negotiation of its, stocks, and from the management of its ' trust
accounts,' including the cash on hand at the commencement of the year, amounted to
$6,004,610 12.
" The amount of warrants drawn upon the Treasurer, for the ordinarj' expenses of the
city government, the payment of its pre-existing debts, for its disbursements on the public
works, and on its ' trust accounts,' including the warrants outstanding at the commence
ment of the year, amounted to $6,007,260 54 ; frora which is to be deducted the warrants
outstanding and unclairaed at the close of the year, amounting to $176,829 50. The re
sult showing the actual amount paid by the Treasurer, during the year, to be $5,830,431
04 ; and the cash balance in the treasury January 1st, 1841, to be $174,179 08."
Population of the several Wards in the city of New York in 1845.

Is.t ward, .

12,230

10th ward, .

. 20,993

2d ward, .

6,962

11th ward, .

. 27,259

3d ward.

12,900

12th ward, .

. 13,378

4th ward, .

21,000

13th ward, .

. 22,411

5th ward, .

20,263

14th ward, .

. 21,103

6th ward, . :

19,343

15th ward, .

. 19,432

7th ward, . . .

25,502

16th ward, .

. 40,337

8th ward, .

36,846

17th ward, .,

27,147

9th ward, .

30,907

371,102

NEW YORK COUNTY.

155

The bay of New York spreads to the southward, and is about 8
miles long, and from 1^0 5^ broad. It is one of the finest harbors
in' the world, generally open for vessels at all seasons of the year,
but is, at rare intervals, obstructed for a few days in very severe
winters by ice. The currents in the bay are rapid and strong, cir
cumstances that are of great importance in keeping the port of New
York open, while others further to the south are obstructed by frost.
The usual tides at New York are about six feet, and the depth of
water sufficient for the largest ships. The bay contains Governor's,
Bedlow's, and Ellis' islands, upon which are strong fortifications
guarding the approach to the city. There are also fortifications on
Long and Staten islands, commanding the narrows.

Stadt Huys, built 1642 — razed 1700.
New York derives its origin from the colonizing and commercial
spirit of the Hollanders, and the general spirit of adventure which
prevailed among the maritime nations of Europe after the discovery
of the western continent by Columbus. The Dutch immediately
after the discovery of Hudson in 1609, began to avah themselves of
the advantages which his discoveries presented to their view. In
1614 or 1615, a kind of fort and trading-house was erected on the
southwest point of Manhattan or New York Island, which was named
New Amsterdam. In 1614, an expedition from South Virginia, under
Capt. Argal, was sent out by Sir Thomas Dale, and took possession
of New Amsterdam. At that time there were only /owr houses out
side of the fort. But an arrangement was soon after made with the
English government, by which the Dutch remained in possession of
Manhattan Island, and of the trade of the neighboring country for
fifty years.
The above is a representation of the ancient " Stadt Huys," or
City Hall, which was built early in the Dutch dynasty, in 1642. It
was buUt of stone at the head of Coenties slip, facing Tearl-street.
About the year 1700, it became so weakened and impaired, that it was
sold, and a new one erected by the head of Broad-street, which was
afterward the Congress Hall, on the corner of WaU-street.

156

NEW YQRK COUNTY.

The city was laid out in streets, some of them crooked enough, in
1656. It then contained by enumeration ' 120 houses, with extensive
garden lots,' and 1000 inhabitants. In 1677 another estimate of the
city was made, and ascertained to containi-j 368 houses. In the
year 1674, an assessment of ' the most wealthy inhabitants' having
been made, it was fotmd that the sum total of 134 estates amounted
to £95.000.

Nieuw Amsterdam, in 1659.
[ A, the fort B, the church. C, the wind-mill. D, the flag, which is hoisted when vesscle arrive in port.
E, the prison. F, the ^ouse of the general. G, the place of execution. H, the place of expose or pillory.]
During the military rule of Governor Colve, who held the city for
one year for the states of Holland, after its re-capture from the British,
every thing partook of a military character, and the laws, still in
preservation at Albany show the energy of a rigorous dfscipline.
Then the Dutch mayor, at the head of the city militia, held his daily
parades before the City Hall, (Stadt Huys,) then at Coenties slips and
every evening at sunset, he received from the principal guard of the
fort, called the hoofd-wagt, the keys of the city, and thereupon pro
ceeded with a guard of six to lock the city gates ; then to place a
Burger-wagt — a citizen-guard — as night-watches at assigned places.
The same mayors also went the rounds at sunrise to open the gates,
and to restore the keys to the officer of the fort. All this was surely
a toilsome service for the domestic habits of the peaceful citizens of
that day, and must have presented an irksome honor to any mayor
who loved his comfort and repose.
" It may amuse some of the present generation, so little used to Dutch names, to learn
some of the titles once so familiar in New York, and now so little understood, ^'uch as 
De Heer Officier, or Hoofd-Schout—High-Shenft. De Fiscael, or Procureur Gen.— Attoi
ney General. Wees-Meesters — Guardians of orphans. Eoy-Meesters  Regulators of
fences. Groot Burgerrecht and Klein Burgerrecht— The great and small citizenship,
which then marked the two ordere of society. Eyck-Meester — The Weigh Master. The
Schout, (the Sheriffi) Bourgomasters and Schepens then ruled the city ' as in aU cities of
the Fatheriand." Geheim Schryver — Recorder of secrets." — Watson's Olden Times
New York, '

NEW YORK COUNTY. 157
The preceding cut shows the principal buildings standing on the
present site of the city of New York in 1659. The foUowing de
scription of New York at about that period, is copied from " Ogilby's
America^' a large folio volume illustrated by engravings, published in
London in 1671. This work contains a view of Novum Amsteroda-
mum, (as it is called,) similar to the engraving from which the annexed
cut is copied.
" It is placed upon the neck of the Island Manhatans looking towards the Sea ; encom-
pass'd with Hudson's River, which is six Miles broad, the town is compact and oval, wiUi
very fair streets and several good Houses ; the rest are built much after the manner of
HoUand, to the number of about four hundred Houses, which in those parts are held con
siderable : Upon one si,de of the Town is James-Fort, capable to lodge three hundred soul.
diers and Officers ; it hath four bastions, forty Pieces of Cannon mounted ; the Walls of
Stone, lined with a thick Rampart of Earth; weU accommodated with a spring of Fresh
Water, always furnish'd with Arms and Ammimition against Accidents : Distant from the
Sea seven Leagues, it affords a safe entrance, even to unskilful Pilots ; under the Town
side, ships of any burthen may ride secure against any Storms ; the Current of the River
being broken by the interposition of a small Island, which Ues a raile distant from the Town.
" About ten MUes from New York is a place call'd Hell Gate, which being a narrow pas
sage, there runneth a violent Stream both upon Flood and Ebb ; and in the middle lie some
Rocky Islands, which the Current sets so violently upoii, that it threatens present Ship.
wrack ; and upon the Flood is a large Whirlwind, which continually sends forth a hideous
roaring ; enough to affiight any Stranger from passing farther ; and to wait for some Charon
to conduct him through ; yet to those who are acquainted little or no danger : It is a place
of great Defence against any Eneray coming in that way, which a smaU Fortification would
absolutely prevent, and necessitate thera to corae in at the West End of Long Island by
Sandy Hook, where Statten Island forces thera within the Command of the Fort at New
York, which is one of the best Pieces of Defence in the North parts of America. It is
built most of Brick and Stone and cover'd with Red and Black Tyle, and the Land being
high, it gives at a distance a most pleasing prospect to the Spectators. The inhabitants
consist most of English and Dutch, and have a considerable trade with Indians for Beaver,
Otter and Rackoon Skins with other Furrs ; as also for Bear, Deer, and Elke-Skins ; and
are supply'd with Venison and Fowl in the winter, and Fish in the Summer by the Indians,
which they buy at an easie Rate ; and having the Countrey round about them, and are
continuaUy furnish'd with all such provisions as are needful for the Life of Man, not onely
by the EngUsh and Dutch within their own, but Ukewise by the adjacent Colonies.
" The .ftianhattans, or Great River being the chiefest, having with two wide Mouths
wash'd the mighty Island Watonwaks, falls into the Ocean. The Southern Mouth is call'd
Port May, or Godyns Bay. In the middle thereof lies an Island caU'd ' The States Island ;
and a little higher the Manhattans, so call'd from the Natives which on the East side of the
River jiweU on the Main Continent. They are a cruel people, and enemies to the HoUand.
ders, as also of the Sarhians which reside on the Western Shore. Farther up are the
Mackwaes and MahUtans which continually War, one against another. In like manner
all the Inhabitants on the West Side of the River Manhattan, are commonly at enmity
with those that possess the Eastern Shore ; who also us'd to be at variance with the Hoi.
landers, when as the other People at the 'Westward kept good correspondency with them.
On a smaU Island near the Shore of the Mackwaes, lay formerly a Fort, provided with two
Drakes and eleven Stone Guns, yet was at last deserted."
" The settlement and fort continued to bear the name of Nieuw
Amsterdam, by the Dutch, down to the time of the surrender by
Governor Stuyvesant to the English, in 1664. Then for ten years
under the rule of Cols. NicoUs and Lovelace, acting for the Duke of
York, it was called New York ; but in August,. 1673, a Dutch fleet, in
time of war, re-captured it from the British, and while exercising
their rule for their High Mightinesses of Holland, to the time of the
peaoe in 1674, they called the place New Orange, in compliment to
the prince of Orange, and the fort they called WUlem Hendrick. .
" The city being restored to the British by the treaty, was re-deliv-

158 NEW YORK COUNTY.
ered to the British in October, 1674. The fort then took the name
of Fort James, being built of quadrangular form, having four bastions,
two gates, and 42 cannon. The city again took the name of New
York, once and forever.
The following extracts are from a pamphlet publication by J. W.
Moulton, Esq., entitled " View of the city of New Orange (now New
York) as it was in the year 1673."
" Fort Amsterdam, ge.naamt James-Fort by de Engelsche. Fort Amsterdam, otherwise
caUed James-Fort by the English. The name officially given to the fort in 1673, was 'fort
Willem Hendrick,' It was first erected and finished in 1635, by Gov, Van TwiUer, neg
lected by Governor Kieft, repaired and surrounded by a stone wall by Governor Stuyve
sant, and deraoUshed, and the ground levelled in 1790 and '91, It was situated directly
soutii of the Bowling green, on high ground, was in shape of a regular square, vnth four
bastions, had two gates, and mounted forty.two cannon.
" Gereformeerde Kerck. The reformed Dutch church was erected within the fort, by
Governor Kieft, in 1642. It was of stone, and covered with oak shingles, which exposed
to the weather, soon resembled slate. The motives that induced Governor Kieft to become
the founder of the first church in this city, may be best related in the words of captain Da.
vid Pietersz de Vriez ' artillery meester van 't noorder Quartier,' who performed three voy.
ages to New Netherlands, associated with KiUiaen Van Rensalaer and others, in 1630, to
colonize this region, attempted a colony at the Hore.KiU on the Delaware, in the time of
Van TwiUer, and another on ' Staaten Eylandt,' which he sustained tiU the troubles with
the Indians in the latter time of Kieft drove hira to abandon the country, De Vriez ob.
serves : ' As I was every day with Commander Kieft, dining generally at his house when I
happened to be at the fort, he told me one day that he had now made a fine tavern, built
with stone, for the English, by whom, as they passed continually with their vessels from
New England to Virginia, he had suffered much, and who now might take lodgings there,
I told him this wa« very gqod for travellers, but that we wanted very badly for our people
a church. It was a shame that when the English passed, they should see nothing but a
mean barn, in which we performed our worship ; on the contrary, the first tiling that they
in New England did, when they had buUt fine dwellings, was to erect a fine church : we
ought to do the same, it being supposed that the West India Company were very zealous in
protecting the Reformed church (Calvinist) against the Spanish tyranny, that we had good
materials for it, fine oak wood, fine buUding stone, good lime raade of oyster shells, being
better than our lime in Holland. Kieft asked me then who would like to attend to this
building ? I replied the lovers of the reformed religion, as certainly some of them could be
found. He told me that he supposed I myself was one of them, as I made the proposition,
and he supposed I would contribute a hundred guUders ! I repUed that I agreed to do so,
and that as he was Governor, he should be the first. We then elected Jochera Pietersz
Kuyter, who having a set of good hands, would soon procure good tiraber, he being also a
devout Calvinist. We elected also Jan Claesz Damen, because he lived near the fort, and
thus we four " Kerk raeesters" formed the first consistory to superintend the building of the
church. The governor should furnish a few thousand guilders of the company's money,
and would try to raise the remainder by subscription. The church should be built in the
fort, where it would be free from the depredations of the Indians. The. building was soon
started of stone, and was covered by English carpenters with slate, spUt of oakwood,' (that
is, with oak shingles, which by rain and wind soon became blue, and resembled slate.)
" The contract for the erection of this church is upon record. It was made in May,
1642, before the secretary of the New Netherlands, between 'WiUiam Kieft, church.
warden, at the request of his brethren, the church-wardens of the church in New Nether.
land, and John Ogden of Stanford, and Richard Ogden, who contracted to build the church
of rock-stone, 72 feet long, 52 broad, and 16 feet high above the soU, for 2,500 guilders
(X416 13 4) " in beaver, cash or raerchandize, to wit, if the church.wardens are satis.
fied with the work, so that, in their judgment, the 2,500 guUder? shall have been earned 
then said church.wardens will reward them with one hundred guilders (£16 13 4) more "
in the mean time assist them whenever it is in their power, and allow them the use for a
month or six weeks, of the Company's boat, to facilitate the carrying of the stone thither.'
" The church was not completely finished until the first year of Governor Stuyvesant'a
administration. In July, 1047, he and two others were appointed kerk-meesters, (church.
wardens,) to superintend the work, and complete it the ensuing winter,
" The town bell was removed to this church. Besides the office of caUing the devout to
87

NEW YORK COUNTY. 159
meeting, and announcing the hour of retirement at night, the beU was appropriated fo.
various singular uses. In October, 1638, a female, for slandering the Rev. E, Bogardus,
was condemned to appear at fort Amsterdam, and before the governor and council, ' to
declare in pubUc, at the sounding of the bell, that she knew the minister was an honest
and pious man, and that she lied falsely,"
" In 1639, all mechanics and laborers in the service of the Company commenced and
left work at the ringing of the bell, and for every neglect forfeited double the amount of
their wages, to the use of the attomey-general,
"In 1647, all tavern keepers were prohibited, by the placards of Governor Stuyvesant
and council, from accommodating any clubs, or seUing any ardent liquor, after the ringing
of the bell, at nine o'clock in the evening.
In 1648, two runaways were summoned into court by the ringing of the bell, to defend
themselves. And in 1677, an ordinance was passed by the coraraon council of New York,
iraposing a fine of six shiUings on any members of the corporation and jurymen, who should
neglect to appear in court at the third ringing of the bell. The bell-ringer was an
ciently the court messenger. In 1661, amid his multifarious official duties, he was to ' as-
sist in burying the dead and attend to toll the bell.'
" The proclamation of governor Lovelace, issued December 10, 1672,. is a document too
curious to be omitted. It was in the following words : —
" ' Whereas it is thought convenient and necessary, in obedience to his Sacred Majesty's
Commands, who enjoynes all his subjects, in their distinct colonyes, to enter into a strict
AUyance and Correspondency with each other, as Ukewise for the advancement of Nego
tiation, Trade and Civill Commerce, and for a more speedy Intelligence and Dispatch of
affayres, that a messenger or Post bee authorised to sett forth from this City of New-Yorke,
¦monthly, and thence to travaile to Boston, from whence within that month hee shall re
turne againe to this City : These are therefore to give notice to all persons concerned,
That on the first day of January next (1673) the messenger appointed shall proceed on his
Journey to Boston : If any therefore have any letters or small portable goods to bee con
veyed to Hartford, Connecticott, Boston, or any other parts in the Road, they shall bee
carefully delivered according to the Directions by a sworne Messenger and Post, who is
purposely imployed in that Affayre ; In the Interim those that bee dispos'd to send Letters,
lett thera bring them to the Secretary's office, where in a lockt Box they shall bee preserv'd
till the Messenger calls for them. All persons paying the Post before the Bagg bee seald
up. Dated at New Yorke this 10th day of December 1672,'
" Stuyvesant Huys. Governor Stuyvesant's house or dwelling was built about four
years before he surrendered his government to the English, It fronted the pubUc wharf and
stood on the west side of the present Whitehall-street, nearly opposite the commencement
of the present Water-street,
" The public wharf and harbor or dock, were built by the burgomasters of the city about
the year 1658. Here vessels loaded and unloaded, and a wharfage duty was exacted at
first of eight stivers per last. The harbor was constructed to accoramodate vessels and
yachts, in which, during winter, the barques stationed there might be secured against the
floating ice ; for which large vessels paid annually ' one beaver, and smaller in proportion,
to the city, to keep it in order.' This wharf and harbor are now a part of Whitehall-street,
Whitehall slip having since been formed into the river.
" De Waegh. The weigh, or balance. This was erected in 1653, by Governor Stuy
vesant, and the standard weight and measure kept in the balance-house, was according to
those of the city of Arasterdam. To this standard merchants were obliged to conform, and
to pay the eyck-meester for marking their weights and measures. Goods were here also
brought in bulk and weighed, before they were stored in the public store-houses,
" In front of the City-HaU were also the stocks and whipping-post. The ducking-stool,
or rather cucking-stool, was not yet erected, notwithstanding the Lutheran minister in 1673
pleaded in bar to a public prosecution against him for striking a female that she ' provoked
him to it by scolding.' The Dutch had the credit of introducing the wooden-horse, but the
cucking-stool was reserved for the superior ingenuity of the Enghsh, who deriving a sane.
tion for their want of gallantry from the immemorial authority of their Common Law, or.
dered in February, 1692, ' at a meeting of a grand Committee of the Comraon CouncU, a
pillory, cage and ducking-stool to be forthwith buUt.' "
The following relation from Knickerbocker's New York, of the
manners and customs of the early Dutch inhabitants of this city, al
though humorously exaggerated, is by no means devoid of historical
truth.

160 NEW YORK COUNTY.
" I will not grieve their patience, however, by describing minutely the increase and im..
provement of New Amsterdam. "Their own imaginations will doubtless present to them
the good burghers, hke so many pains-taking and persevering beavers, slowly and surely
pursuing their labors — they wiU behold the prosperous transformation from the rude log.hut
to the stately Dutch mansion, with brick front, glazed windows, and tUed roof— fi-om the
tangled thicket to the luxuriant cabbage garden ; and from the skulking Indian to the pon.
derous burgomaster. In a word, they wiU picture to themselves the steady, silent, and un.
deviating march to prosperity, incident to a city destitute of pride or ambition, cherished by
a fat government, and whose citizens do nothing in a hurry.
" The sage councU, as has been mentioned in a preceding chapter, not being able to de
termine upon any plan for the building of their city — the cows, in a laudable fit of patriot.
bm, took it under their pecuUar charge, and as they went to and from pasture, established
paths through the bushes, on each side of which the good folks buUt their houses ; which
is one cause of the rambling and picturesque turns and labyrinths, which distinguish certain
streets of New York at this very day.
" The houses of the higher class were generally constructed of wood, excepting the gable
end, which was of small black and yellow Dutch bricks, and always faced on the street, as
our ancestors, like their descendants, were very much given to outward show, and were
noted for putting the best leg foremost. The house was always furnished with abundance
of large doors and small windows on every floor ; the date of its erection was curiously
designated by iron figures on the front, and on the top of the roof was perched a fierce
little weathercock, to let the family into the important secret, which way the wind blew.
These, like the weathercocks on the tops of our steeples, pointed so many different ways,
that every man could have a wind to his mind ; — the most stanch and loyal citizens, how.
ever, always went according to the weathercock on the top of the governor's house, which
was certainly the most correct, as he had a trusty servant employed every morning to climb
up and set it to the right quarter.
" In those good days of simpUcity and sunshine, a passion for cleanliness was the leading
principle in domestic economy, and the universal test of an able housewife, — a character
which forraed the utmost ambition of our unenUghtened grandmothera. The front door
was never opened except on marriages, funerals, new year's days, the festival of St. Nich.
olas, or some such great occasion. It was ornamented with a gorgeous brass knocker,
curiously wrought, sometimes in the device of a dog, and sometimes of a Uon's head, and
was daily burnished with such religious zeal, that it was ofttimes worn out by the very
precautions taken for its preservation. The whole house was constantly in a state of inun.
Jation, under the discipUne of mops and brooms and scrubbing brushes ; and the good
housewives of those days were a kind of amphibious animal, deUghting exceedingly to be
dabbling in water — ^insomuch than an historian of the day gravely tells us, that many of his
townswomen grew to have webbed fingers dike unto a duck ; and some of them, he had
little doubt, could the matter be examined into . would be found to have the tails of mer.
maids — but tliis I look upon to be a mere sport ot fancy, or what is worse, a wilfiil misrep.
resentation, , " The grand parlor was the sanctum sanctorum, where the passion for cleaning was
indulged without control. In this sacred apartment no one was permitted to enter, except.
ing the mistress and her confidential maid, who visited it once a week, for the purpose of
giving it a thorough cleaning, and putting things to rights — always taking the precaution of
leaving their shoes at the door, and entering devoutly on their stocking feet. After scrub.
bing the floor, sprinkling it with fine white sand, which was curiously stroked into angles,
and curves, and rhomboids with a broom — after washing the windows, rubbing and polish.
ing tbe furniture, and putting a new bunch of evergreens in the fireplace — the window
shutters were again closed to keep out the flies, and the room carefully locked up untU the
revolution of time brought round the weekly cleaning day.
" As to the family, they always entered in at the gate, and most generaUy lived in the
kitchen. To have seen a numerous household assembled around the fire, one would have
imagined that he was transported back to those happy days of primeval simplicity, which
float before our imaginations like golden visions. The fireplaces were of a truly patriarchal
magnitude, where the whole family, old and young, master and servant, black and white,
nay, even the very cat and dog, enjoyed a community nof privilege, and had each a right to
a corner. Here the old burgher would sit in perfect silence, puffing his pipe, looking in
the fire with half-shut eyes, and thinking of nothing for hours together ; the goede vrouw
on the opposite side would employ herself diUgently in spinning yam, or knitting stockings.
The young folks would crowd around the hearth, Ustening with breathless attention to
some old crone of a negro, who was the oracle of the family, and who, perched hke a raven
in a comer of the chimney, would croak forth for a long winter aftemoon a string of in.

NEW YORK COUNTY. 161
credible stories about New England witches — ^grisly ghosts — horses without heads — and
hairbreadth escapes and bloody encounters among the Indians.
" In those happy days a well-regulated family always rose with the dawn, dined at eleven,
and went to bed at sundown. Dinner was invariably a private meal, and the fat old
burghers showed incontestible symptoms of disapprobation and uneasiness at being surprised
by a visit from a neighbor on such occasions. But though our worthy ancestors were thus
singularly averse to giving dinners, yet they kept up the social bands of intimacy by occa.
sional banquetings, called tea parties.
" These fashionable parties were generaUy confined to the higher classes, or noblesse, that
is to say, such as kept their own cows, and drove their own wagons. The company com.
monly assembled at three o'clock, and went away about six, unless it was in winter time,
when the fashionable hours were a little earUer, that the ladies might get home before dark.
The tea table was crovraed with a huge earthen dish, weU stored with slices of fat pork,
fried brown, cut up into morsels, and svrimming in gravy. The company being seated
around the genial board, and each furnished vrith a fork, evinced then: dexterity in launch.
ing at the fattest pieces in this mighty dish — in much the same manner as saUors harpoon
porpoises at sea, or our Indians spear salmon in the lakes. Sometimes the table was graced
with iraraense apple pies, or saucers fuU of preserved peaches and peara ; but it was always
Bure to boast an enormous dish of balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog's fat, and caUed
doughnuts, or oly koeks — a delicious kind of cake, at present scarce known in this city,
excepting in genuine Dutch famiUes.
. " The tea was served out of a majestic delft teapot, ornamented
with paintings of fat little Dutch shepherds and shepherdesses tending
pigs — with boats sailing in the air, and houses built in the clouds,
and sundry other ingenious Dutch fantasies. The beaux distinguish
ed themselves by their adroitness in replenishing this pot from a huge
copper tea-kettle, which would have made the pigmy macaronies of
these degenerate days sweat merely to look at it. To sweeten the
beverage, a lump of sugar was laid beside each cup — and the com
pany alternately nibbled and sipped with great decorum, untU an
improvement was introduced by a shrewd and economic old lady,
which was to suspend a large lump directly over the tea table, by a
string from the ceiling, so that it could be swung from mouth to
mouth — an ingenious expedient, which is still kept up by some fami
lies in Albany ; but which prevails without exception in Communi-
paw, Bergen, Flat Bush, and all our uncontaminated Dutch villages;.
" At these primitive tea parties the utmost propriety and dignity of
deportment prevailed. No flirting nor coquetting — ^no gambolling of
old ladies nor hoyden chattering and romping of young ones — no
self-satisfied struttings of wealthy gentlemen, with their brains in
their pockets — ^nor amusing conceits, and monkey divertisements, of
smart young gentlemen, with no brains at all. On the contrary, the
young ladies seated themselves demurely in their rugh-bottomed
chairs, and knit their own woollen stockings ; nor ever opened their
lips, excepting to say, yah Mynher, or yah ya Vrouw, to any question
that was asked them ; behaving, in all things, like decent, -ssfell-edu-
cated damsels. As to the gentlemen, each of them tranquilly smoked
his pipe, and seemed lost in contemplation of the blue and white tUes
with which the fireplaces were decorated ; wherein sund'ry passages
of scripture were piously portrayed — Tobit and his dog figured to
freat advantage ; Haman swung conspicuously on his gibbet, and
onah appeared most manfully bouncing out of the whale, like Har
lequin through a barrel of fire.
11

162 NEW YORK COUNTY.
" The parties broke up without noise and without confusion. They
were carried home by their own carriages, that is to say, by the ve
hicles nature had provided them, excepting such of the wealthy as
could afford to keep a wagon. The gentlemen gallantly attended
their fair ones to their respective abodes, and took leave of them with
a hearty smack at the door ; which, as it was an established piece of
etiquette, done in perfect simplicity and honesty of heart, occasioned
no scandal at that time, nor should it at the present — if our great
grandfathers approved of the custom, it would argue a great want of
reverence in their descendants to say a word against it.
" In this dulcet period of my history, when the beauteous island of
Manna-hatta presented a scene, the very counterpart of those glowing
pictures drawn of the golden reign of Saturn, there was, as I have
before observed, a happy ignorance, an honest simphcity prevalent
among its inhabitants, which, were I even able to depict, would be but
httle understood by the degenerate age for which I am doomed to
write. Even the female sex, those arch innovators upon the tranquil
lity, the honesty, and greybeard customs of society, seemed for a
while to conduct themselves with incredible sobriety and comeliness.
" Their hair, untortured by the abominations of art, was scrupu
lously pomatomed back from their foreheads with a candle, and cov
ered with a little cap of quilted calico, which fitted exactly to their
hea:ds. Their petticoats of linsey woolsey were striped with a va
riety of gorgeous dyes — though I must confess these gallant garments
were rather short, scarce reaching below the knee ; but then they
made up in the number, which generally equaUed that of the gentle
men's small-clothes ; and what is still more praiseworthy, they were
all of their own manufacture — of which circumstance, as may well
be supposed, they were not a little vain.
" These were the honest days, in which every woman staid at home,
read the Bible, and wore pockets — ay, and that too of a goodly size.
fashioned with patch-work into many curious devices, and ostenta
tiously worn on the outside. These, in fact, were convenient recep
tacles, where all good housewives carefully stored away such things
as they wished to have at hand ; by which means they often came
to be incredibly crammed — and I remember there was a story cur
rent when I was a boy, that the lady of Wouter Van Twiller once
had occasion to empty her right pocket in search of a wooden ladle,
and the utensU was discovered lying among some rubbish in one cor
ner — but we must not give too much faith to all these stories ; the
anecdotes of those remote periods being very subject to exaggera
tion.. " Besides these notable pockets, they likewise wore scissors and
pincushions suspended from their girdles by red ribands, or among
the more opulent and showy classes, by brass, and even silver chains
— indubitable tokens of thrifty housewives and industrious spinsters.
I cannot say much in vindication of the shortness of the petticoats ;
it doubtless was introduced for the purpose of giving the stockings a
chance to be seen, which were generally of blue worsted with mag-

NEW YORK COUNTY. 163
nificent red clocks — or perhaps to display a well-turned ankle, and
a neat, though serviceable, foot, set off by a high-heeled leathern
shoe, with a large and splendid sUver buckle. Thus we find that
the gentle sex in all ages have shown the same disposition to infringe
a little upon the laws of decorum, in order to betray a lurking beauty,
or gratify an innocent love of finery.
" Frora the sketch here given, it will be seen that our good grandmothers differed consid
erably in their ideas of a fine figure from their scantily dressed descendants of the present
day. A fine lady, in those times, waddled under more clothes, even on a fair summer's
day, than would have clad the whole bevy of a modern ball.room. Nor were they the less
admired by the gentlemen in consequence thereof. On the contrary, the greatness of a
lover's passion seemed to increase in proportion to the magnitude of its object — and a vo
luminous damsel, arrayed in a dozen of petticoats, was declared by a Low Dutch sonnetteer
of the province to be radiant as a sunflower, and luxuriant as a full blown cabbage. Cer
tain, it is, that in those days, the heart of a lover could not contain more than one lady at a
tune ; whereas the heart of a modern gallant has often room enough to accommodate half
a dozen. The reason of which I conclude to be, that either the hearts of the gentlemen
have grown larger, or the persons of the ladies smaller — this, however, is a question for
physiologists to determine.
" But there was a secret charm in these petticoats, which no doubt entered into the con.
Sideration of the prudent gaUants. The wardrobe of a lady was in those days her only for.
tune ; and she who had a good stock of petticoats and stockings, was as absolutely an
heiress as is a Kamschatka damsel with a store of bear skins, or a Lapland belle with a
plenty of reindeer. The ladies, therefore, were very anxious to display these powerful
attractions to the greatest advantage ; and the best rooms in the house, instead of being
adorned with caricatures of dame nature, in water colors and needle-work, were always
hung round with abundance of homespun garments, the manufacture and the property of
the females — a piece of laudable ostentation that still prevails among the heiresses of our
Dutch villages.
" The gentlemen, in fact, who figured in the circles of the gay world in these ancient
times, coixesponded, in raost particulars, with the beauteous damsels whose smiles they
were ambitious to deserve. True it is, their merits would make but a very inconsiderable
impression upon the heart of a modern fair ; they neither drove their curricles nor sported
their tandems, for as yet those gaudy vehicles were not even dreamt of — neither did they
distinguish themselves by their brilliancy at the table, and their consequent rencontres with
watchmen, for our forefathers were of too pacific a disposition to need those guardians of
the night, every soul throughout the town being sound asleep before nine o'clock. Neither
did they establish their claims to gentility at the expense of their tailors — for as yet those
offenders against the pockets of society, and the tranquillity of all aspiring young gentle
men, were unknown in New Amsterdam ; every good housewife made the clothes of her
husband and' family, and even the goede vrouw of Van Twiller himself thought it no dis.
paragement to cut out her husband's Unsey woolsey galligaskins.
" Not but what there were some two or three youngsters who manifested the first dawn-
ings of what is called fire and spirit. Who held aU labor in contempt ; skulked about docks
and market places ; loitered in the sunshine ; squandered what little money they could pro
cure at hustle-cap and chuck-farthing, swore, boxed, fought cocks, and raced their neigh.
bor's horses — in short, who promised to be the wonder, the talk, and abomination of the
town, had not their stylish career been unfortunately cut short by an affair of honor with a
whipping-post. " Far other, however, was the truly fashionable gentleman of those days — his dress,
which served for both morning and evening, street and drawing-roora, was a Unsey wool.
sey coat, made, perhaps, by the fair hands of the mistress of his affections, and gallantly
bedecked with abundance of large brass buttons. — Haifa score of breeches heightened the
proportions of his figure — his shoes were decorated by enormous copper buckles — a low-
crflwned broad-brimmed hat overshadowed his burly visage, and his hair dangled down
his back in a prodigious queue of eel skin.
" Thus equipped, he would manfully sally forth with pipe in mouth to besiege some fair
damsel's obdurate heart — not such a pipe, good reader, as that which Acis did sweetly tune
in praise of his Galatea, but of one of true delft raanufacture, and furnished with a charge
of fragrant tobacco. With this would he resolutely set himself down before the fortress,
and rarely failed, in the process of time, to smoke the fair enemy into a surrender, upon
honorable terms.

164 NEW YORK COUNTY.
" Such was the happy reign of Wouter Van Twiller, celebrated in many a long-forgotten
song as the real golden age, the rest being nothing but counterfeit copper-washed coin. In
that deUghtful period, a sweet and holy calm reigned over the whole province. The bur.
gomaster smoked his pipe in peace — the substantial solace of his domestic cares, after her
daily toils were done, sat soberjy at the door, with her arms crossed over her apron of
snowy white, without being insulted by ribald street walkers or vagabond boys — those
unlucky urchins, who do so infest our streets, displaying under the roses of youth the
thorns and briers of iniquity. Then it was that the lover with ten breeches, and the dam.
sei with petticoats of half a score, indulged in aU the innocent endearments of virtuous love
without fear and without reproach ; for what had that virtue to fear, which was defended
by a shield of good Unsey woolseys, equal at least to the seven buU hides of the invincible
Ajax. " Ah, blissful, and never to be forgotten age ! when every thing was better than it has
ever been since, or ever wiU be again — ^when Buttermilk Channel* was quite dry at loW:
water — when the shad in the Hudson were all salmon, and when the moon shone with a
pure and resplendent whiteness, instead of that melancholy yeUow light which is the conse
quence of her sickening at the abominations she every night witnesses in this degenerate
city! " Happy would it have been for New Amsterdam could it always have existed in this
state of bUssful ignorance and lowly simplicity ; but aJas ! the days of childhood are too
sweet to last ! Cities, hke men, grow out of them in time, and are doomed alike to grow
into the busde, the cares, and miseries of the world. Let no man congratulate himself,
when he beholds the child of his bosora or the city of his birth increasing in magnitude and
importance — ^let the history of his own Ufe teach him the dangers of the one, and this ex-
ceUent Uttle history of Mannahatta convince him of the calamities of the other."

THE NEOBO PLOT.
The celebrated Negro Plot, 1741, occurred when there were about ten thousand inhabi-
tants in this city, of which one sixth part were negro slaves.
" After a lapse of a century, we look back with astonishment on the panic occasioned by
the Negro Plot, and the rancorous hatred that prevailed here against the Roraan Catholics.
To judge frora tradition, and the journal of the proceedings against the conspirators, no
doubt can be had of the actual existence of a plot ; but its extent could never have been so
great as the terror of those times depicted. The very mode adopted to discover abettors
by mutual criminations and confessions, tended in the progress of the trials to inculpate
every negro slave in the city. We accordingly find, that the number of conspirators daily
increased. As it was impossible to prove all equaUy guUty, the ringleaders only were ex.
ecuted ; and those who, to save their Uves, plead guUty, and threw themselves on the mercy
of the court, were transported.
" Insurrections and conspiracies were at this juncture frequent in the West India islands,
and great apprehensions were entertained of an invasion by the French and Spaniards.
These circumstances aggravated the horror of a domestic plot to such a degree, that the
white inhabitants, regarding every negro slave as an incendiary and an assassin, carried
their apprehensions and resentment beyond all bounds,
" A holy hatred of the Roman CathoUcs was at that period inculcated by church and
state. Our Dutch forefathers, glowing with all the zeal of the eariy reformers, emigrated
to this country shortly after the emancipation of the United Netherlands from the Spanish
yoke, and fostered all the rancor of their race against Papists and Spaniards. It was the
poUcy of the EngUsh government, after the conquest, to cherish this animosity, and those
of our readers who were born and educated before the American revolution, wUl recollect
how reUgiously they were taught to abhor the Pope, Devil, and Pretender. The act of our
Provincial Assembly, against Jesuits and Papist priests, passed 2d WiUiam and Mary, and
which continued in fuU force until our independence, was owing, not only to these preju.
dices, but to the exposed situation of the colony, the northern frontier of which was bounded
by Canada, at that time in possession of France, the natural and ever-daring enemy to Eng
land. The intolerant spirit of this act shows the horror and detestation in which the Roman
CathoUcs were held, and wiU account why so few of this profession existed in this city and
colony before the revolution,
* In olden times the channel was but a little creek which separated the mainland from
Governors Island.

NEW YORK COUNTY. 165
" In estimating this singular event in our colonial history, the circumstances of the times
should be duly considered, before we too hastily condemn the bigotry and cruelty of our
predecessors. The advantages of a liberal, indeed of the plainest education, was the happy
lot of very few. Intercourse between the colonies and the mother country, and between
province and province, was very rare. Ignorance and ilUberal prejudices universally pre
vailed. Their more favored and enUghtened posterity will therefore draw a veU of fiUal
affection over the involuntary errors of their forefathers, and emulating their simple virtues,
endeavor to transmit a brighter example to their successors," — Hist, of Negro Plot, Svo,
New York, 1810,
" The first suspicion of a plot among the negroes, and which subsequently led to a full
investigation and discovery, was caused by frequent alarms of fire, and a robbery committed
at a Mr. Hogg's, ' from whence were taken divers pieces of linen, and other goods, and
several silver coins, chiefly Spanish, and medals, and wrought silver, &c,, to the value, in
the whole, of sixty pounds and upwards,' The scene of this famous robbery was in a house
in Broad street. On Wednesday, the 18th March, 1740, about 1 o'clock, a fire broke out
of the roof of His Majesty's house, at Fort George, within this city, near the chapel, on the
east side, and the wind blowing a violent gale at southeast, it soon became impossible to stop
its progress. The citizens and engines assembled promptiy on the ringing of the chapel
bell, and assisted in saving the records and papers in the office of the Secretary of State,
over the fort gate, which fortunately were preserved, although in the hurry they were tossed
out at the windows, and the papers blown and scattered. An alarm being given, the peo.
pie were soon after fearful of an explosion, and stood aloof, although assured by the Gov
ernor that it was groundless. In one hour and a quarter, the Governor's house, and the
venerable old Dutch Church, were thus consumed. A plumber had that morning been at
work, with his pot of coals and soldering iron, to mend a l^ak in the gutter, between the
house and the chapel, and the high wind had no doubt blown some sparks on the dry shin
gles, or under the eaves. On the 25th of March, a week after the fire at the fort, another
broke out at the southwest end of the town, and on the 1st of April, another at the east
end of the town, at Van Zandt's, corner of Barling's slip and Water-street. On the 4th of
April, two other alarms were made, and fire discovered ; and on the 5th, being Sunday,
Mr, Murray's haystack, standing near some stables and houses in Broadway, had some Uve
coals put under it, which went out of themselves. On Monday, three more fires occurred,
and the panic commenced. Many negroes were arrested, and the investigations were long
and intricate. By the course of the evidence, it appeared that the city was destined to be
fired, and the inhabitants massacred on coming out of the English Church in Broadway,
" St, Patrick's night was selected to begin the bloody scene, and many Irish Catholics,
lately arrived, enlisted in the gang, were even detected as being concerned. The negroes
were led on by a vUUan named Hughson, at whose house they were freely entertained,
and brought their stolen goods, and were sworn to secrecy, Ury, a priest, was also deeply
concerned, '
" It is somewhat remarkable, that London has had its Popish Plot and fire ; Boston and
Salem its delusions of witchcraft, and New York its Negro Plot: and there can be no doubt
that some innocent persons were at those times accused, and suffered.
" One hundred and fifty-four negroes, and twenty white persons, were committed to pri.
son, of which fifty-five were convicted, and seventy.eight confessed. Thirteen negroes
were burnt at the stake, at ^ place then out of town, but situated near the present in.
tersection of Pearl and Chatham streets, where there formerly was a hoUow place, as recol.
Iected by one of our oldest citizens, who was present at the execution, and declares that
the horrible shrieks and cries of the miserable victims stiU dweU on his memory. Twenty
were hung, (one in chains, ' on the island, by the powder.house,' where the Arsenal now
is, in Elm street,) Seventy were transported to foreign parts, viz. Newfoundland, Madeira,
Hispaniola, Cape rran9ois, Currajoa, Surinam, &c., &c., and fifty were discharged.
. " Although the black population has increased from that period to the present, in this
city, yet the proportion they now bear to the whites is much less than at that time, being
only one.twelfth part ; then they were oncsixth,"
The following extracts are from newspapers published previous to
and during the revolution : they wiU serve to throw light on the his
tory of the times.
" New York, November 4, 1765. — The late extraordinary and unprecedented prepara.
tions in Fort George, and the securing of the Stamped Paper in that gajrison, having greatly
alarmed and displeased the inhabitants of this city, a vast number of them assembled last
Friday evening in the commons, from whence they marched down the Fly, preceded by a

166 NEW YORK COUNTY.
number of Ughts, and having stopped a few minutes at the Coffee House, proceeded to the
Fort WaUs, where they broke open the stable of the L — t G — -r, took out his coach, and
after carrying the same through the principal streets of the city, in triumph marched to the
coramons, where a gallows was erected ; on one end of which was suspended the effigy of
the person whose property the coach was. In his right hand he h^ld a stamped Bill of
Lading, and on his breast was affixed a paper vvith the. following inscription, ' The Bebel
Drummer in the year 1715 :' at his back was affixed a drum, the badge of his profession ;
at the other end of the gallows hung the figure of the devU, a proper companion for the
other, as 'tis supposed it was entirely at his instigation he acted : after they had hung there
a considerable time, they carried the effigies, with the gaUows entire, being preceded by
the coach, in a grand procession to the gate of the &rt, where it remained for some time,
from whence it was removed to the Bowling Green, under the muzzles of the fort guns,
where a bon-fire was immediately made, and the drummer, devil, and coach, &c., were
consumed amidst the acclamations of some thousand spectators, and we make no doubt,
but the L — t G  ^r, and his friends, had the mortification of viewing the whole proceed.
ing from the ramparts of the fort : But the business of the night not being yet concluded,
the whole body proceeded with the greatest decency and good order to Vauxhall, the house
of M — r J  s, who, it was reported, was a friend to the Stamp Act, and had been over
officious in his duty, from whence they took every individual article to a very considerable
amount ; and having made another bon-fire, the whole was consumed in the flames, to the
great satisfaction of every person present ; after which they dispersed, and every man went
to his respective habitation. The whole affair was conducted with such decorxim, that not
the least accident happened.
" The next evening another very considerable body assembled at the same place, having
been informed that the L — t G  r had qualified himself for the distribution of the Stamped
paper, were determined to maJch to the fort, in order to insist upon his delivering into their
hands, or to declare that he would not undertake to distribute the same ; but before this
resolution could be executed, the minds of the people were eased by the L — t G  r's
sending the foUowing declaration from the fort, viz : —
"TipHE Lieut. Governor declares he will do nothing in Relation to the Stamps, but leave
JL it to Sir Henry Moore, to do as he pleases on his arrival. Council Chamber, New
York, Nov. 2, 11165. By Order of His Honor. Ww. Banyae D. CI. Con.
" ' We can assure the Gentlemen of the neighboring Provinces, That every Importer of
European Goods in this City, have agreed not to Import any Goods from England next
Spring, unless the Sugar Act, and the Oppressive and Unconstitutional Stamp Act are
repealed.' "

" New York, Jan. 8th, 1763. — Thursday next is appointed to celebrate the birth of the
Prince of Wales, when there is to be a treble discharge of all the artiUery in this place, and
the evening is to be concluded with the play of the Fair Penitent, by the officers of the
army, in a theatre built for that purpose,"

" New York, Dec. 13, 1765. — We are credibly informed that there were married last
Sunday evening, by the Rev. Mr. Auchmuty, a very respectable couple, that had been pub.
lished at three different times in Trinity church, A laudable example and worthy to be
foUowed, If this decent, and for many reasons, proper method of publication was once
generally to take place, we should hear no more of clandestine marriages, and save the ex-
pense of Ucenses, no inconsiderable sum these hard and distressing times."

" New York, March 13th, 1766, — Upon a supposition that the cannon upon the Battery
in this city were spiked by order of Lieutenant-governor Colden, his effigy was exhibited
last Thursday, sitting upon a piece of ordnance, properly mounted with a driU constructed
in such a manner as to be continuaUy working ; at his back hung a drum as a badge of his
former profession : On his breast was fixed a paper on which were the following lines :
' I'm deceived by the devil and left in the lurch ;
And am forced to do penance, tho' not in the church,'
•' After it had appeared in the pruicipal streets of the city attended by many thousand
spectators, (although it rained great part of the time,) it was carried to the common, where
a fire was immediately made, and the whole consumed by 5 o'clock in the afternoon,
amidst the acclamations of the multitude, who dispersed directly thereafter  The
affair was conducted with such order and decorum, that no person sustained the least
damage,
38

NEW YORK COUNTY. 167
" N, B. The pubUc are desired to take notice, that the cannon stiU remain spiked ; and
it is expected that no further hint wiU be necessary."

" New York, May 3, 1766. — The play advertised to be acted last Monday evening,
having given offence to many of the inhabitants of this city, who thought it highly improper
that such entertainments should be exhibited at this tirae of public distress, when great
numbers of poor people can scarce find means of subsistence, whereby many persons might
be tempted to neglect their business, and squander>that money which is necessary to the
payment of their debts and support of their famiUes, a rumour was spread about the town
on Monday, that if the play went on, the audience would meet with some disturbance from
the multitude. This prevented the greatest part of those who intended to have been there
from going ; however, many people came and the play was begun : but soon interrupted by
the multitude, who burst open the doors, and entered with noise and tumult. _ The audi.
ence escaped in the best manner they could ; many lost their hats and other parts of dress,
A boy had his skull fractured, and was yesterday trepanned ; his recovery is doubtful : several
others were dangerously hurt, but we heard of no lives lost. The multitude immediately
demoHshed the house, carried the pieces to the common, where they consumed them in a
bonfire."

From the New York Gazette of August 3, 1769.
" Extract of a letter to a gentleman in the city from a correspondent in the country, dated
July 20, — ' Sir : As a sincere friend I give you a caution now to be particularly on your
guard against the importation of English goods ; for I fear you will not get thera sold at any
rate, as it appears quite plain from this hint of facts, you may depend upon. Within these
few weeks I happened to be present at several meetings of some towns here, when among
other things, they took into their most serious consideration the affair of buying English
goods from your merchants, and it was strongly reasoned thus : We have gone (said they)
these several years past clearing new lands and raising grain only, and have fooUshly neg
lected the raising of sheep and flax, because we vainly thought we could buy them cheaper
at the stores than make thera at our houses ; untU now our cash is wholly carried to Eng.
land for their fineries, and here it has got so scarce, that in a whole town one guinea is
scarcely seen in a year's time : so that when a man goeth to buy any necessaries at a mer.
chant's shop, instead of his purse, he must take a wagon load of grain, and sell it to the mer.
chant's and take his English goods at whatever price he pleases to ask,
" Wherefore they unanimously and firmly resolved, 1st. That for them to buy any more
Scotch or English goods frora merchants, was in fact a sure wicked way to qualify Britain
tyrannicaUy and inflexibly, frora tirae to time to irapose upon Americans whatsoever new
laws, new admiralty courts, or bishop's courts they pleased, to take away our civil and re.
ligious liberties piecemeal, until we and our posterity were finaUy enslaved as deep as any
Spaniard or African.
" 2d. That therefore, whosoever of their town, durst presume to buy any more of said
British goods, before the restoring of our liberty, should be held, reputed, deemed, and
treated by all his neighbors as an open enemy to all the civU and religious interests of their
country, &c. &c.
" I have heard that a great many towns, through the inland parts of this, and the other
provinces, are beginning to be greatly alarmed with the fears of their new admiralty courts,
and bishop's courts, &c., and therefore are forming resolves of the same nature. Now if
you do in these circumstances import goods, you will be ruined. Look round and see
how many merchants have been sent to jaU, and their famUies ruined by importing English
goods, and not getting them sold to any advantage. Yours, &,c,"

From the New York Gazette, March 29, 1770,
" Last Saturday night about 11 o'clock, 14 or 15 soldiers were seen about the Uberty.
pole in this city, which one of them had ascended, with an intent to take off and carry
away the topmast and vane ; as soon as they were discovered, five or six young men who
were accidentally crossing the green at that time raade up towards the pole, to see what
they were about, but they were iramediately attacked and driven off the green by the sol.
diers ; who, finding that they were discovered, and being apprehensive that the inhabitants
would be alarraed, they made off. Soon after some persons went into town and acquainted
their friends with the proceedings of the soldiers, upon which 14 or 15 persons came up to
tho green, and going to the pole were there sun-ounded by 40 or 50 soldiers, with their cut.

168 NEW YORK COUNTS
lasses drawn ; upon which 4 or 5 of them retreated to the house of Mr. Bicker, and were
foUowed by part of the soldiers, who immediately caUed out for the soldiers from the bar.
racks ; upon which they were joined by a very considerable body who came over the bar
rack fence. Mr. Bicker seeing himself and family in danger, and exposed to the insults of
a licentious and brutal soldiery, stood with his bayonet fixed, determined to defend himself
to the last extremity, and declared that he would shoot the first man that should attempt to
enter ; they several times attempted to force the under door, the upper door being open,
which Mr, Bicker kept shut by fixing the point of his bayonet against it, whUe they kept
cutting and hacking the barrel of his gun, in attempting to cut him down with their cut.
lasses, — but he soon after got the upper door shut and barred ; upon which they strove to
break open the front windows, which were also shut, one of which they forced open, broke
the panes of glass, and cut all the frame to pieces, in order to get into the house. Some
people who were in the house seeing the imminent danger to which Mr, Bicker and his
family were exposed, got out the back way and ran to alarm the citizens. The chapel beU
was immediately rung, upon the hearing of which, the soldiers retreated precipitately, A
number of the citizens were up all night and under arms, which probably prevented any
mischief being dpne, as they repeatedly swore that they would set fire to the house, and
burn or destroy every person in it. Col, Robertson, the commanding officer of the regi.
ment, repaired to the barracks, as soon as he had notice of the disturbance ; he immediately
ordered the centinels to be confined, and remained up all night to prevent any further mis.
chief being done ; and as a nuraber of inhabitants nightiy guarded the pole, till the Trans.
ports with the soldiers were sailed, they were disappointed in effecting their designs
against it, although they positively swore that they would carry off some part of it with them,"

From the same, December 24, 1767
" To be disposed of — the remaining time, being about three years, of three German ser.
vants, one a baker by trade, one a butcher, and the other a laborer. They are very in.
dustrious good men, whose honesty has been tried, and may be had on reasonable terms.
Inquire of the printer hereof."

" Last Thursday being the anniversary of His Majesty's birth-day, when he entered hia
30th year, the same was observed here with great solemnity. About 11 o'clock the de.
tachment of the train, with the 17th and 46th regiments, were paraded on the battery, and
marched in order by, and saluted his Excellency, General Gage ; at the same time his Ex.
cellency, Sir Henry Moore, the merabers of His Majesty's council for this province, his
worship the mayor, and the rest of the corporation, and most of the other gentlemen of
the city, were asserabled in Fort George, where his Majesty's and many other loyal healths
were drank, under the discharge of a Royal Salute from the Fort, which was imraediately
followed by a salute of 21 guns from the Liberty Pole, on which was suspended a Union ;
these were answered by three voUies from the troops, five of His Majesty's ships, and many
other vessels in our harbor, which with their colors displayed made a very grand and beautiful
appearance ; the two regiments then returned to their barracks and the train to the Green,
and there grounded their arms. Elegant entertainments were given at Fort George, and
Head Quarters, by their ExceUencies Sir Henry Moore and General Gage, at which were
present aU the gentiemen of the army and navy, and most of the principal gentlemen of
this place. In the evening the most magnificent fireworks ever seen in America were
played off before a very great number of spectators. Over the gate of Fort George a
number of laraps were disposed in such a manner as to represent a Regal Crown with a
Laurel Thee on each side, and before the door of his ExceUency Gen. Gage, was exhib.
ited, by lamps properly placed, a large and elegant appearance of the Royal Arms ; thera
being a general iUumination throughout the city. The fire-works were conducted in such
a manner as showed great skiU and judgment in the projectors and operators, every part be.
ing played off with the greatest ease imaginable, in the following order, viz : 
First Set.—Tv/o signal rockets, royal salutes of 21 marons, 12 sky rockets, a single
vertical wheel, a Chinese fountain, a line rocket of three changes and a swarm box 2
gerbs, 2 air baUoons of crackers and serpents, a Chinese piece with a horizontal wheel' a
yew tree with a brilliant fire, a nest of serpents. '
" Second Set.—Tvfo signal rockets, a salute of 19 marons, 12 sky rockets, a double
vertical wheel, an iUurainated globe, a fire tree and swarm box, 2 air baUoons with crack.
ers and stars, 3 fixed pieces with double vertical wheels, a range of fountains, a yew tree of
brilliant fire, 2 nests of serpents.
" Third Set.— Two signal rockets, a salute of 17 marons, 12 sky rockets, 2 signal ver.

NEW YORK COUNTY. 169
tical wheels, a cascade of briUiant fire, a Une rocket of three changes and swarm box, a
range of fountains, two air baUoons with serpents and stars, a Chinese piece with a hori.
zontal wheel, an illuminated yew tree, a star with briUiant rays and glory. Conclusion. —
A flight of rockets,"

From the same, January 29(A, 1767.
" Wednesday last several gentiemen arrived here from Quebec, in Canada, in 12 days.
They came over the mountains on snow-shoes to Crown Point, and from thence down
Lake George on the ice. The river St, Lawrence was not frozen over at Quebec when
they came away ; and we are told in the hardest weather it seldom is frozen there before
the month of February."

"New York, May 7, 1772. — On Saturday last Mr. Montanny's negro man who had mis.
behaved, and was a remarkable drunkard, was sent to Bridewell, and underwent the usual
discipline of the house for svj:h offences, viz, a plentiful dose of warm water and salt to op.
erate as an emetic, and of lamp oyl as a purge, in proportion to the constitution of the pa.
tient. Of these he took about 3 quarts of tiie one, and 24 spoonfuls of the other, also a
giU of New England rum, which operated very powerfully, attended with a violent sick.
ness which obUged him to lye down, and between 8 and 9 at night he was discovered to be
dead. He had been drunk three times that day before he was brought to Bridewell, and
was not sober when the discipline began. Several physicians and surgeons attended, the
body of the negro was opened and no marks of violence external or internal appeared : the
coroner's inquest brought in their verdict that he died of excessive drinking, co-operating
with the effects of the medicine he had taken. But that Mr. Dobbs, (the operator,) was
innocent of his death."

" New York, December 24, 1773. — His Excellency the Governor having sent to 'White.
head Hicks, Esq., Mayor of this city, the sum of two hundred pounds, which he most mu.
nificentiy ordered to be applied in reUeving the properest objects of distress confined in the
city gaol. We have the pleasure to inform the pubUc that near thirty persons have been
entirely released from imprisonment, and those whose debts were too large to be cleared by
this gracious bounty have had a very comfortable provision made in wood, &c,, to carry
them through the winter."
" We hear from Dutchess County that the High Sheriff, having received the sum of fifty
pounds from his Excellency Governor Tryon, to be distributed for the relief of debtors
confined in his gaol, has appUed that money in the manner prescribed, and cheered many
indigent men whose misfortunes had reduced them to melancholy durance. The gratitude
of these unhappy persons on this gracious attention to them cannot be described."
By His Excellency William Cosby, Esq., Captain General and Governour in Chief of the
Provinces of New York, New Jersey, and Territories thereon depending, in America,
Vice Admu-al of the same, and Colonel in His Majesty's Army, &c.
To any Protestant Minister.
¦Whereas there is a Mutual Purpose of Marriage between Jacob Glenn, of the City of
Albany, Merchant, of the One Party, and Elizabeth Cuyler of the same City, Spinster, of
the other party, for which they have desired my Licence, and have given Bond upon Condi.
tions. That neither of them have any Lawful Let or Impediment of Pre-Contract, Affinity
or Consanguinity to hinder their being joyned in the Holy Bands of Matrimony: these are
therefore, to Authorize and Impower you to Joyn the said Jacob Glenn and Elizabeth Cuy.
ler in the Holy Bands of Matrimony, and thera to Pronounce Man and Wife.
Given under my Hand and Perogative Seal, at Fort George, in New York, the Sixteenth
Day of October, in ihe ^xth Year of the Beign of our Sovereign ILord GEORGE the
Secorid, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, KING, Defender
of the Faith. Annoq : Domini 1732. W. COSBY.
HENDK. MORRIS, D. Secry.
From the Connecticut Journal, Nov. 20, 1775.
" On the 20th of this month sixteen respectable inhabitants of this town, (New Haven,)
in company with Capt. Sears, set out from this place for East and West Chester, in the
Province of New York, to disarm the principal tories there, and secure the persons or Par-

170 NEW YORK COUNTY.
son Seabury, Judge Fowler, and Lord UnderhiU. On their way thither they were joined
by Captains Scillick, Richards, and Mead, with about 80 men. At Marrineck they burnt
a small sloop, which was purchased by government for the purpose of carrying provisions
on board the Asia. At East Chester they seized Judge Fowler, and then repaired to West
Chester and secured Seabury and Underbill, Having possessed themselves of these caitiffs,
they sent them to Connecticut under a strong guard. The main body, consisting of 75, then
proceeded to New York, which they entered at noon-day on horseback, with bayonets
fixed, in the greatest regularity went down the raain street, and drew up in close order be
fore the printing office of the infaraous James RIVINGTON. A smaU detachment enter
ed it, and in about three quarters of an hour brought off the principal part of his types, for
which they offered to give an order on Lord Dunmore. They then faced and wheeled to
the left and marched out of the town to the tune of YANKEE DOODLE. A vast con
course of people assembled at the coffee-house bridge, on their leaving the ground, gave
them three hearty cheers.
" On their way home, they disarmed aU the tories that lay on their route, and yesterday ar.
rived here escorted by great number of gentlemen from the westward, the whole making a
very grand procession. Upon their entrance into town they were saluted with the discharge
of two cannon, and received by the inhabitants with every mark of approbation and re.
spect. The company divided into two parties, and concluded the day in festivity and inno.
cent mirth. Captain Sears returned in company with the other gentlemen, and proposed
to spend the winter here unless public business should require his presence in New York.
Seabury, UnderhiU, and Fowler, three of the dastardly protesters against the proceedings
of the Continental Congress, and who it is believed had concerted a plan for kidnapping
Capt, Sears, and conveying him on board of the Asia man-of-war, are (with the types and
arms) safely lodged in this town : where it is expected Lord Underbill will have leisure to
forra the scheme of a lucrative lottery, the tickets of which cannot be counterfeited ; and
Parson Seabury sufficient tirae and opportunity to compose sermons for the next Continent.
al Fast,"

After the Americans were defeated on Long Island, August 26,
1776, New York feU into the hands of the British troops, who kept
possession of it during the revolutionary war. The annexed account
of the military movements on New York island is from Colonel
Humphrey's Life of General Putnam.
" The unfortunate battle of Long Island, the masterly retreat from
thence, and the actual passage of part of the hostile fleet in the East
river, above the town, preceded the evacuation of New York. A
promotion of four major-generals, and six brigadiers, had previously
been made by congress. After the retreat from Long Island, the
main army, consisting, for the moment, of sixty battalions, of which
twenty were continental, the residue levies and militia, was, conform
ably to the exigencies of the service, rather than to the rules of war,
formed into fourteen brigades. Major-general Putnam commanded
the right grand division of five brigades, the Majors-general Spencer
and Greene the centre of six brigades, and Major-general Heath the
left, which was posted near Kingsbridge, and composed of two
brigades. The whole never amounted to twenty thousand eflfective
men ; whUe the British and German forces, under Sir William Howe,
exceeded twenty-two thousand ; indeed, the minister had asserted in
parliament that they would consist of more than thirty thousand.
Our two centre divisions, both commanded by General Spencer, in
the sickness of General Greene, moved towards Mount Washington,
Harlaem heights, and Horn's hook, as soon as the final resolution
was takei.i in a councU of war, on the 12th of September, to abandon
the city. That event, thus circumstanced, took effect a few days
after.

NEW YORK COUNTY. 171
" On Sunday, the 15th, the British, after sending three ships of war
up the North river, to Blooraingdale, and keeping up, for some hours,
a severe cannonade on our lines, from those already in the East river,
landed in force at Turtle bay. Our new levies, commanded by a
state brigadier-general, fled without making resistance. Two bri
gades of General Putnam's division, ordered to their support, notwith
standing the exertion of their brigadiers, and of the commander-in-
chief himself who came up at the instant, conducted themselves in
the same shameful manner. His excellency then ordered the heights
of Harlaem, a strong position, to be occupied. Thither the forces in
the vicinity, as' well as the fugitives, repaired. In the mean time.
General Putnam, with the remainder of his command, and the ordi
nary outposts, was in the city. After having caused the brigades to
begin their retreat by the route of Bloomingdale, in order to avoid
the enemy, who were then in the possession of the main road leading
to Kingsbridge, he galloped to call off the pickets and guards.
Having myself been a volunteer in his division, and acting adjutant to
the last regiment that left the city, I had frequent opportunities, that
day, of beholding him, for the purpose of issuing orders, and encour
aging the troops, flying, on his horse covered with foam, wherever
his presence was most necessary. Without his extraordinary exer
tions, the guards must have been inevitably lost, and it is probable
the entire corps would have been cut in pieces. When we were not
far from Bloomingdale, an aid-de-camp came from him at full speed,
to inform that a column of British infantry was descending upon our
right. Our rear was soon fired upon, and the colonel of our regiment,
whose order was just communicated for the front to file off to the
left, was killed on the spot. With no other loss we joined the army,
after dark, on the heights of Harlaem.
" Before our brigades came in, we were given up for lost by all our
friends. So critical indeed was our situation, and so narrow the gap
by which we escaped, that the instant we had passed, the enemy
closed it by extending their line from river to river. Our men, who
had been fifteen hours under arms, harassed by marching and coun
termarching, in consequence of incessant alarms, exhausted as they
were by heat and thirst, (for the day proved insupportably hot, and
few or none had canteens, insomuch, that some died at the brooks
where they drank,) if attacked, could have made but feeble resistance.
"... That night our soldiers, excessively fatigued by the sultry
march of the day, their clothes wet by a severe shower of rain that
succeeded towards the evening, their blood chilled by the cold wind
that produced a sudden change in the temperature of the air, and
their hearts sunk within them by the loss of baggage, artillery, and
works in which they had been taught to put great confidence, lay
upon their arms, covered only by the clouds of an uncomfortable sky.
"... Next morning several parties of the enemy appeared upon
the plains in our front. On receiving this intelligence. General Wash
ington rode quickly to the outposts, for the purpose of preparing
against an attack, if the enemy should advance with that design.

172 NEW YORK COUNTY,
Lieutenant-colonel Knowlton's rangers, a fine selection from the
eastern regiments, who had been skirmishing with an advanced par
ty, came in, and informed the general that a body of British were
under cover of a small eminence at no considerable distance. His
excellency, willing to raise our men from their dejection by the splen
dor of some little success, ordered Lieutenant-colonel Knowlton, with
his rangers, and Major Leitch, with three companies of We'edon's
regiment of Virginians, to gain their rear ; while appearances should
be made of an attack in front. As soon as the enemy saw the party
sent to decoy them, they ran precipitately down the hill, took pos
session of some fences and bushes, and commenced a brisk firing at
long-shot. Unfortunately, Knowlton and Leitch made their onset
rather in flank than in rear. The enemy changed their front, and
the skirmish at once became close and warm. Major Leitch having
received three balls through his side, was soon borne from the field ;
and Colonel Knowlton, who had distinguished himself so gallantly at
the battle of Bunkerhill, was mortally wounded immediately after.
Their men, however, undaunted by these disasters, stimulated with
the thirst of revenge for the loss of their leaders, and conscious of
acting under the eye of the commander-in-chief, maintained the con
flict with uncommon spirit and perseverance. But the general, seeing
them in need of support, advanced part of the Maryland regiments
of Griffith and Richardson, together with some detachments from
such eastern corps as chanced to be most contiguous to the place of
action. Our troops this day, without exception, behaved with the
greatest intrepidity. So bravely did they repulse the British, that
Sir William Howe moved his reserve, with two field-pieces, a battal
ion of Hessian grenadiers, and a company of Chasseurs, to succor his
retreating troops. General Washington, not willing to draw on a
general action, declined pressing the pursuit. In this engagement
were the second and third battalions of light infantry, the forty-second
British regiment, and the German Chasseurs, of whom eight officers,
and upwards of seventy privates were wounded, and our people
buried nearly twenty, who were left dead on the field. We had
about forty wounded ; our loss in killed, except of two valuable ofii-
cers, was very inconsiderable.
" An advantage so trivial in itself produced, in event, a surprising
and almost incredible effect upon the whole army. Amongst the
troops not engaged, who, during the action, were throwing earth
from the new trenches, with an alacrity that indicated a determina
tion to defend them, every visage was seen to brighten, and to as
sume, instead of the gloom of despair, the glow of animation. This
change, no less sudden than happy, left little room to doubt that the
men, who ran the day before at the sight of an enemy, would now,
to wipe away the stain of that disgrace, and to recover the confidence
of their general, have conducted themselves in a very different man
ner." The following is Mr. Grim's account of the great fire, 21st of Sep
tember, 1776.

NEW YORK COUNTY. 173
Mr. Wesley. Perhaps to this cause it was that the society in John street enjoyed so much
indulgence as to occupy their church for Sunday night service, while the Hessians had it in
the morning service for their own chaplains and people.
" The British troops were quartered in any empty houses of the
Whigs which might be found. Wherever men were billeted, they
marked it.
" The middle Dutch church in Nassau-street, was used to imprison
3,000 Americans. The pews were all gutted out and used as fuel.
Afterward they used it for the British cavalry, wherein they exer
cised their men, as a riding school ; making them leap over raised
windlasses. At the same place they often picketed their men, as a
punishment, making them bear their weight on their toe on a sharp
goad. At the same place, while the prisoners remained there, Mr.
Andrew Mercein told me he used to see the ' dead cart come every
morning, to bear off six or eight of the dead. The old sugar-house,
which also adjoined to this church, was filled with the prisoners takeil
at Long Island ; there they suffered much, they being kept in an
almost starved condition. This starving proceeded from different
motives ; they wished to break the spirit of the prisoners, and to
cause their desertion, or to make the war unwelcome to their friends
at home.. On some occasions, as I shall herein show, the British
themselves were pinched for supplies ; and on other occasions the
commissaries had their own gain to answer, by withholding what
they could from the prisoners. I could not find, on inquiry, that
Americans in New York were allowed to help their countrymen
unless by stealth. I was told by eye-witnesses of cases, where the
wounded came crawling to the openings in the wall, and begging
only for one cup of water, and could not be indulged, the sentinels
saying, we are sorry too, hut our orders have been, ' suffer no com
munication in the absence of your officer.'
" The north Dutch church in William-street was entirely gutted of
its pews, and made to hold 2,000 prisoners. The Quaker meeting in
Pearl-street was converted into an hospital. The old French church
was used as a prison. Mr. Thomas Swords told me they used to
bury the prisoners on the mount, then on the corner of Grace and
Lumber streets. It was an old redoubt.
"Cunningham was infamous for his cruelty to the prisoners, even
depriving them of life, it is said, for the sake of cheating his king and
country by continuing for a time to draw their nominal rations ! The
prisoners at the Provost, (the present debtors' prison in the Park,)
were chiefly under his severity, (my father among the number for a
time.) It was said he was only restrained from putting them to
death, (five or six of them of a night, back of the prison-yard, where
were also their graves,) by the distress of certain women in the neigh
borhood, who, pained by the cries for mercy which they heard, went
to the commander-in-chief,. and made the case known, with entreaties
to spare their lives in future. This unfeeling wretch, it is said, came
afterward to an ignominious end, being executed in England, as was
published in Hah and Sellers' paper in Philadelphia. It was there
39

174 NEW YORK COUNTY.
" The fire of 1776 commenced in a smaU wooden house, on the wharf, near the 'White.
haU slip. It was then occupied by a number of men and women, of a bad character. The
fire began late at night, "There being but a veiy few inhabitants in the city, in a short
time, it raged tremendously. It burned aU the houses on the east side of WhitehaU slip,
and the west side of Broad-street to Beaver-street. A providential and happy circumstance
ocfcurred at this time ; the wind was then southwesterly. About two o'clock that morning,
the wind veered to the southeast ; this carried the flames of the fire to the northwestward,
and burned both sides of Beaver-street to the east side of Broadway, then crossed Broadway
to Beaver-lane, and burning all the houses on both sides of Broadway, with some few
houses in New-street, to Rector-street, and to John Hanison, Esq,'s three story brick house,
which house stopped the fire on the east side of Broadway ; from thence it continued burn
ing all the houses in Lumber-street, and those in the rear of the houses on the west side of
Broadway to St, Paul's church, then continued burning the houses on both sides of Parti
tion-street, and all the houses in the rear (again) of the west side of Broadway to the North
river. The fire did not stop until it got into Mortkile-street, now Barclay-street, The
college yard and the vacant ground in the rear of the same, put an end to this awful and
tremendous fire. Trinity church being burned, was occasioned by the flakes of fire that
fell on the south side of the roof. The southerly wind fanned those flakes of fire in a short
time to an amazing blaze, and it soon became out of human power to extinguish the same,
the roof of this noble edifice being so steep that no person could go on it. St, Paul's church
was in the Hke perilous situation. The roof being flat, with a balustrade on the eaves, a
number of the citizens went on the same, and extinguished the flakes of fire as they feU on
the roof. Thus happUy was this beautiful church saved from the destruction of this dread
ful fire, which threatened the ruin thereof, and that of the whole city. The Lutheran
church being contiguous to houses adjoining the same fire, it was impossible to save it from
destruction. This fire was so furious and violently hot, that no person could go near it,
and there were no fire engines to be had at that time in the city.
" The number of houses that were burned and destroyed in this city at that awful confla
gration, were thus, viz.— From Mortkile-street to CourtlandUstreet, 167 ; from Courtiandt-
street to Beaver-street, 175 ; fromBeaver-streetto the East river, 151. Total, 493. There
being very few inhabitants in the city at the time, and many of those were afraid to venture
at night in the streets, for fear of being taken up as suspicious persons. An instance to my
knowledge occurred. A Mr. White, a decent citizen and house-carpenter, rather too vio.
lent a loyalist, and latterly, had addicted himself to liquor, was, on the night of the fire,
hanged on a tavern signpost, at the corner of Cherry and Roosevelt-street, Several of the
citizens were sent to the provost guard for examination, and some of thera remained there
two and three days, until they could give satisfactory evidence of their loyalty,
" Mr. Hugh Gain, in his Universal Register for the year 1787, page 119, says, New
York is about a mile and a half in length, and half a mile broad, containing, before the fires
on the 21st of September, 1776, and 3d of August, 1778, about 4,200 houses, and 30,000
inhabitants." The following annexed account of the incidents of the revolutiona
ry war in New York, is from Watson's Sketches of Olden Times in
New York city.
" After the war had commenced and New York was expected to be captured, almost all
the Whig families, who could sustain the expense, left their houses and homes to seek pre-
caiious refuge where they could in the country. On the other hand, after the city was
possessed by the British, all the Tory families who felt unsafe in the country made their
escape into New York for British protection. Painfully, family relations were broken ;
families as well as the rulers took different sides, and ' Greek met Gre'ek' in fierce encoim-
ter. " Mr. Brower, who saw the British force land in Kip's bay as he stood on the Long
Island heights, says it was the most imposing sight his eyes ever beheld. The army crossed
the East river, in open flat boats, filled with soldiers standing erect ; their arms all glittering
in the sunbeams. They approached the British fleet in Kip's bay, in the form of a crescent,
caused by the force of the tide breaking the intended line of boat after boat. They aU
closed up in the rear of the fleet, when all the vessels opened a heavy cannonade.
" All the Presbyterian churches in New York were used for mUitary purposes in some
form or other. I suspect they were deemed more whiggish in general than some of the
other churches. The clergymen of that order were in general, throughout the war, said to
be zealous to promote the cause of the revolution. The Methodists, on the contrary, then
few in number, were deemed loyalists, cliiefly from the known loyalisra of their founder.

NEW YORK COUNTY. 175
said, that it came out on the trial that he boasted of having kUled
more of the king's enemies by the use of his own means than had
been effected by the king's arms ! — he having, as it was there stated,
used a preparation of arsenic in their flour !
" Loring, another commissary of prisoners, was quite another man,
and had a pretty good name. Mr. Lennox, the other, being now a
resident of New York, I forbear any remarks.
" There was much robbing in the city by the soldiery at times. In
this. Lord Rawdon's corps and the king's guards were said to have
been pre-eminent.
" The British cast up a line of intrenchments quite across from
Corlear's hook to Bunker's hill, on the Bowery road, and placed gates
across the road there. The Hessians, under Knyphausen, were en
camped on a mount not far from Corlear's hook.
" Mr. Andrew Mercein, who was present in New York when most
of the above-mentioned things occurred, has told me several facts.
He was an apprentice with a. baker who made bread for the army,
and states, that there was a time when provisions, even to their own
soldiery, was very limited. For instance, on the occasion of the
Cork provision fleet over-staying their time, he has dealt out six
penny loaves, as fast as he could hand them, for ' a hard half dollar
a-piece !' The baker then gave $20 a cwt. for his flour. They had
to make oatmeal bread for the navy. Often he has seen 7s. a pound
given for butter, when before the war it was but 2d.
" When Cornwalhs was in difficulties at Yorktown, and it became
necessary to send him out all possible help, they took the citizens by
constraint and enrolled them as a mUitia. In this service Mr. Mer
cein was also compelled, and had to take his turns at the fort. There
they mounted guard, &c. in military attire, just lent to them for the
time and required to be returned. The non-commissioned officers
were generally chosen as Tories, but often without that condition.
Mr. Mercein's sergeant was whiggish enough to have surrendered if
he had had the proper chance. There were some independent com
panies of Tories there.
" It was really an affecting sight to see the operations of the final
departure of all the king's embarkation ; the royal band beat a fare
well march. Then to see so many of our countrymen, with their
women and chUdren, leaving the lands of their fathers because they
took the king's side, going thence to the bleak and barren soil of
Nova Scotia, was at least affecting to them. Their hearts said, ' My
country, with all thy faults I love thee stiU.'
" In contrast to this, there followed the entry of our tattered and
weather-beaten troops, followed by aU the citizens in regular platoons.
« " ' Oh ! one day of such a welcome sight,
Were worth a whole eternity of lesser years.'
" Then crowded home to their own city, aU those who had been
abroad, reluctant exiles from British rule ; now fondly cherishing in
their hearts, ' this is my own, my native land.'

176 NEW YORK COUNTY.
" The Hessian troops were peculiarly desirous to desert so as to
remain in our country, and hid themselves in every family where they
could possibly secure a friend to help their escape.
"... Captain Graydon of Philadelphia, who has left us amusing
and instructive memoirs of sixty years of his observing hfe, having
been among the officers and men (2,000) captured at Fort Washing
ton near New York, and held prisoners, has left us many instructive
pages concerning the incidents at New York while held by the Brit
ish, which ought to be read by all those who can feel any interest m
such domestic history as I have herein endeavored to preserve.
" After our capture, (says he,) we were committed, men and offi
cers, to the custody of young and insolent officers ; we were again
and again taunted as 'cursed rebels,' and that we should all be
hanged. Repeatedly we were paraded, and every now and then
one and another of us was challenged among our officers as deserters ;
affecting thereby to consider their common men as good enough for
our ordinary subaltern officers. Unfortunately for our pride and
self-importance, among those so challenged was here and there a
subject fitted to their jibes and jeers. A little squat militia officer,
from York county, with dingy clothes the worse for wear, was ques
tioned with ' What, sir, is your rank V when he answered in a chuff
and firm tone, ' a keppun, sir ;' an answer producing an immoderate
laugh among ' the haughty Britons.' There was , also an unlucky
mUitia trooper of the same school, with whom the officers were
equally merry, obliging him to amble about for their entertainment
on his old jade, with his odd garb and accoutrements. On being
asked what were his duties, he simply answered, ' it was to flank a
little and bear tidings'
" At this beginning period of the war, most things on the American
side were coarse and rough. Maryland and Philadelphia county put
forward young gentlemen as officers of gallant bearing and demean
or ; but New England, and this, then seat of war, was very deficient
in such material. In many cases subaltern officers at least could
scarcely be distinguished from their men other than by their cock
ades. It was not uncommon for colonels to make drummers and
fifers of their sons. Among such the eye looked around in vain for
the leading gentry of the country. General Putnam could be seen
riding about in his shirt sleeves, with his hanger over his open vest :
and Colonel Putnam, his nephew, did not disdain to carry his own
piece of meat, saying, as his excuse, ' it wUl show our officers a good
lesson of humUity.'
"... The American officers took fuU latitude of their parole, in traversing the streets in
all directions with a good deal of purposed assurance. One of them, on one occasion,
wearing his best uniform, \^ 'he great gaze and wonderment of many, actually ventured
disdainfully to pass the coffee house, then the general resort of the British officers. At
other times, when the Kolch water was frozen over, and was covered with British officers,
who thought themselves proficients in skating, it was the malicious pleasure of some of our
officers to appear and eclipse them aU. The officers occasionaUy met with cordial civiUties
and genteel entertainment from British officers with whom they came in contact ; for, in
truth, the latter valued their personal gentiUty too much to seem to be in any degree defi.

NEW YORK COUNTY. 177
cient in poUteness and courtesy when they met with those whom they thought sufficiently
polished to appreciate their demeanor.
"... The residence of Admiral Digby, and indeed of aU naval officers of distinction ar.
riving on the station, was Beekman's house, on the northwest comer of Sloate-lane and
Hanover square. There dwelt, under the guardianship of Admiral Digby, Prince Willaim
Henry, the late king of England, What associations of idea must be produced in the
minds of those who can stiU remember when he walked the streets of New York in the
common garb of a midshipman's ' roundabout,' or when they saw him a knocked-kneed lad,
joining the boys in skating on the Kolch pond !"
The annexed is a description of some of the principal British officers. " Sir WUUam
Howe was a fine figure, fuU six feet high, and admirably well proportioned. In person he
a good deal resembled Washington, and might have been mistaken for him at a distance.
His features, though good, were more pointed, and the expression of his countenance was
less benignant. His manners were polished, graceful, and dignified. He hved at N.
Prime's house, at the south end of Broadway, near the battery.
" Sir Henry Clinton was short and fat, with a full face, prominent nose, and animated in.
•elligent countenance. In his manners he was polite and courtiy, but more formal and
distant than Howe ; and in his intercourse with his officers, was rather punctiUous and not
incUned to intimacy.
" Lord CornwaUis in person was short and thick set, but not so corpulent as Sir Henry.
He had a handsome aquiline nose, and hair, when young, light and rather inclined to san
dy ; but at the time of his leaving here it had become somewhat gray. His face was weU
formed and agreeable, and would have been altogether fine had he not blinked badly with
his left eye. He was uncommonly easy and affable in his manners, and always accessible
to the lowest of his soldiers, by whom he was greatly beloved. With his officers he used
fhe utmost cordiality.
" General Knyphausen, who commanded the Germans, was a fine-looking German, of
about five feet eleven, straight and slender. His features were sharp, and his appearance
martial, " Tarleton was below the middle size, stout, strong, heavily made, with large legs, but
uncommonly active. His eye was smaU, black, and piercing ; his face smooth, and his
complexion dark ; he was quite young, probably about twenty-five.
" Colonel Abercrombie, who afterward gained so much eclat in Egypt, where he feU,
was one of the finest built men in the array ; straight and elegantly proportioned. His
countenance was strong and manly, but his face was much pitted by the small-pox. When
here he appeared to be about forty."

CAPT. NATHAN HALE.
" This eminent martyr to American liberty was the son of Deacon Richard Hale, of
Coventry, Connecticut, where he was born June 6, 1755 ; and graduated at Yale CoUege in
1773. Possessed of genius, taste, and ardor, he early became distinguished as a scholar,
and being endowed in an eminent degree with those gifts and graces which always add a
new charm to youthftil excellence, he gained the respect and confidence of all that knew
him. Being a patriot frora principle, and enthusiastic in a' cause which appealed equaUy to
his sense of justice and his love of liberty, he was among the first to take up arms in de
fence of his country, whose soil had been invaded by a hostile force, and its citizens subjected
to the alternative of determined resistance or humiliating submission. The life of Captain
Hale was short, but eventful. Its termination was under rare circumstances of intrepidity
and cruelty. His case has been deemed paraUel with that of Major Andre, and in some
respects it was so — the nature of the service was identical. Both were young, weU edu.
cated, ardent and brave ; one for his king, the other for his country ; and each fell a victim
to the rigor of miUtary law. The news of the battle of Lexington roused his martial spuit,
and summoned him to the tented field. Before arriving at the age of twenty-one, a cap.
tain's commission was tendered him, and he soon became an efficient officer in the eonti.
nental army ; where his activity, zeal, and patriotism, obtained universal approbation.. The
company under his command, participating in the same spirit, submitted to a system of disci.
pline before unknown to the army ; and which produced very beneficial results. He entered as
a captain in the light infantry regiment commanded by Colonel Knowlton, of Ash&rd, and
was with the army on its retreat frora Long Island, in August, 1776, The Ainerican forces
took refuge in the city of New York, and afterward at the heights at Harlaem ; and it be.
came a matter of the utinost importance, in the opinion of the commander in.chie^ to as.
certain the numerical force and contemplated operations of the eneray ; for ob that know.
12

178 NEW YORK COUNTY.
'edge depended the safety of the American army, and perhaps the nation also, A council
of officers was assembled, and resulted in a determination to send some one competent to
the task into the heart of the enemy's camp, and Colonel Knowlton was charged with the
selection of an individual to perform the deUcate and hazardous service. On being inform.
ed of the views and wishes of Washington, Hale, without hesitation, volunteered his ser.
vices, saying that he did not accept a commission for fame alone ; that he had been some.
time UI the army without being able thus far to render any signal aid to his country ; and
that he now felt impeUed, by high considerations of duty, to peril his Ufe in a cause of so vital
importance when an opportunity presented itself of being useful. The arguments of his
friends were unavaiUng to dissuade him from the undertaking ; and having disguised him
self as weU as he could, he left his quarters at Harlaem Heights, and having an order from
the commander-in-chief to aU the American armed vessels to convey him to any point which
he should designate, he was enabled to cross the sound from Fairfield to Long Island, and
anived at Huntington about the middle of September, 1776. When he reached Brooklyn,
the British army had taken possession of New York. He examined with the utmost cau.
tion the fortifications of the enemy, and ascertained as far as possible their number, posi-
tion, and future intentions ; and having satisfactorily accomplished the objects of his mission,
he again reached Huntington for the purpose of re-crossing the sound. While waiting for
a passage, a boat came on shore, which he at first supposed to be from Connecticut, but
proved to be frora a British vessel, the Cerberus, lying in the sound ; and on board this boat,
it is said, was a relative of Capt. Hale, a tory refugee, who recognised and betrayed him.
He had assuraed a character which did not belong to him, that of pretending to be what he was
not. That he was a spy, could no longer be concealed, and he was immediately sent to
General Howe at New 'Vork. Here the parallel between his case and that of Andre ceases.
The latter was aUowed time and an impartial trial before officers of honorable rank and
character, and his last moraents were soothed by tenderness and sympathy. Not so with
the former ; he was delivered into the possession of the infamous provost-marshal, Cun
ningham, and ordered imraediately for execution, without even the formality of a trial.
The order was performed in a brutal manner on the twenty-first of September, 1776, and
his body was buried on the spot where he breathed his last. He was, indeed, permitted to
consecrate a few previous moraents in writing to his family ; but as soon as the work of
death was done, even this testimony of affection and patriotism was destroyed, assigning
as the cause, ' that the rebels should never know they had a man in their army who could
die with such firmness.' In this txying hour the use of a bible and the attendance of a
minister, which he desired, were also denied hira. Thus unknown to those around him,
with no eye to pity, or a voice to administer consolation, fell one of the most noble and
amiable youths which America could boast ; with this his dying observation, ' that he only
lamented he had but one life to lose for his country.' Though the manner of his execution
wiU be abhorred by every friend of hurhanity, 'yet there cannot be a question but that the
sentence of death was conformable to the practice of aU civilized nations. It is, however,
but common justice to the character of Captain Hale to state, that his motives for engaging
in this service were entirely different from those which sometimes influence others in like
cases.. Neither expectation of promotion or pecuniary reward induced the attempt, A
high sense of public duty, and a hope of being in this way useful to his country, and the
opinion which he had adopted, that every kind of service became honorable by being ne-
cessary, were the motives which prompted hira to this hazardous, and, to him, fatal enter.
prise. To see such an one, in the bloom of youth, influenced by the purest intentions, and
emulous of doing good to his beloved country, fall a victim to the policy of nations, must
;have been wounding even to the feelings of his enemies,
" Among other causes of distress in 1776, the want of provisions and clothing was se.
-verely felt by the American army. Just previous to the battie of Long Island it was as
certained that an English sloop, with supplies of these essential articles, had arrived in the
East river, and lay there under the protection of the ship Asia, of ninety guns. Captain
Hale conceived the bold project of capturing this sloop, and bringing her into the port of
New York, and found a sufficient number of bold hearts and stout hands to make the at.
tempt At an hour concerted, they passed in a boat to a point of land nearest the sloop,
where they lay till the moon was down ; and when all was quiet, except the voice of the
watchman on the quarter.deck of the Asia, they puUed for the sloop, and in a few minutes
were on board. She became their prize, and the goods were distributed to those who
needed them in our army.
" A ineeting of the citizens of Coventry and the neighboring towns was held on the 25th
of November, 1836, at which a society was formed called the Hale Monument Associa.
TiON, for the purpose of taking measures to erect a suitable memorial to the meraory of
the subject of this notice. An eloquent address was delivered on the occasion, by An-

NEW YORK COUNTY. 179
dijew T, Judson, Esq., to whom we are indebted for much of the information contained in
this brief memoir,
" The foUowing poetical tribute to the lamented Hale, is from the pen of the late Presi
dent Dwight : — ' Thus, while fond virtue wished in vain to save.
Hale, bright and generous, found a hapless grave ;
With genius' livmg flame his bosom glow'd.
And science charmed hira to her sweet abode ;
In worth's fair path, adventured far.
The pride of peace, and rising grace of war,'
" As yet no monument has been erected, nor have his ashes ever been recovered, A
select committee of congress, on the 19th of January, 1836, recommended an appropria
tion of one thousand dollars from the treasury of the United States towards carrying the
object into effect ; but no action was ever had upon it afterward, and it is much to be
feared so praiseworthy a design wiU be suffered to sleep, perhaps forever." — Thompson's
History of Dong Island.
The annexed account of the evacuation of New York by the Brit
ish, and the entrance of the American troops, under Washington, is
extracted from Thatcher's Military Journal.
"November 25th, 1783. — The British army evacuated New York,
and the American troops under General Knox, took possession of the
city. Soon after, General Washington and Governor Clinton, with
their suite, made their public entry into the city on horseback, fol
lowed by the lieutenant-governor and the members of council, for
the temporary government of the southern district, four abreast;
General Knox and the officers of the army, eight abreast ; citizens
on horseback, eight abreast ; the speaker of the assembly and citizens
on foot, eight abreast. The governor gave a public dinner, at which
the commander-in-chief, and other general officers were present.
The arrangements for the whole business were so well made and
executed, that the most admirable tranquillity succeeded through the
day and night. On Monday the governor gave an elegant enter
tainment to the French ambassador, the Chevalier de la Luzerne ;
General Washington, the principal officers of New York state, and
of the army, and upwards of a hundred gentlemen were present.
Magnificent fireworks, infinitely exceeding every thing of the kind
before seen in the United States, were exhibited at the Bowling
Green, in Broadway, on the evening of Tuesday, in celebration of
the definitive treaty of peace. They commenced by a dove descend
ing with the olive branch, and setting fire to a marron battery. On
Tuesday noon, December 4th, the principal officers of the army as
sembled at Francis' tavern, to take a final leave of their much loved
commaiider-in-chief. Soon after, his excellency entered the room.
His emotions Were too strong to be concealed. FUling a glass, he
turned to them and said, • With a heart full of love and gratitude, I
now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days
may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been
glorious and honorable.' Having drank, he added, ' I cannot come
to each of you to take my leave, but shaU be obliged to you, if each
of you wUl come and take me by the hand.' General Knox being
nearest, turned to him. Incapable of utterance, Washington, in tears,

180 NEW YORK COUNTY.
grasped his hand, embraced and kissed him. In the same affection
ate manner he took leave of each succeeding officer. In every eye
was the tear of dignified sensibUity; and not a word was articulated
to interrupt the eloquent silence and tenderness of the scene. Leav
ing the room, he passed through the corps of light infantry, and
walked to Whitehall, where a barge waited to convey him to Paulus'
Hook, The whole company followed in mute and solemn proces
sion, with dejected countenances, testifying feelings of delicious mel
ancholy which no language can describe. Having entered the
barge he turned to the compa':.y, and waving his hat, bid them a silent
adieu. They paid him the g^ime affectionate compliment, and after the
barge had left them, returned in the same solemn manner to the place
where they had assembled. The passions of human nature were never
more tenderly agitated than in this interesting and distressful scene."
The following, respecting the prevalence of the yellow fever at
various times in New York, is from a publication written by James
Hardie, A. M., printed in New York in 1822.
. " The yeUow fever, in our times, was first observed in this city in the year 1791, when
General Malcolm and some other very respectable citizens fell victims to its fury. The
late respectable Dr. James TUlary, at a meetinp of a number of physicians, explained the
symptoms of the disease, described its character, and gave it its true name. To all present,
excepting two, the doctor spoke in a language which was past their comprehension, as he
had described a disease which they had never seen, and of which they had not the most
distant conception. But it was well reraerabered by the late venerable Dr. John Carleton
and Dr. Samuel Bard, who had seen the same fell destroyer, spreading havoc and destruc.
tion in this city, about forty years before that period. Since that time, it has repeatedly
made its appearance amongst us, and every physician in this city as well as in most other
maritime cities in the United States has had repeated opportunities of seeing it and of de.
vising, in his own mind, what he might deem the most effectual raeans of its prevention
and cure.
" As the sickness, which occurred in the year 1798, was by far more fatal than any
which has happened since that time, I shall endeavor to give as brief an account as possi.
ble of its origin, progress, and termination.
" Its first victim, in all probabiUty, was Mr. Melancton Smith, who died on the 28th or
29th of July, after an iUness of a few days. His case was said to have been attended with
the raost malignant syraptoms ; but such was the general opinion of the inhabitants with
respect to the healthiness of our city, that his death excited Uttie or no alarm. It was be.
lieved that Mr, Smith had been taken sick at his store, in Front.street, near Coenties.sUp,
and a few days after his death, several persons were attacked with sickness in that vicinity.
The syraptoras of their disorders, however, appeared to be similar to that of a common cold.
They were, therefore, negligent in obtaining medical aid ; hence the disease got the as
cendancy before they were aware of their danger, and the assistance of physicians was
called for when it was too late.
" Whether any case of pestUential fever existed in the earUer part of August, remote
from the place where it was believed to have originated, was not, at the time, ascertained
to a certainty ; but of this there was no doubt, viz. that about the 20th of the raonth, cases
of a highly raalignant nature appeared in different parts of the city on the same day, and in
the course of six or eight days in different streets very remote from one another. In par.
ticular, it began to rage with great violence at the New-slip ; in Cliff-street and John-street •
but more especiaUy in Rider-street and Eden's-alley, where not a family escaped it, nor
was there a house, except two, in which it did not terminate fataUy to one or more nidi.
viduals. " The Health Commissioners began to be apprehensive respecting the appearance of this
pestilence so eariy as the 6th of August, on which day they addressed a letter to the
Mayor. It was to the foUowing purport, viz, that ' the unfinished state of the docks in
Front.street, between Coenties and the Old slips, generaUy, had been, in their opinion, a
source of disease, in that neighborhood, last year, and had occasioned the death of several
valuable citizens. That they cannot sufficiently regret that they had reason to renew their

NEW YORK COUNTY. 181
remonstrances on this subject, and that its present situation was Ukely to be productive of
stUl greater evils than those of last year.' They added, that several persons had sickened
in the neighborhood of these unfinished grounds within a week, and witii symptoms strik.
ingly characteristic of yeUow fever; and they recommended that the comraon council
would appoint two of their members, with whom they (the commissioners) would meet,
at an early hour on the ensuing moming, to concert measures adapted to the emergency
of the case. The board very cheerfuUy complied vrith this recommendation, and such
measures were imraediately adopted as were deemed most Ukely to check the progress of
the growing malady ; but it had now taking so deep root, that it could neither be eradi.
cated nor checked by human means.
" On the same day (6th August) the commissioners issued an advertisement, notifying
their determination to put the laws in force against those who should neglect to keep the
streets clean before their respective doors, &c., adding that the street inspectors were di.
rected to report aU offences of this nature to the poUce, and that the penalty against offend.
ers would be rigidly exacted.
" On the 12th, 13th and 14th of August, there were heavy showers of rain ; that on the
14th commenced at four in the morning, and continued without intermission until nine,
with considerable thunder. The quantity which feU during these five hours, was supposed
to have been greater than had at any time fallen, during the same space of time, for many
years. The streets were covered with water in many places knee.deep, and a vast num
ber of cellars were filled with it,
" It was at the time generally beUeved, that this excessive rain and thunder would
have so purified the air, that the city would, in a few days, be totally exempt frora any
cases of this disorder ; but, alas ! our expectations were dreadfully disappointed. It is well
known, that stagnant water in confined places, during hot weather, will, in a few days, ex
hale a pestUential vapor, which, if it does not generate, will certainly propagate or throw
into more extensive circulation dangerous diseases which have already made their appear
ance. To prevent an occurrence of this kind, the citizens were repeatedly and most earn
estly entreated by the Health Commissioners to cause the water to be removed, and Ume
afterward to be Uberally scattered in their ceUars. Although it might have been reasona
bly expected, that a regard to self-preservation would have produced a prompt compliance
with this recommendation, it is well known that many neglected it, and of those not a few
were amongst the first victims to the disease. From this time, the number of deaths ahnost
daily increased.
" About the 24th of August, numbers began to leave the city, and many of those who
had offices for ' the transaction of business towards the East river, moved to Broadway,
which was deemed more healthy. The customhouse, in Mill-street, and the Insurance
Office, in Water-street, were fixed, for the time, in the "Tontine City Tavern, in Broadway.
" During the whole month of August, the number of deaths amounted to three hundred
and twenty.nine. As particular attention was not paid by the sextons, during this month,
to distinguish those who fell victims to the fever from those who had died of other disor-
ders, it was diffictdt to ascertain their precise numbers. It was believed, however, that by
fixing it at one hundred, it would not be far from the truth. On the 15th of August, the
deaths were 14 — ^frora which day the number continued to progress, so that on the 1st of
September they amounted to 23, The daUy averages during August was about 12,
" On the 15th of September the nuraber of funerals was 38, on the 19th they were no
less than 63, and on each of the two foUowing days they were reduced to 40 — from which
circumstance hopes were entertained that our raortal foe was about to leave us ; but we
were again disappointed, for the next four days it kept fluctuating between 41 and 50, and
on the 26th rose up to 60, The total number of deaths during this month was eleven
himdred and fifty.two, of whom nine hundred and fifty-four died of fever. The daily aver.
age through the month was about 38.
" The number of the dead on the 1st of October was 43, and this was the greatest num.
ber during the whole month. On the 18th it was reduced to 16, and on the 21st it only
amounted to 9, After this the number of deaths on any one day, during the existence of
the calamity, did not exceed 15 ; and it is ahnost certain, that had our absent citizens at.
tended to tlie advice of the Health Committee, dissuading them from a premature return,
the death warrant of the disorder might have been dated from that day. The whole num.
ber of fiinerals in October was five hundred and twenty-two, of whom four hundred and
thirty-one died of fever. The average of the deaths, during this raonth, was about 17.
" On the 10th of November the deaths were 5, and on each of the preceding days they
were only 4, The total number during these ten days were 83, of whom thirty.nine d'ed
of yeUow fever. The foUowing address of the Committee to the pubUc now made its
appearance.

182 NEW YORK COUNTY.
" ' The Health Committee for the reUef of the sick and indigent in the city of New York,
beg leave to congratulate their feUow-citizens, that under Divine Providence, this long
afflicted city is once more restored to its usual state of general health, and, with the most
heartfeh pleasure, inform those who yet remain in. exUe, that although a few cases of the
pestilential fever exist, yet that by the late cold weather and frost, the contagion is so far
destroyed, as to render the return of their famiUes to the city perfectiy safe, provided they
take the necessary previous raeasures of cleansing and ventilating their long unaired dweU.
ings, and purifying the bedding and clothing, winch may have been left therein during the
prevalence of the fever,
" ' It would have afforded the Coramittee much satisfaction, could they have given this
invitation at an earlier period, but they did not conceive themselves warranted by the then
existing circumstances. There have, until the present moment, been several new cases
of fever, particularly among those citizens who returned earlier than the committee thought
prudent, many of whom have fallen victims to the devouring pestilence. This, among
other circumstances, has induced the committee, to withhold this invitation until the pre.
sent time, &c.'
" The whole nuraber of deaths during this awful calamity, was two thousand and eighty.
six, viz, eleven hundred and ten men; five hundred and eighty.nine women, and eight hun
dred and eighty-five children. Of these, if we admit that one hundred died of the fever in
August, its victims would amount to one thousand five hundred and twenty-four, A great
many of our citizens, too, who fled, were Ukewise cut off by it. Hence it is probable, that
the whole number of deaths would be between 2,400 and 2,500. An awful number in.
deed ; particularly if we consider that more than one third, some suppose that one half, of
the inhabitants had left the city.
" An opinion generaUy prevaUed, that the progress of the disease varied according to the
state of the atmosphere ; but from my observations on this subject, in the years 1798, 1799,
1800, 1803, 1805, and also in the present year, I am ranch inclined to doubt its accuracy.
The pestilence walketh in darkness, and the wisest of men, as yet, know very litde of the
nature of its progress. Of this, however, we may be certain, that cool mornings and eVen.
ings, accompanied by hot days, contribute greatly to spread infection ; that in case of yel
low fever having for some time existed in a city, it is extremely dangerous for those who
have fled to return to their houses till the hard frost shall set in, and that a keen black frost
has uniformly and almost instantaneously put an end to the further progress of the disorder,"
The following is an account of the yellow fever in 1803, as given
in an official letter by Dr. Miller.
" The commencement of the disease took place about the 20th of July, and from that
time, it continued to prevail, in a greater or less degree, till the end of October, The num.
ber of deaths, in this city, amounted to five hundred and three; those at the Hospital of
BeUevue, to one hundred and three, and those at the Marine Hospital on Staten Island, to
sixty-eight, making a total of six hundred and seventy-four. To this should be added an
indefinite number, about fifty or sixty, who fled from the city, and died of this disease in
the neighboring copntry and viUages,
" The first public alarm arose from some fatal cases at the Coffee-House Slip, and in that
neighborhood. About the same time, the disease was discovered in many other parts of
the city, without any known intercourse or communication between the persons who fell
sick. Although the number of cases, even at the worst periods of the epidemic, could not
be pronounced to be great, especially if compared with some preceding seasons, they were
certainly more generally diffused, and left fewer parts of the city exempt than on any former
occasions, Broadway and some of the adjacent parts of the town retained their healthy
character. The streets lying near the margins of the two rivers, and some of those in the
upper part of the city, which are principaUy inhabited by indigent, uncleanly, and dissolute
classes of the community, suffered the worst ravages of the disease. The alarm of the in.
habitants was very 'suddenly produced, and the suspension of business and the desertion of
the city far exceeded what had been ever experienced in former seasons."
The following respecting the yellow fever in 1805, is extracted
from a letter from Dr. E. MUler to Gov. Lewis.
" In former seasons, it has been usual to observe sporadic cases of this disease, for several
weeks, before the commencement of the epidemic. This was remarkably verified in the
late season ; and such cases deserve the more attention, as they furnish the best means of
calculating the probabiUty of approaching pestilence. Accordingly, one case of a decidedly
malignant character was observed in the month of June ; several took place in July ; a still
greater number in August : and at the beginning of September, they had become so nu
40

SEW YORK COUNTY. 183
merous as to ascertain the existence of the epidemic. Throughout September and October,
the disease continued to prevail with more or less severity, according to the fluctuating
state of the weather ; but towards the close of the latter month, the coldness of the season
had evidentiy checked its progress ; and at the beginning of Noveraber, the city was nearly
restored to its usual health.
" During the early period of the epidemic, nearly all the cases took place on the eastern
siae of the city, in Front, Water, and Pearl streets, and principaUy below Burling-Slip.
They afterward became raore generally diffused. About the 20th of September, they
began to prevaU near the' North river. On the whole, the low grounds on the margin of
the two rivers certainly produced a chief part of the cases. The number of deaths in the
city amounted to about two hundred ; those at the BeUevue Hospital to 52, and those in
the Marine Hospital, sent from the city, to twenty-eight. The number of cases of malig.
nant fever reported to the Board of Health, amounted to six hundred. It is proper, hke.
wise, in estimating the extent of the epidemic, to notice an unascertained number, proba.
bly about forty, who after their flight from the city died in various parts of the Country.
" The source of this disease forms a raost interesting subject of inquiry; on the success
of which must depend all rational and adequate raeans of preventing and eradicating the
evil. After a long and careful investigation of the subject, I cannot hesitate to conclude,
that a pernicious exhalation or vapovr floating in the atmosphere, is the primary and essen
tial cause of this disease."
The yellow fever in 1822, made its appearance in a different
quarter from that in which it had commenced its depredations in
former years. It had uniformly begun somewhere on the East river ;
but now it was first seen in Rector-street towards the North river, a
part of the city which had been heretofore deemed peculiarly un
healthy. The disease was first formi^ily noticed by the Board of
Health on the 31st of July. The Board again met at 12 o'clock,
having agreed to meet every day at that hour during the prevalence
of fever. From the 13th of July to the 2d of November, twelve
hundred and thirty-six persons died.
" On the same day, Saturday, the 24th August, our city presented the appearance of a
town besieged. From daybreak tiU night, one Une of carts, containing boxes, merchandise,
and effects, were seen moving towards Greenwich ViUage and the upper parts of the city.
Carriages and hacks, wagons and horsemen, were scouring the streets and fiUing the roads ;
persons vnth anxiety strongly marked on their countenances and with hurried gait were
bustiing through the streets. Temporary stores and offices were erecting, and even on the
ensuing day (Sunday) carts were in motion and the saw and hammer busily at work.
. Within a few days thereafter, the Customhouse, the Post-office, the Banks, the Insurance offi
ces, and the printers of newspapers, located themselves in the vUlage or in the upper part of
Broadway, where they were free from the impending danger, and these places almost in
stantaneously became the seat of the immense business usually carried on in this great
metropoUs. Friday, the 11th of October, was observed as a day of pubhc hu
miliation and prayer on account of the pestilence.
" Immediately after the address of the Board to their feUow-citizens on the 26th October,
the absentees began to return to their, respective abodes with a precipitation almost unpar
alleled. Forty or fifty carts and wagons could be seen in a line transporting goods, wares,
merchandise, and household furniture from the viUage of Greenwich and places in the
outskirts of the city, to the stores and houses from which they had been taken several
weeks before. On the 5th November, the Customhouse, Post-office, Banks, Insurance
offices, Printing offices, Vendue Masters, Merchants, &c., returned to their former habita.
tions. About this time, the places of worship, which had been so long shut, in the lower
part of the city, were re-opened, vessels came to our docks as usual, and a bustle again be.
came visible at the former places of trade and commerce,"
In July, 1832, the asiatic cholera made its appearance in this city.
The foUowing table is extracted from the New York Observer. It
includes all the deaths from July 2d, at about the time of its com
mencement, untU Oct. 19th, when the pestUence had almost ceased.

184

NEW YORK COUNTY.

CiTT Inspeciob's

Report.

Our Estimate.

Week ending

^Burials.

Of Cholera.

Deaths by
pestUence.

Average pai
day.

July 7 

 191 

 56 

 81 

 11

" 14 

 510 

 336 
 716 

 400 
 777 

 57

•' 21 

 887 

 ni

" 28 

 879 

 686 

 769 

 110

Aug. 4 

 580 

 383 

 470 

 67

" 11 

 467 

 281.; 

 ;...357 

 51

" 18... 

 444 

 222 

 334 

 48

" 25 

 391 

 178 

 281 

 40

Sept. 1 

 324 

 138 

 214. 

 30

" 8 

 355 

 201 

 245 

 35

" 15 

 291 

 128 

 181 

 26

" 22 

 238 

 72 

 128 

 18

" 29 

 180 

 50 

 70 

 10

Oct. 5 

 137 

 24 

 27 

 4

" 12 

 129 

 14 

 19 

 2

" 19 

 94 

 11 

 11 

 2

Total..

....6,097

3,496

4,364

The annexed description of New York in 1800, was taken from a
series of historical articles relating to the city, now being published in
the New York Express,  commenced two years since.
" The fashionable part of the city, or west end of the town, was in WaU and Pine streets,
between Broadway and Pearl, — ^Pearl from Hanover square, (now part of Old slip,) to
John-street, along State-street and a part of Broadway, below WaU-street. Then the city
hall was not built, and on the site where it now stands was the rear of the almshouse — the
hog-pen of which enclosed the ground now the most beautiful part of the Park. The
change is truly astonishing. In WaU-street, for example, there now is but one family
residing in the whole street, and that is over a bank. Hardly an old building remains,
and not one that is not so altered as to be totally different frora what it was then. At
the corner of Nassau-street, stood the venerable Federal hall, since torn down — a splendid
row of dweUings was afterward put up, which were subsequentiy torn down to give place
to the new customhouse, now buUding. Next below stood the elegant mansion of Mr.
Verplanck, the brick of which were brought from Holland, and in its stead is the Bank of
the State of New York. Next was the residence of John Keese, now the Union Bank  less
changed than any other building. This, however, on the first of May, is to be levelled with
the ground, and a new banking-house to be put up. Between it and WiUiam-street were
the residences of Francis B. Winthrop and Charles Wilkes — ^in the place of which are the
Dry Dock Bank, and Bank of America. On the lot where the United States Bank now
stands was the elegant mansion of Gen. John Lamb, first coUector of the port, and father
of Alderman Lamb. This was considered not only the finest house, but was believed to
be the grandest house that could be built. On the opposite side, wliere is now going up
the massive new Merchants' Exchange, stood the residence of Thomas Buchanan, Mrs.
White, and WilUam C. Leffingwell. Mr. Jauncey, an English gentieman who lived in
great style, occupied the buUding now rented by Messrs. Dykers & Alstyne — ^his.stable ia
the same buUding now used by the Board of Brokers. The very room in which mUUons
of stock are sold every week was then a hay-loft.
" The watch-house was kept at the corner of Broad-street, now used by Robinson for
the sale of his caricatures. Baker's tavern, one of the most noted public houses, was at the
corner of New-street — a club met there nightly for more than half a century. Pine-street
has undergone still greater changes, — ^from Water-street to Broadway, every house has been
demolished. Then not a store was to be seen. The old French church, the sanctuary of
the Huguenots, stood at the corner of Nassau, — its surrounding burying yard contained the
ashes of many of the most valued citizens. The Walcotts, Jays, 'Waddingtons, Radcliffs
Brinkerhoffs, Wells, and a host of others, resided in this street, without a thought that in
less than 40, and even 30 years, not one brick then standing, would remain on another.
In Pearl-street were the fashionable residences of Samuel Denton, John Ellis John J.
Glover, John Mowett, Robert Lenox, Thomas Cadle, John Glendenning, John B, Murray,
Governor Broome, Andrew Ogden, Governor George CUnton, Richard Varick, and a great

NEW YORK COUNTY.

185

number of others. Nearly aU of these gentiemen are deceased. We noticed a few days
since, one of the number, Mr. Denton, for a long time past a resident of Tennessee. He
remarked that he was absolutely a stranger ; knew no one, and could hardly identify a sin
gle spot. In Hanover square, stood a block of buildings fronting Old slip and Pearl-street.
They have all been removed. The city consisted of seven wards, now increased to seven-
teen."

View of the City Hall, New York.
The city hall* is one of the most prominent buUdings in New
York, standing near the centre of the park, an area of about four
acres. Situated in this spacious area, it is seen to great advantage
in every direction.
" The buUding is of a square form, two stories in height, besides a
basement story. It has a wing at each end, projecting from the front,
and in the centre the roof is elevated to form an attic story. The
whole length of the building is 216 feet, the breadth 106, and the
height 61 feet. Including the attic story, it is 65 feet in height. The
front and both ends, above the basement story, are built of native
white marble, from Stockbridge, Massachusetts ; and the rest of the
building is constructed of brown freestone. The roof is covered
with copper, and there is a balustrade of marble entirely round the
top. Rising from the middle of the roof, is a cupola, on which is
placed a colossal figure of Justice, holding in her right hand, which
rests on her forehead, a balance, and in her left, a sword pointing to
the ground. Justice is not blindfold, as she is represented in Europe.
" There are four entrances to the huilding ; one in front, one in the

* The above engraving was copied from a drawing taken some years ago. Since then,
the cupola has been slightly altered, and a clock placed in it. A small cupola has also
been added in the rear, on which hangs the city fire-bell. The city is divided into five fire
districts, and when there is a fire the particular district in which it is located is indicated by
the number of times which the beU tolls. For instance, when it is in the first it toUs once,
in the second, twice in succession, and so on, excepting in the fifth, which is indicated by
a continual toUing.

186 NEW YORK COUNTY.
f
rear, and one in each end. The front, which is the principal, is on
the first story, to which there is access by a flight of 12 marble steps,
rising from which there are 16 columns supportuig a portico imme
diately over the entrance, also composed of marble. In the centre
of the rear of the building, there is a projecting pediment. The en
trance in this quarter is also on the first story, by a flight of freestone
steps. The first story, including the portico, is of the Ionic, the second
of the Corinthian, the attic of the Fancy, and the cupola of the Com
posite orders.
" The foundation stone of this buUding was laid on 26th Septem
ber, 1803, during the mayoralty of Edward Livingston, Esq., and at
a time when the yellow fever prevailed in the city. , It was finished
in 1812, and the expense, exclusive of.lhe furniture, amounted to half
a million of dollars." ' • .
" Fifty dollars," says the New York Express, " were appropriated
to defray the expenses of the ceremony of laying the corner-stone.
These were the times when expenses of this sort were dealt out
with a most sparing hand. No corporation dinners were allowed
and two to three thousand dollars expended. When the corner
stone was laid, and long after, the long building now standing on
Chamber-street, and in which various courts are held, was the alms
house. The paupers of that day numbered less than four hundred ;
now, our Bellvue establishment has more inmates than the number
of many of our most flourishing cities. Three to four thousand are
the permanent inhabitants of the almshouse, besides quadruple that
number who receive temporary relief from the commissioners. The
space between the almshouse and city hall, was then a pig-pen, and
contained hundreds of pigs, fattened by the wash of the almshouse,
debtor's prison, and bridewell. It will be seen that the hall is mainly
built of marble ; the first design was that the whole should be built
of that material. At that time, marble was high, and it was desira
ble to make a saving. It was maintained that the population would
never, to any extent, settle above Chamber-street, and therefore, as
the rear of the hall would not be seen, it was concluded to buUd the
same of red freestone. This accounts for the difference between the
front and rear."
The following shows the Egyptian buUding, embracing the halls of
justice, as it appears fronting Centre-street. The police courts are
held here at all hours of the day; the justices relieving each other
in their sittings. This place may be considered as the head-quarters
of the police officers or constables, who are constantly seen going
after, and returning with criminals of every grade, from the genteel
and accomphshed rascal, to his brother in crime, the coarse and bru
tal villain. Perhaps in no other part of the country are seen such
degraded and disgusting exhibitions of fallen humanity, as in this
place. Here many culprits of both sexes are literally dragged up
to the tribunal of justice. While some are making complaints, others
are being " examined," " sentenced," " bound over," or " reprimand
ed," as the case may be. While this is going on, the officers may

NEW YORK COUNTY.

187

^ Southern view of the Halls of Justice, Centre-street
be seen leading off some to the prisons, or tombs, (as they are famU-
iarly called,) in another part of the building. The court of sessions
is held in an adjoining part of the building, at which the recorder
presides. ^
" This e.difice now occupies the whole of the block bounded by
Leonard, Elm, Franklin, and Centre streets, (formerly the corpora
tion yard,) and is 263 feet 3 inches in length, by 200 feet"5 inches
in width.
" The interior combines accommodations for the courts of sessions,
police, grand jury, house of detention, records, city watch, district
attorney, sheriff, clerk of the court, an^ other officers belonging to
the different branches of the institution, together with the necessary
offices for copking, washing, watering, warming, &c. The whole
designed by Mr. John Haviland.
" The four facades, as well as the entrance hall, are executed in
the Egyptian style of architecture, with Hallowell granite.
" The principal front has a distyle portico of four columns, with
palm-leaved capitals. Above the capitals are square dies, upon
which rests the architrave, ornamented with a large winged globe
encircled by serpents. The architrave is surmounted by a cornice,
composed of a bold Scotia, enriched with reeded Triglyphs and a
banded Torus ; and which, being of the same height with that of the
simUarly embellished wings, forms with them one continued line.
Moreover, the banded moulding of the cornice descends in the form
of a roller on all the external angles of the edifice. Both the wings
are perforated with five lofty windows, extending the height of two
stories, and finished with diminished pilasters, which support a cor
nice over each, composed simply of a bold Scotia, enriched with a
winged globe and serpents.
" The lateral fronts on Leonard and Franklin streets have each
two projecting pylones or porches, with two columns ; the one on
Leonard-street adjoining the principal front, is the entrance to the

188 NEW YORK COUNTY.
debtors' ward, and the opposite one on Franklin-street is the entrance
to the police ward ; the other two corresponding porches next to
Elm-street, form the carriage entrance to the house of detention.
These porches are 54 feet wide, and their columns and entablatures
correspond with those of the principal front, but the caps and shafts
of the columns are less enriched. The recess in both these lateral
fronts is six feet, and is relieved by five windows corresponding in
character with those of the principal front, but of less proportion and
enrichment, the Scotia being finished with reeded Triglyphs only,
instead of the winged globe and serpents. The approach to the
windows on these fronts is guarded against by a neat railing in keep
ing with the architecture. The rear or front on Elm-street having
no entrance or windows, is simply relieved by seven narrow recesses
in imitation of embrasures, and a railing in the same style as those
on the lateral fronts.
" A terrace surrounds the whole enclosure, raised ten feet above the
level of Centre-street, from which you ascend eight steps of a trun
cated and pyramidal form, to the platform of the portico, from which
you ascend also twelve steps, between the intercolumniation of the
rear columns to the entrance hall. This hall is 50 feet square and
25 feet high, supported by eight columns, ranged between two rows
with their antse placed on the opposite walls. These columns bear
the character or an order taken from the colonnade of the temple of
Medynet Abou. Attached to the antes opposite these columns, the
architect originally designed to place the Egyptian caviatides, so
highly spoken of by the French artists in Napoleon's great work on
Egypt, published by Pauckonche; and he feels assured that the
Board will yet be of his opinion, and finally adopt these splendid and
imposing figures in this entrance hall, as nothing else wUl be wanting
to perfect the edifice ; their capitals are ornamented with the leaves
and flowers of the Lotus. The floors are arched and laid in mosaic
of an Egyptian character, governed in form by the compartments in
the ceiling to which each belongs.
" The principal courts, jury, witness, and other business rooms, are
connected with, and lead into the entrance hall. On the left side .
are doors and passages communicating with the grand jury room,
offices for register, clerk of the court, district attorney, and sheriff,
debtors' ward and witness' rooms ; and on the right side are disposed
the magistrates' offices, court, and witness' rooms, watchmen's dor
mitories, police court, officers' rooms, and cells for nightly commit
ments. The centre leads to the court of sessions, (including two jury
rooms, and separate gallery capable of containing an audience of
300 persons ;) the whole well ventilated and lighted, and in a situa
tion the least hable to be disturbed by the noise of the adjoining streets.
" The house of detention is a distinct and isolated building, 142
feet in length by 45 in width. It contains 148 cells, divided into four
distinct classes for prisoners, including baths, and rooms for male Emd
female, white and black vagrants. The lower cells are 6 feet 9
inches wide, 11 feet high, and 15 feet long, diminishing 18 inches in

NEW YORK COUNTY.

189

length in each story ; they are provided with cast-iron water closets,
hydrant, water cock, ventilators, and are warmed by Perkins' hot
water pipes, (introduced and now in successful operation in the new
penitentiaries at Philadelphia and Trenton, by J. Haviland, architect.)
The floors, and ceilings, and galleries are formed of slabs from the
North river flagging ; the doors and window jambs of iron ; and the
entire cells are otherwise finished on the most approved plan for se
curity, seclusion, ventilation, economy of supervision and watching.
The corridors are ten feet wide below, and widen at each story to
19 feet at the summit, affording a free ventilation and uninterrupted
view of every cell door, from the observatory. A bridge leads across
from the house of detention to the prisoners' seat in the courthouse.
By reference to the specifications and drawings, it will be seen that
every part of the buUding is calculated to be executed in the most
substantial and approved manner, with the best materials of their
kind : and that no pains or expense is spared to eflTect all the desired
objects of the institution, with the aid, experience, and best talent
that the country affords.
"The building is generally fire-proof by ceilings and ffoors of
arched masonry.
" The site on which the building is erected, is formed of made
ground, every precaution having been used to render the foundation
secure by the introduction of iron ties, inverted arches, and heavy
timbering. The whole area was excavated several feet below the
water level, large timbers were placed together, and range timbers
at right angles with these laid several feet wider than the respective
waUs. " This edifice was commenced in 1836, and finished during the
summer of 1838." — New York in 1840.

View of the Penitentiary on BlackweWs island.
The above is a view of the penitentiary on Blackwell's island,
about four miles NE. of the city hah. It is an immense stone edifice,
recently erected, partly by convicts. The main building is four stories
high, surmounted by a square tower ; the two wings, each extend
ing upwards of 200 feet from the centre building, are also four stories
high. The interior is fitted up with rooms for the accommodation
of the keepers, workshops in which the prisoners are obhged to labor,

190 NEW YORK COUNTY.
and numerous cells ; the whole being constructed in the most sub
stantial and secure manner. Bridewell is situated at Bellvue, being
part of the building now used as the female penitentiary. Criminals
convicted of petit larceny, &c., are confined here ; also prisoners
before trial. The house of refuge is situated about 2i miles N. of
the city hall, and is under the control of the ' Society for the Re
formation of JuvenUe Delinquents.' It was incorporated in 1825.
" Banks. — There are now in the city of New York twenty-three
incorporated banks, with an aggregate capital of $20,361,200. There
are also incorporated in the state of New York seventy-five other
banks, with an aggregate capital of $16,740,260, making in all ninety-
eight banks, with a total capital of $37,101,468. All but eight of the
above banks are subject to the Safety Fund Act ; the exceptions are
the Manhattan, Dry Dock, Fulton, North Rivei*, and Chemical banks,
in the city of New York ; the Long Island Bank, Brooklyn ; Com
mercial Bank, Albany ; and Bank of Rochester, in the city of Roch
ester. The Safety Fund now amounts to $500,000, which is the
maximum provided by law. This fund was created by an annual
tax upon the Safety Fund Banks, and in case of the failure of any
one or more of them, it is liable to be drawn on for the deficit.
" The banks are open every day in the year, from 10 A. M. to 3
P. M., except Sundays, Christmas day, New Year's day, the Fourth
of July, and general holidays appointed by legal authority, and the
Bank of New York on Good Fridays.
" The rate of discount is 6 per cent, per annum, (calculating 360
days to the year,) excepting when notes have over 60 days to run.
Three days' grace are allowed on all notes, and the discount taken
for the same. When notes have over 60 days to run, the banks have
the privilege of charging 7 per cent."
The following is an account of the great fire in 1835, by which it
is estimated that about twenty millions worth of property was de
stroyed. " One of the most alarming and destructive fires ever known in this hemisphere, broke
out on Wednesday evening, December 16th, 1835, in the premises of Messrs. Crawford &.
Andrews, situate No. 25 Merchant-street, in this city, which in a short time raged with
such intensity as to defy the exertions of the firemen, and others, who with equal zeal and
prompitude were quickly on the spot for the purpose of stopping its ravages. The inutUity
of aU aid was, however, soon perceptible, and all that could be done, was to remove what
could in haste be got together, to such places as were deemed beyond the reach of the de
vouring element. With this impression, an immense quantity of goods were placed, for
safety from buildings in the immediate vicinity of the fire, in the Merchants' Exchange and
Reformed Dutch Church, where it was presumed they would remain free from danger ;
alas ! the futiUty of human speculation ; but a short time had elapsed frora the time of such
deposit to the whole being enveloped in flames, and these splendid buildings were soon
reduced to a heap of ashes. The power of man was fruitlessly employed in attempts to
stay its impetuosity, which every minute increased in the most alarming manner, spreading
in all directions, and causing the utmost dismay and consternation through the whole city
Any attempt to convey lo the mind a faithful description of the awfuUy grand scene that pfe.
scnted itself to the view of those who were witnesses of this dreadful catastrophe, must oi
necessity be very feeble.
" The morning of the 17th of December, 1835, opened upon New York with a scene
of devastation around, sufficient to dismay the stoutest heart. The fine range of buildings
and splendid stores in Exchange place, MerchanUstreet, and aU the adjoining streets down

NEW YORK COUNTY. 191
to the river, lay literaUy levelled to the earth, with their contents consumed ; the Mer.
chants' Exchange and Post-office entirely destroyed — ^the whole one heap of smoking ruuis.
" A tolerably correct idea of the extent of the devastation may be formed from the fol.
lowing account, which appeared the next morning in the Courier and Enquirer.
" South-street is burned down from WaU-street to Coenties slip. Front-street is burned
down from WaU-street to Coenties sUp, Pearl-street is burned down from WaU-street to
Coenties alley, and was there stopped by blowing up a buUding, Stone-street is burned
down frora 'WiUiara-street to No, 32 on the one side and No, 39 on the other, Beaver.
street is burned down half way to Broad.strcet, Exchange place is burned down from
Hanover-street to within three doors of Broad-street ; here the flames were stopped by
blowing up a house, WiUiara-street is burned down frora WaU-street to South-street, both
sides of the way. Market-house down. WaU-street is burned down on the south side,
from WiUiam-street to South-street, with the exception of 51, 53, 65, 57, 59, 61, opposite
this office. AU the streets and alleys within the above limits are destroyed,
" The following will be found a tolerably accurate statement of the number of houses and
stores now levelled with the ground : 26 on Water-street, 37 on South-street, 80 on Front-
street, 62 on Exchange place, 44 on WiUiam-street, 16 on Coenties slip, 3 on Hanover
square, 20 on Gouvemeur's lane, 20 on Cuyler's alley, 79 on Pearl-street, 76 on Water.
street, 16 on Hanover-street, 31 on Exchange-street, 33 on Old sUp, 40 on Stone-street,
23 on Beaver-street, 10 on Jones' lane, 38 on Mill-street ; — Total, 674,
" Six hundred and seventy-four tenements. By far the greater part in the occupacy of
our largest shipping and wholesale drygoods merchants, and filled with the richest products
of every portion of the globe. How estimate the immense loss sustained, or the fearful
consequences to the general prosperity ?
" Of the Merchants' Exchange nothing but its marble walls remain standing,
" Three or four vessels lying at the wharves on South-street were sUghtly injured in their
yards and rigging. They were all hauled out into the river as soon as practicable,
" A detachment of marines from the navy-yard under Lieut, Reynolds, and of sailors
under Capt. Mix of the navy, arrived on the spot at two o'clock in the morning. They
rendered most valuable service. The gunpowder brought from the magazine at Red hook
was partfy under their charge,
" The cold during the whole time was excessive ; the thermometer at zeio. It may be
easily supposed that this greatly paralyzed the exertion of the firemen. One sank under
its effects, and was with difficulty resuscitated.
" Two cerapanies, with their engines, arrived here frora Newark, and rendered very
material assistance,
" The passengers in the steamboat coming down the river, saw the flames frora the
Highlands, forty-five miles distant, and such was the violence of the gale, during the preva
lence of the fire, that burning embers were carried across the East river to Brooklyn and
set fire to the roof of a house there, which was however speedily extinguished,
" Strong bodies of cavalry and volunteer infantry were patrolling the streets near the fire,
and preserved perfect order for the purpose of preventing depredations,"
Columbia college, (formerly King's college,) is situated on a beau
tiful square between Murray, Barclay, Church, and Chapel streets,
in the city of New York. It was estabhshed under a royal charter
in 1754, which has been confirmed by various acts of the legislature
since the revolution.
" There are two literary societies connected with the college,
composed of students and graduates: — viz, the Peithologian and the
Philolexian societies.
" There is also connected With the college, a grammar school,
subject to the control of the trustees, and under the direction of Pro
fessor Anthon, as rector. The school is composed of upwards of
200 hundred scholars, and instruction is given in all branches neces
sary for admission into any college, or for the counting-house.
" Eight instructors are constantly employed, besides one teacher in
French, one in Spanish, and one in German and Italian. There is
also a primary school attached to this institution, in which boys from
five to ten years are prepared for the more advanced classes.

192

NEW YORK COUNTY.

View of the Customhouse, Wall-street.
" By a statute of Columbia college, the corporation of the city of
New York, the trustees of the New York Public School Society, the
trustees or directors of the Clinton Hall Association, of the MercantUe
Library Association, and of the Mechanic and Scientific Institutions,
the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen, and such other
.societies as the board of trustees may from time to time designate,
are each entitled to have always two students educated in the college
free of all charges of tuition. Every religious denomination in the
city is also entitled to have one student, who may be designed for the
ministry, educated free of aU charges. And every school, from
which there shall be admitted in any one year into the college four
students, have the privilege of sending one scholar, to be educated
gratuitously. In order to give effect to the privilege in regard to
the common schools in the city, twelve scholars at one time receive
gratuitous instruction in the grammar school preparatory to their
entering the college."
The above is a view of the new customhouse as seen from WaU-
street. This structure surpasses any building of its size in the
world, both in the beauty of its design and the durability of its con
struction. It is in the form of a parallelogram,, 200 feet long, by 90
wide ; and about 80 feet in height from the bottom of the foundation
wall to the top. Brick, granite, and marble are used in the construc
tion; all the inside walls are of brick, with the exception of those in the
rotunda, which are of marble. The steps and stairs throughout are
of a light-colored granite, employed for the sake of durability. At
the extremity of the entrance hall is the rotunda, or large circular
apartment to be used as the coUector's office. This is a most splen
did room ; the roof is supported by 16 beautiful marble columns, high
ly polished with Corinthian capitals, 30 feet high, and 2 feet 8 inches
in diameter. The diameter of the rotunda is 60 feet in the clear,
and 80 feet in the recesses. The largest blocks of marble used in

NEW YORK COUNTY. 193
the building weigh thirty-three tons. The marble slabs for the roof
weigh 300 or 400 pounds, and lap over each other eight inches with
an upper and an under lip, to allow of the expansive power, and to
keep out the least particle of water. The entire outside of this
splendid edifice is of marble, with the exception of the granite steps.
There is not a particle of wood work in any part of the building,
and it is probably the only structure in the world that has been erect
ed so entirely fire-proof. This elegant edifice was commenced in
May, 1834, and finished in May, 1841. The cost, ground inclusive,
was $1,175,000— building alone, $950,000. The architect is Mr.
John Frazee, and it will probably remain for ages a monument of his
skiU. The number of ofhcers employed in the customhouse is 354, of
whom nearly 200 are inspectors. The amount of duties received for
the last three years has been as follows, viz : —
1838  $10,494,055 34
1839  13,970,332 49
1840  7,557,441 36
The old city or Federal Hall stood on the present site of the Cus
tomhouse. It was in its pallery on WaU-street, on April 30th, 1789,
that George Washington was inaugurated the first President of the
United States. The annexed account of this ceremony is from Sparks'
Life of Washington : —
" A committee of congress, consisting of three members of the
Senate and five of the House of Representatives, was appointed to
meet, him in New Jersey and attend him to the city of New York.
To Elizabethtown Point came many other persons of distinction, and
the heads of the several departments of government. He was there
received in a barge, splendidly fitted up for the occasion, and rowed
by thirteen pilots in white uniforms. This was followed by vessels
and boats, fancifully decorated, and crowded with spectators. When
the President's barge came near to the city, a salute of thirteen guns
was fired from the vessels in the harbor, and from the battery. At the
landing he was again saluted by a discharge of artillery, and was
joined by the governor and other officers of the state, and the cor
poration of the city. A procession was then formed, headed by a
long military train, which was followed by the principal officers of
the state and city, the clergy, foreign ministers, and a great con
course of citizens. The procession advanced to the house prepared
for the reception of the President. The day was passed in festivity
and joy, and in the evening the city was brilliantly illuminated.
" The first public act of the President was that of taking the oath
of office. It was decided by congress, that this should be done with
some ceremony. In the moming of the day appointed, April 30th,
at 9 o'clock, rehgious services suited to the occasion were performed
in all the churches of the city. At twelve the troops paraded before
the President's door, and soon afterward came the committees of
congress and the heads of departments in carriages, to attend him to
the Federal Hall, where the two houses of congress were assembled.
13

194

NEW YORK COUNTY.

The procession moved forward with the troops in front, next the
committees and heads of departments, then the President in a coach
alone, followed by the foreign ministers, civil officers of the state, and
citizens. Arrived at the hall, he ascended to the senate chamber,
£md passed thence to a balcony in front of the house, where the oath
was administered to him in presence of the people by Chancellor
Livingston. The President returned to the senate chamber, in the
midst of loud acclamations from the surrounding throng of spectators,
and delivered to the two branches of congress his inaugural speech.
He then went on foot to St. Paul's church, where prayers were read
by the bishop, and the ceremonies were closed. Tokens of joy were
everywhere exhibited, as on the day of his arrival, and at night there
was a display of illuminations and fire-works."

Merchants Exchange, Wall-street.
This structure, now erecting and nearly completed, is in part on
the site of the Exchange building destroyed by the great fire of De
cember, 1835, and embraces all the ground between WiUiam and Wall
streets. Exchange place, and Hanover-street, covering the entire block.
The dimensions are 198 feet on Wall-street, 171 on WiUiam-street,
144 on Hanover-street, and 196 feet on Exchange place. It is 77 feet
high to the top of the cornice, and 124 feet from the foundation wall
to the top of the dome.
The building when finished will be of the Grecian Ionic style of
architecture, the exterior of which will be constructed of blue Quin
cy granite, in the most chaste and durable manner. In front, on
WaLI-«treet, will be a recessed portico, with 18 massive columns, 38
feet on height. The process of quarrying is curious. The quarry is in
in the side of a hUl'; the ends of a block of granite are cleared, a row of
holes are drilled in a straight line, wedges are inserted, and an enormous
piece of stone weighing from 300 to 400 tons is thus wedged off with
ease. Each of the 6olumns for the portico weigh about 90 tons in
the rough, and five men with a simple apparatus draw it out of tha
quarry in two or three days to the place where the workmen stand

NEW YORK COUNTY,

195

View of the New York University.
ready to hammer-dress it. The fair market price of one of these
columns is $6,000 ; but the Exchange company pay only $3,000 for
them, delivered in New York. These columns with but one excep
tion, (that of a church at St. Petersburg,) are the largest in the world,
being 38 feet in height, and 4 fe^t 4 inches in diameter ; and each of
the columns, including the base, cap, and shaft, weighs 43 tons. The
exchange room or rotunda is a most magnificent apartment, in the cen
tre of the buUding. The height of it to the spring of the dome is 51
feet, and above this the dome is 30 feet high ; the whole to be sur
mounted by a lantern sky-light 37 feet diameter, and 6 feet high. The
floor is to be of fine marble — its diameter is 80 feet in the clear, and
100 feet in the recesses, forming an area of 7000 square feet, which
it is estimated will hold 3000 persons. The dome is partly support
ed by eight polished Italian marble columns with Corinthian capitals,
executed in Italy; these are 41 feet in height, including the cap and
base, and 4 feet 8 inches in diameter. There wUl also be many rooms
for the accommodation of public and private offices, so constructed
as to be entirely fire-proof, under the superintendence of Mr. Isaiah
Rogers, the architect of the building. The cost of the structure will
be about $2,000,000.
The above is a view of the New York University, built in the col
legiate gothic style, situated on the east side of Washington square.
This institution was chartered in 1831, and opened for the reception
of students in 1832. The number of students in 1840 was 364.
" This building has just been completed, after a labor of several
years ; it is one hundred feet wide, and one hundred and eighty feet
long. In front this oblong is divided into five parts — a central build
ing, with wings flanked by towers, one rising on each of the four
corners of the edifice. This central building or chapel is superior to
the rest in breadth, height, and character ; and is somewhat similar
to that of King's college, Cambridge, England ; a masterpiece of

196

NEW YORK COUNTY.

pointed architecture, and the model for succeeding ages. It is fifty-
five feet broad, and eighty-five feet deep, including the octangular
turrets, one of which rises at each of the four corners. The two
ends are gabled, and are, as well as the sides, crowned with an em
battled parapet. The chapel will receive its principal light from a
window in the western end. This window is twenty-four feet wide,
and fifty high. It has eight lights and two embattled transoms. The
heads of the lights are cinque-foiled in a plain arch, and the divisions
above are quatre-foiled. Over the head of the window is a drip
stone, with plain returns. From the central building, or chapel, wings
project right and left, and are four stories in height, flanked by towers
of five, supported by angular buttresses of two stages, running above
an emhattled parapet, and' are at the top themselves embattled. The

New York Institution for tlie Deaf and Dumb.
windows in the wings have square heads, with two lights, a plain
transom, and the upper division tre-foUed. The heads of the win
dows are labelled, and have plain returns. The lower range of win
dows is set on a tablet, which serves as a base, and the two ranges
above are set on strings, which return around the* turrets, and stop
against the buttresses. The principal entrance is under the great
western window, through a richly moulded and deeply recessed
portal, flanked by buttresses of two stages, the upper stage set di
agonally, and rising above an embattled parapet. The doors are of
oak, richly pannelled, and filled with tracery of open work, closely
studded with bronze."
" The New York Institution for the instruction of the deaf and
dumb, was incorporated in 1817, and commenced operations under its
charter, by opening a school for the reception of pupils on the 12th
day of May, 1818. UntU the spring of 1829, the school was held in
the buUding now called the new City Hall. At that time the pupils
were transferred to a large buUding erected for the purposes of the
institution, on Fiftieth-street and the Fourth Avenue, three and a half
mUes from the City Hall. Communication between the institution
and the city is rendered very easy, by the cars which pass on the
Harlsem railroad, (Fourth Avenue,) every fifteen or twenty minutes
in both directions.

NEW YORK COUNTY. 197
" The principal building occupied for the purposes of the institution,
is one hundred and ten feet by sixty, in the dimensions of its plan,
and five stories in height, including the basement. It accommodates,
with some inconvenience, the number of pupils which the institution
embraces at present, with the teachers, the family of the principal,
and such other persons as are needed to assist in conducting the affairs
of the establishment.
"The original charter of the institution being about to expire by
limitation on the first day of April, 1837, it was extended by the le
gislature, in the spring of 1836, for a period of twenty-five years.
" The number of pupils who were members of the institution in
1840, was one hundred and fifty-two. One hundred and fourteen of
these are supported at the expense of the state of New York, six
at the expense of the state of New Jersey, twelve by the city au
thorities, one by the supervisors of the county of Dutchess, twelve
by the funds of the institution, and the rest by their parents or friends."
T/ie New York institution for the blind. — This institution contains
about fifty blind pupils, who, in addition to the school exercises, are
employed in making baskets, mats, rugs, carpeting, and in braiding
palm-leaf hats. They are also taught instrumental and vocal music.
The New York Historical Society, established in 1809, by private
contributten and legislative assistance, possesses a library of about
10,000 volumes, valuable manuscripts, coins, dtc. The Stuyvesant
Institute was organized in 1834, for the diffusion of knowledge by
means of popular lectures, to establish a cabinet, of natural history,
library, &c. The American Lyceum, for the promotion of education,
was founded in 1831. The New York Society Library was estab
lished in 1754, and has 35,000 volumes. The Apprentices' Library
was established by the General Society of Mechanics and Trades
men in 1821, and has about 12,000 volumes.
The Mercantile Library Association. — This noble institution was es
tablished in 1821, since which time it has gone on gradually and
steadily increasing, until it now numbers 3,500 members, and a splen
did library of 22,600 volumes, with an annual income of about $8,000.
Connected with the library are extensive reading-rooms, which are
supplied with all the principal American and foreign periodicals.
Lectures are regularly given by those distinguished in the various
departments of science or literature. Classes are also formed for
instruction, and the facilities here given at a trifling expense to the
clerk for acquiring a finished mercantile education, are unequalled
perhaps by any similar institution in the world.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons was formed in 1807, by
the legislature of New York, at the recommendation of the regents
of the University, by whose immediate government it is controlled.
The New York Eye Infirmary was founded in 1820 ; since this
period about 17,000 persons have 'for a longer or shorter period been
under the care of the surgeons of this institution. The New York
Hospital was founded in 1771, by the earl of Dunmore, the governor
of the colony. This institution has an annual revenue from various

198

NEW YORK COtnfTY.

sources of about $68,000, the larger portion of which is annually
expended. The Bloomingdale Asylum for the insane is pleasantly
situated near the banks of the Hudson river, distant 7 miles from the
city, and has attached to it 40 acres of land, laid out iu gardens,
pleasure grounds, &c., well adapted for the unfortunate inmates.
The American Academy of Fine Arts, in Barclay-street, was incor
porated in 1808. Napoleon, while first consul, presented Mr, Liv
ingston, our ambassador to France, with a valuable collection of
casts, engravings, &c., for this institution, which may be seen by the
public during the season of exhibition. The National Academy of
Design was instituted in 1826. It is enriched with many produc
tions of American art. It has professorships of Painting, Anatomy,
Sculpture, and Mythology.
The number of churches in the city is one hundred and fifty, com
prised in the annexed list.

Presbyterian  34
Congregationalist  4
Dutch Reformed  14
Episcopalian  28
Baptist  19

Methodist  20
Catholic...  7
Friends  4
Lutheran  2
Universalist  3

Unitarian  2
Jews  3
New Jerusalem  1
Moravian  1
MisceUaneous  6

Gothic (late Masonic) Hall, Broadway.
_ This building, lately the head-quarters of the Whig party in this
city, is situated on the east side of Broadway, about 60 rods north of
the Park. The foundation was commenced on St. John's day, 24th
June, 1826 ; when the corner-stone was laid with aU due ceremony
by the craft, in presence of thousands of citizens. It was finished in
the subsequent year ; the whole cost being $50,000. The building
has lately undergone some alterations internally, and the name been
changed to that of Gothic HaU.

NEW YORK COUNTY.

199

View of Tammany Hall* and the adjoining buildings.
The above shows the appearance of Tammany Hall and the adja
cent buildings as they appear from the southern wing of the City
HaU. Tammany Hall has acquired considerable celebrity from
beuig the head-quarters of the democratic party. The other build
ings seen on this block are mostly newspaper establishments : " The
Sun," " New Era," " Brother Jonathan," the " Tattler," and some
others are published here. The office of the Sun, a daily paper, is
on the corner of the block. This is the oldest penny paper in the
city, having been commenced towards the close of 1833, on a medium
sheet, by Day and Wisner. Two or three months afterward the
Transcript was begun of the same size, by Hayward, Lynde, and
Stanley. The Herald, by J. G. Bennet, was the next hving penny
publication : it was started in 1836. "rhe New Era, by Locke and
Price, foUowed in 1836. From 6,000 to 30,000 copies of some of the
penny papers are sold daily. A large proportion of these go into the
hands of those who take no other paper ; and who, were it not for their
* This name is derived from an Indian chief or saint, who is supposed to have been
alive as late as the year 1680. Mr. Heckwelder, in his History, says that aU that is known
of him is " that he was a Delaware chief, who never had his equal. The fame of this
great man extended even among the whites, who fabricated numerous legends respecting
him, which I never heard, however, from the mouth of an Indian, and therefore beUeve to
be fabulous. In the revolutionary war, his enthusiastic admirers dubbed him a saint, and
he was estabhshed, under the name of St. Tammany, the patron saint of America, His
name was inserted in some calendars, and his festival celebrated on the first day of May in
every year. On that day a numerous society of his votaries walked together in procession
through the streets of PhUadelphia, their hats decorated with bucks' tails, and proceeded to
a handsome rural place out of town, which they caUed the wigwam; where, after a long
talk, or Indian speech had been deUvered, and the calumet of peace and friendship had
been duly smoked, they spent the day in festivity and mirth."

200

NEW YORK COUNTY.

cheapness, woiild be destitute, in a great measure, of correct informa
tion respecting pubhc events. It is estimated that about 620,000
newspapers are issued in the city every week, and in the course of
the year upwards of thirty-two millions.

The Battery, and Castle Garden.
" The Battery. — This beautiful promenade is situated at the south
west, end of the island, and junction of the North and East rivers,
and possesses attractions unsurpassed, perhaps, by any other similar
place of resort in the world, justly commanding the admiration of
every visiter. It is in full view of the bay and surrounding scenery
of Long Island, Staten Island, New Jersey, and the islands in the
harbor. From no one point can a better idea be formed of the mag
nitude of the commerce of the city ; the numerous ships, steam
boats, and small vessels, that are constantly entering and departing
from the port, forming a scene of stirring interest. Of the bay itself,
we deem it appropriate in this place to quote the language of a late
English tourist.
" ' I have never seen the bay of Naples, I can therefore make no
comparison ; but my imagination is incapable of conceiving any thing
more beautiful than the harbor of New York. Various and lovely
are the objects which meet the eye on every side ; but the naming
them would only be to give a list of words, without conveying the
faintest idea of the scene. I doubt if even the pencil of Turner could
do it justice, bright and glorious as it rose upon us. We seemed to
enter the harbor of New York upon waves of liquid gold ; and as
we dashed past the green isles which rise from its bosom like guar
dian sentinels of the fair city, the setting sun stretched his horizMital
beams further and further, at each moment, as if to point out to us
some new glory in the landscape.'
" The Battery extends somewhat in the form of a crescent, from
the termination of Broadway, Greenwich, and Washington streets, on
the northwest, to WhitehaU-street, on the east, covering an area of

NEW YORK COUNTY. 201
nearly 11 acres, and laid out in grass-plots and gra,vel walks, shaded
with trees. The exterior, fronting the harbor, is built up with hewn
stone ; and on this side is a paved walk, with stone posts connected
with a neat open raUing. An expensive iron raUing, with gateways,
extends along the interior front."
" Originally this point of land was fortified by the Dutch, who
threw up embankments, upon which they placed some pieces of
cannon. ' In process of time,' says .Knickerbocker, ' it came to be
pleasantly overrun by a verdant carpet of grass and clover, and
their high embankments overshaded by wide-spreading sycamores,
among whose fohage the little birds sported about, rejoichig the ear
with their melodious notes. The old burghers would repair of an
afternoon to smoke their pipes under the shade of their branches,
contemplating the golden sun, as he gradually sunk in the west, an
emblem of that tranquU end towards which themselves were hasten
ing ; while the young men and the damsels of the town would take
many a moonlight stroll among these favorite haunts, watching the
chaste Cynthia tremble along the calm bosom of the bay, or light up
the white saU of some gliding bark, and interchanging the honest
vows of constant affection. Such was the origin of that renowned
walk, the Battery, which though ostensibly devoted to the purposes
of war, has ever been consecrated to the sweet delights of peace :
The favorite walk of declining age ; the healthful resort of the feeble
invalid ; the Sunday refreshment of the dusty tradesman ; the scene
of many a boyish gambol ; the rendezvous of many a tender assigna
tion ; the comfort of the citizen ; the ornament of New York, and
the pride of the lovely island of Mannahatta.' "
" Castle Garden. — On a mole, connected with the Battery by a
bridge, is situated Castle Garden, originally erected for a fortification,
and used for that purpose until 1823, when it was ceded by the
United States to the corporation of this city, since which it has been
leased for a place of pubhc amusement or recreation. On the top of
the walls, a walk, covered by an awning, has been constructed, from
whence a fine view of the harbor and adjacent scenery is obtained.
Within the walls over ten thousand people may be accommodated,
and concerts and fireworks are occasionaUy given."
" Vauxhall Garden — Is situated near the junction of the Bowery
and Broadway, fronting on the former, and is at present a place of
great resort in summer. On the evenings of public days, fireworks
and other entertainments are exhibited ; but by the late improve
ments in that part of the city, particularly by the extension of Lafay
ette place through the garden, its dimensions have been much les
sened. NiBto's Garden — Is one of the most fashionable places of resort
in the city, during the summer months. It has been laid out with
great taste, and when open to the public, is handsomely lighted, and
decorated with paintings, mirrors, &c. The walks are bordered
with shrubbery and flowers in great variety. Fireworks are occa-

202 NEW YORK COUNTY.
sionally exhibited ; and in the saloon, which is a very tasteful and
airy building, theatrical and musical entertainments are given."
"American Museum. — This excellent institution was founded in
1810, by the late John Scudder, by whose arduous efforts, and the
persevering exertions of its more recent proprietors, it has arose to
its present high standing. It continues daUy to improve in every de
partment, by extensive and valuable additions of the works of nature
and artificial curiosities, from all parts of the world. Its immense
collections are weU arranged and beautifully displayed in four spa
cious saloons, each one hundred feet in length ; in addition to which
another apartment has recently been added of still larger dimensions.
The Grand Cosmorama of this establishment is truly a most splendid
affair, which for extent of glasses and magnificence of views, is not
surpassed in this or any other country. The views embrace a great
variety of subjects, and were all executed expressly by Italian artists
of eminence in their profession. No labor or expense has been
spared to render this establishment well deserving a continuance of
that liberal and distinguished patronage it has always received.
The building is very high, and from its observatory may be enjoyed
some of the finest views in the city, and of the beautiful bay and sur
rounding country. The halls are well warmed and ventilated, and
at evening brilliantly lighted with gas, altogether forming a very in
viting, agreeable lounge, and at the same time, a place for serious
contemplation and amusement, to those who delight in the study of
thfe wonderful works of nature.
" Peale's Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts. — This establish
ment was founded in the year 1825, and has increased with aston
ishing rapidity. It contains four spacious apartments, which are
arranged in the following order: The 1st contains specimens of
Natural History in all its branches, and its beauty of arrangement,
and the exquisite style in which the articles are mounted, renders it
one of the most interesting places of public amusement in the country.
The 2d is a large and valuable collection of Paintings, by eminent
artists, amongst which may be particularly mentioned a Portrait of
Napoleon, by Le Fevre ; a Magdalen, by Le Bron, together with
Portraits of at least 150 celebrated citizens and foreigners. The 3d
contains a very superior Cosmorama, several Wax Figures of good
workmanship. Fossils, Shells, Minerals, and Miscellaneous Curiosities."
There are five theatres in the city, viz : Park Theatre, Bowery,
Chatham, Little Drury, and Olympic. The National Theatre was
burnt down the present year, (1841.)
The following is a list of the periodical publications issued in the
city oi New York.
" Quarterly publications. — Literary and Theological Review,
Naval Magazine, New York Review and Quarterly Church Journal,
New York Quarterly Magazine, Quarterly Anti-Slavery Magazine,
Quarterly Christian Spectator, Tailors' Magazine, United Brethren's
Missionary Intelligencer.

NEW YORK COUNTY.

203

"Monthly publications. — American Monthly Magazine, Anti-
Slavery Record, Children's Magazine, Home Missionary and Pastor's
Journal, Human Rights, Journal of the American Institute, Knicker
bocker Magazine, Ladies' Companion, La Revue Francais, (French)
Mechanics' Magazine, Missionary Herald, Mothers' Magazine, Mer
chants' Magazine, National Preacher, iVew York Farmer and Amer
ican Gardner's Magazine, Parley's Magazine, Sailor's Magazine,
Sunday School Visiter, Tract Magazine, Youth's Friend, Family
Magazine.

View of the Astor House, Broadway.
This splendid hotel, furnished with magnificence and taste, corres
ponding to its grandeur and simplicity, is the largest in the country,
if not in the world. It was erected by John Jacob Astor, at an ex
pense of about a milhon of dollars, and opened May 31st, 1836. It
is buUt of Quincy granite, in a style remarkably massive, simple, and
chaste, fronts 201 feet on Broadway, directly opposite the park, 154
on Barclay-street, and 146^ on Vesey-street. It is 77 feet in height.
The dining-room on Barclay-street is 100 feet by 40, and 19^ high.
The house contains at times about 600 persons, and the basement is
distributed into stores ; and. thus the establishment forms of itself, like
the Palais Royal of Paris, an almost independent colony.
The annexed account of the completion of the Erie Canal, October
20th, 1825, and the celebration of the event in New York city, is ex
tracted from newspapers published at the time.
" The canal connecting the great lakes of North America with the Atlantic Ocean, is
finished. On Wednesday, at 10 o'clock, A. M., the waters of Lake Erie were admitted at
Buffalo, and the first boat frora the lake commenced its voyage to New York. This joyful
event was announced to the citizens of the state by the roar of cannon planted in a contin
ued Une along the banks of the canal and of the Hudson, at intervals of about eight miles,
and extending from Buffalo to Sandy Hook, a distance of about 544 mUes. The cannon
were fired in succession, commencing at Buffalo at the moraent of the entrance of the boat
into the canal, and the inteUigence thus communicated, reached this city precisely at twenty
minutes past eleven o'clock, at which time a national salute was fired from the battery, and
this acknowledgement that we had received the inteUigence was then imraediately returned
by the same line of cannon to Buffalo. Thus the work is finished ; the longest canal in

204 NEW YORK COUNTY.
the world is completed, and completed in the short space of eight years, by the single state
of New York, a state which seventy years ago was a wilderness, thinly peopled by a Uttle
more than 100,000 souls." CANAL CELEBRATION,
" The splendid exhibition in honor of the completion of the Erie Canal took place on
Friday of last week, Nov. 4th. For several days previous, strangers from every part of the
surrounding country had been crowding into the city to witness the interesting event. The
day was remarkably pleasant, and favorable for the display. The foUo.wing account
of the ceremonies which took place is from the DaUy Advertiser :^
" The Societies. — The procession formed agreeably to arrangement, and about half-past
ten, moved down the west side of Greenwich-street to the battery, where it wheeled and
passed up the east side of Greenwich-street, &c,, in the foUowing order :
" At the head were four buglemen on horseback, who preceded the — Agricultural and
Horticultural Societies, many of whose members wore nosegays. — The Journeymen Tai
lors. — The Butchers, mounted and wearing aprons, with the banners of their society, and 2
cars, each drawn by 4 horses. The first was covered with a roof, decorated, and cbntained
a calf and a' sheep ; the other a fine white ox and 4 large sheep, and over it, on a second
stage, a stuffed ox, with several butchers' boys, — The Tanners' boys, — ^The Tanners had a
car drawn by four horses, in which were several men at work tanning and currying leather,
with hides hanging overhead. The Skinners followed with a banner, and then came
another banner with four horses, where a number of morocco dressers were at work on
skins of all colors, — The Cordwainers had also a car drawn by 4 horses, on which were 6
or 8 men seated at their benches, making shoes  The Hatters' Society had a large banner
with a portrait of St, Clement, and a car drawn by six horses, containing a shop, in which
eight men were at work at the kettie, and others employed in the different operations of
hat-making, A great number of small banners succeeded, bearing the names of the
western Lakes, great and smaU, and those of the principal towns in the western part of the
state and country ; 24 boys marching under the banners bearing ' Washington,' the ' United
States of America,' and a portrait of Gov, Clinton, represented the states of the Union,
In a barouche rode the two oldest hatters and journeymen hatters in the city. Banner —
' The heart is devoted to our country,' — The Bakers, with white hats, — The Journeymen
Masons came next, and then the Coopers, with a car in which men were at work on bar.
rels, &o. — The Chairmakers had a large chair over their banner, with two eagles following,
one large and gilt, with a miniature chair in his mouth. — The Potters came next, and then
the Saddlers, with a pair of horses in harness, and 3 fine white ones with ladies', gentle
men's, and miUtary saddles, all of the most superb workmanship. The horses were led by
blacks in rich Moorish costumes — the insignia, implements, &.C., foUowed, with a rocking-
horse saddled and bridled. — The Shipwrights had the model of a Une of battle ship, mount
ed on wheels, and drawn by eight horses. The officers and crew were represented by boys
in gay dresses, and flags and ensigns were hoisted on board, A banner bore ' Commerce is
ours;! and a great nuniber of others succeeded, on which were the names of our distin
guished naval comraanders, — The Boat-buUder's Association had a model of a boat borne
by a carrier, and another drawn by horses. A car drawn by four horses, contained two
half-finished boats of considerable size, at which the workmen were eraployed, while
smoke was coming from the chimney where they warped their plank and timber. — The
Rope-makers had a ropewalk, in which a number of men and boys were employed in spin
ning and laying, all drawn by four horses. — The Comb-makers had also a shop, and men at
work, &c., and after them came the General Society of Mechanics ; the Cabinet-makers
with specimens of furniture, and the Apprentices' Library Association, — The New York
Fire Department was represented by eight companies, Nos, 20, 42, 15, 13, 41, 32, 7, and
4, with their engines, and several hook and ladder companies, with their implements raised
aloft, and handsomely decorated. — The Printers' Society had a car drawn by horses, on
which wpre mounted two presses. These were kept in operation, striking off copies of
an Ode, which were distributed to the people frora the car. — The Book-binders had a large
volurae bound in red morocco and gUt, labelled ' Erie Canal Statistics.' — After a full band
of musicians in dresses of scarlet and gold, came the members of Columbia CoUege, dress
ed in their Academic gowns ; and then a great number of miUtary officers, and soldiers
from the different city companies, foUowed by the Society of Free Masons. — The Tin Plate
Workers had a car drawn by four gray horses, with a model of some of the looks on the '
canal, — a Canal boat, barge, &c., made of tin.
" Aquatic Procession. — At eight o'clock the citizens were seen crowding in aU directions
on board the various steamboats which were announced to compose the fleet which was to
proceed to the ocean. The steamboat Washington, under the command of Capt. Bunker,

NEW YORK COUNTY. 205
took the lead, on board of which the Hon. the Corporation, with the society of Cincinnati,
the Rev, Clergy, of aU denominations, the Army and Naval officers — aU the consuls of
Foreign nations — the judges of aU our courts and many other citizens and strangers were
guests. The steamboats Fulton, James Kent, Chancellor Livingston, and several others
were also employed by the corporation to receive other guests, aU which were fiUed with
our most distinguished citizens — The safety barges Lady Clinton and Lady Van Rensse
laer, were most tastefully festooned with evergreens and flowers, and were exclusively ap
propriated to the ladies. At about 10 o'clock the signal was given for departure, and the
boats all proceeded up the East river, and forraed in a Une, accompanied by the canal boats,
when they wore round and proceeded down the bay. As the fleet passed the Battery they
were saluted by the military, the revenue cutter, and the castle on Governor's Island. As
they proceeded, they were joined by the ship Hamlet, which had previously been dressed
for the occasion with the flags of all nations, and on board of which were the Marine and
Nautical societies, composed of aU our most respectable shipmasters. As the fleet passed
the Narrows, they were saluted by Forts Lafayette and Tompkins. They then proceeded
to the United States schooner Dolphin, moored within Sandy Hook, where Gov, CUnton
went through the ceremony of uniting the waters, by pouring that of Lake Erie into the
Atlantic ; upon which he deUvered the following address : —
" ' This solemnity at this place on the first arrival of vessels frora Lake Erie, is intended
to indicate and comraemorate the navigable communication, which has been accomplished
between our Mediterranean seas and the Atiantic Ocean, in eight years, to the extent of
more than four hundred and twenty-five mUes, by the wisdom, pubUc spirit, and energy of
the people of the state of New York ; and may the God of the Heavens and the earth smUe
most propitiously on the work, and render it subservient to the best interests of the human
race.' Dr, MitcheU then poured the contents of several vials, which he stated contained
the waters of the Elbe, &.c, &c,, and delivered a long address, but the crowd was so great
that but few were able to hear any part of it. The Hon, Mr. Colden presented to his honor
the Mayor, a memoir which contains a brief history of the canal from its commencement
to the present day. Salutes were then fired from the revenue cutter, tiie pilot boats, and
several of the steamboats, and the procession returned to the city.
" On the return from the excursion to Sandy Hook, the atmosphere was nearly clear, and
the appearance of the steamboats was truly magnificent. Here were 26 of these vessels,
splendidly equipped and decorated, moving in the most majestic manner, aU crowded with
passengers, and arranged in the most striking order. The packet ship Hamlet, which was
generously offered by Capt, Chancer for the use of the Marine and Nautical societies, made
a splendid appearance, towed alcmg in the line by steamboats, with her masts and rigging
decorated by a fine display of flags of all nations,
" Persons abroad may judge of the splendor of the celebration, when it is stated that
there were displayed among the different societies, upwards of 200 banners and standards
— many of them extremely splendid, and a large number painted expressly for the occasion.
" It is with pleasure we state that the two British packets now at anchor in our port, sa
luted and cheered the Une of steamboats as they passed ; instances of good feeling of this
description should not be omitted to be recorded. The band in return played ' God save
the king,' The whole line of steamboats landed their passengers at 3 o'clock, in time for
thera to form and join the procession of their fellow-citizens,
" The festivities were concluded by fireworks in the evening, at the Battery, City HaU,
and VauxhaU Garden, and by illuminations of some of the principal buildings in the city, —
the City Hall, City Hotel, Theatre, Sikes' Hotel, &c, A large transparency was exhibited
at the City HaU, representing the introduction of Neptune to the Lady of the Lakes by
the Genius of America.
" We cannot help expressing our gratification, at observing among the thousands we saw
in the streets during the day and evening, hardly a single instance of intoxication, and not
one of unpleasant disturbance ; and so far as we could learn, no accident happened to raar
the festivities of the day."
Ceotoh Aqceduct. — ^Thia great work, designed for the supply of the city of New York
with pure and wholesome water, is at present constructing. Its whole length is 40J mUes.
It is a long brick vault stretching from Croton to New York, descending at the rate of
nearly 14 inches to the mile. Its dimensions are about 6 feet at bottom, 7 feet at top, and
from 8 to 10 feet in height. The foundation is of stone, well laid, and the interstices filled
up with rubble, and over this a bed of concrete composed of cement, broken stone and
gravel, in due proportions, weU mixed and combined together, except where the earth is
of a compact and dry consistence, when the stone foundation is omitted, and the bed of
concrete laid on the earth foundation. The side waUs are of good building stone, 35

206 NEW YORK COUNTY.
inches thick at bottom, and 27 inches at top. These walls are laid in regular courses. The
bottom of the aqueduct is an inverted arch, and the roof a semicircle ; both arches are
formed of brick. AU the materials used are the most perfect of their kind, and every poe.
sible pains taken in the construction.
The work commences at Croton, about 5 miles above the mouth of the river. Here is to
be the dam which wiU back the river for several miles, and wiU cover, exclusive of ite pres.
ent bed, 5 or 600 acres, and thus form the great reservoir, which will contain 100,000,000
of gaUons for each foot in depth from the surface. Inasmuch as the aqueduct is to
maintain a uniform descent, extensive excavations or tunnels in passing through hUls and
heavy embankments, with culverts in crossing vaUeys, are required. Several of the tunnels
are cut through solid rock at an enormous expense. The longest tunnel is the Manhattan
hiU tunnel near the vUlage of Manhattanville, on New York Island ; it is 1,215 feet in
length. In crossing the Harlaem river the aqueduct encounters its most formidable impediment,
" Owing to the great depression of the stream below the grade Ime, and the peculiar in.
clinations of its banks, the length of the aqueduct bridge will greatiy exceed the width of
the strait at its surface, (620 feet.) The bridge wiU be 1,420 feet in length, between the
pipe chambers at either end ; 18 feet in width, inside of the parapet walls ; and 27 feet be.
tween the outer edges of the coping ; 16 piers, built of stone laid in courses of uniform
thickness. Of these, 6 wUl be in the river, and 10 on the land, (8 of which wiU be on the
Westchester side of the strait,) The river piers wiU be 20 by 40 feet at base, and 84 feet
in height, to the spring of the arch ; diminishing as they rise in height. The arches wiU
have a span of 80 feet. The land piers wUl be proportionably less in size, their height va
rying according to the slope of the banks, and the span of these arches will be 50 feet each,
" The central height of the arches over the stream is to be 100 feet above high.water
level, in the clear ; and the distance from high tide to the top of the parapet walls wiU be
116 feet. The total elevation of the structure, from its base at the bottom of the strait to
the top of the parapet, will be about 138 feet. The piers and abutments will be carried up
with pilasters to the top of the parapet, with a projection of two feet beyond the face of
the work. Those piers to be erected in the water, will commence with soUd rock, upon
which the earthy bed of the stream reposes. The estimated cost of this structure is
$755,130, " The bridge is intended for the support of iron pipes ; and these will be laid down, in
the first instance, two or three feet diameter, which it is supposed wiU be adequate for the
supply of water to the city, for many years to come. The work however will be so ar.
ranged, as to admit the introduction, at any time hereafter, of two four-feet pipes, whose
capacity wiU be equal to that of the grand trunk. The pipes will be protected from the
action of the frost, by a covering of earth four feet in depth, well sodded on the surface.
The aqueduct will discharge its water into the northern pipe chamber, whence it wiU pass
over the bridge into the southern chamber, where the aqueduct resumes its course towards
the city. At the distance of half a mUe, the line crosses a ravine of 30 feet to the top line
of the erabankraent ; and at a short distance beyond, it enters the Jumel tunnel, 234 feet
in length ; and 64 miles from fhe city, A ravine is passed soon after leaving the tunnel,'
25 feet below the grade Une ; and soon after, another, still more formidable, presents itseU";
which required a foundation of 30 feet to elevate it to the grade.
" The water will be conducted over the Manhattan vaUey by means of iron pipes or in.
verted syphons. The depression of the valley is 105 feet below the grade line, and ar.
rangements of pipe charabers, on each side of the valley, similar to that at Harlaem strait,
wiU be adopted here. The pipes are to be laid on a foundation of stone, covered with a
course of concrete masonry, six inches thick. After the pipes are laid, concrete is to be
worked under them, as a support, 18 inches wide, and 12 high ; and the whole is to be
protected with a covering of earth, to guard against frost and other injury. The aqueduct
having terminated at one pipe chamber, on Manhattan hUls, it re-commences at another on
the Asylum Hill ; and after proceeding a short distance southward, enters the Asylum HiU
tunnel 640 feet in length, which is the last. About three miles from the southern terminus
of this Herculean work, the aqueduct commences its passage over several streets, the grading
of which has a mean depression below that of the aqueduct, of about 40 feet ; this vale is
to be passed by a bridge of a corresponding height. The Une of aqueduct runs 100 feet
east of the Ninth avenue ; and on the land, extending from one street to the other, a
foundation wall is to be built of sufficient width and height to support the aqueduct. Over
the carriage way and side-walks of each street, there wiU be circular arches turned. Nine
ty-sixth street, being 100 feet wide, will have two arches of 27 feet span, for the carriage
way ; and one arch of 14 feet span, on each side, for the side-walks. The other streets
being only 60 feet in width, will each have an arch of 30 feet span for the carriage way,
and one on each side of 10 feet span. The breadth over the arches to be 24 feet.

NEW YORK COUNTY.

207

" On the whole line there wUl be ventUators placed at intervals of one mile apart ; and
between each, triangular cavities, designed for the erection of additional ventilators, are
left, covered with flag stone, and their location indicated by marble slabs. Some of the
ventilators can be used as waste weirs and as entrances into the aijueduct. The next im
portant work is the receiving reservoir, 38 miles by the line of the aqueduct from its north.
ern terminus. It covers 35 acres of ground, divided into two sections. The north section
to have 20 feet of water when full, and the south 25 feet; the whole reservoir wUl con.
tain about 160,000,000 of gallons. From this reservoir the water wiU be conveyed through
the Fifth avenue to the distributing basin, of about 5 acres, holding 20,000,000 of gallons,
at Murray HUl, in Forty-second street, by means of pipes 30 inches in diameter. From
Murray HUl the water wiU be conveyed to the city by the ordinary distributing pipes. The
difference of level between the basin at Murray Hill and the pool at Croton, is about 46
feet, being a fraction less than 14 inches to the mile,
" About 26 mUes of the aqueduct are now (April, 1840,) completed, and several other
detached sections are nearly so. It must not, however, be inferred that the work stiU to be
done is of but small amount; on the contrary, ' the most difficult and expensive portions of
it remain to be performed. According to the engineer's report, the whole work, with the
exception of the bridge over Harlaem strait, wiU be completed and ready for use in the
spring of 1842. The completion of the bridge cannot be expected before the close of
1843 ; and it raay and will probably be still further delayed. To diminish this delay, it is
proposed to erect a temporary conduit pipe of suitable dimensions, as soon as the coffer
dams at Harlaem will admit of it, by which means the city ' may have the benefit of the
water, two or three years before a supply could be had by the Harlaem aqueduct bridge,
" The original estimate of cost of this great work, was $4,718,197 ; but it will not fall
short of $10,000,000 ;— $3,924,650 08 having been expended at the date of the last re.
port, January 1st, 1840."

Northern view of Harlem TunneL

Harlem 8, Yorkville 5, and Manhattanville 9 miles from the City
Hall, are small -vUlages on Manhattan Island, and included within the
city limits. The New York and Harlem railroad commences at the
City Hall and extends to Fordham in Westchester county, 12i mUes
from the city. By a late act of the legislature, (May 7, 1841,) the
company have the privUege of extending it to the north hne of West
chester county. " The road is laid with a double track, and is tra
versed for nearly three-fourths of its length, by steam power. Owing
to the peculiar nature of the ground and the necessity for maintain
ing a nearly level grade, for a considerable part of the hne, long and

208 NEW YORK COUNTY.
neavy cuts and embankments were required, which augmented the
cost of construction far beyond that of any other similar work in
this country. The whole cost of the work, including depots, motive
and other power, &c., amounted to $1,100,000 or $137,500 per mile.
The receipts for fare by the company, during the year ending De
cember 31st, 1839, were $99,811. Notwithstanding the great num
ber of persons conveyed on this road, about 1,200,000 annually, the
directors have not as yet declared a dividend, and up to the 1st of
January, 1840, the stockholders had not received a dollar from the
work. The tunnel through which the line passes, is the most costly
portion, as well as the most attractive feature of the road. Among
the thousands who are almost daily conveyed through it, a vast ma
jority is impelled by a desire to examine the ' tunnel,' which, though
excavated at an immense cost, ($90,000,) contributes, in no small de
gree, to increase the revenues of the company. The tunnel is cut
through solid rock, which chiefly consists of quartz and hornblende
of such a compact texture, that masonry is entirely dispensed with,
even at the ends. It extends along the Fourth Avenue from 91st to
94th streets, and is 595 feet in length, 24 in width, and 21 in depth
from the crown of the arch. The fare on this road is as follows : to
27th street, 6^ cents ; to Yorkville, 5 miles, 12^ cents ; to Harlem, 8
miles, 18| cents ; and to Fordham, 12i miles, 25 cents." " Peter Stitvvesant,
the last of the Dutch gov.
emors in New York, de.
serves to be kept in re.
membrance. He began
his administration in 1647 ;
and he exerted all his en.
ergies to prevent the en.
croachments of the Eng.
Facsimile of Peter Stuyvesant's stgnature. lish and Swedes, on the
territory under his command. He was more successful with the latter than the former. In
1655, he obliged the Swedes, at a place in Delaware bay, now called New Castle, to swear
allegiance to the Dutch authority. But in 1664, Colonel Nichols, with an EngUsh fleet,
arrived at New York, then called New Amsterdam, and compelled Governor Stuyvesant
and his whole colony to surrender to their invaders. He however remained in the country
until his death," — Blake's Biographical Dictionary.
" His remains ' rest in hope' near by, in the family vault, once constructed within the
waUs of the second built Reformed Dutch church, which, for pious purposes, he had built at
his personal expense on his own farm. The church is gone, but the place is occupied by
the present church of St, Mark, On the outside wall of this latter church is the original
stone designating the body of him whose rank and tides stood thus described, to wit :
' In this vault, Ues buried
PETRUS STUYVESANT,
late Captain General and Commander-in-chief of Amsterdam,
in New Netherland, now caUed New York, and the
Dutch West India Islands.
Died in August, A,D, 1682, aged eighty years.' "

" Philip Livingston was bom at Albany, in January, 1716. He was educated at Yale
CoUege, in Connecticut, where he graduated in 1737, He then directed his attention to
commercial pursuits ; and, by his integrity, sagacity, and comprehensive views, laid the
foundation, and erected the superstructure of extraordinary prosperity.

NEW YORK COUNTY.

209

' He commenced his career in pubUc Ufe in 1754, as an alderman of the east ward of
the city of New York ; and, in 1759, was returned by the freeholders of this city as a
member of the assembly. In this body, he soon became conspicuous for his talents and
devotedness to the interests of the people. In 1769, he declined an election for New York,
and was returned a member of the house for the manor of Livingston. His Uberal views,
and powerful exertions in defending the rights of the citizens, soon after rendered him ob.
noxious to the governor; and, as a majority of the asserably were now under the influence
of the crown, his seat in the house was vacated, by a vote of that body, ou the plea of
non-residence. " Mr. Livingston was chosen a member of the first congress, which met at PhUadelphia,
1774. He was, the following year, appointed president of the provincial congress, assem
bled at New York. In 1776, in conjunction witii his coUeagues, he affixed his signature
to the Declaration of Independence, in behalf of the state of New York.
" During the recesses of the general congress, he rendered important services in the or
ganization of the state government. In May, 1778, he took his seat in congress for the
last time. Altiiough feeble in body, and low in health, he consented to forego aU consider.
ations but those of patriotism ; and, at a distance from his famUy, wiUingly devoted to hia
country the last hours of his Ufe. He expired on the 12th df June, at the age of sixty-two
years."

Facsimile of William Livingstones signature.

" William Livinoston, L L. D., governor
of New Jersey, was born in the city of New
York about the year 1723, and was graduated
at Yale CoUege, in 1741. He studied law,
and possessing an understanding of great en
ergy, a briUiant imagination, and a retentive memory, apd devoting himself assiduously to
the cultivation of his mind, he soon rose to distinction in the profession. He early exhib
ited himself an able and zealous advocate of civil and religious liberty, and employed his
pen in vindicating the rights of the colonies against, the arbitrary claims of the British.
After enjoying several important offices in New York, he removed to New Jersey, and as
a representative of that state was one of the most distinguished of the congress of 1774.
On the formation of a new constitution for that state in 1776, he was appointed the first
governor, and was annually re-elected to the office tiU his death in 1790. He was charac.
terized by simplicity in his manners, and ease, amiableness, and wit in his social intercourse.
His writings display uncomraon vigor, keenness, and refinement, and are often eloquent.
He devoted himself, during the revolution, ardently to the cause of his country, and did
much by the shrewdness and severity of his writings both to encourage his countrymen and
exasperate the British, " Robert Ftn.T0N, eminent
as the inventor of steamboats,
was bom in the town of Little
Britain, Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, 1765. His pa
rents, who were Irish, were
respectable, and gave him a
common Enghsh education at
Lancaster. He early exhibited
Facsimile of Rotert Fulton's signature. a superior talent for mechan
ism and painting, and in his eighteenth year established hirnself in the latter employment in
PhUadelphia, and obtained much credit and emolument by his portraits and landscapes.
On entering his 22d year he went to England, for the purpose of improving his knowledge
of that art, and was received into the family of Mr, West, with whom he spent several
years, and cultivated a warm friendship. After leaving that family, he employed two years
in Devonshire as a painter, and there became acquainted with the duke of Bridgewater
and Lord Stanhope, the former famous for his canals, and the latter for his love of the me.
chanic arts. He soon turned his attention to mechanics, particularly to the improvement
of inland navigation by canals, and the use of steam for the propelling of boats ; and in
1794 obtained patents for a double inclined plane, to be used for transportation, and an in
strument to be employed in excavating canals. He at this time professed himself a civU
engineer, and published a treatise on canal navigation. He soon after went to France,
and obtained a patent from the govemment for the improvements he had invented. He
spent the succeeding seven years in Paris, in the famUy of Mr. Joel Barlow, dunng which
14

210 NEW YORK COUNTY.
period he made himself acquainted with the French, Italian, and German languages, and
soon acquired a knowledge of the high mathematics, physics, chemistry, and perspective.
He soon turned his attention to submarine navigation and explosion, and in 1801, under
the patronage of the first consul, constructed a plunging boat, and torpedoes, (differing ma.
terially frora Bushnel's invention, with which he was acquainted,) with which he performed
many experiments in the harbor of Brest, demonstrating the practicabiUty of employing
subaquatic explosion and navigation for the destraction of vessels. These inventions at.
traded the attention of the British govemment, and overtures were made to him by 'the
ministry which induced him to go to London, with the hope that they would avaU them-
selves of his machines ; but a demonstration of their efficacy which he gave the ministry,
by blowing up a vessel in their presence, led them to wish to suppress the invention rather
than encourage it ; and accordingly they declined patronising him. During this period he
also made many efforts to discover a raethod of successfully using the steam engine for the
prqpeUing of boats, and as early as 1793, made such experiments as inspired him with great
confidence in its practicabUity, Robert R. Livingston, Esq., chanceUor of New York, and
minister of the United States to the French court, on his airival in France, induced him to
renew his attention to this subject, and embarked with him in making experiments for the
purpose of satisfying themselves of the possibility of employing steam in navigation. Mr.
Fulton engaged with intense interest in the trial, and in 1803, constructed a boat on the
river Seine, at their joint expense, by which he fully evinced the practicabiUty of propelling
boats by that agent. He immediately resolved to enrich his country with this invaluable
discovery, and on returning to New York in 1806, commenced, in conjunction with Mr.
Livingston, the construction of the first Fulton boat, which was launched in the spring of
1807 from the ship-yard of Charles Browne, New York, and completed in August. This
boat, which was caUed the Clermont,* demonstrated on the first experiment, to a host of,
at first incredulous, but at length astonished spectators, the correctness of his expectations,
and the value of his invention. Between this period and his death he superintended the
erection of fourteen other steam vessels, and made great improvements in their construction."
" I myself," says Judge Story, " have heard the illustrious inventor relate, in an animated
and affecting manner, the history of his labors and discouragements : — ' When,' said he, ' I
was building my first steamboat at New York, the project was viewed by the pubhc either
with indifference or with contempt as a visionary scheme. My friends indeed were civil,
but they were shy. They listened with patience to my explanations, but with a settled
cast of increduUty on their countenances, I felt the full force of the lamentation of the
poet, — " Truths would you teach, to save a sinking land.
All shun, none aid you, and^few understand."
As I had occasion to pass daily to and from the building yard while my boat was in pro.
gress, I have often loitered unknown near the idle groups of strangers gathering in little
circles, and heard various inquiries as to the object of this new vehicle. The language was
uniformly that of scorn, sneer, or ridicule. The loud laugh rose at my expense, the dry
jest, the wise calculation of losses and expenditures ; the dull but endless repetition of the
Fulton folly. Never did a single encouraging remark, a bright hope, or a warm wish,
cross my path. Silence itself was but politeness veiluig its doubts or hiding its reproaches.
At length' the day arrived when the experiment was to be got into operation. To me it
was a most trying and interesting occasion. I invited many friends to go on board to wit.
ness the first successful trip. Many of them did me the favor to attend as a matter of per
sonal respect ; but it was manifest they did it with reluctance, fearing to be partners of my
mortification and not of my triumph. I was weU aware that in my case there were many
reasons to doubt of my own success. The machinery (like Fitch's before him) was new
and iU made ; and many parts of it were constructed by mechanics unacquainted with such
work, and unexpected difficulties might reasonably be presumed to present themselves from
other causes. The moment arrived in which the word was to be given for tiie vessel to
move. My friends were in groups on the deck. There was anxiety mixed with fear
among them. They were sUent, sad, and weary. I read in their looks nothing but disaster,
and almost repented of my efforts. The signal was given, and the boat moved on a short
distance and then stopped, and became imraovable. To the silence of the preceding mo
ment now succeeded murmurs of discontent, and agitations, and whispers, and shrugs. I
could hear distinctly repeated, "/ ioW you it was so ; it is a foolish scheme; I wish we
were well out of it." I elevated myself upon a platform and addressed the assembly. I
stated that I knew not what was the matter ; but if they would be quiet, and indulge mo
• So named from the seat of the Livingston family, (-.t • Clermont, Columbia county,)

NEW YORK COUNTY.

211

for half an hour, I would either go on or abandon the voyage for that time. This short
respite was conceded without objection, I went below and examined the machinery, and
discovered that the cause was a slight maladjustment of some of the work. In a short
period it was obviated. The boat was again put in motion. She continued to move on.
All were still incredulous. None seemed wUling to trust the evidence of their own senses.
We left the fair city of New York ; we passed through the romantic and ever-varying
scenery of the Highlands ; we descried the clustering houses of Albany ; we reached its
shores ; and then, even then, when all seemed achieved, 1 was the victim of disappoint
ment. Imagination superseded the influence of fact. It was then' doubted if it could be
done again ; or if done, it was doubted if it could be made of any great value.' "

" The Clermont," Fulton's first American Steamboat.
" Fulton obtained a patent for his inventions in navigation by steam in February, 1809, and
another for some improvements in 1811. In the latter year he was appointed by the legis
lature of New York, one of the commissioners to explore a route for a canal from the great
lakes to the Hudson, and engaged with zeal in the promotion of that great work. On
the commencement of hostiUties between the tJnited States and Great Britain in 1812, he
renewed his attention to submarine warfare, and contrived a method of discharging guns
under water, for which he obtained a patent. In 1814 he contrived an armed steam-ship
for the defence of the harbor of New 'York, and also a submarine vessel, or plunging boat,
of such dimensions as to carry 100 men, the plans of which being approved by government,
he was authorized to construct them at the public expense. But before completing either
of those works, he died suddenly, February 24th, 1815. His person was tall, slender, and
well forraed, his manners graceful and dignified, and his disposition generous. His attain
ments and inventions bespeak the high superiority of his talents. He was an accomplished
painter, was profoundly versed in mechanics, and possessed an invention of great fertility,
and which was always directed by an eminent share of good sense. His style as a writer
was perspicuous and energetic. To hira is to be ascribed the honor of inventing a method
of successfully employing the steam engine in navigation, an invention justly considered
one of the raost important which hjs been made in modern ages, and by which he rendered
himself both a perpetual and one of the greatest benefactors of mankind. He was not in
deed the first who conceived it to be possible ; others had beUeved its practicability, and
made many attempts to propel boats by steam, but having neither his genius, his knowledge,
nor his perseverance, they were totaUy unsuccessful, Mr. Fulton was familiarly acquainted
with many of the most distinguished literary and political characters both of the United
States and of Europe, was a director of the American academy of fine arts, and a member
of several Uterary and philosophical societies,"

" Bhockholst Livingston, judge of the supreme court of the United States, was the son
of William Livingston, governor of New Jersey, and was born in the city of New York,
November 25th, 1757, He entered Princeton college, but in 1776 left it for the field, and
became one of the famUy of General Schuyler, commander of the northern army. He was

212

NEW YORK COUNTY.

afterward attached to the suite of general Arnold, with the rank of major, and shared in
the honors of the conquest of Burgoyne. In 1779 he accompanied Mr, Jay to the court
of Spain as his private secretary, and remained abroad about three years. On his return
he devoted himself to law, and was admitted to practice in April, 1783,. His talents were
happily adapted to the profession, and soon raised him into notice, and ultimately to emi.
nence. He was called to the bench of the supreme com-t of the state of New York, Jan-
nary 8th, 1802, and in November, 1806, was transferred to that of the suprcrae court of
the United States, the duties of which station he discharged with distinguished faithfulness
and abiUty until his death, which took place during the sittings of the court at Washington,
March 18di, 1823, in the 66th year of his age. He possessed a raind of uncommon acute.
ness and energy, and enjoyed the reputation of an accomplished scholar, an able pleader and
jurist, an upright judge, and a liberal patron of learning.

^/^'V^^^

Facsimile of Richard Montgomery's signature.
" RiCHAsn Montgomery, a major-general in the army of the United States, was born in
the north of Ireland, in 1737. He possessed an excellent genius, which was matured by a
fine education. Entering the army of Great Britain, he successfully fought her batdes, with
Wolfe, at Quebec, in 1759 ; and on the very spot where he was, afterward, doomed to faU,
when fighting against her, under the banners of freedom.
" He early imbibed an attachment to Araerica ; and, after his arrival in New York, pur.
chased an estate, about one hundred miles from the city, and married a daughter of Judge
Livingston. When the struggle with Great Britain commenced, as he was known to have
an ardent attachment to liberty, and had expressed his readiness to draw his sword on the
side of the colonies, the command of the continental forces, in the northern department,
was intrusted to hirii and Gen. Schuyler, in the fall of 1775.
" By the indisposition of Schuyler, the chief command devolved upon him in October.
After a succession of splendid and important victories, he appeared before Quebec. In an
attempt to storm the city, on the last of December, this brave comraander feU, by a dis.
charge of grape-shot, both of his aids bping killed at the same time. In his faU, there was
every circumstance united, that could impart fame and glory to the death of a soldier,"
" General Montgomery was gifted with fine abUities and had received an excellent educa
tion. His military talents especially were great ; his raeasures were taken with judgment
and executed with vigor. The sorrow for his loss was heightened by the esteem which his
amiable character had gained him. At the period of his death he was only thirty-eight
years of age." '' William Alexan
der, Lord Stirling, a
major-general in the
service of the United
States during the revo.
lutionary war, was bom
in the city of New
Facsimile of Lord Stirling's signature. York, but passed ' a
portion of his Ufe in New Jersey, He was generally stjjled through courtesy jMrd Stirling,
in consequence of being considered by many as the rightful heir to the titie and estates of
an earldom in Scotiand, from Which country his father came, though the government re.
fused to acknowledge the son's claim when he repaired to Great Britain in pursuit of this
inheritance. He was early remarkable for his fondness for mathematics and astronomy, in
which sciences he made considerable progress. — Throughout the revolution he acted an im
portant part, and distinguished himself particularly in the batdes of Long Island, German.
town, and Monmouth. In the first, he was taken prisoner, after having, by a bold attack
upon a corps commanded by Cornwalhs, effected the escape of a large part of his detach.
ment. In the second, his division, with the brigades of Generals Nash and MaxweU, formed
the corps de reserve ; and in the last he commanded the left wing of the American army.
He was always warmly attached to General Washington, and the cause which he had es-
poused. He died at Albany, Jan, 15th, 1783, aged 57 years, leaving behind him the repu.

NEW YORK COUNTY. 213
tation of a brave, discerning, and intrepid officer, and an honest and a learned man." —
Enclyclopedia Americana.

(13^^ ^.^;;i^^^^e^

Facsimile of Alexander Hamilton's signature.

" Alexander Hamilton was born in 1757, in fhe island of Nevis, West Indies. His
father was a native of England, and his mother of the island. At the age of sixteen, he
became a student of Columbia college, his mother having emigrated to New York. He
had not been in that institution more than a year, before he gave a brilliant manifestation
of the powers of his mind in the discussion concerning the rights of the colonies. In sup
port of these he published several essays, which were marked by such vigor and raaturity
of style, strength of argument, and wisdom and compass of views, that Mr. Jay, at that
tirae in the meridian of life, was supposed to be the author. When it had become neces
sary to unsheath the sword, the ardent spirit of young Hamilton would no longer allow hira
to remain in academic retirement ; and before the age of nineteen he entered the American
array in the rank of captain of artillery. In this capacity he soon attracted the attention
of the coramander-in-chief, who appointed him his aid-de-camp, with the rank of lieutenant-
colonel. This occurred in 1777, when he was not more than twenty years of age. From
this time he continued the inseparable companion of 'Washington during the war, and was
always consulted by him, and frequently by other public functionaries, on the most impor
tant occasions. He acted as his first aid-de-cainp at the batdes of Brandywine, German-
town, and Monmouth, and at the siege of Yorktown he led, at his own request, the detach
ment that carried by assault one of the enemy's outworks, October 14, 1781, In this affair
he displayed the most brilliant valor,
" After the war, Col. Hamilton, then about twenty-four, commenced the study of the law,
as he had at that time a wife and family depending upon him for support. He was soon
admitted to the bar. , In 1782, he was chosen a member of congress from the state of New
York, where he quickly acquired the greatest influence and distinction, and was always a
meraber and soraetimes chairman of those committees to which were confided such subjects
as were deeraed of vital interest to the nation. The reports which he prepared are remark
able for the correctness and power which characterize every effort of his pen. At the end
of the session he returned to the practice of his profession in the city of New York, and
became eminent at the bar. In 1786, he was chosen a member of the legislature of his
state, and was mainly instrumental in preventing a serious colUsion between Vermont and
New York, in consequence of a dispute concerning territorial jurisdiction. He was elected
a delegate from New York to the convention which was to meet at Philadelphia, in order
to form a constitution for the United States. As the doors of the convention were closed
during its sitting, and its records were never given to the world, it is not possible to state
the precise part winch he acted in that body. It is well ascertained, however, that the
country is at least as much indebted to him for the excellences of the constitution as to any
other member of the iUustrious assembly, Hamilton and Madison were ihe chief oracles
and artificers. After the adoption of the constitution by the convention, he associated him
self with Mr, Madison and Mr, Jay, for the purpose of disposing the pubhc to receive it
with favor. The essays which they wrote with that design, addressed to the people of
New York during the years 1787 and 1788, are well known under the name of the Fed-
eraUst, and contributed powerfuUy to produce the effect for which they were composed.
The larger portion of them was written by HamUton, In 1788, he was a member of the
State convention of New York, which met to deliberate on the adoption of the federal
constitution, and it was chiefly in consequence of hie efforts that it was accepted. On the
organization of the federal government in 1789, he was appointed to the office of secretary
of the treasury. This was a situation which required the exercise of aU the great powers
of his raind, for the pubUc credit was at that time at the lowest state of depression ; and as
no statistical account of the country had ever been attempted, its fiscal resources were
whoUy unknown. But before Hamilton retired from the post, which he did after fiUing it
somewhat raore than five years, he had raised the pubUc credit to a height altogether uu-

214 NEW YORK COUNTY.
precedented in the history of the country ; and by the admirable system of finance which he
estabhshed, had acquired the reputation of one of the greatest financiers of the age. His
official reports to congress are considered as masterpieces, and the principles which he ad.
vocated in them stUl continue to exercise a great influence in the. revenue department of
the American government. Whilst secretary of the treasury, he was ex officio one of the
cabinet counsellors of President Washington ; and such was the confidence reposed by
that great man in his integrity and abiUty, that he rarely ventured upon any executive act
of moment without his concurrence, He was one of the principal advisers of the procla.
mation of neutrality issued by Washington in 1793, in consequence of the attempt made
by the minister of France to cause the United States to take part with his country in the
war then raging between it and England, This measure he defended in a series of essays,
under the signature of Pacifisms, which were successful in giving it popularity. In 1795,
Hamilton resigned his office and retired to private life, in order to be better able to support
a numerous faraUy by the practice of his profession. In 1798, however, when an invasion
was apprehended frora the French, and a provisional army had been caUed into the field,
his public services were again required. President Adams had offered the chief coraraand
of the provisional army to Washington, who consented to accept in case Hamilton should
be chosen second in coraraand, with the tide of inspector-general. This was accordingly
done, and in a short time he succeeded in bringing the organization and discipUne of the
army to a high degree of excellence. On the death of Washington in 1799, he succeeded
of course to the chief command. The title of lieutenant-general, however, to which he was
then entitled, was from some unexplained cause never conferred on him.
"When the army, was disbanded after the cessation of hostiUties between the United
States and France, General Hamilton returned again to the bar, and continued to practise
with increased reputation and success untU 1804. In June of that year he received a note
from Col, Burr, — between whom and himself a political had become a personal enmity, —
in which- he was required, in offensive language, to acknowledge or disavow certain ex
pressions derogatory to the latter. The tone of the note was such as to cause him to refuse
to dp either, and a chaUenge was the consequence, July 11, the parties met at Hoboken,
opposite New York, on the Jersey side of the Hudson, and on the first fire HamUton fell
mortally wounded, on the same spot where, a short tirae previously, his eldest son had been
kiiled in a duel. He lingered untU the afternoon of the following day, when he expired.
The sensation which this excited throughout the United States had never been exceeded
on this continent. Men of aU parties felt that the nation was deprived of its greatest orna
ment. His transcendent abiUties were universally acknowledged. Every citizen was ready
to express confidence in his spirit of honor and his capacity for public service. Of all the
coadjutors and advisers of 'Washington, Hamilton was undoubtedly the one in whose
sagacity and judgment he reposed the greatest confidence, whether in the military or in the
civil career ; and of all the American statesmen he displayed the most comprehensive un
derstanding, and the most varied abiUty, whether appUed to subjects practical or speculative.
A coUection of his. works was issued in New York in three octavo volumes, some years
after his death. His style is nervous, lucid, and elevated ; he excels in reasoning founded
on general principles and historical experience. General Hamilton was regarded as the
head of the Federalists in the party divisions of the American repubUc. He was accused
of having preferred in the convention that framed the Federal constitution, a government
more akin to the monarchical ; he weakened the federal party by denouncing President
Adaras, whose adrainistration he disapproved, and whose fitness for office he questioned.
But his general course and his confidential correspondence, show thatAe earnestiy desired
to preserve the constitution, when it was adopted, and that his motives were patriotic in
his proceedings towards Mr. Adams, Certain it is, that no man labored more faithfully,
skUfuUy, and efficiendy in organizing and putting into operation the federal govemment."—'
Encyclopedia Americana.

NIAGARA COUNTY. 215

NIAGARA COUNTY.
Niagara county was taken from Genesee in 1808. Greatest length
E, and W, 30 ; breadth N, and S, 21 mUes, The word Niagara
is of Indian origin, and signifies across the neck or strait. The
streams are few, and with the exception of Eighteen MUe, Johnson's,
and Tonawanta creeks, and Niagara river, are inconsiderable. In
1796, exclusive of the occupants of Forts Niagara and Schlosser,
there was but one white family in the territory now forming this
county. The proposed line for a ship canal, from the Niagara river
above the Falls to Lewiston, lies wholly within the county, com
mencing near GiU creek and the site of old Fort Schlosser. A rail
road runs from Lockport and another from Buff'alo to the Niagara
Falls, A branch has been made from Lewiston to intersect the
Lockport and Niagara Falls railroad, a distance of about 2 miles. The
Erie canal enters Tonawanta creek near its mouth. The creek
is used for 12 miles as a canal by a tow-path on its bank. At Pen
dleton viUage, the canal leaves the creek and turns in a northeasterly
direction across the mountain ridge, with a deep cut of about three
miles through rock averaging 20 feet ; and then descending 60 feet,
by five double combined locks of 12 feet each, it passes out of the
county south of the Ridge road. The county is divided into 12
towns, viz, :
Cambria, Lockport, Pendleton, Somerset,
Hartland, Newfane, Porter, Wheatland,
Lewiston, Niagara, Royalton, WUson,
Lockport village, incorporated in 1 829, was founded in the spring of
1821, by Mr, Sherard Comstock, deceased, who surveyed his farm of
100 acres into town lots. The first house was erected by Joseph
Langdon, additions were soon made to the village plat, and in 1822 it
became the county town. It is 30 miles E. of Buffalo, 20 from
Niagara Falls, and 333 by the canal route from Albany.
The following is a view of the five double locks on the Erie canal,
(from which the village derives its name,) and part of the buildings
in the vicinity. A new set of locks by the side of those represented
in the engraving are now constructing, which will give increased
facility to the passage of boats. The village contains about 700
houses, 10 churches, and, according to the census of 1840, 5,711 '
inhabitants. Its buildings, both public and private, are mostly built
of the excellent stone which is here quarried. There are 2 banks
and two female seminaries. The manufacture of flour is an im
portant branch of business in this place. The great abundance of
water derived from Lake Erie, which is brought through the deep
cut to the brow of the ridge, and all around the basin, is used for
various mills and factories. The waste water of these miUs, and of
the locks of the sixty feet mountain ridge, after it has fulfilled its hy
draulic operations in its descent to the basin, is there retained by a dam

216

NIAGARA COUNTY.

Northeastern view of the locks at Lockport.
across the ravine, and forms the head or fountain to fill the long, or
sixty-five mile level, and as such is chiefly relied on, though the Oak
orchard, the Genesee, and other feeders are useful in their place.
" The upper part of the village is about 80 feet above the level of
the basin and long level of the canal. In moving up in a boat to the
head of the basin to enter the chain of double locks, which are arranged
in the most massive style side by side, in huge chambers, with stone
steps in the centre, guarded by iron railings for safety and convenience,
the gates of the lock are closed after the boat is in the chamber, and
the roaring and sudden influx of the water from the lock above, in three
or four minutes raises the boat to the level of the lock above ; and this
is repeated five times, the adjoining side lock being, perhaps, employed
in letting a boat pass down the lock lo the basin and canal. The boat
having in this manner risen up 60 feet in five lifts, the passenger finds
before him a vista of several miles, bounded on either hand by walls
of the solid limestone rock, 25 to 30 feet high, and very appropriately
called the ' Deep rock cutting at Lockport.' "
Lewiston viUage, upon the river, was surveyed in 1813 ; it is 7 miles
N, of Niagara Falls, 27 from Buff'alo, 7 S. of Lake Ontario, 18 W. of
Lockport, 80 from Rochester. It lies opposite Queenston, U. C. It,_
is the port of entry for the Niagara coUection district, and is on the
Ridge road, elevated about a hundred feet above the river, at the foot
of the mountain ridge portage, and at the head of the navigation, and
contains about 70 dwellings. The chief export is lumber. Steam
boats from the lake touch daily at the landing. There is a ferry across
the river at Queenston, the passage of which, though safe, is somewhat
appaUing by reason of the rapidity and eddies of the stream. In the

NIAGARA COUNTY.

217

central part of this town, now intersected by the Niagara Falls and
Lockport railroad, " 8 miles below the falls and 3 miles back from
the river, is the reservation of the Tuscarora Indians, containing 2 mUes
in width by 4 in length, (about 5,000 acres,) of very exceUent land.
They consist of about 300 souls ; have a Presbyterian church of 50
members, a resident clergyman, and a school teacher, and a temper
ance society of more than 100 members. They are under the c^re of
the American Board of Foreign Missions. Their vUlage is delightfully
situated on a high bank, commanding an extensive prospect of the sur
rounding country and of Lake Ontario. These Indians came from
North Carolina about the year 1712, and joined the confederacy of the
Five Nations, themselves making the sixth. They formerly held a
very valuable interest in land in North Carolina, but have recently sold
it and divided the proceeds equally among themselves. Many of them
are in very prosperous circumstances; in 1834, one man raised and
gathered 50 acres of wheat. Visiters at the falls have been in the habit
of going, sometimes in crowds, to this vUlage on the Sabbath ; but the
Indians, with their, missionary, have often expressed their desire that
visiters would not interrupt them at that time."

Lewiston Landing, and Queenston Heights, U. C.
The above is a northern view taken near the steamboat landing at
Lewiston, showing in the distance Queenston Heights, distinguished
as the battle-ground during the war of 1812. On the summit of the
elevated ground, 370 feet above the river, is seen Gen, Brock's mon
ument, constructed of freestone, at the expense of the provincial gov
ernment. The base is 20 feet square, and the shaft rises 126 feet
from the ground; from this eminence the country around, including
the picturesque lake and river scenery, may be seen for fifty miles.
The foUowing is the inscription on the monument,
" The legislature of Upper Canada has dedicated this monument to the raany civU and
military services of the late Siii James Brook, Knight commander of the Most Honorable
Order of the Bath, Provincial Lieutenant Governor and Major-general, commanding His
Maiesty's forces therein. He feU in action, on the 13th of October, 1812, honored and
28

218 NIAGARA COUNTY.
beloved by those whom he governed, and deplored by his Sovereign, to whose services his
life had been devoted. His remains are deposited in this vault, as also his Aid-de-camp,
Lieutenant-colonel John McDonald, who died of his wounds the 14 of October, 1812,
received the d;^y before in action."
Gen. Brock was killed at a spot about 80 rods down the hill, in a
northwestern direction from the monument, near a cherry-tree. He
was a brave officer, and feU at the head of his men while cheering
them qn to action. It is stated that when leading on his men, he laid
his hand on his breast, exclaiming, " Here is a breast for your yankee
balls — shoot me if you can ;" when mortally wounded, soon after, he
look off' his cravat, and told one of his aids to deliver it to his sister.
He was at first interred in the northeastern bastion of Fort George,
and a 24 pound American cannon, captured with Hull, placed at his
head. His remains were removed to Queenston Heights, on one of
the anniversaries of the batUe. — On the night of the 17th of April,
1840, some evil-minded and unknown persons endeavored to blow up
the monument by gunpowder. This disgraceful attempt was partially
successful ; the keystone over the door was thrown out, and the struc
ture itself was cracked up to nearly two-thirds of its height. — The
following account of the battle of Queenston is from the Albany Ga
zette, Oct. 20th, 1812.
" At four o'clock in the morning of the 13th inst., Col. Solomon 'V^an Rensselaer, at the
head of 300 militia, and Lieut. Col. Christie, at the head of 300 regulars of the 13th regi-
ment, erabarked in boats to dislodge the British from the heights of Queenston. They
crossed under cover of a battery of two eighteen and two six pounders. Their movement
was discovered almost at the instant of their departure from the Araericau shore. The
detachments landed under a heavy fire of artillery and musketry. Col. Van Rensselaer
received a wound through his right thigh soon after landing, but proceeded ou until he
received two other flesh wounds in his thigh and the calf of one of his legs, and a severe
contusion on one of his heels, when he ordered the detachments to march on and storm
the first battery, and was himself carried off the field. The order for storming was gal.
lantly executed, and a severe conflict ensued. Lieut. Col. Christie received a severe wound
in his hand, but got over the works. At this time both parties were reinforced. The en
emy soon gave way, and fled in every direction. Maj. Gen. Van Rensselaer crossed over
to sustain the attack, and ascended tlie heights of Queenstou, where he was attacked with
great fury by several hundred Indians, who however were soon routed and driven into the
woods. The reinforcements ordered over from the American side began to move tardily,
and finally stopped. This induced the major-general to return, in order to accelerate their
movements. He mounted a horse, and used every exertion in his power to urge on the
reinforcements, but in vain ; whereupon the general perceiving that a strong reinforcement
was advancing to support the British, ordered a retreat, but before the order reached Brig.
Gen. Wadsworth, the battle was renewed by the enemy with great vigor and increased
numbers, which compeUed the Americans, whoso strength and ammunition were nearly
exhausted by hard fighting for eleven hours, and with very little intermission, to give way.
The number of killed is considerable on both sides, but the Americans have lost many
prisoners, including about 60 officers, most of whom are wounded. Among the prisoners
are Lieut. Cols. Scott, Christie, and Fenwick, of the United States troops : Gen. Wads
worth and Col. Stranahan of the militia. Maj. Gen. Brock, of the British, is among the
slain, and his aid-de-camp mortally wounded. The whole number of Americans said to
have been engaged is about 1,600, of which 900 were regular troops and 700 militia.—
On the 14th, an arrangement was made between Maj. Gen. Van. Rensselaer and Gen.
Sheafe for the liberation of all the militia prisoners on parole, not to serve during the war."
The following from the Albany Register, Extra, contains some ad
ditional particulars.
" A large body of the eneray got behind a stone guard-house, in which was mounted a
pair of heavy ordnance. Two eighteen pounders were directed against it, which raked
them severely ; and at the 8th shot tumbled up a heap of men and dismounted one gun.

NIAGARA COUNTY, S19
They fled behind Judge Hamilton's store-house ; but our eighteens raked them from thence
and they fled. By this time, about ten o'clock, the enemy's fire, except one gun out of
reach, was silenced, and victory seemed complete. The general had passed over to the
heights, but sent back to urge on the troops which were passing over to head the columns.
At this time, however, the enemy received a reinforceraent of several hundred of Chippe-
way Indians, and commenced an attack with great fury. The rifle and the bayonet had
scarcely put them to rout, and drove tbem to the woods, when they were joined by a large
reinforcement of regulars from Fort George. They renewed the atta'ck, and the conflict
became tremendous. It lasted about half an hour, when our valiant Spartan band, who
had waded through blood anticipating victory, being exhausted in strength and ammuni
tion, were obliged to yield the day. "They had fought eleven hours without intermission."
The loss of the Americans in this aff'air in killed, wounded, and
missing, was estimated at 1,000 ; of this number about 90 are sup
posed to have been kUled. The militia, previous to the action, insist
ed on being led on against the enemy to drive them from the Niagara
peninsula, so that they could return home. Many of them threatened
to leave the camp unless led to immediate action. After the com
mencement of the battle, the sight of the wounded, as they werp
brought across the river covered with blood, and the groans of the dy
ing, cooled their mUitary ardor. They now appeared to have made
the discovery that the constitution did not require them lo go beyond
the limits of the United States. Rather than cross over to an enemy's
country, be shot at, with a chance of being killed, or made cripples for
life, they determined to forego their chance of obtaining military honors.
It is said that several hundred of the militia, after they had crossed
over to the Canadian shore, avaUed themselves of the darkness and
other facilities to hide themselves in the clefts of the rocks, where
they remained in concealment during the day, and were only dragged
by the legs from their lurking places by the British troops, after the
surrender of the fighting part of the Americans.
The village of Niagara Falls is situated at the celebrated Falls of
Niagara river, lat. 43'= 6' N., long. 2° 6' W. The viUage was laid out
by Augustus Porter, Esq., and others, in 1805. It was at first called
Manchester, afterward Niagara Falls, The vUlage contains 2 churches,
2 splendid hotels, and 3 other pubhc houses, 2 pubUc schools, 80
dweUings of all kinds, and 500 inhabitants. Distance from Albany
290 mUes, New York 440, Buff'alo 22, Lockport 18, ChilUcothe, Ohio,
403, Kingston, U, C, 200, Montreal 388, Quebec 568, Detroit 332,
Cincinnati 468, and Washington 703 miles. Pop. 1,261.
" The river Niagara is 35 miles in length, and flows northerly ;
about midway between the two lakes it separates into two channels,
forming Grand Island. A short distance below the union of these
channels are the falls of Niagara, the grandest cataract in the world.
Half a mile above the falls the river is a furious rapid, which sweeps
away to certain destruction every thing involved in it. The river is
here three quarters of a mile broad, and from this point it rushes
down with increased velocity to the faU, where it leaps in an immense
mass down a perpendicular precipice 160 feet in depth, with a roar
heard in favorable states of the wind and atmosphere, 5, 10, 20, or
even 30 miles. The cataract forms an irregular semicircle, the
deepest hollow of which is cahed Horse-shoe Fall, and is on the

220

NIAGARA COUNTY.

View of Niagara Falls from the American side.
Canada side. At the brink of the fall stands a small island, called
Goat Island, which separates the Canada from the American faU. A
bridge is thrown across the falls from the American side to the island.
On the British side, a few yards below, is a projection called Table
Rock, commanding a magnificent view of the falls. From this rock
a spiral staircase leads down to the foot of the cataract, where visit
ers may pass under the fall between the sheet of 'water and the rock.
The path leads far under the excavated bank of the river, which in
some places forms a roof overhanging 30 or 40 feet. The faU of
such an immense mass of water produces violent whirls in the air,
and the spray is driven out with such force that no one can approach
the edge of the cataract without being drenched to the skin. It is
difficult even to draw a breath here, and in entering this tremendous
cavern, there is danger of being blinded by the strong driving showers
of spray. The greatest distance to which it is possible to pass within
this sheet of water is about 160 feet. The banks of the river for
45

NIAGARA COUNTY. , 221
several miles below the falls are perpendicular precipices of rock, and
there is every reason to believe that the cataract was formerly much
further down the river, the rock having gradually worn away to the
present spot. A cloud of spray is continually rising from the foam
of water, and exhibiting in the sunshine a brilliant rainbow."
The above view of the falls was taken from the ferry, and shows
on the left of Goat Island, and near to the spectator, the American
fall, and to the right of the island and in the distance, the Crescent or
Horse-shoe fall. The cataract on the American side is 164, and on
the Canada side 168 feet in height. The stone tower seen in the
view is connected with Goat Island by the Terrapin bridge, a struc
ture 300 feet in length, and projecting 10 feet over the falls. This
tower, 45 feet in height, with winding steps to the top, was erected in
1833, from which, or from the end of the bridge, the view is awfuUy
sublime. Apart from the falls, this whole region is one of deep inter
est, from the other natural curiosities and the historical reminiscences
with which it is connected. The visiter should not fail to visit the
whirlpool in the Niagara river, 3 miles below the viUage. " A mUe
from the whirlpool, the road runs within a few feet of the river's
bank, where a deep and gloomy chasm is rent or worn out of the
rock. This is called the Devil's Hole, and the small stream which
crosses the road and falls into the chasm, is the Bloody Run." In
1759, during the old French and Indian war, a detachment of 100
British regulars, who were conveying provisions, in wagons, to Fort
Schlosser, were here surprised by a party of Indians in ambuscade.
" Many of the soldiers were killed at the first discharge, and the
others were thrown into hopeless confusion. The Indians fell hke
tigers upon the drivers, tomahawked them in their seats, and threw
them under foot. The wagons were backed off" the precipice, and
men and cattle feU with their loading in one dismembered and muti
lated mass below. Some threw themselves from the bank, and fell
mangled and dying on the rocks ; others lodged in the branches of
the trees, where they remained, disabled, until the affray was over,
when the savages, at their leisure, despatched them." The brook
that courses the bank ran red with the blood of the slain. Only four
escaped to relate the horrible fate of their companions. Pieces of
wagons and other relics of this bloody affray remained in this vicinity
until within a few years, but have now mouldered away.
The immediate vicinity of the falls is rendered memorable on ac
count of i^s being the place where a number of bloody battles were
fought during the last war. The battle of Chippewa was fought on
the 6th of July, 1814, at the village of that name, on the Canada side,
about two miles from the faUs. In July, the British and American
forces being near each other. Gen. Ripley ordered Gen. Scott to
make an advance on Chippewa.
" On the moming of the fourth. General Scott advanced with his brigade and corps of
artiUery, and took a position on the Chippewa plain, half a mile in front of the village, his
right resting on the river, and his front protected by a ravine. The British were encamped
in force at the viUage, In the evening General Brown joined hun with the reserve under
General Ripley, and the artiUery coraraanded by Major Hindman, General Porter arrived

222 NIAGARA COUNTY.
the next morning, with the New York and Pennsylvania volunteers, and a number of In.
diana of the Six Nations. Early in the morning of the 5th, the British commenced a firing
on the pickets. Captain Trott, who commanded one of them, hastily retreated, leaving
one of his men wounded on the ground. General Brown instantiy ordered hira to retire
from the army, and directed Captain Biddle to assume the command of the picket, lead it
back to the ground, and bring off the wounded man ; which he accomplished without loss.
At four in the afternoon, General Porter advanced, faking the woods in order to conceal
his approach, and in the hope of bringing their pickets and scouting parties between his Une of
march and the American camp. In half an hour his advance raet the light parties of the Brit.
ish in the woods on the left. These were driven in, and Porter, advancing near Chippewa,
met the whole British force approaching in order of battle. General Scott, with his brigade
and Towson's artillery, met them on the plain, in front of the American encampraent, and
was directly engaged in close action with the main body. General Porter's command gave •
way, and fled in every direction, by which Scott's left flank was entirely uncovered. Cap
tain Harris, with his dragoons, was ordered to stop the fugitives, at the ravine, and form
them in front of the camp. The reserve were now ordered up, and General Ripley passed
to the woods in left of the line to gain the rear of the enemy ; but before this was effected.
General Scott had compelled the British to retire. Their whole line now fell back, and
were eagerly pursued by the Americans, As soon as they reached the sloping ground de.
scending towards the viUage, their lines broke, and they regained their works in disorder.
The American troops pursued untU within reach of the guns from the works ; when they
desisted and returned to their camp. The British left two hundred dead on the ground,
ninety-four wounded, beside those in the early part of the action, who were removed back
to the camp, and fourteen prisoners. The American loss was sixty killed, and two hun-
dred and sixty-eight wounded and missing." — Perkin's Hist, of the iMe War.
The battle of Bridgewater or Lundy's Lane, was fought on the
25th of July. The principal scene of this bloody action, was at an
obscure road, called Lundy's Lane, about half a mUe westward from
the Niagara cataract. " The thunder of the cannon, the roaring of
the falls, the incessant discharge of musketry, the groans of the dying
and wounded, during the six hours in which the parties were engaged
in close combat, heightened by the circumstances of its being in the
night, afforded such a scene as is rarely to be met with in the annals
of slaughter. The evening was calm, and the moon shone with
lustre when not enveloped in clouds of smoke from the firing of the
contending armies." Since the retreat of the enemy from Chippewa,
they had received reinforcements of troops from Lord Wellington's
army in Spain ; and on the 25th of July, encamped on a hill, with
the design of attacking the Americans the next morning.
" On the 25th ult., the army under the command of Major Gen. Brown encamped above
Chippewa, near the battle ground of the 5th. At 4 F. M., information was received that
the enemy had thrown a body of troops across the Niagara, at the five-mile raeadows ; but
our commanding general was not diverted by this movement. The 1st brigade, under Brig,
Gen. Scott, moved past Chippewa and halted at Bridgewater, a mile below Chippewa in
plain view of Niagara FaUs. Gen. Scott learnt that the eneray, under Gen. Riall, was ap.
preaching him. Batde was imraediately given the enemy, near Mr. Wilson'*, at half past
4 P. M. ; their cannon were planted about 200 rods from this position on an eminence.
The enemy's numerical force was much superior to Gen, Scott's ; his line was far extended"
and he showed a disposition to flank. — In order to counteract these views of Gen, RiaU he
was fought in detachments — he was charged in column ; Gen, Scott being af the head' of
his troops in almost every charge,— Capt, Towson, with his company of artillery, attached
to Scott's brigade, kept up his fire with great vigor and effect. The action was continued,
and the ground maintained by Gen. Scott, for more than an hour, before the reserve under
Gen, Ripley, and the volunteers under Gen, Porter, were successfully brought into action.
" The ground was obstinately contested untU past 9 o'clock, in the evening, when Gen.
Brown perceiving that the enemy's artiUery was most destructive, decided to storm the'
battery. Col. Miller,* the hero of Magagua, was ordered to this enterprise ; he approached
* On receiving this order from Gen. Brown, Col. MUler calmly surveyed the position, and

NIAGARA COUNTY.

223

tne enemy's cannon with a quick step, and deUvered his fire within a few paces of the
eneray's line ; who, after receiving two or three rounds and a vigorous charge, retired to the
bottom of the hill, and abandoned his cannon. Only one piece was brought off the field
for want of horses. The enemy now gave way and retreated ; they were followed some
distance. Our army was now eraployed in securing the prisoners and bringing off the
wounded. — The cessation however was short : Lieut. General Drummond is supposed to
have arrived at this interval with a reinforceraent. The enemy renewed the action, whilst
our troops were busily eraployed in clearing the ground of the wounded ; but the gallant
Americans forraed with alacrity, and after a close engageraent of 20 minutes, the enemy
were repulsed. The army now effected, the removal of nearly if not all of the wounded,
and retired from the ground, it being nearly 12 o'clock at night ; they returned to their en
campment in good order. On the morning of the 28th, our forces under Generals Ripley
and Porter, reconnoitred the enemy near the battle ground, returned and burnt the Bridge-
water mills, and all the enemy's barracks, and the bridge at Chippewa, and passed up the
river to Fort Erie, where they made a stand. The enemy's force engaged raust have been
nearly 5,000 ; ours short of that number. Major-Gen. RiaU was wounded, and taken in
the rear of his army by Capt, Ketchum, together with one of his aids, the other being kiUed,
" Major-Gen. Brown was severely wounded in the thigh (besides a contusion on his body)
in the hottest of the action, but continued to command until the enemy retreated. Brig.
Gen. Scott was also severely wounded by a grape in the shoulder, besides a severe bruise
occasioned by a shell or cannon shot, having lost 2 horses, kUled. Col. Brady 22d infan
try; Majors Jessup 25th, Leavenworth 9th, M'Niel 11th; Brigade-major Smith; Lieuts.
Campbell and Smouck, artillery ; Lieut. Worth, aid to Gen. Scott ; Lieut. Carap 11th; together
with raany others, whose names we have not learnt, were wounded, some badly. — The
loss of the enemy in killed and wounded, was rising 800, exclusive of 200 regulars and 20
officers prisoners. Our loss in killed, wounded, and missing, is from 6 to 700. Major
M'Farland 23d, Capt. Ritchie, artillery, Capts. Kinney and Goodrich, Lieut. Bigelow, infan
try, and several other officers, killed ; Capt. Spencer, aid to Major-Gen. Brown, supposed to
be mortaUy wounded ; Major Stanton, of the New 'York volunteers. Adj. Pew, of the Penn
sylvania volunteers, killed. Major Camp, of the staff, lost two horses on the field, but es
caped a wound The 9th 11th, and 25th, suffered very severely "

View of Schlosser Landing, Niagara.
The above is a northern view of the steamboat landing at Porter's
storehouse, commonly called Schlosser Landing, upwards of two
answered, " I will try, sir !" which expression was afterward the motto of his regiment.
During the batde in the evening, Capt. Ambrose Spencer, son of the chief-justice of New
York, and aid to Gen. Brown, was despatched with orders to one of the regiments ; when
about to deliver them, he suddenly found himself in contact with a British corps ; with great
coolness and a firm air, he inquired what regiment is this? On being answered, the Royal
Scots, he imraediately replied, " Royal Scots, remain as you are." The commandant of the
corps, supposing the orders came from his commanding general, immediately halted his re
giment, and Captain Spencer rode off. Captain Spencer was afterward mortally wounded,
and taken prisoner. Capt. Loring, the aid of Gen. Drummond, was also taken prisoner
He was exchanged for the corpse of Capt, Spencer.

224 NIAGARA COUNTY.
miles from the falls. The site of old Fort Schlosser is nearly a mile
below the landing : it was anciently a stoccade built upon banks slightly
raised above the plain. The steamboat Caroline, the burning of which
has caused so much sensation on the frontiers, lay beside the store
house represented in the engraving. Part of the village of Chippewa,
on the opposite side of the Niagara river, is seen on the right in the
extreme distance. Navy Island, so celebrated as a place of resort for
the Canadian patriots, or rebels, as they are alternately called, is seen
to the left beyond the store-house. The following passages, relative
to the transactions on Navy Island, whUe in possession of the patri
ots, and the burning of the Caroline, are extracted from "De Veaux's
FaUs of Niagara."
" About the middle of the month of December, 1837, twenty-eight men, principally Ca
nadians, with Rensselaer Van Rensselaer and William Lyon Mackenzie, went on Navy
Island. They caUed to them the patriots of Canada, and all others the friends of that
cause. In the space of three weeks, between three and four hundred responded to the
caU : some frora the United States, and some from Canada. They brought with them
arms and provisions. They stayed on the island for one raonth, and then, at their own
choice, left it, and not in fear of their opponents. Opposite to them were assembled five
thousand men, consisting of British regulars, incorporated mUitia, and a body of Indians
and negroes. Batteries were erected, and balls and shells were, at intervals, cast upon the
island. The islanders were incessantly in a state of danger and alarm; yet they would,
at times, provokingly return the fire ; still they remained unattacked. For a month, a
raw, undisciplined band of men, in the severity of winter, with no shelter but such as they
then constructed, and miserably clad, set at defiance and laughed at the overwhelming
force, which lay so near to them that they frequently conversed together.
" The steamboat Caroline came from Buffalo, on the 29th of Decerhber, it was said, to
ply as a ferry-boat between Schlosser and Navy Island. It passed, that day, forth and
back several times, and before sun-down was brought to the wharf at Schlosser, and
moored for the night. At that place there was but one house, an3 that a tavern. The
warlike movements between the patriots and British had drawn to the frontier, through
motives of curiosity, a great number of persons. The tavern was crowded — ^lodgings could
not be obtained — and several persons, observing the steamboat, sought for accommoda
tions on board, and were received. In the middle of the night, the watch, for a watch on
board steamboats is usually kept, saw something advancing on the water. He hailed, but
before he could give the alarm a body of armed raen rushed on board, shot at the sentinel
and all they met, crying — ' Cut them down !' ' Give no quarter !' No arras were on
board of the boat ; no attack was expected ; and no resistance was raade. Sorae got on
shore uninjured ; others were severely cut and dangerously wounded. One man was
shot dead on the wharf, and twelve were missing, either killed, or burnt and sunk with
the boat. They towed the boat out in the river, and set it on fire ; the flames burst
forth ; it drifted slowly, and its blaze shone far and wide over tho water and adjacent
shores. " On the Canada side, at a distance above Chippewa, was burning a large light, as a signal
to those engaged in the expedition. In a short tirae, an astounding shout carae booming over
the water : it was for the success and return of those who had performed this deed. The
beacon was extinguished. The Caroline still raoved on, and cast its lurid light far and
wide, clothing the scene in gloom and horror ; and just below the point of Iris Island, sud.
denly disappeared. Many of the wrecked and charred remains were, the next morning,
floating in the current and eddies below the falls."
Youngstown, port of delivery on the Niagara river, 1 mile above
Lake Ontario, 19 miles NW. from Lockport, has about 40 dwell
ings. The following is a distant view of Fort Niagara as seen from near
the lighthouse on the British side. The engraving from which the
above was copied, was published during the last war, and shows its

NIAGARA COUNTY.

225

Distant view of Fort Niagara.
appearance at that period. On the 19th of Dec, 1813, a British force
of more than 1,200 men crossed over and took the fort by surprise.
The garrison consisted of but 370, and the commander was absent,
and the gates of the fort were open and unguarded. The result of the
attack was as might have been expected — sixty-five of the garrison
were killed ; twenty-seven pieces of ordnance and large quantities
of mUitary stores were taken. The following interesting historical
account of this place, is taken from " De Veaux's Falls of Niagara,"
published in 1839.
" This fortress is in latitude 43 deg. 14 sec. N. In 1679, a small spot was enclbsed by
palisades, by M. De Salle, an officer in the service of France. In 1725, the fort was
built. In 1759, it was taken by the British, under Sir WUliam Johnson. The capture has
been ascribed to treachery, though there is not known to be any existing authority to prove
the charge. In 1796, it was surrendered to the United States. On the 19th of December,
1813, it was again taken by the British, by surprise ; and in March, 1815, again surren.
dered to the Araericans. This old fort is as rauch noted for enormity and crime, as for any
good ever derived from it by the nation in occupation. While in the hands of the French,
there is no doubt of its having been, at times, used as a prison ; its close and impregnable
dungeons, where light was not admitted, and where remained, for many years after, clear
traces, and a part of the ready instruments for execution, or for murder. During the Ameri
can revolution, it was the head-quarters of all that was barbarous, unrelenting, and crael.
There, were congregated the leaders and chiefs of those bands of murderers and miscreants,
that carried death and destruction into the remote American settiements. There, civUized
Europe reveUed with savage America ; and ladies of education and refinement mingled in
the society of those whose only distinction was to wield the bloody tomahawk and scalping-
knife. There, the squaws of the forest were raised to eminence, and the raost unholy
unions between them and officers of the highest rank, smiled upon and countenanced.
There, in their stronghold, like a nest of vultures, securely, for seven years, they saUied
forth and preyed upon the distant settiements of the Mohawks and Susquehannahs, It was
the depot of theh plunder ; there they planned thefr forays, and there they returned to feast,
until the hour of action carae again,
" Fort Niagara is in the state of New York, and stands on a point of land at the mouth
of the Niagara river. It is a traditionary story, that the mess-house, which is a very strong
building and the largest in the fort, was erected by stratagem, A considerable, though not
powerful body of French troops, had arrived at lie point. Their force was inferior to the
surrounding Indians, of whom they were under some apprehensions. They obtained con.
sent of the Indians to build a wigwam, and induced them, with some of their officers, to
engage in an extensive hunt. The raaterials had been made ready, and, whUe the Indians
were absent, the French built. When the parties retumed, at night, they had advanced
so far with the work, as to cover their faces, and to defend themselves against the savages,
in case of an attack. In progress of time, it became a place of considerable stirength. It had
15

226 ONEIDA COUNTY.
its bastions, ravines ; its ditch and pickets ; its curtains and counterscarp ; its covered way ;
drawbridge, raking-batteries ; its stone towers, laboratory, and magazine ; its mess-house,
barracks, bakery, and blacksmith shop ; and, for worship, a chapel, with a large ancient
dial over the door, to mark the hourly course of the sun. It was, indeed, a little city of
itself, and for a long period the greatest place south of Montreal, or west of Albany, The
fortifica.tioiis originally covered a space of about eight acres. At a few rods from the bar
rier gate was the burying ground ; it was filled with memorials of the mutability ef hu
man life ; and over the portals of the entrance was painted, in large and eraphatic char
acters, the word ' REST.'
" It is generally believed, that some of the distant fortresses of France were often con
verted into state prisons, as well as for defensive purposes. There was rauch about Fort
Niagara to establish the belief that it had been used as such. The dungeon of the mess-
house, called the black-hole, was a strong, dark, and dismal place ; and in one corner of
the room was fixed the apparatus for strangling such unhappy wretches as fell under the
displeasure of the despotic rulers of those days. The walls of this dungeon, from top to
bottom, had engraved upon them French names, and mementoes in that language. That
the prisoners were no common persons was clear, as the letters and emblems were chis
elled out in good style. In June, 1812, when an attack was momentarily expected upon
the fort by a superior British force, a merchant, resident at Fort Niagara, deposited some
valuable articles in this dungeon. He took occasion, one night, to visit it with a light ;
he examined the walls, and there, among hundreds of French names, he saw his own
family name engraved iu large letters. He took no notes, and has no recoUection of the
other names and memorials ; he intended to repeat his visit, and to extend his examina
tion, but other avocations caused the subject to be neglected ; and it was not brought to
raind again until of late years, when all was changed. In further corroboration that Fort
Niagara had witnessed scenes of guilt and foul murder, was the fact that, in 1805, it be-
came necessary to clear out an old sink attached to the raes%-house. The bones of a fe
male were found therein, evidently, frora the place where discovered, the victim df some
atrocious crime.
" There were many legendary stories about the fort. In the centre of the mess-honse
was a well of water, but, it having been poisoned by some of the former occupants, in
latter years the water was not used ; and it was a story with the soldiers, and believed by
the superstitious, that at midnight the headless trunk of a French general officer was often
seen sitting on the curb of the old well, where he had been murdered, and his body thrown
in ; and, according to dreamers and money-diggers, large treasures, both in gold and sil
ver, have been buried in many of the nooks and corners of the old fort. Many applica-
tions used to be made to the American officers, to dig for money, and persons have been
known to come from a considerable distance for that purpose. The ' requests were, of
course, refused."

ONEIDA COUNTY.
Oneida county was taken from Herkimer in 1789 ; since much re
duced by the formation of other counties. Oneida is a corruption of
the Indian word Oneiyuta, signifying upright or standing stone.
Greatest length N. and S. 47, greatest breadth E. and W. 40 miles.
From New York NW. 252, from Albany 107 miles. The surface
has just diversity and unevenness enough to form a pleasing variety,
and to supply brisk streame • of pure water, and a salubrious atmo
sphere. Hardly a farm is without perpetual streams and brooks.
The northeast and southern parts approach a hilly character, a wa
ving surface with an easy swell ; the northwest part is tolerably level,
and the central richly variegated with easy undulations. The soil is
of various qualities, but everywhere rich and productive. The cot
ton and woollen manufactures are carried on here more extensively

ONEIDA COUNTY.

227

than in any other county in the state. The Erie canal crosses this
county, following the south side of the Mohawk river to Rome, and
there turns southwestward into Madison county. This section of the
canal is part of the long level 69 i miles in length, extending from
Frankfort in Herkimer county to Syracuse in Onondaga. The route
of the Chenango canal, which unites the Susquehannah river with the
Erie canal, leaves the latter at Utica, passing thence into the valley
of the Oriskany, and thence follows the same into the county of Madi
son. Another canal is also commenced, uniting the Black river with
the Erie canal ; it leaves the latter at Rome, and follows thence up
the valley of the Mohawk, and crosses the dividing ridge between
the waters of the same and the Black river in the town of Boonville.
Parts of the Utica and Schenectady, and Utica and Syracuse rail
roads, are in this county. The county buildings are located at Whites-
borough, Utica, and Rome, The county is divided into 25 towns and
the city of Utica :

Annsville,

Floyd,

Remsen,

Verona,

Augusta,

Kirkland,

Rome,

Vienna,

Boonville,

Lee,

Sangerfield,

Western,

Bridgewater,

Marcy,

Steuben,

Westmoreland,

Camden,

Marshall,

Trenton,

Whitestown,

Deerfield,

New Hartford,

Utica,

Florence,

Paris,

Vernon,

Utica city comprehends the former town and village of that name,
taken from Whitestown in 1817, It was incorporated a city in 1832,
and divided into four wards. Its population in 1830, was 8,323 ; in
1840, 12,810, The land on which the city is situated is a rich allu
vion, rising gently from the south side of the Mohawk river, and was
formerly covered with a gigantic growth of forest trees. It is quite a
central point for roads, canals, &c., to various parts of the state.
Distance from Albany 96 miles, from New York 241, from Buff'alo
202, from Rochester 140, from Oswego 76, from Sacketts Harbor
94, from Ithaca 96, and from Ogdensburg 145 miles. It contains
14 churches — 3 Presbyterian, 2 Methodist, 2 Baptist, 1 Episcopal, 1
Dutch Reformed, 1 Welsh Presbyterian, 1 Catholic, 1 Friends, 1
Bethel, and 1 Universalist. There are three banks, with an aggre
gate capital of one million and a half of dollars. The buildings are
generally very good, the stories large and splendid. There are nine
periodical publications, including newspapers, 4 academies or high
schools, and numerous moral, religious, benevolent, and scientific as
sociations. The Schenectady and Utica Railroad was first opened on Monday,
25th of July, 1836. The first train of cars, drawn by a locomotive,
ran the whole distance twice that day. This road was constructed in
twenty-two months, at an expense of one and one half millions of dol
lars, or $20,000 per mile ; distance 77 miles.
The first building erected within the limits of Utica was a mud fort,
constructed during the old French war. It was situated between

228 ONEIDA COUNTY.
Main-street and the banks of the river, a little eastward of Second-
street, and named Fort. Schuyler,' in honor of Col. Schuyler, an
uncle of Gen. Philip Schuyler of the revolution.
" The settlement of Utica commenced at an early period, but was
not prosecuted with the vigor that the neighboring settlements were.
Whitestown was regarded as the great central point of the whole
region up to the years 1793 or 1794. At this period quite a village
had grown up there, while Utica, or old Fort Schuyler, as its site
was then called, could boast of but three houses. About this time
the public attention was directed to Rome, as the probable future me
tropolis of the state. Its local position favored the idea. It occupied
the portage or carrying place between the Mohawk and Wood creek,
which, discharging through Oneida lake into Lake Ontario, formed a
channel of communication between the Hudson and the whole chain
of western lakes. The connecting the two streams by a navigable
canal, which was projected at a very early day, and was accomplished
by the Western Inland Lock Navigation Company, which was char
tered in 1792, encouraged the belief, that that site must become the
focus of the business of the country. And for several years the
growth of Rome warranted the expectation. The location of the
Seneca turnpike road first operated to change the current of business
and divert it to this location. This event took place in the year 1800,
and the crossing of the river at this point rendered it immediately im
portant as a place of deposite and of trade, A steady and healthful
growth ensued, and the aid and influence of enlightened and enter
prising men in the various walks of hfe, contributed very shortly to
render it the leading place of business in the neighborhood. Its pres
ent name was given to it in 1798, when it was incorporated as a vil
lage, and it has since then continued its municipal capacity until the
present day.
The first church gathered in this city was organized under
the care of the Rev, Bethuel Dodd, ,as a branch of the church at
Whitestown, in the year 1794, The style of the corporation was —
" The United Presbyterian Societies of Whitestown and old Fort
Schuyler," Previous to that time, although the people of Whitestown
had employed a clergyman, the Rev. Dr, Hillyer, whom I have al
ready mentioned^ they had not settled a pastor, Mr, Dodd was or
dained pastor of the United Societies, The union of the two
churches continued for more than twenty years, under the pastorates
of Mr, Dodd and his successor, the Rev. Dr, Carnahan, They were
the first Presbyterian churches organized west of the city of Albany,
those at Clinton and New Hartford being Congregational in their forms
of govemment. The Episcopal church in this city was gathered in
1798, and its present church edifice erected in 1803." — Tracy's Lec
tures. Rome, one of the shiretowns of Oneida county, was incorporated
in 1796. The village of Rome, occupying the site of old Fort Stan
wix, was incorporated in 1819. The two first white families who lo
cated themselves at this spot, were those of two men from German Flats,

VIEW IN GENESEE STREET, UTICA, N, Y.

ONEIDA COUNTY.

229

named Roof and Brodock, who settled at the landing place on the
Mohawk in the vicinity of Fort Stanwix, to gain a livelihood by
assisting in the transportation of goods destined for the Indian trade,
across the carrying place from the river to Wood creek. They held
no title to their lands, but occupied them under a contract for their
purchase from Oliver Delancy, one of the proprietors of the Oriskany
patent, who was afterward attainted of treason. This little outpost,
however, was broken up during the revolutionary war. The first
regular settlement of Rome was by emigrants from the New England

states

r/ %. /»
Southern view of Rome.
The above is a southern view of part of the vUlage as viewed from
the railroad track. The building seen on the right having four chim
neys is but a few yards distant from the central part of the fortifica
tions of the old fort, the ceUar of which is stiU to be seen. The
Black river canal passes a few rods this side of the buUdings seen in
the engraving ; the Erie canal is about half a mUe westward of the
village. Mohawk river and Wood creek, at this place, approach
within a mile of each other ; in 1797, a canal was completed between
the two streams, thus connecting the waters of the Mohawk with
those of Lake Ontario. The vUlage consists of upwards of 300
dwelhngs, 2 Presbyterian, 2 Baptist, 1 Episcopal, and 1 Methodist
church, an academy incorporated in 1836, a bank, printing ofiice
and a number of select schools. The United States arsenal ana
barracks, suflScient for a regiment, were erected here in 1813, under
the direction of Maj. James Dalliba. Rome is situated on the sum
mit level between the ocean and Lake Ontario, four hundred and
thirty-five feet above tide at Albany; lat. 43° 12'; long. 1° 27' W.
from New York. Distant from Albany 110, from Utica 15 miles.
Pop. 5,680. . . „
Fort Stanwix, named from Gen. Stanwix, was origmally erected
in the year 1758, during the French war. It occupied a position
commanding the carrying place between the navigable waters of the
Mohawk and Wood creek, and was regarded as the key to the com-

230 ONEIDA COUNTY.
mmiication between Canada and the settlements on the Mohawk.
" It was originally a square fort, having four bastions surmounted by
a broad and deep ditch, with a covert way and glacis. In the centre
of the ditch a row of perpendicular pickets was planted, and another
horizontal row fixed around the ramparts. But although the princi
pal fortress had been erected at the enormous expense for those times
of #266,400, yet at the commencement of the revolutionary war the
whole was in ruins. On the incursion of Burgoyne from Montreal
towards Albany, a detachment of the invading forces/ under the com
mand of Col. St. Leger, consisting of 200 British troops, a regiment
of loyalists, and a large body of Indians under Brant, the great cap
tain of the Six Nations, went up the St. Lawrence, then to Oswego,
and from thence to Fort Stanwix. From this point it was intended
to pass down the Mohawk and join the forces of Burgoyne at Albany.
Gen. Schuyler, who had the command of the northwestern frontier,
sent Col. Dayton to repair the works at Fort Stanwix. He seems to
have done little towards eflfecting this object ; he however thought
proper to change its name to Fort Schuyler, which name it retained
during the war. Gen. Peter Gansevoort was afterward sent to
supply his place. On the 3d of August, Col. St. Leger arrived be
fore the fort with his whole force, consisting of a motley collection
of British regulars, Hessians, Tories, and about one thousand Indians.
The garrison, under Col. Gansevoort, consisted of about 750 men.
Soon after his arrival, St. Leger sent a flag into the fort with a mani
festo, advising submission to the mercy of the king, arid denouncing
severe vengeance against those who should continue in their ' unnatu
ral rebellion.' This manifesto produced no effect on the brave garri
son, who had determined to defend the fortress to the last extremity.
At the time of the battle of Oriskany, [see Whitestown,] when Gen.
Herkimer was advancing to the relief of the fort, a diversion was
made in his favor, by a sortie of 250 men, under the command of
Col. WiUet. Such was the impetuosity of Willet's movements, that
Sir John Johnson and his regiment, who lay near the fort with his
Indian aUies, sought safety in flight. The amount of spoil found in
the enemy's camp was so great that WiUet sent hastily for wagons
to convey it away. The spoil thus captured, twenty wagon loads,
consisted of camp equipage, clothing, blankets, stores, &c., five
British standards, and the baggage and papers of most of the officers.
For this brilliant exploit, congress directed that Col. Willet should be
presented with an elegant sword in the name of the United States.
The siege of the fort still continued, and the situation of the garri
son, though not desperate, began to be somewhat critical. Col. Wil
let and Maj. Stockwell readily undertook the hazardous mission of
passing through the enemy's lines to arouse their countrymen to their
relief. After creeping on their hands and knees through the enemy's
encampment, and adopting various arts of concealment, they pursued
their way through swamps and pathless woods, until they arrived
safely at German Flats, and from thence to the head-quarters of
Gen. Schuyler, then commanding the American army at Stillwater

ONEIDA COUNTY. 231
Gen. Arnold was immediately despatched with a body of troops to the
relief of Col. Gansevoort.* As he was advancing up the Mohawk,
he captured a tory by the name of Hon-yost Schuyler, who being a
spy, was condemned to death. Hon-yost " was one of the coarsest
and most ignorant men in the valley, appearing scarce, half removed
from idiocy ; and yet there was no small share of shrewdness in his
character." He was promised his life if he would go to the enemy,
particiilarly the Indians, and alarm them by announcing that a large
army of the Americans was in full march to destroy them, &c. Hon-
yost being acquainted with many of the Indians, gladly accepted the
offer ; one of his brothers was detained as a hostage for his fidelity,
and was to be hung if he proved treacherous. A friendly Oneida
Indian was let into the secret, and cheerfully embarked in the design.
Upon Hon-yost's arrival, he told a lamentable story of his being
taken by Arnold, and of his escape from being hanged. He showed
them also several shot-holes in his coat, which he said were made by
bullets fired at him when making his escape. Knowing the character
of the Indians, he communicated his intelligence to them in a mysteri
ous and imposing manner. When asked the number of men which Ar
nold had, he shook his head mysteriously and pointed upward to the
leaves of the trees. These reports spread rapidly through the camps.
Meantime the friendly Oneida arrived with a belt and confirmed what
Hon-yost had said, hinting that a bird had brought him intelligence
of great moment. On his way to the camp of the besiegers he had
fallen in with two or three Indians of his acquaintance, who readily
engaged in furthering his design. These sagacious fellows dropped
into the camp as if by accident : they spoke of warriors in great num
bers rapidly advancing against them. The Americans, it was stated,
did not wish to injure the Indians, but if they continued with the
* A short time previous to the investment of the fortress the foUowing singular incident
occurred. — " Capt, Greg went with two of his soldiers into the woods a short distance to
shoot pigeons ; a party of Indians started suddenly from concealraent in the bushes, shot
thera all down, toraahawked and scalped thera, and left them for dead. The captain, after
some tirae revived, and perceiving his men were killed, himself robbed of his scalp, and
suffering extreme agony from his numerous wounds, raade an effort to raove and lay his
bleeding head on one of the dead bodies, expecting soon to expire, A faithful dog who
accorapanied him manifested great agitation, and in the tenderest manner licked his
wounds, which afforded him great reUef from exquisite distress. He then directed the dog,
as if a human being, to go in search of some person to come to his relief. The animal,
with every appearance of anxiety, ran about a mUe, when he met with two men fishing in
the river, and endeavored in the most moving manner, by whining and piteous cries, to
prevail on them to follow him into the woods. Stmck with the singular conduct of the dog,
they were induced to follow him part of the way, but fearing sorae decoy, or danger, they
were about to return, when the dog, fixing his eyes on them, renewed his entreaties by his
cries, and taking hold of their clothes with his teeth, prevailed on them to foUow him to the
fatal spot. Such was the remarkable fidelity and sagacity of this animal, Capt, Greg was
immediately carried to the fort, where his wounds were dressed ; he was afterward re.
moved to our hospital, and put under iny care. He was a raost frightful spectacle, the
whole of his scalp was removed ; in two places on the fore part of his head, the tomahawk
had penetrated through the skull ; there was a wound on his back with the same instru.
ment, besides a wound in his side and another through his arra by a musket baU. This
unfortunate man, after suflTering extremely for a long time, finally recovered, and appeared
to be well satisfied in having his scalp restored to him, though uncovered with hau:." —
Thacher's Military Journal.

232 ONEIDA COUNTY.
British they must aU share one common fate. The Indians were
thoroughly alarmed, and determined on an immediate flight, being al
ready disgusted with the British service. Col, St. Leger exhorted,
argued, and made enticing off'ers to the Indians to remain, but aU in
vain. He attempted to get them drunk, but they refused to drink.
When he found them determined to go, he urged them to move in the
rear of his army ; but they charged him with a design to sacrifice them
to his safety. In a mixture of rage and despair, he broke up his en
campment with such haste, that he left his tents, cannon, and stores to
the besieged. The friendly Oneida accompanied the flying army, and
being naturally a wag, he engaged his companions who were in the se
cret, to repeat at proper intervals the cry, " They are coming ! they
are coming .'" This appaUing ciy quickened the flight of the fugitives
wherever it was heard. The soldiers threw away their packs ; and
the commanders took care not to be in the rear. After much fatigue
and mortification, they finally reached Oneida Lake ; and there proba
bly, for the first time, felt secure from the pursuit of their enemies.
From this place St. Leger hastened with his scattered forces back to
Oswego, and thence to Montreal.
Hon-yost, after accompanying the flying army as far asthe estuary
of Wood creek, left thera and returned to Fort Schuyler, and gave
the first information to Colonel Gansevoort of the approach of Arnold.
From thence he proceeded to German Flats, and on presenting him
self at Fort Dayton his brother was discharged. He soon after rejoin
ed the British standard, attaching himself to the forces under Sir John
Johnson, Whitestown was organized in 1788, It lies on the west side of
the Mohawk, having an undulating surface with broad and fertile val
leys. It is drained by the Oriskany and Sauquoit creeks, on which
are numerous mUls of various kinds. Oriskany^ Whitesborough, and
YorkmiUs are post viUages. Whitesborough, the principal village, is
near the confluence of Sadaquada or Sauquoit creek with the Mohawk,
contains about 100 dwelling-houses, 2 churches, an academ'v, and the
Oneida Institute. Distant 100 miles from Albany ; 4 from tJtica, and
1 1 from Rome. Oriskany viUage, 7 miles from Utica, on the line of
the canal and railroad, is a large manufacturing village containing
about 200 dwellings. Oriskany Falls village, 20 miles from Utica, on
the line of the Chenango canal, contains about 80 dwellings.
The foUowing is a SW, view of the Oneida Institute, as seen from
the Erie canal, which passes a short distance from these buildings.
The "Oneida Institute of Science and Industry,'' was founded in 1827;
incorporated in 1829. "The design of this Seminary is to furnish
means to obviate the evils resulting to students from the usual appli
cation to a coursQ of professional study, and the attendant depriva
tion of bodily exercise. The plan that the Seminary has established
to efi"ect this, is to blend productive manual labor with the course of
study. Three hours labor per day is required of each student in the
young men's department, and somewhat less of each in tbe juvenile
department. The farm consists of the flat on the left bank of the

ONEIDA COUNTY.

233

Southwest view of Oneida Institute, Whitestown.
Sauquoit, and contains 114 acres. The chief building upon it when
purchased, was a large two story wood house to which a wing has
been appended, and Which is now occupied by the juvenile depart
ment. The other principal buildings, which are all of wood, with
stone basements, are as foUows : two of 82 by 32 feet, and one 48
by 48 feet, all of three stories, including the basements. The latter
includes the chapel, with seats for 260 persons. The library con
tains upwards of 1,000 volumes ; and in the reading-room are files
of newspapers from various parts of the United States. The ex
pense for instruction, room rent, fuel, and contingences per year, $28.
Board at f 1,05 per week, $64,60 per year. Total $82,60.
Immediately after the revolutionary war, Hugh White, a native of
Middletowm, Conn., Zephaniah Piatt, Ezra L'Hommedieu, and Me-
lancthon Smith, became joint proprietors of Sadaquada Patent. It
was agreed among the proprietors, that they should meet on the land
in the summer of 1784, and make a survey and partition of it. Judge
White, having determined to make this place his home, he accord
ingly, in the month of May in that year, left his native place, accom
panied by his four sons, all of whom had arrived at manhood, a
daughter, and daughter-in-law. The party sailed to Albany, there
crossed the carrying place to Schenectady, and procuring a batteau,
ascended the Mohawk, and arrived in June at the mouth of the Sau
quoit creek. They there erected a shanty for their temporary accom
modation, whUe surveying and dividing the lands. Upon obtaining the
partition Judge White proceeded to the erection of a log house : the
site fixed upon was upon the bank which forms the eastern boundary
of the village green in Whitesborough, just on the right of the Indian
path which led from old Fort Schuyler to Fort Stanwix. He re
mained at this house with his sons until winter, ^cutting away the
forest and making preparations for the ensuing season. In January,
he returned to Connecticut, and brought his wife and the remainder
of his family. Four years after this, he erected the house still standing
on the southeastern corner of the village green of which the annexed
is a representation. He continued to occupy it until a year or two

234

ONEIDA COUNTY.

House of Judge White, Whitestown.
previous to his death, when he removed to the dwelling owned by
him upon the hih, where he died April 16th, 1812. At the organiza
tion of Herkimer county, he was appointed a judge, and afterward
performed the duties of the same office in Oneida county.
For the first two years of Judge White's residence at Whitesbo
rough, the nearest mill was situated at Palatine, a distance of about forty
miles. This distance was traversed by an Indian path impassable to
a wheel-carriage. The want of animal food induced the first settlers
to salt down a barrel or two of the breasts of pigeons, which they sepa
rated from the remainder of these birds, which were here caught in great
numbers. In the year 1786, the settlementof Whitestown had so far in
creased, that its inhabitants formed a religious society, and employed
as a minister the Rev. Dr. Hillyer, of Orange, New Jersey, and or-
fanized the first Presbyterian church formed in the state west of Al-
any. In 1788, when Whitestown was organized, its hmits were
laid off" by a line crossing the Mohawk at a smaU log cabin which
stood upon the site occupied by the railroad depot in Utica, and run
ning north and south to the boundaries of the state, and comprehend
ing all the state lying westward — a territory which at present is
inhabited by more than a million of inhabitants. The first town
meeting was held in a barn owned by Needham Maynard, Esq., on
the road leading from Whitesborough to Middle Settlement.
For a number of years after Judge White's arrival quite a number
of the Oneida Indians resided in his vicinity. The following interest
ing incident, which took place during this period, is copied from
Tracy's Lectures.
" An old chief, named Han Yerry, who, during the war, had acted with the royal party,
and now resided at Oriskany in a log wigwam which stood on this side of the creek, just
back of the house, untU recentiy, occupied by Mr, Charles Green, one day caUed at Judge
White's with his wife and a mulatto woman who belonged to hira, and who acted as his
interpreter. After conversing with him a littie while, the Indian asked him — Are you my
friend ? Yes, said he, WeU, then, said the Indian, do you believe I am your fi-iend ?
Yes, Han Yerry, replied he ; I believe you are. The Indian then rejoined — Well, if you
are my friend, and you beUeve I am your friend, I will tell you what I want, and then I
shall know whether you speak trae words. And what is it that you want ? said Mr. White.

ONEIDA COUNTY. 235
The Indian then pointed to a Uttie grandchild, the daughter of one of his sons, then be.
tween two and three years old, and said, — My squaw wants to take this pappoose home
with us to stay one night, and bring her home to-morrow : if you are ray friend, you will
now show rae. The feelings of the grandfather at once uprose in his bosom, and the
child's mother started with horror and alarm at the thought of intrusting her darUng prat
tler with the rude tenants of the forest. The question was full of interest. On the one
hand, the necessity of placing unUmited confidence in the savage, and intrusting the wel.
fare and the life of his grandchild with him ; on the other, the certain enmity of a man of
influence and consequence in his nation, and one who had been the open enemy of his
countrymen in their recent struggle. But he made the decision with a sagacity that
showed that he properly estimated the character of the person he was dealing with. He
believed that by placing implicit confidence in him, he should command the sense of honor
which seems peculiar to the uncontaminated Indian, He told him to take the child ; and
as the mother, scarcely suffering it to be parted from her, relinquished it into the hands of
the old man's wife, he soothed her fears with his assurances of confidence in their promises.
That night, however, was a long one ; and during the whole of the next morning raany and
often were the anxious glances cast up the pathway leading frora Oriskany, if possible to
discover the Indians and their Uttle charge, upon their return to its home. But no Indians
came in sight. It at length became high noon : all a mother's fears were aroused : she
could scarcely be restrained from rushing in pursuit of her loved one. But her father re
presented to her the gross indignity which a suspicion of their intentions would arouse in
the breast of the chief; and half frantic though she was, she was restrained. The after.
noon slowly wore away, and stiU nothing was seen of her child. The sun had nearly
reached the horizon, and the mother's heart had swoUen beyond further endurance, when
the forms of the friendly chief and his wife, bearing upon her shoulders their litde visiter,
greeted its mother's vision. The dress which the child had worn from home had been re
moved, and in its place its Indian friends had substituted a complete suit of Indian gar.
raents, so as completely to metamorphose it into a Uttle squaw. "The sequel of this adven.
ture was the establishment of a most ardent attachment and regard on the part of the In
dian and his friends for the white settiers. The child, now Mrs, Eells of Missouri, the
widow of the late Nathaniel Eells of Whitesboro, stiU remembers some incidents occurring
on the night of her stay in the wigwam, and the kindness of her Indian hostess,"
Oriskany vUlage is about 3 miles NE. from Whitesborough, at the
confluence of Oriskany creek with the Mohawk: it has about IIO
dwellings, a number of mihs, and 2 woollen factories, viz. the Oris
kany, first incorporated in 1804, and the Dexter. The Erie canal
and the railroad between Utica and Syracuse pass through this vil
lage. The battle of Oriskany, in which Gen. Herkimer received a
mortal wound, was fought about two miles in a western direction
from the village.
On the advance of the British forces under Lieut. Col. St. Leger
to the siege of Fort Schuyler, (Stanwix,) at Rome, General Herkimer
summoned the militia of Tryon county to the field to march to the
succor of the garrison. On the 5th of Aug., 1777, he arrived near
Oriskany with a body of upwards of 800 men, all eager to meet the
enemy. On the morning of the 6th of August, Gen. Herkimer de
termined to halt till he had received reinforcements, or at least until
the signal of a sortie should be received from the fort. His officers,
however, were eager to press forward ; high words ensued : during
which his two colonels and other officers denounced their commander
to his face as a tory and a coward. " The brave old man calmly
replied that he considered himself placed over them as a father, and
that it was not his wish to lead them into any difficulty from which
he could not extricate them. Burning as they now seemed to meet
the enemy, he told them roundly that they would run at his first ap
pearance. But his remonstrances were unavaihng. Their clamor

236 ONEIDA COUNTY.
increased, and their reproaches were repeated, until, stung by impu
tations of cowardice and a want of fidelity to the. cause, and some
what irritated wUhal, the general immediately gave the order —
' march on !'..- The'vifords were no sooner heard than the troops gave
% shout,' and moved, or .J-ather rushed forward." Col. St. Leger
hSvin^ heard of the 'advance of Gen. Herkimer, determined to attack
hiHi in'anahibuscade. " The spot chosen favored the design. There
was Vj, deep ravine cro'ssing'ihe .pafh.which Herkimer was traversing,
"¦"sweeping ^towards , tJie east iik a semiicircular form, and bearing a
northern and southern ^ditection. 'The .bottom of this ravine was
marshy, and thg roa4 ^Qrossed it by means of a causeway. The
ground, thus partly fenclosed by, the ravine, was elevated and level.
The ambuscade was laid upon the high ground west of the ravine."
The British troops, with a large body x)f Indians under Brant, disposed
themselves in a circle, leaving- only a narrow segment open for the
admission of Herkimer's troop^. Unconscious of the presence of the
enemy. Gen. Herkimer with his w}iole force, with the exception of
the rear-guard, found themselves encompassed at the onset — the
foe closing up the gap on their first hre. Th®se on the outside fled
as their commander had predicted ; those within, the circle were
thrown into disorder by the sudden 'and murderous fire now poured
in upon them on all sides. Gen. Herkimer fell wounded in the early
part of the action, and was placed on his saddle against the trunk of
a tree for his support, and thus continued to order the battle. The
action having lasted more than half an hour, in great disorder, Her
kimer's men formed themselves into circles to repel the attacks of the
enemy, who were now closing in upon them from all sides. From
this moment their resistance was more eff'ective. The firing in a
great measure ceased ; and the conffict was carried on with knives,
bayonets, and the butt-ends of muskets. A heavy shower of rain
now arrested the work of death ; the 'storm raged for an hour, and
the enemy retired among the ttees, at -a "respectful distance, having
¦ suff'ered severely, notwithstanding the", g.4Tantages in their favor.
During this suspension of the conflict,) Gdn. Herkimer's men, by his
direction, formed themselves into a circle and awa'ifed .the movements
of the enemy. In the early part of the battle, whenever a gun was
fired by a militiaman from behind a tree, an Indian rushed up and
tomahawked him before he could reload. To counteract this, two
men were stationed behind a single tree, one only to fire at a time —
the other to reserve his fire till the Indian ran up as before The fight
was soon renewed, but by this new arrangement the Indians suffered
so severely that they began to give way. A reinforcement of the
enemy now came up, called Johnson's Greens. These men were
mostly royalist, who having fled from Tryon county, now returned
in arms against their former neighbors. Many of the militia and the
Greens knew each other, and as soon as they advanced near enough
for recognition, mutual feelings of hate and revenge raged in their
bosoms. The militia fired upon them as they advanced, and then
springing like tigers from their covers, attacked thera with their bay-

ONEIDA COUNTY. 237
onets and^butts.of their muskets ; or both parties in closer contact
throttled each.pth^^ &Xid' drew their knives — stabbing, and sometimes
literally dying" in ea'cV other's embrace."
This murderous conflro^ did not continue long: the Indians seeing
with what resolution' th6 militia continued the fight, and finding their
own numbers greatly diminished, now raised the retreating cry of
" Oonah !" and fled in every direction under the shouts of the surviv
ing militia, and a shower of bullets. A firing was heard in the dis
tance from the fort : the Greens and Rangers now deemed that their
presence was necessary' elsewhere, and retreated precipitately, leav
ing the victorious militia of Tryon county masters of the field, —
" Thus ended," (says Col. Stone in his Life of Brant,) " one of the
severest, and, for the numbers engaged, one of the most bloody bat
tles of the revolutionary war." The loss of the mUitia, according to
the American account, waS two hundred killed, exclusive of wounded
and prisoners. The British claimed that four hundred of the Ameri
cans we^e" 'kiUed'and' two hundred taken prisoners. "The loss of
the enemy 'was equally if not more severe, than that of the Ameri
cans." Gen. Herkimer, though wounded in the onset, bore himself
during the six hours of conflict, under the most trying circumstances,
with a degree of fortitii(^e»and composure worthy of admiration.
"At one time during the'i)attle; whUe sitting upon his saddle, raised
upon a little hillock, being ^advised to select a less exposed situation,
he replied — ' I will face the ehSihyi' ' Thus surrounded by a few men,
he continued to issue his_ orders with ^firmness. In this situation, and
in the heat of the qn^aught'^h^ deliberatfely took his tinder box from
his pocket, lit his pipS,'an'd snSoked with great composure." After
the battle was over, he 'v^ds Keftfoved from the field on a Jitter, and
was conveyed to his house, below fhe I^i,t);le Falls on the Mohawk. ¦
The following inscriptions are copie4','fr<^m moBuments'm tne
Whitesborough grave-yard. . ' ,»,, » ' ,f">
" Here sleep the mortal remains of Hugh White, -wjio wjps bom 5th February, 1733, at
Middletown, Connecticut, and died 16th April, 1812.^ In the year 1784, he removed to
Sedaghquate, now Whitesborough : where he was the first white inhabitant in the state of
New York west of the German settiers on the Mohawk, He was distinguished for energy
and decision of character ; and may justly be regarded as a Patriarch who led the children
of New England into the wUderness, As a magistrate, a citizen, and a man, his character
for trath and integrity was proverbial. This humble raonuraent is reared and inscribed by
the affectionate partner of his joys and his soirows. May 15, 1826."

" To the meraory of the Rev. Bethuel Dodd, first pastor of the United Presbyterian So.
ciety of Whitestown and Utica, Born 1767, died 1804 ; and of Sarah his wife, born 1768,
died 1828. In the year 1794, they emigrated from Orange, New Jersey, to this village.
Mr, Dodd assisted in formmg the first Presbyterian church west of Albany, and spent the
remainder of a short but useful career in the upbmlding of this branch of his Master's
kingdom,"

238

ONEIDA COUNTY.

Distant view of Hamilton College, Kirkland.
Clinton, the principal settlement in the town of Kirkland, is 9 miles
from Utica, on the Chenango canal. The village consists of about 50
dwellings,! Congregational, 1 Baptist, and 1 Universahst church, 2
academies, and 2 seminaries for females. The annexed engraving
shows the appearance of the Hamilton college buUdings as seen from
the canal in Clinton village, about one mile and a half distant, beauti
fully situated on a commanding eminence westward of the Oriskany
'Bailey, overlooking the village, having a delightful distant prospect.
The college buUdings consist of three stone buildings four stories high,
for study, lodging-rooms, a chapel. President's dwelling-house, board
ing and servants' house, and 41 acr6s of land. This institution was es
tabhshed in 1812. The original cost .of the coUege grounds and build
ings was about $80,000. " The college in 1834 raised by subscription
the sum of $50,000 ; forming a fund for the payment of the salaries
of the officers.' 'Wm, H. Maynard, who died in Sept. 1832, bequeath
ed to it $20,"000, to endow -a professorship of law ; and S. N. Dexter,
Esq,, of whitestown, in 1836, gave $15,000 for endowing a professor
ship." The Rev. Samuel Kirkland, from whom this town derives its name, was the son of
Rev. Mr. Kirkland, of Norwich, Connecticut. This devoted missionary was for a time a
member of Mr. Wheelock's school, and afterward finished his education at the coUege in
New Jersey, where he graduated in 1765. The next year, (1766,) he commenced his
mission among the Oneidas, laboring and living with thera and endearing himself to thera
by his attention and efiTorts to do them good. Upon the breaking out of the revolutionary
war, the Six Nations, with the exception of the Oneidas, who were mostly under the in
fluence of Mr. Kirkland, joined the British cause. The intestine war which now took
place forced Mr. Kirkland to remove his family from this region, but he himself continued
his labors among the Oneidas as opportunities ofifered, and l}y his influence a firm friend
ship was maintained between thera and the Americans. During a portion of the war he
officiated as chaplain to the American forces in the vicinity ; he also accompanied the ex
pedition of Gen. Sullivan, in 1779, through the western part of the state.
After the conclusion of the war, the state of New York, in con
sideration of his valuable services during the revolution, granted to
him the lands lying in the tbwn of Kirkland, known as Kirkland's
patent, upon a portion of which, Hamilton College stands. To these
lands he removed his family in 1792, and fixed his residence near the

ONEIDA COUNTY. 239
vUlage of Clinton, where he continued tUl his death, March 28th,
1808, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. The labors of Mr. Kirk
land among the Oneidas, were in many instances attended with hap
py consequences ; a large portion of the nation ultimately professed
to believe in the Christian religion, and many of them appeared de
voted Christians, among whom was the venerable chief Skenandoa.
About the year 1791, Mr. Kirkland conceived the project of estab
lishing a seminary which should be accessible to the Indian youth
as well as the whites. Through his exertions a charter of incorpo
ration was obtained for the institution in 1793, under the name of
" Hamilton Oneida Academy." In 1794 a building was erected,
which for many years afterward continued to be known as Oneida
Hall, till the seminary was raised to the rank of a college, with the
style of Hamilton college. Mr. Kirkland was a generous benefactor
of this institution, and expended much of his time and means in pro
moting its interests.
The following account of the death of Skenandoa, the Oneida
chief, and the " white man's friend," was published in the Utica Pa
triot, March 19th, 1816. In a few particulars it is abridged.
" Died at his residence, near Oneida Castle, on Monday, 11th inst., Skenandoa, the cel
ebrated Oneida chief, aged 110 years : well known in the wars which occurred while we
were British colonies, and in the contest which issued in our independence, as the undevi-
ating friend of the people of the United States. He was very savage and addicted to
drunkenness* in his youth, but by his own reflections and the benevolent instruction of the
late Rev. Mr. Kirkland, missionary to his tribe, he lived a reformed man for more than
sixty years, and died in Christian hope. From attachment to Mr. Kirkland he had always
expressed a strong desire to be buried near his minister and father, that he might (to use
his'own expression,) * Go up with i,im at the great resurrection.' At the approach of death,
. after listening to the prayers which were read at his bed-side by his great-granddaughter,
he again repeated the request. Accordingly, the family of Mr. Kirkland having received
information by a ranner.that*Skenandoa was dead, in compliance with a previous promise,
sent assistance to the Indians that the corpse might be carried to the village of CUnton for
burial. Divine service was attJnded at the meeting-house in CUnton on Wednesday at 2
o'clock, P. M, An address was made to the Indians by the Rev, Dr, Backus, President of
HamUton college, which was interpreted by Judge Deane, of Westmoreland, Prayer was
then offered and appropriate psalms sung. After service, the concourse which had assem
bled from respect to the deceased chief, or frora the singularity of the occasion, moved to
the grave in the foUowing order : —
Students of HamUton CoUege,
CORPSE', -
Indians,
Mrs, Kirkland and family,
Judge Deane, — Rev. Dr. Norton — Rev. Mr. Ayre,
Oflicer^ of Hamilton CoUege,
Citizens.
" After interment, the only surviving son of the deceased, self-moved, returned thanks,
through Judge Deane as interpreter, to the people for the respect shown to his father on
the occasion, and to Mrs. Kirkland and family for their kind and friendly attention,
" Skenandoa's person was taU, weU made, and robust. His countenance was intelUgenf,
* In the year 1755 Skenandoa was present at a treaty made in Albany. At night he
was excessively drunk, and in the morning found himself in the street, stripped of all his
ornaments and every article of clothing. His pride revolted at his'self-degradation, and he
resolved that he would never again deUver himself over to the power of strong water.

240 ONEIDA COUNTY.
and displayed aU'the peculiar dignity of an Indian chief. In his youth he was a brave and
intrepid warrior, and in his riper years one of the noblest counsellors among the North
American tribes ; he possessed a vigorous miiid; and was alike sagacious, active, and perse.
vering. As an enemy, he was terrible. As a friend and ally, he was mild and gentle in
his disposition, and faithful to his engagements. His vigilance once preserved from massa.
ere ihe inhabitants of the littie settlement, at. German Flats, In the revolutionary war his
influence induced the Oneidas to take up arms in favor of the Araericans, Among the In.
dians he was distinguished by the appeUation of the ' white man's friend,'
" Al'hqugh he could speak but little !&'glish, and in his extreme old age was Wind, yet
his company was sought. In conversation he was highly decorous ; evincing that he had
profited by seeing civiUzed etnd polished society, and by mingling with good company in
his better days, '
" To a friend who called on him a short time since, he thu3"expressed himself by an in.
terpreter : ' I am an aged hemlock. The winds of an hundred winters have whistied
through ray branches ; I am dead at the top. The generation to which I belonged have
run away and left me : why I live, the Great Good Spirit only knows. Pray to my Jesus
that I raay have patience to wait for ray appointed tirae to die.'
" Honored Chief ! His prayer was answered ; he was cheerful and resigned to the last.
For several years he kept his dress for the grave prepared. Once and again, and again, he
came to CUnton to die : longing that his soul might be with Christ, and his body in the
narrow house near his beloved Christian teacher. WhUe the ambitious but vulvar great,
look principaUy to sculptured monuments and to riches in the temple of earthly fame ;
Skenandoa, in the spirit of the only real nobility, stood with his loins girded, waiting the
coming of the Lord,"
The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the
HamUton CoUege grave-yard : — ' '¦.¦'.
"Skenandoa. This monument is erected by the Nokthekn Missidnaii.y. S901ETT,. in'
testimony of their respect for the memory of Skenandoa, who died in. the jjeace and hope
of the gospel, on the 11th of March, 1816, Wise, eloquent, and brate, he.lpng swayed
the councils of his tribe, whose confidence and affection he ertifneiptly §njqyedi In the
war which placed the Canadas under the crown of Great BritainJ\^ Waj actively engaged
against the French : in that of the revolution, he espoul^d that? df 'Jhe (Jolonies, and ever
after\*ard reraained a firm friend to the UnitetJ- Stated Under the*niihistry of the Rev,
Mr. Kirkland he embraced the doctrines of the gosper, aiid having exhibited their power in
a long life adorned by every Christianvirtue, he fell aeleep*iji,Jf5P|'^t the advanced age of
one hundred years." ' • ,' ' " ' • ''. '

""''H, S. E. Azel Backus, 'STD.,* ^ir *pietate insignis omni doctrina excultus, EvangeUi
minister f|rvidus et prfeclarus' Cojle^ii, Hjmiltonensis fuit Prseses semper dilligentissimus
et alumnis carissimus. In eo, summa m homines benevolentia, raisericordia incorrupta
fides, nudaque Veritas: conjux supetstes,dolet. Et oranes quibus vivens ille fuit natus.
Lugcnt et plorant. — Memoriae Preesi^^s dilectissimi et venerandi, curatores CoUegii Hamil.
tonen^ : Hoc monumentura prosuerunt. — Ecclesiae apud Bethlem, Conn., Pastor Annos
xxii. Coll. Ham. Praeses iv. — De vitA decessit Die Dec. duodetricesimo, -Anno Domini,
MDCCCXVI. iEuLH."
[Here lies buried, Azel Backus, DD., a man of remarkable piety and learning, a zealous
minister of the gospel, a distinguished President of Hamilton College ; a man of extraor
dinary diUgence, and greatiy endeared to the members of the institution. In him were
conspicuous the highest benevolence towards his fellow men, uncorruptible integrity, and
uncompromising truth. His wife survives to lament his loss : and all who knew hira mourn
also. The corporation of HamUton College have erected this monument to the memory of
fheir beloved and venerated President. He was pastor of the church in Bethlem, Conn.,
22 years. President of Hamilton CoUege, 4. He departed this Ufe December 28th, AD.
1816, aged 52 years.]

" H, S, Quod potuit mori Sethi Nortoji, A.M., Linguaram Professoris in CoUegio Ham.
iltonensi ; Sui brevem vitae cursum Literis deditus cura raagno studio Prsceptoris Peritissi.
mus et carissiraus cucurrit, Et in mediis > fhboribus maximo sui desiderio subitae morti sue
cubuit Dec, 7th, 1818, jEtatis Anno 40, Linguarum fuit Professor Annos 6, Curatores
CoUegii Harailtonensis Hoc raonumentum ponendum curaverant,"

ONEIDA COUNTY. 241
The principal part of the town of Steuben, 20 miles N. of Utica,
was granted by the state to Baron Steuben, for his services during
the revolutionary war. He resided here on his farm until his death.
He was buried beneath an evergreen he had selected to, overshadow
his grave. Afterward a new road was laid over the spot, and his re
mains were removed to a neighboring grove in this town, situated
about 7 miles NW. of the Trenton Falls.

Grave of Baron Steuben.
His grave is protected by a neat monument erected in 1826 by pri
vate subscription, and shown in the above engraving. On it is the
brief inscription, Major General Frederick William Augustus
Baron de Steuben. Baron Steuben resided in a log house about a
quarter of a mile south of his burial place. He lived there during the
summers and cultivated his farm, but in the winters resided in New
York. The following sketch is from Allen's Biographical Dictionary :
" FaEnERicK William Baron de Steuben, a major-general in the American army,
was a Prussian officer, who served many years in the armies of Frederick the Great, was
one of his aids, and had held the rank of lieutenant-general. He arrived in New Hamp
shire from Marseilles in November, 1777, with strong recommendations to congress. Jle
claimed no rank, and only requested permission to render as a volunteer what services he
could to the American army. He was soon appointed to the office of inspector-general,
with the rank of major-general. He established a uniform system of manceuvres, and by
his skUl and persevering industry efTected, during the contuiuance of the troops at Valley
Forge, a rriost important improvement in all ranks of the array. He was a volunteer in
the action at Monraouth, and commanded in the trenches of Yorktown on the day which
concluded the struggle with Great Britain. He died at Steuben, New York, November
98, 1795. He was an accomplished gentleman and a virtuous citizen, of extensive know
ledge and sound judgment. An abstract of his system of discipline was published in 1779,
and in 1784 he published a letter on the subject of an established miUtia and military ar
rangements," The annexed inscription to the memory of Baron Steuben, adorns
an elegant tablet on the wall of the German Lutheran church in the
city of New York,
" Sacred to the memory of FaEnEKiCK William Augdsths Baron Steuben, a Ger
man ; knight of the order of Fidelity ; aid-de-camp to Frederick the Great, king of
Prussia ; major-general and inspector-general in the revolutionary war ; esteemed, re-
spected, and supported by Washington. He gave railitary skill and discipUne to the citi
zen soldiers, who, fulfilling the decrees of heaven, achieved the independence of the
United States. The highly -polished manners of the baron were graced by the most noble
16 31

242

ONEIDA COUNTY.

feelings of the heart. His hand, open as day for melting charity, closed only in the strong
grasp of death. This memorial is inscribed by an American, who had the honor to be hia
aid-de-camp, the happiness to be his friend. Ob. 1795."

Trenton Falls, at Trenton.
The Trenton Falls on the West Canada creek, on the east line of
the town and county, are highly picturesque and sublime. The river
descends in a high, narrow, and rocky deU, by a succession of cata
racts, the most magnificent of which are the High Falls, 2 mUes NW.
from the village of Trenton. This cataract is one hundred and nine
feet in height, descending by three different sheets, respectively thirty-
seven, eleven, and forty-eight feet fal], besides a connecting slope or
rapids between. The rocks that bind the stream below, rise perpen
dicularly from 100 to 130 feet, capped by evergreens of spruce, fir,
hemlock, and sublimely finish a landscape of uncommon beauties,
The rocks are of a dark limestone, and contain large quantities of pet^
rifled marine shells, &c. &c. These falls are much visited, . being
within two or three hours' ride from the city of Utica, and there is
here a hotel for the accommodation of visiters.
About one fifth of the town of Vernon belongs to the Oneida In
dians, forming part of their reservation, and comprising their principal
settlements near the Oneida village on the Oneida creek. Oneida
Castleton, 22 mUes SW. from Utica and 16 from Rome, has about 25
dwellings, and a church belonging to the Indians, who number about
200. On the south side of the turnpike road, at the entrance of the
village, is the ancient councU grove of the Six Nations, consisting of
about 50 large white walnut-trees, still in full vigor. Vernon, upon the
Skanandoa creek, 17 miles SW. from Utica, contains an academy, a
female seminary, and ,about 80 dwellings.

ONONDAGA COUNTY. 243

ONONDAGA COUNTY.

Onondaga county was taken from Herkimer in 1794 ; bounds
since altered by the formation pf other counties from it. Greatest
length N. and S, 36, greatest breadth E. and W, 28 mUes. Centrally
distant from New York 280 miles, from Albany 135 mUes, This
county, though not extensive, embraces a most important portion of
the territory of this state. Here are the salt springs, an inexhaustible
source of immense wealth ; beds of gypsum or plaster, of vast extent,
hydraulic lime, and common limestone. Surface is diversified. The
northern portion of the county is level ; the centre and southern roll
ing, and rising in some places intohiUs, The soil is generally good,
and in some portions excellent, and under high cultivation. Large
crops of wheat and Indian corn are annually raised. Both are greatly
aided by the use of plaster. The principal lakes are Oneida, Skane
ateles, Onondaga, and Otisco. The Rome summit, or long level of
the Erie canal, 69-j miles in length, has its western extremity near
Syracuse. The county forms part of the military tract, and settle
ments were first made here in the spring of 1788,-whUe composing
part of Whitestown, Oneida county. The county is divided into 18
towns, of which Lysander, Manlius, Marcellus, Onondaga, and Pom
pey were organized by general sessions in 1789 :

Camillus,Cicero, Clay,
De Witt,

Fabius, La Fayette,
Lysander,Manlius,

Onondaga,
Otisco, Pompey, Salina,

Spafford,
TuUy,Van Buren.

Elbridge,

Marcellus,

Skaneateles,

The first white settler in this county was a Mr, Webster, who came
here in 1786, and settled in Onondaga HoUow among the Indians.
They gave him a tract of a mile square. He then opened a small
shop, married a squaw, and became domesticated among the savages.
In 1788, he obtained permission of the Onondagas for Messrs. Asa
Danforth and Comfort Tyler to estabhsh themselves at Onondaga
Hollow. " It was in this ' hoUow' that the principal town and castle of the Onondaga Indians,
in the prouder days of that nation, stood ; and the poor remains of that once warlike and
haughty member of the Oquanuschioni, or the amphyctionic league of the Five Nations,
numbering a few hundred souls, are yet dragging out their lingering existence in the same
valley, a short distance to the south of the village I have just mentioned.
" 'The history of the Onondaga nation, to say nothing of their own legends antecedent to
the discovery and settlement of the country by the ' pale faces,' is full of interest. It was
the central nation of the great confederacy, the terror of whose arras was alraost co-ex-
tensive with the northern and eastern division of the continent, and whose actual domain
at one time extended from the Sorel, south of the great lakes, to the, Mississippi west,
thence east to the Santee, and coastwise back to the Hudson. The great council-fire of
the confederacy was in the special keeping of the Onondagas, and by them was always
kept burning. The territory proper of the confedofacy extended from, Albany to Lake
Erie, and was called the Long House. The Mohawks kept the eastern door, and the
Senecas the western."

244

ONONDAGA COUNTY.

Salina, the shire town, is situated on Onondaga lake, a sheet of
water 6 mUes long, averaging 1 in width : the township consists prin
cipally of the lands reserved by the state for the use of the salt
springs on the borders of the lake.

Southeastern view of Salina village.
The above is a southeastern view of the village of Salina and salt
works, as viewed from an elevation called Prospect HiU, which rises
on the eastern side of Syracuse village. The Oswego canal, which
forms a junction with the Erie canal at Syracuse, is seen on the left.
The lake is seen in the distance. Th6 central part of Salina is one
and a half miles north of Syracuse, It is probable that the two vil
lages in the course of a few years, by the increase of population, will
be blended into one, Salina viUage lies upon a plain rising near the
centre of the marsh. It contains 3 churches, a bank, and 86 salt man
ufactories. In 1839 the amount of salt inspected in this village was
1,283,204 bushels. The viUage of Liverpool is about A\ miles north
of Syracuse, On the lake and Oswego canal, consisting of about 60
dwelhngs ; the amount of salt inspected here in 1839, was 859,733
bushels. Geddes village was incorporated in 1832 ; it is pleasantly
jsituated 2 miles west from Syracuse, at the head of the lake. The
amount of salt inspected here in 1839, was 249,245 bushels. The
amount inspected at Syracuse, was 472,558 bushels.
The annexed is a western view in the central part of Syracuse,*

* Syracuse is a remarkable instance of the rapidity of growth of some of our western
vUlages, The following, from the pen of the editor of the N, Y. Commercial Advertiser,
who visited the place in 1820, and again in 1840, is well worthy of perusal : —
" It was only in the autumn of 1820, the year in which the middle and first-construct-
ed section of the Erie canal was opened for navigation, that your humble servant made tho
passage from Utica to this place, in a rude boat, alone with Mr. Forman, a distance of
sixty railes. The country at that tirae, from Rorae to Salina, was wild. The canal pierced
the wilderness of Rome only to emerge therefrom at this place. The land almost the
entire distance was low, marshy, and cold. The forests, raost of the distance evergreen,
were deep and dank ; and the advancing settlers had eschewed the region as unfit for cul
tivation. But the clearing for the cetnal let in a stretch of daylight, which enabled people
to see more distinctly. The marshes and swamps were to a considerable extent drained
by the canal ; and its banks, instead of the shades of a gloomy forest, now for the most

ONONDAGA COUNTY.

245

Western view in the central part of Syracuse.
showing the Erie canal, the Syracuse House, and some other build
ings in the vicinity. This village, which now has a city-like appear
ance, was incorporated in 1825, contains about 700 houses, the county
buildings, 1 Episcopal, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Methodist, and 1 Baptist
church, a bank, and 2 newspaper establishments. The Syracuse
part refresh the sight by the prospect of a well-setded country, smiUng under the hand of
well.rewarded industry,
" Mr, Forman was in one sense the father of the canal. That is, being a member of the
legislature in 1807, (I think that was the year, but have not the journals by me,) he moved
the first resolution of inquiry upon the subject of opening a channel of artificial navigation
from the Hudson river to the great lakes. And from that day until the completion of that
stupendous work, in 1825, his exertions were unremitting and powerful in the cause. Pass.
ing as the canal does, close by the head of Onondaga lake, within the toss of a biscuit of
some of the salt springs, and within two miles of the principal and strongest fountain, at
Salina, Mr, Forman saw the immense advantages which the site of this place presented for
a town ; with the completion of the middle section of the canal, Syracuse was begun. At
the period of my first visit, but a few scattered and indifferent wooden houses had been
erected, amid the stumps of the recentiy feUed trees, I lodged for a night at a miserable
tavern, thronged by a company of salt-boilers from SaUna, forming a group of about as
rough-looking specimens of humanity as I had ever seen. Their wild visages, beards thick
and long, and matted hair, even now rise up in dark, distant, and picturesque perspective
before me. I passed a restiess night, disturbed by strange fancies, as I yet well remember.
It was in October, and a flurry of snow during the night had rendered the morning aspect
of the country more dreary than the evening before. The few houses I have already de.
scribed, standing upon low and almost marshy ground, and surrounded by trees and en.
tangled thickets, presented a very uninviting scene. ' Mr. Forman,' said I, ' do you call
this a village ? It would make an owl weep to fly over it ." ' Never mind,' said he in re
ply, ' you will liiie to see it a city yet.' /
" These words were prophetical. The contrast between the appearance of the town then
and now, is wonderful, A city it now is, in extent, and the magnitude and durabihty of
its buildings, albeit it may not boast of a mayor and common cpuncU to oppress the people
by insupportable assessments, and partake of turtie and champagne for the benefit of the
poor. But as I glanced upward, and around, upon splendid hotels, and rows of massive
buildings in aU directions, and the lofty spires of churches glittering in the sun, and tra
versed the extended and well-buUt streets, thronged with people full of Jife and activitv— -
the canal basins crowded with boats lading and unlading at the large and lofty stone ware
houses upon the wharves — the change seemed like one of enchantment."

246 ONONDAGA COUNTY.
academy is a fine brick edifice 4 stories high, with an observatory,
spacious grounds, &c. The Syracuse House is of brick, 4 stories
high, and is one of the most splendid establishments of the kind in the
state. Syracuse is 133 miles from Albany, by the canal 171, 278 from
New York, 99 from Rochester, and from Utica 61 miles. This town
embraces the principal salt springs and salt-works of the state, with
the Onondaga or salt lake. " These salt springs were known to the
aboriginal inhabitants, who communicated their knowledge to the
white settlers. One of the latter about 50 years since, with an Indi
an guide in a canoe, descended the Onondaga creek, and by the lake
approached the spring on mud creek. Salt water was at that time
obtained hy lowering to the bottom, four or five feet below the sur
face of the fresh water of the lake, an iron vessel ; which filling in
stantly with the heavier fluid, was then drawn up. In this way, by
boUing the brine, a small quantity of brownish-colored and very im
pure salt was obtained. With the settlement of the country the vi
cinity was explored and many other sources of brine discovered.
Wells were then sunk, generaUy to the depth of 18 feet. There was
a great difference in the strength of water which they afforded, va
rying with seasons, and diminishing in draught nearly one third.
With the introduction of hydrauhc machinery for pumping in 1822,
a more rapid influx of brine was produced, and a new era in the man
ufacture. A difference of opinion prevails as to the source of the
brine. The general opinion is, that beds of rock salt exist here as at
other salt springs. Borings have been made at several points ; in
one instance to the depth of 250 feet, without finding fossil salt. But
the very important fact was elicited, that the strength of the brine
increased with the depth of the well. The salt beds in Cheshire,
England, were discovered about 160 years since, in boring for coal
at about 125 feet below the surface; and since have been penetrated
to twice that depth. But the salt mines of Wilielska, near Cravocia,
in Poland, are worked at the depth of 750 feet ; and those at Epe-
ries at 950 feet. The failure therefore to discover salt beds here
should not discourage further efforts. Should beds of rock salt be
discovered and rendered accessible, this source of wealth must be
greatly enlarged. The salt beds near Norwich, England, produce
more than 150,000 tons annually — nearly three times as much as the
annual products of the Onondaga springs. The salt at Salina is
manufactured by evaporation by the sun, or artificially. By the
slower process of the former, the coarse salt is made, and the fine by
the rapid evaporation produced by fire."
The following cut is a representation of a field of salt vats near
Syracuse for the manufacture of coarse salt. In the distance is seen
a pump house, from which the brine is conducted to each of the vats
by a succession of bored logs. The vats are about 16 feet in length,
by 7 in width, and are arranged in continuous rows for a great dis
tance, as above represented. Between the rows alleys run sufficiently
wide to admit the passage of a horse and cart. On each sjde and
parallel with the vats, there is a line of light roofs which can be

ONONDAGA COUNTY.

247

shoved off and on at pleasure, to permit the rays of the sun to act
upon the waters or to avert the rain. As the salt precipitates, it as
sumes the form of beautiful crystals, like the various trinkets fre
quently made for the ladies' fairs, &c. ; the action of shovelling the
salt into carts destroys the crystals, when of course the elegance of
form vanishes. These vats with their sheds cover enough ground in
the vicinity to make several moderate sized farms, and the beams
of the sun reflecting from their roofs cause them to appear in the dis
tance not unlike the surface of a lake. i
The fine salt requires more skill in the manufacture. For this pur
pose rough wooden structures are erected about 70 feet in length,
and 25 feet in breadth. The annexed view of the inside of one of
these salt manufactories was taken at the entrance, and shows imme-

View of afield of salt-vats, Salina.
diately in front the commencement of the oven which runs the remain
ing length of the buUding. On top of it are the boilers, arranged in two
parallel rows, generally numbering from 15 to 25 boUers in each row,
which are supplied with the brine by a cylindrical hollow log with
faucets. This log leads from a reservoir in the rear of the building,
which in its turn is filled by tubular logs, connecting with the pump
house, which in some cases is a mile or more distant. There are in
the whole many miles of aqueduct logs, which are generally con
structed of pine. On entering one of these works at night the view
is interesting. Clouds of vapor are continually ascending from the
numerous boilers, and partially obscuring the forms of the attendants.
Huge pUes of salt of snowy whiteness in the bins each side of the
building are beheld laying in contact with the rough, dingy walls,
while the fire from the furnace, shedding a partial light over the
whole, renders it a striking scene.
" There are, however, various modes of applying artificial heat in
the manufacture of salt, other than that employed in the ordinary
process of boUing in kettles. In one arrangement, tubes heated by
steam pass through a vat or vats of considet-able extent, the brine
having been previously freed from its insoluble impurities, by being

248

ONONDAGA COUNTY.

Internal view of a salt ma'kufactory, Salina.

allowed to remain for some time in the cistern, or by the addition of
lime. This furnishes salt in fine cubic crystals of great purity, es
pecially in those parts of the vats which are at some distance from
the immediate source of heat."
The springs from which the works are supplied are pierced through
the alluvial and terminate on gravel. The strength of the brine is
graduated on the following standard : fresh water being placed at 0°,
and water perfectly saturated with salt at 100°. According to this,
the " old spring" stands at 50°, and the " new" at 70°. In each cubic
foot of water there is about 2^ ounces of " bitterns," or impure de
posit composed of hme, iron, &;c. Fourteen pounds of salt are man
ufactured from a cubic foot of the water from the strongest spring.
The salt-works are quite a source of revenue to the state, as it re
ceives 2 mills a bushel for pumping the water, and 6 cents duty on
the salt made. The amount annttally manufactured is three millions
of bushels ; and the number of men employed in the four villages of
Geddes, Liverpool, Salina, and Syracuse, about three thousand.

Account of a French Colony established at Onondaga, in 1656, under tlie auspices of
Le Sieur Dupuys.*
" The Jesuit Dablon had established himself at Onondaga in the character of a mission
ary. He arrived here in the month of September, 1655. In March of the following year,
he in company with a numerous escort of savages, made the voyage to Quebec for the pur
pose of persuading M. de Lauson to establish a French colony at Onondaga. He arrived
there in the beginning of April, and had no difficulty in getting M. De Lauson to enter into
his views. Fifty Frenchmen were selected to go and forra the proposed establishment, and
the Sieur Dupuys, an oflicer of the garrison, was appointed their commandant. Father
Francis Le Mercier, Superior General of the Catholic Missions, was desirous of conducting
in person those whom he had destined to establish the first Iroquois church, who were
Fathers Freemen, Mesnard, and Dablon, Their departure was fixed for the 7th of May,
and although the crop had been lighter than usual, they gave Dupuys provisions suilEcient
to last him a whole year, with grain enough to enable him to sow the land.
" The news of this enterprise being spread all around, gave the Mohawks much concern,
* Copied frora a MS. History, by the Rev. J, W. Adams, of Syracuse.

ONONDAGA COUNTY. 249
and revived their jealousy towards the Onondagas. A general councU of all the tribe was
called to deliberate upon this affair, which seeraed to them of great iraportance, and the
conclusion was, that all their resources must be put in requisition to oppose the new estab
lishment, A party of 400 men was immediately raised, and orders were given them either
to disperse or cut to pieces the company of M, Dupuys, They failed, however, to accora.
plish their object, and only revenged themselves upon some straggling canoes, which were
pillaged, and a part of those who conducted them were wounded. After a short stay at
Three Rivers and at Montreal, M. Dupuys left the latter place on the 8th of June, and the
same day fell in with a party of Mohawks, whom he pillaged as a reprisal for the outrage
related above.
" On the 29 th of the same raonth, towards 9 o'clock in the evening, they heard in tiie
camp the voice of a man groaning. The commandant ordered the dram to be beat, and im.
mediately they perceived a savage approaching in great distress. He was a Huron, who
had escaped after the expedition of the isle of Orleans. The skin of his body was half
roasted, and for seventeen days he had taken no nourishment, except some wUd fruits
which he had gathered. The Onondagas who accompanied the French, made him a drink
which soon restored the tone of his stomach. They then gave hira some provisions and
sent him on to Quebec,
" The remainder of the voyage was prosperous, except that they suffered from a scarcity
of provisions, which had been very badly managed. They had calculated as usual upon find
ing an abundance of fish and game. Both however faUed, and the French, who were unac
customed to fasting like the Indians, would have perished with hunger, had not the Onon
daga sachenis sent to meet thera some canoes loaded with provisions. They learnt frora
these Indians, that a great nuraber of the Iroquois of all the tribes, were awaiting their ar
rival on the shores of the Lake Gannentaha, M. Dupuys, therefore, prepared hiraself to
make his entrance into the lake as imposing as possible. ^ Before arriving at the place
where the savages were stationed, he put ashore 5 small pieces of ordnance, and had thera
discharged. He then re-embarked, and rowing in beautiful order, entered the lake, where
in less than an hour he raade two discharges, of aU his musketry. He was received by the
sacheras and such as were with thera awaiting hi? arrival with the greatest apparent cor
diality and respect. They were welcomed with harangues, feasts, songs, and dances, and
with every demonstration of joy which the savages were capable of giving. On the follow.
ing day, which was the 12th of July, a solemn mass was offered and the Te Deum sung.
The sacheras then made presents, as they were accustomed to do in treaties of aUiance, and
on the 16th the French all united in celebrating the JEucharist. On the day foUowing they
commenced building huts, and Father Mercier went to visit the village of the Onondagas,
where he was received with great ceremony. On the 24th a general councU was held, at
which the Jesuits, Mercier and Chaumont, explained the views of the French and solicited
their kind regards to their new neighbors. They also endeavored to enlighten their minds
on the subject of religion, and produced so great an impression as to render it necessary to
enlarge the chapel which had been buUt nearly a year before, more than one half. They
experienced in the month of August excessive heat, which produced much sickness ; but
by the kind attention of the savages all the disorders were eased in a short time.
" This last mark of affection from these people persuaded the more credulous of them to
believe that they might rely upon thera in aU cases ; but the raore prudent of thera thought
it necessary to make use of precaution at least against their inconstancy; and these were
found in the end to have pursued the wisest course, for two years had not elapsed before
they were compeUed by the perfidy of the savages to abandon their settiement and return
to Montreal, A conspiracy which extended itself through the Iroquois cantons was formed
against them, and unequivocal judications of hostiUly were soon given. Three Frenchmen
were scalped near Montreal by the confederates, and other hostiUties committed, which left
no doubt in the minds of the French of their intention to destroy the new colony. In the
month of Feb., 1658, numerous bands of Mohawks, Oneidas, and Onondagas, had taken
the field equipped for war. Dupuys was informed of aU that transpired by a converted In
dian. He found himself greatiy embarrassed, and indeed saw no raeans of extricating
himself from the difUculty without much trouble and at great hazard. To fortify himself
and sustain a siege would be only to put off his rain and not prevent it, for he had no sue.
cor to hope for from Quebec, or it would not be able to reach him in time. It would be.
come necessary sooner or later to yield or die fighting, or at length to perish of hunger and
misery, " To efTect his escape M, Dupuys required first to construct some canoes, for they had
not taken the precaution to reserve any. But to work at them publicly would be to an
nounce his retreat, and thereby render it impossible. Something raust be resolved on im.
mediately, and the commandant adopted the following plan. He immediately sent an

350 ONONDAGA COUNTY.
express to M, D'AUlebout to inform him of the conspiracy. He then gave orders for the
constraction of some small light batteaux ; and to prevent the Iroquois from getting wind of
it, he made his people work in the garret of the Jesuit's house, which was larger and more
retired than the others,
" This done, he warned all his people to hold themselves in readiness to depart on the
day which he named to them, and he supplied each one with provisions sufl[icient for the
voyage, and charged them to do nothing in the mean time to excite the suspicions of the
Iroquois, It only remained now to concert measures for embarking so secretiy that the
savages should have no knowledge of their retreat untU they should have advanced so far
as not to fear pursuit, and this they accomphshed by a stratagem singular enough.
" A certain young Frenchman who had acquired great influence with the Indians, had
been adopted into one of their most respectable families. According to tbe custom of the
Indians, whoever was adopted by them becarae entitied to aU the privileges that belonged
to native members of the family. This young man went one day to his adopted father, and
told him that he had on the night before dreamed of one of those feasts where the guests
eat every thing that is served, and that he desired to have one of the kind made for the vil.
lage ; and he added, that it was deeply impressed upon his raind he should die if a single
thing were wanting to render the feast just such a one as he described. The Indian gravely
replied that he should be exceedingly sorry to have him die, and would therefore order the
repast himself and take care to make the invitations, and he assured him that nothing should
be wanting to render the entertainment every way such an one as he wished. The young
man having obtained these assurances, appointed for his feast the 19th of March, which
was the day fixed upon for the departure of the French, AU the provisions which the
families through the viUage could ^pare were contributed for the feast, and aU the Indians
were invited to attend.
" The entertainment began in the evening, and to give the French an opportunity to put
their boats into the water and to load them for the voyage without being observed, the
drams and trampets ceased not to sound around the scene of festivity,
" "The boats having now been launched and every thing put in readiness for a departure,
the young man, at the signal agreed upon, went to his adopted father and said to him, that
he pitied the guests, who had for the most part asked quarter, that they might cease eating,
and give themselves to repose, and adding, that he meant to procure for every one a good
night's sleep. He began playing on the guitar, and in less than a quarter of an hour every
Indian was laid soundly to sleep. The ybung Frenchman iramediately salUed forth to join
his corapanions, who were ready at the instant to push frora the shore,
" The next inbrning a number of the Indians went, according to their custom on awaking,
to see the French, and found all the doors of their houses shut and locked. This strange
circumstance, joined to the profound silence which everywhere reigned through the French
settiement, surprised them. They imagined at first that the French were saying mass, or
that they were in secret council ; but after having in vain waited for many hours to have
the mystery solved, they went and knocked at some of the doors. The dogs who had been
left in the houses replied to them by barking. They perceived sorae fowls also through
the palings, but no person could be seen or heard, At length, having waited until evening,
they forced open the doors, and to their utter astonishraent found every house empty,
" The savages could not explain this moveraent. They could not comprehend how the
French, whom they knew to have no canoes, had got away, and there was no idle fancy
that did not enter into their heads rather than imagine in what manner the thing had hap
pened. This was the first time in which boats had been used for such voyages. But had
the French possessed canoes, it would not have been possible to use them, as the rivers
were still covered with ice, and from this cause the Indians were prevented frora success.
fuUy pursuing them. M. Dupuys took care however to leave nothing to fear from a pur
suit. He used such diUgence, that in spite of contrary winds which detained him a long
time on Lake Ontario, he arrived at Montreal in fifteen days. The pleasure of finding him.
self delivered frora such iraminent danger, could not however prevent him from feeling sen.
sibly, that so precipitate a flight was disgraceful to his nation, and from regretting that for
the want of a trifling aid, he had been unable to sustain an establishment of so much im.
portance, and of giving law to a people who drew their strength and the right of insulting
them from their weakness,
" The Iroquois after this carried war into Canada, and in 1660, tho colony was reduced
to extreme distress by sickness and the incursions of the savages. In the year following it
was ascertained that there was not less than twenty Frenchmen in Onondaga. They had
been taken prisoners, but were suffered to enjoy a considerable degree of liberty, "These
men had converted a wigwam into a chapel, where, in connection with many of the Hu^
rons and some of the Onondagas, they regularly assembled to say mass. It was reported

ONONDAGA COUNTY. ' 251
also that the matrons of the Onondaga vUlage, who are the principal corps d'Etat, had
taken no part in the conspiracy which had obliged Dupuys to retire, and that for seven days
successively they had wept with their children for the loss of the French priests. This re
port however had no foundation in truth. The credulity of the Jesuit could not distinguish,
in matters of religion, between things which he only desired might be true and those which
were really so,"
Location of the colonies of Dupuys. — It wUl be very natural to
conclude from the account which we have now given of the colony
of Dupuys, that its location was contiguous to the Onondaga village.
Such however was not the fact, if by the village of Onondaga be
meant their principal village. From some incidental allusions made
in history to the relative position of this colony, it is to be inferred
that it was established upon grounds now occupied by the village of
Salina. In a passage of the history written by Francis Creuxius,
which we have already had occasion to quote, it is stated that the
place agreed upon for the residence of the French was distant from
the Indian village about four French leagues, and that this place was
distuiguished for two remarkable springs, issuing from the same hill,
the one afibrding an abundance of salt water, the other of fresh. He
states, also, that at this place there was an extensive meadow, or
spacious open grounds which reached down to the bank of the Lake
Gannentaha. It appears also from the circumstances connected with
the departure of the colony, that they must have been in the imme
diate vicinity of the lake, as their batteaux were constructed in the
Jesuit's house, and launched and freighted without any allusion from
the historians to the time that must have been occupied or the diffi
culties that must have been encountered in transporting them to the
place of debarkation. The reason why the narrative proceeds as
though the Onondaga village and the French settlement occupied the
same grounds, or were in (adjacent juxtaposition) to each other, is
this — that the Indians were distributed into different villages or en
campments, one of which was in the immediate vicinity of the place
where Salina now stands. The main village was at Onondaga, but
a constant intercourse was kept up between the different encamp
ments, and the French settlement was now a point of attraction
around which the Indians rallied ; and this explains the facility of
intercourse which existed between the French at Salina and the
Indians at Onondaga.
Skaneateles was taken from MarceUus in 1830. Pop. 3,981.
The village of Skaneatelqs is situated at the outlet or northern ter
mination of the lake of that name, 18 miles SAv, from Syracuse, and
has about 1,500 inhabitants. It is one of the most delightful and pic
turesque villages in western New York. The following shows the
appearance of the village of Skaneateles as viewed from the residence
of Mr. Joseph Barber, on the western Lake road in the vicinity of the
outlet of the lake, seen on the left ; the Episcopal and Presbyterian
churches are seen on the right. From this village the eye measures
about half the distance of the lake, which is 16 miles in length by an
average width of one mile. There is no marshy land on either shore
of this lake. The soU is of the best limestone quality, and the finely

252

ONONDAGA COUNTY.

Southwestern view of Skaneateles.
cultivated fields (mostly fenced with cedar posts and hemlock boards)
make a gradual descent for a considerable distance to the margin of
the lake. A railroad^ 5 miles in length, has lately been constructed from
this village north to Elbridge, where it intersects the railroad from Al
bany to Buffalo. A charter was obtained during the session of the legis
lature in 1841, for extending this lateral road 3 mUes further north to
the village of Jordan, on the Erie canal, where that canal receives a
feeder from the Skaneateles lake, after its waters haye afforded an
immense power fpr milling and manufacturing purposes, the descent
of the 8 miles from Skaneateles to Jordan being about 500 feet. The
railroad between these two viUages will run near the margin of this
stream, affording important facilities to flouring mills and manufac
turers. Goods will hereafter be carried on this road from Jordan
to Skaneateles, and thence through the lake to Cortland county.
Should a railroad be constructed from the head of the lake through
Homer south to the Susquehannah, (and such an enterprise is much
talked of,) Skaneateles and Jordan will become places of exten
sive business. Among the important items of transportation, will be
that of coal from Pennsylvania, to be more particularly distributed at
Jordan to various points. Previous to the making of the Erie canal,
the great thoroughfare for merchandise and emigration to tbe west
was through Skaneateles. Since the completion of that work, this
village has not kept pace with some new towns which have grown
into large cities in a few years, under the peculiar advantages afford
ed by the great internal improvements ; but from its unsurpassed
beauty of location, and its great facilities for manufacturing purposes,
it cannot but experience a steady and healthful growth, until at some
future day it will become a place of no ordinary importance. The
stranger who visits this beautiful village, often expresses surprise that
it has not long since been selected as the site of an extensive semina
ry of learning, or some public benevolent institution. In the village

ONONDAGA COUNTY.

253

are about 12 stores, a number of carriage-making establishments, an
extensive wooUen factory, flouring mill, iron foundry, machine shop, and
various mechanics. The first grist-mill was erected in the village in
1795, About the same time the first merchant, Winston Day, estab
lished himself here. Bricks w«re first made here in 1797 ; the first
tavern was erected the same year, and only two houses besides (of
logs) in what, is now caUed the village. The town had been first
settled a few years earher on the old Genesee road. The first bridge
across near the outlet of the lake, was built about 1800, The first
church in the place was organized July 20th, 1801, and then styled
" The First Church of Christ in Marcellus," It was organized a Con
gregational church, but subsequently changed to the Presbyterian
form of government. It is beheved to be the first church of any de
nomination that was formed in the old and formerly extensive town of
Marcellus, There have been for many years past in the vUlage a Bap
tist, Episcopal, and Methodist church, now flourishing societies.

View in the central part of Manlius.
The principal vUlage, called Manlius after the name of the town, is
situated 3 miles S. of the Erie canal at Hulls landing, and about 5
miles from the railroad. It is 10 miles from Syracuse, and 134 from
Albany, Its population is estimated at between 11 and 12 hundred.
Annexed is a cut oi the village ; the building with an attic and
cupola is the academy, the church to the right of it is the Presbyterian,
and the one on the opposite side of the street the Episcopa
lian. This church is the oldest in the place, and formerly stood on
the top of the steep hih east of the academy, (not seen in the view,)
from whence it was removed on wheels to its present location a few
years since, with its steeple, bell, organ, &c,, without jarring it so
much as to remove a square foot of plastering. The Baptist and
Methodist churches are not seen from this point. The latter was
originally ornamented with a spire, but as it was thought by some of
the congregation to betoken spiritual pride, it was torn down soon
after it was built, and in its place was substituted the present low tower.
•The two story and a half building near and to the right of the acade
my, was formerly a tavern, and is made up in part of the oldest frame

254 ONONDAGA COUNTY.,
in the village. The cupolas in the distance belong to cotton miUs, of
which there are 3 in the place, known as the Limestone, Manlius,
(carried on by an incorporated company,) and Cold Spring factories.
There are also in this village 3 flouring mUls, 3 coach factories, 2 fur
naces, &c. The Manlius academy was incorporated April 13, 1835,
with nine trustees, who are authorized to fill vacancies in their number.
It has already attained the rank of fifth in the literary institutions of this
senate district, and received in 1840 from the regents of the univer
sity $316.65, as its portion of the state literature fund. The number
of students during that year was 274, 62 df whom studied languages.
Fayetteville, about 2 miles N. of Manlius vUlage, situated on a
feeder to the Erie canal, has about 100 dwellings, 4 churches, and an
incorporated academy. Marcellus, about 10 miles SW. of Syracuse,
contains about 80 dwellings, 3 churches, and a. number of mills of vari
ous kinds, Jordan, on the Erie canal, is an incorporated vUlage, 12
miles W, from Syracuse, having about 150 dwellings, 3 churches, 10
stores, and a number of mills, Baldwinsville, a manufacturing village
12 miles NW, of Syracuse, is connected by the Seneca river with the
Oswego canal. It has upwards of 100 dwellings, and the Baldwins
ville Seminary.
Pompey Hill, on an eminence which overlooks the country for a
great distance, contains about 70 dwellings, a Baptist and Presbyte
rian church, and an academy. " About two miles south of Manlius
square in the town of Pompey, are the remains of a town, which ex
tended three quarters of a mile from north to south, and half a mUe
from east to west. Large spots of black mould in regular iiitervals,
and a few paces apart, in which are ashes, mark out the sites of the
houses." Here were three forts of circular or elliptical forms, form
ing a triangle which protected the approaches. Near Delphi, in the
southeast part of the town, are two falls 70 feet perpendicular ; near
this place are the remains of three ancient works. The largest con
tains six acres, and has a triangular form. It had a ditch, rampart,
and gateway ; the others also have ramparts, ditches, and entrances.
There were many graves within the largest fort, over and around
which were trees 200 years old. With human bones were found axes,
brass kettles, gun-barrels, Spanish coins, &c.
The following account of a French colony located in this town in
the year 1666, is from a memoir by De Witt Clinton, on the antiqui
ties of western New York, He derived the account partly from a
manuscript journal of one of the Jesuits, and partly from the sachems
of the Six Nations : —
" From the Jesuit's journal it appears that in the year 1666, at the request of Karakon-
tie, an Onondaga chieftain, a French colony was directed to repair to his village for the
purpose of teaciiing the Indians the arts and sciences, and endeavor if practicable to civil
ize and Christianize them. We learn from the sachems that at this time the Indians had
a fort, a short distance above the village of JamesviUe, ou the banks of a small stream
near ; a little above which, it seems, the chief Karakontie would haye his new friends set
down. Accordingly they repaired thither, and commenced the labor, in which being
greatly aided by the savages, a few months only were necessary to the building of a small
village, " This little colony remained for three years in a very peaceable and flourishing situa-

ONONDAGA COUNTY. 255
tion, during which time much addition was made to the establishment, and among othem
a small chapel, in which the Jesuit used to collect the barbarisms and perform the rites and
ceremonies of his church. About this time, (1669,) a party of Spaniards, consisting of
twenty-three persons, arrived at the vUlage, having for guides some of the Iroquois, who
had been taken captives by some of the southern tribes. It appears evident that this par
ty carae up the Mississippi, passed Pittsburg, and on to Olean Point, where, leaving their
canoes, they traveUed by land. They had been informed that there was a lake to the
north whose bottom was covered with a substance shining and white, which they took
fiiom tbe Indians' description to be silver,
" Having arrived at Onondaga Lake and the French village, and finding no sUver, they
seemed bent on a quarrel with the French, whom they charged wUh having bribed the
Indians, so that they would not tell them where the silver might be found. A compro
mise was finally eflfected, they agreed that an equal number of Spaniards and French
should be sent on an exploring expedition. The Indians seeing these strangers prowling
the woods, with various instruments, suspected some design to be in operation to deprive
them of their country. This jealousy was much increased by the accusation of the Eu
ropeans themselves. The Spaniards told the Indians that the only object of the French
was to tyrannize over them. The French, on the other hand, asserted that the Spaniards
Vi'ere laying a plan to rob them of their lands.
" The Indians by this time becoming jealous of both, determined in private council to
rid themselves of these intruders. Having privately ohtained the assistance of the Onei
das and Cayugas, they agreed upon the time and manner of attack. A little before day-
break on All-Saints' Day, 1669, the little colony, together with the Spaniards, were
aroused from their slumbers by the discharge of fire-arms and the war-whoop of the sav
ages. Every house was immediately fired or broken open, and such as attempted to es
cape frora the flames were killed by the tomahawk ; and not one of the colonists or Span
iards was left alive to relate the sad disaster."
This history accounts, in the opinion of its author, for the appear
ance at this place of a small viUage, the evident remains of a black
smith's shop. In several other places in the county, says the Rev.
Mr. Adams, in his manuscript history, the remains of blacksmiths'
shops have been discovered, and in some instances the tools used by
the trade. A blacksmith's vice was found buried deep in the ground
on a farm in Onondaga Hollow, about three-fourths of a mile south
of the turnpike. But the existence of a fort near this spot, every ves
tige of which is nearly obliterated, readily accounts for these relics
of civilization. In the cultivation of the lands lying upon the Onon
daga creek, innumerable implements of war and of husbandry have
been found, scattered over a territory of four or five miles in length.
Swords, gun-barrels, gun-locks, bayonets, balls, axes, hoes, &c., have
been found.

256 ONTARIO COUNTY.

ONTARIO COUNTY.

Ontario county was taken from Montgomery in 1789, and in
cluded all the land of which the pre-emptive right had been ceded to
the state of Massachusetts, which that state afterward sold to Phelps
and Gorham, and which afterward chiefly passed into the possession
of the HoUand Land Company and the Pulteney estate. Ontario coun
ty then extended from the pre-emption line a mUe eastward of Geneva,
so as to include within its limits all the territory within the bounds of
this state west of that line. This was commonly known as the " Ge
nesee country," although the title was occasionally more extensively
apphed, and'from il have been formed the counties of Steuben, Allega
ny, Cattaraugus, Chatauque, Erie; Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, Or
leans, Monroe, Livingston, Yates, Wayne, in part, leaving to a tract
around the former chief town, (Canandaigua,) the name of Ontario.
In 1790, this extensive territory had only 1,075 inhabitants,' The
surface is agreeably diversified, waving in gentle swells and valleys of
ample area, with tracts of champaign, and in the southern part more
or less hilly. The soU partakes of a considerable variety, but a warm
and rich mould forms the greater proportion, while along the borders
of Lake Ontario there are tracts of clayey loam, with but a slight ad
mixture of mould. The principal streams are Fhnt creek, Canandai
gua outlet, and Mud creek. The lakes are Canandaigua, Honeoye,
Caneadea, and Hemlock. Canandaigua lake is 14 miles long, and
from one to two broad, and is elevated 670 feet above the ocean. It
is navigable throughout! Its inlet is a small stream of some 5 or 6
miles long. The Honeoye, 12 mUes west, extends about 5 mUes, and
is about a mile in breadth. The Caneadea, 2 miles W. of the Honeoye,
is but 3 miles long : the Hemlock is 6 miles long, varying from 1 to 2
in breadth. The county has 1 5 towns :
Bristol, Farmington, Naples, South Bristol,
Canadice, Gorham, Phelps, Victor,
Canandaigua, Hopewell, Richmond, West Bloomfield,
East Bloomfield, Manchester, Seneca,
Canandaigua village, the capital of Ontario county, is situated in N,
lat, 42° 48' 41", and 3° 20' W. long, from New York, Distant from
Albany 195 miles, from Buffalo 88, from Rochester 28, from Utica
111, from Sodus Bay on Lake Ontario 30, from the Erie canal at Pal
myra 12, and from Washington city 365 mUes. The principal part of
the village is built on a single street upwards of a mile in length, rising
by a gentle ascent from the lake. The annexed engraving shovvs the
appearance of the central part of the viUage as seen {fbm the Genesee
road, about half a mile to the southwest. In the central part of the ,
street, (north and south,) is an open square, on the western side of
which are seen the courthouse, town-house, and post-office. Bios-

ONTARIO COUNTY,

257

som's hotel stands on the opposite side. The railroad passes a few
yards westward of the courthouse. There are 4 churches — 1 Pres
byterian, 1 Baptist, 1 Methodist, and 1 Episcopal — 2 banks, 2 print
ing offices, a state arsenal and academy, and a female seminary.
The residences of the inhabitants, and the tasteful manner in which
their grounds are laid out, are, it is believed, not exceeded in beauty
in any village in this country. Many of their mansions are large.

Southwest view of the central part of Canandaigua.
splendidly furnished, surrounded by trees, commodious walks, odor
iferous shrubberies, beautiful gardens and orchards adorned with
flowers and fruits of various kinds, giving an air of wealth and refine
ment to this village rarely elsewhere to be found. The Ontario Fe
male Seminary, founded by the subscriptions of the inhabitants, and
incorporated in 1825, is an institution of high reputation. The num
ber of pupils in 1839 was 174,
The Canandaigua academy was founded by the liberal donations of
Messrs, Gorham and Phelps, " The plan of this school embraces a
thorough and extended course of English and mathematical study,
instruction in the Latin and Greek classics, to an advanced standing
of one or two years in our colleges, the teaching of the French lan
guage, and a department for the education of common school teach
ers, A course of mathematical study, as extensive and as practical
as is usually pursued in our colleges, is taught in this academy. Sur
veying and civil engineering are ably and practically taught," This
institution has been selected by the regents of the university as one
of the academies for the education of school teachers, and a depart
ment for this purpose has been organized. The course adopted wUl
probably require three years, allowing the student to teach school four
months each year. The annual expenses of a student, for board, tui
tion, room rent, and washing, are about $100, Many pupils, by adopt
ing an economical mode of board, reduce their expenses to $60 a
year. In the summe "of 1788, the year after the purchase of western
New York by Messrs. Phelps and Gorham, Oliver Phelps left Gran
ville, Mass., with men and means for the purpose of exploring and
surveying this extensive territory. The wUderness was penetrated
17 33

258 ONTARIO COUNTY.
as far as Canandaigua, about 130 miles west of the Gernian Flats,
then considered on the frontiers of civilization. By the assistance of
the Rev. Mr. Kirkland, the missionary among the Six Nations, and a
commissioner on behalf of Massachusetts, Mr. Phelps succeeded in
collecting the chiefs and warriors pf those tribes whose warlike spirit
StUl rankled, on account of the chastisement inflicted by Sullivan's
expedition. This conference with the Indians was held on a beauti
ful elevation overlooking Canandaigua lake.
" Two days had passed away in negotiation with the Indians for a cession of their lands.
The contract was supposed to be nearly completed, when Red Jacket arose. With the
grace and dignity of a Roman senator, he drew his blanket around him, and with a piercing
eye surveyed the multitude. All was hushed. Nothing interposed to break the sUence,
save the rustling of the tree-tops, under whose shade tiiey were gathered. After a long
and solemn, but not unraeaning pause, he coraraenced his speech in a low voice and sen
tentious style. Rising gradually with his subject, he depicted the priraitive simplicity and
happiness of his nation, and the wrongs they had sustained from the usurpations of the
white man, with such a bold but faithful pencU, that the Indian auditors were soon roused
to vengeance or melted into tears.
" The effect was inexpressible. But, ere the emotions of admiration and sympathy had
subsided, the white men became alarraed. They were in the heart of an Indian country,
surrounded by more than ten times their number, who were inflamed by the remembrance
of their injuries, and excited to indignation by the eloquence of a favorite chief. Appalled
and terrified, the white raen cast a cheerless gaze upon the hordes around thera. A nod
from the chiefs might be the onset of destraction. At that portentous moraent. Farmer's
Brother interposed. He replied not to his brother chief ; but, with the sagacity traly abo.
riginal, he caused a cessation of the council, introduced good cheer, commended the elo
quence of Red Jacket, and, before the meeting had reassembled, with the aid of other
pradent chiefs, he had moderated the fury of his nation to a more salutary review of the
question before them." '
The reassemblage of the councU in cooler blood was followed by
the satisfactory arrangement of the treaty, whereby the Indian title
to more than two millions of acres was extinguished. The following
account of facts connected with the operations of Phelps and Gorham,
are from the Rochester Directory, published in 1827.
¦" After the treaty, Mr. Phelps surveyed the land into tracts, denominated Ranges, ran-
ning north and south, and subdivided the ranges into tracts of six railes square, denominated
Townships, and designated each by nurabers, beginning to number both ranges and town.
ships at the 82d mile-stone, in the southeast corner of the tract, [now the southeast corner
ofSteuben county,] nurabering the townships northwardly to the lake from one to fourteen,
and the ranges westwardly from one to seven. Thus, Bath is designated as township
number four, in the third range ; Canandaigua as township nuraber ten, in the third range ;
Pittsford as number twelve, in the fifth range ; ahd Brighton as number thirteen, in the
seventh range of townships, in Gorham and Phelps' purchase.
¦" As the iGenesee river runs about twenty-four degrees east of north below Avon, and
Mr. Phelps continued his seventh range of townships to the lake, the fifth range was left to
contain but twelve, and the sixth range but ten townships ; and, in order to square fhe
tract lying west of Genesee river, he set off two townships near the lake, which he called
¦the Sliort Range, now comprising the towns of Gates and Greece, [and part of Rochester;]
and the present towns of Caledonia, Wheatiand, Chili, Riga, Ogden, and Parma, being then
four townships, he called the first range of townships west of Genesee river, in Gorham
and Phelps' purchase.
" This tract formed the counties of Ontario and Steuben for many years, until 1821,
when Monroe and Livingston counties were formed, except that part of it lying west of
the river, which was annexed to the county of Genesee at its organization in 1802, and the
south part of ihe seventh range set off from Steuben to Allegany.
" In 1789, Oliver Phelps opened a land-office in Canandaigua — ^this was the first land-
ofiioe in America for the sale of her forest-lands to settiers ; and the system which he
adopted for the survey of his lands, by townships and ranges became a model for the man.

ONTARIO COUNTY. 259
ner of surveying all the new lands in the United States ; and the method of making hia
retail sales to settiers by articles has also been adopted by aU the other land-ofl[ices of indi.
vidual proprietorships that have followed after him.
" The Article was a new device, of American origin, unknown in the English system
of conveyancing ; granting the possession, but not the fee of the land ; facilitating the fre.
quent changes among new settiers, enabling thera to seU out their improveraents and trans.
fer their possession by assignment, and securing the reversion of the possession to the
proprietor where they abandoned the premises. His land.sales were allodial ; and the other
land-offices following his example, have rendered the Genesee farmers all fee-simple land.
holders, which has increased the value of the soil and the enterprise of the people.
" OUver Phelps may be considered the Cecrops of the Genesee country. Its inhabitants
owe a mausoleum to his meraory, in gratitude for his having pioneered for them the wil
derness of this Canaan of the West."
Mr. Maude, who travelled through this part of the country in
1800, says : " Canandaigua, in 1792, was not further advanced in im
provement than Geneva, as it then consisted of only two frame houses,
and a few log houses. It is now one third larger than Geneva, con
taining 90 families, and is the county town. Canandaigua consists
of one street ; from this street are laid off sixty lots, thirty on each
side. Each lot contains forty acres, having only 22 perches, or 121
yards in front ; thirty lots consequently extend the to'wn upwards of
two miles ; but the extremities of the present town are not more than
a mile and half apart. These lots are valued in their unimproved
state at $600 or $1,000 each, — The principal inhabitants of Canan
daigua are, Thomas Morris, Esq,, Mr. Phelps, Mr. Gorham, (who
are the greatest land-owners in Canandaiguci and its neighborhood,)
and Judge Atwater. I was introduced also to Mr. Greig, from Mor
peth, in England — a gentleman reat^ing- law with Mr. Morris."
" 'The settlement of this town," (Canandaigua,) says Mr. Spafford in
his Gazetteer, "commenced in 1790, and in 1797 I found it but
feeble, contending with innumerable embarrassments and difficulties.
The sprhig of that year was uncommonly wet and cold. Besides a
good deal of sickness, mud knee-deep, musquitoes and gnats so thick
that you could hardly breathe without swallowing them, rattle-snakes,
and the ten thousand discouragements everywhere incident to new
settlements, — surrounded by these, in June of that year I saw with
wonder that these people, all Yankees from Massachusetts, Connec
ticut, and Vermont, were perfectly undismayed, ' looking forward in
hope, sure and steadfast.' They talked ito me of what the country
would be, by and by, as it were history, and I received it as a.\\ fable.
In order to see the whole power of the county, a militia muster of
all the men capable of bearing arms, I waited a day or two to attend
the training. Major Wadsworth was the commanding officer, and,
including the men who had guns and those who had not, the boys,
women, and chUdren, it was supposed that near 200 persons were
collected. This training, one of the first, was held at Capt. Pitts's,
on the Honeoye, and lasted all day and all night."
The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the grave
yard in this place.
" Gideon Gransee, died Dec. 31, 1822, aged 55 years, Mr. Granger was born at Suf-
field, Connecticut, on the 19th of July, 1767. Having completed his education at Yale

260

ONTARIO COUNTY.

college, he soon appeared at the bar, where he sustained a high character. He early
mingled in the political conflicts of his country, in whose service he was engaged until a
short tirae before his death. His native state wiU long reraember him as one of the ear
hest and ablest advocates of her school fund system. For thirteen years he presided over
the general post-office department, with zeal and usefulness. Bold in design and ardent
in execution, true to his friends and liberal to his adversaries, warm in his attachments
and social in his habits, his life was endeared to his associates and valuable to mankind.

" In memory of Nathaniel Gorham, who died Oct. 21st, 1826, aged 63 years."

" This is erected to the memory of the Hon. Oliver Phelps, Esq., who died 21st of
Feb. 1809, in the 60th year of his age. He was born in the town of Windsor, in the
State of Connecticut  On the 1st of April, 1788, the deceased, in company with
the Hon. Nathaniel Gorham, Esq., purchased of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
its pre-emptive right to the lauds now coraprised in the counties of Ontario, Steuben, Gen
esee, Niagara, Cattaraugus, Chatauque, and Allegany  In March, 1802, he re
moved with his family to this place, where he resided till his death. He was appointed
the first Judge of the county of Ontario, and elected a representative in congress for the
district  "

Northeastern view of Geneva.
The vUlage of Geneva, one of the most beautifully situated places
in the state, was founded in 1794, by Messrs, Annin and Barton, and
incorporated in 1812, Distant from Albany 179 miles, 98 from
Utica, 23 from Auburn, 106 from Buffalo, 16 from Canandaigua,
and 58 N, of Elmira. The Cayuga and Seneca canal connects
Geneva with the Erie canal at Montezuma, a distance of 20 mUes,
one half canal and one half slack-water navigation. The village is
situated at the NW, comer of Seneca lake, on the side and summit
of an eminence 120 feet above the surface of the lake. The princi
pal street runs parallel with the lake shore ; the mansion houses on the
eastern side in the southern part of the village have terraced gardens
reaching down to the lake. Few, if any places in this country, can
be selected, which present more attractions for persons retiring from
business, who wish the enjoyments of a country life, combined with

EASTERN VIEW OF NEWBURG, N. Y., FROM HUDSON RIVER.

ONTARIO COUNTY. 261
the advantages of social intercourse. The viUage contains about
480 dwellings, 1 Episcopal, 1 Presbyterian, 2 Methodist, 1 Baptist,
1 Associate Reformed, 1 Reformed Dutch, 1 Catholic, and 1 Univer
salist church, a bank, with a capital of $400,000, and 2 newspaper
printing offices.
The Geneva college, in this place, was founded by the inhabitants
and incorporated in 1825, having a president, a professor of mathe
matics and natural philosophy, a professor of the Latin and Greek
languages and literature, a professor of statistics and civU engineer
ing, a professor of modern languages, history, and belle-letters, a profes
sor of chemistry and mineralogy. There is also a medical depart
ment, having four professors. " This college was one of the first, if
not the very first, to adopt those liberal improvements which afford
the advantages of a scientific and literary education to young men,
who, from the "want of time or inclination, are averse to entering on
the study of the classics, and who, were no provision made to meet
the exigency, would be deprived of many advantages .to be derived
from collegiate instruction." The college buildings are situated on
the summit of the elevation which rises from the lake at the southern
extremity of Main-street, a site rarely, if ever, surpassed for beauty
and salubrity.
The following, relative to the early history of Geneva, is from
Maude's Travels through this part of the country in 1800.
" Geneva is situate at the northwest extremity of Seneca lake. It is divided into Upper
and Lower Town. The first cstablishraents were on the margin of the lake, as best adapted
to business ; but Capt. WiUiamson, struck with the peculiar beauty of the elevated plain
which crowns the high bank of the lake, and the many advantages which it possessed as a
site for a town, began here to lay out his building-lots parallel with and facing the lake.
These lots are three quarters of an acre deep, and half an acre in front, and valued (in
1800) at $375 per lot. One article in the agreeraent with Capt. WiUiarason is, that no
buildings shall be erected on the east side of the street, that the view of the lake may be
kept open. Those who purchase a lot have also the option of purchasing such land as lays
between their lot and the lake — a convenience and advantage which I suppose few wiU
forego — the quantity not being great, and consisting principaUy of the declivity of the bank,
which, for the most part, is not so steep as to unfit it for pasturage or gardens,
" To give encouragement to this settiement, Capt, WUliamson built a very large and
handsome hotel, and invited an Englishman of the name of Powell to take the superintend.
ence of it, Capt, WUhamson has two rooms in this hotel appropriated to himself; and as
he resides here the greater part of the year, he takes care that Powell does justice to the
establishment and to his guests. From this cause it is, that, as it respects provisions,
liquors, beds, and stabUng, there are few inns in America equal to the hotel at Geneva.
That part of the town where the hotel is situated is intended for a public square. At MUe.
point, a mile south of the hotel, Capt, WiUiamson has built a handsome brick house,
intended for the residence of his brother, who had an intention of establishing at Geneva,
" In 1792, Geneva did not contain more than three or four families ; but such is the
beauty, saluhrity, and convenience of the situation, that it now consists of at least sixty
famUies, and is rapidly receiving accessions as the new buildings get finished for then re.
ception. There were at this time, (1800,) settied at Geneva, Mr, and Mrs, Colt, Messrs.
Johnstone, Hallet, Rees, Bogart, and Beekman ; three of these gentlemen were lawyers.
Here were also two doctoi's, two storekeepers, a blacksmith, shoemaker, tailor, hatter, hair.
dresser, saddler, brewer, printer, watchmaker, and cabinet-maker. A hat made entirely
of beaver is sold here for $10,
" Geneva is supplied with watej conveyed in pipes from a neighboring spring, and also
by weUs, From the lake, the town is plentifuUy suppUed with a great variety of exceUent
fish. Seneca lake is forty-four miles long, and from four to six miles wide. Its greatest
depth is not known ; the water is very clear and wholesome ; the bottom is sand and gravel.

262 ORANGE COUNTY,
with a clear sandy beach, like the seashore, and, consequentiy, not infested with rausqui-
toes, &.C, This lake is navigated by a sloop of forty tons, which runs as a packet, and
carries on a trade between Geneva and Catherinetown, at the head of the lake,"
The vUlage of Vienna is beautifully situated at the junction of Flint
creek and the outlet of Canandaigua lake, on the line of the Auburn
and Rochester railroad, 6 miles S. of the Erie canal and 14 from Ca
nandaigua. It is the principal produce market for the surrounding
country. There are here 4 churches, an Episcopal female seminary,
15 stores, 1 printing office, 5 flouriiig miUs, which manufacture 37,300
barrels of flour annually, 2 grist-mills^ 5 saw-mills, 5 plaster-mills, 1
clover-mill, 1 furnace, and many other manufacturing establishments,
Vienna has a population of 1,400. In the vicinity are inexhaustible
beds of gypsum, water and quick lime.

ORANGE COUNTY.
Orange, an original county, was organized in 1683 ; since modified
by the subtraction of Rockland county and additions from Ulster coun
ty. Greatest length E, >and W, 37, greatest breadth N. and S, 30
miles. Centrally distant NW, from New York 65, from Albany SE.
85 mUes. On the east it is bounded by the Hudson, along whose banks
are some of the highest mountains of the Highlands, Bear mountain
is 1,350 feet in height, the Crow's Nest 1,418, and Butter HiU 1,530
feet above tide. The county is exceedingly fertile, and agriculture is
conducted with great skill. Large quantities of sheep and cattle are
raised. Its butter is celebrated, " In mineral productions this county
is rich ; there are vast beds of magnetic iron ore, chiefly in the town of
Monroe ; in no part of the state is there, in an equal area, a greater
quantity of this important mineral ; there is also a bed near the village
of Canterbury, Besides the above, hematic ore is also found in abun
dance, and it wUl, no doubt, be of great value, whether used separately
or in mixtures with the magnetic ores. There are also several other
deposites of minerals found here." Walkill river, a large and impor
tant mill stream, on which are located extensive manufacturing estab
lishments, passes through near the central part of the, county, ih a
northeriy direction. It rises in New Jersey, and empties into the Hud
son near Kingston, in Ulster county. The New York and Erie railroad
enters the SE. portion of the county and passes through the towns of
Monroe, Blooming Grove, Goshen, Minisink, WalkUl, Mount Hope,
and Deer Park. It is divided into 14 towns :
Blooming Grove, Goshen, Montgomery, Walkill,
Cornwall, Hamptonburg, Mount Hope, Warwick.
Crawford, Minisink, Newburg,
Deerpark, Monroe, New-Wmdsor,

ORANGE COUNTY.

263

Newburg was organized in 1788. The township has a hUly and
broken surface, and a good soU, much of which is under high culti
vation. Pop. 8,933.

South View of Newburg.
Newburg, the half-shire vUlage of Orange county, was originally
settled by the Palatines from Germany in 1708 : it was incorporated
in 1800. It lies upon the steep acclivity of a hiU rising from the

Washington's Head-quarters, Newburg.
river to the height of about 300 feet. Being thus situated, the vUlage
makes a fine appearance when seen from the river. The river mar-
ein, about 600 feet wide, afibrds space for convenient quays and
docks. A large business centres here from the neighboring counties.
There are 3 banks, 3 newspaper printing offices, an incorporated
academy, 8 churches, and about 800 dwellings The yil age is 84
Ss from Albany, 61 from New York, 8 from West Pomt, 10 from
Poughkeepsie, and 20 miles from Goshen, the other half-sh.re town.

264 ORANGE COUNTY.
From the upper terrace of the village there is a fine prospect to the
S. of West Point, the Crow's Nest, Butter HiU, and the two Beacon
mountains ; on the SE. PoUopel's Island ; on the E. the picturesque
valleys of the Matteawan and Wappinger's creeks, and the village of
Fiskhill Landing.
The preceding is a northern view of the old stone house in the south
part of Newburg village, formerly the quarters of Washington when
the American army were in cantonment in the vicinity, at the close
of the revolutionary war. In the spring of 1783, when the troops were
about fo be disbanded without their pay, there was great discontent
among them. At this time an anonymous letter was addressed to
the officers, artfully calculated to excite passion. It was dated March
10th, 1783. It was subsequently ascertained, (says Mr. Dunlap,) to
have been written by Major Armstrong, afterward secretary of war.
" The author assumes the character of a veteran who had suflTered with those he ad.
dressed. He tells them that to be tame in their present situation would be more than
weakness, and must ruin them forever. He bids them ' suspect the man who would advise
to mOre moderation, and longer forbearance.' He then describes the high state in which
the country has been placed by their services. And says, ' does this country reward you
with tears of gratitude and smiles of admiration, or does she trample on your rights, disdain
your cries, and insult your distresses?' He advised them to carry their appeal from the
justice, to the fears of government. ' Assume a bolder tone — say, that the shghtest indig
nity from congress now must operate like the grave, and part you from thera forever.'
That if peace takes place, ' nothing shaU separate you from your arms but death : if war
continues, that you wUl retire to some unsettied country, with Washington at your head,
and mock at the distresses of governraent,' The insidious expression of 'courting the aus.
pices, and inviting the direction of their iUustrious leader,' was calculated to make the
army believe that Washington would join thera in rebellion against his country, and was
certainly a bold artifice, coming, as it did, from one in constant correspondence with Gene
ral Gates, and attached to him both by incUnation and office,
" The commander-in-chief noticed the anonymous address in orders, with pointed disap.
probation, and requested that the general and field officers, with a proper representation
from the staff of the array, would asserable on the 15th instant, to hear the report of the
coramittee deputed by the army to congress. This request was seized upon, and repre.
sented in a second paper as giving sanction to the proceedings of the officers, and they
were caUed upon to act with energy. On the 15th of March, the comraander-in-chief ad.
dressed the convention of officers, (General Gates being the chairman,) in the language of
truth, feeUng, and aff'ection. He overthrew all the artifices of the anonymous writer and
his friends, one of the principal of whom sat in the chair, Washington noticed the advice
to mark for suspicion the man who should recommend moderation. He feelingly spoke of
his own constant attention, frora the commencement of the war, to the wants and suffer
ings of the army, and then pointed out the dreadful consequences of following the advice
of the anonymous writer, either to draw their swords against their country, or retire, if
war continues, from the defence of all they hold dear. He calls to mind the scenes in which
they had acted together, and pledges himself to the utmost exertion for obtaining justice to
his fellows in arms. He requests them to rely on the promise of congress. He said, ' I
conjure you, in the name of our comraon country, as you value your own sacred honor, as
you respect the rights of humanity, to express your utmost horror and detestation of the man
who wishes, under any specious pretences, to overturn the Uberties of your country ; and
who wickedly attempts to open the floodgates of civU discord, and deluge our rising empire
in blood."
" The convention resolved, unanimously, among other things, that ' the army have un.
shaken confidence in congress, and view with abhorrence, and reject with disdain, the in
famous propositions contained in a late anonymous address to the officers of the army.' "—
Dunlap' s Hist, of New York.
New Windsor was organized in 1788. It has an uneven surface,
generally fertile and well cultivated. Pop. 2,482. The vUlage of New
Windsor, said to be the oldest village in the county, is situated about
54

ORANGE COUNTY. 265
2 miles south from Newburg, and lies at the confluence of Cham
bers' creek with the Hudson. The head-quarters of Washington was
for a time here, in an humble Dutch-like mansion.

Birthplace of De Witt Clinton, New Windsor.
" De Witt Clinton was born in the village of New Windsor, March 2d, 1769. His
paternal ancestors were of Norman origin. His grandfather, Mr, Charles Clinton, at
the head of a company of associates, emigrated frora Ireland in 1729, and settied in this
town. His father, General Jaraes Clinton, was a ^brave and useful officer in the French
and Indian wars, and in the revolutionary struggle, A short time previous to the revolu.
tion he married Miss Mary De Witt, a lady of Dutch descent. The fruit of this union were
four sons, of whom De Witt was the second. His early education was intrusted to the care
of the Rev, Mr, Moffat, the pastor of the Presbyterian church in Little Britain, At the age
of thirteen he was transferred to an academy at Kingston, then conducted by Mr, John
Addison, Here he reraained two years, when he entered the junior class of Colurabia col.
Facsimile of De Witt Clinton's signature.
lege. At this institution he distinguished himself as a scholar, and closed his academic ca
reer in 1786, when he received the usual degree of bachelor of arts, taking, at the com.
menceraent, the highest honor which the institution could bestow. He thereupon com.
menced the study of the law under Samuel JoneS, Esq., a celebrated counsellor. After re.
ceiving the usual licences or degrees in his profession, he was abruptly called from the fiir.
ther cultivation of the pursuit by circumstances arising from the situation of political aff'airs
in the state. " The germs of the two great parties which have since divided the country,
were at that time beginning to appear. His uncle, George Clinton, then governor of the
state, was assailed by a combination of almost all the talents of that section of the country,
and pamphlets and newspaper essays were poured upon the pubUc with unrestrained pro.
fusion. Mr. Clinton, reUnquishing every other pursuit, entered warmly and exclusively into
the vindication of the conduct and principles of his uncle ; and it is believed that the
greater part of the controversial politics on the anti-federal or democratic side was man.
aged by him during this period of turbulence. He continued with his uncle as his secreta.
ry during his administration, which ended in 1795, Mr, CUnton had been honored while
with his uncle with the office of secretary of the University, and of the Board of Fortifica.
tions of New York, Upon the retirement of the governor he also withdrew frora pubUo
life. But his efibrts as an individual, in raUying and supporting the party of which he
might then have been considered the leader, were not for a raoraent remitted. To do this
with effect, however, it seemed necessary that he should be placed in a public station ; and
accordingly, in 1798, he was elected a meraber of the assembly from the city of New "york,
and in 1800 was chosen a senator from the southern district, and a member tif the council

266 ORANGE COUNTY.
of appointment. From the senate of this state, by a joint ballot of both branches of the
legislature, he was elected to a seat in the senate of the United States, where he took an
active interest in the concerns of the country, in relation to the differences then existing
with the Spanish authorities at New Orieans. His continuance in that august body, how.
ever, was short, as on receiving the appointraent of mayor of New York in October, 1803,
it became necessary that he should resign it, the duties of the two offices being by law in.
compatible. This office he held by successive appointment, with the exception of twenty.
two months, until 1815, Notwithstanding the political change in the state in 1813, such
was the public confidence in him, that he was continued in office during the exciting pe.
riod of the late war. When President Madison received a nomination for a second term,
CUnton was put in opposition, and received 89 electoral votes ; while Madison was elected
by 128. Clinton eariy becarae a strong partisan in favor of the Erie canal, and it is owing
to the bold stand which he took in favor of this great enterprise that his popularity in a
measure was owing. In the sumraer of 1810, he went on a tour with other commissioners
for exploring the route of this work. This country was then comparatively a wilderness,
and there was not a house where the city of Rochester now stands. In the spring of
1815 he was superseded in his office of mayor, and deprived of all his pubUc employments
except that of canal comraissioner. In 1817, he was elected governor of the state, which
station he held untU the commencement of the year 1823, In the autumn of 1822, he de.
cUned another noraination, and returned to the pursuits of private life, holding only the
office of canal comraissioner ; frora which he was removed in the spring of 1824 by an
overwhelming vote of the legislature. At the time of this vote, he had for fourteen years
been steadily engaged in promoting the cause of the internal navigation of the state, and
whether in or out of office, had received no compensation for these services. The news of
his removal had no sooner reached the prinoipal towns in the state, than large meetings
were held to express the popular indignation at this measure. In the city of New York,
not less than 10,000 persons assembled at the caU, among whom were sorae of his strong
political opponents. The consequence was, that the people rebuked this vote in a most
emphatic manner six months afterward by electing him their governor, and by the largest
chajority ever previously known in the state, in a contested election ; which office he held
untU his death. When the success of the canal policy was made apparent, other states
eagerly embarked in similar enterprises, and he was invited to visit Pennsylvania and Ohio,
to give the aid of his high authority to their projects of internal iraproveraent. When the
canal-connecting the Ohio with Lake Erie was commenced, to him was assigned the com.
pliment of removing the first earth of the excavation. His journey through that state, hke
the progress of Lafayette, was one continued triumph. His popularity extended to aU
classes. The merchants of New York of all poUtical parties, grateful for his exertions in
behalf of the canal, and sensible of its influence upon their prosperity, presented him with
two large and rich silver vases. De Witt Clinton died suddenly on the 11th of February,
1828, aged 59 years. This event cast a gloom throughout the state, and in pubhc meet.
ings expressions were sent forth of heartfelt sorrow. Although placed in circumstances
where most men would have accumulated unbounded riches, he manifested an utter indif.
ference to money, and died in honorable poverty. Even the plate presented to him by the
merchants of New York was exposed to sale after his death,
" CUnton was possessed of the sterner virtues, and would not sacrifice feeling to princi.
pie. Although a prominent mason, his stand in relation to the abduction of Morgan is in
character. " The sheriff of one of the frontier counties was accused of participation in
this abduction. The governor forthwith propounded a series of written interrogatories re.
lative to his agency in the transaction, and on his refusal to answer, issued a proclamation
removing him from office. This person, it is to be recoUected, was his steadfast friend and
poUtical supporter ; but he would not allow any personal considerations to weigh against
the public interest. In an interview which the removed sheriff sought, he said, ' Strong as
is my attachment to you, I wiU, if you are guilty, exert myself to have you punished to the
extent of the laws,' To which the trembUng culprit replied in faltering tones, ' I have done
nothing worthy of chains or death,' Unlike raost American statesmen, Clinton was de.
voted tcliterary and scientific pursuits, and was an efficient patron of learning. His wri.
tings place him high in the ranks of science.
" Clinton's person, in his youth and eariy manhood, was remarkable for its masculine
beauty, and as years advanced assuraed a majestic character. His stature was upwards of
six feet, straight and finely proportioned. His eyes were a dark hazel, approaching to
black, and highly expressive ; his hair brown ; his complexion clear, and more florid than
usual among Americans ; his teeth fine, giving a peculiar grace to his sraUe ; his nose
sUghtly aquUine. His habits of refiection and close study were marked in the ordinary ex.
pression of his countenance, which, controlled at an early period of his life to the gravity

ORANGE COUNTY.

267

becoming the raagistrate and the senator, presented an appearance of seriousness alraost
approaching to austerity. When speaking in public, however, his face expressed, with the
utraost flexibility, the varying emotions to which his words gave vent ; while in the inter.
course of private life and in familiar conversation, the gravity which rested on his features
when not excited, gave way on occasion to playfulness and mirth.' He truly exhibited
the picture of a ' great man, an elegant and profound scholar, and a practical citizen — a
man of letters and the world, and a character of active worth to the present generation
and of solid and permanent advantage to posterity.' "

Western view of the public buildings at Goshen.
Goshen, the half-shire vUlage of Orange county, was founded in
1722, and incorporated in 1809; the first court was holden in 1727.
It is 20 mUes W. from Newburg, 60 from New York, and 100 S. from
Albany, It contains a bank, 2 newspaper printing offices, 2 academies,
(1 for males and 1 for females,) and about 60 or 70 dwellings. In the
annexed engraving, the old stone courthouse, which was built about the
commencement of the revolutionary war, is seen on the left : about the
time of its erection the king's arms were affixed over the door, but the
revolutionary excitement was so great at this place, that these royal
emblems were destroyed the first night after they were set up. The
Episcopal church and the female academy are seen on the left. The
Presbyterian church is seen near the central part of the engraving,
Middletown, 7 miles NW, of Goshen, is a thriving vUlage on the line
of the New York and Erie raUroad, It contains 3 churches and a bank,
Montgomery village, on the E. bank of the WalkiU, 10 miles N.
from Goshen, contains about 150 dweUings, 3 churches, and an incor
porated academy. Walden is a manufacturing village of about 75
dwellings, 14 miles NE, from Goshen, " The drowned lands" of Or
ange county lie along the Walkill creek, in the towns of Minisink,
Warwick, and Goshen, These lands, when drained, are productive.
West Point is romantically situated on the west bank of the Hudson
river, 52 miles from New York, and 94 from Albany. It is the site of
the United States MUitary Academy, established by an act of Congress
in March, 1802 ; and the land ceded to the United States govemment
by the state of New York in 1826.

268

ORANGE COUNTY.

Northern view of West Point.
" West Point is a spot of peculiar interest. It has been hallowed
by the footsteps of a Washington, a Kosciusko, and a Lafayette ; it
is consecrated by a nation to the Spartan-like training of a few de
voted sons from every state of our wide-spread union : nor less sa
credly secluded by nature as the scene of retirement and study ; it
seems alike calculated to please the pensive sage and the aspiring
youthful soldier; whUe even female loveliness vouchsafes to paint its
memories in lines of hope and brightness, as ' the boast of a glory hal
lowed land:' ' Bright are the moments link'd with thee,
Boast of a glory hallowed land ;
Hope of the vaUant and the free.
Home of their youthful soldier band.'
" The view of West Point as you enter the Mountain Gap, after
you leave Newburg, is delightful. On the left is Cozzens' hotel ; beyond
it are the academic halls, barracks, chapel, &c., appropriated to the
cadets ; and on the right, are the comfortable dwellings occupied by
the officers of the academy. On the left, at the angle of the plain,
are traces of Fort Clinton ; and on the right, towering far above
Camptown, (the suburb occupied by soldiers and citizens,) stands Fort
Putnam, on mount Independence, venerable in its ruins — ' stern monu
ment of a sterner age,' which survived the attempts of treason and
the assaults of bravery, only to yield its hallowed materials to the
desecration of a rapacious owner. Of the three monuments which
now meet your eye, the one on the right and nearest to you, on a
S rejecting tongue of land bordered with thick groves, is the Cadet's
lonument, erected to the memory of the deceased officers and
cadets of the academy. It cost $12,000. The centre one, near the
flag-staflf, is a cenotaph, erected by Gen. Brown to the memory of

ORANGE COUNTY. 269
Colonel Eleazer D. Wood, an early and distinguished graduate of the
academy, who fell at the sortie of Fort Erie, in 1814. And the
monument on the left, over the levelled redoubt or citadel of Fort
Clinton, is sacred to Kosciusko."
The mihtary academy was estabhshed by act of congress, in 1802.
It was not however untU 1812, that it was placed on an efficient
basis, sufficient to meet the wants of the country. The number
of applicants for cadet appointments is very great. In selecting
these, the descendants of revolutionary officers are considered as
having peculiar claims to notice. The ratio of appointments is about
three for each congressional district in four years, and on an average
only about one third of those who enter graduate. The age of ad
mission is limited from sixteen to twenty-one years ; and the acquire
ments necessary are an acquaintance with reading, writing, and
the elementary principles of arithmetic. There are generally here
about 250 cadets who are instructed by no less than 34 gentlemen,
themselves graduates of the institution.
" The months of July and August in each year are devoted solely
to military exercises ; for which purpose the cadets leave the bar
racks and encamp in tents on the plain, imder the regular pohce and
discipline of an army in time of war. For this purpose, the cadets
are organized in a battalion of four companies, under the command
of the chief instructor of tactics and his assistants. The corporals
are chosen from the third class, or cadets who have been present one
year ; the sergeants from the second class, who have been present
two years ; and the commissioned officers, or captains, lieutenants,
&c., are selected from the first class, or highest at the academy. All
the other cadets fill the ranks as private soldiers, though necessarily
acquainted with the duties of officers. In rotation they have to per
form the duty of sentinels, at all times, day or night, storm or sun
shine, in camp, and evenings and meal-times, in barracks. Cadets
who have been present two encampments, are allowed, if their con
duct has been correct, to be absent the third, on furlough. The
drills or military exercises, consist in the use of the musket, rifle, can
non, mortar, howitzer, sabre, and rapier, or broad and small sword ;
fencing, firing at targets, &c., evolutions of troops, including those of
the line ; and the preparation and preservation of all kinds of ammu
nition and materials for war. The personal appearance of the corps
of cadets cannot fail to attract admiration ; especially on parade or
review. The uniform is a gray coatee, with gray pantaloons in
winter, and white linen in summer. The dress cap is black, with
dark pompoon. The splendid band of music, which, imder Willis,
made hill and valley ring with notes of ' linked harmony long drawn
out,' though changed, stUl pleases ; and under its new leader, pro
mises soon to deserve its former renown, as the best in our country.
" The cadets return from camp to barracks on the last of August,
and the remaining ten months of the academic year are devoted to
their arduous studies. The ceremony of striking the tents and march
ing out of camp is so imposing, as to be well worth an effort of the

270 ORANGE COUNTY.
visiter to be present on that occasion. On the previous evening, the
camp is brilliantly illuminated ; and being enlivened with music, danc
ing, and bevies of beautiful strangers, presents quite a fairy scene.
" For the sake of more full instruction, each class is divided into
several sections, each having a separate instructor. Thus each cadet
is called upon, at almost every recitation, to explain a considerable
portion of the lesson ; for the morning recitations generally occupy
two hours each. The written or delineated demonstrations, are ex
plained on a black-board in the presence of the whole section.
" The studies of the first year are algebra, geometry, descriptive
geometry, trigonometry, and the French language. All the mathe
matical studies are practically taught and applied to numerous pro
blems not in the books ; on the resolution of which greatly depends
the reputation and standing of each rival candidate for pre-eminence.
The studies of the second year, are the theory of shades, shadows,
and perspective, practically illustrated ; analytic geometry, with its
application to conic sections ; the integral and differential calculus, or
science of fluxions ; surveying and mensuration ; the French lan
guage, and the elements of drawing, rhetoric, grammar, geography,
and topography with the pen. This completes the course of mathe
matics, and also of French, which the cadets learn to translate freely
as a key to military science, but which few of them speak fluently.
" The third year is devoted to a course of natural philosophy, in
cluding mechanics, optics, electricity, magnetism, and astronomy ;
together with chemistry, and sketching landscapes with the pencil.
" The fourth and last year is appropriated to the study of artillery
and infantry tactics ; the science of war, and fortification, or military
engineering ; a complete course of civil engineering, embracing the
construction of roads and bridges, railroads and canals, with the im
provement of rivers and harbors, &c. &. ; a course of mineralogy,
geology, and military pyrotechny ; together with moral philosophy,
and national and constitutional law.
" To test the progress of the cadets in these stiidies, semi-annual
examinations are held, commencing on the first Mondays of January
and June ; at the latter of which a hoard of visiters, appointed by the
secretary of war, is present, to make a critical official report of the
state of the academy. The examination of aU the classes usually
occupies about a fortnight, and is very severe ; but stUl is not con
sidered the full test of individual proficiency. Each instructor makes
a weekly class report, on which is recorded the daUy performance
of each cadet ; those who excel being credited 3, and those who fail
entirely marked 0. These marks are accessible to the cadets from
week to week, and stimulate their exertions : finally, they are summed
up at the end of the term, and laid before the academic staff and
visiters ; so that the standing of each cadet is influenced not only by
his examination, but by all his previous recitations. A certain pre
scriptive proficiency being required of the cadets in each branch,
those who fall below this limit are necessarily discharged from the
service. Averaging the last ten years, where a class of one hundred

ORANGE COUNTY.

271

enters the academy, it is reduced to about seventy at the end of six
months, sixty at the end of one year, fifty at the end of two years,
and forty at the end of three years ; not more than about thirty-five
graduating. " There is a general merit-roll of every class, made out at the end
of each academic year ; the merit of each cadet being expressed by
a number denoting his proficiency or acquirements. But the final
standing of each cadet, on which depends his rank in the army, is
determined by the sum of his merit in all the different branches ; and
this depends not only on his actual proficiency in any branch, but also
on its relative importance. This latter is thus estimated at present by
the academic staff, viz : Conduct 300 ; engineering 300 ; mathematics
300 ; natural phUosophy 300 ; chemistry and mineralogy 200 ; rheto
ric, ethics, and law 200 ; infantry tactics 200 ; artillery 100 ; French
100 ; and dra:wing 100. Hence the individual who should excel in all
the hranches, would be credited with 2,100 on the final merit-roll ; but
no more than three or four such instances have ever occurred at the
academy. The cadet in each class having the greatest sum of merit
is placed first on the roll, and so onward ; and he who is deficient in
only one single branch is discharged, or else turned back another year
to receive a second probation." — Hunt's Letters about the Hudsort,.
The graduates of the mUitary academy are entitled by law to a
preference over other applicants for commissions in the army. On
graduating they receive the commissions of brevet, second lieuten
ants, and are subsequently promoted on the occurrence of vacancies.
On the river bank at the point
where the Hudson turns sud
denly to the south, about 30
rods east of Cozzens' hotel,
(seen in the drawing,) stands
the monument of Kosciusko,
It was completed in 1829, by
the corps of cadets, at an ex
pense of about $5,000, In
the vicinity of the monument is
Kosciusko's garden, " whither
the Polish chieftain was accus
tomed to retire for study and
reflection, Marks of cultivation
are perceptible in the disposition
of the walks and trees, and the
beautiful seclusion of the spotstiU
invite to thought and repose,"
" Thaddeus Kosciusko, an officer in the American revolutionary war, was born in Li
thuania, in 1756, of an ancient and noble family, and educated at the miUtary school of
Warsaw, He afterward studied in France, - He came to America, recommended by
Franklin to Washington, by whom he was appointed an aid. He was also appointed an
engineer with the rank of colonel, in Oct,, 1776, He fortified the carap of Gen, Gates in
his campaign against Burgoyne, and was afterward sent to West Point, to erect the works
there. He was highly esteemed both by American and French officers. He was admitted
a member of the Cincinnati, and received the thanks of congress for his services. At the
close of the revolutionary war, he returned to his native country, and was made major-ge
neral under Poniatowski, He fought several battles with great bravery, but all his efforts
were destroyed by the miserable conduct of the PoUsh diet. In the month of April, 1794,
on tiie breaking out of a new revolution, he was made generalissimo, with the power of a

272

ORANGE COUNTY.

dictator. He managed with great address and bravery, until the 10th of October, when
being overpowered and wounded, he was made prisoner, and carried to St, Petersburg,
He was kept in confinement untU the death of Catherine, when he was reUeved by Paul,
loaded with honors, and offered employment in the Russian service, which he declined. It
is said that when the emperor presented hira with his own sword, Kosciusko told him, ' I
no longer need a sword — I have no longer a country,' In 1797, he visited the United
States, and received a grant from congress for his services. In the latter part of his life he
retired to Swilzeriand, where he died in Oct, 16, 1817. His remains were taken to Cra.
cow. and a public funeral made for him at Waisaw, where almost divine honors were paid
him," — Encyclopedia Americana.

Ancient view of West Point.
[The above view of West Point as it appeared during the revolution, is copied from a plate
in the New York Magazine, published in 1790. Explanation. A, Constitution Island, on the
east side of the river. B, A chain, 450 yards in length, reaching across the Hudson. C, Fort
Clinton, the principal fort, and intended for the defence of the nver against any naval force.]
" After the capture of forts Washington and Lee, during the revolutien, the British as.
cended the river freely in their armed ships. But in the execution of Washington's design
of shutting up the enemy in New York, by the assistance of the French naval and mihtary
forces, it becarae necessary to exclude him firora the Hudson, Skilful engineers sent out
by the French monarch, selected West Point as the most advantageous position for com
manding the river. The hill, composed of huge crags and blocks of stone, fantastically
heaped by nature, protrudes to the middle of the river, impelling its waters to the opposite
bank, and narrowing the channel to less than half a mile in width,
" The cUff selected for the fortress, rests against a lofty ridge broken into small emi
nences, that form a species of amphitheatre, washed below by the river. It rises in terra
ces, the first of which is very narrow, and nearly level with the river ; the second, approach.
able by a steep ascent of 80 or 90 feet, and the third, rising 188 feet above the water,
spreads into a plateau of raore than a mile in circumference, on which the principal works
were constructed ; the chief of which, was Fort Clinton. The declivity is exceedingly steep
nearly all around, and the only side on which the enceinte was accessible, was thickly
palisaded, and defended by batteries. An escalade, the sole mode of carrying the works,
was subjected to extreme hazard. There were several redoubts upon the eminences, which
commanded Fort Clinton, of which Fort Putnam was the most important. These covered
each other, and the garrison and ammunition stores were under bomb proof casements.
The works partiy hewn in the rock, and pardy constructed of enormous trunks of trees,
feUed on the spot, communicating by defiles, formed a group of strongholds, connected by
a common system of defence, "The upper forts were secured from assault by the ruggei
ness of the ground, thick woods, and numerous abatis, which made the transport of artil-
lery impracticable, whilst they gave fuU protection to the lower ones.

ORANGE COUNTY. 273
" But, another work besides these impregnable fortifications, was necessary to the com
mand of the river. Constitution Island divides the bed of the Hudson uhequally, at the
bend round the Point ; the western branch being a marshy shallow. The island, a mass
of rock, was defended by batteries on a level with the water, and the glacis formed in the
rock, bade defiance to trenches. A heavy chain cramped into the rocks at either end, sup.
ported by buoys, stretched across the angle made by the river, and formed an effectual bar.
. " The great object of the works on both sides, was to protect this chain. Twenty pieces
of heavy ordnance, discharging grape, menaced those who shonld attempt to cot a link, and
would have inevitably sunk their boats. If a vessel, iron beaked, impelled by wind and
tide, should attempt it, the chain moving on a roller would grow slack, and the shock, thus
broken, would be again strained to its due tension, and the vessel, turned aside, must be
stranded on one or the other shore, and remain exposed to the fire of the batteries, which
might be poured upon all points of the Strait. These forts, provided with necessary muni
tions, were defended by four tho^and men. They had been built in tfie course of a singly
year, almost without cost ; the soldiers who labored at thera received no pay, and the
French engineers superintending, in the minutest detail, the execution of fheir Own plans,
had no emolument whatever, "This post was much desired by the British commanders,
and its sun^ender was to have been the first fruit of Arnold's treason." — Gordon's Gaiet.
The name of Little Britain is given to a district of about 4 mUes
square^ in Hamptonburg and New Windsor, settled in 1722 by Col.
Charles Clinton, (the progenitor of the distinguished family of Clinton,)
and his associate emigrants from Ireland. " George Clinton,
the youngest son of Col.
Charles Clinton, was
bom in Orange county,
July 15, 1739. His ed
ucation was superin
tended by his father, a
gentleman of a highly
cultivated mind, assist
ed by a minister of the
gospel, named Daniel
Facsimile of George Clinton's signature. Thain who had been
educated at the university of Aberdeen. He evinced at an early age
that spirit of activity and enterprise which marked his after life. Du
ring what was caUed the French war, he left his father's house, and
entered on board of a privateer, which sailed from the port of New
York; and after encountering great hardships and perils, returned
home, and immediately accepted a lieutenancy in a company com
manded by his brother James. He was present at the capture of Fort
Frontenac, now Kingston, where the company to which he belonged
behaved with great gallantry. After the usual time of study he was
admitted to the bar, and practised with much success in his native
county, until his election to the colonial assembly, where he became
the head of the whig party, or minority, and .unifonnly opposed the
arbitrary course of the govemment. He was chosen, April 22d, 1775,
a delegate to the continental congress ; and in 1776, he was appointed
brigadier-general of Ulster county, and some time after, a brigadier in
the army of the United States. At the first election'under the consti
tution of the state, which was adopted April 20, 1777, he was chosen
both governor and lieutenant-gOyemor. Having accepted the. former
office, the latter was filled by Pierre Van Cortlandt. He continued in
18 35

274 ORLEANS COUNTY.
the chief magistracy of the state during six terms, or 18 years, when
he declined a re-election. In consequence of the gireat number of to
ries who resided in the state of New York, and its distracted condition,
the situation of Governor Clinton was more arduons and important than
any other in the Union, save that of the commanderrin-chief. He,
however, behaved with the greatest energy, not only as chief magis
trate, but as an actual head of the militia ; and for a long time resisted
the attacks of the whole British army, commanded by Sir Henry Clin
ton. By a vigorous exertion of authority, in the impressment of flour,
on an important occasion, he preserved the army from dissolution.
' His conduct at the storming of the forts Montgomery and Clinton, in
October, 1777, was particularly praiseworthy. He was greatly instru
mental in crushing the insurrection under Shays, which took place in
Massachusetts, in 1787,
" Governor Clinton was unanimously chosen president of the con
vention which assembled at Poughkeepsie June 17, 1788, to deliber
ate on the new federal cotistitution. After remaining five years in
private life, he was elected a member of the state legislature, at a time
when the country was in an agitated and critical condition, and it is
affirmed that his influence was the principal cause of the great politi
cal revolution whichtook place in 1801, At that period he was also
induced again to accept the station of governor, and after continuing in
that capacity for three years, he was elevated, to the vice-presidency
of the United States, a dignity in which he continued until his demise at
Washington^ AprU 20, 1812. He married Corneha Tappan, of Kings
ton, Ulster county, by whom he had one son and five daughters,
" The following anecdotes are related of his energy and decision : — ' At the conclusion of
the revolutionary war, when violence against the tories was the order of the day, a British
officer was placed on a cart in the city of New York, to be tarred and feathered. This
was the signal of violence aud assassination. Governor Clinton, at this moment, rushed in
among the mob with a drawn sword, and rescued the victim at the risk of his life.' ' Some
years after, a furious assemblage of people collected, called the doctors' mob, and raged
through New York, with the intention of kiUing the citizens of that city, and pulling down
their houses, on account of their having dug up bodies for dissection. The violence of this
mob intimidated the local magistrates. Governor CUnton fortunately appeared in person,
called out the militia, and restored peace to the city.' He discharged the functions of vice-
president with great dignity. It was by his casting vote while in that station, that the re-
newal of the bank charter was negatived. In private life, he was kind and amiable, and
warm m his friendships ; as a pubUc man, he is entitled to respectful remembrance."

ORLEANS COUNTY,
Orleans county was taken from Genesee in 1824. It is 24 miles
long E. and W., and 18 mUes broad N, and S, It is centrally distant
from Albany 257, and from New York 302 miles. The summit of
the mountain ridge extends across the county at an elevation of about
340 feet above Lake Ontario. Parallel with this, on the alluvial way,
nms the ridge road- With these exceptions, the face of the country
is generally level. The soU, mostly clay and argillaceous loam, is
highly fertile. Grain is raised in considerable quantities. The Erie

ORLEANS COUNTY.

275

canal passes centrally through the county. The whole county was
included in the grant to Massachusetts, The towns of Barre, Carl
ton, Gaines, Ridgeway, Shelby, and Yates belonged to the Holland
Land Company ; while Murray, Clarendon, and Kendall belonged to
the Pulteney estate. The county was chiefly settled by New Eng
landers, and is divided into 9 towns, viz :
Barre, Gaines, Ridgeway,
Carlton, KendaU, Shelby,
Clarendon, Murray, Yates,

View of the pubhc buildings in Albion.
Albion, founded in 1823 by Nehemiah Ingersoll and George Stan-
dart, Jr,, the county seat of justice, incorporated in 1828, lies near the
centre of the county upon the Erie canal ; from Albany, by the canal,
305, from Rochester 35, from Buffalo 58, from Lockport 28 mUes.
The annexed view was taken from the door of the Baptist church.
The first building on the right, a large brick structure, is the Albion
Feniale Seminary ; the smaU building in the centre of the engraving,
is the county clerk's office. The building with a cupola is the court
house, and the one partially seen in the rear, the jaU. There are in
the village 1 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist church, the
Orleans county bank, 2 weekly newspaper offices, and about 220
dweUings, many of them large, neat, and commodious. The surround
ing country abounds in fruit, Medina is situated on the Erie canal,
10 miles W. of Albion, at the junction of the Oak Orchard creek,
which is used as a feeder; the village contains upwards of 100 dwell
ings and 5 churches.

OSWEGO COUNTY.
Oswego county was taken from Oneida and Onondaga counties in
1816 ; centraUy distant from New York NW. 295, and from Albany

276 OSWEGO COUNTY.
150 mUes. Greatest length E. and W, 37 miles, greatest breadth N.
and S. 30 mUes. The surface is level upon the west, south, and
southeast ; m the interior rolling, and in the north rising mto hiUs.
The soil generally is of a medium quality, some of it highly fertile,
better adapted to grass than grain. With the exception of the Oswego
river there are no large streams. " The towns west of the Oswego
river constituted a part of the mihtary tract. The towns east of the
river constitute a part of ' Scriba's patent.' These lands were origin
ally granted to Nicholas Roosevelt, of New York, who not complying
with the terms of sale, they were sold to George Scriba, a native of
Germany, and at that time a merchant in New York. The town of
Richland, a large part of Volney, about one half of Scriba, and the~
town of Vienna, in the county of Oneida, upon a sale of part of Mr.
Roosevelt's interest by process from chancery, were joinUy purchased
by Gen. Alexander Hamilton, John Lawrence, and John B. Church."
The county has 21 towns.

Albion,

Hastings,

Palermo,

Schroeppel,

Amboy,

Mexico,

Parish,

Scriba,

Boylston,

New Haven,

Redfield,

Volney,

Constantia,

Orwell,

Richland,

West Monroe,

Granby,

Oswego,

Sandy Creek,

Williamstown.

Hannibal,

Oswego village, post and half-shire town, port of entry and delivery
for Oswego district, is 45 mUes W. from Sacketts harbor, 60 from
Kingston, Upper Canada, 60 from the mouth of Genesee river, 140
from the mouth of Niagara river, and 150 from Toronto in a straight
line, and 38 from Syracuse on the Erie canal. The viUage lies on
both sides of the Oswego river, with which it is connected by a bridge
700 feet in length. The portion on the eastern side is within the lim
its of the town of Scriba.
The facilities which its situation gives for commerce and manufac*
tures are great, commanding the markets of the lakes and the St, Law
rence river, and connected with the interior of the state by the Oswego
and Erie canals. The water-power afforded by the canal and river is
very extensive, and upon them are many large manufacturing estab
lishments. The harbor is formed at the mouth of the river by a pier
of wood, 30 feet broad, filled with stone, and built by the general gov
emment, extending on the west side 1,250 feet, and on the east 250,
between which there is an opening for vessels. Within the pier the
water is from 10 to 20 feet deep. The cost of this work was $93,000'.
There is here an excellent marine railway constructed at considerable
expense. The village is laid out on streets 100 feet wide, running at
right angles. The courthouse is of wood, on the east side of the river.
There is also 1 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist, 1 Baptist, 1
Congregationahst, and 1 Catholic church, an incorporated academy,
the Bank of Oswego, capital $150,000, the Commercial Bank of Os
wego, incorporated iri 1836, capital $150,000, and about 600 dwell
ings.

SOUTHERN VIEW OF OS"WEGO
The Oswego canal is seen on the right of the engraving ; on the left, the Oswego river, with the bridge connecting the two parts of the
vUlage. A smaU portion of Lake Ontario is seen in the extreme distance.

OSWEGO COUNTY. 277
" The fort here was of great military importance during the colonial
wars. A factory was established by the New York government in
1722 ; and a fort erected on the west side of the river in 1727, and
enlarged in 1755 ; which, with Fort Ontario, built on an eminence on
the east in the latter year, were on the 14th of August, 1756, reduced
by the French, under Gen. Montcalm." The following account of
the investment and surrender of these forts is taken from the 26th
number of the London Magazine, for the year 1757.
" The works at Oswego at this time consisted of three forts — viz, the old fort on the west
side of the river, and two forts on the east side, situated on two eminences, which latter
were commenced the year previous, and were in an unfinished state. These works were
very weak, and the walls of insufficient strength to resist heavy artiUery. The English
relied for a defence upon having a superior naval force upon the lake. Unfortunately, the
naval armament at that time fitting out was incomplete. On the 6th of August, Colonel
Mercer, commanding officer of the garrison, which consisted of about 1,600 men, having
received intelligence of a large encampraent of French and Indians about twelve miles
distant, despatched a schooner with an account of it fo Capt. Broadley, who was then on a
cruise with a large brigantine and two sloops, at the same time desiring him to sail as far
eastward as he could, and to endeavor to prevent the approach of the French on the lake.
The next day a violent gale of wind drove the brigantine ashore whUe attempting to get
into the harbor. The French seized this opportunity to transport their heavy cannon within
a mile and a half of the fort, which he would not have been enabled to have done had it
not been for this disaster. On the morning of the 11th, some canoes were seen to the
eastward, and the schooner was sent out to make a discovery of what they were ; she was
scarce half a mile distant before she hoisted a jack at mast head, fired a gun to leeward,
and stood in again for the harbor, and brought intelligence that they had discovered a very
large encarapment, close round the opposite point ; on which the two sloops, (the large
brigantine being still on shore,) were sent out with orders if possible to annoy the enemy.
They proceeded to within gun-shot of the eneray's carap, when they were fired upon frora
a battery of four twelve pounders. This fire was briskly returned from both vessels, but to
no purpose, as their shot fell short of the shore, and the enemy's cannon being large and
well raanaged, hulled the vessels almost every shot. After firing several broadsides the
vessels retumed,
" The same day the French invested the place with about 32 pieces of cannon, from 12
to 18 pounders, besides several large brass mortars and hoyets, (among which artiUery was
included that taken frora Gen, Braddock,) and about 5,000 men. About noon they began
the attack of Fort Ontario with small-arms, which was briskly returned with small-arms
and 8 cannon of that fort, and shells from the opposite side of the river. The garrison on
the west side of the river was this day employed in repairing the battery on the south side
of the old fort. That night the enemy were engaged in approaching Fort Ontario, and
bringing up their cannon against it. On the 12th, the eneray renewed their fire of small.
arms on Fort Ontario, which was briskly returned. The garrison on the west side were
employed as the day previous,
" The French on the east side continued their approaches to Fort Ontario. Notwith.
standing the continued fire upon the enemy and the death of their chief engineer, by 10
o'clock next morning they opened a battery of cannon within 60 yards of the fort. At 12
o'clock, Col, Mercer sent the garrison word to destroy their cannon, ammunition, and pro.
visions, and to evacuate the fort. About 3 P, M., the garrison, consisting of about 370 men,
effected their retreat to the west side of the river without the loss of a man, and were em.
ployed on the night of the 12th in completing tiie works at the fort at the West hill. On
this night as weU as the night before, parties of the enemy's irregulars made several unsuc.
cessful atterapts to surprise the advanced guards and sentries on the west side of the river
On the night of the 13th, the enemy were employed on the east side of the river in bringing
up their cannon and raising a battery against the old fort, A constant fire was kept upon
them from the west side. The cannon which most annoyed the eneray were four pieces,
which were reversed on the platforra of an earthen work which surrounded the old fort,
and which was entirely enfiladed by the enemy's battery on the opposite shore. In this
situation, without the least cover, the train, assisted by a detachment of 50 of Shirley's regi.
ment, behaved remarkably weU, At daybreak, the 14th, the English renewed the fire of
their cannon on that part of the shore where thej* had the evening previous observed the
enemy erecting a battery. This was returned from a battery of ten 12 pounders. About

278

OSWEGO COUNTY.

9 A, M,, 2,500 of the enemy crossed the river in three columns. At this time Lieut, Cot
Mercer was kUled by a cannon baU, About 10 o'clock, the enemy had in readiness a bat.
tery of mortars. All the places of defence were either enfiladed or ruined by the constant
fire of the enemy's cannon ; 2,500 French and Indians were in the rear of the works ready
to storm, and 2,000 regulars were ready to land in front under cover of their cannon. At
this juncture. Col, Littiehales, upon whom the command now devolved, called a council of
•war, who were, with the engineers, unanimously of opinion, that the works were no longer
tenable, and that it was by no raeans prudent to risk a storm with such unequal numbers.
The ' chamade' was accordingly ordered to be beat. The soldiers throughout the siege
showed great bravery, and it was with difficulty that they could now be restrained from con.
tinning their resistance. On beating the ' chamade,' the firing ceased on both sides, and
two officers were sent to the Frencli general, to know upon what terms he would accept a
surrender. Upon which Montcalm replied, that the English were an enemy he esteemed ;
tiiat none but a brave nation would have thought of defending so weak a place so long,
against such a strong train of artillery and superior numbers ; that they might expect what.
ever terms were consistent with the service of His Most Christian Majesty ; he accordingly
sent the following proposals, viz :—
" ' The Marquis of Moncalm, array and field raarshal, coraraander.in-chief of His Most
Christian Majesty's troops, is ready to receive a capitulation upon the most honorable con
ditions, surrendering to him all the forts. They shall be shown all the regard the politest
nations can show ; I send an aid-de-camp on my part — viz. Mens, De Bougainville, captain
of dragoons ; they need only send the capitulation to be signed ; I require an answer by
noon ; I have kept Mr, Drake for an hostage. ' Moktcalm,
"' Aug. li, 1156.'"
" The terms required by the English were honorably granted.
The victors immediately dismantled the forts and carried off the gar
rison, 121 pieces of cannon, 14 mortars, great quantities of ammuni
tion and warlike stores, two sloops of war, and 200 boats and bat
teaux."

West view of Fort Oswego.
The following is the American official account of the attack upon
this place during the late war, taken from a newspaper published at
the time. Copy of a letter from Maj. Gen. Brown to the secretary
of war, dated " H. Q., Sacketts Harbor, May 12, 1814.
" Sm, — Enclosed is an abstract from the report of Ijeut, Col, Mitchell, of the affair at
Oswego, Being well satisfied with the manner in which the colonel executed my orders,
and with the evidence given of steady discipline and gallant conduct on the part of the
troops, I have noticed thera in the general order, a copy of which is enclosed,  The ene.
my's object was the naval and miUtary stores deposited at the falls, 10 miles in the rear of

OSWEGO COUNTY. 279
the fort. These were protected. The stores at the fort and viUage were not important.
I am, &c. jicoB Brown, Maj. Gen.
" Hon. Secretary at War."
" Report, — I informed you of my arrival at Fort Oswego on the 30th ult. This post
being but occasionally and not recently occupied by regular troops, was in a bad state of
defence. Of cannon, we had but five old guns, three of which had lost their trunnions.
What could be done in the way of repair was effected — new platfonns were laid, the gun
carriages put in order, and decayed pickets replaced. On the 5th inst, the British naval
force, consisting of 4 large .ships, 3 brigs, and a number of gun and other boats were descried
at reveille — beating about 7 railes from the fort. Information was immediately given to
Capt, Woolsey of the navy (who was at Oswego vUlage) and to the neighboring militia. It
being doubtful on what side of the river the eneray would attempt to land, and niy force
(290 effectives) being too small to bear division, I ordered the tents in store to be pitched
on the village side, while I occupied the other with my whole force. It is probable that
this artifice had its effect and determined the enemy to attack where from appearances they
expected the least opposition. About 1 o'clock, the fleet approached. Fifteen boats, large
and crowded with troops, at a given signal raoved slowly to the shore. These were pre
ceded by gun.boats sent to rake the woods and cover tbe landing, while the larger vessels
opened a fire upon the fort. Capt, Boyle and Lieut, Legate, (so soon as the debarking
boats got within the range of our shot,) opened upon them a very successful fire from the
shore battery, and compelled thera twice to retire. They at length returned to the ships,
and the ^yhole stood off frora the shore for better anchorage. One of the eneray's boats
which had been deserted, was taken up by us, and some others by tho mUitia, The first
mentioned was 60 feet long, and carried 36 oars and 3 saUs, and could accomraodate 150
raen. She had received a ball through her bow, and was nearly filled with waten — Piquet
guards were stationed at different points, as we lay on our arras during the night. — At day
break on the 6th, the fleet appeared bearing up under easy sail. The Wolfe, &.C., took a
position directiy against the fort and batteries, and for 3 hours kept up a heavy fire of
grape, &c. Finding that the eneray had effected a landing, I withdrew my small disposa
ble force into the rear of the fort, and with two companies (Romayne's and Melvin's) met
their advancing columns, while the other companies engaged the flanks of the enemy,
Lieut, Pearce of the navy, and some seamen, joined in the attack, and fought with their
characteristic bravery. We maintained our ground about 30 minutes, and as long as con
sisted with my further duty of defending the public stores deposited at the falls, which no
doubt formed the prinoipal object of the expedition on the part of the eneray. Nor was this
movement made precipitately, I halted within 400 yards of the fort, Capt, Romayne's
company formed the rear-guard, and remaining with it, I marched to this place in good
order, destroying the bridges in my rear. The enemy landed 800 of De Wattevilles regi
ment, 600 raarines, two companies of the Glengary corps, and 350 seamen, — Gen, Drum
mond and Cora, Yeo, were the land and naval commanders. They burned the old bar
racks and evacuated the fort about 3 o'clock in the morning of the 7th. — Our loss in killed
is 6, in wounded 38, and in missing 25, That of the enemy is much greater. Deserters
and citizens of ours taken prisoners and afterward released, state iheir kihed at 64, and
wounded in proportion — among these are several land and naval officers of merit,* — I can
not close this despatch without speaking of the dead and the living of my detachment.
Lieut, Blaney, a young man of much promise, was unfortunately killed. His conduct was
highly meritorious. Capt, Boyle and Lieut, Legate merit my highest approbation, and
indeed I want language to express my admiration of their gallant conduct, "The subalterns,
M. Comb, Ansart, Ring, Robb, Earl, McCUntock, and Newkirk, performed well their
several parts. — It would he injustice were I not to acknowledge and report the zeal and
patriotism evinced by the miUtia, who arrived at short notice, and were anxious to be
useful, "H. Q., Sacketts Harbor, 12 May, 1814.
" Generai, orders, — Maj, Gen, Brown has the satisfaction of announcing to the troops
of his division, that the detachment under the command of Lieut, Col, MitcheU of the corps
* Commodore Chauncey, in a letter about this date to the secretary of the navy, states — ¦
" The enemy has paid dearly for the little booty he obtained at Oswego, From the best
information which I can collect, both from deserters and my agents, the enemy lost 70
men killed, and 165 wounded, drowned and missing — in all 235 ; nearly as many as were
opposed to them, Capt, Mulcaster is certainly mortally wounded ; a captain of marines
killed, and a number of other officers killed and wounded,"

280 OTSEGO COUNTY.
of artillery, have by their gallant and highly military conduct on the 5th and 6th mst.,
gained a name in arms worthy of the nation they serve and the cause they support. For
nearly two days they raaintained an unequal contest against ten times their number, and
but yielded their post when the interest of their country made that measure necessary.
The companies composing this gallant detachment were Boyle's, Romayne's, Mclntire's,.
and Pierce's, of the heavy artillery, and n few seamen under the command of Lieut.
Pearce of the navy, — in all less than three hundred men. The enemy's force by land
and water exceeded three thousand men."
Pulaski village, half-shire town, was incorporated in 1833. Cen-
tralty situated on Salmon river, 4 miles from its confluence with Lake
Ontario, 36 N, of Salina, and 60 from Utica. The river at this place
affords considerable water-power, on which are a number of grist and
saw mills, and several manufacturing establishments. There are
about 80 dweUings, a number of churches, a courthouse and prison.
Fulton, incorporated in 1835, is a flourishing place at the Oswego
Falls, 10 miles from Oswego, It has 4 churches, an academy, about
200 dwellings, and 1,400 inhabitants. The centre of the village is
half a mile below> or north of the Oswego Falls, on the east bank of
the Oswego river, at a point where a dam is constructed for the use of
the Oswego canal. The viUage limits extend above the falls, and in
clude the state reservation, which has been laid out as a viUage and
partly sold, called " Oswego Falls," The water-power is extensive,
and can be used on both sides of the river at the dam, and also at the
natural falls. The fall is about 12 feet at each place.

OTSEGO COUNTY,
Otsego COUNTY was takdn from Montgomery in 1791. Centrally
distant from New York city NW, 200, and from Albany W, 66 miles.
Its form is very irregular. Greatest length N. and S, about 40 ; great
est breadth E, and W, 35 miles, i
This county is considerably elevated, though there are no distinct
ranges of mountains of much height, A larger portion of the soil of
the county is rich and productive. A large amount of capital is in
vested in agriculture and manufactures. The Susquehannah river,
rising in the Otsego lake, flows southerly to the bounds of the county ;
then turning southwesterly, forms a part of the southern boundary.
The Unadilla bounds the county on the west. Otsego lake, 9 miles
long and from 1 to 3 wide, and Schuyler's lake, 5 miles long and from
1 to 2 wide, are beautiful sheets of water. The hills which en
compass Otsego lake, have an elevation of from 400 to 500 feet above
its surface. The purity of its waters, and the rich and varied scenery
about it, render it attractive to the lovers of natural scenery. Portions
of this county were settled as early as 1739, The mass of the
settlers were emigrants from the eastern states. The county is di
vided into 22 towns :

OTSEGO

COUNTY.

Burlington,

Hartwick,

Oneonta,

Butternuts,

Laurens,

Otago,

Cherry Valley,

Maryland,

Otsego,

Decatur,

Middlefield,

Pittsfield,

Edmeston,

Milford,

Plainfield,

Exeter,

New Lisbon,

Richfield,

281

Springfield,UnadUla,
Westford,Worcester.

Cooperstown, the county seat, distant from New York by way of
CatskiU 200 miles, of Albany 21 1 ; from Albany 66, and from Utica,
SE,, 36 miles, is beautifully situated at the southern end of Otsego
lake, at the head of the Susquehannah river.

Western view of Cooperstown.
The site of the present village is said to have been a favorite place
of resort with the savages from a remote period, for the purpose of
hunting and fishing. The word "Otsego" is thought to be a com
pound which conveys the idea of a spot at which meetings of the In
dians were held. There is a small rock near the outlet of the lake,
called the " Otsego Rock," at which precise point the savages, ac
cording to an early tradition, were accustomed to give each other
the rendezvous.,
" It should also be stated, that the present site of, Cooperstown is connected with an
event of some interest that occurred during the war of the revolution. An expedition
having been commanded to proceed under the orders of Major-general Sullivan, against
the Indians who then dwelt in the vicinity of the Seneca lake, a brigade employed in the
duty, under Brigadier-general James Clinton, (the father of the celebrated De Witt Clin
ton,) marched from Alhany for that purpose. After ascending the Mohawk as far as Fort
Plain, this brigade cut a road through the forest to the head of Lake Otsego, whither it
transported its boats. Traces of this road exist, and it is still known by the name of the
Cbntiuental Road. Embarking at the head of the lake, the troops descended to the outlet,
36

282

OTSEGO COUNTY.

where they encaihped on the site of the present village. General Clinton's quarters aro
said to have been in a smaU building of hewn logs, which then stood in what are now the
grounds of the ' HaU,' and which it is thought was erected by Col, Croghan, as a place in
which he might hold his negotiations with the Indians, as weU as for a commencement of
a settiement. ,
" This building, which was about fifteen feet square and intended for a sort of block.
house, was undoubtedly the first ever erected on tliis spot. It was subsequentiy used by
some of the first settlers as a residence, and by Judge Cooper as a smoke-house, and it was
standing in 1797, if not a year later. It was then taken down, and reraoved by Henry
Pace Eaton to his residence on the road to Pier's, whei-e it was set up again as an out.
house, " There were found the graves of two white raen in the sarae grounds, which were be
Ueved to contain the bodies of deserters, who were shot during the tirae the troops were
here encamped. These graves are supposed to be the first of any civiUzed man in the
township of Otsego, All traces of them have now disappeared.
"As soon as encamped, the troops of Gen, Clinton coraraenced the construction of a
dara at the outiet, and when the water had risen to a sufficient height in the lake, the ob
struction was removed, the current clearing the bed of the river of flood-wood. After a
short delay, for this purposis, the troops erabarked and descended as far as the junction
with the "Tioga, where they were raet by another brigade, coraraanded by General SuUi.
van in person. On this occasion, the Susquehannah, below the dam, was said to be so
Much reduced that a man could jump across it,
" Traces of the dam are still to be seen, and for many years they were very obvious.
At a later day, in digging the cellar of the house first occupied by Judge Cooper, a large
iron swivel was discovered, which was said to have been buried by the troops, who found
it useless for their service. This swivel was the only piece of artillery used for the pur.
poses of salutes and raerry-makings in the vicinity of Cooperstown, for ten or twelve years
after the settiement of the place.. It is well and affectionately remembered by the name of
the 'cricket,' and was bursted lately in the same good cause of rejoicing on the 4th of July,
At the tirae of its final disaster, (for it had met with raany vicissitudes by field and flood,
having actually been once thrown into'the lake,) it is said there was no very perceptible
difference in size between its touch-hole and its rauzzle," — Chronides of Cooperstown.
An attempt was made to settle Cooperstown about 10 years before
the revolution, by Mr. John Christopher Hartwick, which however
proved abortive ; and between the years 1761 and 1770, Col. Croghan
with his family resided for a short time on the spot. A final settle
ment was commenced in 1786, under the auspices William Cooper,
Esq., from Burlington, New Jersey, who purchased the tract on
which the vUlage now stands. The regular commencement of the
vUlage dates more properly from 1788, as at this time it was regu
larly laid out. At the formation of the county, in 1791, Cooperstown
was designated as the county seat, Mr. Cooper being appointed the
first judge of the county court.
Among the incidents of this early day, the following anecdote is related of an ex-officer
of the French army, a Monsieur Ebbal, who kept " bachelor's hall" on the western bank of
the lake. " Some wags told Monsieur Ebbal, that if chased by a bear, the raost certain
mode of escape, was to throw away his hat, or his coat, to induce the animal to stop and
smell at it, and then to profit by the occasion, and cUmb a sapling that was too small to
enable his enemy to fasten its claws in it, in the way it is known to ascend a tree, "The
advice was well enough, but the advised having actually an occasion to follow it the sue.
ceeding autumn, scrambled up a sapling fitst, and began to throw away his clothes after.
ward. The bear, a she one with cubs, tore to pieces garment after garment, without quit.
ting the spot, keeping poor Ebbal treed, throughout a cool autumnal night,"
As an indication of the inteUigence of the irihabitants, a newspaper,
the "Otsego Herald," was issued here as early as 1795. The first
edifice constructed for religious worship was the Presbyterian, erected
on the east side of West-street, in 1805, and is still occupied by that
denomination. There are now in the village 169 dwellings, 20 stores,

OTSEGO COUNTY.

283

42 shops, 14 offices, 5 churches, 2 weekly newspaper offices, a very
extensive book publishing establishment, 2 female boarding schools,
and a bank. Its present population is about 1,300, The private
dweUings of this place are many of them substantial structures of
stone and brick, some of\ which are elegant. The society is refined
and intelligent. This, with the uncommon beauty of the surrounding
scenery and healthiness of the climate, will ere long render it a sum
mer resort for the elite of our large cities.
Cherry Valley, so called by the first settlers from its abundance
of wild cherries, was taken from Canajoharie in 1791, Pop, 3,813.
Cherry Valley village, upon the Cherry Valley creek, incorporated
in 1812, hes 13 miles NE, from Cooperstovvn, 13 S, from the canal
at Canajoharie, and 53 from Albany. 'The foUowing view was taken
from the residence of Joseph Phelon, Esq. The Presbyterian church

Southwest view of Cherry Valley.
is seen on the left, and the Episcopal and Methodist churches on the
right. There is here a bank, a weekly newspaper' office, an incor
porated academy, and about 130 dweUings, The following interest
ing account of the first settlement of this place is from the valuable
work of Wm. W. Campbell, Esq,, entitled " Annals of Tryon County,"
" Mr, Lindesay, having obtained an assignment from the three other patentees to hiraself
and Gov. Clark, in 1739 caused the patent to be surveyed and subdivided into lots, and
chose for himself the farra afterward successively owned by Mr. John Wells and Judge
Hudson, and gave to it the name of Lindesay's Bush. In the following summer he left
New York with his family, consisting of his wife and father-in-law, Mr. Congreve, a lieu
tenant in the British army, and a few domestics, and settled upon his farm. He was a
Scotch gentleman of some fortune and distinction, having held several offices under govern
ment, and anticipated much pleasure from a residence in this high and rolling country,
whose valleys and hills, and lakes, would constantly remind him of the wild and romantic
scenery of his native land. A luxuriant growth of beech and maple, interspersed with the
wild cherry, covered the valley, and extended along up the sides of the hills, whose tops
were crowded with clusters of evergreen ; elk and deer were found here in great numbers,
as yiere bears, wolves, beavers, and foxes ; it was a favorite hunting ground of the Mo-
hawks, who erected their cabins near some littie spring, and hunted their game upon the

284 OTSEGO COUNTY.
mountains, Mr, Lindesay, as weU as aU the early settiers, found it important to cultivate
their friendship ; he received them into his house, and treated thera with such hospitality as
circumstances would permit : this kindness was not lost upon the high-minded savages, one
of whom gave proof of no ordinary friendship during the first winter after his removal to
Lindesay's Bush, Whatever of happiness and independence Mr, Lindesay may haye looked
forward to, he knew littie of the privations of the settiers of a new country, especially such
a country as he had selected ; his farm was 15 miles from any settlement, difficult of access
from that settieraent, which was on the Mohawk river, by reason of its elevation above it ;
and the intervening country was traversed only by an Indian footpath,
" In the winter of 1740, the snow fell to a great depth ; the paths were filled up ; aU
communication with the settlers upon the Mohawk was stopped ; Mr, Lindesay had not
made sufficient preparation for such a winter ; he had but a scanty supply of provisions ;
these were almost consumed long before spring : a wretched and lingering death was in
prospect for hira and his faraUy, At this critical time, an Indian came to his house, having
travelled upon the snow with snow-shoes ; when informed of their situation, he readUy
undertook to reUeve them ; he went to the settlements upon the Mohawk, and having pro.
cured provisions, returned with thera upon his back, and during the remainder of the win
ter, this faithful child of the forest thus continued to relieve them, and thus preserved the
lives of the first inhabitants of our town and county,
" In New York, Mr. Lindesay became acquainted with the Rev, Samuel Dunlop, and
prevaUed upon hira to visit his patent, offering hira a tract of land of several hundred acres,
on condition that he would settie upon it, and would use his influence with his friends, and
persuade them to accompany him. Pleased with the situation, and the generous proprietor
of the patent, he accepted of the proposal ; he was an Irishman by birth, but had been
educated in Edinburgh ; had spent several years in the provinces, having travelled over
most of those at the south ; and at the time of his firsL acquaintance with Mr, Lindesay,
was on a tour through those at the north. He went to "ondonderry, in New Hampshire,
where several of his countrymen were settied, whom he persuaded to remove, and in 1741,
David Ramsay, WUUam GaUt, James Campbell, WilUam Dickson, and one or two others,
with their famiUes, in aU about 30 persons, carae and purchased farms, and immediately
commenced making improvements upon them. They had emigrated from the north of
Ireland seVeral years anterior to their removal here ; sorae of them were originally from
Scotiand ; they were called Scotch Irish — a general name given to the inhabitants of the
north of Ireland, many of whom are of Scotch descent ; hardy and industrious, inured to
toU from their infancy, they were well calculated to sustain the labors necessary in clearing
the forest, and fitting it for the abode of civiUzed raan,
" The following circurastance gave rise to its name. Mr, Dunlop, engaged in writing
some letters, inquired of Mr, Lindesay where he should date them, who proposed the name
of a town in Scotiand ; Mr, Dunlop, pointing to some fine wild cherry-trees, and to the
vaUey, replied, ' Let us give our place an appropriate name, and call it Cheriy VaUey,'
which was readily agreed to ; it was for a long time the distinguishing name of a large
section of country, south and west. Soon after the arrival of these settiers, measures were
taken for the erection of a grist-mill and saw-miU, and a building for a school-house and
church, Mr, Dunlop left Ireland under an engagement of iharriage with a young lady of
that country; and having made the necessary arrangements for his future residence in Cherry
'Valley, returned to fulfil it. This engagement was conditional ; if he did not return in
seven years from the time of his departure, it should be optional with her to abide by or put
an end to the contract ; the time had alraost expired ; she had heard nothing frora him for
some tirae, and supposed him either dead or unfaithful ; another offered, was accepted, and
the day appointed for the marriage. In the mean time Mr. Dunlop had been driven off the
coast of Scotland by a storm : after a detention of several days, he finally made port in
Ireland, and hastening on his journey, arrived the day previous , his arrival was as joyful
as it was unexpected ; he was married, and returned immediately with his wife to Cherry
Valley, and entered upon his duties as the first pastor of its litde church, A log-house had
been erected to the north of Mr, Lindesay's, on the declivity of the Uttle hiU upon which his
house was situated ; where, though possessing littie of this world's wealth, they offered up
the homage of devout, and grateful hearts. Most of the adult inhabitants were merabers of
the church ; the clergyraan was to receive ten shiUings on the hundred acres of land ; a
mere pittance, by reason of the small number of inhabitants ; but he lived frugally ; they
made presents to him of the prodtuirions of their farms, which, with the avails of his own,
afforded him a competent support. In these early days, an excellent state of feeling towards
each other prevailed ; common danger, and common interest, united them. In their wor.
ship and observances they were very strict. During the ten subsequent years, not more
than three or four famiUes had come into the settiement. Among them was Mr, John

OTSEGO COUNTY. 285
Wells, grandfather of the late John WeUs of New York city. He also was an Irishman,
and becarae a resident in 1743, and in '44 purchased the farm, which Mr, Lindesay had
selected for himself, and upon which he resided,
" Mr, Lindesay was unacquainted with practical farming, and his' property had been ex.
pended to little advantage ; after struggling several years, he was compelled to abandon
his enterprise. The war between France and Great Britain had been, in part, transferred
to America, and in 1744, our northern frontier was threatened with an attack by the French
and Indians, Reinforceraents were ordered to Oswego, and among them, the company of
Independent Greens, in which Mr. Congreve was a lieutenant ; he resigned his commission
in favor of his son-in-law, Mr. Lindesay, who, having spent several years in the service,
died in New York, leaving no children. Mr. Wells, a man of amiable disposition, and of
great integrity, before there was any officer of justice, was frequentiy appealed to as the
arbiter of any littie difference ; he was afterward appointed the first justice of the peace for
the town, and one of the judges pf Tryon county, which offices he continued to exercise
until the tirae of his death, a littie before the breaking out of the revolution,
" Mr. Dunlop, having received a classical education, opened a school for the instruction
of boys, who carae from the settiements upon the Mohawk, and from Schenectady and
Albany. It is worthy of remark, that this was the first grammar school in the state west
of Albany, The boys were received into his house, and constituted a part of his family.
The extreme simpUcity of the times may be learned ftom the fact, that they often went into
the fields, and there recited their lessons as they followed their instructor about, while en
gaged in his usual avocations upon his farm ; several individuals along the Mohawk, who
were afterward conspicuous in the revolution, thus received the first rudiments of their
education." On the nth of Nov., 1778, the Indians and tories, about 700 in
number, under the command of Joseph Brant and Walter Butler, made
a descent upon this beautiful valley, laid the settlement in ashes, and
massacred 32 of the inhabitants, mostly women and children. During
the day they made several attacks on the fort, but without success.
The following is extracted from the " Annals of Tryon county."
" The inhabitants, many of whom had left in the summer, in consequence of the repeated
attacks of the Indians upon the frontiers, had now returned to their homes, thinking the
season so far advanced, that no danger need be apprehended. On the inforraation above
being given to Col. Alden, they requested permission to remove into the fort, or at least to
deposit their most valuable property there. Both requests were denied by Col, Alden, »He
repUed, that it would, be a temptation to his soldiers to plunder ; that the report was proba
bly unfounded ; that it was only an Indian story, and thit he would keep out scouts, who
would apprise them in season to secure themselves, in case of real danger. Scouts were
accordingly sent out, to traverse the country in every direction. The scout sent down the
Susquehannah kindled up a iire on the night of the 9th, and aU very foolishly lay down to
sleep. The fire was discovered by the enemy, and a httle before dayUght on the morning
of the 10th, they were all surrounded and taken,
"On the night of the 10th, the enemy encamped on the top of a hill thickly covered with
evergreens, about a raile southwest frora the fort. On the raorning of the 11th, the enemy
moved from his encampment towards the fort. They had learned from the scout which
they had taken, that the officers of the garrison lodged in different private houses out of the
fort ; their forces were so disposed that a party should surround every house in which an
officer lodged nearly at the sarae time, while the main body would attack the fort. During
the night the snow fell several inches. In the morning it turned to rain, and the atmos.
phere was thick and hazy. The whole settiement thought themselves secure. The assur.
ances of Col, Alden had in a considerable degree quieted their fears. Every thing favored
the approach of the eneray undiscovered. Col, Alden and Lieut, Col, Stacia, with a siqall
guard, lodged at Mr, Wells's. A Mr. Hamble was coming up that morning from his house
several railes below, on horseback ; when a short distance from Mr. Wells's house he was
fired upon and wounded by the Indians, He rode in great haste to inforra Col, Alden of
their approach, and then hastened to the fort. StiU incredulous, and believing them to be
only a straggling party, he ordered the guard to be caUed in. The delay of a few rainutes
gave the Indians tirae to arrive. The rangers had stopped to exaraine their firelocks, the
powder in which having been wet with the rain. The Indians improving this opportunity,
ruslhed by. The advance body was composed principaUy of Senecas, at that time the wild.
est and most ferocious of the Six Nations. Col. Alden made Ins escape from the house.

286 OTSEGO COUNTY.
and was pursued down the hill, towards the fort, by ah Indian ; when chaUenged , to surren.
der, he peremptorily refused so to do ; several times he turned round and snapped his pistol
at the Indian; the latter, after pursuing some distance, threw his toraahawk, and struck
hira on the head, and then rushing up, scalped him. He thlis ' was one of the first victims
of this most criminal neglect of duty.' Lieut, Col. Stacia was taken prisoner. The guard
were all killed or taken,
" The Senecas, who first arrived at the house, with some tories, commenced an indis.
criminate massacre of the family, and before the rangers arrived, had barbarously raurdered
them all, including Robert WeUs, his mother, and wife, and four children, his brother and
sister, John and Janfe, with three domestics. Of this interesting and excellent family, not
one escaped, except the late John Wells of New York city. His father had left hira in
Schenectady the previous summer with an aunt, that he might attend the grammar-school
there. He might alraost have exclaimed with Logan, that not a drop of his blood ran in
the veins of any human being ; or as it has been beautifuUy expressed by an eminenf Eng.
lish poet, "They ' left of aU ray tribe
Nor raan, nor chUd, nor thing of living birth.
No ! not the dog that watched ray household hearth
Escaped,-r-that ' raorn' of blood upon our plains
All perished ! I alone am left on earth !
To whom nor relative nor blood remains.
No ! not a kindred drop that runs in human veins,'
" A tory boasted that he kUled Mr, Wells while at prayer. The melancholy fate of
Jane Wells deserves a more particular notice. She was a young lady, not distinguished
for her personal beauty, but endeared to her friends by her amiable disposition, and her
Christian charities. One ' in whom the friendless found a friend,' and to whom the poor
would always say, ' God speed thee.' She, fled from the house to a pile of wood near by,
behind which she endeavored to screen herself. Here she was pursued by an Indian, who,
as he approached, deliberately wiped his bloody knife upon his leggins, and then placed it
in its sheath : then drawing his tomahawk, he seized her by the arm ; she possessed some
knowledge' of the Indian language, and remonstrated and supplicated, though in vain.
Peter Smith, a tory, who had formerly been a domestic in Mr. 'WeUs's family, now inter
posed, saying she was his sister, and desiring hira to spare her life. He shook his toma
hawk at him in defiance, and then turning round, with one blow smote her to the earth,
John Wells, Esq., at this time deceased, and the father of Robert Wells, had been one of
the judges of the courts of Tryon county ; in that capacity, and as one of the justices of the
quofura, he had been on intiraate terras with Sir Williara Johnson and family, who fre
quently visited- at his house, and also with Col. John Butler, likewise a judge. The family
were not active either for or against the country ; they wished to remain neutral, so far as
they could, ih such turbulent times ; they always performed military duty, when caUed out
to defend the country. Col, John Butler, in a conversation relative to them, remarked — ^ I
would have gone miles on my hands and knees to have saved that famUy, and why my son
did not do it, God only knows.'
" Another party of Indians surrounded the house of the Rev. Samuel Dunlop, whom we
have frequently had occasion to mention, as the pioneer in education in western New
York. His wife was immediately killed. The old gentieman and his daughter were pre
served by Little Aaron, a chief of the Oquago branch of the Mohawks, Mrs, Wells was
also a daughter of Mr. Dunlop; Little Aaron led hira, out from the house, tottering with
age, and stood beside him to protect him. An Indian passing by, pulled his hat from his
head, and ran away with il; the chief pursued hiw, and regained it; on his return, another
Indian had carried away his wig : the rain was falling upon his bare head, while his whole
system shook like an aspen, under the combined influence of age, fear, and cold. He was
released a few days after; but the shock was too violent; he died about a year after: his
death was hastened by his misfortunes, though he could have borne up but a few years
longer under the increasing infirmities pf old age,
"A Mr. Mitchell, who was in his field, beheld a party of Indians approaching; he could
not gain his house, and was obliged to flee to the woods. Here he evaded pursuit and
escaped, A melancholy spectacle presented itself on his return — it was the corpses pf his
wife and four children. His house had been plundered and set on fire. He extinguished
the fire, and by examination found Ufe still existing in one of his children, a httle girl ten
or twelve years of age. He raised her up and placed her in the door, and was bending
over her when he saw another party approaching. He had barely time to hide himself
behind a log.fence near by, before they were at the house. From this hiding-place, he

PUTNAM COUNTY. 287
beheld an infamous tory by the name of Newbury, extinguish the Uttle spark of life which
remained in his child, with a blow of his hatchet. The next "^ay, without a single human
being to assist him, he carried the remains of his famUy down to the fort on a sled, and
there the soldiers aided him in depositing them in a common grave. Retributive justice
sometimes follows close upon the heels of crime. This tory was arrested; as a spy, the
following suramer, by order of Gen. James Clinton, when he lay with his army at Canajo
harie, on the Mohawk river. Mr. Mitchell was called to prove this act. He was found
guilty by a court-martial, and with a companion, suffered an ignominious death.
" The party which surrounded the house of Col. Campbell, took Mrs. Campbell and four
children prisoners. Mr. CarapbeU was absent from home, but hastened there on the first
alarm, which was a cannon fired at the fort He arrived, only in time to witness the de
struction of his property, and not even to learn the fate of his family ; their lives were
spared, but spared for a long and dreadful captivity.
" Many Others were kiUed ; some few escaped to the Mohawk river, and the remainder
were made prisoners. Thirty-two of the inhabitants, principally women and children, were
kiUed, and sixteen continental soldiers. The terror of the scene was increased by the con
flagration of all the houses and out-houses in the settieraent ; the barns were raany of them
filled with hay and grain. He who fled to the mountains, saw as he looked back the de-
struction df his home, and of that Uttle all which he had labored for years to accumulate.
"... , The whole settlement exhibited an aspect of entire and complete desolation. The
cocks crew from the tops of the forest trees, aud the dogs howled through the fields and
woods. The inhabitants who escaped, with the prisoners who were set at liberty, aban
doned the settlement." ' >

PUTNAM COUNTY,
Putnam COUNTY was taken from Dutchess in 1812 ; greatest length
21, greatest breadth 12 miles. The Highlands extend across the
western part. The highest point is about 1,580 feet above the Hud
son. The remainder of the county, though generally uneven, has
some handsome plains, with a soil various, and Some of it fertile.
The mountains abound with iron ore of good quality. Butter, beef,
wool, calves, lambs, sheep, fowls, and the many other species of
" marketing," are produced here in great quantities for the Nevv York
market, and their returns are rapidly enriching the producer. The
evidences of prosperity are everywhere visible. Within a few years
the lands have doubled in value and price. The county is watered
easterly and centrally by the main branches of the Croton, It is di
vided into six towns, viz, :
Carmel, Paterson, Putnam Valley,
Kent, PhUipstow% South East.
Carmel, the county seat, is 106 miles S. from Albany, contains the
county buildings, 2 churches, an academy, and about 40 dweUings.
The viUage of Cold Spring, 20 mUes W. of Carmel, and about a mUe
above West Point, contains about 170 dweUings and 5 churches.
The West Point foundry is situated about three fourths of a mile
SE. from the village of Cold Spring. It was established in 1816,
and is at |)resent the largest estabhshment of the kind in the Union.
The establishment employs 400 raen, and is divided into the following branches, with a
foreman at the head of each branch, viz. : an hon foundry, a brass foundry, pattern, smiths'.

288 ' PUTNAM COUNTY.
machine, and boiler shops. There are attached to thei foundry, 3 air furnaces, 3 cupolas.
In the smiths' shop there is 1 trip.haramer of seven tons weight, and 2 tUt-haramersy — one
of 1,000, and the other of 500 lbs. Shafts of 19 inches diaraeter have been forged here,
weighing 12 tons, and they are prepared to forge shafts of 2 feet diameter. The irtachine
shop contains 28 turning lathes, and 3 planing machines for iron. The consumption of the
principal materials was as follows during the year 1840. Pig iron, $140,000 ; coal,
$33,000; bar iron, $29,000; boiler iron plate, $14,500 ; copper, $44,640 ; total $261,140,
The principal articles manufactured during that time were water pipes for the Croton Water
works ;« steam engines and sugar mUls for the West Indies ; steain engines and cotton
presses for the southern states ; flour mUl, with 2 water wheels and 8 run of burr stones, for
Austria ; flour miU and 3 run of stonps for Halifax, N, B. ; engines, boUers, &c., for tho
steam frigate Missouri ; heavy wrought iron work for the steam frigate Mississippi, Steam
engines and boilers, both high and low pressure, are raanufactured likewise ; flour, rice,
sugar, oU, and saw-raills, sugar ketdes, cotton presses, hydrostatic cyUnders, brass, and iron
cannon, bells, shot and shells, heavy and light forged work ; castings of aU sizes, either of
composition or iron.

The Robinson House.
This dwelling, named after the unfortunate owner. Col. Beverly
Robinson, is romantically situated on the east bank of the Hudson,
about two miles below West Point, near the base of the " Sugar
Loaf," one of the lofty peaks of the Highlands. Dr. Dwight, who
in the year 1778 spent several months at West Point, has given the
annexed account of this dwelling and its original possessor.
•• A part of this tirae I resided at the head-quarters of General Putnani, then coramand-
ing at this post ; and afterward of General Parsons, who succeeded him in the command.
These gentiemen lodged in the house of Col, Beverly Robinson ; a respectable native of
Scotiand, who married a lady of the Phillips family, one of the wealthiest, and raost re.
spectable of the province of New York. With this lady Col. Robinson acquired a large
landed estate lying in PhilUpstpwn, Fredericktown, and Franklin, as they are now called;
and for the more convenient management of it planted himself in this spot. Here he had a
spacious and convenient mansion, surrounded by valuable gardens, fields, and orchards,
yielding eyery thing which will grow in this climate. The rents of his estate were suffi.
cient to make life as agreeable as frora this source it can be. Mrs. Robinson was a fine
woman ; and their chUdren promised every thing which can be expected frora a very hope-
ful faraily. His immediate friends were, at the same time, persons df the first consequence
in the province. ,
"When the revolutionary war broke out, CoI,_ Robinson was induced, contrary as I have
been informed to his own judgment and inclination, by the importunity of some of hia con.
nectionS to take the British side pf the question. To hira it appeared wiser ahd safer to
act a neutral part, and remain quietly on his estate. The pressure, however, from various
sources was so strong against him, that he finally yielded, and carried his family w:th him
lo New York, and thence to Great Britain. His property was confiscated by the legisla.

PUTNAM COUNTY. 289
ture of New York, and his famUy banished from then: native country. It was impossible
for any person, who finds an interest in the tiffairs of his feUow-men, and particularly whUe
residing in the very mansion where they had so lately enjoyed all which this world can
give, not to feel deeply the misfortunes of this family. Few events in human Ufe strike the
mind more painfully than banishment; a calamity sufficiently disastrous in the most
ordinary circumstances, but peculiarly affecting when the banished are brought before us
in the narrow circle of a family ; a circle, the whole of which the eye can see, and whose
sufferings the heart can perfectly realize, Pecuharly is this true, when the family in ques
tion is enlightened, poUshed, amply possessed of enjoyments, tasting them with moderation,
and sharing them cheerfully with their friends and neighbors, the stranger and the poor."
When Arnold had obtained the command of West Point in Aug.,
1780, he established his head-quarters at "Beverly," where was me
ditated that act of treachery which has stamped his memory with
everlasting infamy. At the time the news of the capture of Andre
was received by Arnold, General Washington and his officers, together
with the traitor, were seated at breakfast, in the lower room, to the
left of the small tree seen near the centre of the engraving.
The annexed, from the pen of a late visiter, is extracted from the
Knickerbocker for Sept., 1840.
" The commander-in-chief, at the time of the capture, was on his way from Hartford, and
changing the route which he had first proposed, came by the way of West Point, At
Fishkill he met the French minister, M, de la Luzerne, who had been to visit Count
Rochambeau at Newport, and he remained that night with the minister. Very early next
moming he sent off his luggage, with orders to the men to go with it as quickly as possible
to ' Beverly,' and give Mrs, Arnold notice that he would be there at breakfast. When the
general and his suite arrived opposite West Point, he was observed to turn his horse into
a narrow road that led to the river. La Fayette remarked, ' General, you are going in a
wrong direction ; you know Mrs. Arnold is waiting breakfast for us.' Washington good.
naturedly reraarked : ' Ah, I know you young men are aU in love with Mrs. Arnold, and
wish to get where she is as soon as possible. You may go and take your breakfast with
her, and tell her not to wait for me : I must ride down and exaraine the redoubts on this
side of the river,' The officers, however, with the exception of two of the aids, reraained.
When the aids arrived at ' Beverly,'* they found the family waiting ; and having commu
nicated the message of General Vyashington, Arnold, with his family and the two aids, sat
down to breakfast. Before they had finished, a raessenger arrived in great haste, and
handed General Arnold a letter, which he read with deep and evident emotion,
" The self-control of the soldier enabled Arnold to suppress the agony he endured after
reading this letter. He rose hastUy from the table ; told the aids that his immediate pre
sence was required at West Point ; and desired them so to inform General Washington,
when he arrived. Having first ordered a horse to be ready, he hastened to Mrs, Arnold's
chamber, and there, with a bursting heart, disclosed to her his dreadful position, and that
they raust part, perhaps for ever,t Struck witii horror at the painiiU intelligence, this fond
and devoted wife swooned, and feU senseless at his feet. In this state he left her, hurried
down stairs, and raounting his horse, rode with all possible speed to the river. In doing
so, Arnold did not keep the raain road, but passed down the mountain, pursuing a by-path
through the woods, which Lieutenant Arden pointed out, and which is now caUed ' Arnold's
Path.' Near the foot of the mountain, where the path approaches the main road, a weep
ing wiUow, planted there no doubt by sorae patriot hand, stands, in marked contrast with
the forest trees which encircle and surround it, to pomt out to the inquiring tourist the very
pathway of the traitor,
* The property now belongs to Richard D. Arden, Esq., and adjoins his own romantic
and beautiful " Ardenia," whence no " visiter" departs, who can ever forget the generous
" Highland welcome." Mr. Arden, with a true patriotism that does him honor, has per
mitted no alteration of the interior of tiie house. The sarae low ceihng, large and uncov
ered joists, the sarae poUshed tUes around the fire-places, and the absence of aU ornament
which marks the progress of raodem architecture, preserve coraplete the interest which
the stirring incidents of that period have flung around the " Robinson House." _
+ We also visited this chamber, which remains unaltered. Over the mantel is carved iia
Ihe wood work : " G. Wallis, Lieut. VI. Mass. Eegt."
19

290 QUEENS COUNTY.
" In our interesting visit, we were accorapanied by the superintendent, Major Dela-
field, and in the barges kindly ordered for our accommodation, we were rowed to ' Beverly
Dock,' and landed at the spot where Arnold took boat to aid his escape. He was rowed
to the ' Vulture,' and using a white handkerchief, created the impression that it was a
flag-boat : it was therefore suffered to pass. He raade himself known to Captain Suther-
land, of the Vulture, and then calling on board the leader of the boatmen who had rowed
hira off, inforraed hira that he and his crew were all prisoners of war. This disgraceful
and raost unmanly appendix to his treason, was considered so contemptible by the captain,
that he permitted the man to go on shore, on his parole of honor, to procure clothes for
hiraself and comrades. This he did, and returned the same day. When they arrived in
New York, Sir Henry Clinton, holding in just contempt such a wanton act of meanness,
set them all at liberty.
" When General Washington reached ' Beverly,' and was informed that Arnold had
departed for West Point, he crossed directly over, expecting to find him. Surprised to
learn that he had not been there, after exaraining the works lie returned. General Ham
ilton had remained at ' Beverly,' and as Washington and his suite were walking up the
mountain road, from ' Beverly Dock,' they met General Hamilton, with anxious face and
hurried step, coming towards them. A brief and suppressed conversation took place be
tween Washington and himself, and they passed on rapidly to the house, where the papers
that Washington's change of route had prevented his receiving, had been deUvered that
morning ; and being represented to Harailton as of great and pressing importance, were
by him opened, and the dreadful secret disclosed. Instant measures were adopted to in
tercept Arnold, and prevent his escape, but in vain. General Washington then comrau-
nicated the facts to La Fayette and Knox, and said to the forraer, ' more in sorrow than
in anger,' ' Whom can we trust now ?' He also went up to see Mrs. Arnold ; but even
Washington could carry to her no consolation. Her grief was alraost phrensied ; and in
its wildest moods, she spoke of General Washington as the murderer of her child. It
seemed that she had not the reraotest idea of her husband's treason ; and she had even school
ed her heart to feel more for the cause of America, frora her regard for those who pro-
fessed to love it. Her husband's glory was her dream of bliss — the requiem chant for her
infEint's repose ; and she was found, alas ! as many a confiding heart has oft been found,
•To cling like ivy round a worthless thing.' "

QUEENS COUNTY.
Queens county, an original county, was organized in 1683, and
now contains all that part of Long Island which is bounded easterly
by Suffolk county, southerly by the AUantic ocean, northerly by Long
Island sound, and westerly by Kings county, including Lloyds Neck
or Queens Village, the islands caUed North and South .Brother, Ri-
ker's Island, and some other islands lying in the sound opposite the
said bounds and southerly of the main channel. The courts of the
county were originally holden for the most part at Hempstead, at
which place the governor on various occasions ordered meetings of the
delegates from the different towns. By the act of the Assembly in
1683, by which the counties and towns upon Long Island were organ
ized and established, the county courts were required thereafter to be
held at the village of Jamaica, They were held there for about seven
years in the old stone church which stood in the middle of the present
Fulton street, opposite Union Hall street. In the year 1 690, a court
house and jail were erected upon the site now occupied by the female
academy, and continued to be used for the purpose of holding the

queens county. 291
courts of the county untU the present courthouse was buUt upon the
north side of Hempstead plains, in the town of North Hempstead, in
the year 1788, The county is divided into 6 towns :
Flushing, Jamaica, Newtown,
Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay.

Central part of Jamaica Village, Long Island.
The village of Jamaica is a beautiful place. It is located upon the
Long Island railroad, 13 miles from New York, also upon the great
thoroughfare from Brooklyn to the east end of Long Island, and en
joys every desirable facility of intercourse with the surrounding coun
try. Here are concentrated the different roads leading to Brooklyn,
Williamsburg, Rockaway, Flushing, Jericho, and Hempstead. This
village was made the seat of justice for the north-riding of Yorkshire,
at its organization in 1665 ; and so continued after the division of Long
Island into counties in 1683, until the erection of the courthouse on
Hempstead plains in 1788, The offices of surrogate and county clerk
are still required to be kept here, and for which a suitable building has
been erected. The village was incorporated April 15, 1814, and has
been gradually increasing in buildings and population, tiU it now con
tains about two hundred dwellings and fifteen hundred inhabitants. It
has, besides the academies, five places for public worship, and two news
paper printing offices. There are several splendid private residences
in the village and its immediate vicinity, erected by gentlemen of the
city of New York, who find it both convenient and agreeable.
Flushing viUage, recently incorporated, contains about 2000 inhabit
ants in a square mile. Its various attractions, with great facility of
communication with New York, have induced many wealthy citizens
to locate in its immediate neighborhood. Some of the private resi
dences are among the most imposing and splendid edifices in the state.
The village of Flushing lies at the head of Flushing Bay, 5 miles from

292

QUEENS COUNTY.

the sound, by water, 9 mUes from the centre of New York, and con
tains a number of flourishing literary institutions for both sexes, 1 his
place is also distinguished for its exceUent nurseries of fruit and other
trees. The village of Astoria, recently incorporated, is situated on the
East River, near Blackwell's Island, This place was formerly called
" HaUet's Cove," Near Rockaway, a small viUage, is 5 miles SW,
of Hempstead, " Far Rockaway," about 29 mUes from New York,
has grown into importance as a fashionable watering place.

Bowne Mansion-house, Flushing, L. I.
On the right in the annexed view is the Bowne mansion-house, sit
uated upon the elevated ground about half a mUe eastward of the
steamboat landing in Flushing. It is believed to be the oldest house
now standing on Long Island, having been erected in 1661, by John
Bowne, of the society of Friends. Besides the antiquity of the build
ing, it is one of much historic interest. The celebrated George Fox,
the founder of the society of Friends, has lodged within the walls of
this house, which was the place for the yearly meeting for the whole
body of Friends in the province of New York, previous to 1690. On
the left of the engraving, on the opposite side of the street from the
house, are seen two ancient oaks, under which Fox preached when in
this country in 1672. Although differing in some of his tenets from
the majority of those professing the Christian name, George Fox had
the martyr spirit within, and, had he been called to the trial, would
doubtless have sealed his testimony with his blood. His sufferings in
the cause of religious freedom entitle him to the gratitude of mankind.
Men of his stamp are the true patriots and genuine nobUity of the hu
man race, " A nobler object," says an eloquent writer, " no human
or angelic mind could ever propose to itself, than to promote the glory
of the great Governor of the universe, in studying and laboring to dif
fuse purity and happiness among his unholy and miserable creatures."

QUEENS COUNTY.

v93

m^

Cadwallader Colden was
for many years a resident
Flushing, He was the son
the Rev, Alexander Cblden,
Dunse, in Scotland, where
was born Feb. 17, 1688. He I /
studied medicine at Edinburgh, V^'^
and in 1708 came to Philadel- Facsimile of Cadwallader Colden's signature.
phia, and established himself as a physician. In 1718, he removed to New York, and
was soon appointed surveyor- general, and afterward master in chancery. In 1720, he
was advanced to a place in the king's council of the province, and was for a long time
one of the most conspicuous members of that body. In 1761, he was appointed lieutenant-
governor, and held the office tiU his death in 1776. He was a distinguished scholar as
well as a civilian ; was thoroughly versed in the knowledge of medicine, botany, and as
tronomy ; and corresponded with many of the raost eminent scholars both in America and
Europe. Besides his publications relating to mathematics, botany, and medicine, he
wrote a valuable history of the Five Indian Nations. While holding the office of lieuteu-
aiit-governor, he resided mOst of the time at his farm in Flushing, caUed Spring HiU.
He died Sept. 26, 1776, and was buried in a private cemetery on the Spring HUl farm.
He had five sons and five daughters, a part of whom only survived hira. Three of his
sons, Alexander, Cadwallader, and David, were prorainent raen in the colony. Cadwal
lader D. Colden, the only son of David Colden, was born at Spring Hill in Flushing,
April 4, 1769. He coraraenced his education in the town of Jaraaica, and completed it
in London. In 1785, he returned to the United States and commenced the study of law.
He entered upon the practice of his profession at Poughkeepsie, in 1793, where he was
soon made district attorney, and laid the foundation of his future fame. In a few years
he stood, as a coraraercial lawyer, at the head of his profession, and in the other branches,
araong the first. In 1818 he was elected to the New York asserably, and the same year
appointed mayor of New York. In 1822 he was chosen a representative in Congress.
In 1824 he was elected to the state senate, and held the office three years in succession.
The raost untiring industry and patient research were peculiar traits in his professional
character, and marked his proceedings in every thing he undertook. He was among the
earliest and most efficient promoters, in connection with De Witt Clinton, of the system
of internal improvements. At the completion of the Erie canal, he wrote and published
the meraoir upon the subject. He wrote also the life of Robert Fulton. He died univer-
sally esteemed, at Jersey City, Feb. 7, 1834.

Northern view of Hempstead, Long Island.
The annexed engraving shows the appearance of Hempstead village
as it is entered from the north by the branch railroad, two miles in
length, which connects the village with the Long Island railroad. It
is pleasantly situated on the southern margin of the great " Hempstead
plains," 21 miles from New York, The village consists of about 200
dwellings, 3 churches, and the Hempstead seminary.

294 RENSSELAER COUNTY.

RENSSELAER COUNTY.

Rensselaer county was taken from Albany in 1791. Greatest
length 30, greatest breadth 22 miles; centrally distant from New York
N. 156, and from Albany E, 10 mUes, The eastern portion of the
county is broken and hilly, and in some places rather mountainous and
interspersed with fertUe valleys. The central and western part is di
versified with hiUs, and a gently undulating surface. It has extensive
valleys and flats of alluvion, with a warm rich soil ; and the uplands
have an easy soil, well adapted to the various purposes of agriculture.
There is an abundance of mill sites, and the numerous streams irri
gate every portion of the country. Though short, they possess, from
their great fall, much hydraulic power. The principal on the north are
the Hoosick, and its tributaries the Little Hoosick and Tomhemck ; on
the south Kinderhook, and its branches Tackawasick and Valitie
creeks ; the Poesten and Wynant kills, and Moordenaar's creek. This
county had partial settlements at a very early period of our history,
and has long sustained a very considerable population. The whole of
the county, except the towns of Schagticoke, Pittstown, Hoosick, and
north part of Lansingburg and part of Troy, is comprised within the
Rensselaerwyck patent, leased under the ordinary rent, in farms, at ten
bushels of wheat the hundred acres. The county contains 13 towns
and the city of Troy :

Berhn,

Hoosick,

Pittstown,

Stephentown,

Brunswick,

Lansinghurg,

Sand Lake,

Troy,

Grafton,

Nassau,

Schagticoke,

Greenbush,

Petersburg,

Schodack,

Troy city, seat of justice for the county, lies on the east side of the
Hudson, 6 mUes north of Albany, at the junction of , the Hudson and
Mohawk valleys. There is some reason to believe that its present site
was visited by Hudson, the first navigator of Hudson river, in 1609,
In the record of his voyage, it is stated he " went sounding his way
above the highlands, till at last the Crescent (the ship in which he
made his voyage) had sailed beyond the city of Hudson, and a boat
had advanced a little beyond Albany." Probably this boat ascended
to the rifts which lay at the northerly part of the city, where the ordi
nary tides spent their force, and the navigation was interrupted.
For more than a century after Hudson's voyage, the territory now
comprising the site of Troy, (although within the limits of the grant
made to the patroon,) probably remained part of the hunting ground
of the Mohawk Indians, In 1720, a grant of 490 acres, extending
along the Hudson between the Poestenkill and Meadow creek, com
prehending the original allotments on which the city was erected,
was made in fee by the proprietor of the manor of Rensselaerwyck
to Derick Van Derheyden, at the small rent of three bushels and three
pecks of wheat and four fat fowls annually. From the date of the
grant, and possibly from a period a litUe earlier, this plain and the

NORTHERN VIEW OF TROY, N. Y., FROM MOUNT OLYMPUS.
Mt. Olympus, from which the view was taken, ia an elevation 120 feet in height, a short distance north of the city. The bridge across the
Hudson, 1600 feet in length, with part of the flourishing village of West Troy, are seen on the right.

RENSSELAER COUNTY. 295
first range of hiUs adjoining, was possessed by the grantee and his
descendants, and small portions of it cultivated as a farm.*
After the revolution, emigrants from New England, seeing the ad
vantageous situation of Van Derheyden, as it was then called, in
duced the proprietors to lay it out into town lots. At this period
Lansingburg, then called the " New City," was a village of considera
ble size and commercial importance ; 'the city of Albany lay a few
miles to the south, and had for many generations been the centre of
trade for the entire country around. These circumstances at the
first appeared unpropitious to the growth of this place. The estab
lishment of the Federal government in 1789, and the settlement of
the " new state" of Vermont, gave an impulse to the spirit of enter
prise. "The village of Van Derheyden being at the head of the nat
ural navigation of the Hudson, after some struggle began to outstrip
the " New City," which had been unwisely located above the rifts.
The earliest surveys of the three allotments into which the site was
originally divided, were made between the years 1786 and 1790;
one or two slight buildings in 1786, and a small number the two years
following. It is stated that by the spring of 1789, five small stores
and about a dozen dwelling-houses had been erected. The appeUa
tion of Van Derheyden's Ferry was now changed into the more
classic name of Troy.
In 1791, the county of Rensselaer was detached from Albany, and
Troy was selected as the county seat. In 1793 the first courthouse
was erected, and the jail the following year. The influential men
among the first settlers were the friends of order, and supporters of
the institutions of religion. When they were too few to support a
clergyman, they were accustomed to assemble in a store at the sound
of a conch-horn, and afterward in a school-house. Here they usu
ally listened to a sermon read by Dr. Samuel Gall, or the late Col.
Pawling, a revolutionary officer. In 1791, the inhabitants, too
few to consult their denominational preferences, by an united effort
erected a frame for a house of public worship, which was covered
the following year, and although unfinished, was used as a place for
public worship. "This buUding became the first edifice of the Pres
byterian congregation. The Rev. Dr. Jonas Coe was their first min
ister. His services at this period were divided between Troy and
Lansingburg, his residence being in the latter place. An Episcopal
church, an edifice of small dimension of brick, was erected in 1804,
which was enlarged some years afterward, and is now known as
St. John's church. In 1805, the Baptist congregation erected a house
of worship in Third-street, which was afterward enlarged. The
* Mr. Elijah Adams, now (1840) 77 years of age, who has resided here about 60 years,
states that when he first knew the Van Derheyden lands, there were patches or strips with.
in the present site of the city, known as the com grounds of the native Indians, Some.
time after he had taken up his residence here, a full grown bear swam across the Hudson,
landed near the upper ferry, and on being pursued ran across the low land among the small
oaks, and at length ascended a pine tree near the present location of the Rensselaer In.
Btitute, and was there brought to the ground by a shot fi-om his rifle.

296

RENSSELAER COUNTY.

Methodist Episcopal congregation erected their first house of wor
ship in State-street in 1809.

Northwestern view of the Troy Female Seminary.
The Troy Female Seminary, located in this place, holds a high
rank among the institutions of learning in our country. John H.
and Sarah L, WiUard are the principals, and Nancy Hinsdale the
vice-principal : there are besides 21 teachers and officers. The follow
ing account and historical sketch has been kindly furnished by an
individual well acquainted with it.
The school of which the Troy Seminary is a continuation, was begun in Middlebury,
Vermont, in 1814, by Mrs. Emma WiUard. It there obtained considerable celebrity, and
the Principal was soUcited to remove it to Waterford, in this state. She consented on the
condition that the most influential gentlemen of that place should unite in carrying before
the legislature a petition for incorporating and endowing a public institution for females.
Their approbation of this measure was made to depend on that of De Witt Clinton, then
governor of the state. On being presented with the plan, he expressed his high approval,
and introduced the subject into his message.
In the winter of 1818-19, the petition was, under his auspices, presented to the legisla
ture, and for the first time the rights of woman in regard to education, were plead in a
legislative hall. Among its supporters were Mr. Van Buren, and Mr. John C. Spencer,
The justice of the claim was acknowledged, an institution on the proposed plan incorpo
rated, and a bill for endowment brought in, but the adjournment of the legislature prevent.
ed its passage.
In the spring of 1819, the proposed school went into operation in Waterford, in the large
building now occupied as a hotel, that having been hired for two years. The next winter-
session of the legislature defeated the hopes which had been excited of an endowment,
but in the mean time private patronage was abundant.
In 1821, the school being large, and no place being provided in Waterford for its accom.
modation, it was removed to Troy, the corporation of that city having voted $4,000 for a
building. Since that period, the rents of the building have been made to meet the interest
and almost aU the principal of the moneys expended in its several enlargements and in the
additions to its grounds. Since 1837 this institution has received from the state a share of
(he literature fund, by which the library, apparatus, &C., previously furnished by the Prin
cipal, have been raade more complete. "This school has educated at least five thousand
pupils ; of whom about one tenth have been teachers, and it has furnished Principals for
many of the most distinguished female schools in every part of the Union. The present
Principal of this seminary, Mrs. Sarah L. Willard, spent nineteen years in the institution as
pupil, teacher, and vice-principal, before assuming its government. But the larger number of
the young ladies here educated have married, and are now, many of them, standing in the

RENSSELAER COUNTY. 297
first cycles and among the first women of our country in regard to piety and moral worth,
domestic usefulness, and inteUectual and social accompUshinents. Several of the pupils
have been distinguished as authors. About twenty teachers are constantiy employed. 'The
number of pupUs being about two hundred, gives an average of one teacher to ten pupils.
The objects of education as stated in the original plan are considered to be, first, religious
and moral ; second, Uterary ; third, domestic ; and fourth, ornamental. But to obtain these
ends, the physical and mental powers must be developed and strengthened in due order and
proportion. Great care has been bestowed on health, and but one death of a pupU, and
that a sudden one from organic affection of the heart, has occurred.
The Rensselaer Institute is an excellent institution under the charge
of Professor Eaton, Many young men are here fitted for the pro
fession of civU engineering. The system of teaching is thorough
and practical.
The city of Troy is regularly laid out, on a plan similar to that of
PhUadelphia. The principal street is River-street, which extends
along the Hudson the whole length of the city, and is ornamented
with many splendid and spacious stores. It is the theatre of a very
extensive business. The remaining portion of the place generally
exhibits the quiet aspect of the country. Many of the buildings, both
public and private, are spacious and elegant. The courthouse, buUt
of Sing Sing marble, is a splendid edifice, after the Grecian model.
St. Paul's church is a noble Gothic edifice, erected at an expense of
about 50,000 dollars. There are in Troy sixteen places of public
worship — viz, 4 Presbyterian, 3 Episcopal, 2 Methodist, 1 Scotch
Presbyterian, 2 Baptist, 1 Catholic, 2 African, and 1 Friends
meeting-houses. On the Wynant and Poestens kills, which here
empty into the Hudson, are several extensive manufacturing estab
lishments. The city is abundantly supplied with excellent water from
the neighboring hills. Hydrants are placed at the corners of the
streets with hose attached, which in case of fire, as the natural head
of the water is 75 feet above the city level, supersedes the use of
fire-engines. Troy is indebted in a great measure for its prosperity
to its advantageous situation, and the enterprise and industry of her
inhabitants. She has extensively availed herself of the facilities
afforded by the river and the Erie and Champlain canals. The tides
of the Hudson frequently ascend to a dam thrown across the river
about a mile and a half above the centre of the city. By means of
a lock, sloop navigation is thus afforded to the village of Waterford.
Within the last few years Troy has increased rapidly in wealth and
population. In 1820 her population was 5,268; in 1830, 11,566 ; in
1840, 19,373. The Rensselaer and Saratoga railroad, 24 miles to
Ballston Spa, crosses the Hudson at this place by a bridge 1,600 feet
in length.
Rensselaerwyck, or the manor of Rensselaer, includes a very extensive tract on both sides
of the Hudson, in nearly the centre of which is the city of Albany, It is 24 miles wide
on the river, and about 42 railes long, east and west. It includes in its area aU of Rensse.
laer county, excepting the towns of Schaghticoke, Hoosick, and Pittstown, and the greater
part of Albany county. The title to this patent is derived from several successive grants
by the governraent of Holland, dating as far back as 1641, when the first grant was raade
to Killian Van Rensselaer, who had purchased the native right to the soil, under conditions
stipulated by the governraent of HoUand, " When this country changed raasters, passing
from the Dutch to the English, again for a short time to the Dutch, and finally again to the
English, some controversies arose about indemnities, but the private right of the original

298

RENSSELAER COUNTY,

proprietor of the colony of Rensselaerwyck was neter questioned. And on the 4th of
March, 1685, the whole was confirmed by letters patent, under the great seal of the prov
ince of New York, by Thomas Dongan, lieutenant.govemor of the same. The original
design of the Dutch government extended only to the founding of colonies in this country
by citizens of Holland, who should amicably acquire the Indian titie to the lands ; and the
founder of a colony was therefore styled its patroon by the bill of privileges and the deed
of conveyance, the latter of which was only granted when the native right had been ac.
quired by purchase." A great portion of the land is permanently leased, and rent annually
paid in the products of the soil to the patroon at Albany.

Northwestern view of Lansingburg.
Lansingburg was incorporated in 1801. It is beautifully situated
on the Hudson, 3 miles N, of Troy, 9 N, from Albany, and 1 S, from
Waterford. Formerly it was called the " New City," and the ra-
pidity of its growth at that time excited wonder. The vUlage is
regularly laid out with capacious streets in squares of 400 by 260
feet, and is a place of considerable manufacturing and commercial
business. There are here 2 Presbyterian, 2 Methodist, 1 Baptist, 1
Episcopal, and 1 Universalist church, an academy in high repute, 2
printing offices, a bank, many mercantile stores, &;c., and about 400
houses. Three of the sprouts of the Mohawk enter the Hudson near
the vUlage, and the Cahoes Falls are often distinctly heard in the still
ness of the night. The annexed engraving is from a view taken near
the bridge a short distance above the vUlage, connecting it with Water
ford, In the extreme distance on the right, the bridge over the Hud
son, at Troy, is visible, Lansingburg was organized as a viUage in
1771, and " is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, chartered village in
de state,"
The viUage of Greenbush, opposite Albany, contains upwards of
100 dwellings. During the last war with Great Britain, the United
States cantonment was erected here about 2 mUes eastward of Alba
ny. The buildings are now in a ruinous condition. Scaghticoke
Point is a large manufacturing vihage containing upwards of 150
dwellings, 13 miles NE. of Troy. Hoosick FaUs, 24 miles NE. of
Troy, is a manufacturing village containing about 80 dwellings.

RICHMOND COUNTY.

299

RICHMOND COUNTY,
Richmond, an original county, was organized November 1, 1683,
and comprises Staten Island, Shooter's Island, and the islands of mea
dow on the west side of Staten Island, It is about 14 mUes long, and
its greatest breadth is 8 ; mean breadth 5 miles. It is divided into 4
towns, all of which were organized in 1788, Pop, 10,985,
Castleton, Northfield, Southfield, Westfield,

Sailor's Snug Harbor.
The " SaUor's Snug Harbor" is a charitable institution for aged or
infirm seamen, pleasantly located about a mUe W. of New Brighton,
The buildings are in the Grecian style, with marble fronts ; the main
buUding, 65 by 100 feet, has marble pillars in front, and is connected
by corridors with wings of 53 by 100 feet. Cost of construction
$115,000, The institution was founded in 1801, by Robert Richard
Randall, of New York, who bequeathed 22 acres for this purpose in
the 15th ward, which at that time was of comparatively little value,
but now has increased to an immense estate. Connected with the
building is a farm of 160 acres. In the yard fronting the edifice is an
elegant monument to the memory of the founder. No worthy appli
cant has ever yet been ^rejected. There are here at present 1 10 of the
sons of Neptune, many of whom having dropped their last anchor, have
found a snug port for life.
Richmond, the county seat, 13 miles from New Yoik, is a neat but
antiquated viUage, partly located in this town and in Northfield and
Westfield. It contains 2 churches, 2 hotels, a courthouse and jaU,
and about 45 dwellings. At the Narrows are the forts Tompkins,
Richmond, and Hudson, and the Signal HiU.

300 ROCKLAND COUNTY,

ROCKLAND COUNTY.

Rockland county was taken from Orange in 1798 ; greatest length
23, greatest breadth 18 miles. It is situated in the extreme southern
angle of the state, upon the west side of the Hudson. Its surface is
generally much broken, and in the W. and NW. mountainous.
The vaUeys are rich, extensive, and fertile. Dobbs Ferry, Stony Point,
Fort Clinton, and the Pass, were noted in the annals of the revolution,
" Orangetown, now in Rockland, was the capital of the county until
1737, when a courthouse and jail were built at Goshen, in Orange,
and the courts were holden at the two places alternately. About 1774,
the courthouse and jaU at Orangetown having been destroyed by fire,
and part of the village having been transferred to New Jersey, public
buUdings were erected at the ' New City,' then in the precinct of
Haverstraw," The New York and Erie raUroad commences at
Piermont, and running through Orangetown, Clarkstown, and Ramapo,
enters Orange county in the town of Monroe. This county is divided
into 4 towns, viz. : ^
Clarkson, Haverstraw, Orangetown, Ramapo,

Northei n view of Stony Point, on the Hudson.
The above is a northern view of Stony Point, as seen when pass
ing down the Hudson, This place is a little rough promontory on
the west bank of the Hudson, nearly a mile below the entrance of
the Highlands, having a lighthouse on its summit. It was a fortified
post during the revolutionary war, and is distinguished by the celebrated
assault made upon it on the 16th July, 1779, by Gen, Wayne. Ver
planck's Point, on the opposite side of the river, is also a place dis
tinguished in the history of the revolution. The following is an ac
count of the storming of Stony Point, as communicated in a letter
from Gen, Wayne to Washington, dated Stony Point, July 17th, 1779.
" Sir, — I have the honor to give you a fuU and particular relation of the reduction of
this Point, by the light infantry under my coraraand.
" On the 15th instant at twelve o'clock we took up our line of march from Sandy Beach,

ROCKLAND COUNTY, 301
distant fourteen mUes from this place ; the roads being exceedmgiy bad and narrow, and
having to pass over high mountains, tinough deep morasses, and difficult defiles, we were
obUged to move in single files the greatest part of the way. At eight o'clock in the even.
ing the van arrived at Mr. Springsteels, within one mile and a half of the enemy, and
formed into columns as fast as they came up, agreeably to the order of battle annexed ;
namely, Colonels Febiger's and Meigs' regiments, with Major Hull's detachment, formed
the right column ; Colonel Butler's regiment and Major Murfey's two companies the left.
The troops reraained in this position untU several of the principal officers with myself had
returned from reconnoitring the works. At half after eleven o'clock, being the hour fixed
on, the whole moved forward. The van of the right consisted of one hundred and fifty
volunteers, projierly officered, who advanced with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets,
under the coraraand of Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury ; these were preceded by twenty picked
men, and a vigUant and brave officer to remove the abatis and other obstructions. The
van of the left consisted of one hundred volunteers, under the command of Major Stewart,
with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets, also preceded by a brave and determined officer
with twenty men, for the sarae purpose as the other,
" At twelve o'clock the assault was to begin on the right and left flanks of the enemy's
works, whUst Major Murfey amused them in front ; but a deep morass covering their whole
front, and at this time overflowed by the tide, together with other obstructions, rendered
the approaches more difficult than was at first apprehended, so that it was about twenty
minutes after twelve before the assault began ; previously to which I placed myself at the
head of Febiger's regiment, or the right column, and gave the troops the most pointed
orders not to fire on any account, but place their whole dependence on the bayonet, which
order was literally and faithfully obeyed. Neither the deep morass, the formidahle and
double rows of abatis, nor the strong works in front and flank, could damp the ardor of the
troops, who, in the face of a most tremendous and incessant Kre of musketiy, and fi-om
cannon loaded with grape-shot, forced their way at the point of the bayonet through every
obstacle, both columns raeeting in the centre of the eneray's w prks nearly at the same in
stant. 'Too much praise cannot be given to Lieutenant-colonel Fleury (who struck the
enemy's standard with his own hand,) and to Major Stewart, who commanded the advanced
parties, for their brave and prudent conduct.
" Colonels Butler, Meigs, and Febiger conducted themselves with that coolness, bravery,
and perseverance, that will ever insure success. Lieutenant-colonel Hay was wounded in
the thigh, bravely fighting at the head of his battaUon. I should take up too much of your
excellency's time, were I to particularize every individual who deserves it for his bravery
on this occasion, I cannot, however, omit Major Lee, to whom I ara indebted for frequent
and very usefiil intelligence, which contributed much to the success of the enterprise ; and
it is vritb the greatest pleasure I acknowledge to you, that I was supported in the attack by
aU the officers and soldiers under my command, to the utmost of my wishes. The officers
and privates of the artUlery exerted themselves in turning the cannon against Verplanck's
Point, and forced the enemy to cut the cables of their shipping, and run down the river.
"¦I should be wanting in gratitude were I to omit mentioning Captain Fishboum and Mr,
Archer, my two aids-de-camp, who on every occasion showed the greatest intrepidity, and
supported me into the works after I received my wound in passing the last abatis.
" Enclosed are the returns of the kiUed and wounded of tiie light infantry, as also of the
enemy, together with the number of prisoners taken, likewise of the ordnance and stores
found in the garrison.
" I forgot to inform your exceUency, that previously to my marching, I had drawn Gene.
ral Muhlenberg into my rear, who, with three hundred men of his brigade, took post on the
opposite side of the marsh, so as to be in readiness either to support me, or to cover a re.
treat in case of accident ; and I have no doubt of his faithfuUy and effectually executmg
either, had there been any occasion for him,
" The humanity of our brave soldiery, who scorned to take t.He Uves of a vanquished foe
f alUng for mercy, reflects the highest honor on them, and accounts for the few of the enemy
kiUed on the occasion.
" I ara not satisfied witii the manner in which I have mentioned the conduct of Lieuten-
ants Gibbons and Knox, the two gentlemen who led the advanced parties of twenty men
each. Their distinguished bravery deserves the highest commendation. The former be.
longs to the sixth Pennsylvania regiment„and lost seventeen men kUled and wounded in
the attack ; the latter belongs to the nuitli Pennsylvania regiment, and was more fortunate
in saving his raen, though not less exposed. I have the honor to be, &c.
" Akthont WiYNE."
" The nimber of prisoners taken in the fort was five hundred and forty-three. By Ge.

302

ROCKLAND COUNTY.

neral Wayne's return the number of kiUed was sixty-three. In Colonel Johnson's official
account of the transaction, his loss in killed is stated to have been only twenty. It is not
easy to reconcile this discrepancy. The assaiUng party had fifteen killed and eighty-three
wounded. " Congress passed resolves highly complimentary to the officers and privates engaged in
this enterprise, and confirraing the proraise of reward which had been previously made by
General Wayne ; and also directing the value of all the military stores taken at Stony
Point to be ascertained and divided among the troops who were engaged in storming tbe
fort. " The rewards were as follows : to the first man who entered the enemy's works, five
hundred dollars ;' to the second, four hundred dollars ; to the third, three hundred ; to the
fourth, two hundred ; to the fifth, one hundred ; being fifteen hundred dollars in the whole.
The ordnance and other stores were estimated at one hundred and fifty-eight thousand six
hundred and forty dollars ; which amount was divided among the troops in proportion to
;he pay of the officers and men.
" Three different medals, emblematical of the action, were struck by order of congress,
bearing the names respectively of Wayne, Fleury, and Stewart."
The village of Piermont, 24 mUes N. of New York, contains about
150 dwellings and 2 churches. The New York and Erie railroad
commences here by a pier in the river nearly a mile in length, Dobbs'
Ferry, a noted place in the revolution, is about a mile below this place,
Tappan, a little viUage of about 20 houses, is 3 miles W, of Piermont,
and is distinguished as the place where Major Andre was executed
during the re^lution. In 1831, his remains were disinterred by the
British consul, and conveyed to London.

North view of the place where Andrcwas executed.
The place where Andre was executed is at the summit of a hUl,
about a quarter of a, mile west of Tappan village, and overiooking to
.he east a romantic and fertile valley. A small heap of stones, thrown
hastily together, with an upright stake and a few names carved rudely
upon it, is the only monument to mark the spot of his execution and
his grave. While in Tappan village, Andre was confined in an an
cient stone mansion, at present occupied as a tavern by Mr. Thomas
Wandle, His trial took place in the old Dutch church, which was
torn down in 1836, A new one has since been erected on the same
site. Washington's head-quarters were in the antiquated stone dwel-
hng now occupied by Mr. Arthur Johnson.

ROCKLAND COUNTY. 303
The following account of the execution of Andre, which took place
Oct. 2, 1780, is given by an eye-witness.
" I was at that time an artificer in Col, Jeduthan Baldwin's regiment, a part of which
was stationed within a short distance of the spot where Andre suffered. One of our men,
(I believe his name was Armstrong,) being one of the oldest and best workmen at his trade
in the regiraent, was selected to raake his coffin, whith he performed and painted black,
agreeable to the custora in those times,
" At this time Andre was confined in what was caUed a Dutch church, a smaU stone
building, with only one door, and closely guarded by six sentinels. When the hour ap
pointed for his execution arrived, which I believe was 2 o'clock, P, M., a guard of three
hundred men were paraded at the place of his confinement, A kind of procession was
forraed by placing the guard in single file on each side of the road. In front were a large
number of American officers of high rank, on horseback ; tiiese were followed by the
wagon containing Andre's coffin — then a large number of officers on foot, with Andre in
their midst. The procession moved slowly up a moderately rising hill, I should think about
a fourth of a mile to the west. On the top was a field without any enclosure ; in this was
a very high gallows, made by setting up two poles or crotches, laying a pole on the top,
"The wagon that contained the coffin was drawn directiy under the gallows. In a short
time Andre stepped into the hind end of the wagon — then on his coffin — took off his hat
and laid it down — then placed his hands upon his hips, and walked very uprightly back
and forth, as far as the length of his coffin would permit, at the same time casting his eyes
upon the pole over his head and the whole scenery by which he was surrounded. He was
dressed in what I should caU a complete British uniform ; his coat was of the brightest scar
let, faced or trimmed with the most beautiful green ; his under clothes, or vest and breeches,
were bright buff, very similar to those worn by military officers in Connecticut at the pre.
sent day ; he had a long and beautiful head of hair, which, agreeable to the fashion, was
wound witii a black riband, and hung down his back. All eyes were upon him, and it is
not believed that any officer in the British army, placed in his situation, would have appeared
better than this unfortunate man,
" Not many minutes after he took his stand upon the coffin, the executioner stepped into
the wagon with a halter in his hand, on one end of which was what the soldiers in those
days called a hangman's knot, which he attempted to put over the head and around the
neck of Andre, but by a sudden movement of his hand this was prevented, Andre took
, off the handkerchief frora his neck, unpinned his shirt collar, and deliberately took the end
of the halter, put it over his head, and placed the knot directiy under his right ear, and
drew it very snugly to his neck ; he then took from his coat pocket a handkerchief and tied
it over his eyes. This done, the officer that commanded (his name I have forgotten) spoke
in rather a loud voice, and said that his arms must be tied, Andre at once pulled down
the handkerchief he had just tied over his eyes, and drew from his pocket a second one,
and gave to the executioner, and then replaced his handkerchief. His arms were tied just
above the elbows, and behind the back : the rope was then made fast to the pole overhead.
The wagon was very suddenly drawn from under the gallows, which, together with the
length of rope, gave hira a raost tremendous swing back and forth, but in a few moments he
hung entirely stUl, During the whole transaction he appeared as Uttle daunted as Mr. John
Rogers, when he was about to be burnt at the stake ; but his countenance was rather pale.
He reraained hanging, I should think, frora 20 to 30 minutes, and during that time the
chambers of death were never stiUer than the multitude by which he was surrounded.
Orders were given to cut the rope, and take him down without letting liim fall ; this was
done, and his body carefuUy laid on the ground, — Shortly after, the guard was withdrawn
and spectators were permitted to come forward to view the corpse, but the crowd was so
great that it was some time before I could get an opportunity. When I was able to do
this, his coat, vest, and breeches were taken off, and his body laid in the coffin, covered by
sorae under clothes. The top of the coffin was not put on, I viewed the corpse raore careJ
fully than I had ever done that of any huraan being before. His head was very much on
one side, in consequence of the manner in which the halter drew upon his neck. His face
appeared to be greatiy swollen and very black, much resembling a high degree of mortifi.
cation ; it was indeed a shocking sight to behold. There was at this time standing at the
foot of the coffin, two young men of uncommon short stature — I should think not more
than four feet high. Then: dress was the most gaudy that I ever beheld. One of thera had
the clothes just taken from Andre hanging on his arm, I took particular pains to learn who
they were, and was informed that they were his servants, sent up from New York to take
care of his clothes, but what other business I did not learn,
" I now turned to take a view of the executioner, who was stUl standing by one of the

304

ST, LAWRENCE COUNTY.

posts of the gallows. I walked nigh enough to him to have laid my hand upon his shoul
der, and looked him directly m his face. He appeared to be about twenty-five years of
age, his beard of two or thi'ee weeks' growth, and his whole face covered with what ap-
peared to me to be blacking taken from the outside of a greasy pot. A more frightful
looking being I never beheld — his whole countenance bespoke him to be a fit instrument
for the business he had been doing. Wishing to see the closing of the whole business, I
remained upon the spot untU scarce twenty persons were left, but the coffin was still be
side the grave, which had previously been dug. I now retumed to my tent, with my
mind deeply imbued with the shocking scene I had been called to witness,"

ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
St, Lawrence county was taken from Oneida in 1802 ; distant
from New York 350, from Albany NW, 206 miles. Greatest length
on the St, Lawrence river, which bounds it on the N,, 66 miles ;
greatest breadth 64. This county is larger by 1,000 square miles
than any other in the state. That portion of it bordering upon the St,
Lawrence, and extending 30 or 40 miles into the country, is agreeably
diversified, waving in gentle swells and broad-valleys, with extensive
tracts of champaign. The soil is warm, rich, and productive, and equal
to any of the uplands of the state. The southeastern part is broken
and mountainous. These mountains abound with fine iron ore. The
county is comparatively unsettled, but is now filling up rapidly. Since
1820, the population has more than trebled. This county extends 75
miles along the St, Lawrence, The many large streams, with their
branches, furnish some internal navigation, with superabundance of
hydraulic power. The St. Lawrence has a good sloop navigation
from Lake Ontario to Ogdensburg, From Ogdensburg to Montreal,
the navigation is dangerous on account of the rapids. This river is
studded with numberless islands, rendering the scenery highly pictur
esque and beautiful. Wheat is raised upon the new lands, but there
is danger of its being winter-killed in the long and almost unmitigated
frosts. Rye, grass, and all the summer crops flourish luxuriantly ;
and it is obvious that the great source of wealth here will be found in
grass farming and the culture of sheep. The county is divided into
25 towns :

Brasher, Canton,
De Kalb,
De Peyster,
Edwards,Fowler, Governeur,

Hammond,Hermon, Hopkinton,
Lawrence, Lisbon, Louisville, Madrid,

Massena, Morristown,Norfolk, Oswegatchie,
Parishville, Pierrepont,
Pitcairn,

Potsdam,Rossie,
Russell, Stockholm,

Ogdensburg, the largest place in the county, has a population of
2,555. It is 204 miles N, from Albany, 130 from Montreal, 120
W, from Plattsburgh, 63 NE. from Sacketts Harbor, and 18 from
Canton. This was formerly the county seat, but it has been re-

ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.

305

View of Ogdensburg.
moved to Canton. The above view was taken on the bank of the Oswe
gatchie river, near the ruins of the old barracks. The steeple seen on
the left is that of the Presbyterian church ; the one on the extreme
right the old courthouse ; the academy is next to it ; and the square
steeple is that of the Episcopal denomination. The flrst religious
society organized was the Presbyterian ; they held their meetings, as
far back as 1811, in the old courthouse. In 1819, they erected their
first church, a few rods southwest of where the present stone church
now stands. There are here 1 Baptist, 1 Methodist, 1 Episcopal, 1
Roman Catholic, and 1 Presbyterian church, besides a society of
Unitarians. The proximity of the town to the Canada line made it an import
ant place during the late war, and the scene of several minor military
operations. The following is extracted from Thompson's History
of the Late War.
In retaUation for a daring exploit performed by Capt. Forsyth of the rifle regiraent, in the
destruction of an immense quantity of stores, &c., collected at the small viUage of Ganano-
que, in the town of Leeds, in Canada, " the enemy determined on attacking and destroy
ing the town of Ogdensburg. Opposite (o this is situated the Canadian village of Prescott,
before which the British had a strong line of breastworks. On the 2d of October, 1812,
they opened a heavy cannonading on the town from their batteries, and continued to bom.
bard it with littie intermission untU the night of the 3d : one or two buildings only were
injured. On Sunday, the 4th, having prepared forty boats, with from ten to fifteen armed
men in each, they advanced with six pieces of artiUery, to storra the town. General Brown
commanded at Ogdensburg in person, and when the enemy had advanced within a short
distance, he ordered his troops to open a warm fire upon thera. The British, nevertheless,
steadily approached the shore, and kept up their fire for two hours ; during which, they sus.
tained the gaUing fire of the Americans, untU one of their boats was taken, and two others
so shattered, that their crews were obhged to abandon them ; they then relinquished the
assault and fled to Prescott, There has been no engagement, perhaps, which exhibited
more gaUantry on both sides. In tiiis attack. Gen, Brown had under his comraand about
400 raen, tbe British 1000,"
The annexed account of the taking of this place on the 21st of
February, 1813, is extracted from the same source as the above.
20

306 BT. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
' " The movements of the eneray at Prescott were indicative of an intention to attack Og
densburg. Colonel Benedict was therefore induced to call out his regiment of mihtia, and
arrangements were immediately made for the defence of the place. On the 21st of Febru.
ary, the enemy appeared before it, with a force of twelve hundred men, and succeeded in
driving out Captain Forsyth and his troops. The British attacked in two columns, of six
hundred men each, at 8 o'clock in the morning, and were commanded by Capt, M'Donnell
of the Glengary light infantry, and Colonel Fraser of the Canadian mUitia, The American
riflemen and militia received them with firmness, and contended for the ground upwards
of an hour ; when the superiority of numbers compeUed them to abandon it, and to retreat
to Black Lake, nearly nine raUes from Ogdensburg, after losing twenty men in killed and
wounded. The loss of the enemy, from the deliberate coolness with which the riflemen
fired, was reputed to have been thrice that number. The British account, which claimed
the capture of immense stores, none of which had ever been deposited there, admitted the
loss of five distinguished officers. In consequence of this affair, a message was sent by the
commandant of Fort George, to Colonel M'Feely, the comraandant of Fort Niagara, in.
forraing hira that a salute would be fired the next day in honor of the capture of the Araeri
cau village. Colonel M'Feely having received inteUigence in the course of the same even.
ing, of the capture of his majesty's frigate the Java, returned the raessage to the British
coramandant, by communicating to hira his intention of tiring a salute, at the same hour
from Fort Niagara, ui celebration of this briUiant event,"
The following additional particulars respecting the taking of Og
densburg were obtained by personal conversation with a resident at
that time. The British landed in the northeast part of the village, near
some barracks occupied by a detachment of militia under Captain
Lytle, which he evacuated and then joined Col. Forsyth at the fort.
The enemy marched up through Ford-street, and when the Ameri
cans had abandoned the fort, they crossed over on the ice opposite
to the Eagle Hotel. Besides the public stores destroyed by them,
they took away a large quantity of provisions, &c., private property,
which they were much in need of, but for which they afterward paid
full price. A barn is now standing on the SE. side of Ford-street,
near the corner of Water-street, where holes made by grape shot
fired from the fort are still to be seen. The Glengarian regiment,
which was in the attack, was quite celebrated during the military
operations on the frontier. This corps were from the cotmty of
Glengary, in Upper Canada. Their religion was Catholic, and they
were the descendants of Scotch Highlanders.
The following is a view of Windmill Point and ruins in its vicinity.
It is memorable as being the spot, where, during the recent struggle
in Canada, a small body of men, under the unfortunate Van Schoultz,
gallantly defended themselves against kn overpowering force of Brit
ish and Canadians. The following account of this affair, usually termed
the " Battle of Prescott," is principally drawn from a work recently
published by E. A. Theller, Esq., and entitled Canada in 1837-8.
Eariy in November, 1838, the patriots, (so called,) who had secretly ralUed in clubs jn
!md about Syracuse, Oswego, Sacketts Harbor, Watertown, Ogdensburg, French creek,
iind at other points on or near the American line, began to exhibit an intention of making a
fsesh demonstration at sorae point in Upper Canada. About the 10th, two schooners were
noticed as being freighted from canal boats, which had come up the Oswego canal under
suspicious circumstances, and to saU out of the harbor in a northern direction. On the 12th,
the steamboat United States, which had been detained in port by a heavy gale, sailed for
Sacketts Harbor. Here she took aboard about 250 patriots. The two schooners spoken
of, were next discovered by the United States, lying in the river St, Lawrence ; when
Capt, Van Cleve complied with the request of a passenger of respectable appearance, to
take them in tow ; saying they were loaded with merchandise for Ogdensburg, which he

ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.

307

View of Windmill Point, Prescott, U. C*
was desirous of getting into port the next morning. Accordingly the schooners were
lashed one each side of the steamer. The boxes and barrels on their decks, with just men
enough in sight to navigate them, exhibited no evidence of their being other than repre.
sented by the passenger. The captain was soon undeceived, by armed raen clirabing from
the schooners on to his boat, to the number of some 200, and he determined to lay at Mor.
ristown, 10 mUes above Ogdensburg, and give notice to the authorities. On arriving at that
neighborhood, the patriots, after transferring about 100 of the boat's passengers, unfastened
their vessels, and were found the next morning at anchor in the river, between Ogdensburg
and Prescott, filled with armed raen. Both towns were now the scene of exciteraent ; for
it was evident that Fort Wellington was the point of attack, and both shores were soon
thronged with citizens. The Experiment, a British arraed steamboat, was lying at the
Prescott wharf, and by this tirae the United States had arrived at Ogdensburg, On her
arrival, the people, with loud cheers, rushed on board and went to the relief of one of the
schooners which by accident had got aground on the shoal in the river. Not succeeding in
reaching her, they retumed to the boat for a longer hawser. As she went out again, the
Experiraent came out and fired two shots, but without effect ; and she passed down the
river about a' mile to Windmill Point, to the other schooner, which had succeeded in land.
ing her forces, and was returning to take off the men from the grounded vessel. The Ex
periment followed her, and when the United States was covering her on her way up, kept
up an irregular fire upon both, without effect. The United States having seen the schooner
she was protecting anchored under the Ogdensburg shore, retumed again to WindmiU
Point, where Williara Johnson with small boats landed 110 raen. Meantime the American
steara ferry-boat, Paul Pry, ran over to the stranded vessel, and hauled her off under a brisk
fire frora the Experiment, which the former returned with small-arms, kiUing 7 of the Ex.
periment's men, but losing none. The United States was now returning, and again encoun
tered the fire of the Experiment, breaking glass Ughts and doing other damage. Those who
had remained after the disemharkation, about 25 in number, stood upon the promenade
deck and cheered the discharges as they came. During this, a shot passing through the
wheel-house, killed Mr. Solomon Foster, a young raan, the helrasraan of the boat. As the
United States now went into port, she was surrendered to her owners, and iramediately
seized by the United States authorities, which completed the forenoon's operations,
" Commodore ' BUl Johnson' who had come on to Ogdensburg on the return of the
United States, addressed ' the patriots' present, urging and beseeching them to go with him,
and join those who had crossed. He succeeded in crossing with some, in one of the
schooners, at two or three different times ; whilst most of the afternoon and evening was
occupied at WindmiU Point, by the patriots, fortifying their position, and preparing for the
contest. They had taken possession of the windraiU, and other large stone buildings, to the
number of about 200, which were increased by accessions frora the sraall boats crossing
over in the evening. It was seen that at Fort WeUington the British were also engaged
in raaking preparations ; but towards night there was scarcely a living soul seen in the
streets of Prescott, There was no fighting that night. During the evening the steamboat

* The authors are indebted for the above view to Mr. EUis, artist, of Ogdensburg.

308 ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.
Telegraph, with Col. Worth, of the United States army, had arrived, accompanied by two
companies of United States troops, and by Mr. Garrow, a United States marshal, who
imraediately took into custody all the craft which had been employed by the patriots, in
cluding the United States, the two schooners, and the Paul Pry ; and made effectual
arrangements to cut off all further supplies of raen, arms, or provisions from the patriot
camp ; after which, all remained quiet during the night, except the report of cannon at
long intervals. Early on the morning of the 13th, the British armed steamers Cobourg
and Traveller, had arrived at Prescott with troops ; and at about 7 o'clock, they, together
with the Experiment, opened a discharge of cannon, and coraraenced throwing bombs at
the patriots at the windmill, who discharged field-pieces frora their battery on shore in
return. At about 8 o'clock, a line of fire blazed along the summit of the hill, in the rear
of the windmill, for about 80 or 100 rods, and the crack of the rifles and muskets made
one continuous roar. It appears that by tbe time the firing commenced in the moming,
there were but 180 of those who had crossed left at Windmill Point ; and that when they
were attacked by land, in rear of their position, some 52 of these fled, leaving only 128 to
face from 600 to 800 British regulars and volunteers. After a fight of about an hour, ac
cording to TheUer's account, the British were driven back into their fort with a loss, it is
supposed, of about 100 killed and many wounded. The patriots lost 5 men and 13
wounded. On the morning of the 14th little was done, and the British having sent a flag
of truce for permission to bury the dead, the request was granted. Afterward, when the
patriots sent a flag, the bearer was shot. On the 15th, the British received a reinforce
ment of 400 regulars, with cannon and gun-boats, by steamboats froin Kingston, and vol
unteers numbering in all about 2,000 ; who surrounded the mUl by their gun-boats and
steamera on the river, and by stationing cannon and troops on land ; and keeping up a
continual cannonading until Friday evening, when the patriots surrendered. At 5 o'clock
the same afternoon, a white flag was displayed from the miU, but no attention being paid
to it, it was finally fastened on the outside ; then 3 or 4 flags were sent out, and the bear
ers shot down as soon as seen. Immediately after the surrender, the British burnt four
dwellings and two barns in the vicinity of the windmill. According to the account of
Theller, 36 patriots were killed, 2 escaped, and 90 were made prisoners ; and of the Brit
ish about 150 raen were killed and 20 officers, among whom was Capt. Drummond. The
patriots were commanded by Van Schoultz, a Polander, who had fought for the freedom
of his native land, and witnessed her expiring agonies at ill-fated Warsaw. When driven
to desperation, he opposed the offering to the enemy the flag of truce, and besought his
men to rush upon the enemy and die in the contest ; but their ammunition and provisions
were exhausted, and a five days' fatigue in active night and day defence had worn them
out and made them indifferent to their fate. At the trials, Van Schoultz pleaded guilty
and was sentenced to death, and was executed Dec. 9th, 1838, aged 31. Col. Dorephus
Abbey, of Watertown, Jefferson county ; Col. Martin Woodruff, of Salina, Onondaga
county, and Daniel George, and others, suffered the same fate with Van Schoultz. A
number of others were flnaUy released, while the others were sentenced to transportation,
and, with those in a like situation who had been respited after their trials, and with
Messrs. John G. Parker, Watson, and others, to the number of 23, were sent to England,
and from thence, in company with 11 convicted felons, were transported to Van Diemen's
Land." The viUage of Canton, 18 mUes from Ogdensburg, on the Grasse
river, was made the county seat in 1828, previous to which time the
courts were holden at Ogdensburg, The village contains the county
buildings, an academy, 5 churches, and about 150 dwellings. This
viUage was originaUy called " Foot's Falls," from Mr, Stillman Foot,
who came here in the winter of 1799, and bought a mile square, com
prising in its limits the site of the viUage.
The viUage of Potsdam, about 10 mUes NE. from Canton, is
pleasantly situated at the falls of the Racket river, and contains sev
eral churches, a flourishing academy, numbering about 150 pupUs,
and about 130 dwellings.

SARATOGA COUNTY, 309

SARATOGA COUNTY.
Saratoga county was taken from Albany in 1791 ; greatest length
N. and S. 47, and greatest breadth E. and W, 30 miles. Centrally
distant from Albany 36 mUes, " Its name is supposed to be a cor
ruption of the Indian word Sah-rah-ka, or the ' side hiU,' The great
er part of the lands in this tract were originally granted by the English
crown to a company of 13 individuals, by the title of the patent of
Kayaderosseras. Smaller portions were included in other patents.
Thus Van Schaick's, of an earlier date, included the town of Water
ford and adjacent country. The Saratoga patent embraced six mUes
square 'on the Hudson river north of Van Schaick's ; and the apple
patent, located on the Mohawk, extended ' three miles back into the
woods,' towards Ballston Lake. The first recorded grant of lands in
the Kayaderosseras patent was made in August, 1702. A good por
tion of the land is now held under a rent charge of from 15 to 20
cents an acre, derived originally from the above patent. Settlements
were made in 1715 under that patent, and some probably earlier,
along the Hudson, upon the patents of Van Schaick and Saratoga ;
but there was then none north of Fish creek, now Schuylersville, and
few between that and the Mohawk, Until the conquest of Canada by
the English, settlements were slowly made. After this, although rap
idly formed, they were confined some years to the banks of the Hud
son and Mohawk,"
The surface of the county presents a broad diversity, having the
Kayaderosseras and Palmertown mountains in the northwest, and in
the southeast, sandy plains, generally level, and along the Hudson
and some of the smaller streams, extensive tracts of rich alluvion.
There are several small lakes, the largest of which are Saratoga,
Ballston, or the Long Lake, Round Lake, Owl Pond, &c. This
county is .rich in historical incident. It has 20 towns, viz. :

Ballston,

Edinburg,

Malta, Saratoga,

Charlton,

Galway,

MUton, Saratoga Springs,

Clifton Park,

Greenfield,

Moreau, Stillwater,

Corinth,

Hadley,

Northumberland, Waterford,

Day,

Halfmoon,

Providence, Wilton.

The village of Ballston Spa, the seat of justice for Saratoga county,
is 30 miles N. from Albany, and 7 southwest from Saratoga Springs.
The viUage is situated in a valley surrounded by hUls, upon a branch
of the Kayaderosseras creek, immediately around the mineral springs
in the southeast corner of the town of MUton. The village contains
about 180 dweUings, 3 churches, a large courthouse of brick, and
other county buildings, 2 newspaper printing offices, a number of ho
tels, of which the Sans Souci is the most prominent. This structure
IS of wood, having a front of 160 feet, and wings of 150 feet, and is
three stories high.

310 SARATOGA COUNTY.
" The mineral springs from which this vUlage derives its importance
and celebrity, were discovered in 1767. In 1772, Mr. Douglass erect
ed a small log-house here for the accommodation of visiters. During
the revolutionary war settlements in this part of the country were sus
pended, but about 1790 Mr. Douglass enlarged his accommodations.
In 1804, Nicholas Low, Esq., raised the well-known Sans Souci hotel.
In 1807, several other springs, and in 1817, four springs of differ
ent qualities, were found near the great manufactory built by Mr.
Low.
" The spring in the rear of the Sans Souci, and that in the rear of
the vUlage hotel, and the original spring at the west of the village, con
tain, as essential ingredients, the carbonates of soda, of lime, iron, and
magnesia ; the tonic qualities of the iron, and the sparkling and enli
vening influence of the fixed air that they possess in an extradrdinary
degree, have a wonderful effect upon enervated, bilious, and debilitated
constitutions. " The use of the mineral waters here and at Saratoga is especially
beneficial in all those affections termed bihous and dyspeptic, in cal
culous and nephritic complaints, in chronic rheumatism, gout, in ulcers
and cutaneous disorders, scrofula, in mercurial diseases and strumous
affections, in recent dropsy, paralysis, chlorosis, &c."
The vUlage of Saratoga Springs is 181 miles from New York, 36^
from Albany, and 6^ from Ballston Spa. It is located in a fertile
country, and contains 6 churches, several literary institutions, and about
2,000 inhabitants. This place derives its attractions from its medicinal
springs. These are situated on the margin of a vale, bordering the
village on the east, and are the continuation of a chain of springs dis
covering themselves about 12 mUes to the south, in the town of Balls-
ton. The springs in this vicinity are 18 or 20 in number, the principal
of which are the Congress, the Iodine or Walton, Putnam's, the Mon
roe, the Hamilton, the Flat Rock, the High Rock, the Columbian, and
the Washington, A new spring has lately been discovered, whose
waters are gaining high favor with the public, and are said to be bene
ficial in consumption. The hotels in this place are numerous, and
some of them truly elegant, buUt in good taste, with spacious piazzas,
and yards ornamented with shrubbery. The facility with which it is
visited, by railroads from Albany and Troy, with other thoroughfares,
together with the numerous attractions of the place, has rendered
Saratoga the summer resort of thousands from all parts of our wide
spread country.
The Saratoga and Schenectady railroad extends from Schenecta
dy to this place, a distance of 2j miles ; running through the vUlage of
BaUston Spa, where it forms a junction with the Rensselaer and Sara
toga raUroad, extending to the city of Troy. It was opened for public
use in July, 1832.
The town of Saratoga is distinguished in the history of the Ameri
can revolution as being the place of the surrender of Burgoyne.
Schuylerville, which is the principal village in the town, lies on the

SARATOGA COUNTY. ' 311
Champlain canal near the mouth of Fish creek, which here flows into
the Hudson, and consists of about 100 dwellings, 3 churches — 1 Dutch
Reformed, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist — and an academy, with several
mUls and factories.

Schuyler mansion-house, Schuylerville.
The above is a view of the mansion of the late Gen. Schuyler, in
Schuylerville, which was built a short time after his house and mUls
at this place were destroyed by the army under General Burgoyne
in 1777. This dweUing, the residence of George Strover, Esq., is a
short distance south of the spot where Burgoyne surrendered his
sword to General Gates. After the battle at Stillwater, Oct. 7th, he
made an attempt to effect his retreat back to Fort Edward, but was
unable to proceed any further than the mouth of Fish creek, where
he was hemmed in by the American forces. The following account
relative to the surrender of Burgoyne is from the 2d volume of Al
len's American Revolution : —
" Previous to the action of the 7th, General Gates, anticipating the retreat of the enemy,
had ordered Brigadier General FeUows, with 1,300 men, to cross the river, and take post
on the heights opposite the Saratoga ford, supposing that he might be able to reinforce him
before Burgoyne could reach the place. But the retreat of the British army being earUer
than he expected, and the circumstances before related preventing him from pursuing imme
diately with the raain array, or sending off any considerable detachment. General Fellows
was placed in a critical situation, and nothing saved his detachment from destruction or
capture, but the very slow movements of Burgoyne, occasioned by a heavy rain during the
night of the 8th, and the badness of the roads, which compelled him to halt at Davocote,
so that he did not reach Saratoga until the morning of the 9th. By this time General Fel.
lows had received orders to recross the river and endeavor to oppose their passage, which
he did just as the front of the British army entered Saratoga, and in time to post himself
advantageously on the opposite bank of the river. On the evening before, his camp was
so entirely unguarded, that Lieutenant-colonel Southerland, who had been sent forward
by Burgoyne to reconnoitre, marched around it without meeting with a sentinel, and was
so strongly impressed with the conriction that he could surprise him, that he solicited per.
mission to attack him with his single regiment ; and it was perhaps fortunate for General
FeUows that Burgoyne refused,
" In the mean tune several other bodies of miUtia were posted, to intercept the retreat
of Burgoyne, in various directions, and one detachment was ordered to march immediately
to Fort Edward, and take possession before any part of Burgoyne's troops could reach it.
A rain on the 10th prevented General Gates from marching untU the afteraopn. When
the firont of the army reached Saratoga, about 4 o'clock, the British were encamped on the

312 SARATOGA COUNTY.
heights beyond the FishkiU, [Fish creek :] their boats lay at the mouth of the creek, and a
fatigue party were at work in removing the baggjage from the creek to the heights. Ge-
neral Fellows with his corps were on the opposite bank of the river, with a couple ot small
field-pieces on the plain, playing upon the enemy's fatigue party. General Gates on his
arrival posted the army in several Unes on the heights, about a raile in the rear ot the Hish-
kiU, with Colonel Morgan's corps in fi-ont. Under the idea that the eneray would retreat
in the night, General Gates gave orders that the army should advance at reveillee in the
morning of the 1 1th. A small detachment had been sent off by Burgoyne to possess them
selves of Fort Edward, but finding it occupied by the Americans, had returned to camp :
the movement of this detachment had given rise to the information which deceived Gene
ral Gates, that the whole British army had moved off, leaving a small guard only in the
camp to take care of the baggage and stores. Upon this intelligence it was determined' to
attack the camp early in the morning ; and Brigadier.generals Nixon and Glover were
ordered to cross the creek with their brigades for this purpose,
" Colonel Morgan advancing with his corps at daylight agreeably to orders, fell in with
the eneray's picket, by whora he was fired upon, and lost a lieutenant and several privates.
This induced him to suppose that the enemy had not raoved as supposed^in which case his
situation would be extremely critical, as the fog was so thick that nothing could be seen at
the distance of twenty yards ; a winding creek was in his rear, and he was unacquainted
with the grounds. In this dilemma he was met by the Deputy AdjutanUgeneral, Colonel
'Wilkinson, who had been sent out by the general for the purpose of reconnoitring. Wil-
kinson returned iraraediately to communicate this intelligence to the general, and Patter
son's and Learned's brigades, both under the command of the latter, were sent to the sup.
port of Morgan. In the mean time the whole army had advanced as far as the ridge
between the church and General Schuyler's house, where they halted. Generals Nixon
and Glover were in advance, marching according to orders to the attack of the camp.
Nixon had already crossed the creek, and Glover was preparing to follow him, when a de
serter from the enemy was observed fording the creek, from whom information was received
that Burgoyne with his whole army was still in his camp. This was confirmed by the
capture of a reconnoitring party of a subaltern and 35 men, by the advance guard of 50
under Captain Goodale of Putnam's regiraent, who discovered thera through the fog just as
he reached the bank of the creek, and making a resolute charge upon them, took thera
without firing a gun. The general was at this time a raile in the rear, and before this
inteUigence could be communicated to him, and orders received for the two brigades to
desist and recross the river, the fog cleared up, and exposed to view the whole British army
under arms. A heavy fire of artiUery and small-arms was immediately opened upon Nix.
on's brigade, which was in advance, and they retreated in considerable disorder across the
creek, with a trifling loss, and resumed their position.
" General Learned had in the mean time reached Morgan's corps with his two brigades,
and was advancing rapidly to the attack, in obedience to a standing order which had been
issued the day before, ' That in case of an attack against any point, whether front, flank or
rear, the troops are to fall on the enemy at all quarters.' He had arrived within 200 yards
of Burgoyne's strongest post, and in a few rainutes more would have been engaged under
great disadvantages, when Colonel Wilkinson reached him with intelligence that our right
had given way, and that it would be prudent for him to retreat. Being without authority
frora the general to order it, the brave old general hesitated to obey, in opposition to the
standing order, until Lieutenant-colonels Brooks and Tupper and some other officers com.
ing up, a sort of councU was held, and the proposition to retreat was approved. The mo
ment they turned their backs, the enemy, who had been calmly expecting their advance,
opened a fire upon them which was continued until they were masked by the wood. They
retreated about half a mile, with Morgan on their left, and encamped in a strong position,
which they held until the surrender of the British army."
On the 14th of October, Gen. Burgoyne sent Major Kingston to
the head-quarters of Gen. Gates with a proposition for " a cessation
of arms, during the time necessary to communicate the preliminary
terms, by which in any extremity he and the army mean to abide."
Gen. Gates had already prepared a schedule of the terms upon which
he was wUling to treat. This schedule evinced that he was weU ac
quainted with the distresses of the British, and was drawn up in terms
of extreme liberality. To the 9th article of Gen. Burgoyne's propo
sition, Gen. Gates affixed the following answer :

SARATOGA COUNTY. 313
" ' The capitulation to be finished by 2 o'clock, this day, the 15th, and the troops march
from then- encarapment at 5, and be in readiness to move towards Boston to-morrow mom
ing.' These preliminary articles and their answers being sent to General Burgoyne, pro.
duced the immediate return of his raessenger with the following note. ' The eight first
preUminary articles of Lieutenant.general Burgoyne's proposals, and the 2d, 3d, and 4th
of those of Major-general Gates of yesterday, being agreed to, the formation of' the pro
posed treaty is out of dispute, but the several subordinate articles and regulations necessa
rily springing from these preUminaries, and requiring explanations and precision, between
the parties, before a definitive treaty can be safely executed, a longer time than that men.
tioned by General Gates in his answer to the 9th article, becomes indispensably necessary.
Lieutenant-general Burgoyne is wiUing to appoint two officers iramediately to meet two
others from Major-general Gates to propound, discuss, and settle those subordinate articles,
in order that the treaty in due form may be ex6cuteii as soon as possible,' "
This meeting took place on the afternoon of the 15th, and the
parties mutually signed articles of capitulation, or convention, as Gen.
Burgoyne wished to have it designated. A copy of the convention
was to be signed by Gen, Burgoyne and delivered the next moming.
The following are the articles of convention.
Articles of Convention between Lieutenant-general Burgoyne and Major-general Gates.
" 1st, The troops under Lieutenant-general Burgoyne to march out of their camp with
the honors of war, and the artillery of the entrenchments, to the verge of the river where
the old fort stood, where the arms and artUlery are to be left ; the arras to be pUed by word
of coraraand frora their own officers.
" 2d, A free passage to be granted to the army under Lieutenant-general Burgoyne to
Great Britain, on condition of not serving again in North Araerica during the present con.
test ; and the port of Boston is assigned for the entry of transports to receive the troops,
whenever General Howe shall so order,
" 3d, Should any cartel take place, by which the army under General Burgoyne, or any
part of it, may be exchanged, the foregoing article to be void as far as such exchange shaU
be made,
" 4th, The array under Lieutenant-general Burgoyne, to march to Massachusetts Bay,
by the easiest, most expeditious, and convenient route ; and to be quartered in, near, or as
convenient as possible to Boston, that the march of the troops may not be delayed, when
the transports arrive to receive them.
" 5th. The troops to be supphed on their march, and during their being in quarters, with
provisions, by General Gates' orders, at the sarae rate of rations as the troops of his own
array ; and if possible the officers' horses and cattle are to be suppUed with forage at the
usual rates,
" 6th. All officers to retain their carriages, batt-horses and other cattie, and no baggage
to be raolested or searched ; Lieutenant-general Burgoyne giving his honor that there are
no public stores secreted therein. Major-general Gates wUl of course take the necessary
measures for the due performance of this article. Should any carriages be wanted during
the march, for the transportation of officers' baggage, they are, if possible, to be suppUed by
the country at the usual rates.
" 7th. Upon the raaroh, and during the tirae the array shall reraain in quarters in Massa
chusetts Bay, the officers are not as far as circumstances wUl admit to be separated from
their raen. The officers are to be quartered according to rank, and are not to be hindered
from assembling their men for roll-call and other necessary purposes of regularity,
" 8th, All corps whatever of General Burgoyne's array, whether coraposed of sailors,
batteauxmen, artificers, drivers, independent companies, and followers of the army, of
whatever country, shall be included in the fullest sense and utmost extent in the above ar.
tides, and comprehended in every respect as British subjects,
"9 th, All Canadians, and persons belonging to the Canadian establishment, consisting
of sailors, batteauxmen, artificers, drivers, independent companies, and many other follow.
ers of the army, who come under no particular description, are to be permitted to return
there ; they are to be conducted immediately by the shortest route to tfie first British post
on Lake George, are to be supplied with provisions in the same manner as the other troops,
and are to be bound by the sarae condition of not serving during the present contest in
North Araerica,
" 10th, Passports to be imraediately granted for three officers not exceeding the rank of
captains, who shall be appointed by Lieutenant-general Burgoyne, to carry despatches to

314 SARATOGA COUNTY.
Sir Williara Howe, Sir Guy Carieton, and to Great Britain, by the way of New York , and
Major-general Gates engages the public faith, that these despatches shall not be opeiied.
These officers are to set out immediately after receiving their despatches, and are to travel
the shortest route, and in the most expeditious manner.
"11th, During the stay of the troops in Massachusetts Bay, the officers are to be ad.
mitted on parole, and are to be allowed to wear their side-arms,
"12, Should the araiy under Lieutenant-general Burgoyne find it necessary to send for
their clothing and other baggage to Canada, they are to be permitted to do it in the most
convenient manner, and the necessary passports granted for that purpose,
" 13. These articles are to be mutually signed and exchanged to-morrow morning, at 9
o'clock, and the troops under Lieutenant-general Burgoyne are to march out of their entrench
ments at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. (Signed) " Horatio Gates, Major-general,
" Saratoga, Oct, 16th, 1777, , ^^'S"^^^- " ^- ^^^°''^^' Lieutenant-general.
" To prevent any doubts that might arise from Lieutenant-general Burgoyne's name not
being mentioned in the above treaty. Major-general Gates hereby declares, that he is un.
derstood to be comprehended in it, as fully as if his narae had been specifically mentioned,
" Hokatio Gates."
" The brass artiUery captured frora Burgoyne at various times during the campaign,
amounted to 42 pieces, constituting one of the most elegant trains ever brought into the
field ; 5,000 stand of arms, 6,000 dozen of cartridges ; and a number of ammunition wagons,
travelling • forges, shot, carcasses, shells, &c., also fell into the hands of the Araericans.
The whole nuraber of troops surrendered by the convention amounted to 5,763, which
added to the number killed, wounded, and captured, in the several actions previous to the
17th October, amounting to near 5,000, makes Burgoyne's total loss of upwards of ten
thousand men.
"On the morning of the 17th the troops of Burgoyne were marched out of their camp to
the plain near the river, where their arms were deposited ; and the victorious Americans
took possession of their lines," The annexed cut is a copy
of the signature of General
Burgoyne, attached to the
'J^^iZ^ articles of the convention
now in possession of the
New York Historical So
ciety.
Facsimile of Oen. Burgoyne's signature.
General Wilkinson's account of the interview between Gates and
Burgoyne on the field of surrender is interesting.
" Early in the morning of the 17th, I visited General Burgoyne in his camp, and accom.
panied him to the ground, where his army was to lay down their arms, from whence we
rode to the bank of the Hudson river, which he surveyed with attention, and asked me
whether it was not fordable. ' Certainly, sir ; but do you observe the people on the oppo.
site shore ?' ' Yes,' replied he, ' I have seen thera too long,' He then proposed to be in.
troduced to General Gates, and we crossed the FishkiU, and proceeded to head.quarters.
General Burgoyne in front, with his adjutant-general Kingston, and his aids-de-camp Cap
tain Lord Petersham, and Lieutenant Wilford behind him ; then followed Majgr-general
Philips, the Baron Reidesel, and the other general officers, and their suites, according to
rank. General Gates, advised of Burgoyne's approach, raet him at the head of his camp,
Burgoyne in a rich royal uniform, and Gates in a plain blue fi-ock ; when they had ap
proached nearly within sword's length, they reined up, and halted, I then named the gen.
tlemen, and General Burgoyne, raising his hat raost gracefully, said ' The fortune of war.
General Gates, has raade me your prisoner ;' to which the conqueror, returning a courtly
salute, promptiy repUed, ' I shall always be ready to bear testimony, that it has not been
through any fault of your excellency,' Major-general PhUlips then advanced, and he and
General Gates saluted, and shook hands with the familiarity of old acquaintances. The
Baron Reidesel, and the other officers, were introduced in their turn."
63

SARATOGA COUNTY,

315

" Gen, Philip Schuyler was
born at Albany, in 1731, of an
ancient and respectable family.
When quite young he became a
member of the New York legisla
ture, and was eminent for his in-
^ ... ,„,.,.„, , , . telligence and usefulness. To hira
Thc-.,m,leofFM,p Sehuyltr s s,gnaturc. and Governor Clinton it was chief
ly owing that the province made an early and decided resistance to those British measures
which terrainated in tbe independence of the colonies. When the revolution coraraenced,
he was appointed, June 19, 1775, a major-general, and was directed to proceed imme
diately from New York to Ticonderoga, to secure the lakes, and make preparations for
entering Canada. Being taken sick in September, the coraraand devolved upon Mont-
gomery. On his recovery, he devoted himself zealously to the management of the affairs
in the northern departments. He gave much attention to the superintendence of the In
dian concerns. On the approach of Burgoyne, in 1777, he made every exertion to obstruct
his progress ; but the evacuation of Ticonderoga by St. Clair, occasioning unreasonable
jealousies in regard to Schuyler, in New England, he was superseded by Gen. Gates in
August ; and an inquiry was directed by congress to be made into his conduct. He was
afterward, though not in the regular service, very useful to his country in the military
transactions of New York. He was a meraber of the old congress ; and when the pres
ent governraent of the United States coraraenced its operation in 1789, he was appointed
a senator in the national legislature. He was chosen a second time in 1797, to the sarae
station. In the senate of New York, he contributed probably more than any other man
to the code of laws adopted by the state. He died at his seat near Albany, Nov. 18,
1804, in the 73d year of his age. He possessed great strength of mind, and purity of in-
tention. In the contrivance of plans of public utility, he was wise and circumspect, and
in their execution, enterprising and persevering. In his deportment he was dignified and
courteous. He was a pleasant and instructive companion, and in all the functions of pri
vate life was highly exemplary." — Encyclopedia Americana.

Western view of the battle-ground, Stillwater.

The town of Stillwater is distinguished in history as being the bat
tle-ground of the armies of Generals Gates and Burgoyne, in which
the army of the latter general was signally repulsed, and forced tc
retire from the field of action.
The above shows the appearance of the battle-ground on Free
man's farm, as seen from near the front of Mr. J. Walker's house, 2^
miles from Pattison's tavern, and about 2 miles from Hudson river.

316 SARATOGA COUNTY.
Freeman's house stood a few feet south of the southernmost building
seen in the engraving ; the line of trees or woods seen behind the
buildings is the spot where Burgoyne formed his line on the brow
of the elevated plain previous to the battle of Sept. 19th ; WUlard's
mountain on the east side of the Hudson is seen in the distance.
About 15 rods south, from Mr. Walker's house, in what then was
called a meadow, is the spot where Gen. Frazer was mortaUy
wounded ; it is a little west of a road running N. and S. which has
since been made near this place. About 60 rods in a SW. direction
was the hottest of the fight, on the 7th of October. Near the place
where Frazer fell, a hole or grave was dug, into which the bodies of
40 soldiers were thrown, after being stripped of their clothing by
the women of the camp. Maj. Ackland was wounded a little east
of the present road. The following account of the battles is drawn
from various sources.
" The army arrived at Stillwater on the 9th of September, fuUy determined to face the
foe, and if necessary pursue him into his own confines. This was at first supposed to be
an eligible position for throwing up a line of intrenchments, and a large party under the
engineer Kosciusko were accordingly set to work for that purpose. But upon a more nar.
row inspection of the grounds, the general determined to change his position, and occupy
Beraus's heights, which were taken possession of and fortified on the I2th, Burgoyne at
this time lay opposite to Saratoga, occupying old Fort Miller and Battenkill ; but what were
his further intentions. Gen, Gates had no raeans of judging. In this situation the deputy
adjutant-general, Col, Jaraes Wilkinson, volunteered to head a select reconnoitring party,
and obtain if possible the desired information. He left the camp witii 170 raen, under cover
of a dark night, and arrived by daylight at Davocote, about two miles from Saratoga, Here
he poisted the greater part of his men in a wood near the road, and proceeded himself to
the heights of Fish creek ; from which position he discovered a column of the enemy drawn
up under arras, on the opposite bank of the creek, within 300 yards of hira, and another
column under march, descending the heights below BattenkiU, Being satisfied from these
circumstances that Gen, Burgoyne was advancing. Col, Wilkinson retumed to carap with
his party, bringing with him three prisoners, who confirmed the intelligence,
" On the 15th, Gen, Burgoyne having crossed the river some days before, had advanced
as far as Davocote, where he halted 24 hours for the purpose of repairing the bridges and
roads in his advance, for the more convenient march of his army. On the 18th, Gen, Ar
nold was sent out with 1,500 raen, to harass and impede him, but returned without accom
plishing any thing ; Burgoyne continuing his march untU he had arrived within 2 miles of
Gen. Gates's camp. Here he encamped in a line extending from the river to a range of
hills 600 yards distant, and upon which were posted the elite of his array. The position
occupied by Gen, Gates, as described by an eye-witness, and one who knew it well, was
as follows : — ' His right occupied the brow of the hiU near the river, with which it was con.
nected by a deep intrenchment ; his camp in the form of a segment of a great circle, the
convex towards the enemy, extended rather obliquely to his rear, about three-fourths of a
mUe to a knoll occupied by his left ; his front was covered from the right to the left of his
centre, by a sharp ravine running parallel with his line, and closely wooded ; from thence
to the knoll at his extreme left, the ground was level and had been partiaUy, cleared, sorae
of the trees being feUed, and others girdled ; beyond which, in front of his left fiank, and
extending to the enemy's right, there were several small fields in very imperfect cultivation,
the surface broken and obstructed with sturaps and fallen timber, and the whole bounded
on the west by a steep eminence. The extremities of this camp were defended by strong
batteries, and the interval was strengthened by a breastwork without intrenchraents, con
structed of the bodies of felled trees, logs and rails, with an additional battery at an open.
ing left of the centre. The right was almost impracticable ; the left difficult of approach,' "
— Allen's Rev.
WhUe in this position, the battle of the 19th Sept. took place ; the
following account of which is from Gen. WUkiiison's Memoirs.
" This batde was perfectiy accidental ; neither of the generals meditated an attack at
tbe time, and but for Lieut, Col, Colburn's report, it would not have taken place ; Bur.

SARATOGA COUNTY. 317
goyne's movement being merely to take ground on the heights in front of the great ravine,
to give his several corps their proper places in Une, to embrace our front and cover hia
transport, stores, provisions, and baggage, in the rear of his left ; and on our side, the de.
fences of our camp being not half completed, and reinforcements daily arriving, it was not
Gen, Gates's policy to court an action. The misconception of the adverse chiefs put them
on the defensive, and confined them to the ground they casually occupied at the beginning
of the action, and prevented a single manoeuvre, during one of the longest, warmest, and
most obstinate batties fought in America,
" The theatre of action was such, that although the combatants changed ground a dozen
times in the course of the day, the contest terminated on the spot where it began. The
British line was formed on an eminence in a thin pine wood, having before it Freeman's
farra, an oblong field, stretching from its centre towards its right, the ground in front sloping
gentiy down to the verge of this field, which was bordered on the opposite side by a close
wood. The sanguinary scene lay in the cleared ground, between the eminence occupied
by the enemy, and the wood just described. The fire of our marksmen from this wood
was too deadly to be withstood by the enemy in hne, and when they gave way and broke,
our raen, rushing frora their covert, pursued them to the eminence, where, having their
flanks protected, they raUied, and, charging in tum, drove us back into the wood, from
whence a dreadful fire would again force them to fall back ; and in this manner did the
battle fluctuate, like the waves of a stormy sea, with alternate advantage for four hours,
without one moment's intermission. The British artillery fell into our possession at every
charge, but We could neither turn the pieces upon the enemy, nor bring them off; the
wood prevented the last, and the want of a match the first, as the linstock was invariably
carried off, and the rapidity of the transitions did not allow us time to provide one. The
slaughter of this brigade of artiUerists was remarkable, the captain and 36 men being kiUed
or wounded out of 48. It was truly a gallant conflict, in which death by familiarity lost
his terrors, and certainly a drawn battie, as night alone terminated it ; the British army
keeping its ground in rear of the field of action, and our corps, when they could no longer
distinguish objects, retiring to their own camp,"
From the period this battle was fought, (Sept. 19th,) to October
7th, the time was spent by Gen. Burgoyne in strengthening his posi
tion, and by Gen. Gates in collecting reinforcements. Gen. Bur-
foyne is said to have planned an attack on the 20th and 21st of
eptember, but fortunately it was delayed until the Americans were
in the best situation to oppose him. Attacks on the British piquets
took place almost ever^ evening, and they were continually harassed.
The foUowing is Gen. Wilkinson's account of the battle of Oct. 7th.
" On the afternoon of October 7th, the advanced guard of the centre beat to arms ; the
alarm was repeated throughout the Une, and the troops repaired to their alarm posts, I was
at head.quarters when this happened, and with the approbation of the general, mounted my
horse to inquire the cause ; but on reaching the guard where the beat commenced, I could
obtain no other satisfaction, but that some person had reported the enemy to be advancing
against our left, I proceeded, over open ground, and ascending a genfle accUvity in front
of the guard, I perceived, about half a mile frora the line of our encarapraent, several col
umns of t'he eneray, 60 or 70 rods fr/om me, entering a wheat field which had not been cut,
and was separated from me by a sraall rivulet ; and without ray glass I could distinctly
raark their every movement. After entering the field they displayed, formed the Une, and
set down in double ranks with their arms between their legs. Foragers then proceeded to
cut the wheat or standing straw, and I soon after observed several ofiicers mounted on the
top of a cabin, from whence with their glasses they were endeavoring to reconnoitre our
left, which was concealed from their view by intervening woods,
" Having satisfied myself, after fifteen minutes attentive observation, that no attack was
meditated, I retumed and reported to the general, who asked me what appeared to be the
intentions of the enemy. ' They are foraging, and endeavoring to reconnoitre your left ;
and I think, sir, they offer you batde.' ' What is the nature of the ground, and what your
opinion ?' ' Their front is open, and their flanks rest on the woods, under cover of which
they may be attacked ; their right is skirted by a lofty height, I would indulge them,'
' WeU, then, order on Morgan to begin the game,' I waited on the colonel, whose corps
was formed in front of our centre, and delivered the order ; he knew the ground and in.
quired the position of the enemy ; they were formed across a newly cultivated field, their

318 SARATOGA COUNTY.
grenadiers with several field-pieces on the left, bordering on a wood and a small ravine
formed by the rivulet before alluded to ; their light infantry on the right, covered by a worm
fence at the foot of the hill before mentioned, thickly covered with wood ; their centire
coraposed of British and Gerraan battaUons, Col. Morgan, with his usual sagacity, pro.
posed to raake a circuit with his corps by our left, and under cover of the wood to gain the
height on the right of the enemy, and from thence commence the attack, so soon as our
fire should be opened against their left ; the plan was the best which could be devised, and
no doubt contributed essentiaUy to the prompt and decisive victory we gained,
" This proposition was approved by the general, and it was concerted that time should be
allowed the colonel to make the proposed circuit, and gain his station on the enemy's right
before the attack should be made on their left ; Poor's brigade was ordered for this service,
and the attack was commenced in due season on the flank and front of the British grena.
diers, by the New Hampshire and New York troops. True to his purpose, Morgan at this
critical moment poured down like a torrent from the hiU, and attacked the right bf the en.
emy in front and flank. Dearborn, at the moraent when the eneray's Ught infantry were
atterapting to change front, pressed forward vnth ardor, and delivered a close fire ; then
leaped the fence, shouted, charged, and gallantly forced thera to retire in disorder ; yet,
headed by that intrepid soldier, the Earl of Balcarras, they were immediately raUied, and
re-formed behind a fence in rear of their first position ; but being now attacked with great
audacity, in front and flanks, by superior numbers, resistance became vain, and the whole
Une, coraraanded by Burgoyne in person, gave way, and raade a precipitate and disorderly
retreat to his camp, leaving two twelve and six six pounders on the field, with the loss of
more than 400 officers and men, kiUed, wounded and captured, and among them the flow.
er of his officers — viz, brigadier-general Frazer; Major Ackland, coraraanding the grenadiers ;
Sir Francis Clark, his first aid-de-camp ; Major Williams, coraraanding officer of the artil
lery ; Captain Mooney, deputy quarterraaster-general, and raany others. After deUver.
ing the order to General Poor, and directing hira to the point of attack, I was pereraptorily
commanded to repair to the rear, and order up Ten Broeck's regiment of New York mili
tia, 3000 strong. I performed this service, and regained the field of battie at the raoraent
the enemy had turned their backs — 52 minutes after the first shot was fired. The ground
which had been occupied by the British grenadiers, presented a scene of complicated hor
ror and exultation. In the square space of twelve or fifteen yards lay eighteen grenadiers
in the agonies of death, and three officers propped up against stumps of trees, two of them
raortally wounded, bleeding and alraost speechless. What a spectacle for one whose bo
sora glowed with phUanthropy ; and how vehement the impulse which excites men of sen.
sibiUty to seek such scenes of barbarism ! I found the courageous Colonel CUley a-strad.
die on a brass twelve pounder, and exulting in the capture ; whilst a surgeon, a man of
great worth, who was dressing one of the officers, raising his blood-besmeared hands in the
phrenzy of patriotism, exclairaed, ' Wilkinson, I have dipped my hands in British blood,'
He received a sharp rebuke for his brutality ; and with the troops I pursued the hard press.
ed flying eneray, passing over killed and wounded, until I heard one exclaira, ' Protect rae,
sir, against this boy,' Turning ray eyes, it was ray fortune to arrest the purpose of a lad
thirteen or fourteen years old, in the act of taking aim at the wounded officer, who lay in
the angle of a worm fence. Inquiring his rank, he answered, ' I had the honor to com
mand the grenadiers.' Of course, I knew hira to be Major Ackland, who had been brought
frora the field to this place, on the back of Captain Shrimpton, of his own corps, under a
heavy fire, and was here deposited, to save the lives of both. I dismounted, took him by
the hand, and expressed my hopes that he was not badly wounded. ' Not liadly,' replied
this gallant officer and accomplished gentleman, ' but very inconveniently. I am shot
tiirongh both legs. Will you, sir, have the goodness to have rae conveyed to your camp ?'
I directed my servant to alight, and we lifted Ackland into his seat, and ordered him to be
conducted to head-quarters. I tlien proceeded to the scene of renewed action, which era-
braced Burgoyne's right flank defence, and extending to his left, crossed a hollow covered
with wood, about 40 rods, to the intrenchment of the light infantry. The roar of cannon
and small-arms, at this juncture, was sublime, between the enemy, behind their worksj and
our troops entirely exposed, or partially sheltered by trees, sturaps, or hoUows, at various
distances, not exceeding 120 yards. This right flank defence of the enemy, occupied by
the German corps of Breyman, consisted of a breastwork of rails piled horizontally be.
tween perpendicular pickets, driven into the earth, en potence to the rest of his line, and
extended, about 250 yards across an open field, and was covered on the right by a battery
of two guns. . The interval from the left to the British light infantry, was committed to the
defence of the provincialisis, who occupied a couple of log cabins. The Germans were
encamped iraraediately behind the raU breastwork, and the ground in front of it decUned,
in a very gentie slope, for about 120 yards, when it sunk abruptly. Our troops had formed

SARATOGA COUNTY. 319
a line under this declivity, and covered breast high, were warmly engaged with the Ger.
mans. From this position, about sunset, I perceived Brigadier.general Learned advancing
towards the enemy with his brigade, in open column, I think with Col, M, Jackson's regi.
ment in front, as I saw Lieutenant-colonel Brooks, who coraraanded it, near the general
when I rode up to hira. On saluting this brave old soldier, he inquired, ' Where can I put
in with raost advantage ?' I had particularly examined the ground between the left of the
Germans and the light infantry, occupied by the provincialisis, from whence I had observed
a slack fire, I therefore recoraraended to General Learned to incline to his right, and at.
tack at that point. He did so, with great gaUantry ; the provinciaUsls abandoned their po.
sition and fled. The German flank was, by this means, left uncovered. They were as.
saulted -vigorously, overturned in five minutes, and retreated in disorder, leaving their gal
lant commander, Lieutenant-colonel Breyman, dead on the field. By dislodging this corps,
the whole British encampment was laid open to us ; but the extreme darkness of the night,
the fatigue of the men, and disorder incident to undisciplined troops, after so desultory an
action, put it out of our power to improve the advantage ; and in the course of the night.
General Burgoyne broke up his camp, and retired to his original position, which he had for
tified, behind the great ravine,"
The following is from Allen's American Revolution : —
" The British lost in this action upwards of 400 killed, wounded, and prisoners, among
whom were several of their most distinguished officers. Brigadier-general Frazer, and
Lieutenant-colonel Breyman, who coraraanded the Gerraans, were both mortally wounded.
Major Ackland, Sir Francis Clark, first aid-de-camp, Major Williams, who commanded the
artillery, and the deputy quarter-master-general, Captain Money, were among the prisoners,
Lieutenant-colonel Brooks, of General Learned's brigade, who commanded Jackson's regi
ment on this day, led his men into action with great spirit against the German grenadiers,
who were posted behind a rail breastwork — the stockades were carried at the point uf the
bayonet, and the Germans forced to retreat. They were followed to their encampment,
and again forced to fly, leaving their whole equipage to fall into the hands of the Ameri.
cans. The Brunswickers showed great cowardice in the action, having fled before a man
of therrt was killed or wounded. Besides their killed, wounded, and capture^, the British
lost eight brass field-pieces, a number of carts and tents, and a considerable quantity of
baggage. Burgoyne himself narrowly escaped death, one shot having passed through his
hat, and another through his waistcoat. He was on the field during the whole of the ac
tion, directing every moveraent; but neither gallantry nor skUl could effect any thing
against such a superiority of force. General Gates remained in camp during the whole ac
tion, that he might be the better enabled to order and regulate the various moveraents, as
circumstances should require,
" The loss of the Araericans did not exceed eighty men, kiUed and wounded. General
Arnold was araong the latter; who, though he had not been reinstated in his comraand
since the dispute with General Gates, before raentioned, rode about the field giving orders
in every direction, sometimes in direct contradiction to those of the commander, at others
leading a platoon in person, and exposing hiraself to the hottest fire of the eneray. There
seems to be Uttie doubt, frora the conduct of Arnold during the action, that he was in a
state of intoxication. The raortifying situation in which he found himself at its commence.
ment, without command or authority, sufficiently accounts for any extravagance in a spirit
like his. At one time he dashed through two opposing lines, exposing himself to the fire
of both sides, but miraculously escaped unhurt : at another time, placing himself at the
head of a small platoon of Morgan's riflemen, he led them around into the rear of the en.
emy, at the moraent they tvirned to retreat, under the hottest fire of the Americans, In
this situation, his horse was kiUed under him, and his leg was broken. It would be doing
injustice to General Arnold, traitor as he afterward proved, to deny that he deserved some
credit on this day ; but though he was brave almost beyond paraUel, he was rash, impetu
ous and headstrong, and when it is considered, that these faults of his natural temper were
aggravated and heightened by the peculiar circumstances of his situation, it will not per
haps be wrong to say, that he could not have rendered any very essential services to the
American array, in this important contest,
" On the night of the battie, General Burgoyne deemed it prudent to change his posi.
tion ; for the Araericans had followed thera to within half a raile of their encarapment, and
continued to cannonade them without ceasing. He determined therefore to abandon hia
carap and move to the high grounds, which he effected in good order and without loss.
On the morning of the 8th the American array raoved forward and took possession of hia
abandoned carap, from which they kept up a random fire of artillery and smaU-arms dur

320

SARATOGA COUNTY.

ing the wnole day, Burgoyne's troops were aU day under arms in expectation of another
attack, and indicating by their movements that they intended a stUl further retreat. In the
occasional skirmishes of tiie day. General Lincoln was shot in the leg by some of the en.
emy's marksmen,"

House in which General Frazer died, Stillwater.
The annexed is a northeastern view of the house on the bank of
the Hudson in Stillwater, in which General Frazer died.* This
house was originally one story in height, and formerly stood about
25 rods westward of its present situation, at the foot of the hill north
of the canal bridge seen in the rear of the house. It has since re
ceived an addition at both ends ; the general expired near the first
window to the right of the door. Beyond the bridge in the distance is
seen an elevation about 100 feet in height. This spot is rendered in
teresting on account of its being the burial place of General Frazer.
The gravefwas between the two pine trees seen on the summit. Du
ring the last battle, the Americans had a few cannon on the rising ground
above the eastern shore, from which shots were fired. This house
appears to have been for a time the head-quarters of Burgoyne.
Several ladies of distinction were also inmates at the time when the
British troops were here, ' being the wives of some of the principal
officers. The following is an extract from one of the letters of the
Baroness Reidesel, originally published in Germany : —
" But severe trials awaited us, and on the 7th of October, our misfortunes began, I was
at breakfast with ray husband, and heard that something was intended. On the sarae day
I expected Generals Burgoyne, Phillips, and Frazer to dine with us, I saw a great move.
ment among the troops ; ray husband told me, it was merely a reconnoissance, which gave
me no concern, as it often happened. I walked out of the house and met several Indians
in their war dresses, with guns in their hands. When I asked them where they were go.
* The foUowing are the circumstances of his death : In the midst of the sanguinary
battle of Oct, 7th, Colonel Morgan took a few of his choice riflemen aside and said, " That
gaUant officer is General Frazer ; / admire and respect him, but it is necessary that he
should die ; take your stations in that wood, and do your duty." Within a few moraents
Gen. Frazer fell raortally wounded. He was supported by two officers, till he reached hii
tent ; he said he saw the raan who shot him, that he was a rifleman posted in a tree.
t His remains were taken tip some years since, and conveyed to England.

SARATOGA COUNTY. 321
ing, they cried out, ' War ! War !' (meaning they were going to battle.) This filled me
with apprehension, and I scarcely got home before I heard reports of cannon and musketry,
which grew louder by degrees, tiU at last the noise became excessive. About four o'clock
in the afternoon, instead of the guests whom I expected. General Frazer was brought on a
litter mortally wounded. The table, which was already set, was instantly removed and a
bed placed in its stead for the wounded general, I sat trerabling in a comer ; the noise
grew louder, and the alarm increased ; the thought that ray husband might perhaps be
brought in, wounded in the sarae way, was terrible to me, and distressed me exceedingly.
General Frazer said to the surgeon, ' Tell me if my wound is mortal; do not flatter me.'
The ball had passed through his body, and unhappily for the general, he had eaten a very
hearty breakfast, by which the stomach was distended, and the baU, as the surgeon said,
had passed through it, I heard him often exclaim with a sigh, ' Oh, fatal ambition ! Poor
General Burgoyne I Oh, my poor wife !' He was asked if he had any request to raake, to
which he rephed, that ' If General Burgoyne would perrait it, he should like to be buried
at six o'clock in the evening on the top of a raountain, in a redoubt which had been buUt
there,' I did not know which way to turn, all the other rooms were fuU of sick. To.
wards evening I saw my husband coming ; then I forgot aU my sorrows, and thanked God
that he was spared to me. He ate in great haste with me and his aid.de.camp behind the
house. We had been told that we had the advantage of the enemy, but the sorrowful fa.
ces I beheld told a different tale, and before my husband went away, he took me one side,
and said every thing was going very bad', that I must keep myself in readiness to leave the
place, but not to mention it to any one, I made the pretence that I would raove the next
moming into my new house, and had every thing packed up ready,
" Lady H, Ackland had a tent not far from our house ; in this she slept, and the rest of
the day she was in the carap. All of a sudden, a man carae to tell her that her husband
was mortally wounded and taken prisoner ; on hearing this she becarae very raiserable ;
we coraforted her by teUing her that the wound was only slight, and at the sarae time ad.
vised her to go over to her husband, to do which she would certainly obtain permission,
and then she could attend him herself; she was a charming woman, and very fond of him.
I spent much of the night in coraforting her, and then went again to my children, whom I
had put to bed, I oould not go to sleep, as I had General Frazer and all the other wound.
ed gentlemen in my room, and I was sadly afraid my children would awake, and by their
crying disturb the dying raan in his last raoraents, who often addressed me^ and apologized
'for the trouble he gave me.' About 3 o'clock in the morning I was told he could not hold
out much longer ; I had desired to be informed of the near approach of this sad crisis, and
I then wrapped up my chUdren in their clothes, and went with them into the room below.
About 8 o'clock in the morning he died. After he was laid out and his corpse wrapped up
in a sheet, we came again into the room, and had this sorrowful sight before us the whole
day ; and to add to this melancholy scene, almost every raoraent some officer of my ac
quaintance was brought in wounded. The cannonade coraraenced again ; a retreat was
spoken of, but not the sraallest motion was made towards it. About 4 o'clock in the after.
noon I saw the house which had just been built for me in flames, and the enemy was now
not far off. We knew that General Burgoyne would not refuse the last request of General
Frazer, though by his acceding to it, an unnecessary delay was occasioned, by which the
inconvenience of the army was much increased. At 6 o'clock the corpse was hrought out,.
and we saw all the generals attend it to the raountain ; the chaplain, Mr, BrundeU, per-
forraed the funeral service, rendered unusually soleran and awful, frora its being accom.
panied by constant peals from the enemy's artiUery. Many cannon baUs flew close by rae ;.
but I had my eyes directed towards the mountain, where ray husband was standing araid
the fire of the enemy, and of course, I could not think of my own danger. General Gates
afterward said, that if he had known it had been a funeral, he would not have permitted it
to be fired on," Lady Harriet Ackland went to the American carap after the action, to take
care of her husband, before the surrender, and the Baroness Reidesel afterward. They
were both received with the greatest kindness and deUcacy.
Waterford was taken from Half Moon in 1816. The village of
Waterford, containing a population of about 1,600, is pleasant^ situ
ated at the junction of the Mohawk with the Hudson, 10 miles north of
Albany. The annexed view was taken on the road to Cahoos FaUs,
about a mile west of the village. There are here 4 churches — viz,
1 Presbyterian, 1 Methodist, 1 Episcopal, and 1 Dutch Reformed —
an academy, and a bank. It is favorably located for trade, being on
21 64

322

SCHENECTADY COUNTY.

Western view of Waterford.
the lines of the Champlain canal and Rensselaer and Saratoga rail
road. It also derives considerable importance from the navigation
of smaU vessels on the Hudson. There is an outlet here from the
canal by three locks, each 1 1 feet, to the Mohawk river. The agri
cultural and manufactured products exported from the village annually,
amount to about a miUion of doUars. -The water-power used in the
large manufacturing estabhshments at this place is derived from the
Mohawk.

SCHENECTADY COUNTY.
Schenectady county was taken from Albany in 1809 ; centrally
distant from New York 163, from Albany 18 mUes. Greatest length
25, greatest breadth 20 miles. The surface is much diversified by
hills, plains, and vaUeys. The soil along the Mohawk and other
streams is generally rich alluvion ; on the hills, light sandy loam,
sometimes fertile ; and on the plains, clay and clayey loam, and sand,
sometimes barren. Wherever practicable, the country is generally
well cultivated, chiefly by descendants of the primitive Dutch settlers,
among whom are many wealthy farmers. The Mohawk river runs
SE. through the county. The Schoharie kill, on the W., affords
abundance of mill power. The Mohawk and Hudson, the Rensse
laer and Saratoga, and the Utica and Schenectady railroads, and
Erie canal, cross this county. The county is divided into five towns
and the city of Schenectady, viz. :
Duanesburgh, Niskayuna, Rotterdam,
Glenville, Princeton, Schenectady.

EASTERN VIEW OF SCHENECTADY, N. Y.
The above view shows the appearance of Schenectady from the elevated ground eastward of the city, near the Troy road. The ancient
Union College building is seen in the central part, aud on- the extreme right the bridge over the Mohawk.

SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 323
Schenectady city was incorporated in 1798. Its name, pronounced
by the Indians Schagh-nac-taa-da, signifying " beyond the pine plains,"
was originally applied to Albany. The compact part of the city was
hi olden time the site of an Indian village called Con-nugh-harie-
gugh-harie, literally, "a great multitude collected together." It is said
that it was the principal seat of the Mohawks, even before the con
federacy of the Iroquois, or Five Nations. It was abandoned by
them at a very early period in the colonial history. Some time pre
vious to 1620, it is stated that 15 or 20 persons, 12 of whom were
direct from Holland, and the rest from Albany, .settled here for the
purpose of carrying on the fur trade. It appears from the Dutch
records that the first grant of lands was made in 1661, to Arent Van
Corker and others, on condition that they purchased the soil from
the Indians, The deed was obtained in 1672, and signed by four
Mohawk chiefs.
The flats upon the Mohawk river are extensive and rich, and the
uplands, undulating, have a sandy loam soil upon clay slate ; watered
by the Mohawk and its tributary, the Sandkill, a steady and valuable
stream, which unite near the compact portion of the city. The city is
supplied with water for domestic uses by an aqueduct from a spring on
a neighboring hill. It had a considerable corporate estate, formerly
vested in trustees, by letters patent granted in 1684, Portions have
been sold, but the residue, between sixteen and seventeen thousand
acres, has been leased in perpetuity, to individuals, at fixed rents, giv
ing an annual revenue of $5,000, in which the towns of Rotterdam
and Glenville have an interest.
The compact part of Schenectady is on the SE. side of the Mo
hawk riyer, 15^^ miles from Albany, and 15 SW. of Ballston springs.
The plat is laid out on 20 streets crossing each other, running about
one mile in one direction and half a mUe in another, eight of which
are diagonally intersected by the Erie canal. The city, which in
some parts retains much of its ancient appearance, contains the county
buildings, 1 Episcopal, 1 Dutch Reformed, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist,
1 Cameronian, 1 Methodist, 1 Universalist, and 1 Catholic church,
the Union College, Schenectady Lyceum, an academy, 3 banks,
&c., &c. Pop. 6,688. The raUroad from Albany to this place ex
tends across a sandy plain covered with pines and shrubbery ; it
enters Schenectady by an inchned plane which descends 108 feet in
half a mile. The Saratoga and Schenectady railroad passes through
the city, crosses the Mohawk river on a substantial bridge between
8 and 900 feet long, and extends in a northerly direction over a
heavy embankment for three fourths of a mile to a deep cut, where
the Utica railroad diverges to the west, and the Saratoga to the north
east. Union College, in this city, was incorporated by the regents in
1794, and has reached its present flourishing condition from a small
beginning. In 1785, a smaU academy was erected by the consistory
of the Reformed Dutch church, which after the establishment of

324

SCHENECTADY COUNTY.

Union College Buildings, Schenectady.
Union College, was presented to its trustees, and used as a grammar
school. Liberal donations from individuals, amounting to upwards
of f 30,000, raised a suite of edifices in the heart of the city, the prin
cipal one of which was afterward used as a courthouse, but having
been repurchased by the institution, is now devoted to collegiate ob
jects. In 1814, the trustees purchased a site on the rising ground over
looking the Mohawk valley, a little E, of the compact part of the city.
Two edifices have been erected at this place, each 200 feet long,
about 40 wide, 4 stories high, standing in a line 600 feet apart ; a
colonnade extending in the rear from each building 156 feet in length,
by about 30 feet in width, and 2 stories high. The other college
buUdings are two boarding halls, farm-house, hospital house, for a
professor, a number of tenements for servants, &c. The college has
6 professors and 4 assistant professors, and in its several libraries
about 13,000 volumes. The total value of the college property is ,
upwards of $448,000. There are here about 300 students.
The first clergyman of the Dutch church who settled at Schenectady was Petrus Tass-
chemaker, from HoUand, who assumed the pastoral charge in 1684. The first edifice for
public worship was erected at the south end of Church-street, near the bead of Water-street,
between the years 1684 and 1698. Previous to this time meetings for worship were pro.
bably held in private houses. In 1733, a raore coramodious edifice was erected in the cen.
tre of the street where Union and Church streets cross each other. This church was very
simUar in its appearance to the one now standing in Caughnawaga, in the town of Mo.
hawk. [See page 281.]
" Before the settiement of Mr. Tasschemaker, the church-going people attended pubhc
worship in Albany ; a journey to which place, going and coming, consumed more than two
days. The road to Albany must have been very circuitous, as all the records of that day,
when alluding to Schenectady, speak of it as being situated ' twenty miles west of Albany,'
" In February, 1690, when Schenectady was burnt by the French and Indians, Mr, Tass-
cheraaker disappeared very raysteriously. In 1702, the Rev. Thoraas Brower, also from
HoUand, received a caU, and served until his death in 1728, The Rev, Bemardus Free.
raan and Rhynhard Erkson served next in order ; but how long is not known. In 1740,
we find the narae of Cornelius Van Santvoord, who carae from Staten Island, as the settied
clergyman. Two years after his decease, viz., in 1754, the Rev, Barent Vrooman, a na.
tive of Schenectady, accepted a caU and ministered untU his decease in 1782, Mr, Vroo.
man received his education in Holland ; as was the case with aU the Dutch clergynjen of
that early day, before theological seminaries were established in this country, Mr, Vroo.
man was succeeded by the Rev. Derick Romeyn, frora Hackensack and Schallenburgh,
New Jersey, Mr. Romeyn died in 1804, and was succeeded by the Rev. John H. Myers,

SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 325
from Paltz, New Jersey. Mr. Myers died in 1806. His successor was die Rev. CorneUua
Bogardus, who died in 1813, and was succeeded by the Rev. Jacob Van Vechten.
" The Episcopal church at Sbhenectady was founded by Mr. John W. Brown, who emi
grated frora England previous to 1762. About this time measures were taken to erect a
chapel. The principal benefactors were Sir WUUara Johnson and John Duncan, Esq,
Previous to the revolution this church owned a valuable hbrary, which, together with the or
gan and a greater part of the interior work of the building, was destroyed by a gang of lawless
white freebooters and sorae Indians, Snange as it may seem, these freebooters were whigs,
whose prejudices against England were so great as to extend to every thing English, That
this church was called the English church, and was supposed to be under the English in
fluence, formed a sufficient justification in their own view for its destruction, A project
was set on foot to plunder Mr. Doty the pastor ; but fortunately the projectors were not ac.
quainted with his person or place of abode, and as nobody would inform thera, he escaped.
" The Rev. Williara Andrews was probably tiie first pastor of this church. He was sue.
ceeded in 1773 by the Rev. Mr. Doty, who left this place about the year 1777, in the heat
of die revolutionary contest, Frora this time there was no settled minister untU 1791,
when the Rev, Amrai Robbins took the pastoral charge and continued untU 1798, After
hira carae the Rev, Mr. Whitraore, whose ministration ended in 1804. The Rev. Cyrus
Stebbins was the next pastor ; and he was succeeded by tiie Rev. Pierre A. Proal in 1818."
The war during the reign of William and Mary, in England, com
monly called "King William's War," commenced in 1690 and con
tinued about 7 years. In the depth of winter. Count Frontenac,
governor of Canada, fitted out three expeditions against the colonies
— one against New York, a second against New Hampshire, and a
third against the province of Maine. The following, relating to the
destruction of Schenectady, is extracted from the account given in
Mr. Drake's " Book of the Indians."
" After two-and-twenty days' march, the enemy fell in with Schenectady, Febraary 8,
1690. There were about 200 French, and perhaps 50 Caughnewaga Mohawks, and they
at first intended to have surprised Albany ; but their march had been so long and tedious,
occasioned by the deepness of the snow and coldness of the weather, that, instead of at
tempting any thing offensive, they had nearly decided to surrender themselves to the first
English they should meet, such was their distressed situation, in a camp of snow, but a few
miles from the devoted settlement. The Indians, however, saved them from the disgrace.
They had sent out a sraall scout frora their party, who entered Schenectady without even
exciting suspicion of their errand. When they had staid as long as the nature of their
business required, they withdrew to their feUows,
" Seeing that Schenectady offered such an easy prey, it put new courage into the French,
and they came upon it as above related. The bloody tragedy commenced between 11 and
12 o'clock, on Saturday night ; and, that every house raight be surprised at nearly the same
time, the eneray divided themselves into parties of 6 or 7 men each. Although the to-wn
was empaled, no one thought it necessary to close the gates, even at night, presuraing the
severity of the season was a sufficient security ; hence the first news of the approach of the
enemy was at every door of every house, which doors were broken as soon as the profound
slumbers of those they were intended to guard. The same inhuman barbarities now fol
lowed, that were afterward perpetrated upon the wretched inhabitants of Montreal, ' No
tongue,' said Col, Schuyler, ' can express the cruelties that were committed,' Sixty-three
houses, and the church, were immediately in a blaze. Enciente women, in their expiring
agonies, saw their infants cast into the flames, being first delivered by the knife of the mid
night assassin ! Sixty-three persons were put to death, and twenty-seven were carried into
captivity, " A few persons fled towards Albany, with no other covering but their night-clothes ; the
horror of whose condition was greatiy enhanced by a great fall of snow ; 25 of whom lost
then- Urabs frora the severity of the frost. With these poor fugitives carae the inteUigence
to Albany, and that place was in a disraal confusion, having, as usual upon such occasions,
supposed the eneray to have been seven tiraes more numerous than they really were.
About noon, the next day, the enemy set off frora Schenectady, taking all the plunder they
could carry with them, among which were 40 of the best horses. The rest, with aU the
cattie and other doraestic aniraals, lay slaughtered in the streets,
" One of the most considerable men of Schenectady, at this time, was Capt. Alexander

326 SCHENECTADY COUNTY.
Glen, He lived on the opposite side of the river, and was suffered to escape, because he
had delivered many Frencli prisoners from torture and slavery; who had been taken by the
Indians in the forraer wars. They had passed his house in the night, and, diiring the mas.
sacre, he had taken the alarm, and in the morning he was found ready to defend himself.
Before leaving the village, a French officer summoned hira to a council, upon the shore of
the river, with the tender of personal safety. He at length adventured down, and had the
great satisfaction of having aU his captured friends and relatives deUvered to hira ; and the
enemy departed, keeping good their promise that no injury should be done hira,"
Among those who raade a successful defence and kept the foe at bay, was Adam
Vrooman, Being weU suppUed with ammunition, and trusting to the strength of his buUd.
ing, which was a sort of a fort, he formed the desperate resolution to defend hiraself to the
last extreraity ; and if it should prove his. fate to perish in the ruins of his own domicU, to
sell his own life and that of his children as dear as possible. Seconded in his efforts by
one of his sons, who assisted in loading his guns, he kept up a rapid and continuous fire
upon his assaUants, and with the raost deadly effect. His house was soon fiUed with
smoke. His wife, nearly suffocated with it, cautiously, yet imprudentiy, placed the door
ajar. This an alert Indian perceived, and firing through the aperture, kUled her. In the
raean time, one of his daughters escaped from the back hall door with his infant child in
her arms. They snatched the Uttle innocent from her arms, and dashed out its brains ; and
in the confusion of the scene the girl escaped. Their triumph here, however, was of short
duration ; Mr, Vrooman succeeded in securely bolting the door and preventing the intru.
sion of any of the enemy. On witnessing Mr. Vrooman's courage, and fearing greater
havoc among their chosen band, the enemy promised, if he would desist, to save his Ufe and
not set fire to his building. This promise they fulfilled, but carried off two of his' sons into
captivity. The following additional particulars respecting this event are
drawn from the account given by Charlevoix, a learned French
Jesuit, distinguished for his travels and authentic historical works.
" This party marched out before they had determined against what part of the English
frontier they would carry their arms, though some part of New York was understood.
Count Frontenac had left that to the two commanders. After they had marched 5 or 6
days, they called a council to determine upon what place they would attempt. In this
councU, it was debated, on the part of the French, that Albany would be the smaUest place
they ought to undertake ; but the Indians would not agree to it. They contended that,
with their small force, an attack upon Albany would be attended with extreme hazard.
The French being strenuous, the debate grew warm, and an Indian chief asked them ' how
long it was since they had so rauch courage,' To this severe rebuke it was answered, that,
if by sorae past actions they had discovered cowardice, they should see that now they would
letrieve their character ; they would take Albany or die in the attempt. The Indians,
however, would not consent, and the councU broke up without agreeing upon any thing
but to proceed on.
" They continued their march untU they came to a place where their path di-vided into
two ; one of which led to Albany, and the other to Schenectady : here Mantet gave up his
design upon Albany, and they marched on harmoniously for the former village. The
weather was very severe, and for the foUowing 9 days the littie army suffered incredible
hardships. The men were often obliged to wade through water up to their knees, breaking
its ice at every step,
" At 4 o'clock in the morning, the beginning of February, they arrived within two leagues
of Schenectady. Here they halted, and the Great Agnier, chief of the Iroquois of the faUs
of St, Louis, raade a speech to them. He exhorted every one to forget the hardships they
had endured, in the hope of avenging the wrongs they had for a long time suffered from the
perfidious EngUsh, who were the authors of them ; and in the close added, that they could
not doubt of the assistance of heaven against the enemies of God, in a cause so just.
Hardly had they taken up their Une of march, when they met 40 Indian women, who gave
them all the necessary information for approaching the place in safety, A Canadian,
named Giguiere, was detached iraraediately with 9 Indians upon discovery, who acquitted
himself to the entire satisfaction of his officers. He reconnoitred Schenectady at his leisure,
and then rejoined his comrades. It had been determined by the party to put off the attack
one day longer ; but on the arrival of the scout under Giguiere, it was resolved to proceed
without delay,
" Schenectady was then in form hke that of a long square, and entered by two gates, one
at each end. One opened towards Albany, the other upon the great road leading into the

SCHENECTADY COUNTY. 327
back country, and which was now possessed by the French and Indians. Mantet and 3t.
Helene charged at the second gate, which the Indian women before mentioned had assured
them was always open, and they found it so, D'IberviUe and Repentigni passed to the
left, in order to enter by the other gate, but, after losing some tirae in vainly endeavoring
to find it, were obliged to return and enter with their corarades,
" The gate was not only open but unguarded, and the whole party entered without being
discovered. Dividing themselves into several parties, they waylaid every portal, and then
the war-whoop was raised, Mantet formed and attacked a garrison, where the only resisU
ance of any account was made. The gate of it was soon forced, and all of the EngUsh fell
by the sword, and the garrison was burned, Montigni was wounded, in forcing a house,
in his arm and body by two blows of a halberd, which put him hors du combat ; but St,
Helene being corae to his assistance, the house was taken, and the wounds of Montigni
revenged by the death of all -who had shut themselves up in it. Nothing was now to be
seen but massacre and piUage in every place. At the end of about two hours, the chiefs,
beheving it due to their safety, posted bodies of guards at all the avenues, to prevent sur.
prise, and the rest of the night was spent in refreshing themselves. Mantet had given
.rders that the minister of the place should be spared, whom he had intended for his own
prisoner ; but he was found among the promiscuous dead, and no one knew when he was
killed, and all his papers were burned,
" After the place was destroyed, the chiefs ordered all the casks of intoxicating liquors to
be staved, to prevent their men from getting drunk. They next set all the houses on fire,
excepting that of a widow, into which Montigni had been carried, and anoiher belonging
to Major Coudre : they were in number about 40, all well built and furnished ; no booty
but that which could be easily transported was saved. The lives of about 60 persons were
spared ; chiefly women, children, and old men, who had escaped the fury of the onset, and
30 Indians who happened to be then in the place. The lives of the Indians were spared
that they might carry the news of what had happened to their countrymen, whom they
were requested to inforra, that it was not against thera that they intended any harm, but to
the English only, whom they had now despoiled of property to the amount of four hundred
thousand pounds,"
The following ballad is an interesting relic of antiquity. It was
written in 1690, to commemorate the destruction of Schenectady, and
is composed something in the style of the celebrated " Chevy Chase."
"A BALLAD,
" In which is set forth the horrid cruellties practised by the French and Indians on the
night of the 8th of last February. The which I did compose last night in the space of one
hour ; and am now writing, the raorning of Fryday, June 12th, 1690. W, W,
" God prosper long our king and queen, Each door was sudden open broke
Our lives and safeties aU ; By six or seven raen,
A sad misfortune onie tiiere did fhe raen and woraen, younge and olde,
Schenectady befaU, And eke the girls and boys,
Frora forth the woods of Canada All started up in great affright,
The Frenchmen tooke their way, Att tiie alarming noise.
The people of Schenectady They then were murther'd in their beddes.
To captivate and slay. Without shame or reraorse ;
They marched for two and twenty dales, . And soone the floors and streets were strew d
AU through the deepest snow ; With many a bleeding corse.
And on a dismal winter night, r^he viUage soon began to blaze,
They strucke the cruel blow. Which shew'd the horrid sight :—
The Ughtsorae sun that rules the day But, 0, 1 scarce can beare to teU,
Had gone down in tiie west ; The rais'ries of that night.
And eke the drowsie villagers Xhey threw the infants in the fire.
Had sought and found their rests. The raen they did not spare ;
They thought they were in saftie ail. But kUled aU which they could find.
And drearapt not of tiie foe : Though aged or the' fair.
But att midnight they aU awoke, o Christe ! In the stUl midnight air,
In wonderment and woe. It sounded dismally ;
For they were in their pleasant beddes. The women's prayers, and the loud screams
And soundeUe sleeping, when Of their great agony,
65

328

SCHOHARIE COUNTY.

Methinks as if I hear them now
All ringing in my ear ;
The shrieks and groans and woeful sighs
They uttered in their fear. ,
But some run off to Albany,
And told the dolefuU tale :
Yett though we gave our chearful aid.
It did not much avail.
And we were horribly afraid,
And shook with terror, when
They told us that the Frenchmen were
More than a thousand men.
The news came on the Sabbath raorn
Just att the break of day,
And with a corapanie of horse
I galloped away.
But soon we found the French were gone
With aU their great bootye ;
Albany, 12th of June, 1690.

And then their traU we did pursue,
As was our true dutye.
The Mohaques joynd our brave partye.
And foUowed in the chase.
Till we came up with the Frenchmen,
Att a raost likelye place.
Our soldiers fell upon their rear,
And killed twenty-five ;
Our young men were so rauch enrag'd
They took scarce one alive.
D'AiUebout thera did comraande,
Which were but thievish rogues,
Else why did tiiey consent and goe,
With bloodye Indian dogges ?
And here I end the long ballad.
The which you just have redde ;
I wish that it may stay on earth
Long after I am dead.
Walter Wilie.

SCHOHARIE COUNTY,

Schoharie county was taken from Albany and Otsego counties in
1795 ; greatest length N. and S, 30; greatest breadth E, and W. 25
miles. CentraUy distant NW. from New York 150, from Albany W,
42 miles. In the western part of this county is the dividing ridge be
tween the waters of the Mohawk and those of the Susquehannah and
Delaware, In the eastern part it has the Catskill and Helleberg moun
tains. It has the valley of the Schoharie creek north and south through
its centre, along which the alluvial flats are very extensive, with a soil
of loam and vegetable mould, peculiarly rich and fertile. Much of the
surface of this county is hiUy, with some of a mountainous character.
The soil of the uplands is of various qualities, generally better adapted
to grass than to grain. The Schoharie creek, a large tributary of the
Mohawk, has its rise in Greene county, and flows northward through
the centre of this county. In its course it receives several smaller
streams, the principal of which are the Cobelskill on the west, and
Fox creek on the east. The Catskill has its source in the eastern
part of the county, and the Delaware and Susquehannah in the west-
em. The county is well watered, and possesses many fine mill sites.
In the towns of Summit, Jefferson, Blenheim, Broome,' and the up
lands of Middleburg and Fulton, the tenure of the soil is generally held
by lease, the fee-simple being in proprietors of large tracts ; but in
these towns, there are many tracts upon the creek, which the Germans
have taken up in fee, the common tenuire of the northern towns. The
towns of Schoharie, CobelskiU, Sharon, Fulton, Middleburg, and por
tions of Blenheim and Broome, have a population of German origin.
The German language prevails among the older inhabitants, but their

SCHOHARIE COUNTY. 329
chUdren are educated and converse in English. The early settlers
suffered much from Indian hostiUties, and during the revolution the
country was overrun by the British and Indians under Sir John John
son, Brant, and the infamous Walter Butler. The county is divided
into 12 towns :

Blenhein^,

CobelskiU,

Jefferson,

Seward,

Broome,

Conesville,

Middleburg,

Sharon,

Carlisle,

Fuhon,

Schoharie,

Summit

SoutJieast view in the central part of Schoharie.
The town of Schoharie lies on the flats, near the junction of Scho
harie and Fox creeks, 32 miles ,W. of Albany. It contains about 100
dwellings, the county buildings, 1 Lutheran and 1 Dutch Reformed
church, and an academy. The above engraving is a SE, view in the
central part of the viUage : the courthouse, a stone building 3 stories
high, is seen on the right ; the Lutheran church and the academy in
the distance. , , , .
¦About a mUe N, of the central part of Schoharie is an ancient stone
church, which was used as a fort during the revolutionary war. When
Sir John Johnson ravaged the Mohawk valley in 1780, he visited
Schoharie, and after making an unsuccessful attack on the Middle
Fort, he proceeded to the Lower Fort, as this church was caUed.
" When they arrived at the Lower Fort, they showed littie disposUion to attack it,
although its garrison did not amount to 100 men. They separated into two divisions, the
regular troops marching along the bank of the creek, and the Indians filing off about half a
mile to the east of the fort. The regulars fired a few cannon-shot without effect, one only
lodging in the corner of the church ; and then, after sinking one of their field-pieces in a
morass, marched round to the north of the fort, where they were joined by the Indians.
Here they fired a few shot with smaU-arms, and a few of the Indians approached near
enough to throw their bullets into the tower of the church, where some marksmen had
been stationed. A discharge of grape from the fort drove them back, and they continued
their march through the woods to Fort Hunter, on the Mohawk, near the mouth of Scho
harie creek, where they arrived after dark.
42

330 SENECA COUNTY,
" The beautiful valley of Schoharie creek presented a scene of devastation, on the night
of the 17th of October, not easily described. Houses, bams, and numerous stacks of hay
and grain were consumed ; domestic animals lay dead everywhere over the fields ; a few
buildings belonging to the royalists had been spared, but the militia, saUying out, set fire
to them in revenge. After the burning of Schoharie, this settlement ceased to be so much
an object of tory vengeance ; and during the years 1781 and 1782, though there were fre
quent alarms, little damage was done by the enemy. The Indians appeared once in consid
erable numbers at Cobbleskill, burned a few buildings, killed one man, and carried off five
prisoners ; but the body of the inhabitants had taken refuge in a fort which they had built
on their return frora Schoharie in 1781, and were safe." — Annals of Tryon County.

SENECA COUNTY.
Seneca county was taken from Cayuga in 1804; since which
other counties have been formed from it. Its greatest length N, and S.
is 36 miles ; medium width, 12, Centrally distant from New York,
317, from Albany, 172 miles. The land rises gently from the Cayuga
and Seneca lakes, and the whole county is pleasantly diversified with
hiUs and vales. The soil is weU adapted to the culture of grain,
grasses, and fruit trees, being principally a vegetable mould or calcare
ous loam. There is no stream of importance excepting the outlet of
the Seneca lake, which from Waterioo to Seneca lake furnishes much
hydraulic power. The lands of this county formed part of the military
tract, and the titles therefore are derived from the state through patents
to the soldiers of the revolution. The Erie canal just touches upon the
NE, part, in the town of Tyre. The railroad passes through the towns
of Waterloo and Seneca Falls. The county is divided into 10 towns :
Covert, Lodi, Seneca FaUs, Waterioo.
Fayette, Ovid, Tyre,
Junius, Romulus, Varick,
Seneca FaUs viUage is 4 miles E. of Waterioo, 11 from Geneva, 3
W. of Cayuga bridge, 85 from Utica, and 167 from Albany. This is
a flourishing village, containing between 400 and 500 dwellings, 1
Baptist, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist, and 1 Catholic
church, an academy, and 3 newspaper printing establishments. There
is at this place a heavy water-power of 47 feet over 4 dams, putting in
operation 7 extensive flour-mUls, besides quite a number of other mills
and manufacturing estabhshments. The following engraving is an
eastern view of the village, the river, and the Cayuga and Seneca ca
nal, with one of the locks, &c.
The first settlers at this place were Horatio Jones and Lawrence
Van Chef, who fixed their residence here shortly after the revolution
ary war. Van Chef was a soldier in Sullivan's expedition. The vil
lage of Seneca Falls was founded in J 81 5, by Col, Mynderse, who
settled here in 1795, and built the first flouring-mills in this section of
the state. In 1827, the village contained only 265 inhabitants.
Ovid, the half-shire seat, is about 17 mUes SE, of Waterloo. It is
delightfully situated on the Newburg turnpike. The village commands

SENECA COUNTY.

331

East view of Seneca Falls village.
a view of a large part of both lakes, and of portions of 9 adjoining coun
ties, the land rising gradually to it from the lakes, rich, arable, and
finely cultivated in farms. , There are here 1 Presbyterian and 1 Meth
odist church, a flourishing academy, and about 100 dwellings.
The flourishing viUage of Waterloo is situated on the Seneca outlet
and the Seneca and Cayuga canal, 4 miles from Seneca Falls village,
7 from Geneva, and 167 from Albany. It was founded in 1815, by the
late Elisha Williams, of Columbia county, and was made a half-shire
viUage in 1822. It contains about 300 dweUings, 4 churches — 1
Episcopal, 1 Methodist, 1 Presbyterian, and 1 Baptist — and about
2,000 inhabitants. With the viUage of Seneca FaUs, Waterloo pos
sesses the advantage of the lateral canal uniting the Seneca and Ca
yuga lakes with the Erie canal. The water for the mills at this place
is taken from the river and canal, and used under a head of 15 feet.

STEUBEN COUNTY.
Steuben county, named in honor of Major-general Frederick Wil
ham Baron de Steuben, the celebrated tactician of the revolutionary
army, was taken from Ontario in 1796 ; boundaries since much alter
ed ; from Albany centrally distant SW, 216 miles, from New York
W, 220 ; length and breadth 40 miles. The surface is broken and
hilly, if not mountainous. Along the rivers, the general aspect of the
county is uninviting, except that in some parts the aUuvial flats are ex
tensive and rich. The river hUls are rocky, precipitous, and covered
with evergreens ; but the upland plains have a rich variety of trees,
and fertile tracts principally of clayey loam. The staples of the county
are lumber, grain, cattle, and wool. The lumbering is the chief busi-

332

STEUBEN COUNTY.

ness of the southern towns ; but as the country is cleared of its forests,
agriculture rises in importance. Chemung river is the great stream
of the county ; it was caUed by the Senecas Cononque, " horn in the
water." Its flats are said to be superior in fertUity to the Mohawk.
This county, excepting the town of Reading on the western shore of
the Seneca lake, was included in the extensive cession of New York
to Massachusetts, and passed from that state, through Messrs. Phelps
and Gorham and Robert Morris, to Sir William Pulteney. It was
mostly settled by Pennsylvanians, excepting Prattsburg, which was
settled by New Englanders. The county is divided into 27 towns :

Addison, Bath,
Bradford, Cameron,Campbell,Canisteo, Caton,

Conhocton,DansviUe,Erwin,
Greenwood,
Hoirnby,
Hornellsville,Howard,

Jasper, Lindley,Orange,
Painted Post,

Troupsburg, Tyrone, Urbana,
Wayne,

Prattsburg, l^ultney,Reading,

Wheeler,Woodhull.

Bath, the county seat, on the bank of the Conhocton river, and 1 1
miles north of the New York and Erie railroad, is one of the most
pleasant viUages in the western part of the state. The public square,
laid out in 1792 by Capt. Charles WiUiamson, has the county and
other pubhc buildings, and several elegant private mansions. There
are in the viUage, a bank, 4 churches, and about 200 dwelhngs, Bath
was first settled in 1792, by Capt. Charles WiUiamson, the first agent
of Sir WUliam Pulteney, after whom the public square was named.
Sir William, who was a noted Enghsh whig, was a large proprietor in
this vicinity.
" At the head of the Crooked Lake lies the flourishing village of
Hammondsport, 8 miles NE. of Bath, founded in 1826 by Lazarus
Hammond, containing 1 Presbyterian and 1 Episcopal church, and
about 1 00 dweUings. The viUage is favorably situated for trade, by
reason of the lake. It must become the port of the county, whence
much of its exports will seek a market in the centre of the state, and
at the towns on the Hudson river. A steamboat daily plies between
here and Penn Yann, the capital of Yates county ; thence the Crooked
Lake canal leads to the Seneca Lake, which is connected with the
Erie canal by the Seneca and Cayuga canal, by which route there is
an uninterrupted water communication with New York."
The viUage of Painted Post, 22 miles SE. of Bath, at the junction
of the Conhocton river with the Tioga, contains about 60 dwellings,
and is a place much noted in the early history of this section of the
country. The celebrated "painted post," from which the town of
Painted Post derived its name, formerly stood upon the bank of the
river. There have been various stories in relation to its origin ; the
following account, taken from the narrative of the captivity and suffer
ings of Gen. Fregift Patchin, who was taken prisoner by a party of
Indians under Brant during the revolution, is probably correct.

SUFFOLK COUNTY. 333
" Near this, we fohnd the famous PAINTED POST, which is now known over the
whole continent, to those conversant with the early history of our country ; the origin of
which was as follows. Whether it was in the revolution, or in the Dunmore batties with
the Indians, which coraraenced in Virginia, or in the French war, I do not know ; an In
dian chief, on this spot, had been victorious in battle, and killed and took prisoners to the
number of about 60. This event ho celebrated by causing a tree to be taken frora the
forest and hewed four square, painted red, and tlie number he killed, which was 28, rep
resented across the post in black paint, without any heads, but those he took prisoners,
which was 30, were represented with heads on in black paint, as the others. "This post
he erected, and thus handed down to posterity an account that here a battle was fought ;
but by whom, and who the sufferers were, is covered in darkness, except that it was be-
'ween the whites and Indians."

SUFFOLK COUNTY.
Suffolk county, which comprises about two-thirds of Long Island,
was organized in 1683, at which time the ridings were abolished, and
Long Island was divided into three counties, as they have remained
ever since. It is about one hundred and ten miles in length, and in
some parts twenty in width. On the north side next the sound the
land is considerably broken and hilly ; in the interior, and on the south
side, it is mostly a sandy plain, covered for the greater part with forests
of pine, in which the wild deer is still an inhabitant. The county is
not well watered, the streams being few and small. The chief busi
ness of the inhabitants is agriculture and fishing ; they also send large
quantities of pine wood to market. The original settlers of the county
were mostly from New England, and the inhabitants have ever retain
ed to a great degree the habhs and manners of the Puritans, The
county is divided into 9 towns, all of which, except Riverhead, were
organized in 1788 :
Brookhaven, Islip, Smithtown,
East Hampton, Riverhead, Southampton,
Huntington, Shelter Island, Southold.
The foUowing is a northern view of Sagg Harbor, situated in the
NE, corner of the town, 100 mUes from New York. It has a good har
bor, lying on an arm of Gardiner's Bay. The viUage contains 400
dweUings, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Methodist, 1 Catholic, and 1 African
church, 2 printing offices, and about 3,000 inhabitants. The wealth
and trade of the place may with propriety be said to be founded on
the whaling business,
" Sagg Harbor is the most populous, wealthy, and commercial
place in the county, and may therefore not improperly be considered
the emporium of Suffolk, The capital employed in trade here proba
bly exceeds that of the whole county besides, there being nearly a
miUion of doUars invested in the whale-fishery alone, employing a ton
nage of more than six thousand, exclusive of several fine packets and
other vessels engaged in the coasting business. It is supposed that

334

SUFFOLK COUNTY.

no permanent settlement was attempted here previous to 1730, and
then only a few. smaU cottages were erected near the head of the

Northern view of Sagg Harbor, Long Island.
present wharf, for the convenience of those engaged in fishing. Most
of the land in the vicinity was then covered with timber and forest,
and it is probable, also, that no inconsiderable number of Indians
dwelt in the vicinity. In 1760, several respectable families established
themselves here, perceiving that it possessed many local advantages,
and built for themselves comfortable houses. In 1767, the number of
inhabitants had so increased, that it was resolved to erect a house for
public worship ; and without the advantage of regular preaching, the
people were accustomed to assemble on the Sabbath at the beat of
drum, and hear a sermon read by one of the congregation. They be
gan soon after more largely to appreciate the commercial facUities
offered by the adjacent waters, and fresh efforts were made to improve
upon the old practice of boat-whaling. For this end small sloops
were fitted out, and ranged the ocean at some distance from the
coast ; but when a whale was caught, it became necessary to return
to port for the purpose of boihng out the oil upon the shore. The
business had made but little progress when hostilities commenced be
tween the mother country and her colonies in 1 775 ; and this island
being the next year abandoned to the enemy, commerce of every kind
was of course suspended till the close of the contest in 1783. Sev
eral British ships took their stations in the bay, and this village was
made not only a depot for military stores, but the garrison for a con
siderable body of soldiers. During the war it became the theatre of
one of the most extraordinary feats that was accomplished during the
revolution. It has generally been denominated Meigs' Expedition,
and the circumstances are thus related by the historians of that period :
" In retaUation for the burning of Eidgefield, in Connecticut, by Gen, Arnold and the

SUFFOLK COUNTY. 335
¦wretches under his command, in April, 1777, a few soldiers frora Newhaven went on a
predatory excursion to Long Island. A quantity of provisions had been collected at Sagg
Harbor, and to destroy these was the object of the expedition. The enterprise was ono
of the most spirited and successful of that eventful period. Gen. Parsons conceived it
possible to surprise the place, aud confided the execution of it to Lieutenant-colonel Meigs,
who embarked from Ne-whaven, May 21, 1777, with two hundred and thirty-four men, in
thirteen whale-boats. He proceeded to Guilford, but on account of the roughness of the
sea, could not pass tho sound tUl the 23d. On tliat day, at one o'clock in the aftemoon,
he left Guilford with one hundred and seventy men, under convoy of two armed sloops,
and crossed the sound to Southold, where he arrived at 6 o'clock. The enemy's troops on
this part of the island had marched for New York two or three days before, but it was
reported that there was a party at Sagg Harbor on the south branch of the island, about
fifteen miles- distant. Col. Meigs ordered the whale-boats to be transported over the land
to the bay between the north and south branches of the island, where one hundred emd
thirty men embarked, and at twelve o'clock at night arrived safely on the other side of
the bay within four miles of Sagg Harbor. Here the boats were secured in a wood, under
a guard, and the remainder of the detachment marched quickly to the harbor, where they
arrived, at two o'clock in the morning, in the greatest order, attacking the outpost with
fixed bayonets, and proceeding directly to the shipping at the wharf, which they found
unprepared for defence. The alarm was given, and an armed schooner with twelve guns
and seventy raen began to fire upon them at the distance of one hundred and fifty yards,
which continued three quarters of an hour, but did not prevent the troops from executing
their design with the greatest intrepidity and effect. Twelve brigs and sloops, one of which
was an armed vessel of twelve guns, and one hundred and twenty tons of hay, corn, oats,
ten hogsheads of rum, and a large quantity of merchandise, were entirely destroyed. Six
of the enemy were killed, and ninety taken prisoners. Not one of Col. Meigs' men was
either killed or wounded. He returned to Guilford at two o'clock in the afternoon, hav
ing been absent only twenty-five hours ; and in that tirae had transported his troops by
land and water fuU ninety mUes, and completed his undertaking with the most entire
success." The village of Riverhead, the county seat, is situated upon Peconic
creek or river, a mill stream, about 2 miles above Peconic bay,
about 90 mUes from New York, 24 from Sagg Harbor, and 23 from
Greenport. The village contains about 70 dwellings, a large proportion
of which are one story in height, 1 Methodist, 1 Congregational, and 1
Swedenborg or New Jerusalem church, an academy, and about 500
inhabitants. The viUage of Southampton is buih on a single street, 18 mUes
from Riverhead. The viUage of Greenport, at the eastern termination
of the Loftg Island railroad, contains 3 churches and about 100 dwell
ings. The vUlage of Huntington, 40 miles W. from Riverhead
and 45 from New York, has 2 churches, an academy, and about
100 dweUings in the vicinity. Patchogue, 60 miles from New York,
28 from Riverhead, contains 2 churches and about 75 dweUings. Se
tauket, on the N. side of the island, is an ancient vUlage, containing 2
churches and upwards of 100 dweUings.
The village of Easthampton, near the eastern extremity of Long
Island, about 110 mUes from New York, consists of about 100 dwell
ings, on a single street about a mile in length. The Clinton academy
was 'erected here in 1785, being the first institution of the kind erected
on Long Island. mi i j •
The peninsula of Montauk contains 9,000 acres. Ihe land is
owned by about forty individuals, as tenants in common. The In
dians have non-fructuary interest in a portion of the land ; but as the
race is nearly extinct, this incumbrance must be of short duration.

336

SUFFOLK COUNTY.

View of Montauk Point, Long Island.
The soil is generally good, and is used as pasture land. The surface
is rough, and in some places precipitous. " There is a sublimity and
wildness, as well as solitariness here, which leave a powerful impres
sion on the heart. In a storm, the scene which the ocean presents is
awfully grand and terrific. On the extreme point stands the tall white
column erected by the government for a lighthouse in 1795, at an ex
pense of $22,300. It is constructed of stone, in the most substantial
manner." Gardiner's Island contains about 3,300 acres, with a soil mostly of
a good quality ; the nearest point of distance to Long Island is three
miles, Lyon Gardiner, the first settler on the island, was a native of
Scotland. He belonged to the republican party, with the illustrious
Hampden, Cromwell, and others.
The notorious pirate William Kidd visited this island, and buried a
valuable treasure. From this circumstance, doubtless, have arisen the
numerous legends respecting the burial of " Kidd's money," in many
places along the coast.
" Kidd, on his homeward passage frora the West Indies to Boston, where he was finaUy
apprehended, anchored in Gardiner's bay, and in the presence of the owner of the island,
Mr. Gardiner, and under the raost soleran injunctions of secrecy, buried a pot of gold, sil
ver, and precious stones. On the 3d of July, 1699, he was summoned before Lord Bella-
raont, at Boston, and ordered to report his proceedings while in the service of the corapany ;
which refusing to do, he was immediately arrested, and transported to England, where he
was tried, convicted, and executed at ' Execution Dock' on the .12th of May, 1701. He
was found guilty of the murder of William Moore, gunner of the ship, and was hung in
chains. Mr. John G. Gardiner has a small piece of gold cloth, which his father received
from Mrs. Wetmore, who gave also the following account of Kidd's visit to the island. ' I
remember,' she says, ' when very young, hearing my mother say that her grandmother
was the wife to Lord Gardiner when the pirate carae to that island. He wanted Mrs.
Gardiner to roast hira a pig ; she being afraid to refuse him, roasted it very nice, and he
was much pleased with it. He then made her a present of this cloth, which she gave to
her two daughters ; what becarae of the other I know not ; but this was handed down to
me, and is, I believe, as nice as when first given, which must be upwards of a hundred
years.' It having been ascertained that he had buried treasures upon this island, com
missioners were sent by Governor BeUaraont, who obtained the same, sind for which they
gave a receipt"

SULLIVAN COUNTY, 337

SULLIVAN COUNTY.
Sullivan county was erected in March, 1809, from Ulster county,
and received hs name in honor of General Sullivan, an officer of the
revolutionary army. It is centrally distant from New York about 100
miles NW,, and, by the routes usually travelled, 112 SW. of Albany
Greatest length NW, and SE', 45, and greatest breadth NE. and SW
37 miles. The county of Sullivan is situated on the Delaware river,
W. of Ulster county, in a region of broken land. It contains a large
proportion of mountainous country. The Newburg and Cochecton
turnpike runs centrally and westerly across the county ; and on this
road and the Delaware river are the principal settlements. The New
York and Erie railroad runs through the southern portion. The
northern part is the wildest and least settled. The Delaware and
Hudson canal passes through the valley of Bashe's kill into Orange,
and returns from that county by the valley of the Delaware, along
which it extends in this county about 15 miles, to the dam opposite the
Laxawaxen river. The country along the Delaware is not favorable
for agriculture ; generally the highlands are preferred for cultivation,
being more dry, and productive of finer grass than the valleys, which
are commonly wet and cold. Upon the Delaware, and the streams
which flow into it, the inhabitants are chiefly engaged in lumbering.
With the exception of a small tract on the southeast, in the Minisink
patent, the whole county was covered by the Hardenburg patent, un
der which there are now some extensive landholders. The inhabit
ants are chiefly of Dutch and New England descent. About one-tenth
of the county only is improved. It is divided into 10 towns :
Bethel, Forrestburg, Mamakating, Thompson,
Cochecton, Liberty, Neversink,
Fallsburg, Lumberland, Rockland,
Monticello, the county seat, on the Newburg and Cochecton turn
pike, named after Jefferson's residence, was founded in 1804, by
Messrs, Samuel F. and J. P. Jones, from New Lebanon, Columbia
county, who were proprietors of most of the lands in the vicinity.
Judge Piatt Pelton built the second frame house here in 1806, The
viUage was incorporated in 1830, and consists of the county build
ings, 2 churches, and about 60 dwellings, distant 38 miles from New
burg, and 110 from Albany, Bloomingburg, 23 mUes W, of New
burg, was incorporated in 1833, and consists of about 75 dweUings, 2
churches, and an academy,
22 43

338

TIOG.A COUNTY.

TIOGA COUNTY,
Tioga county, taken from Montgomery in 1794; bounds since
much altered : stiU further reduced in 1836, by the erection of Che
mung county from its western portion. Greatest length E. andW,
31, greatest breadth N, and S, 29 mUes, This, with Chemung coun
ty, is part of the broad and long belt extending westerly from Ulster
and Greene counties to the vicinity of Lake Erie, preserving for a
great part of the distance a mean height of about 1,600 feet above the
level of the ocean. The soU of the county consists generally of sandy
and gravelly loam, interspersed with patches of mud and clay. The
uplands are commonly better adapted to grass than grain ; but the val
leys give fine crops of wheat and corn ; oats, barley, peas, beans, and
hops thrive almost everywhere. The Susquehannah is the principal
stream of the county. The New York and Erie railroad crosses the
county E. and W, ; and the raUroad from Owego to Ithaca N, and S,
The county is divided into 9 towns : ^
Barton, Newark, Richford,
Berkshire, > Nichols, Spencer,
Candor, Owego, Tioga.

West view of the courthouse and other buildings, Owego.
Owego village, the county seat, is 30 mUes SE. of Ithaca, and 167
from Albany on the N, side of Susquehannah river. The building
with a cupola near the centre of the drawing is the courthouse, the one
on ithe right the academy, both of which face the public square. There
-are in the village 4 churches, a bank, capital $200,000, 3 fine hotels,
an academy, and upwards of 200 dwellings. The raUroad which ex
tends from here to Ithaca, was the second chartered in the state, (1828,)
and is 29^ mUes in length. The name Owego is of Indian origin,

TOMPKINS COUNTY. 339
signifying swift or swift river, and was applied to the Owego creek,
which empties into the Susquehannah about half a mile from the vU
lage, About the year 1783 or 1784, James McMaster and Amos
Draper purchased of the Indians what they called a half township,
comprising 1 1 ,500 acres, and embracing the site upon which the vU
lage now stands. " In 1785, McMaster, and WiUiam Taylor, stiU liv
ing in Owego, and then a bound boy to McMaster, came and cleared
in one season 10 or 15 acres of land, and through the summer planted
and raised a crop of corn from the same. This was the first transition
of the ground, where Owego now stands, from a wilderness state. In
1794 or 1795, McMaster and Hudson, a surveyor, laid out the village
into streets and lots, and thus laid the foundation of what Owego now
is or shall be hereafter  The sources of wealth, as the viUage
grew up, were salt from Salina, brought to the place and carried down
the river in arks for the Pennsylvania and Maryland markets, wheat
from the north, which was also transported down the river, lumber,
also, and plaster."
" A few years after this section was settled, there prevaUed an ex
tensive and serious famine. It was felt more particularly in the region
between Owego and Elmira, embracing Tioga, It was experienced
even down to Wyoming, For six weeks or more, the inhabitants were
without bread or its kind. This season of famishing occurred imme
diately before the time of harvesting  The inhabitants, as a
substitute for more substantial food, gathered, or rather, it is believed,
dug what were caUed wild beans ; which, it seems, were found in
considerable quantities. They would also gather the most nutritious
roots and eat them."

TOMPKINS COUNTY.
Tompkins county, named in honor of the Hon. Daniel D. Tomp
kins, formerly Vice-president of the United States, was taken from
Cayuga and Seneca counties in 1817 ; limits since changed. Great
est length E. and W. 34, greatest breadth N, and S, 28 miles ; cei>
trally distant from New York 212, and from Albany 163 miles.
This county forms part of the high land in the southwestern portion
of the state. Its summit generally is elevated from 1,200 to 1,400
feet, but the singular and deep basins in which lie the Cayuga and
Seneca lakes, have given a peculiar formation to its surface, and to
the course and character of its streams. The Cayuga lake indents
it on the N. about 18 mUes ; the Seneca lake extends southerly on
its western border 12 mUes. The greater portion of the country
declines from all sides towards the Cayuga lake. The ascent from
the shores of the lake is gradual and smooth to the eye, yet it is
rapid, and attains within 2 mUes the height of at least 500 feet.
This gives to the streams a precipitous character. The towns of

340 TOMPKINS COUNTY.
Newfield, Danby, and Caroline, were purchased from the state by
Messrs. Watkins and Flint. The towns north of these, excepting a
small portion in the northeastern part of Dryden, belong to the mili
tary tract. That portion was in the cession to Massachusetts. The
county is chiefly settled by New England emigrants. The New York
and Erie railroad passes through the county, Tompkins county is di
vided into 10 towns : Ulysses,

Caroline,

Enfield,

Ithaca,

Danby,

Groton,

Lansing,

Dryden,

Hector,

Newfield,

The village of Ithaca was founded by the late Simeon De Witt, sur
veyor-general of the state. It is beautifuUy situated fibout a mile and
a half above the Cayuga lake, partially upon the flats and partially
upon the hilf. It is distant 163 miles from Albany, 40 SE, from Ge
neva, and 29 from Owego. The Cayuga inlet is navigable to the lake
for boats of 50 tons, Ithaca is well located for trade. It communi
cates with the Erie canal by fhe lake and Seneca canal, and with the
Susquehannah river and the line of the Erie railroad, by the Owego rail
road. The village contains upwards of 700 dweUings, 1 Presbyterian,
1 Methodist, 1 Episcopal, 1 Baptist, and 1 Dutch Reformed church,
the Ithaca Academy, 2 banks, several printing offices, a very extensive
map-publishing estabhshment, a variety of miUs and manufactories, and
about 4,000 inhabitants. The Ithaca and Owego railroad, the second
chartered in the state, (1828,) is 29 J miles in length. It ascends from
the level of the lake by two inclined planes ; the first, 1,733| feet
long, rises one foot in 4,28, or 405 feet; the other, 2,225 feet long, as
cends 1 foot in 21 feet. The whole elevation above the lake over
come is 602 feet within 8 miles ; after which there is a descent of 376
feet to Owego. Stationary steam-power is used upon the first, and
horse-power upon the second plane and other portions of the road,
Trumansburg, 1 1 miles NW, of Ithaca, contains about 100 dwell
ings, 3 churches, a female seminary, and several stores and mills.
On Halsey creek, about 10 mUes from Ithaca, are the Taghcanic
FaUs. This cataract is about 200 feet in height, and the rocks tower
100 feet above the top. Viewed from above or beneath, the scene is
one of sublimity. The latter, however, is the best. To witness this,
the visiter is obhged to go down the stream about a mile, and return by
the valley, which is bounded by a rocky gorge, with perpendicular
rocks rising in some places 400 or 500 feet above the bed of the creek,
when the scene bursts suddenly upon him in all its wildness and ma
jesty.

EASTERN VIEW OF ITHACA, TOMPKINS COUNTY, N. Y

ULSTER COUNTY. 341

ULSTER COUNTY.
Ulster, an original county, was organized in 1683. It is from New
York centrally distant N. 110, and from Albany S. 60 mUes. Greatest
length E. and W. 50, breadth N. and S. 40 miles. The face of the
country is mountainous. The Shawangunk mountain enters the county
from Orange, and running NE, nearly 30 miles, sinks into low and ir
regular hUls in Hurley ; but its continuity is preserved to Kingston
near the Hudson. Northward of that viUage it again rises, untU it is
identified with the Catskill mountains. Between the Bine and Shaw
angunk mountains is a broad valley through which winds the Rondout
river, a stream whose name is a corruption of the word Redoubt, so
named after a fortification built upon the stream by the early Dutch
settlers. The Wallkill runs a northeast course south of the Shawan
gunk mountain, receiving the Shawangunk creek, and uniting with the
Rondout, 8 miles from its mouth. The three streams above noticed
are the great drains of the county, and afford very advantageous mill
power, within a few miles of the tide, much of which is yet unem
ployed. In the west the Nevisink river and other tributaries of the
Delaware have their sources. The Delaw^e and Hudson canal en
ters the county at its southwest border, and passing through the towns
of Wawarsing, Rochester, Marbletown, and Hurley, unites in the
town of Kingston with the Rondout, 2^ miles from the Hudson. The
inhabitants are much engaged in manufacturing, and much attention
has been given to the raising of sheep and cattle, for which purpose
few counties are better adapted. The county was settled by the Dutch
as early as 1616, Tradition says that at a very early period there were
settlers upon the Minisink on the Delaware, who transported some val
uable minerals by the road along the Rondout to tbe North river. This
county appears to have suffered more from Indian hostilities than any
other portion of the country while under the Dutch, The quarrel
appears to have arisen on account of an Indian woman being kUled
when stealing peaches from a garden. The county is divided into
14 towns :
Esopus, Mariborough, Rochester, Wawarsing,
Hurley, New Paltz, Saugerties, Woodstock.
Kingston, Olive, Shandaken,
Marbletown, Plattekill, Shawangunk,
Kingston was one of the earliest ^utch settlements in the state, hav
ing commenced in the year 1616, and is said to have, been the third
place settled in New York, In the year 1662, it had a settled min
ster, and the county records commence about that period, Kingston
village, formerly called Esopus, was incorporated in 1805. The fol
lowing engraving shows the appearance of the village as viewed from

342

ULSTER COUNTY.

Eastern view of Kingston.
from a dwelling house situated on a gentle eminence a few rods south
of the Rondout road. The Catskill mountains are seen in the ex
treme distance. The village is regularly laid out on ten streets, and
beautifully situated on the fertile pine flats elevated about 40 feet above
the Esopus creek. These flats commence at Kingston and extend to
Saugerties, about ten or twelve miles, and are from two to two and a
half mUes in width. The viUage contains the county buUdings, 1 Dutch
Reformed, 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist, and 1 Baptist church, an acade
my, 2 banks, 3 newspaper establishments, a large iron foundry, and
about 275 dweUings, many of which are buUt of blue limestone. It is
58 miles from Albany, 93 from New York, and about 3 from the land
ing on Hudson river. The village of Rondout, about a mile from the
Hudson, was founded in 1828 by the Delaware and Hudson Canal
Company, being a place of deposite for their coal. It contains a church
and about 75 dwellings.
The viUage of Kingston was one of the largest places in the prov
ince of New York previous to the revolution. It was laid in ashes
by the British under General Vaughan in October, 1777, and a large
quantity of public stores were destroyed. It is stated that at that
period the viUage was nearly as large as it is at the present time.
Every house, excepting one in which Mrs, Hammersly resided, was
destroyed. This lady being acquainted with some of the British
officers, it was spared on her account. The foUowing account of the
burning of this place is from the Connecticut Journal of October
27th :—
" In our last we observed that the British proceeded up the river past this place. As they
went along, they burnt a few mills, houses, and boats. On Friday they reached Esopus,
and there landed a nuraber of raen, who marched up to the defenceless town of Kingston,
about two miles frora the river, and imraediately set it on fire ; the conflagration was gen
eral in a few minutes, and in a short time that pleasant and wealthy town was reduced to
ashes ; only one house escaping the flames. Thus by the wantonness of power, the third
town in this state for size, elegance, and wealth, is reduced to a heap of rubbish ; and the

ULSTER COUNTY. 343
once happy inhabitants, (who are chiefly of Dutch descent,) obliged to solicit for shelter
araong strangers, and those who possessed lately elegant and convenient dwellings, obliged
to take up with such huts as they find can defend th^fia from the cold blasts of approaching
winter. We learn that the inhabitants saved the best part of their moveable property, but
some lost the best part of their temporal all. 'Tis said the eneray took little time to plun
der, being told that General Clinton was at hand with 1,500 men, but unluckily not so
near as to save the town. They burnt several vessels and houses at the landing, then
scampered off precipitately to their vessels. Next day they burnt several houses at
Rhynebeck Flatts, and proceeded as far as Livingston's manor, where they burnt a few
more ; ' our troops are now up with them. It is hoped they will be able to put a stop to
these depredations."
During the revolutionary war a number of royalists were executed
in this town for treason. Judge Hasbrouck of Kingston, who was
at that time a lad, says that -two of them were executed on the first
hUl from the landing. It appears that these unfortunate men expect
ed to be reprieved ; when they drew near the gallows, and saw the
preparation for their execution, they became overwhelmed with a
sense of their awful situation, and exclaimed, " 0 Heer! vergeeven
onze zonde," (0 Lord ! forgive our sins.) The father of Judge Has
brouck, one of the principal men of the place, although a firm friend
to the American cause, was opposed to the execution, and suffered
much anguish of mind on account of these harsh and bloody meas
ures. These men, although tories, were persons of respectability,
who had families. Between twenty and thirty royalists who were
taken up, enlisted in the American army, and thus saved their
lives. Ulsterville, (late Saugerties,) at the confluence of the Esopus
creek with the Hudson, 100 miles N. of New York, 44 S. from Al
bany, and 10 from Kingston. " This, place, now one of the most
thrifty on the river, was undistinguished until the year 1826, when
Mr. Henry Barclay, of New York, duly appreciating the value of the
water-power, became the purchaser of it and several farms in the
vicinity. By a strong dam and a raceway, cut 65 feet perpendicularly
through the rock, there has been obtained the use of the water under
a faU of 47 feet, which may be apphed twice in its descent. The en
terprising proprietor established a large paper mill, extensive iron
works, and erected a buUding for calico printing, since converted into a
paint manufactory. The business of the county now centred here :
and the trade employs 30 or 40 sloops and schooners, of from 80 to
150 tons burden. In 1825, there was not a single church here : there
are now five neat edifices for public worship," Five miles above
Ulster village, upon the creek at Whittaker's Falls, there is a very
flourishing manufacturing village.

344 warren county.

WARREN COUNTY,
Warren county was taken from the NW. part of Washington coun
ty in 1813, It is principaUy situated on the W, side of Lake George,
centrally distant from New York 240, and from Albany 75 miles.
Greatest length N, and S. 44, greatest breadth E. and W- 40 miles.
With the exception of a small district on the SE., the whole county is
mountainous. The mountains, which are of primitive formation, are
covered with a heavy growth of trees, and contain, it is said, abundance
of iron ore of good quality, but have very small portions of arable soil.
The valleys, which are narrow, contain some fertile alluvion, on
secondary limestone. The principal employment of the inhabitants is
getting lumber, which is sent to market by the rivers, lake, and Cham
plain canal. This county embraces about one half of the Horicon, or
Lake George, the greater part of Schroon lake, the whole of Brant
lake, and many smaller ones. The Horicon is a beautiful sheet of
water 33 mUes long, and about 2 wide, and discharges its waters
northward into Lake Champlain at Ticonderoga. Its waters are very
deep and clear, and abound with the finest fish. The mountain sce
nery of this lake is excelled in its romantic beauties by none in the
world. Schroon and Brant lakes are beautiful sheets of water, and
abound with fish similar to Lake George. The county is divided into
10 towns, viz. :
Athol, Chester, Johnsbiirg, Warrensburg.
Bolton, Hague, Luzerne,
Caldwell, Horicon, Queensbury,
Caldwell, the shire town of Warren county, was organized in
1810, and named in honor of James CaldweU, Esq., a principal pro
prietor and benefactor. It has a mountainous surface, and embraces
the south end of Lake George, CaldweU viUage hes at the head of
Lake George, 62 miles from Albany, 9 from Glenn's Falls, and
27 from Saratoga springs. The village consists of about 50 dwell
ings. The scenery in this vicinity is of a wild and picturesque character, similar to the High
lands of Scotland. Westward rises a range of mountains, tlie highest of which is Pros
pect or Rattiesnake Hill, which is an elevation of about 1,500 feet. Remains of Forts
Williara Henry and George are still to be seen at tho head of the lake, a short distance
east of the courthouse.
This village and the lake have becorae quite a fashionable place of resort during the warm
season of the year. Besides the attractions of the natural scenery, it is rendered interesting
frora having been the theatre of important military operations. The celebrated " Battle of
Lake George," on Sept. 8th, 1755, was fought in the vicinity of Bloody Pond, so called
from the fact that corpses of the slain were thrown into it. The battle was between the
provincial troops under Major-general, afterward Sir Williara Johnson, aided by a body of
Indians under Hendrick the Mohawk chieftain, and a body of French Canadians and Indi-

wakren county. 345
ans under Baron Dieskau, a French nobleman. The baron embarked at Fort Frederick, at
Crown Point, with 2,000 men in batteaux, and landed at Skeensboro, now WhitehaU. Hav
ing understood that Jolmson lay carelessly encamped at the head of Lake George, he de
termined to attack him.
The foUowing account of the conflict that ensued, is given by Dr.
Dwight, who received much of his information from eye-witnesses
of the action.
On the night of Sunday, Sept, 7, at 12 o'clock, information was brought, that the enemy
had advanced 4 miles on the road from Fort Edward to Lake George ; or half way between
the village of Sandy-Hill and Glenn's falls, A councU of war was held eariy in the morning,
at which it was resolved to send a pai-ty to meet them. The number of men, determined
upon at first, was mentioned by the general to Hendrick ; and his opinion was asked. He
repUed, " If they are to fight, they are too few. If they are to be killed, they are too many,'"
The number was accordingly increased. Gen, Johnson also proposed to divide them into
3 parties, Hendrick took 3 sticks, and, putting them together, said to hira, " Put these
together, and you can't break them, "Take them one by one, and you will break them
easily." The hint succeeded, and Hendrick's slicks saved the party, and probably the
whole army, from destruction. i
The party detached consisted of 1,200, and were commanded by Col. Ephraim WiUiams
a brave and skUful officer, greatly beloved by the soldiery, and greatiy respected by the
country at large, Lieut. Col. Whiting, of New Haven, was second in command, and
brought up the rear. Col, Williams met the enemy at Rocky brook, 4 railes from Lake
George, Dieskau had been inforraed of his approach by his scouts, and arranged his men
in the best possible order to receive them, extending his line on both sides of the road in
the form of a half-moon, Johnson did not begin to raise his breastwork until after Williams
had marched ; nor, as a manuscript account of this transaction, now before me, declares,
until after the rencounter between WiUiams and the enemy had begun.
WiUiams marched his raen directiy into the hoUow of the half-moon. This wiU be ex
plained by the fact, that the whole country was a deep forest. When the enemy saw them
completely within his power, he opened a fire of musketry on the front and on both flanks
of the English at the same moment. The English feU in heaps ; and at the head of thera
their gallant commander. Hendrick, also, was raortally wounded, fighting with invincible
courage in the front of his people. He was shot in the back : a fact which filled him with
disdain and anguish ; as he thought, that he should be believed to have fled from the enemy.
The truth was, the horns of the half-moon were so far advanced, that they in a great meas-\
ure enclosed the van of the EngUsh, and fired upon them frora the rear, Frora this fire
Hendrick received the wound which terrainated liis Ufe,
Upon the death of Col, WUliaras, Lieut, Col, Whiting succeeded fo the command of the
detachment. He was an officer of great merit, and had gained much applause at the re
duction of Louisburgh ; and, in consequence of his gaUant conduct at that siege, had been
made a captain in the regular British service. Whiting, seeing the danger of his men,
immediate^ ordered a retreat ; and conducted it so judiciously,, that he saved the great
body of them from destruction, in circumstances of extreme peril ; in which their own con
fusion and alarm, and the situation of the ground, threatened their extermination no less
than the superior nurabers of the enemy.
The noise of the first fire was heard at Lake George, EiTorts began then to be made in
earnest by the general for the defence of the camp : and a party of 300 raen were despatched
under Lieut, Col, Cole, to support the retreating corps, Afew stragglers, both English and
Indians, carae into the camp, and announced, what had indeed been already sufficiently
evident from the approaching sound of the rausketry, that the French army was superior in
nurabers and strength to Col, Williams' corps, and was driving them towards the carap.
Some time after " the whole party that escaped," says Gen, Johnson, " came in in large
bodies ;" a decisive proof of the skill and coolness with which Lieut. Col. Whiting con
ducted this retreat. These raen also arranged themselves in their proper places, and took
their share in the engagement which foUowed,
About half after 11 o'clock, the enemy appeared in sight marching up the road in the
best order towards the centre of the English. When they came to the bottom of an open
valley, directly in front of the elevation, on which Fort George was afterward built, and on
which the centre of the EngUsh army was posted, Dieskau halted his men about 15 min
utes, at tiie distance of littie more than 150 yards frora the breastwork, I have never seen
a reason assigned for this measure, I think I can assign one. The Indians were sent out
on the right flank, and a part of the Canadians on the left, intending to come in upon the

346 WAEKEN COUNTY.
rear of the English, whUe the main body attacked them in front. The ground was remark
ably favorable to this design ; being swampy, thickly forested, and, therefore, perfectly fitted
to conceal the approach bf these parties. The Indians, however, were soon discovered by
Lieut. Col. Pomeroy, who imraediately raentioned the fact to the general ; and, observing
to him, that these people were extremely afraid of cannon, requested that one or two pieces
might be pointed against them. They were then near the ground on which Fort WiUiam
Henry was afterward built. The general approved of the proposal. A sheU was instantiy
thrown among thera from a howitzer, and some field-pieces showered upon them a quantity
of grape-shot. The Indians fled.
The baron, in the mean time, led up his main body to attack the centre. They began
the engagement by firing regularly in platoons ; but at so great a distance, that they did
very Uttie execution, ' This circurastance was favorable to the English ; and soon recover
ing from the panic into which they had been thrown by the preceding events of the day,
they fought with great spirit and firmness.
Gen. Johnson, at the comraenceraent of the battie, received a flesh wound in his thigh,
and the ball lodged in it. He bled freely, but was able to walk away from the army to his
tent. Gen. Lyman then took the command, and continued in it during the action. This
gentleman, who seemed to have no passions, except those which are involved in the word
humanity, immediately stationed himself in the front of the breastwork; and there, amid
the thickest danger, issued his orders, during 5 hours, to every part of the army, as occasion
demanded, with a serenity which raany covet, and some boast, but very few acquire. The
raain body of the French kept their ground, and preserved their order, for a considerable
time ; but the artiUery, under the command of Capt. Eyre, a brave English officer, who
performed his part with rauch skiU and reputation, played upon them with such success,
and the fire firom the musketry was so warm and well-directed, that their ranks were soon
thinned, and their efforts slackened sufficiently to show that they despaired of success in
this quarter. They then raade another effort against the right of the English, stationed
between the road and the site of Fort William Henry, and composed of Ruggles' regiment,
WiUiams', now commanded by Lieut. Col. Pomeroy, and Titcorab's. Here a warm fire
was kept up on both sides about an hour ; but on the part of the enemy was unavailing.
At 4 o'clock, the English, and the Indians who fought with thera, leaped over their
breastwork, and charged the enemy. They fled, and were vigorously pursued for a short
distance. A considerable number were slain in the pursuit. The wounded, and a very
few others, were made prisoners. Araong these was Dieskau. He was found by a soldier,
resting on a sturap, with hardly an attendant. As he was feeUng for his watch, in order to
give it to the soldier, the raan, suspecting that he was searching for a pistol, discharged the
contents of his musket through his hips. He,was carried into the carap in a blanket by 8
men, with the greatest care and tenderness, but evidentiy in extreme distress.
Hendrick , had Uved to this day with singular honor, and died fighting with a spirit not
to be excelled. He was at this time from 60 to 65 years of age. His head was covered
with white locks : and what is uncommon among Indians, he was corpulent. Immediately
before Col. Williams began his march, he mounted a stage, and harangued his people. He
had a strong masculine voice ; and, it was thought, might he distinctiy heard at the distance
of half a mile ; a fact which, to my own view, has diffused a new degree of probability over
Homer's representations of the effects produced by the speeches and shouts of his heroes,
Lieut, Col. Pomeroy, who was present, and heard this effusion of Indian eloquence, told
me, that, although he did not understand a word of the language, yet such was the anima
tion of Hendrick, the fire of his eye, the force of his gesture, the strength of his emphasis,
the apparent propriety of the inflections of his voice, and the natural appearance of his
whole manner, that hiraself was raore deeply affected with this speech, than with any other
which he had ever heard. In the Pennsylvania Gazette, Sept, 25, 1755, he is styled " the
famous Hendrick, a renowned Indian warrior among the Mohawks ;" and it is said that
his son, being told that his father was kiUed, giving the usual Indian groan upon such
occasions, and suddenly putting his hand on his left breast, swore, that his father was still
alive in that place, and that there stood his son. Baron Dieskau was conveyed from Al
bany to New York, and from thence to England ; where soon after he died.
The capture of Fort William Henry, at this place, Aug, 9th, 1757.
and the massacre by the Indians, created a great sensation in all the
northern states. The following account of the capture of the fort,
is extracted from Professor Silliman's Tour.
The Marquis de Montcalm, after three inefl^ectual attempts upon Fort William Henry,
made great efforts to besiege it in forra, and in August, 1757, having landed ten thousand

WARREN COUNTY,

347

men near the fort, summoned it to surrender. The place of his landing was shown me, a
little north of the pubUc house ; the remains of his batteries aud other works are still visi
ble ; and the graves and bones of the slain are occasionally discovered.
He had a powerful train of artillery, and although the fort and works were garrisoned
by three thousand men, and were most gallantly defended by the commander. Col. Mon
roe, it was obliged to capitulate ; but the most honorable terms were granted to Colonel
Monroe, in consideration of his great gallantry. The bursting of the great guns, the
want of ammunition, and above all, the failure of Gen. Webb to succor the fort, although
he lay idle at Fort Edward with four thousand men, were the causes of this catastrophe.
The capitulation was, however, raost sharaefully broken ; the Indians attached to Mont
calm's army, while the troops were marching out of the gate of the fort, dragged the men
from the ranks, particularly the Indians in the English service, and butchered them in
cold blood ; they plundered all without distinctioui and murdered women and little chil
dren, with circurastances of the most aggravated barbarity. The massacre continued all
along the road, through the defile of the mountains, and for raany railes the miserable
prisoners, especially those in the rear, were tomahawked and hewn down in cold blood ;
it might well be called the bloody defile, for it was the same ground that was. the scene
of the battles, only two years before, in 1755. It is said that efforts were raade by the
French to restrain the barbarians^ but they were not restrained, and the miserable rem
nant of the garrison with difficult^ reached Fort Edward pursued by the Indians, although
escorted by a body of French troops. I passed over the whole of the ground upon which
this tragedy was acted, and the oldest men of the country still Temember this deed of
guilt and infamy.
Fort WiUiam Henry was leveUed by Montcalm, and has never been rebuilt. Fort
George was built as a substitute for it, on a more coraraanding site, and although often
mentioned in the history of subsequent wars, was not, I believe, the scene of any very
meraorable event.

Distant view of the village of Glenn's Falls.

The viUage of Glenn's FaUs lies on the N. bank of the Hudson, 53
miles from Albany, 3 W, from Sandy HiU, and 17 from Saratoga, It
received its name from a Mr. Glenn, the first settler, whose house is
StiU standing about 20 rods from the falls, ,01.1
The above is a SE, view of the viUage as seen from the b, bank
of the Hudson, There are here about 120 dwellings, 1 Presby
terian, 1 Methodist, and 1 Baptist church, a female seminary, a
printino' office, and about a dozen miUs on both sides of the river
for sa'wing lumber and marble. The Presbyterian and Methodist

348 WASHINGTON COUNTY.
churches and the academy are seen on the right, and part of the
bridge over the Hudson at the falls, on the left.
These falls have a total descent of about 70 feet. The water flows
in one sheet over the brink of the precipice, 900 feet in length, and
when in full flood, rushes in one mass down the cataract, fiUing the
mind of a spectator on the bridge with awe and admiration. In ordi
nary seasons the river is divided at the falls by rocks into three chan
nels, which have an angular descent of several hundred feet. These
falls have evidently receded from a position lower down the stream.
The banks below are in some places 70 feet in perpendicular
height, formed of rocks, in which the stratification is beautifully dis
posed, containing many organic remains. The navigable feeder of the
Champlain canal is taken from the river, two miles above, and passes
along the elevated bank of the river seen in the engraving. It is be
lieved that as many as eighteen or twenty persons have been drawn
over the falls, within the memory of those now living, only two of
whom escaped death. Animals are frequently drawn over, and almost
invariably perish.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Washington county received its present name in 1784, having
previously been called Charlotte county, when it claimed to include a
part of the present state of Vermont, Its greatest length is 64 miles ;
average breadth to South Bay, of Lake Champlain, 17 mUes ; and
thence on the N, 6 mUes, Centrally distant from New York 210, from
Albany 60 miles.
The face of the country is very much diversified. That around
Lake George is generally rugged and mountainous, presenting sum
mits from 600 to 1,200 feet in height. AU the northern part is broken
and hilly. The southern part, though considerably uneven, presents
a very large proportion of arable land, well adapted for the various
products of agriculture. In the northern part, which is comparatively
new, the pine forests supply large quantities of lumber. The county
is abundantly watered. As a whole, it holds a respectable rank in ag
riculture, producing much wheat, but is better adapted to grass. A
large proportion of the population is from New England, and large
emigrations are yearly making from Vermont. The county is divided
into 17 towns :
Argyle, Cambridge,
Dresden,Easton, Fort Ann,

Fort Edward,

Hebron,

White Creek,

Granville,

Jackson,

WhitehaU.

Greenwich,

Kingsbury,

Hampton,

Putnam,

Hartford,

Salem,

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

849

Whitehall, organized in 1788, has a great diversity of surface
The soU is principally a stiff clay, weU adapted to grass. Pop, 3,810

Northern view of Whitehall.
The above engraving shows the appearance of the village of White
haU as seen from the rocky eminence which rises perpendicularly
from the waters of Lake Champlain, a short distance to the north
overlooking the harbor. The vUlage is compactly buUt, and lies in a
rocky ravine, at the junction of Wood creek and the Champlain cana
with the waters of Lake Champlain, 73 mUes from Albany and 21
from Sandy Hill. The mouth of the creek and canal are seen in the
central part of the engraving. The waters of the canal descend a
distance of 26 feet by three locks. There is a steamboat communi
cation with this place and St. Johns in Canada, 150 miles distant.
The steamboat landing is seen on the left at the foot of a rocky emi
nence about 200 feet high ; the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches
are on the right. The viUage, which is a place of extensive business,
consists of about 150 dwellings, a number of mUls, many warehouses
for the commission and forwarding business, a number of churches,
and a bank. In the vicinity are the decaying hulks of the British ves
sels captured by Com. McDonough during the last war off Plattsburg.
The Indian name of this place was Kah.cho-quah.na, " the place where dip-fish." It
was forraeriy called Skenesborough, so named frora Maj, Skene, a royalist, who resided
here previous to the revolution. The pass at this place was seized by a detachment of vol
unteers frora Connecticut in May, 1775. Maj. Skene and his faraily, with a nuraber of
soldiers and several sraaU pieces of cannon, were taken. When Ticonderoga was aban.
doned on the approach of Burgoyne, the public stores were embarked on board of 200
batteaux and sent up the lake to Skenesborough under a convoy of 5 galleys. They were
pursued by a British brigade of gun-boats and overtaken at Skenesborough, Two of the
gaUeys were taken, and the other three blown up, and the Americans being unable to make
an eflfectual stand, set fire to tiie works, fort, mUls, batteaux, and escaped as they could to
Fort Ann, This place was occupied by Burgoyne as his head-quarters for a considerable
time whUe his troops were clearing a road to Ford Edward. On the heights overlookmg
the harbor are the remains of a battery and blockhouse.
73

350 WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Salem viUage, the half-shire viUage of Washington county, was in
corporated in 1803, and is 46 miles from Albany, and 21 from Sandy
HiU, It consists of 100 dwellings, the county buildings, 2 churches,
and an academy of high repute.
Salem was first setUed about the year 1756, by two companies of
emigrants, one from Scotland and Ireland, the other from New Eng
land. They worshipped together under the ministry of the Rev.
Thomas Clark, an Irish preacher, till differences arose about " occa
sional communion," and about " receiving the covenant of the three
kingdoms," This controversy occasioned a separation in 1769. A
Presbyterian church was formed, and the Rev, John Warford, the first
minister, was installed in 1789, He labored about 14 years, and was
succeeded by Rev, Samuel Tomb, who continued in the ministry tUl
his death in 1832, His successors have been Rev. John Whiton and
Rev. A. B, Lambert. The first Presbyterian church was built in
1774, and for three years it was used for barracks and a storehouse.
It was burnt by the royalists in 1778, The next house was built im
mediately after the war, and was burnt by accident in 1836, The
third, erected at a cost of $10,000, was burnt in AprU, 1840 ; another
is now erected.
Union village, on the BattenkiU, is a flourishing manufacturing place
35 mUes from Albany, 12 from Salem, and 5 E, from SchuylerviUe,
It contains 4 churches, an academy, a bank, a number of factories and
mills, and about 1,500 inhabitants, GranviUe Corners, 63 miles from
Albany and 17 from Salem, is a compact settlement of about 75 dwell
ings, 3 churches, an academy, a factory, &c. Middle and West
(JranviUe are both, substantial villages. Sandy HiU, a vUlage in the
town of Kingsbury, on the north bank of the Hudson, is the half-shire
village of the county, and was incorporated in 1810. It is situated
upon a high' sandy plain, about 100 feet above the river, opposite Ba
ker's Falls, where, in the course of 60 rods, the river descends 76 feet.
The contemplated railroad . from Saratoga to Whitehall is to cross the
Hudson here by a viaduct 1,100 feet in length. The viUage is 48
mUes from Albany, and contains a Presbyterian and Episcopal church,
and upwards of 100 dwelling-houses, James Bradshaw was the first
settler irt the viUage, and the second was Albert Baker, who came here
in 1768. His famUy was the llth which settled in Kingsbury. The
first minister in the town was Francis Baylor, a Moravian. He re
mained but a short time, and left in the year 1777. The meeting
house was built soon after the revolution. During the revolutionary
war, the town was burnt by Burgoyne's army.
Two miles north of the village of Kingsbury is the spot where a
bloody battle was fought in the French war, between a body of troops
under Putnam and Rogers, and 500 French and Indians commanded
by Molang.
" In the month of August, 1758, five hundred men were employed, under the orders of
Majors Rogers and Putnam, to watch the motions of the enemy near Ticonderoga. At
South Bay they separated the party into two equal divisions, and Rogers took a position
on Wood Creek, twelve miles distant from Putnam.

VVASHINGTON COUNTY. 351
" Upon being, some time afterward, discovered, they formed a reunion, and concerted
measures for returning to Fort Edward. Their march through the woods was in three divisions,
by FILES : the right- coraraanded by Rogers, the left by Putnam, and the centre by Captain
D'EU. The first night they encamped on the banks of Clear River, about a mile from old Fort
Ann, which had been formerly built by General Nicholson. Next moming Major Rogers.
and a British officer naraed Irwin, incautiously suffered themselves, from a spirit of false emu
lation, to be engaged in firing at a mark. Nothing could have been more repugnant to the
mihtary principles of Putnam than such conduct, or reprobated by hira in more pointed terms.
As soon as the heavy dew which had fallen the preceding night would permit, the detachment
rnoved in one body, Putnam being in front, D'EU in centre, and Rogers in the rear. The imper
vious growth of shrubs and under-brash that had sprung up, where the land had been partially
cleared some years before, occasioned this change in the order of march. At the moment of
moving, the famous French partisan Molang, who had been sent with five hundred men to
intercept our party, was not raore than one mile and a half distant from them. Having
heard the firing, he hastened to lay an ambuscade precisely in that part of the wood most fa
vorable to his project. Major Putnam was just emerging from the thicket, into the common
forest, when the eneniy rose, and with discordant yUls and whoops, commenced an attack
upon the right of his division. Surprisedj but undisraayed, Putnara halted, returned the fire,
and passed the word for the other divisions to advance for his support. D'EU came. The
action, though widely scattered, and principally fought between man and rnan, soon grew
general and intensely warm. It would be as difficult as useless to describe this irregular and
Ferocious mode of fighting. Rogers came not up ; but, as he declared afterward, formed a
circular file between our party and Wood creek, to prevent their being taken in rear or enfi
laded. Successful as he coramonly was, his conduct did not always pass without unfavorable
imputation. Notwithstanding, it was a current saying in the carap, ' that Rogers always sent,
but Putnara led his men to action,' yet, in justice, it ought to be remarked here, that the latter
has ne-i'er been known, iu relating the story of this day's disaster, to affix any stigma upon the
conduct of the former.
" Major Putnam, perceiving it would be impracticable to cross the creek, determined to
maintain his ground. Inspired by his example, the officers and men behaved with great bra
very : sometimes they fought aggregately in open view, and sometimes individually under
cover ; taking aim ftom behind the bodies of trees, and acting in a manner independent of
each other. For himseU', having discharged his fuzee several times, at length it missed fire
while the muzzle was pressed against tlie breast of a large and weU proportioned savage
This warrior, availing himself of the indefensible attitude of his adversary, with a tremendous
war-whoop, sprang forward,- wuh his lU'ted hatchet, and compelled him to surrender ; and
having disarmed and bound him fast to a tree, returned to the battle.
" The intrepid Captains D'EU and Harraan, who now commanded, were forced to give
ground for a Uttle distance : the savages conceiving this to be the certain harbinger of victory,
rushed impetuously on, with dreadful and redoubled cries. But our two partisans, collecting
a handful of brave men, gave the pursuers so warm a reception as to oblige them, in turn, to
retreat a Uttle beyond the spot at which the action had commenced. Here they made a stand.
Thig change of ground occasioned the tree to which Putnam was tied to be directly between
the lire of the two parties. Huraan imagination can hardly figure to itself a more deplorable
situation. The balls flew incessantly frora either side, raany strack the tree, while some passed
through the sleeves and skurts of his coat. In this state of leopardy, unable to move his bodv,
to stir his limbs, or even to incUne his head, he remainecP raore than an hour So equaUy
balanced, and so obstinate was the fight ! At one raoraent, while the battle swerved in favor
of the enemy, a young savage chose an odd way of discovering his humor. He found Putnam
bound. He might have despatched him at a blow. But he loved better to excite the terrors
of the prisoner, by hurling a tomahawk at his head, or rather it should seem his object was to
see how near he could throw it without touching him— the weapon struck in the tree a num
ber of times at a hair's breadth distance from the mark. When the Indian had finished his
amusement a French bas-officer (a much more inveterate savage by nature, though descended
frora so humane and poUshed a nation) perceiving Putnam, came up to him, and, levelling a
fuzee within a foot of his breast, attempted to discharge it— it raissed fire. Inefi'ectually did
the intended victim soUcit the treatment due to his situation, by repeating that he was a pri
soner of war. The degenerate Frenchman did not understand the language of honor or of
nature : deaf to their voice, and dead to sensibihty, he violently, and repeatedly, pushed the
muzzle of his gun against Putnam's ribs, and finally gave him a cruel blow on the jaw with
the butt-end ofhis piece. After this dastardly deed he left hira. , ,, ,
" At length the activr, intrepidity of D'EU and Harman, seconded by the perse-vering valor
of their foUowers, prevailed. They drove frora the field the enemy, who left about ninety
dead behind them. As they were retiring, Putnam was untied by the Indian who had made
him prisoner, and whom he afterward called master. Having been conducted for some di^
tance frora the place of action, he was stripped of his coat, vefet, stockings, and shoes; loaded
with as many of the packs of the wounded as could be piled upon him ; strongly pinioned,
and his wrists tied as closely together as they could be puUed with a cord. After he had
marched through no pleasant paths, in this painful manner, for many a tedious raUe, the party
(who were excessively fatigued) halted ' to breathe. His hands were now immoderately
sweUed from the tightness of the Ugature ; and the pain had becorae mtolerable. His feet
were so rauch scratched, that the blood dropped fast from them. Exhausted with bearing a
burden above his strength, and frantic with torments exquisite beyond endurance, he entreated
tiie Irish interpreter to implore, as the last and only grace he deshed of the savages, that they

352 WASHINGTON COUNTY,
would knock him on the head, and take his scalp at once, or loose his hands. A French
officer, instantly interposing, ordered his hands to be unbound, and some of the packs to be
taken off. By this time the Indian who captured him, and had been absent with the wound
ed, coming up, gave him a pair of moccasins, and expressed great indignation at the un
worthy treatment his prisoner had suffered.
" That savage chief again returned to the care of the wounded, and the Indians, about two
hundred in number, went before the rest of the party to the place where the whole were that
night to encamp. They took with thera Major Putnam,' on whom, besides innumerable other
outrages, they had the barbarity to inflict a deep wound with the tomahawk in the left cheek.
His sufferings were in this place to be consummated. A seene of horror, infinitely greater
than had ever raet his eyes before, was now preparing. It was deterrained to roast hira alive.
For this purpose they led him into a dark forest, stripped him naked, bound him to a tree,
and piled dry brush, with other fuel, at a sraaU distance, in a circle round him. They ac
corapanied their labors, as if for his funeral dirge, with screaras and sounds inimitable but by
savage voices. "They then set the piles on fire. A sudden shower damped the rising flame.
Still they strove to kindle it, until, at last, the blaze ran fiercely round the circle. Major
Putnara soon began to feel the scorching heat. His hands were so lied that he could raove
his body. He often shifted sides as the fire approached. This sight, at the very idea of
which aU but savages raust shudder, afl'orded the highest diversion to his inhuman torment
ors, who demonstrated the delirium of their joy by correspondent yells, dances, and gesticu
lations. He saw clearly that his final hour was inevitably corae. He summoned aU his
resolution, and composed his mind, as far as the circumstances could admit, to bid an eter
nal farewell to all he held most dear. To quit the world would scarcely have cost a single
pang, but for the idea of home, but for the remembrance of domestic endearments, of the
affectionate partner of his soul, and of their beloved oflspring. His thought was ultimately
fixed on a happier state of existence, beyond the tortures he was beginning to endure. The
bitterness of death, even of that death wliich is accompanied with the keenest agonies, was,
in a manner, past — nature, with a feeble struggle, was quitting its last hold on sublunary
things — when a French officer rushed through tiie crowd, opened a way by scattering the
burning brands, and unbound the victim. It was Molang himself— to whom a savage, un-
wiUing to see another huraan sacrifice immolated, had run and communicated the tidings.
That commandant spurned and severely reprimanded the barbarians, whose nocturnal pow
wows and hellish orgies he suddenly ended. Putnam did not want for feeling or gratitude.
The French commander, fearing to trust him alone with them, remained until he could de
liver hira in safety into the hands of his master.
" The savage approached his prisoner kindly, and seeraed to treat hira with particular af
fection. He offered him sorae hard biscuit ; but finding that he could not chew thera, on
account of the blow he had received from the Frenchman, this more humane savage soaked
some of the biscuit in water, and made him suck the pulp-like part. Determined, however,
not to lose his captive, (the refreshment being finished,) he took the moccasins from his feet,
and tied them to one of his wrists : then directing him to lie down on his back upon the bare
ground, he stretched one arm to its full length, and bound it fast to a young tree ; the other
arm was extended and bound in the sarae manner — his legs were stretched apart and fastened
to two saplings. Then a number of taU, but slender poles were cut down, which, with some
long bushes, were laid across his body from head to foot ; on each side lay as many Indians
as could conveniently find lodging, in order to prevent the possibility of his escape. In this
disagreeable and painful posture he'reraained until morning. During this night, the longest
and most dreary conceivable, our hero used to relate that he felt a ray of cheerfulness come
casually across his mind, and could not even refrain frora smUing when he reflected on this
ludicrous group for a painter, of which he himself was the principal figure.
" 'The next day he was aUowed his blanket and raoccasins, and permitted to march with
out carrying any pack, or receiving any insult. To allay his extreme hunger, a littie bear's
meat was given, which he sucked through his teeth. At night the party arrived at Ticon
deroga, and the prisoner was pidced under the care of a French guard. The savages, who
had been prevented from glutting their diabolical thirst for blood, took other opportunity of
manifesting their malevolence for the disappointment, by horrid grimaces and angry ges
tures; but they were suffered no more to offer violence or personal indignity to him.
" After having been examined by the Marquis de Montcalra, Major Putnam was conduct
ed to Montreal by a French officer, who treated hira with the greatest indulgence and hu
manity," — Humphrey's Life of Putnam.
The village of Fort Ann, on Wood creek and the canal, 58 mUes
from Albany, and 10 S, from Whitehall, contains about 50 dwellings,
and 3 churches. It is situated on the site of old Fort Ann, erected in
1757, and was a place of some importance during the colonial wars.
About two miles south of the village, vestiges of Burgoyne's road,
constructed of logs, &c,, in 1777, are stUl to be seen.
Fort Edward is a small village, situated on the Hudson river and
Champlain canal, 47 miles from Albany, and about 3 frora Sandy HiU.

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

353

There is a dam above the village 900 feet long and 27 high, which
supplies a feeder to the canal.

The Jane M'Crea tree. Fort Edward
The village of Fort Edward is rendered memorable as being the spot where Miss M'Crea
met with her tragical fate. This unfortunate young woman lived about four railes south
from Fort Edward, on the west bank of the Hudson. Her lover, a Mr. Jones, lived about
a mile south of the fort. When Burgoyne with his army frora Canada had arrived in this
¦vicinity, Mr, Jones left the Araericau array, and with many of his neighbors joined the
forces under Burgoyne, For his loyalty he was made a major. As the jilace where Miss
M'Crea resided was exposed to the hostile incursions of both armies, Mr. Jones, being
anxious for her safety, found means to con-irey intelligence to her that he would take meas
ures to have her brought into the British carap. For this purpose she was directed to come
to Mrs. Campbell's, a relative of hers, who lived in a house now standing in Fort Edward
.village. Here she was to wait till he sent a convoy for her safety. Miss M'Crea left her
home in the moming, crossed the river by Mr. Jones' house, took breakfast " at the old
Baldwin house," near by Fort Edward, and from thence went to Mrs. Campbell's.
It appears that Mr. Jones, by offering a quantity of rum as a reward, induced a party
of Indians to go for Miss M'Crea, and bring her into the British carap. Sorae accounts
state that when the Indians came near the house they held up a letter' to allay her fears,
which being from her lover, she did not hesitate to venture herself with them. The In
dians also took Mrs. Campbell with them. When this party had proceeded but a short
distance, about half way up the elevation north of the village, they were met by another
party of Indians. It is stated that the latter, hearing of the offer of Mr. Jones, detej-
mined to share a portion of the reward. This brought on a contention between them,
which rose to such a height, that an aged Indian chief, fearful of the consequences, de
terrained to end the dispute. Approaching Miss M'Crea, he shot her dead as she sat on
her horse. He then sprang forward, sunk his tomahawk into her head, and then scalped
her, " Tradition reports, that the Indians divided the scalp, and that each party carried
half of it f o the agonized lover,"
She was now stripped of her clothing, and dragged about thirty rods west of the place
where she was kiUed, and laid under a log by the side of the ancient pine represented in
the engraving. It is stated by those who saw her remains, that they exhibited a most
shocking spectacle ; her limbs were rauch swollen, and covered with dust and blood. An
American officer. Lieutenant Palmer, who had been slain that day by the Indians with
18 of his men, atiout 80 rods northwest of the pine tree, was also thrown under the log
23 45

354 WAYNE COUNTY.
near Miss M'CJrea, and the remains of both partiaUy covered, with brushwood and bushes.
The engraving shows the appearance of the spot where the body of Miss M'Crea was
found. The pine tree which was then standing, still remains, having a venerable and an
cient appearance. Her narae is inscribed on the tree, with the date 1777, and " no trav
eller passes this spot without spending a plaintive raoraent in conteraplating the untimely
fate of youth and loveliness." At its root it is about 5 feet in diameter, standing about 4
rods west frora the road to Sandy HUl, and about 80 rods north of the village, on the side
of a sandy ridge. A fine spring issues a few feet below this tree. The bodies of Miss
M'Crea and Lieutenant Palmer were taken and buried three miles below the fort, near
what was called the " black house." About 18 years since, her remains were taken up
and re-interred in a village burying ground at Fort Edward; the Rey. Mr. Cummings, of
Albany, preached a funeral sermon on the occasion. At the time of her death she was
about twenty years of age, and is represented as having been of a middling stature, finely
forraed, dark hair, and uncoraraonly beautiful. Mr. Jones, who was about 25, survived
her death but a short period, and it is said his hau- turned gray the first night after receiv
ing the fatal news.

WAYNE COUNTY.
Wayne county was taken from the NW. corner of Ontario, and the
N, of Seneca counties, in 1823, Greatest length from E, to W, 35
miles, greatest breadth N, and S, 30,
The surface is much diversified ; on the N. the ancient beach of
Lake Ontario extends with the lake E. and W, from it 4 to 8 miles ;
forming in its whole course a road through the county, known as the
" ridge road." The Erie canal, for nearly the whole of its devious
course of 43 miles through the county, keeps the valley of Mud creek
and the Clyde. The soil is generally highly fertile. The greater por
tion of the county on the 'West, including one-fourth of the towns of
Galen. Rose, and Huron, was in the grant to Massachusetts and in
Phelps and Gorham's purchase, passing from those gentlemen to Rob
ert Morris, and from him to Sir Wilham Pulteney, from whom the
present possessors derive title. The remnant in the east pertained to
the military tract. The county is divided into 15 towns :

Arcadia,

Lyons,

Palmyra,

Walworth,

Butler,

Macedon,

Rose,

Williamson,

Galen,

Marion,

Savannah,

Wolcott.

Huron,

Ontario,

Sodus,

Lyons, the shire-village, was incorporated in 1831. It is situated at
the junction of Mud creek with the Canandaigua outlet, (below which
the stream takes the name of Clyde river,) and on the Erie canal, 181
miles from Albany, 34 from Rochester, 15 N, of Geneva, and 16 S. of
Sodus Point. The village contains about 250 dwellings, 1 Presbyte
rian, 1 Lutheran, 1 Methodist, 1 Baptist, and 1 Episcopal church, the
county buUdings, a bank, 2 newspaper printing offices,' a number of
miUs, &c. The accompanying view was taken at the bridge over the
Erie canal, at the eastern entrance into the viUage, and shows in the
distance a number of pubhc buildings. The village was originaUy laid

WAYNE COUNTY.

355

Eastern entrance into Lyons.
out by C, WiUiamson, agent forthe Pulteney estate, and is said to have
derived its name from the similarity of its situation to the city of that
name in France, The first settlement was commenced in June, 1798,
by emigrants from New Jersey and Maryland,

Eastern view in Main-street, Palmyra.
The village of Palmyra is situated on Mud creek and the Erie ca
nal 196 miles distant from Albany by the post route, 11 from Lyons,
13 from Canandaigua, and 22 from Rochester, It is a place of con
siderable business, containing about 250 dwellings, 1 Presbyterian, 1
Eniscopal, 1 Methodist, and 1 Baptist church, a bank, 2 newspaper
printing offices, a number of miUs, &c. The accompanying engraving
shows part of Main-street, looking westward. , o -i 17 4-
The vUlage of Clyde, on the Ime of the Ene canal, 8 mUes E. of
Lyons, is a place of considerable business, having upwards of 100
dwellings, 4 churches, and an academy.

356 WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

Westchester county is of an ancient date. It was represented
in the first legislative assembly in the colony, which met at New York
in 1691. And it has constituted one county to this time, having been
organized as such by the general acts of 1788 and 1801. This coun
ty comprises a very important section of the state. Washed on the
west by the Hudson, and on the south by the East river and Long
Island sound, it enjoys very superior advantages for trade and com
merce. The county generally exhibits a beautiful diversity of sur
face. The northwestern corner is considerably broken by the SE.
border of the Highlands, of a mountain character, and a range of
hills of moderate height extends from York Island towards the NE,
extremity, on which are situated the heights and hUls much known in
the revolution, Croton River, the stream which supplies the Croton
aqueduct with water, rises in Dutchess and Putnam counties from
several beautiful lakes. It flows through part of the county in a south
ern direction, and empties into the Hudson about two miles above the vil
lage of Sing Sing : length about 45 miles. Bronx river, named after Jo
seph Bronx, an early settler, rises in Rye Pond, and after a course of 25
miles passes into the Sound. Based upon primitive rock, the soil is natur
ally sterile, but is rendered productive by careful and painful cultivation.
Of wheat it produces little, and the inhabitants import a large portion of j
their bread-stuffs. Summer crops are good, and by the use of plaster,
valuable returns in grass are obtained. The chief business ^ of the in
habitants consists in supplying New York city with garden stuffs,
field vegetables, butter, poultry, &c.
This county suffered severely during the revolution. The whole
southern part was marked by the marches, works of defence, or
skirmishes and battles of hostile armies. And, indeed, the active op
erations of the war in 1776, were principally confined to this region,
and in the autumn to this county, where the two armies were in full
force, constantly on the alert, and under the eyes of their respective
commanders. The county is divided into 22 towns, all of which
were organized under the act of March 7th, 1788, excepting New
Castle and Ossinsin.
Bedford, Mamaroneck,
Cortlandt, Mount Pleasant,
Eastchester, New Castle,
Greensburg, New Rochelle,
Harrison, North Castle,
Lewisborough, North Salem,
PeekskUl viUage was incorporated in 1826. > It is situated 12 miles
north of Sing Sing, and immediately south of the southern termina
tion of the Highlands. The annexed engraving shows the appear
ance of the village as seen from an elevation a few rods northward
from the road to Carmel, The old Dutch Reformed and the Epis-

Ossinsin,

Westchester,

Pelham,

White Plains,

Poundridge,

Yonkers,

Rye,

Yorktown.

Scarsdale,

Somers,

WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

357

East view of Peekskill.
copal church are discernible on the right ; the Methodist and the
Presbyterian church, having a small tower, are on the extreme left.
The elevated spire of the new Dutch Reformed. church is in the cen
tral part of the view. Hudson river, with the towering highlands, is
seen in the distance. The village represented in the engraving is
situated on an elevation 200 feet above the level of the river, half a
mUe from the landing, on both sides of a deep ravine, in which flows
Gregory's brook, a rapid stream. There are in the village a bank,
2 printing-offices, 2 large iron foundries, &c. There is an academy,
a large edifice, situated on a commanding eminence at the south. It
was erected by subscription, at an expense of #7,000. The village,
including the landing, contains upwards of 200 dwellings, and 2
churches for Friends, besides those mentioned above. There is a
steamboat ferry at this place to Caldwell's landing, on the opposite
side of the Hudson, two miles distant. Verplanck's point and Conti
nental viUage; places distinguished in the revolutionary war, are with
in the limits of this town. This latter place, which had barracks for
2,000 men, was burnt by the British in October, 1777 ; the following
account of which is extracted from the Connecticut Journal of April
2d, 1777.
Fishkill, March 27.— Our post at Peck's-kiU, since fhe removal of the miUtia of the eastern
states has been in a manner m a defenceless situation, t^ere being only part of 2 regiments
stationed there under the care of Gen. McDougal amounting to about 250 men. The enemy
havin" received intelligence of this, formed an expedition thither with a view to take or de
stroy the stores belonging to the continentals that were deposited there. Accordingly on Sun
day last they appeared with a frigate, four transports, and several other smaU vessels in the
bay and landed about 1,000 men, with several pieces of cannon. General McDougal not
thinking it prudent to hazard a battie with such an unequal force, and not having seasonable
advice of the eneray's movement, was under the necessity of destroying their stores in order
to prevent their faUing into their hands, and retired about two miles into the pass m the High-
ianids carrying with him his baggage and military stores; his advanced guard being stationed
at Cortlandt's house in the vaUey. The enemy the same day took possession of the vUlage,
and remained close in their quarters untU the next day in the afternoon, when a party of them,
consisting of about 200 men, possessed themselves of a height a Uttle south of Cortlandt's,
The general having received a remforcement frora Col, Gansevoort's regiment, of about 80

358 WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
men, under the command of Lieut. Col. Willet, permitted them to attempt to dispossess the
enemy from that eminence. Col, Willet having accordingly made the necessary disposition,
advanced with hissiuaU party with the greatest firmness and resolution, and made the attack.
The enemy instantiy fled with the greatest precipitation, leaving three men dead on the
field, and the whole body, panic-struck, betook themselves to their shipping, embarking
under cover of the night ; and by the last accounts they had sailed down the river. Be
fore they embarked, they gave out they intended to stop at Tarrytown, on their way
dowii, and attempt to destroy our magazine of forage at Wright's mills. Upon their evac
uating the place, Gen. McDougal took possession of his former quarters, and detached a
party of men to watch their motions. "The enemy, on this occasion, have been exceed
ingly disappointed, as they have not been able to carry off any stores left behind by our
men, and no other flock ttian about 40 sheep and 8 or 10 head of cattle, with which they
were supplied by our good friends the tories. Never did troops exhibit more firmness .,and
resolution than did our array on this occasion. Notwithstanding the disparity of nurabers
was great, and the measure absolutely necessary, it was with the utmost reluctance they
retired to the pass. As usual, these heroes of Britain have burnt sorae houses, plundered
the inhabitants of what they could conveniently take with them, frightened the women
and children, and raised the spirits of their tory brethren in that quarter, but which, alas,
as is always the case when unnaturally elevated, are now again proportionably de-

Peekskill is the birthplace of John Paulding, the American farmer,
who intercepted Andre, the British spy, at Tarrytown, some fifteen
miles below this place. His monument is situated about two miles to
the north of the village. It is built of marble, of a pyramidal shape,
about fifteen feet in height, and running to a point. It is enclosed in
an iron raihng about twelve feet square. The main inscription is on
the south side, and runs thus : —
" Here repose the mortal reraains of John Paulding, who died on the 18th day of Feb
ruary, 1818, in the 60th year of his age. On the moming of the 23d of September, 1780,
accompanied by two young farmers of the county of Westchester, (whose naraes will one
day be recorded on their own deserved raonuraents,) he intercepted the British spy, Andre.
Poor himself, he disdained to acquire wealth by sacrificing his country. Rejecting the temp
tation of great rewards, he conveyed his prisoner to the American carap, and by this act
of noble self-denial, the treason of Arnold was detected ; the designs of the eneray baffled ;
West Point and the American army saved, and these U. S., now by the grace of God
free and independent, rescued from irarainent peril." On the opposite side is written —
" The corporation of the city of New York erect this torab as a meraorial raised to public
gratitude." On the east side is a beautiful wreath engraved ou the marble, with the
word, " FideUty.''
Tarrytown is pleasantly situated, 28 miles N, of New York, on an
elevation overlooking the Hudson, opposite the widest part of Tap-
pan bay. The village contains 4 churches, 80 or 90 dwellings, and
about 1,000 inhabitants. The following is a view of the place, situated
about one fourth of a mUe N, of the vUlage where Andre was taken
prisoner, in Sept,, 1780, by three militiamen. The road at that time
ran a little to the west of its present location. The three were play
ing cards in the field on the right of the engraving, which was then
covered with trees and shrubbery, when their attention was arrested
by the clattering of a horse's hoofs o\/er a wooden bridge thrown across
the little brook seen in the foreground. They left their cards, and ar
rested Andre in the vicinity of the place where now stands a small pine
tree, near which a human figure is placed in the engraving.
The annexed account of the taking of Andre, is frorn a manuscript
in the possession of Isaac H, Tiffany, Esq,, of Fultonville, being the
notes of a personal conversation which he had with David WiUiams,

WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

359

North view of the place where Andre was taken prisoner.
one of the actors in the scene at Broome, Schoharie county, Feb.
13, 1817.
Williams, Van Wart, and Paulding, (Williams aged between 22 and 23, the other two
being younger,) were going to see sorae relations 20 raUes below. The three were seated
beside the road in the bushes, amusing themselves at cards, when their attention was ar
rested by the galloping of a horse. On approaching the road, they saw a gentleman riding
towards them, seated on a large brown horse, which was afterward observed to have marked
on the near shoulder the initials U, S, A, The rider was a Ught, trira-buUt man, about 5
feet 7 inches in height, with a bold mUitary countenance and dark eyes, and was dressed
in a round hat, blue surtout, crimson coat, with pantaloons and vest of nankeen. As he
neared them, the three cocked their muskets and aimed at the rider, who immediately
checked his horse, and the following conversation ensued :
Andre. " Gentiemen, I hope you are of our party !"
Paulding. " What party?"
Andre. " The lower party,"
Paulding. " We do."
Andre. " I am a British officer ; I have been up in the country on particular business, and
would not wish to be detained a single moraent,"
He thereupon puUed out a gold watch, and exhibited it as an evidence that he was a
gentleraan, and returned it again to his fob, Paulding thereupon remarked, " We are Ameri.
cans." Andre. " God bless my soul ! a man must do any thing to get along — I ara a continental
officer, going down to Dobbs Ferry to get information from below,"
Andre then drew out and presented a pass frora General Arnold, in which was the as
suraed narae of John Anderson, Seizing hold upon the reins of the horse, they ordered hira
to dismount, Andre exclaimed, " You wiU bring yourself into trouble !" " We care not
for that," was the reply. They took him down ten or fifteen rods beside a run of water,
and WiUiams proceeded to search the hat, coat, yest, shirt, and pantaloons, in which they
found $80 in continental money ; and at last ordered him to take off his boots. At this,
he changed color, WiUiams drew off the left boot first, and Paulding seizing it exclaimed,
" My God ! here it is !" In it three half sheets of written paper were found enveloped by
a half sheet, raarked, " contents West Point," Paulding agahi exclaimed, " My God ! he's
a spy .'" On puUing off the other boot, a similar package was found,
Andre was now aUowed to dress, and they matched hira across the road into the field
about twenty rods. The young raen winked to each other to raake further discoveries, and
inquired fi-ora whora he got the papers ? " Of a man at Pine's bridge, a sn-anger to me,"
repUed Andre, He then offered thera for his Uberty, his horse and equipage, watch, and
100 guineas. This they refused to take, unless he inforraed them where he obtained the
manuscript. He refused to comply, but again offered his horse, equipage, and one thousand
guineas, "They were firm in their denial, and Andre increased his offer to ten thousand
guineas and as raany drygoods as they wished, which should be deposited in any place
desired,  that they might keep him and send some one to New York with his order, so

360 WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
that they could obtain them unmolested. To this they replied, " that it did not signify for
him to make any offer, for he should not go." They then proceeded to the nearest miU
tary station, which was at North Castle, about twelve miles distant. On the way, Andre
gave them his watch, telling them that " it was a prize." On delivering hira to Colonel
Jamieson, the commanding offlcer, that gentleman enjoined the strictest secrecy, at the
same time expressing an opinion that there were others doubtless concerned in the plot.
Major Tallraadge, who had coraraanded a guard, received Andre at Colonel Jaraieson's
quarters, and afterward, with about twenty men, conducted hira to Colonel Sheldon, at
Salera. The three accorapanied Andre part of the way, and then left. During the night,
Tallraadge caused Andre to be tied to a tree at Corayen hill. From Salera he was con
veyed to West Point, and frora thence to Tappan.
Williams, Paulding, and 'Van Wart, stood within the ring when Andre was hung.
When the officer inforraed hira that his time had nearly expired, and inquired if he had
any thing to say, he answered, " Nothing, but for thera to witness to the world that he
died like a brave man." The hangman, who was painted black, offered to put on the
noose — " Take off your black bands !" said Andre ; then putting on the noose himself,
took out his handkerchief, tied it on, drew it up, bowed with a smile to his acquaintances,
and died,
David WiUiams, now (Feb. 13, 1817) aged 61, was born at Tarrytown, of Dutch ex
traction, and speaks that language. Paulding and Van Wart were also Dutch ; neither
of the three spoke English well. Congress gave each a farra in Westchester county, of
the value of £500, an annuity of $200 through life, together with an elegant silver medal,
on one side of which was the inscription, " Fidelity," and on the reverse, the motto
" Amor patria vincit," (the love of country conquers.)
Three mUes E. of Tarrytown, is the small viUage of Greensburgh,
where there are a few neat dwellings, and a Presbyterian church, in
whose cemetery rest the remains of Isaac Van Wart, one of the cap
tors of Andre ; over which is a marble monument, consisting of a base
and pyramid, with the following inscription :
" Here repose the mortal remains of Isaac Van Wart, an elder of the Greenburgh
church, who died on the 23d of May, 1828, in the 69th year of his age. Having lived the
life, he died the death of the Christian. — The citizens of the county of Westchester erect
ed this torab, in testiraony of the high sense they entertained for the virtuous aud patriotic
conduct of their fellow-citizen, and as a meraorial sacred to public gratitude. — Vincit
Amor Patriae. — Nearly half a century before this monument was built, the conscript fa
thers of America had, in the senate chamber, voted that Isaac Van Wart was a faithful
patriot — one in whora the love of country was invincible, aud this torab bears testiraony
that the record is true. — Fidelity. On the 23d of Sept. 1780, Isaac Van Wart, accorapa
nied by John Paulding and David Williaras, all farmers of the county of Westchester, in
tercepted Major Andre on his return frora the Araericau Unes in the character of a spy,
and notwithstanding the large bribes offered them for his release, nobly disdained to sacri
fice their country for gold, secured and carried hira to the coraraanding officer of the dis
trict, whereby the dangerous and traitorous conspiracy of Arnold was brought to light, the
insidious designs of the eneray baffled, the American army saved, and our beloved coun
try freed," &c.
The village of Sing Sing, 34 miles from New York, was incorporated
in 1813, It consists of upwards of 200 dwellings, 4 churches, an
academy, and a female seminary. The greater part of the village is
situated on high and uneven ground. The Mount Pleasant State
Prison is situated about half a mile S. of the viUage, and usually con
tains from 800 to 900 convicts. Large quantities of marble are quar
ried in the vicinity by the convicts for the New York and other mar
kets. The noted locality of " Sleepy Hollow," rendered so famous
by the entertaining legend of Washington Irving, adjoins the north part
of Tarrytowa,

WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

361

Southeast view o White Plains village, {central part.)
White Plains has a hUIy, but mostly an arable soil, well adapted
for grazing. Pop. 1,087. The half-shire viUage of White Plains is
situated on the old post road to Boston, 27 miles NE, from New York,
125 from Albany, and 14 mUes SW. from Bedford. It contains 2 Meth
odist, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal, and 1 ij.ufu.,. church, the county
buildings, an academy, 70 or 80 dweUings, and about 550 inhab
itants. The above view shows the appearance of the central part
of the village.: the courthouse, an ancient building, is seen on the
left, the spire of the academy on the extreme right.
The following account of the military operations in this town and
its vicinity in Oct. 1776, and the events which followed, is from
Botta's American Revolution.
" The English general remained several days at Frogs Neck, as well to repair the bridges
which the enemy had broken, as to wait for a considerable reinforcement which he had
called from Staten Island, The road from Frogs Neck to Kingsbridge is excessively rough
with continual masses of sraaU stones, and the Araericans had also obstructed it in many
places, Washington, who had asserabled all his army at Kingsbridge, sent forward his
light infantry to scour thJ country, and to harass the enemy in his march,
" Gen. Howe, having received his reinforcements, put himself in motion with all his
troops ; he crossed Pelham Manor, and went to encamp at New RocheUe, where he was
joined by the second division of Hessians, and of the troops of Waldeck under Gen, Knyp
hausen, and by a regiment of cavalry lately arrived at New York from Ireland, As the
principal project of the expedition was to intercept the communication of Washington with
the eastern provinces, and then, if he declined to venture an engagement, to shut him up
on the island of New York, consequently it was necessary to occupy the two roads leading
into Connecticut ; the one upon the coast of the sound, and the other raore inland. The
first was already in the power of the English ; but in atterapting to occupy the second, it
was requisite to traverse the difficult country of which we have already made mention, in
order to secure the post of the highlands, known by the name of White Plains, upon the
rear of Kingsbridge.
" Gen, Howe determined to take this route ; he marched, however, slowly and with
extreme caution, after leaving at New Rochelle the Gerraan corps, lately arrived, to secure
the lower road, and the coramunication with those places whence stores and necessaries
were to arrive,
" Washington exarained, with attention, the danger of his position. He penetrated the
designs of the enemy, and consequentiy decided to abandon, with the main body of his
army, the encampraent of Kingsbridge, Extending, therefore, his left wing, he took post
with it in the '^hite Plains, whUe the right occupied the heights of Valentine's HUl, near

362 WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
Kingsbridge ; the centre exactly filled the space comprehended between these two points.
Here he intrenched himself with the greatest care. His army thus formed a well secured
line, parallel to the river Bronx, which lay on its front, and separated it from the EngUsh,
who marched up along the left bank of this stream,
" Washington had behind him the great river Hudson, into which the English frigates
had not yet been able to penetrate so far as to intercept the suppUes of provisions which he
received frora the upper parts. With his left wing he occupied the upper road of Connec
ticut, by which he was also abundantly supplied with provisions and munitions. He had
left sufficient garrisons at Kingsbridge, at Harlem, and in Fort Washington ; in this last
place, however, against his own opinion. MeanwhUe, he detached numerous parties, over
the Bronx, in order to retard the motions of the enemy. Hence frequent skirraishes ensued,
and though the royalists had generaUy the advantage in these rencounters, they stUl served
to dissipate the terror of the Americans, who every day showed themselves more bold in
defying the enemy.
" Upon the approach of the English to the White Plains, Washington, all at once, called
in his detachraents, and abandoning the positions he had occupied along the Bronx, assem
bled aU his troops in a strong camp upon the heights, near these plains, in front of the enemy.
His right flank was protected by the Bronx, which, by its windings, also covered the front
of the right wing, 'The main body was nearly parallel to the river, and the left wing being
placed at a right angle upon the centre, and consequentiy parallel to the right, extended
towards the north upon the hills, as much as was necessary to guard the defiles leading to
the upper mountainous regions, into which the army, if expedient, might retire. But the
right wing, being posted in more level and less difficult ground, found itself raore exposed ;
wherefore Gen. McDougall was ordered to occupy, with a strong detachraent, a mountain
about a mile distant from the camp ; he intrenched himself there as well as the time would
adrait of.
" Such was the position of the American army when the English arrived vrithin 7 or 8
miles of White Plains, and prepared themselves to attack without loss of time. On the
moming of the 28th of Oct, they advanced in 2 columns, the right commanded by Gen,
Clinton, and the left by Gen, Heister. At noon, all the outposts being driven back by the
English and Hessian light infantry, the British array appeared before the American camp.
Immediately there ensued a cannonade, but to very little effect. The English drew up in
order of battle ; their right occupied the road which leads to Marrineck, about a mile distant
from the centre of the enemy ; whUe the left, equally distant from his right, bordered the
Bronx, The English general having observed the importance of the position taken by Gen,
McDougaU, and being persuaded that the right of the enemy, which was his only assailable
point, could not be forced so long as it should be protected hy a post of such strength, re
solved to wrest it fi-om the Americans, He ordered a Hessian regiraent, commanded by
Col, Raile, to ford the Bronx, and by a circuitous movement to fall upon the flank of Gen
McDougall, while Gen. LesUe should attack him in froijt with a brigade of English and
Hessians. Col. Raile having arrived at the point indicated, LesUe, who had also crossed
the Bronx, furiously assaulted the intrenchments of McDougall. The miUtia soon fled, but
the regular troops raade a valiant resistance, A regiment of Maryland, conducted by Col,
SmaUwood, and a regiraent of New Yprk, under Col, Ratzemar, ventured even to come
out of the lines and to charge the enemy at the very foot of the mountain, but they were
overpowered by numbers and forced to retire. Then the English and Hessians ascended
the heights with singular intrepidity, and took possession of them after a vigorous struggle.
The Araericans, however, continued for sorae tirae to fire frora behind the waUs of enclo.
sures, and thus retarded the progress of the assailants. But Gen, Putnam, who had been
sent to their succor, could not arrive in season. The loss of men in this action was great
on the one part as well as on the other,
" Washington, calmly expecting that the enemy would come to attack him next, had
already sent into his rear the sick and the baggage ; but as it grew towards the close of day,
the English general determined to defer the assault till the next morning. He caused his
troops to encamp within cannon-shot of the American lines. Washington took advantage
of the night to strengthen thera with additional works, and to occupy a stronger position in
the rear with his left wing, which, by the loss of the mountain, had become raore exposed.
When the light appeared, Gen, Howe reconnoitred the intrenchraents of the eneray, and
found them sufiiciently forraidable to determine hira to wait the arrival of some battalions
that had been left at New York, under the command of Lord Percy, and of several compa.
nies frora Marrineck, These reinforceraents being received on the evening of the 30th, he
appointed the following raorning for the assault, but the excessive rain which feU during the
night and also in the raorning, compelled him to defer it. The American general, in the
mean time, examined his position with his accustomed prudence ; he was decided not to

WESTCHESTER COUNTY. 363
risk a pitched battle without the strongest hope of success. He perceived that the English
had already erected 4 or 5 batteries, and that by turning his right flank they might get pos
session of the heights situated upon his rear. He concluded, therefore, to break up his
camp in the night of the 1st of November, He removed into a country stiU more moun
tainous in the vicinity of North Castie ; having previously set fire to the houses in White
Plains and the neighborhood, and to the forage that was found in the camp. He immedi
ately detached a strong corps to occupy the bridge over the Croton river, which leads to the
upper parts of the Hudson, On the foUowing moming the English took possession of the
American camp,
" Gen, Howe, perceiving that his enemy decUned an engagement, and that from the
situation of the' country, and his knowledge of every advantageous position, it would be
impossible to compel liim to fight but upon the raost unequal and hazardous terms, took the
determination to discontinue the pursuit, and to turn his attention to the reduction of the
forts and fastnesses stiU occupied by the Americans in the neighborhood of New York,
His views were particularly directed upon Fort Washington, which was its principal bul
wark. But, though the ground where this fortress had been erected was very rough and
difficult, its fortifications were not sufficiently strong to resist heavy artillery. It was inca
pable, from its Uttle extent, of containing more than a thousand defenders ; the outworks
that surrounded it, especiaUy to the south, towards New York, might lodge, it is true, a
much stronger garrison.
" The commander-in-chief, as if he had foreseen the event, had written to Gen. Greene,
who commanded in this part, enjoining hira to refiect maturely upon his position, and in
case he should find that Fort Washington was not in a situation to sustain an assault, to
cause it to be forthwidi evacuated ; and to transport the garrison to the right bank of the
Hudson. But this general, either behoving that the strength of the place and the valor of
the troops would assure him a long defence, or from the apprehension that his retreat would
increase the already too general discouragement of the Americans, took the resolution to
hold out to the last. He was herein the more easUy determined, as he beUeved that the
garrison would always be able to retreat into Fort Lee, situated upon the other bank of the
river. But Washington judged less favorably of the future ; he was persuaded that the
English would not remain satisfied with the reduction of the first fort ; but that crossing the
river, and making theraselves raasters of the second, which was not tenable, they would
spread theraselves in the province of New Jersey, He left therefore Gen, Lee, with the
railitia of the eastern provinces, upon the left bank of the Hudson, and having secured the
strong positions towards the Croton river, and especially that of Peeks KiU, near the Hud
son itself, he crossed that river with the raain body of his army, and went to rejoin Gen,
Greene in his camp under Fort Lee, Gen. Lee himself had orders to come with aU speed
and join him, in case the enemy, after having taken the fort, should show himself upon the
right bank of the Hudson. He afterward wrote to the governor of New Jersey, requesting
him to remove the magazines of provisions into the most remote parts, and to call out all
the militia. All these dispositions being made to his wish, Washington watched with an
attentive eye the movements of die enemy,
" Meanwhile, Gen, Howe had ordered Gen, Knyphausen to march from New RocheUe,
and to occupy Kingsbridge, This he executed without obstacles, the Americans, who
guarded this position, having fallen back upon Fort Washington, The corps of Gen. Knyp
hausen consequently penetrated into the island of New York, and proceeded to invest the
fort, on the part of the north.
" A short time after,^ the EngUsh general himself abandoned the White Plains, and de.
Bcending along the banks of the Hudson, conducted the rest of the army to Kingsbridge,
He pitched his carap upon the heights of Fordhara, his right wing bemg covered by the
Hudson, and his left by the Bronx,
" The royalists then prepared to attack Fort Washington ; its interior and appurtenances
were defended by fuU 3,000 raen, under tiie command of Col, Magaw, a brave and experi
enced officer. He was summoned in vain to surrender. The besiegers proceeded to the
assault in four divisions, the first from the north, commanded by Gen, Knyphausen, and
consisting of Hessians and the troops of Waldeck ; the second from the east, coraposed of
English light infantry and two battaUons of guards, conducted by Gen, Matthews, This
corps was to attack the intrenchraents which extended from Fort Washington almost to the
East river ; the third, commanded by Col, Steriing, was destined to pass this river lower
down than the second, in order to assaU fhe fort more to the south ; but this , was only a
feint. The fourth, which obeyed the orders of Lord Percy, a very strong corps, was direct.
ed to aira its assault against the western flank of the fortress. These different divisions
were provided with a numerous and exceUent artillery. The Hessians, under Gen, Knyp
hausen, were to pass through a very thick forest, where Col, Rawlings was already posted

364 WESTCHESTER COUNTY.
with his regiment of riflemen. An extreriiely warm affair was engaged, in which the
Germans sustained a severe loss. The Americans, ambushed behind the trees and rocks,
fired m security ; but at last, the Hessians redoubling then: efforts, gained a very steep as
cent, whence they came down upon the enemy with an irresistible impetuosity ; the di
visions which followed them were thus enabled to land without molestation. Col. Raw-
lings retreated under the cannon of the fort. Lord Percy, on his part, had carried an
advanced work, which facilitated the debarkation of the party under Col. StirUng, who,
the moment he had landed, forced his way up a difficult height, which was very resolutely
defended ; he gained the surarait, where he took a considerable nuraber of prisoners, not
withstanding their gallant resistance. Col. CadwaUader, who was charged with the defence
of this part, retired also into the fort.
" Col. Raile, who led the right coluran of Gen. Knyphausen's attack, surmounted all
obstacles with admirable valor, and lodged his coluran within 100 yardis of the fort. Soon
after. Gen. Knyphausen joined him with the left coluran ; having at length extricated
himself frora the difliculties encountered in the forest. The garrison having thus lost,
though not without glory, all their advanced works, found theraselves closely invested with
in the body of the fortress. The besiegers then summoned Col. Magaw to surrender. He
had already consumed nearly all his ammunition. The very multitude of defenders press
ed into so narrow a space, was prejudicial to defence, and every thing demonstrated that he
could not sustain an assault. Accordingly he decided to capitulate. "The garrison, amount
ing to 2,600 men, inclusive of the country militia, surrendered prisoners of war. Tha
Americans had few killed ; the royalists lost about 800, the greater part Gerraans. The
reduction of Fort Washington thus gave the royal array enthe possession of the island of
New York."
Bedford, the half-shire village, contains a courthouse, 2 churches,
and about 40 dweUings, situated about 44 miles NE, of New York.
John Jay, the patriot of the revolution, during the latter period of hm
life resided in the northern part of the town of Bedford, The annexed
sketch of his life is from Blake's Biographical Dictionary :
" John Jay, LL.D., first chief-justice of the United States under the constitution of
1789, graduated at Kings, (now Columbia college,) 1764, and in 1768 was admitted to the
bar. He was appointed to the first American congress in 1774. Being on the committee
with Lee and Livingston to draft an address to the people of Great Britain, he was the
writer of that eloquent production. In the congress of 1775, he was on various important
coraraittees, perforraing raore service perhaps than any other raeraber except Franklin and
John Adams. In May, 1776, he was recalled to assist in forming the governraent of New
York, and in consequence his narae is not attached to the Declaration of Independence ;
but July 9th, he reported resolutions in the provincial convention in favor of the declaration.
After the fall of New York and the reraoval of the provincial asserably to Poughkeepsie^
Mr, Jay retained his resolute patriotisra. The very eloquent address of the convention to
the people of New York, dated FishkiU, Dec. 23, 1776, and signed by A. Ten Broeck, as
president, was written by hira, March 12, 1777, he reported to the convention of New
York the draft of a form of government, which was adopted, and many of the provisions
of which were introduced into the constitution of other states. From May 3, 1777, to
August 18, 1779, he was chief-justice of the state, but resigned that office inconsequence
of his duties as president of congress. The glowing address of that body to their constit
uents, dated September 8, 1779, was prepared by him. On the 29th of September, he was
appointed minister plenipotentiary to the court of Spain. He was one of the commission
ers to negotiate peace with Great Britain, and signed the definitive treaty of peace at Paris,
September 3, 1783, He returned to Araerica in 1784, Congress had previously appointed
hiin secretary of state for foreign affairs. In the difficult circumstances of the country, the
secretary was in effect the head of the government. Mr. Jay's services were of great im
portance. He drew up, October 13, 1776, an elaborate report on the relations between the
United States and Great Britain. Though not a member of the conventon which formed
the constitution of the United States, he was present at Annapolis, and aided by his advice.
He also assisted Madison and Hamilton in writing the Federalist. In the convention of
New York he contributed to the adoption of the constitution. He was appointed chief-
justice by Washington, September 26, 1789. In 1794, he was appointed minister pleni
potentiary to Great Britain, and succeeded in negotiating the treaty which still goes by
his narae. He was governor of the state of New York frora 1795 to 1801. The re-
rnamder of his life he passed m retirement He died in 1829, aged 84."

WYOMING COUNTY. 365
Port Chester, on the west side of Byram river, which forms the
boundary between New York and Connecticut, is a village containing
3 churches and about 100 dwellings, and has a convenient landing for
sloops and steamboats. This flourishing viUage, formerly called Saw-
pits, is in the township of Rye, in which is .situated the old Jay man
sion. The viUage of New Rochelle, about 20 miles from New York,
is delightfully situated in sight of the sound, has about 100 dwellings,
a number of fine hotels and schools, and is a place of resort during the
warm season. Yonkers, on the Hudson, 17 miles from New York,
has 2 churches, a female seminary, and about 60 dweUings. The
manor of Morrisiana, originally containing about 3,000 acres, belong
ing to the distinguished family of Morris, is in the township ,pf West
chester, opposite Hurl Gate.
" GotrvERNEHR MoRRis was born at Morrisiana, Jan. 31, 1752. He graduated at Kings
college. New York, in 1768. He was bred to the law, in which he obtained a great repu
tation. In 1775, he was a delegate to the provincial congress in New York. In 1776,
(Dec.,) he acted as one of the comraittee for drafting a constitution for the state of New
York, which was reported in March, 1777, and adopted in April of that year, after re
peated and very able debeites. He was employed in the public service in various capaci
ties, during the revolutionary contest, in all of which he displayed great zeal and ability.
After the revolution, he retired frora pubUc life, and passed a nuraber of years in private
pursuits, excepting being a very active member of the convention which framed the con
stitution of the United States. In 1792, he was appointed minister to France, and re
mained there in that capacity until Oct. 1794. He returned to America in 1798, and in
1800 was chosen a senator from New York. In the suramer of 1810, he exarained the
route for the Erie canal, and took a prominent part hi originating and promoting that
noble work. He died at Morrisiana, Nov. 5, 1816. He passed the latter years of his life
at Morrisiana, exercising an elegant and munificent hospitality, reviewing the studies of
his early days, and carrying on a very interesting correspondence with statesmen aud
literati in Europe and America. The activity of his mind, the richness of his fancy, and
the copiousness of his eloquent conversation, were the admiration of all his acquaintance ;
and he was universally admitted to be one of the most accomplished and prominent men of
our country."

WYOMING COUNTY,
Wyoming county was formed from the southern portion of Gene
see county in 1841 ; length E. and W. 25, breadth N. and S, 18
miles ; centrally distant from New York 325, and from Albany 264
miles. The surface of the county is but gently undulating, and the
general character of the soil is a most sandy or gravelly loam, well
adapted to the culture of grain and grass. The Genesee river touches
the southeastern corner in the town of- CastUe. Allen's creek, so
named from the infamous Indian Alien, who committed many mur
ders on the frontier inhabitants in this region, rises in this county, and
flowing northeasterly through a portion of the county of Genesee,
empties into the Genesee river in the town of Wheatland, Monroe
county. The Holland Land Company, to whom this country originaUy
belonged, still own some small tracts. It is divided into 13 towns :

366

WYOMING COUNTY.

Attica, Bennington, Castile,China,

Covington,
Gainesville,
Java,Middlebury,

Orangeville,
Perry, Sheldon,
Warsaw,

Wethersfield.

The annexed engraving is a view in the central portion of Perry
viUage, incorporated in 1830, and situated about 7 miles E. of War
saw. It is a place of considerable mercantUe and manufacturing busi-

South view in Perry village.
ness, and contains an academy, 4 churches, and about 150 buildings.
It is situated on the outlet of Silver lake, which is a beautiful sheet
of water 3 miles in length, and well stocked with fish. The outlet
furnishes much hydraulic power for the mills and factories in this vi
cinity. Perry Centre is much smaller, though incorporated. It is
situated about 2 miles to the north. Attica, incorporated in 1837, is 8
miles from Warsaw, has about 100 dweUings, 2 churches, a bank, and
a female seminary. Wyoming, 14 mUes SE. of Batavia, contains 3
churches, about 70 dwellings, and an academy.
The village of Warsaw is situated 22 miles S. from Batavia, at the
head of " Allen's Creek Valley,'' and on Allen's creek, nearly equi
distant from Rochester, Canandaigua, Buffalo, and Olean. By the
act of the commissioners appointed by the legislature, the courthouse,
clerk's office, and jaU of Wyoming county were located at this place,
July 10, 1841, There are here 1 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist, 1 Method
ist; and 1 Congregational church, 100 dwellings, 1 printing office, 1
tannery, 6 mercantile stores, 26 mechanical shops, 2 iron foundries, 2
carding works, 1 woollen factory, 1 grist-mill, and about 800 inhabit
ants. The town was settled in 1801, principally by emigrants from
New England ; and its present inhabitants are noted for their tnorality
and fondness for literature. The oldest church erected in the state
west of the Genesee river, is yet standing in the centre of the village
of Warsaw.

YATES COUNTY,

367

YATES COUNTY.
Yates county was taken from Ontario in 1823; centi-ally distant
from New York via Albany 330, and from Albany 185 mUes ; greatest
length E and W, 24, greatest breadth N, and S, 20 miles. The sur
face of this county is agreeably diversified ; the northern part is gently
undulating, and the southern hilly. The soil is in many places com
posed of a warm rich mould, yielding abundant crops, though as a
whole It IS more of a grazing than a grain country. The climate is
temperate, and for the cultivation of fruit is not exceeded by any por
tion of the state. It lies wholly in the tract ceded to Massachusetts,
and in that portion of it which passed through Messrs, Gorham, Phelps,
and Robert Morris to Sir William Pulteney, It is divided into eight
towns : °
Barrington, Italy, Middlesex, Potter,
Benton, Jerusalem, Milo, Starkey,

Northeastern view of Penn Yan.
The thriving incorporated viUage of Penn Yan, the county seat,
which is principaUy built on a street about a mile in length, is situated
at the northern termination of the eastern arm of the Crooked Lake, It
was founded by Mr. Abraham Waggener, and derives its name from
the circumstance that its early settlers were Pennsylvanians and Yan
kees, in neariy equal numbers. The annexed view was taken from an
eminence about a third of a mile east of the village. The first building
with a steeple on the right is the Presbyterian church, the one next on
the left with a cupola, the courthouse, and the third and fourth, the Bap
tist and Methodist churches. Crooked or Keuka Lake is partially
seen in the distance. The other public buildings in the viUage are an

368 YATES COUNTY.
Episcopal church, an academy, a prison, a bank, and the county clerk's
office,. The place is one of much businessi, and has many mercantUe
stores, and about 300 dwellings,
Dundee is a thriving vUlage 14 miles S. of Penn Yan ; contains
4 churches, about 90 dwellings, a number of mUls and factories.
RushviUe contains about 80 dwellings, 2 churches, and a number of
mills. At Bluff Point, in the town of Jerusalem, in this county, at what is
generaUy called the Friends, Settlement, is the "Jemima WUkinson
House," which is still occupied by a few persons, the sole remnant of
the followers of this singular personage, who died here in 1819,
" Jemima Wilkinson, or the ' Universal Friend,' was bora in Cumberland, Rhode Island,
about the year 1753. She was educated among the Friends. Recovering from an ap
parent suspension of Ufe which she experienced when about twenty-three years of age,
during a fit of sickness, she gave out that she had been raised from the dead, and claimed
to be invested with divine attributes and authority to instruct mankind in religion. It is
also said, she pretended to foretell future events, to discern the secrets of the heart, and to
have the power of healing diseases ; and if any person who made application to her was
not healed, she attributed it to a want of faith. She asserted that those who refused to
beUeve these exalted things concerning her, will be in the state of the unbelieving Jews,
who rejected the counsel of God against theraselves; and she told her hearers that that
was the eleventh hour, and the last call of raercy that ever should be granted to thera ;
for she heard an inquiry in heaven, saying, ' Who will go and preach to a dying world ?'
and she said she answered, ' Here am I — send rae ;' and that she left the realms of light
and glory, and the company of the heavenly hosts, who are continually praising and wor
shipping God, in order to descend upon earth, and pass through many sufferings and trials
for the happiness of mankind. She professed to be able to work miracles, and offered to
demonstrate it by walking on the water in iraitation of our Saviour ; accordingly a
frame was constructed for the purpose on the banks of the Seneca Lake, at Rapelyea's
ferry, 10 miles south of Dresden. At tbe appointed time, having approached within a few
hundred yards of the lake shore, she alighted from an elegant carriage, the road being
strewed by her followers with white handkerchiefs. She walked to the platform, and
having announced her intention of walking across the lake on the water, she stepped an
kle deep into the clear element ; when suddenly pausing, she addressed the multitude, ip-
quiring whether or not they had faith that she could pass over, for if otherwise she could
not ; and on receiving an affirmative answer returned to her carriage, declaring as they
believed in her power it was unnecessary to display it."

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE

IMPORTANT AND INTERESTING EVENTS

HISTORY OF NEW YORK.

1534, Verrazzano, a Florentine, discovers the harbor of New York.
1609. Henry Hudson, an Englishman, saUs up the river that bears his name.
1611, Champlain, a Frenchman, discovers the lake which bears his name.
1614. The Dutch build a fort and trading house at New York, and at Albany.
1616. Kragston first settled. ^
1619. Dermer, an Englishman, the first who saUed through Long Island Sound,
1620, The Dutch West India Company established.
1623, Pearl-street formed, the first street ever made in New York,
1699. Wouter 'Van Twiller, the Dutch governor, arrived in New Amsterdam,
1630. Michael Paw, a Dutch subject, purchases Staten Island of the Indians,
1632, West end of Long Island began to be settled by the Dutch.
1633. The Dutch erect a smaU fort at Hartford, Conn,
1638. WiUiam Kieft succeeded Van Twiller as governor of New Netherland.
" War with the Swedes on the Delaware,
" Negro slaves introduced into New Netherland,
1639, The EngUsh settled at Oyster Bay: they were driven off by Gov, Kiefl.
1640. The EngUsh settle Southampton, Long Island.
1642, The Dutch fort Hope at Hartford seized by the English,
1643, The New England colonies leagued against the Dutch and Indians,
" First church erected in New York.
1646, Battle between the Dutch and Indians at Horse Neck.
1647, Peter Stuyvesant arrives as the successor of Gov, Kieft.
1650. Gov, Stuyvesant arriving at Heirtford, demands a surrender of the lands on Con
necticut River.
1654. The tract now Westchester County, purchased of the Indians by T. Pell.
1655. Fort Casimer on the Delaware captured from the Swedes.
1663, HostUities with the Indians near Esopus, (Kingston.)
1664. Charles II. grants New Netherland to the Duke of York.
24

370

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.

1664. Col. Nichols, with an armed force, compels Gov. Stuyvesant to surrender New
Amsterdam to the English, which now is named New York.
1665, New York incorporated : Thomas Willet the first mayor,
" John Shute licensed to teach the Enghsh language at Albany,
" Town and county rates paid in beef and pork.
1666, The French frora Canada send an expedition against the Mohawks,
1667. Col. Francis Lovelace succeeds Col. Nichols as governor.
1668, A carriage road from New York to Harlaem ordered to be made.
1669. Gov. Lovelace institutes horse races at Hempstead, L. I.
" Catharine Harrison accused of witchcraft : tried by the Assizes.
" The New England Indians unsuccessfully invade the Mohawks
1672. The first Friend, or Quaker, preached in New York.
1673. War with HoUand: New York surrendered to the Dutch.
" Anthony Clove appointed governor, surrendered to the English the next year,
" First post-rider between New York and Boston, made a trip once in three
weeks,
" Fort Frontenac built at Ontario,
1675, Edmund Andros appointed governor of New York.
1676. Price of grain fixed by the governor: winter wheat 5s., summer wheat 4s. 6d. per
bushel.
1679, No boUing mills allowed, or flour packed out of New York,
1682, The Duke of York's charter granted,
1683, Thomas Dongan arrives as successor of Gov. Andros.
" First Legislative Assembly of New York convened at Hempstead.
" None but freemen allowed to trade up Hudson River.
1684. M. de la Barre invades the country of the Five Nations.
1685. The Jews petition for liberty to exercise their religion • petition not granted.
1686. King James II. forbids the use of printing presses in New York.
" City of New York pays 10 per cent, interest for borrowed raoney.
" Albany incorporated a city.
1687. M. DenonvUle with 2,000 French and Indians raarches against the Senecas.
1688. New York and New Jersey added to the jurisdiction of New Engleind.
1689, The Five Nations raake a descent on Montreal,
" Accession of Williara and Mary : Leisler seizes the fort at New York.
1690, Schenectady destroyed by the French and Indians.
1691, Col. H. Sloughter arrives as governor of the province of New York.
" Jjcisler and Milbom executed for high treason.
" First General Asserably convened in New York consisted of 17 merabers, April 9
" (French settleraents on Lake Charaplain invaded by Maj. Schuyler
" The Duke's laws ceased, provincial laws began.
J.'692. Col. Benjamin Fletcher arrives as governor.
1693. An Episcopal Church established in New York.
" Count Frontenac makes an incursion into the Mohawk country,
" Gov, Fletcher attempts the coraraand of the militia of Connecticut.
•1694. Treaty with the Five Nations at Albany, ^
" Capt, Kidd the pirate comraitted depredations on the coast about this period,
1696, 'Count Frontenac marches against the Five Nations,
" About 6,000 inhabitants in New York City at this period : complaints of great
scarcity of bread.

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 371
1698. Richard, Earl of Bellamont, arrives as governor.
1699. Captain Kidd arrested at Boston : his money, buried at Gardiner's Island, se
cured.
1700, The Legislature passed a law to hang every Popish priest who entered the pro
vince to entice the Indians from their allegiance.
1701. A court of chancery organized in New York.
" Lord Cornbury arrived as governor,
1702. Great sickness in New York : General Assembly held at Jamaica.
1707. Lord Cornbury prohibits the Presbyterians frora preaching without his license.
1708. Lord Lovelace arrives as governor : he dies the next year.
1710. Col. Schuyler visits England ivith five Indian chiefs.
" Robert Hunter arrived as governor, with 3,000 Palatines.
1711, £10,000 in biUs of credit issued, to aid the war in Canada.
" A slave market in WaU-street, New York.
1712. Insurrection of negroes in New York: 19 of them executed.
1719, First Presbyteriku church in New York founded,
1720, William Burnet (son of Bishop Burnet) arrives as governor,
" A tax of 2 per cent, laid on European goods imported.
1722. Trading house erected at Oswego.
" Congress held at Albany with the Six Nations.
1725. "New York Gazette," the first newspaper published in New York.
1728, Col. John Montgomery succeeds Gov, Burnet.
1729. The Society in London for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts, present the
city of New York a library of 1,642 volumes.
1730. Jews synagogue built in MiU-street.
1731, Boundary between New York and Connecticut settled,
" The French erect a fort at Crown Point,
1732, WUUara Cosby arrives as governor of New York and New Jersey.
" The first stage began to run between Boston and New York once a month : four
teen days on the journey.
1736. Gov, Cosby died : he i^ succeeded by George Clarke,
1738. The Mayor of New York refuses to obey the order for the impressment of
seamen.
1741. Celebrated negro plot in New York suppressed.
1743. George Clinton arrives as captain-general and governor.
1747. Saratoga village destroyed by the French and Indians.
1750. A theatre established at New York.
1751. Treaty with the Six Nations at Albany.
1753. Gov. Cliiiton is succeeded by Sir Danvers Osborn, who commits suicide five days
after his arrival : ho is succeeded in the government by James De Laney.
Mild winter in this and the three foUowing years — sloops went from New York
to Albany in January and February.
1754. A plan for colonial union drawn up at a convention at Albany.
" King' s College (now Columbia) founded in New York.
1755, Sir Charles Hardy arrives as governor,
" Provincial troops rendezvous at Albany : Fort Edward built,
•' Battle of Lake George, Sept. 8 : French defeated, Dieskau kUled
" Gen. Shirley arrives at Oswego Aug, 21.
1756. Fort Oswego taken and demolished by M, Montcalm Aug, 14

372

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.

1757, Fort WilUam Henry taken by Montcalra Aug, 9.
1758. Gen. Abercrombie defeated at Ticonderoga July 8 with great loss.
" Fort Stanwix built where Rome now stands.
" Fort Frontenac taken by Col, Bradstreet Aug, 27.
1759, Ticonderoga taken by the English July 27.
" Sir Wra, Johnson defeats the French at Niagara July 24,
" Battle of Quebec, Sept, 13, Gen, Wolfe and Montcalra killed.
1760. Capitulation of M. de Vaudreuil at Montreal — entire reduction of Canada, Sep
tember 8.
" Baptist Church in Gold-street, N. Y, erected,
1761, Cadwallader Colden having assumed the governraent as President of the Council
in 1760, is appointed Ueutenant governor iu August : is superseded by Gen. Ro
bert Moncton in October of this year.
1763. Controversy with New Hampshire respecting boundaries, commences.
" A Methodist chapel erected in New York.
1765. Congress of delegates from the colonies met in New York in October.
" Sir Henry Moore arrived as governor.
1766. Riots on the manor of Rensselaer, four persons killed, June 26.
" Rev. Mr. Kirkland coraraences a mission araong the Oneidas,
1767, Boundary of Massachusetts fixed at 20 railes east frora Hudson River.
1769. Gov. Moore dies : the government devolves on Mr. Colden,
1770, John, Lord Dunraore, governor: he is succeeded in
1771. by Wilfiara Tryon, the last of the royal governors.
1774, Difficulties with the settlers of the New Hampshire Grants,
" Ann Lee with a number of Shakers arrived at New York.
1775. Provincial Convention asserabled at New York April 22, and delegates to the
Continental Congress appointed.
" Ticonderoga surprised and taken by Col. AUen May 10.
" Provisional Congress at New York May 22d : Committee of Safety appointed,
" Gov, Tryon at New York for safety retires on board of a packet in October,
" Gen, Montgoraery killed at Quebec Dec. 31,
1776, Gen. Schuyler disarms the royalists in Tryon County, in January,
" Royalists on Long Island disarmed by the Jersey militia,
" The fourth Provisional Congress assembled at White Plains : Declaration oJ
Independence adopted July 9,
" Lord Howe with 24,000 men lands at Gravesend, L. I. Aug. 22.
" Battle on Long Island, Americans defeated, Aug. 27.
" Gen. Weishington retires frora Long Island to New York Aug. 30,
" The British take possession of the city of New York,
" Great fire in New York, about 1,000 buUdings consumed Sept, 21,
" Battle of White Plains Oct. 28,
" Gen, Arnold defeated on Lake Champlain Oct, 13.
" Fort Washington ou the Hudson surrendered Nov, 16.
1777, Inhabitants of New Hampshire Grants declare themselves independent of New
York, and that district a state by the name of Vermont, in January,
" Convention at Kingston — State CorjSTiTUTioN adopted April 20.
" George Clinton appointed governor July 30.
" Burgoyne invests Ticonderoga June 30, St. Clair retreats
" Gen. Burgoyne arrives at Fort Edward July 30.

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 373
1777. Battle of Oriskany, Gen. Herkimer mortally wounded, Aug, 6,
" Battle of Bennington, British defeated, Aug, 26,
" Forts Montgomery and Clinton taken by.the British Oct. 6.
" Battle of Stillwater, Gen. Frazer kiUed, Oct. 7.
" Surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga Oct. 17,
" Kingston burnt by Gen. Vaughan in October.
1778. The legislature assembled at Poughkeepsie Jan. 15,
" Col, Baylor's troop surprised at Tappan Aug, 28,
" Cherry Valley burnt by the Indians and tories Nov, 11,
1779, Capture of Stony Point by Gen, Wayne July 16.
" British post at Paulus Hook surprised by Maj. Lee July 19.
" Gen, SuUivan ravages the country of the Six Nations,
1780, Dark day commenced at New York 10 o'clock, A, M, May 19.
" Sir John Johnson from Canada makes an incursion into Johnstown May 21
" The Indians under Brant ravage the Mohawk valley.
" Treason of Arnold : Andre taken Sept. 23d, executed Oct. 2,
" Severe Winter, harbor of New York frozen over,
1781, Maj, Ross and Butler make an incursion into Johnstown, W, Butier kiUed.
1782. Sir Guy Cariton comraander of the British in New York,
1783. New York evacuated by the British Nov. 25.
1784. First voyage frora the United States to China, by the " Empress of China" from
New York, a ship of 300 tons, Feb.
" Seat of state governraent reraoved to Albany.
" Whitestown, near Utica, first settled by Hugh White from Connecticut,
" University of the State of New York created : regents appointed,
1785. Hudson incorporated a city,
" Congress of the United States met in the citj' of New York,
1786, The Genesee cotmtry granted to Massachusetts,
" Bank of New York in operation,
" First Catholic church buUt in the city of New York,
1787, Columbia CoUege in New York incorporated.
1788. Doctors' mob in New York, occasioned by the dissection of dead bodies: several
persons killed.
" Cooperstown village laid out — incorporated in 1812.
1789. Washington inaugurated President in New York April 30.
" Vermont acknowledged an independent state.
1790. Geneseo first settled by WUliam and James Wadsworth.
" Canandaigua, first settlement coraraenced.
1792. Society to promote Agriculture, Arts, and Manufactures established.
" Bath first settled by Capt. E. WiUiamson.
" Western Inland Lock Navigation Company incorporated.
1793. Auburn first settled by Col. Hardenbergh,
1794, Union College at Schenectady founded,
" Geneva founded by Messrs, Annin and Barton.
1795. John Jay succeeds Mr. Clinton as governor.
" Cazenovia viUage founded by Col. Linklaen from Amsterdam.
" Baron Steuben dies at Steuben Nov. 28.
1796. Forts Oswegatchie and Oswego evacuated by the British.
" Sloop Detroit, first Araerican vessel on Lake Erie.

374

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.

1798.- Yellow Fever in the city of New York from July to November.
" Schenectady incorporated a city.
1800. Cayuga bridge, the longest in America, finished in September.
1801. George Clinton again elected governor.
" Buffalo laid out by the Holland Land Company.
" U. S. Navy Yard established in Brooklyn March 11.
" Holland Land Company open their first land office in Batavia
" Academy of Fine Arts founded.
1802, MiUtary Academy at West Point established by Congress,
" Sackett's Harbor first settled by A. Sackett, Esq,
1803, YeUow Fever in New York — about 700 persons died : commenced about July
20,
1804. Morgan Lewis elected governor : Gen. PhiUp Schuyler died : Alexander Hamilton
kUled ra a duel with Aaron Burr,
1805, Harbor of Genesee raade a port of entry,
" Yellow Fever in New York — about 300 persons died,
1807, Fulton's Steamboat first used on Hudson River.
" Daniel D. Torapkins governor.
1809, New York Historical Society established,
1812, Battle at Queenstown, Gen. Brock kUled, Oct. 13,
" Harailton College at Kirkland established,
" Rochester first settled.
" Maj. Young captures the first standard frora the enemy at St. Regis Oct. 22,
1813, Lewistown attacked, April 6 : York, U, C. taken April 27,
" Ogdensburgh taken by the British Feb, 21.
" Fort George taken May 27 : Sackett's Harbor attacked May 29.
" Perry's victory on Lake Erie Sept. 10.
" Fort George abandoned by the Araericans Dec, 10,
" Fort Niagara captured by the British Dec, 19: Buffalo burnt.
1814, Fort Oswego taken by the British May 6 : Fort Erie taken by Gen. Brown July
3 : Battle of Chippewa July 5 : Battle of Bridgewater July 25 : Fort Erie at
tacked by the British Aug. 14,
" Battle of Plattsburg, British fleet on Lake Champlain taken. Sept, 11,
1815, Robert Fulton died suddenly in New York Feb, 24,
1816. Araerican Bible Society forraed in New York.
" Auburn State Prison commenced,
" Troy incorporated a city : West Point Foundery established,
1817. Erie Canal coraraenced July 4, near Utica.
1818. First Steamboat (Walk in the Water) on Lake Erie built at Black Rock,
1819, Jemima Wilkinson, " the. Universal Friend," dies at Jerusalem, Yates Co,
" Hamilton Literary and Theological Serainary founded,
" De Witt Clinton elected governor,
1820. Auburn Theological Seminary incorporated.
1821. Harbor of New York closed by ice in January.
" Lockport founded, incorporated in 1829.
" Troy Female Seminary established.
1822. Yellow Fever in New York, about 2,500 persons died,
1823. Joseph C. Yates elected governor.
" Champlain Canal completed : it was commenced in October, 1816.

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE. 375
1823, New State Constitution went into operation Jan. 1.
Hudson River Steamboat monopoly dissolved by the Supreme Court of the United
States,
1824, De Witt CUnton re-elected governor.
Gen. La Fayette arrives in the harbor of New York Aug. 13,
1825, New State Prison coraraenced at Sing Sing,
" Syracuse village incorporated,
" Geneva College incorporated,
" Completion of the Erie Canal Oct. 26 : grand celebration in N. York Nov. 4.
" Delaware and Hudson Canal coraraenced, finished in 1829.
1826. Abduction of Wra. Morgan Sept. 11,: Anti-Masonic exciteraent coraraenced.
" American Seamen's Friend Society instituted.
1828. De Witt CUnton died suddenly at Albany Feb. II.
" Oswego Canal completed : commenced in 1826.
1829. Martin Van Buren governor; after being in office three months he. resigned, and
was succeeded by Enos T. Throop.
" Safety Fund Act passed April 2.
" American Institute of the city of New York, for the promotion of Domestic
Industry and the advancement of the Arts, estabhshed.
" Explosion of the Steam Frigate Fulton, Brooklyn, June 4, 26 persons kUled.
" John Jay died at Bedford.
1830. Literary Convention at New York on education Oct. 20. '
" Col. Marinus Willett died at New York Aug. 3, aged 90 years.
'¦ Elias Hicks, a celebrated preacher among the Friends, died.
" Joseph Smith publishes the " Book of Mormon" at Palmyra.
1831. President James Monroe died in New York July 4.
" University of the City of New York incorporated April 18.
" Tariff Convention at New York, 500 delegates, Oct. 26.
1832. Brooklyn and Jamaica Railroad incorporated AprU 25.
" The Cholera breaks out in New York June 27, continued tiU Oct. 19 — upwards
of 4,000 persons died.
" UUca and Buffalo incorporated as cities.
" Hudson River open to Albany Jan. 5.
" Red Jacket, a celebrated Seneca chief, died Jan. 20, near Buffalo.
1833. WiUiam L. Marcy governor.
" Chemung and Crooked Lake Canal completed.
" Chenango Canal commenced.
" Grand Island sold by the state to the East Boston Company."
1834, Rochester incorporated a city,
1835. Great Fire in New York, seventeen millions worth of property destroyed,
Deo. 16.
1836. State Lunatic Asylum at Utica, instituted March 30.
1837. William H. Seward governor.
" Wreck of the Mexico on Hempstead Beach Jan. 2,
" Tunnel of the Harlaem RaUroad completed Oct. 26,
" Steamboat CaroUne at Schlosser burnt, and precipitated over the Falls of Niagara
by the British, Deo. 30.
1838. General or Free Banking Law passed April 18.
" Banks of New York authorized to suspend their payments for one year, from
May 16, 1837.

376 CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE.
1838. English steam packets Great Western and Sirius arrive at New York.
" Battle of Prescott, U. C, Nov, 13, " Canada patriots" captured.
1839. Tenants on the Rensselaer estate convene at Berne, July 4, payment of rent
refused: sheriff resisted: military force called out : difficulties suppressed, in
December.
" District School Libraries established by law.
" Schooner Amistad with 54 Africans taken near Montauk Point, Aug, 26.
1840. Draw-bridge at Albany gives way, upwards of ^\) lives lost, Aug 18.
" Jesse Buel of Albany, an eminent agricultural writer, died at Danbury, Ct.
Oct. 6.
" Steamboat Lexington burnt in Long Island Sound, Jan, 13,
1841. Railroad from Boston to Albany completed,
" Alexander McLeod, of Upper Canada, one of the party who burnt the steam
boat Caroline, arrested, Jan 27.
" Steam packet President sails rbr Liverpool, March II — never heard from,
" First Washington Temperance Meeting held in I^ew York, five delegates frtm
Baltimore attended, March 24,
" Steamboat Erie burnt on Lake Erie, Aug. 9 — about 180 persons perished.
" Explosion of powder at Syracuse, Aug. 20 — about 25 persons killed.
1842. Grand Croton celebration in New York, in October.
" Right Rev. John Dubois, Catholic Bishop of New York, died Dec. 20.
1843. Williara C. Bouck, governor.
" Land slide at Troy, ten or twelve buildings crushed and a nuraber of persons
kUled, Feb. 17.
" Grand State Agricultural Fair at Rochester, commenced, Sept. 19 — thirty thou
sand persons supposed to be present,
1844, Gen. Morgan Lewis, distinguished in many public offices, died in New York,
April 7th, aged 90.
" Gen. James Wadsworth, one of the first settlers of the Genesee Country, died at
Geneseo, June 7th, aged 76.
" Long Island Railroad (94 miles in extent) completed, July 18.
" Great Agricultural Fair at Poughkeepsie, Sept. 18.
" Two persons killed by the Anti-renters in Rensselaer Co., Dec. 20.
1845. Silas Wright, governor.
" Great Fire in New York, upwards of 200 buildings burnt — about six millions
worth of property destroyed, July 19.
" Dep. Sheriff Steele murdered at Andes, Delaware Co. by the Anti-Renters,Aug. 7
" Gov. Wright declares Delaware Co. to be in a state of insurrection.
" ' J. Van Steenberg and E. O'Connor, Anti-Renters, received sentence of death at
Delhi, Oct, 11,
1846. Lewiston, Niagara Co., made a port of entry, Jan. 17

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