^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. # 
 
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 ! UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.! 
 
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 NEWBURGH, N. Y. : 4 
 
 ]2. M. IIUTTKNBKU A' SoN, PeINTKRS 
 
 LS73. 
 
 7.3^ 
 
 l^ 
 

 Entered according to Act ot Congress, in the year 1873, 
 
 BY LEWIS BEACH, 
 
 In tlie Office of the Librarian of Congreso, at Waahiugton. 
 
Mriefiaxr, 
 
 'PiiK j^Mowin^- popularity ol" ('ornvvall has created a want 
 wliicli the ti)ll(>wing- paoes arc desioned to supply. For a long' 
 tiiru', the writer has had it in view, to prepare a wt)rk some- 
 what siniihir to the one now |)resent(^d, Imt of a more coniprc- 
 hensive eharaeter. It was not, however, until the (?arly part of 
 tlie Spring- just past, that the undertaking-, upon the earnest 
 solicitation of vahied friends, was beg-un. The short interval 
 tliat lias siiK-c elapsed, i-onpled with the pressure of other en- 
 g-agemiMits. has not ])erinitted the bestowal of the attention and 
 pains necessary to a proper treatment of the subject. The ma- 
 terial at hand was not only rich but abundant. Cornwall was 
 to be spoken oi' — the salubrity of its air — the diversity of its 
 scenery — the fruitfulness of its soil — the beauty of its Lakes — 
 the grandeur of its mountains — the quiet splendor of its dales 
 — the maguilicence of its slopes and ridg-es — the superiority 
 anil al)undance of its water — its economical advantages— man- 
 iilacturing- facilities — mineral developments and agricultural re- 
 j^onrces^ — its Revolutionary associations, and wealth in historical 
 and traditional incident. These, and other topics of kindred 
 nature, promised to engage the pen. The labor involved in the 
 task propos(Ml formed a serious obstacle to its more early com- 
 mencement. Ancient records had to be consulted, and, unfortu- 
 nat(dy, they were scattered in ditferent localities — in the archives 
 at .Vlbany and the lil>raries at New York— old newspaper tiles 
 had to lie run over — numuscripts and letters had to be read and 
 siftcd^personal interviews with that mythical individual, "the 
 oldest iidiabitant," had to be made — the Mountains had to be ex- 
 
PEEFACE. iv 
 
 plorcd — tlie Lak<'s visitod — forests poiietrated — streams traced 
 — caverns pierced — glens entered — springs tasted — rocks ex- 
 amined — relii's siuvey(>d — roads traversed, and tlie way-sider 
 (|n('Ktioned. All these pre-reqnisites to the work in hand, have 
 lie<'ii met, iind the result is now submitted to the reader. Tn 
 placing it before the public, the writer begs to acknowledge 
 the valuable aid he has received in all quarters. To avoid in- 
 vidious distinctions, where all, to whom resort for information 
 has been made, have acted so generously, mention of particular 
 names is forborne. The work is resp('ctfully dedicated to the 
 people of Cornwall, in whose interest it has been prepared, and 
 to whom the writer is largely indebted for many favors and acts 
 of kindness during his residence among tluMii. 
 
 LEWIS BKACH. 
 CoRxvvAM,, July, 1873. 
 
|ii5itorii. 
 
 History tells us that uu the eve- 
 ning- of the 14th of September, 1609, 
 that intrepid navigator from whom 
 our noble Hudson takes its name, fur- 
 led the sails of his vessel, the Half- 
 Moon, and came to anchor near what 
 is now known as West Point. For 
 jthe Hrst time, the eye of the white 
 nuui scanned the beetling cliffs and 
 cloud-capped peaks of the Highlands. 
 In fancy we see the Explorer as he 
 paced the deck of his little ship, in the dim twilight of that 
 autumnal eve, with all the virgin beauty of wood and rock about 
 him. It was, in truth, a scene for the eye of the Artist. To the 
 Discoverer, it had but inferior charms. As he turned from the 
 view to the bold head-lands before him, which seemed to bar his 
 further progress, his heart must have sunk within him. For the 
 third time, he had crossed the seas in search of a north-east pas- 
 sage to the shores of Asia. The river, wliose ascent he had begun 
 the preceding day, had, with its deep and broadening waters, 
 flattered the hope that the object of his ambition was about to 
 be realized. Now, as the shades of night gathered around him 
 and he saw that river narrow to the semblance of a mountain 
 lake, serious misgivings must have occupied his mind. How- 
 ever, on the morrow, he continued his vcjyage, and passing the 
 Highlands, again cast anchor, taking in his view the broad bay 
 before him and its semi-circling shores, clothed in the rich hues 
 of an autunni forest. After exploring the river as far up as 
 where Waterford now stands, with saddened thoughts he re- 
 traced his steps. A faithful account of the voyage has been 
 preserved to us through the .b)urnal or Log-book of Robert 
 Juet, who had previously acted as mate to Hudson, but was now 
 
TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 traveling" with him as roiujianidii. From tliis .loiuual it appears 
 tliat, "On the nine and twentieth, at three of the clocke in the 
 "afternoon, we Aveighed as soon as tlie ebV)e eanie, and tnrned 
 "down to tlie I'dge <)f fhf movvfaive.s, or the northermod of the 
 "monntaines, and anchored ; beeanse the highland hath many 
 "points and a narrow cliannel, and liath many eddie winds. So 
 " we rode quietly all nig'lit in seven i'athoms water. The thir- 
 "tieth was fair weather, and the wind at the south-east ; a stiff 
 "gale between the nionntaines. We rode still the afternoone. 
 "The people of the country came aboord us, and brought some 
 "skinnes with them, which we bought for knives and trifles. 
 
 ''This is a n^nj plco'^anl i>!aci' to build a loirnr an. The road is 
 "very neere and very good, for all wiiides save an east-north- 
 "east winde. The mountaiiics look as if some metall or mine- 
 "rall were in them. For the trees that grow on them were all 
 "blasted, and some of them barren with few or no tr(M's on 
 "them. The people brought a stone aboard like to an emery (a 
 " stone used by glaziers to cut glasse): it would cut iron or 
 "Steele, yet being bruised small and water put to it, it made a 
 "color like blacke lead glistening ; it is also good for painters' 
 "colors At three of the clocke they departed and we rode 
 "still all the night." Thr first of October. — "In the morning 
 
EARLY HISTORY. 
 
 "we weig-hcfl at seven of the clorke, witli the el)l)e, ami o-nt 
 '•down heh)vv tlie mountaines, which was seven leagMiew." 
 
 The (Mitry we have (luoted, contains tlie first allusion to the 
 district of country now enil)racint;- Cornwall. It was whilst 
 viewing- the inviting table-land of our Ilig-hland-terruce that 
 the Journalist wrote : " Tlih i^ a n'rij plt^amrit place to build a 
 " ToV'iH' on." The Indians who came on hoard the vessel M'ere 
 doubtless what were subse(i[uently called "The Murderer's Kill 
 Indians," and some little account of them may be proper in this 
 connection. As early as 1625, a sub-tribal chieftaincy of the 
 the MixsLs, known as the Waorrnif'c/.s, are said to have occupied 
 the region extending- from the Dans-kammer on the north to 
 Stony Point on the south. The name of Waoranecks disap- 
 peared from the records after that time, and we afterwards find 
 the Indians of this section spoken of as "The Miu-derer's Kill 
 Indians." That the change in name was owing- to some inci- 
 dent that occurred on the creek in question, or to the action 
 of the chieftaincy, during the tii'st Esopus war, appears probable 
 from the fact that the crec>kis iirst called "The Murderer's," i.e. 
 place of residence of the chieitaincy, on Van Der Donck's Map, 
 (165(),) soon after the close of the war referred to. The 
 sachem of the tribe, in IM:\ was Werepekes, and the principal 
 chiefs, Awessewa and Maringoman. It was tin' latter whose 
 name ajipears on the deed to (Tovernor l)ong-an of all the laml 
 lying between Murderer's cree'k and Stony Point. 
 
 ■-■'-> Mariug'oman's "castle" 
 
 and Maringoman's " wig-- 
 wam " are spoken of in 
 ~-^^S^^^^^'^^%^iir the early deeds. The first 
 was on the north end of 
 the Schunemuuk moun- 
 tain, on the south side of 
 Murderer's creek, in the 
 i present town of Bloom- 
 I'Jng -( Trove, formerly a 
 l)art of ('ornwall, and is 
 jjarticularly described as 
 l>eing; "opposite the house 
 "where John McLean 
 
S TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 " iKjw (1756) dwells, near the said kill." He subsequently 
 removed to what is called a "wig-wani," wliich stood "on 
 "the north bank of >[urderer's creek, where Col. Matthews 
 "lives." The location of the wig'wam was in the town of 
 Hamptonburgh, on the ]joint of land formed l)y the junction 
 of the Otter-kill and the (Irey-court creek, by which Murder- 
 er's creek is formed. The name of tlie creek is thus not only 
 taken directly to tlie head-quarters of the chieftaincy, but 
 pauses there as thcnig-h it had written upon the palisades of 
 the castle the identification, " The Murderers." * A short dis- 
 tance south of the castle was the burial ground of the clan. Its 
 ]>recise location is shown on tlu^ early maps. 
 
 Evidences of Indian occupation have been discovered in the 
 valleys adjacent to the Schunennndc mountain. Some years 
 since, Mr. Joseph Sinsabaug'h, in excavating muck in the swamp 
 near his residence, found various domestic im])lements of stone 
 which were evidently the make of the Aborig-inees. The late 
 N. P. Willis also ret'overed various relics on his place, among 
 others a bust formed from lime-)-ock, of which lie wrote: "When 
 "(Jopway, tlie Ojibeway chief, was here, on a lecturing excur- 
 " sion, in 1S55, he examined it and the place where it was 
 " found, and said, ' It is tli<' god of the winds and birds — Wassa- 
 " ba-war-sin.' " 
 
 The Waomnecks were a sanguinary tribe, as tiie name which 
 subsequently attached to them woidd indicate. They engaged 
 in the Esopus wars, and prol)ably, as hinted by Mr. Ruttenber,'j' 
 in those at Fort Amsterdam. They also participated in those 
 religions orgies which were held from time to time at the Dans- 
 kammer, the promontory which stands to the north-western head 
 of Newburgh bay, and which derived its name from the rites 
 they celebrated. More than two centuries ago, this promontory 
 was called, by some passing ski])per, "De Duyfers Dans-kam- 
 
 * An explanation of the origin of the name of Murderer's creek, materially different 
 from this, in given by .Judge Benson, who says that it is a corruption of the Dntch word 
 "Martelaer"; that the early Dutch navigators, in di\'iding the river into "reaches" 
 and giving to each a descriptive title, called the section from Fort Montgomery north 
 through the Highlands, " Martelaer's reach" — a term signifying, •■contending, strug- 
 gling sufTering," or difficult of navigatiim. The name attached itself to West Point and 
 Constitution Island, as well as to this creek, surviving in the former to the days of the 
 Revolution. This explanation is correct so far as original application is concerned, but 
 it fails to elucidate the jioint. that the Dutch themelves, at a later period, recognized a 
 different branch of the definition of the word " Martelaer " as applicable to this creek, 
 signifying literally, " The Murderer's kill." but figuratively as applied to other points. 
 
 t •• Indian Tribes of Hudson's River." 
 
EARLY HISTORY. 
 
 9 
 
 ,„e, I "_(The Devil's Dance-chambor). The Indian's (tocI was 
 named Bachtanio, and tlic lioniao-c paid this deity was charac- 
 teri/.ed by tlio early Dutch as "devil worship." Before dei)art- 
 ing- on their hunts or engao-ing- in war, they would repair to the 
 Dans-kannner, in quest of omens and to propitiate tlieir (iod. 
 ,^^_-^_ "At these meeting's," 
 
 says a paper describ- 
 ing the natives of New 
 Netiierlands, written in 
 1621, "conjurors act a 
 i« wonderful part. These 
 tumble witli strange 
 contortions, head over 
 liecds ; beat themselves, 
 leap w i t li a hideous 
 noise tliroug'li and 
 around a large lire. — 
 Finally they all raise a 
 tremendous caterwaul- 
 ing, when the devil ap- 
 pears (they say) in the 
 shape of a ravenous or 
 harndess animal. The 
 first betokens something" 
 l)ad, the second, some- 
 thing- good." Kinte-kaying was the Indian name for these 
 rites. So strongly did they aftect the superstitious foreigners 
 That the authorities ultimately forbade their observance within 
 the circle of Eurcjpean occupation.' 
 
 On the 15th April, 1685, all the land occupied or claimed by 
 the Murderer's kill Indians, extending from the creek of that 
 name to Stony Point, was ])urchased of them by Govenuu- 
 Dongan. About the year 1694, this tract came into the posses- 
 sion of Captain John Evans, by virtue of a grant made by Col. 
 Benjamin Fletcher, then Governor of the province of New York. 
 This grant was subsequently revoked as improvident, by the 
 Earl of Bellomont, who succeeded Col. Fletcher as Governor of 
 the Province. Captain Evans, in his petition to the Queen for 
 redress (ITll) recited that he was "commander of the Rich- 
 
10 TOWN OF COKNWALL. 
 
 ■'luoud man-of-war In the year 1693, and was sent to attend tlie 
 "province of New York in America, where he continued ahnost 
 " six years and performed considerable service for the benefit 
 "of that colony; that Col. Benjamin Fletcher, then Governor 
 "of New York, in consideration thereof, and of five hundied 
 "pounds paid to him by your petitioner, in lieu of his establish- 
 "ed fees upon grants of lands, by letter of patent under the 
 "great seal of tliat province, granted unto your petitioner and 
 "his heirs, a large tract of unappropriated land called Murder- 
 " er's creek, containing eighteeii miles in length fronting on 
 " Hudson's river, and thirty miles backward, which had been 
 " boug'ht by Col. Dongan when (lovernor of New York, from the 
 "Indian natives, for seventy pounds. On which tract your pe- 
 "titioner expended a great deal of money in clearing- several 
 "places for farms, and planted several families of Scots and 
 " Irish under annual rents, intending- to retire thither himself, 
 "wlien there should be a happy and lasting peace." The peti- 
 tioner then alluded to the injustice of the Earl of Bellomont in 
 depriving- him of an estate for which "he had been offered ten 
 " thousand pounds sterling " in England, and prays that the tract 
 may be restored to him. From the report of tlie Lords of Trade, 
 April 12, 1720, it appears that the petition was reported upon 
 favorably, but no subsequent action was taken to reinvest Cap- 
 tain Evans of his estate. This immense tract was subsequently 
 farmed t»ut in small parcels, and the patents conveying the 
 same, allude to the respective premises as part of the grant to 
 Captain Evans, subsequently revoked. 
 
 The statement in the petitit)n, that the ('aptain had expended 
 " great sums of money in clearing severtfl places \'oy farms," and 
 had planted "several families of Scots and Irish," must betaken 
 with some allowance. The evidence is opposed to the truth of 
 the statement. Several families of Scots were, indeed, located 
 on the tract from whom he demanded rents ; but they were not 
 planted l)y his hand. On the contrary, he was a trespasser 
 upon their rights. The facts are, that one ('olonel Patrick Mac- 
 (xregoric. a brave Scotchman, lead thither, in 1()84, a colony 
 of his co)intrymen, purchased land, erected log cabins, cleared 
 off forests and planted orchards. The statements made in a 
 ix'titioii of Marg-arct, tlie widow of Col. Mac(ir('S'orie. on file 
 
EARLY HI8T0RY. 
 
 11 
 
 aiiioii.u- the hind pupcis at Albany, were abundantly proved, viz: 
 Tiiat " Patrick Martireo-ovic,* the husband of the petitioner, to- 
 "o-ether with her brother, David Toshuck, Laird of Minivard, in 
 " lfi84, accompanied by twenty-tive others, emio-rated from 
 "Scotland witii intent to settle in New Jersey; that they were 
 "persuaded to settle in the province of New ^'ork by (xovernor 
 "l)onji,an : that Governor Dongan promised and did "-rant them 
 "license to purchase lands from the Indians, which they did, 
 " and so settled themselves, their families and sundry of their 
 "servants on the lands so purchased, and were not only the first 
 "Christians that purchased and improved thereon, but also 
 "peaceably and (piietly jtossesscd and enjoyed themselves dur- 
 " ing- the terms of tlieir natural lives." The lands upon which 
 they settled embraced a tract on both sides of Murderer's creek, 
 "in the county of Orang'c." and hence in the orig'inal town of 
 
 Cornwall, — a fact, the exact- 
 ness of whicli will be admit- 
 ted when it is understood that 
 the boundary line of the coun- 
 'f ty at that time was not Mur- 
 derer's creek de facto, but an 
 east and west line intersect- 
 ing the creek at its head of 
 navigation which was then 
 regarded as its mouth. On 
 Plum Point, MacGreg'orie put 
 up his dwelling, at a point 
 shown by the accompanying 
 diagram, and, in company 
 with Toshuck, engaged in 
 1686 he entered the service of 
 
 * Colouel Patrick MacGregorie came to this country with a uuinber of t'ollowers, in 1684, 
 first landing in Maryland and then ijroceediug north to Perth Aniboy, in New Jersey. 
 At the suggestion of" Governor Dongan in 1685, he removed to Plum Point, just above the 
 Hudson Highlands, where he built a log house and engaged in the Indian trade. In that 
 business he became master of the Indian language. In 1686, he was appointed Muster- 
 Master General of the militia of the Province of New York, and was soon sent to com- 
 mand a party to trade at Michillirnakiuac. They were caught on their way and carried 
 prisoners tollontreal. By an order from the French government MacGregorie was releas- 
 ed in 1687. and returned to New York. After that Governor Sir Edmund Andrus, employ- 
 ed him in the command of a company against the Indians East of Pemaquid. In the 
 tumult in New York. March 1691. between the government and the Leisler parties, Mac- 
 Gregorie was killed, and was buried with public honors. He failed to obtain patents for 
 the land he occupied above the Highlands which were granted to Captain Evans by Gov- 
 ernor Fletcher. His family, after much tribulation, obtained the property mentioned in 
 the text. — LossiNG. 
 
 trade with tiie Indians, li 
 
12 TOWN OF COENWALL. 
 
 the State, leaving his family and trade in the eare of Toshuck, 
 and the duty of issuing' a patent for the lands he had purchased, 
 to (xuvernor Dongan. The latter neglected his trust; MacGrego- 
 rie fell a victim to the Leisler revolution; a new Governor re- 
 warded a favorite by granting the lands to Captain Evans. It 
 may be proper to add that the MacGregorie family continued 
 in occupation of Plum Point, ultimately receiving a patent 
 thei'efor, initil 1727, when they sold to Thomas Ellison. 
 ' The names of the several families composing MacGregorie's 
 settlement, cannot now be ascertained. One MacCollum settled 
 near him; William Sutherland, the presumed ancestor of the 
 present Canterbui'y i'amily of that name, was another; and the 
 name of Daniel Maskrig, in addition to that of Toshuck, also ap- 
 pears. Toshuck died in 1687, as appears from an entry in the 
 Council Minutes of the Province under date of December 3d, of 
 that year, in the following terms: "Daniel Maskrig, late servant 
 "to David Toshuck, late of the county of Orange, informing that 
 "ye said Toshuck is deceased, and none having power to meddle 
 " with his estate, it is in danger of being embezzled. Ordered, that 
 "said Maskrig do take all ye Indian goods and all ye personal 
 " estate which ye deceased died possessed of, into his custody 
 " and iriake an inventory thereof, and that he dispose of ye In- 
 " dian goods and receive ye indebtedness due l\v ye Indians, 
 "and render a true account of what he shall do in the premises 
 "herein to this Board by ye 1st of April next." What subse- 
 quently became of Maskrig or the goods, does not appear from 
 tlie Minutes referred to. 
 
 Toshuck left a widow and a son, the latter a minor at the time 
 of his father's death. The point at whicli he established liis 
 trading post was (m the south-easterly slope of Sloop-hill. The 
 cellar excavation of the building can yet be traced. One by 
 one the actors in this pioneer drama drop out of the scene of their 
 struggles into unknown places of sepulture,"^ leaving behind 
 them tlie rticord of their ruin by Evans, and the iindoubted 
 evidence that the present town of ("<»rnwall was the sit<^ of 
 
 * About two years Bince, tiome laborers iu grading the lawn to Mr. WTiiteside's cottage, 
 removed a large tree and beneath its roots they came xipon a human skeleton. The bones 
 evinced a frame ot nnusual size. The skull, which is now to be seen at Mr. Whiteside's 
 residence, has strong indications of Caledonian origin. The question naturally arises, 
 were not the remains thus found, those of the Laii'd of Minivard. whose trading-house 
 was not far distant V 
 
EARLY HISTORY. 
 
 13 
 
 the firsst European settlement in the county of Orang'e — a set- 
 tlement the continuity of which whvS never broken. 
 
 Tlie history of (Jornwall from the period we are speaking of 
 down to that of the Revolution, is not unlike tliat of other lo- 
 calities in those early days. From time to time, patents for 
 tracts of land were secured, and new settlements made. Trees 
 were felled, and clearances made and the plow started on its 
 mission of industry. The numerous streams which had for ages 
 coursed our mountain slopes in proHuent waste, became ready 
 and willing instruments in the cause of civilization. Saw-mills 
 and Grist-mills — the one to prepare shelter; the other, food for 
 the settler — were erected at conveinent spots. They have pass- 
 ed away with those whom they sheltered and fed. The remains 
 of some of these former mills are occasionally met and but lew 
 living persons have any remembrance of their existence. 
 
14 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 The Revolnticjiiary history of Cornwall is replete with inci- 
 dents unsurpassed, in point of interest, by any that occurred 
 elsewhere during the ever memorable struggle for National 
 Independence. The thrilling adventures of spy and free-booter, 
 of wliit'h the mountain passes were the scene — the earnest but 
 rude attempts to close the river against the passage of the 
 British vessels — the surprise of Forts Clinton and Montgomery 
 and their gallant but unsuccessful defence by the militia of 
 Orange and Ulster — the plottings of the traitor Arnold with 
 their sequel — the sad, but merited fate of the accomplished 
 Andre — these, each and all, have ever inspired the pen of the 
 romancist, and form a page in American history over which the 
 student loves to linger. 
 
 A l)rief sunnnary nf the war, and the position of the contend- 
 ing armies is necessary to a proper understanding of the subject. 
 A plan for the campaign of 1171 had been suggested by 
 General Burgoyne during a recent visit to England, and had 
 been agreed to by the King. About the middle of June of that 
 year Burgoyne was stationed at St. Johns with a force under his 
 command of about eight thousand men, supplied with brass 
 artillery and admirably appointed in every respect. The main 
 part of tills army under Burgoyne was to advance upon Ticon- 
 deroga, while a detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel St. Leger 
 was to land at Oswego and sweep the Mohawk valley for pur- 
 pose of ravage and i)lunder, and at the sume time to create a 
 diversion as to the true object of the movement. Having captur- 
 ed Ticonderoga, Burgoyne was to move down Lake Champlain 
 and so on to Alltany where the expedition inidei' St. Leger was 
 to re-join him. 
 
 The British forces in the south at tiiis time were operating in 
 the Jersevs, under the command ol' Sir William Howe. This 
 
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 15 
 
 wily <^"<inmiaiid(n" had been trying" to precipitate a general action, 
 by various feints, but every attempt had proved abortive, owing" 
 to the prudence and foresig-ht of Washing-ton. At the close of 
 June, (leneral Howe broke up his encanipineiit at And)oy, and 
 his troops betook themselves to their vessels and trans})orts in 
 the bay of New York. Immediately after the evacuation of the 
 Jerseys, intelligence was brought to Washington, whose camp 
 was at Middlebrook, that the whole (Umadian army, under 
 Burgoyne had entered Lake ('hamplain, and were evidently 
 l)ound upon some expedition to the southward. 
 
 The concurrence of the two movements suggested to Wash- 
 ington's mind the idea that the intention of tlie enemy was a 
 simultaneous advance by Burgoyne in the north and Howe from 
 the south, with the view of an ultimate junction at Albany. 
 This, in fact, was the intention, and how to circumvent it, 
 instantly, engrossed the attention of the American Ccmimander- 
 in-chief. The importance of retaining possession of the Cornwall 
 Highlands was seen at a glance. Even before this time, during 
 the preceeding fall, Wasliington had made a t(nir of inspection 
 through the detiles of the Hudson, in an open boat, and appreci- 
 ating their strategic importance, had ordered fortitications of 
 which M^e will come to speak hereafter. In the present emergen- 
 cy there was no time to lose. Washington wrote at once to 
 General George (Uinton, at New Windsor, to call out the militia 
 of Orange and Vlster, and General .'-^ullivan, with a considerable 
 for(;e, was oi'dered to advance towards the Highlands as far as 
 Pompton. Washington himself ciianged his camp to Morristown, 
 so as to be ready either to march to the Highlands, or fall back 
 upon his old fortifications at Middlebrook, in case General Howe 
 should again enter the Jerseys to strike at Philadelphia. Gene- 
 rals Parsons and Varnum were sent with a couple of brigades 
 to Peekskill, and General Putnam was directed to sununon the 
 Connecticut militia. These preparations were conducted with 
 energy and alacrity. When we regard them in the lia"ht of 
 subsequent events, we cannot avoid looking at Washington as 
 almost gifted with prescience, the attribute of a higher power. 
 There is no telling what would have been the result of a failure 
 to do the very things that were done. Had General Howe ett'ect- 
 ed a junction with Burgoyne, the war would certainly liave V»een 
 
16 TOWN OF COKNWALL. 
 
 prolonged — if not ended in u difterent way fnjin what it was. 
 
 In tlie early summer of 1716, a A-ery formidable conspiracy 
 had been concocted at New York, on the part of tory residents. 
 Its disclosure gave rise to the most serious alarm. The plot 
 had in view the secret co-operation of all friendly to the British 
 cause — a general uprising on a stated day — the destruction of 
 the magazines — the massacre of all the commanding officers, and 
 the forcible abduction, or even killing off, if need be, of Wash- 
 ington. It is needless for us in this connection, to trace the 
 course of the conspiracy, or speak of its participants, further than 
 to say that the details of the plot were thoroughly sifted, and 
 resulted, on the 28th of June, in the public execution of Thomas 
 Hickey, an Irishman, whe was attached to the body-guard of 
 Washington, and who was seriously implicated in the matter. 
 It was found, however, that the plot was not confined to the 
 city, but had spread through the country. 
 
 A tory, by the name of Jahies Hatf, residing in Cornwall, 
 appeared before the Committee of Safety for the town,* and 
 confessed that he was one of many in the vicinity, who had 
 resolved t(j go over to the British upon their arrival in the High- 
 lands. He stated that upon the landing of the enemy at 
 Verplanck's Point, the tories were to rise en maase, and the guns 
 at the different forts were to be spiked by the disaffected of 
 their own garrisons. The Connnittee of Safety immediately 
 forwarded word of the plot to Colonel James Clinton, then at Fort 
 (Constitution, who took active measures to prevent its success. 
 
 The disclosure of the plot was peculiarly annoying and alarm- 
 ing at this juncture, from the fact that the enemy were concen- 
 trating their forces in the bay of New York, preparatory to some 
 grand movement, which they confidently hoped would quell the 
 rebellion. They had at this time in the bay, one hundred and 
 thirty ships, men-of-war and transports. Their object was to 
 seize and retain possession of the Hudson, as a basis for military 
 operations, thereljy effecting a junction of their Northern and 
 Southern armies, and effectually cutting off the Eastern from 
 
 * The towu or precinct of Cornwall embraced, at that time, the present towns of Corn- 
 wall, Blooming-Grove, Monroe, and part of the present county of Kockland. As being 
 more nearly the centre of the precinct, elections and public meetings were held in what 
 is now Blooming-Grove, at a small hamlet bearing that name which had been planted in 
 the vicinity of the old Blooming-Grove church. It was here that the Committee of 
 Safety, of "which Hezekiah Howell was chairman, held its head-quart<?rs. 
 
REVOLlfriONARY HISTORY. H 
 
 the Middle States. Had the plan succeeded, tlie divisidii of the 
 patriot i'orces would have iinM)lved the su1)versioii of the vebel- 
 liou and the re-establishnient of the Crown. 
 
 A diversion in this dinH-tion took place in the early i)art of 
 the ensuiii}^ s])ring-, (1777) as soon as the riv<'r was clear oi' ice. 
 About the 20th of March, General Howe despatched a squadron 
 of vessels, with five hundred men, under Col. Bird, for Peekskill. 
 The American officer in connnand at this point, was General 
 Heath, but he being absent at the time, the control devolved 
 upon Brigadier-General McDougall. He had a force under him 
 of only two hundred and fifty men. Having been apprised oi' 
 the intended attack, McDougall began the removal of his stores 
 and provisions to a place of safety. They were taken to Forts 
 Montgomery and Constitution. The enemy arrived in Peekskill 
 bay on the morning of the 23d, and disembarked their forces at 
 a small cove at the southerly side of the bay, known as Lent's 
 Cove. They had with them tVmr small field pieces, which were 
 landed and drawn over the rough road by chosen sailors. Their 
 march was unopposed, as (4en. McDougall had determined upon 
 evacuating liis barracks, which he did, on the enemy's approach, 
 having first committed them, along with the principal store-hou- 
 ses, to the flames. He then retreated to a strong post about two 
 miles distant, situated on the southerly side of St. Anthony's 
 Nose. This post commanded the entrance to the Highlands, and 
 subsequently furnished the site for the erection of Fort Inde- 
 pendence. It was the spot where Washington had remarked, a 
 handful of men could resist an army, with no other Aveapons 
 than the loose stones and rocks which could he hurled upon the 
 assailants. It was in truth the Thermopyla? of the Hudson. 
 The position had another advantage of no mean account. It 
 controlled the road leading to Continental village, a small settle- 
 ment to the north of Peekskill, used as a place of deposit. 
 
 The British, upon their arrival at Peekskill, found not only 
 the store-houses, but the wharf in flames. From tlie latter they 
 had expected to embark their plunder. Its destruction interfer- 
 ed materially with the object of the maraud. Fearing to remain 
 long in a place which might be made uncomfortably warm by 
 means other than the flames, the enemy re-embarked the next 
 morning on their ships, and raising anchor set sail for New York. 
 
18 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 They ohtaintMl uotliiug of value l)y tlie expeditinn, wliil.st they 
 h)st thirteen men in a skirmish with a detachment from Fort 
 Cf)nstituti(m under Colonel Marinus Willet. 
 
 The loss of stores and ])rovisions to the Americans, thoup-h 
 nut consideral)le, was yet a damagung- if not serious blow, con- 
 sidering" the limited resources for re-sup|)lying- them ; and this 
 " unfortunate aft'air at Peekskill," as it has been called by the 
 historian, g"ave rise to renewed efforts ior the protection of the 
 Highland passes in which we are interested and about which 
 we are coming" to speak. 
 
 On the 12th of May, 1777, (ieneral Greene received orders 
 from Washing-ton to visit the Highlands, and examine the defen- 
 ces already begun, and repent their condition, as well as any ini- 
 provements he might see tit to suggest. He associated with him 
 ill this undertaking Generals Knox, (Jeorge (-linton, ArcDougall 
 and Wayne. These tive Generals made a careful tour of insjx'c- 
 tion, and submitted their report to the ('onimander-iu-chief, 
 wherein they recommended tluM'arly comj)letioii of the proposed 
 chain obstruction from Fort Montgomery to Anthony's Nose. 
 They thought that a l)oom stretched across the river at this 
 point, protected by cables ])laced so as lo lireak the force of 
 ap|)roaching vessels, would effectually olistruct tiie passag(> of 
 the enemy. As an additional pnjtection, they suggested that u 
 couple of gun ships and row galleys l)e stationed conveniently 
 near, and proper batteries be erected on shore. The idea that 
 the enemy would attem))t to advance by land, was regarded as 
 puerile, on account of (as they reported), "the passes through 
 " the Highlands being so exceedingly difficult." The chain 
 obstruction now spoken of, must not be confounded with the one 
 subseipiently i)laced at a point I'urther up the river, between 
 West Point and Fort Constitution, or that l»etween Plum Point 
 and Pallopel's Island. The suggestions of the committee were 
 favorably received, and immediate steps taken to put them into 
 practical operation. The chain was made from iron taken trom 
 the mountains of the present town of Monroe, l)ut at tiiat time a 
 part of Cornwall, and having been transported in sections, was 
 placed in position. The preparations were under the personal 
 direction of (xeneral Putnam, upon whom tiie connnand of the 
 Hudson had recently dcA-olved. He was ablv assisted in his 
 
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 
 
 19 
 
 ettorts l»y (Jciicriil (icori^'c Clinton, wlio had just liccn rlccted 
 undfU' the new Coiistitution, the first (Tovenior ul' New Voi'k, 
 and who, theret'ore. coinnianded the militia of the State. 
 
 (iovernor Clinton resided at New VViixl.sor. The house in 
 wliieh he lived is still in existence, and is an object (tf reverence 
 and interest lo tlie visitor. At the time of which we are speak- 
 int;-, (the early tall of '77,) the defences of the Hig-hh'.nds con- 
 sisted of — 1st, the chain obstruction across tlie r.ver at St. 
 Antliony's Nose, with the boom and chevaux-(le-fri/,e ; and sec- 
 ond, the ibrts — three in nnnd)er, and named Clinton, Montgom- 
 ery, and (constitution. The action of the tide had repeatedly 
 bioken the chain, but the damag-e had been repaired, and it was 
 thoug'ht the obstruction was sufficient t\)r the purpose for which 
 it was created. It is difficult for us at this day to appreciate 
 the confidence felt by our ancestors in the security of a chain 
 that went to pieces with the pressure of tin- water. If its 
 strength had been tested by a British man-of-war, under full 
 way, whicli fortunately it never was, their contidenci' would 
 proiiably have received a severe shock. Forts Clinton and|Mont- 
 "•omerv wer(> located on the west bank oi' the river, and Fort 
 
 ("oiistitution on the east, to the south of Hull's Hill, and nearly 
 opposite West Point. Fort Montgomery was first erected and 
 was the larg-est, being capable of maintaining a garrison of 
 
20 TOWN OF COENWALL. 
 
 about seven hundred. Fort Clinton was ))laced on ground 
 which connnanded Fort Montg'oniery, and was distant from it 
 a rifle shot. It would hold a garrison of only three hundred 
 men. Between the two forts, there was a deeyi i-avine, through 
 which flowed a small stream, known on the ancient maps as 
 Poplopen's creek. This stream was crossed by a rude bridge. 
 The division line between Orange and Kockland counties, is 
 now at this point, so that the site of Fort Clinton is in the 
 latter, while that of Fort Montgomery is in the former county. 
 
 At the time of the British attack upon these forts, Governor 
 George Clinton was in command of P^ort Montgomery, and his 
 brother James had charge of Fort Clinton. The full nund)er of 
 men under their associate command did not exceed six hundred 
 and were chiefly raw militia, who had been summoned in great 
 liaste upon news of the expected attack. The only officer of 
 any experience was Colonel Lamb, who had seen service in 
 Canada, and now had a company of his artillerists with him 
 distributed l)etween the two forts. 
 
 It had been resolved, by Sir Henry Clniton, the British 
 General, that the forts should fall through strategy. Accord- 
 ingly, on the 4th of October, 1777, he dispatched an armament 
 up the river, which proceeded as far as Tarrytown and there 
 landed its forces. The object of this movement was to induce 
 General Putnam to believe that Peekskill was the point of 
 attack ; and it had the effect intended. General Putnam im- 
 mediately sent oft' to the Highlands for reinforcements. The 
 enemy marched several miles into the country, and then turning 
 about, again sought the river, re-embarked in their vessels and, 
 crossing the Tappan sea and HaverstiTiw bay, proceeded to 
 Verplanck's Point, about eight miles below Peekskill, where a 
 force of three thousand men was landed. 
 
 The morning of the 6th opened with a heavy fog, and under 
 its friendly cover Sir Henry crossed the river to Stcmy Point, 
 with two thousnnd men, leaving the remainder of his forces to 
 keep up a threatening move on Peekskill. The march on the 
 forts was now taken through the narrow and circuitous defiles 
 that skirt the southerly side of Dunderberg (Thunder-hill) 
 mountain. These passes were obstructed with a shaggy forest, 
 and numberless rocks aiid streams, which had caused the com- 
 
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 21 
 
 iiiittoc <>r <;<'ii(M:iis, licton' iilliidcd to. to rcpoit tluit tlM'v were 
 inipassaUlc to tlic ciiciiiy ; Inil tliriiii<i'li tliciii and aluiit;- tlicm 
 they now niairliod. A little Iteyoiid the junction of the streams 
 known as Klorus' tall and Napyiies' kill, Sir Henry left a de- 
 tachment to li'uard the pass and keep his connnnnications o|)en 
 with the river. The main hody pushed on to the west of the 
 Dnndei'lierii' until it arrived in a ravine formed hy Bear-hill on 
 the north and Dnnderlierji' on llie south. 
 
 Il was now ei,<;'ht o'clock in the morning-, and the projected 
 movement had lieeii exei-nted with celerity and with all the 
 secresy expecte(l. A halt was ordered and the foico divided 
 into two columns; the rij^'ht was to attack Kort Clinton, and 
 the left was to })ush around the westerly side of Bear-hill and 
 come upon Fort .\loiit,i;"omerv. The attack was intended to he 
 made upon hoth forts simultaneously. In order to do so, the 
 rig'ht column rested until the left had timi^ to make the circuit 
 to the rear of Fort Montgomery. I)urins>' this time (xoveriior 
 Clinton was not asleep- He had lieen forewarned of the sailing- 
 of the enemy's fleet up the I'iver, and to jtrocure infornuition of 
 their destination, he had that morning- sent out scouts to watch 
 tlu'ir movements. The scouts brought in word of the landing 
 at Stony Point, and, Justly a)>])rehensive that an attack on the 
 forts uiuler his comnuiud was to he made, he sent to (reneral 
 Futnam for reinforcements, called to his aid the militia of the 
 district, and pre])ared to make the best defence in his powt'r. 
 The enemy were now within striking- distance of the forts. A 
 scouting party of thirty from Fort Clinton had been driven back 
 by their advance lines. It was innnediat(dy reinforced and 
 stationed with a brass lield-piec-e on an eminence on Bear-hill, 
 connnanding- the detile through which the enemy must pass. It 
 occu])ied this position until forced from it l)y the fear of being- 
 surrounded ; the enemy having detiled to tlie woods on i)oth 
 sides. The tield-piece could not be removed, owing to the roug-h 
 and rugged character of the g-round. It was therefore s])iked, 
 and the ))arty retreated to the fort, under cover of the tire of a 
 twelve-pounder with which Coloiud Land* had occupied a com- 
 manding position. 
 
 To the rear of Fort Clinton was a pond called Lake Sinsi])ink. 
 The striy) of land between the lake and the ri^-er had been forti- 
 c •> 
 
22 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 fied with an abatis, which seriously retarded th(i attack of the 
 enemy. However, by four o'clock the skirmishers had all been 
 driven into the forts. A momentary lull took place. It was 
 broken by a summons to surrender. Governor ('linton had no 
 intention of tamely laying* down his arms and abandoning liis 
 trust to the enemy. He ho})ed, with the reinforcements for 
 which he iiad sent and which he momentarily expected, to be 
 able to hold the forts. He did not know at the time that his 
 messeng'er to General Putnam had turned traitor, and his call 
 ff)r assistance had failed to reach the ears for which it was 
 intended. In an hour's time a determined attack was made 
 upon both forts, and was resisted with equal determination. 
 The contest was carried on hand to liand — the bayonet being- 
 the principal weapon of offence and defence. The garrison 
 Ibug'ht with a vig-or and resolution that lias extorted from the 
 British historian the remark, that " their valor was exceeded by 
 no other instance during- the war." But the odds were ag-ainst 
 then), and, as night closed in. the English had control of the 
 forts and were masters of the river })assage. 
 
 The taking of Forts Clinton and Montgomery, iiad a depress- 
 ing- effect upon the patriot army. Governor ('linton in his 
 despatches to Head-qtiarters, attempted to palliate the calamity 
 by recalling the bold and noble daring displayed l)y the garrison 
 in the defence; but th(> fact still remained that the fortifications 
 of the Highlands, which had been deemed of paramount import- 
 ance, and had constantly engrossed the attention of the Com- 
 mander-in-chief, were now in possession of the enemy, and no 
 obstacle prevented the junction of their forces for which thej' 
 had been striving. It is true, the victory had been gained — but 
 with a heavy cost. Several of the most promising of the Brit- 
 ish f)fficers had received their death wounds, and many of th(> 
 rank and tile had been sent along to share their untimely fate 
 Embittered by their loss, the assailants showed no mercy or 
 quarter in the fury of their attack. The garrison wen; obliged 
 to fight their way out of the forts, for they had resolved they 
 would never surrender. Those tfiat escaped betook themselves 
 to the mountains, and a few to the river, where boats in readi- 
 ness, conveyed them to Peekskill. the Head-quarters of General 
 Putnam. It is reported that (rovernor Clinton reached the liank 
 
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. -Jo 
 
 just as a boat was |)usliiii<;' ott" witli fugitive's, loaded to tiic 
 <;Miiiwak's. The l)()at was turned back to receive the (iovenioi', 
 but lie declined entering", from fear tiie additional weig'lit woidd 
 eiidang'er the salety of the whole. It was oidy after pressing' 
 importunities, lu; was induced to take passage. 
 
 A list of the men taken at Fort Montgomery has been pre- 
 served, and it appears there were two hundred and thirty-seven 
 that failed to make their escape. In looking- over the names, 
 we find but few familiar in the annals of our present town. 
 They mostly belonged to the militia of Ulster and (Jrang-t? 
 county. The latter embraced principally the two regiments 
 which had been org'anized in Cornwall at the outbreak of 
 the war, then under the respective connnand of (Jolonel Zacha- 
 riali Dubois and Colonel Jesse Woodhull, but their members are 
 now larg-ely represented in the records of towns subsequently 
 erected from the orig-inal precinct. The militia were reported 
 by (iovernor Clinton to have acted with g-reat spirit.* Tliey 
 lost heavily in the action. Indeed the entire district was tilled 
 with the lamentations of those bereaved of husltands, fathers, 
 and sons. 
 
 It will lie remembered, certain frig"ates and galleys had i)een 
 stationed immediately above the boom that was stretched across 
 the river near the forts. An attempt was made to secure their 
 escape, but owing to the adverse winds that frequently prevail 
 at this point, it proved futile. To prevent their falling- into the 
 hands of the enemy they were now set on tire, and burned to 
 the water's edge. Forts Independence and Constitution were 
 also evacuated. Th' enemy raised the chevaux-de-frize and 
 chain in the river, and navig-ation was successfully opened to 
 their vessels. Governor Clinton tarried but a short time at Peek- 
 skill — only long; enoug-h. to concert measm-es with (reneral Put- 
 nam for the protection of those living- near the Hudson, who 
 woidd receive, as was naturally feared, the brunt of the enemy's 
 veng-eance, as their vessels ascended the river. He then repair- 
 ed to New Windsor and made haste tore-organize tlie scattered 
 militia. In this effort, he met with but indifferent success, 
 
 * The regiments engaged were : Colonel D\iboi8' and Colonel Woodhiill's, from Corn- 
 wall: Colonel Ellison's and Colonel McClaiighry's. from New Windsor; Colonel Has- 
 bronrk's, from Newburgh; three regiments from other districts, and Colonel Lamb's 
 artillery. The regiments were by no means full. The Cornwall regiments were the last 
 to leave the forts, and hence sitfleredthe most severely in killed and prisoners. 
 
24 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 not on account ot" any apatliy on the part of the defenders 
 of tlie forts, but because the pressing duties at their homes 
 and the threatening- danger tliat surrounded them, forbade any 
 prolonged absence. " They come in the morning and return in 
 "the evening," wrote the (Tovernor to the Council of iSafety. 
 
 About three days after the fall of the forts, two men. on their 
 way from Fort Montgomery, were arrested, on what is now call- 
 ed the West Point road, by some of the advance guard station- 
 ed near Canterbury. One of the men evinced great agitation, 
 and carrying his hand to his mouth, placed something within it 
 which he hastily swallowed. Among those to whom the fact 
 was communicated was the then village dcjctor who suggested 
 an effectual way of solving the suspicions to which the act of the 
 man had given rise. An emetic was given and had tlie effect of 
 bringing up a small silver bullet. 
 
 The man seized it in haste and swallowed it again. He now 
 refused a second emetic until Governor Clinton tln-eatened to 
 hang him and let the doctor carvtj it out of his stt)mach. Upon 
 being brought ag-ain to light, it was found to be ovu\ in form, 
 hollow, and kept together by a small screw in tlie centre. It 
 was opened, and contained, on thin paper, the following' note 
 from Sir Henry Clinton to (xeneral Burgoyne: " Xous y voici 
 " (here we are) and nothing between us and (rates. 1 sincerely 
 " hope this little success of ours will facilitate your operations.'' 
 The man was immediately tried by a court-martial hastily con- 
 vened, convicted as a spy, and sentenced to l)e hung. 
 
 The enemy's vessels were now in motion, and Covernor Cliu- 
 ton, with his recruits marched forward, intending to protect 
 Kingston (then called Esopus) at that time the seat of the 
 State Legislature. The delays with which he met caused him 
 to be too late. The British arrived aboiit two hours before him, 
 and having landed and dispersed a small ixuly of militia that 
 had collected to oppose them, set tire to the village in different 
 parts, and then re-embarked on their vess(;ls. When (xovernor 
 Clinton came in sight of the burning village, he ordered the spy 
 who had been brought along, to l)e hanged at once, and he Avas 
 accordingly hung upon an ap))le tree which stood near by. 
 
 Well nigh a century has passed since the captiire of the 
 Highland forts. They fell beneath the strategy and superior 
 
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 
 
 •25 
 
 prowess of tlic toe. No stain att;iclic(l to their ^•allaiil det'eiid- 
 ers. 'I'lie jiul<;iiieiil of to-day eoiitirms tlie statinneiit of (Jeiieral 
 (!]iiitoii i)i liis despatclies at the time, that " h(! liad done tiie 
 "most ill his power to save tiieiii." 
 
 Sliortly after their reduetion, the attention of the Oonnnander- 
 in-eliief was uf^'ain directed to an elig'ii)h' site for "'uarding- tlie 
 river and olistrnctin^' tlie navig'ation to the enemy's vessels, 
 (reneral Pntnam was selected to determine the spot. He chose 
 tlu^ present site of West Point, and the necessary ft)rtitications 
 were hejJiin in 1778 and c;ompleted during' the following' year. 
 They consisted of batteries and forts on the several eminences 
 commanding' the river. Tlie principal ones w<n'e Fort Clinton, 
 whose remains are yet to be seen to the east of the present 
 parade ground, and Fort Putnam on Mount Independence. The 
 ruins of the latter are in full view from the river, and always 
 attract the attention of the traveler. Fort Constitution was 
 erected on the island which now bears its name, opposite the 
 Point. As an additional protection, the river was crossed with a 
 heavy chain, the description of which we copy from Judge 
 Monell: * " About the tirst of May, 1778, it was carried over, tirm- 
 " ly fastened l)y staples to logs sixteen feet in length, pointed at 
 "tlu^ ends and placed at a short distance from each other. The 
 " links were made at the Sterling Iron-W(jrks, and taken to the 
 _^^ „^sE_-^ forge, at New Wind- 
 
 sor, of Captain Machin, 
 and t h e r e joined to- 
 gether and floated dowMi 
 to West Point. A por- 
 tion of the chain is pre- 
 " served at West Point. The boom was made oi' log's, fifteen 
 "feet in length, twadve inches in diameter, rounded at the ends 
 " and clasped in the centre in the form of an octagon. The 
 " logs were connected 
 " bj' a heavy band of 
 " iron around each end, 
 "to which was united 
 " two links of chain, 
 "each about eighteen inches in length, made of two-inch bar- 
 
 * "Washington's Head-quarters, Newbiirgh." etc. 
 
26 
 
 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 ■'ii'oii. It extended across the river in front of the chain 
 "to receive the first sliock of an approaching- vessel. Two 
 " of the h)gs, with tlieir chains and bands, were drawn up from 
 "the river, by Bishop's derrick, in 1855, and are now among- 
 "the relics at Head-quarters (Newbui'gh), where they have 
 ••served to illustrate the precise character of the obstructions 
 "and their great strength." 
 
 The fortifications thus erected never came into the possession 
 of the enemy. The narrow and providential escape they made 
 from doing so, through the treason of Arnold, is familiar to all. 
 The story of the traitor is an old one. It has been told time 
 and again ; but such a halo oi' romance surrounds it, that the 
 interest of the American people in it remains, to this day, undi- 
 minished. It were vain in us to attempt its relation, in the face 
 of the graphic and comprehensive narrative of Irving- in his 
 " Life of Washing'ton." The salient points in the unfortunate 
 episode are engrafted on the memory of every school-V)oy, and 
 the ett'acing hand of time fails to erase them. The Kobinson 
 House, which was occupied by Arnold as his head-quarters after 
 he had secured control of the post at West Point, and in which 
 his treasonable correspondence was carried on, stood on the 
 east bank of the river, nearly opposite to what was. until re- 
 cently, called Buttermilk Falls. It was the country seat of 
 Colonel Beverly Kobinson, a noted royalist, who, upon the 
 breaking out oi' hostilities, liad taken up his residence in the 
 city. The property had been confiscated and its reclamation 
 was the pretext under which Ainold was enabled to deceive 
 Washington and open intercourse with the enemy. The posi- 
 tion of the house was in one of the most lonely recesses of the 
 Highlands. It stood at the foot of a mountain, surrounded by a 
 dense forest, at some little height al)ove the river. It was here 
 that Arnold's treason was initiated, and hen; that it culminated. 
 Tlic traitor sat at the breakfast-table with Lafayette and (Gene- 
 ral Knox when a horseman appeared at the door. Arnold 
 excused himself for a moment. The messenger Itrought news 
 of the ca))ture oi" Andre, and the finding of treasonable papers 
 on his ))ersoii. Not a moment was to l)e lost ! In the words 
 ol' the historian: The mine had exploded under Arnold's feet; 
 yet in this awful moment he gave an evidence of that (juick- 
 
REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 07 
 
 ness ot" miiul wliii'h liad won laurels tor liiiii when in the path 
 lit" duty. Coiitrollinji' the dismay tliat Jiiust have smitten him 
 to the heart, lie beckoned Mrs. Arnohl from the table, signil'ying- 
 a wish to speak with lier in private. When ah)ne with her in 
 her room up stairs, lie annoum-ed in hurried words that he was 
 a ruined n»an, and must instantly Hy for his life ! Overcome 
 by the shock, she fell senseless on tlu' Hoor. Without pausing- 
 to aid her, he hurried down stairs, sent the inesseng^er to her 
 assistance, })robably to keep him from an interview with the 
 other officers, returned to the breakfast-room and informed his 
 g'uests that he must hasten to West Point to prepare for the 
 reception of the Commander-in-chief, and, mounting" the horse 
 of the messeng'er, which stood saddled at the d(H)r, g'alloped 
 down, by what is still called Arnold's Path, to the landuig place, 
 where his six-oared barge was moored. Throwing himself into 
 it, he ordered his men to pull out into the middle of the river, 
 and then made down with all speed for Teller's (now Croton) 
 Point, where he took refug'e on the British sloop-of-war, the 
 Vulture. 
 
 Washington, who had turned aside to inspect the redoubts to 
 which we have already referred, now made his appearance. 
 The absence of Arnold from the table, was explained by an 
 aid-de-camp. The repast over, the officers proceeded to West 
 Point, where Washing-ton was much surprised to hear that 
 Arnold had not been seen or heard from for two days. Upon 
 his return to the Kobinson House in the evening, he was made 
 acquainted with his treason by Colonel Hamilton, who had 
 opened the letter covering' the papers taken on Andre. 
 
 The next day, the 2(ith of September, the unfortunate Andre 
 was broug'ht under escort to the Kobinson House. Washing-ton, 
 declining to see him, ordered that he be taken across the river 
 to West Point. On the ■28th, for additional safety, he was seiit 
 to the camp of General (ireene at Tappan. Here he was, on 
 the 30th, tried before a ct)urt of officers, and convicted on his 
 own admissions. The sentence was executed on the 2d of Oc- 
 tober at a point about live miles from the river, on a slight 
 eminence, in a field subsequently owned l)y Mr. Demarest, a 
 Baptist clergyman, of Tappan. Ho was buried where he suf- 
 fered. Forty-one years afterwards (1821), his remains were 
 
•28 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 exhumed, at the instance of the Britisli t.-overnment. and carried 
 to Eng-land. where they now repose, beneath the sixth window 
 in the south aisle of Westminster Abbey. On the pedestal to 
 the sarcophagus is inscribed: "Sacred to the memory of Major 
 "Andre, who, raised l)y his merit, at an early period of life, to 
 "the rank of Adjutant-Cxeneral i>f the British forces in America, 
 "and employed in an important l)ut hazardous enterprise, fell a 
 "sacrifice to his zeal for his King" and country, on the second of 
 " October, 1780, aged twenty-nine, universally beloved and 
 "esteemed by the aiiny in which he served and lamented even 
 " by his foes. His g'enerous sovereign. King (4eoi-g-e TTI, lias 
 " caused this monumcjit to be erected." 
 
 — Many matters coimec-ted with the Revolutionary history of 
 ('ornwall, will be mentioned, incidentally, in the cdursc of the 
 folldwing- pag-es, whilst speaking" of otlier to|)ics. 
 
BOUNDARIES AND LOCALITIES. 
 
 IkpuiiilarifS ami Ifacalilnri 
 
 The present town (tf Coniwall is l)ut u {"ractional part i)f tlie 
 ancient town of the same name. An act of the Oolonial As- 
 sembly, in 1764, divided the old town of (loshen into two pre- 
 cincts, one of which nnder the name of Cornwall comprised the 
 whole of the present towns of (-ornwall, Hie^hlands, Bloomiii"'- 
 (xrove, and Monroe, and parts of (Chester and Hampton burg'h. 
 It contained an area of about 128,000 acres, or 200 square miles. 
 Oranu'c county at this time included the present connty of Hock- 
 land, but on the north extended only as far as Murderer's creek, 
 where it met the Ulster line. In 1*197, Rockland was detached 
 and five towns in leister, (New Windsor, Newburgh, Wallkill, 
 Moiitgotnery and Deerpark) annexed, whereby Orang-e connty 
 became of its present dimensions. 
 
 Tender the " Act for dividing the Counties of this State into 
 towns,'' passed March 7, 1778, the old precinct of Cornwall 
 was erected into a town by the name of New ('ornwall. The 
 yjrefix of "new" seems to have met with small favor, for nine 
 years afterward, it was provided, by the Act of ^[arch 3, 1797, 
 that "The Town of New Cornwall shall hereafter be called, 
 known and distinguished i)y the name of ('ornwall, any law, 
 usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding." There is on 
 file, at the office of the Secretary of State, a map of Clornwall, 
 vvhicli purports to have been made by Seth Marvin. The date of 
 tiling is not given. It must have been about the time of the 
 last mentioned act, as the boundaries correspond with the then 
 existing ones. It is bounded on the north by I Ister county, on 
 the south by Haverstraw and Hempstead, and on the west by 
 the towns of Warwick and (roshen. 
 
 The first disintegration occurred in the year preceeding the 
 close of the last century. By act of March 23, 1799, Blooming- 
 Grove and Chesecocks (named after an early patent) were 
 
30 TOWN OF COKNWALL. 
 
 taken from Cornwall and erected into separate towns. The 
 name of Ciiesecocks was chano-ed, in 1801, to Southtield. and 
 yet ag-ain, in 1808, to Monroe, in honor of James Monroe, who 
 afterwards became 'President of the United States. The loss of 
 so much territory still left a town of considerable proportions. It 
 embraced an area of twenty-tive^ thousand acres, extending- from 
 Mui-derer's creek on the north to Poplopen's kill, on the south. 
 This included the whole of the historical region of West Point 
 and Fort Montg-omery. It was divided physically by a lofty, 
 rugg'ed, almost impassable mountain. This mountain, or rather 
 series of mountains, is a link in the Taconic chain which traver- 
 ses th(! easterly side of the river until broken thr(.)ugh by the 
 Hudst)n, when it shoots to the south-west, passing- throug-h New 
 Jersey and terminating- in Pennsylvania. At the point where the 
 river divides it, the peak on the east bank is known as Break- 
 neck, and that on the west as Storm-king-. Storm-king rises 
 abruptly from the water's edge and ascends to a heig-ht of over 
 fourteen hundred feet above tide-water. Out of its westerly side 
 spring-s a succession of peaks of nearly equal height, which bi- 
 sected the tcjwn its full width, from the Hudson's waters to the 
 Monroe line. At either side of this dividing mountain were to 
 be found thrifty settlements, with an outstanding population 
 more or less numerous. The mountain was a practical barrier 
 to all intercourse between the two sections. It is true, there 
 was communication by means of a road which ante-dated the 
 Revolution; but the circuitousness of the route, the rigidity of 
 the grade, the narrowness and ill-condition of the road, rendered 
 its use only embraced as matter of necessity. The character of 
 the mountain range is such that a more direct and easy road 
 was impossible unless built at an outlay, the bare mention of 
 which excluded its consideration. 
 
 For many years, the evils resulting from so unnatural an 
 alliance were acquiesced in. The people of this cis-montane 
 district were loth to part with the heritage of revolutionary 
 incident which surrounded West Point, whilst the trans-montane 
 residents opposed division from fear of losing- an important 
 element of their strengtli. The inconveniences, however, in- 
 creased with the increasing population. In 1865, an act was 
 passed by the Legislature which created two election districts. 
 
BOUNDARIES AND LOCALITIES. 31 
 
 Before* this, tlic itlacc of lioldiiig" the auinial ti)\vii mcctinfi," was 
 alternated between Hig-hlaiid F'alls and (-anterbury It was 
 usual to charter a boat for the conveyance of voters from one 
 section to tlie other, the land conmiunication beinj>,\ as before 
 hinted, entirely inade(|uate. From time to time tlie question of 
 dividing- tiie town was ag'itated, and during" the fall of the year 
 last past, it resnlt<Ml in an application to the county Board oi' 
 Supervisors for the purpose. A resolution was passed, without 
 dissenting- voice, granting' the petition. All that part of the 
 town to the south of a "line drawn from Siierwood's rock, on 
 " Hudson's river, running- thence westerly to a house now oi- 
 '■ recently occupied by William Lancaster; thence in a direct 
 "line to the house of William ChatHeld; thence to the house of 
 "John Odell; tiience to the hig-hest peak of Mount Rascal to 
 "the line of the town of Monroe," was erected into a town by 
 the name of " The Town of Highlands." All to the north of 
 this line was erected as "The Town of Cornwall." Sherwood's 
 rock, alluded to in the description, is the precipitous bluft" at the 
 base of Cro'-nest, and so called from the fact that a man (^f that 
 name lost his life, a number of years since, by falling- from that 
 rock. 
 
 From the intersection with the Monroe line, our town line 
 then runs in a north-west direction, along- the lands of W. H. 
 Smith (late Robert H. Berdell), until it strikes the south-east 
 corner of the town of Blooming'-Grove; thence almost due north, 
 along- Major Sherman's farm and throug'h the villag'e of Salis- 
 bury, until it reaches the New Windsor line on the lands of 
 Isaac Denniston. It then takes an easterly direction and con- 
 tinues straig-ht on to the i-iver, passing- a little south of the 
 former Vail's (xate station, on the Newburg-h Branch; throu,g-li 
 Woodward's and (late) Judg-e (xeorg-e's lands, and coming- out 
 at Sloop-hill, just far enong-h to the simth to leave the portly 
 proprietor of the " Half-way House" in the town of New Wind- 
 sor. From Sloop-hill the line follows the river up to Sherwood's 
 rock, the point from which we started. It will be seen, by ref- 
 erence to the map, that the area included by the line we have 
 traced is quite larg-e. It embraces probably about fifteen thou- 
 sand square acres. 
 
 Throughout this area are scattered a nimiber of hamlets (tf 
 
32 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 wliicli brief mention may l)e made. In the extreme north-west 
 corner is tlie villao^e of 
 
 SALISBURY, 
 
 part of it lyin,<>' in (.ornwall and part in the town of Bh)oming'- 
 (Irove. Salisbury is situated on the banks of the Otter-kill or 
 Moodna, as the stream has been indiscriminately called. The 
 growth of the place is due to the valuable water-power which 
 has here been eccmomized. The large and tine Paper-mill at 
 this point is the one formerly'owned by Mr. Seaverns, who was 
 murdered by Buffum. at Xewburgh. not long- since. To the east 
 of Salisl)ury is 
 
 BETHLEHEM, 
 
 so called from the church of that name which was tirst erected 
 in 1130, and of which particular account will be g-iven here- 
 after. During the Revolution, the American troops lay encamp- 
 ed for some time near the church. To the south-east of Bethle- 
 hem, l)ut reached by an nidirect road, we come upon 
 
 .MOrXTAIX-VILLE, 
 
 foimerly called Ketchum-town. The settlement, since tlie 
 erection of a depot on the Short-cut for its accommodation, 
 has made vast promises of development. It is prettily located, 
 with a sweep of both the Kamapo and Moodna valleys, and by 
 reason of its contiguity to the Cornwall Mineral Spring, is 
 destined to occupy a prominent positi(jn in the group of villages 
 which will sooner or later dot our plains. The cottage on the 
 knoll, to be seen from the cars, and but a minute's walk from 
 the depot, is the residence of ex-Superyisor John Orr. The 
 building to the east of the track is the Flour-mill of Mr. Price, 
 formerly owned by Mr. Orr. Mountain-ville, since the building 
 of the Short-cut, has received a very liberal share (jf the pat- 
 ronage bestowed by city visitors To those who prefer an 
 inland view of dale and hill, and desire to live beyond the in- 
 fluence of the river and yet within easy access to it, this place 
 offers superior inducements. 
 
 HIGHLAND-VILLE 
 
 is the next settlement of any consequence in this part of Corn- 
 wall. We now take the turnpike and travel eastward, or rather 
 north-eastward. The road is Hanked on either side bv the cot- 
 
BOUNDAKIES AND LOCALITIES. 33 
 
 tages of oTir sturdy farmers, but wo meot with no settlement 
 until we reach 
 
 (UXTERBURY, 
 
 which is by far the most considerable as it is the oldest settle- 
 ment in the town. It is called after a place of the same name 
 in the county of Kent, England. It is situated on the banks of 
 a mountain stream which, finding its source in the hills beyond, 
 empti(;s in the Hudson through the glen at Idle-wild, from which 
 it takes the name of Idle-wild brook. P\)rmerly the water- 
 power furnished by this brook was utilized by no less than ti\ e 
 different mills ; but of late years, from some reason oi" other, 
 probably the denudation of forest growth, it has become quite 
 unreliable. The brick factory, now occupied by James Winne 
 as a carpentry and joinery shop, was formerly used as a tan- 
 nery. John Cromwell conducted the business for a number of 
 years with considerable success, until the difficulty of procur- 
 ing bark caused its al)and()nnient. The mill beside the Willow 
 avenue bridge, was run by J. H. & W. Atkinson as a yarn and 
 woolen-mill. The earliest settlement in this section was not 
 where the present village of Cajiterbury stands. The first 
 setthers located on the plain at the base of the mountains to 
 the south. One of the earliest houses of whi<;h we have heard 
 mention is that of Patrick Sutherland, which stood on the late 
 farm of Justus Sackett. It was built of stone. No trace of it 
 reniains. We have met but one living resident who remembers 
 its existence. A stone, with the initials P. S. & W. S. and date 
 1747, cut in rude figures, which came from this house, can now 
 be seen in tlie fence in front of Mrs Concklin's residence on 
 Clinton street. The date on the stone probably indicates the 
 time when the house was built. 
 
 Canterbury is a neat and thriving village. It contains tour 
 meat markets, two boot and shoe stores, two tinsmiths and 
 plumbers, four first class country stores, a baker, two black- 
 smith shops, two carriage factories, a tailor shop, a barber, a 
 milliner, several cream saloons, a druggist, &c. In fact the 
 varied wants of not only the permanent residents, l)ut the tran- 
 sient visitor, can be supplied here, and at reasonable prices. 
 There is also a village inn, which, under the management of 
 Mrs. Moore, has acquired an extended and well deserved repu- 
 
34 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 tation. There are tive churches in Canter l)ury, of which par- 
 ticular mention will he made hereafter. The CorniraU post- 
 office is located at Canterl)ury, and at ))r('seiit is ke|)t l)y Mr. A. 
 M. Hollett. At the northern entrance to tiie viUag-e, on tiie 
 west of the road, is seen a nuniher of tasty cottages which, 
 under the name of Artizan's Row, give a good idea of the 
 thrift of our Cornwall mechanics. 
 
 After leaving' Canterbury, in following the road to the river, 
 about mid-way between AVillis-ville and Canterbury, we come 
 across a cluster of houses, forming the place known as 
 
 GARNER-Vir.LE. 
 
 It takes its name from that of a colored man, recently deceased, 
 who owned several acres of ground, bordering the road at this 
 point. The houses are of a simple and plain character, owned 
 and occupied in main by mechanics and laborers. A slujrt dis- 
 tance further and we arrive at 
 
 WILMS-VII,I,E, 
 
 formerly known as the Corners from the fact that a (juadrivivm 
 is here formed by the convergence of four roads. The present 
 name is given it, in honor of the poet ^Vi!lis, whose home at 
 Idle-wild was in .close propinquity. The rapidity with which 
 this part of Cornwall has grown, can not be ecpialled probably 
 by any other town in the State. A decade ago, there were but 
 a few scattering houses. Now it is thickly settled and land 
 sold by the foot. The prominent buildings at this point will be 
 noticed in the proper place. Distant from Willis-ville some- 
 thing less than a mile is 
 
 Hl\ KK-SIUK. 
 
 In early times it was called the Hollow, and tlien the Land- 
 ing. A recent suggestion that these names shouhl stand aside 
 for the more euphonious one of Kiver-side, meets our approval, 
 and as such we will continue to call it. Formerly, when all the 
 products of the interior sought tide-water at this point, a dri- 
 ving business was done here. The building of the Erie road 
 and Branches, and a home market by reason of increased popu- 
 lation, have diverted or arrested this traffic. The only impor- 
 tance River-side now enjoys, is the position it occupies as gate- 
 way to our town for those who approach us by water. The ex- 
 
BOUNDARIES AND LOCALITIES. 35 
 
 pansion of tho settlement is forbid by natural laws, with which 
 most of our readers are conversant. 
 
 Retracing- our steps to (Canterbury we take the road for New- 
 biu-gh, and a few minutes drive brinfz:s us to a collection of 
 houses on tlH> westerly side of the road in the hollow. This is 
 known as 
 
 ROE-VILI-K, 
 
 called after our townsman, Mr. James G. Roe, whose Glen- 
 ridge House stands immediately to the west. The inhabitants 
 are principally laborers, and the cottages, the result of their 
 labor and frugal habits. Of late years, a tendency to draw this 
 settlement up on higher ground and in towards Willow avenue, 
 has been encouraged by Mr. Henry Hunter, who has opened a 
 connecting road and placed his lands in the market in plots to 
 suit purchasers. To the south-west of Roe-ville, but reached 
 l)y the Montana Drive, is a small hamlet, 
 
 MONTANA, 
 
 which owes its existence to the mills of that name at this point. 
 It consists almost exclusively of the homes of the mill operatives. 
 —We have now brietiy reviewed all the settlements in Corn- 
 wall, so that the reader may have a general idea of their situa- 
 tion. There is no question more generally asked than the one: 
 " Where is (Cornwall ?" There seems to be an ill-detined idea 
 of the locality, not only among strangers, but among those who 
 have been born and brought up near us. The general impres- 
 sion seems to be that some particular hamlet, settlement or 
 village is entitled to the name, whereas in fact Cornwall is the 
 name of the whole town, embracing all the settlements we have 
 named, and is a generic term with no exclusive right of pro- 
 prietorship <jn the part of any specific section. A descriptive 
 division has of late been attracting favor, whereby that portion 
 occupying the broad table-land facing the river is designated 
 Cornwall-on-the-Hudson; the mountain slopes, Cornwall Heights 
 and the interior part, Cornwall. 
 
36 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 hiarciaraiiliiii. 
 
 No other town in our state possesses a more peculiar ami re- 
 markable chorography than Cornwall. Ku(;'ii>{'(l nimmtaiiis, I'er- 
 tile plains, inviting- slopes, inuuense chasms, picturesque lakes, 
 beautiful water-falls, silvery streams, with the noble Hudson 
 laving- her feet, she possesses a diversity of land and water- 
 scape unparalleled by that of any other town we know of. 
 
 Of all the remarkable topographical features of our town, 
 that which we may call 
 
 THK ('(IKWVALl. HA^IN, 
 
 is the most striking. To gain a complete i<lea ot the l)eauty 
 and grandeur of this basin, the observer must take an elevated 
 site, of which there are plenty along our mountain slopes, and 
 look down as from a baloon upon the map spread out before him. 
 The eye tirst grasps the bold and salient features of the view. 
 The rim of the basin, struck in distinct outliiu' against the sky, 
 by the Schunemunk, Shawangunk, Dutchess and('ornwall moun- 
 tains, is tirst noted. Descending on all sides from the ridge 
 formed by these mountain peaks, stretch the land-slopes, like 
 the seats in some vast amjihitheatre. As the vision narrows, 
 the New Windsor and Xewl)urgli plains recede from view, and 
 the eye rests upon a somewhat circumscribed arena, which lies 
 almost at our feet. This is the Cornwall basin. It is the result 
 of one of those early upheavals of nature which date back be- 
 yond the history of man. As we look upon it, we realize but 
 faintly the power of that force within the earth which, when 
 convulsed tossed up the mountains and framed the valleys. In 
 the great tumult that ensued, as the mountains were raised, the 
 waters settled in the valleys and remained there until their 
 gradual subsidence into rivers, ('ornwall. New Windsor and 
 Newburgh were at one time no doubt, a huge lake, and con- 
 tinued so until drained bv the action of the elements in divor- 
 
B0UNDAIIIE8 AND LOCALITIES. 37 
 
 cing- Storm-king- IVoni Brciik-neck. Bcfoio this intcnosting event, 
 the waters evidently liad outlet throng-h the Schuneiniiiik valley, 
 and thence through the Rainaix) tn the Jersey Hats. This supito- 
 sition receives strong confiniiatioii IVnin tlie character nC our 
 Cornwall hasui, which runs t'r<iui north-east to south-wi^'sl, and is 
 traversed l)y two considerable ridges of land of unitorni shaix,', 
 and lying in a precisely similar directi(jn to that of the basin. 
 
 These ridges are almost parallel, and were formed by the ac- 
 tion of the water in forcing its passage southward. The more 
 northerly one, known as the Tf)wnsend Ridg'e, begins at the 
 Friends' Meeting House on the depot road, and continues on to 
 the Townscnd-hill. Its summit is occupied by the residences 
 of Mr. Kaymond, Miss Hedges and Mrs. H. Tf)wnsend. The 
 southerly ridge, called Cromwell Ridge, connnences in H. F. 
 Chadcaync's orchard, on the turnpike, as it is sometimes called, 
 and emerges in a ravine near Nicholas Cliatfield Jr.'s house. 
 The land forming this ridge is owned by Mr. Chadeayne, the 
 Titus estate, Mrs. Cromwell, \. Chatfield, Jr., Mrs. Townsend 
 and Miss Hedges. Rising by easy grade to a consideral)le 
 height above the intervening valleys, witli a sufficient breadth 
 of surface and a commanding- view of our river and mountain 
 scenery, these ridges are unexceptionably situated for building- 
 sites. We hope to see them some day in the early future C(»ver- 
 ed with beautiful villas. 
 
 Between these twtt ridges, skirting the depot road to the south, 
 lies a deep glen, whilst the valleys on the north and south are 
 destined to play an important part in the future growth of Corn- 
 wall. The valley to the south, or more strictly, south-east of 
 Cromwell Ridge, is s(jmewhat circumscribed in extent, but its 
 limited area is amply compensated by the remarkable beauty of 
 the surroundings. Its shape is triangular and its sides formed 
 on the south by the Cornwall mountains, on the east by that ele- 
 vated tract of land known as Highland Park, and on the north 
 by Cromwell Ridge. The land slopes gently from the hill sides 
 to the centre, through which runs a small stream — a tiny rivulet 
 at times — at others a swollen torrent of water. Tliis stream is 
 fed by the springs of the adjacent Highlands, and running in 
 an (easterly direction, forms the pond to the north of the Corn- 
 wall track, from which it empties into Idle-wild brook by the 
 c 3 
 
38 TOWN OF COllNWALL. 
 
 old stone Iiouhc on the West Point road. An outlet to the val- 
 ley on the east is formed by the defile between Hig'hland Park 
 and the mountains, known as tiie Deer-hill ravine. The outlet 
 on the west is through a f^orge which connects the valley in 
 question with the Schunemunk valley. A survey before us 
 shows the grades from the Short-cut, at a point near Mountain- 
 ville, to the Hudson. It appears that a railroad can be built 
 over the route, at a comparatively trilling expense and with a 
 remarkably easy grade. The distance is only four miles and a 
 half, about the same as it is between the Landing and the Corn- 
 wall depot. 
 
 The importance of the valley under consideration lies in the 
 fact that it forms the link in that mighty chain of unbroken 
 trans-IIudson railway which some day in the early or late future, 
 is destined to unite the producers of the west with the consum- 
 ers of the east. We say the link, because at no other point on 
 the Hudson can a similar link be found. They may talk and 
 write of a bridge at Poughkeepsie, and of one at Fort Montgom- 
 ery, but no practical railroad man would ever give the idea a 
 second thoiight. The cost of providing the ajjproaches at either 
 of the points named, and of overcoming the grades, would 
 double that of the bridge itself. The only spot where the 
 Hudson can be economically and successfully spanned is between 
 Storm-king and Break-neck. Nature lias fixed the channels ol 
 commerce, and though man sometimes circumvents or diverts 
 them, he finds in the end that he does so at his cost. 
 
 We have before hinted at, and need not now dwell on the effect 
 a suspension bridge at Storm-king will have on the future ititer- 
 ests of Cornwall. The valley we are speaking of does not derive 
 its importance ahme from the railroad privileges for which 
 nature has marked it. It possesses advantages of another order. 
 Its sloping lands, with their magnificent views, furnish inviting 
 sites for the rural homes of the wealthy. Those who have never 
 visited the plateau which lies to the south, and immediately 
 under the shade of the mountain by which it is backed, have no 
 idea of the scope and granduer of Cornwall scenery. This plat- 
 eau, which is easy of access and rises gradually to the very 
 summit of the mountain peaks, and extends backwards to the 
 Mineral Spring, we name 
 
BOUNDAKIES AND LOCALITIES. 39 
 
 l!KOAtt-VIK\V. 
 
 Their is nut a spot along its whole length that fails to com- 
 mand a view of unequalled scope. The eye iaiily wearies with 
 the immensity of the range. In every direction, except imm<'- 
 diately to your back, the vision is limitless. The view from 
 Highland Park and Champlin Hill is said to be grand, and so it 
 is ; but from Broad-view yoti have the same, and in addition the 
 whole of the Schunemunk mountains and the beautiful valley of 
 the same name. On a clear day you can s<'c the Sullivan coun- 
 ty district, which we believe is distant over fifty miles. The 
 Broad-view slope has other advantages besides its prospect. 
 Owing to the peculiar slant of the land, an inexpensive road of 
 easy grade can be built to reach any part. One of the most 
 serious objections to elevated sites where fine views are had, is 
 the tedious and toilsome ascent. But here we have an extensive 
 tract, to the very summit of which a horse can trot with an 
 average load. In addition to this, there are on the upp(;r side 
 innumerable springs of living water bursting from the moun- 
 tain's ribs, waiting only for the hand of man to turn tliem to use. 
 The valley to the north of Townsend Ridge, shut in on tin- 
 west by rugged cliffs, opens on the east in that expanded tract of 
 country which may be properly called the 
 
 TABLE LANDS OF CORNWALL. 
 
 They stretch from the base of Storm-king to Sloop-hill, thence 
 south-westerly along the Moodna, following the course of that 
 stream to the brow of Montana-hill, from which they take a 
 south-easterly direction, so as to include the whole of Canter- 
 bury, Willis-ville and River-side. 
 
 This broad and beautiful tract of land will receive attention 
 in another connection. Our present purpose is with the 
 
 VALLEY OF THE MOODNA. 
 
 It is hardly proper to dignify the region in questicm with the 
 name of valley. It is more strictly a gulch, formed by the 
 waters of the Moodna in their efforts to reach the Hudson. The 
 stream of this name is the principal one in the town, which it 
 enters near Salisbury. From the Townsend bridge to Sloop-hill. 
 where it empties, its descent is rapid, furnishing a highly valua- 
 ble water power, which was economized prior to the Revolution, 
 
-10 
 
 TOWN OF COllNWALL. 
 
 is yet in considerable use and is destined in the lutnre to he the 
 means of a driving industry. 
 
 The first in order of place to utilize this power are the g'rist 
 and flour mills of J. & W. Orr, located a slioii distance to the 
 north of Townsend bridge. The site now occupied by these 
 mills, was, from a very early day, used for a similar purpose. 
 In 1864 the old mill was taken down, and the Messrs. Orr erected 
 the present l)uildings, which for convenience, commodiousness 
 and perfection of machinery are equal to any in the country. 
 
 Not far distant from the Orr estal)lishment are the Paint- 
 mills, now in disuse. Tlu^y were built a few years snice with a 
 view of manufacturing' paint from a peculiar stone convenient 
 to the spot. After a brief experiment, operations were suspend-, 
 ed and they have ever since remained idle. The ]iroperty is 
 now owned by Thomas Dumville. 
 
 As we follow the Aloodna towards its mouth we next come 
 upon the Cornwall Woolen-mills. In 1869, these mills came 
 under the rnanagmenl of ¥. W. Bnjadhead, a gentleman of long 
 and varied experience in the manufacture of woolens. About 
 125 hands find employment here, and the works are carried on 
 by both steam and water power. 
 
 Still descending the stream, we reach the extensive Paper- 
 mills of Erastus Ide 
 & (jo. These mills 
 have been long and 
 'avoral)ly k n own. 
 ley employ a nu- 
 merous train of njie- 
 ra lives. N e x t in 
 order and not tar 
 i'nui w li e I'c t h e 
 
 M Ilia mingles its 
 
 waters with the 
 flow of the Hudson, are the former Linen-mills of Whiteside 
 & Co. The visitor can put in a day very pleasantly inspect- 
 ing these ditterent hives of industry and art. The proprietors 
 are genial gentlemen and take pleasure in exhibiting the 
 secrets of the "loom" and "Imrr," to such as call nn them. 
 An additional inducement to visit them is the inviting lieautv 
 
BOUND AKIES AND LOCALITIES. 4I 
 
 ol' tlic (hives liy which tlicy ;ii-(' MpiiroachcMl. To vom-h tlic 
 Wudh'ii-iiiills. you take Willow avenue at Caiiterliury, and con- 
 tinue on until the hrow ol' Montaini-hill is reached. In the deep 
 <i-len het'ore you, i-onlined on all sides \)\ toweriiif;' hills, nestles 
 the handet, Montana. To the extreme north, half hid by the 
 intervening- slope, stand the Woolen-mills. You descend the 
 hill which is remarkably steej), and a sliu-ht detour to the rig'ht 
 bring-s you to tiic gate of the mills. At the foot of Muntana- 
 hill the road makes an abrujit turn to the south, — so abrupt as 
 to cause a doubt of its being a distinct road of itself, or merely 
 a continuation of Willow avenue. To dispel the doubt, we may 
 say, Wdluw avenue terunnates at the top of Montana-hill, and 
 from that jxiint to Townsend iiridge, the road takes the name of 
 
 .\r(»XTAX.\ DRIVE. 
 
 This is one of the most romantic and picturesque drives in 
 Cornwall. The road, which is constantly ascending, is skirted 
 by immense pines and spruces, through which now and then is 
 gained a glimpse of the Moodna, tumbling and roaring in the 
 gorge below, scores of feet away. As the Townsend bridge 
 comes in sight, a spot is reached from which a most enchanting 
 view is to be had. It has frecpiently challenged the admiration 
 of pronnnent artists who have visited Cornwall. 
 
 The road by which the Linen and Paper mills are reached, is 
 of almost equal beauty, and possesses besides an absorbing in- 
 terest from its Revolutionary associations, which will be spoken 
 of hereafter. It lies m a different direction. Leaving the Corn- 
 wall and Newburgh road at the long bridge which spans the 
 Mo<.)dna at its mouth, it takes a southerly direction, following 
 the line of that stream, which it eventually crosses by the 
 lM-idgt> at the foot of Forge-hill. The Linen-mills are the first 
 you meet, whilst the Paper-mills are further on. This is the 
 
 MOOnXA DRIVE, 
 
 and for wild, w^eird and picturesque surroundings, it is difficult 
 to equal. The rt)ad has a serpentine course, and steals its way 
 along the bed of the glen, annd tangling undergrowth and lofty 
 trees. The cascade near the bridge at the foot of Forge-hill, is 
 of remarkable beauty. But of these tilings we shall come to 
 speak in another connection. 
 
42 TOWN OF COKNWALL. 
 
 emjjfritttir^. 
 
 Among intelligent physicians now-a-days, there is a growing 
 tendency to fulhjw the advice of the poet and " throw physic to 
 the dogs." The "heroic" treatment of disease is found to kill 
 more than it cures. Dosing and drugging are but seldom re- 
 sorted to by the skilled physician. He relies for cure upon that 
 ms preservatrix with which our mother nature has gifted the 
 weakest of us. It is a strange fact, yet true, that the art medi- 
 cinal, after two thousand years of experimenting, should work 
 itself, like the sidereal bodies, back to the point in its orbit from 
 which it started. The afflicted must learn to recognize this fact 
 before they experience relief They must aband(ju the materia 
 medica and adopt a more simple and reliable means of cure. 
 Tlie stomach and the lungs are the mortara in which nature 
 mixes her drugs. In all diseases, especially those of a chronic 
 nature, proper food for the stomach, and fresh, pure air for the 
 lungs, are the grand remedial agents. Witliout them no pro- 
 gress can be made. 
 
 In pulmonary complaints the great benefit derived from " air 
 treatment" are of so marked a character that patients were ibr- 
 merly invariably ordered to the Bahamas, the South, or the 
 Lake Superior region. The air of these sections was found 
 beneficial, and acted as a sedative to the wounded lungs, but 
 the restorative process was interfered with by the compulsory 
 return of the patient to the East. The calls of business, or 
 the longing for home and its attachments, rendered a prolonged 
 al)seuce impossible. Hence the permanent relief expected from 
 change of scene and air, was not realized. 
 
 About twenty years since, the poet, Willis, who was a con- 
 iirmed cunsuujptive, happened to pass the sunnner at Cornwall. 
 The symptoms of the diseas(> which had fasti'iied on him, under 
 
CLIiMATE AND TEMPERATURE. 43 
 
 the intiuencc of our mountain air became suddenly more favor- 
 able. He was quick to detect the change, and, woo'd by the 
 grandeur of our Highland scenery, he 8ecured a romantic site 
 and erected the cottage which, under the name of Idle-wild, is 
 known wherever the English tongue is spoken. Here he made 
 his home, and in a series of delightful letters to the Home Jour- 
 nal, with which he was at that time connected, from time to 
 time informed a sympathetic public of the steps by which his 
 health was restored. His conspicuous position in the world of 
 letters — the change in his appearance, which his friends could 
 not fail to observe — the seductive style in which he couched his 
 experience — the word-pictures he drew of our Highland terrace 
 — each and all contributed tiicir due proportion to that fame 
 into which Cornwall suddeidy sprung. 
 
 Others, similarly afflicted, soon followed and with similar 
 results. Since that time the victims of phthisis by scores and 
 hundreds have tlocked to Cornwall, generally under the advice 
 of physicians, and have experienced the most favorable results. 
 We could give any number of well authenticated cases of con- 
 sumptives relieved, and not a few of perfect cures. Our present 
 purpose, however, is with the cause of this peculiai- therapeutic 
 property of Cornwall air. 
 
 That there is something peculiar in Cornwall air, every one 
 who has ever visited the place is free to admit. The tirst sen- 
 sation is that of hanger — the second, sleep. For a number of 
 years we have been in the habit of entertaining city friends in 
 our Cornwall home. They have come, representing all condi- 
 tions of health — some robust, some delicate — but in one respect 
 they all agreed: in excusing their appetite at the table and in 
 seeking the friendly embrace of the lounge after dinner. There 
 is something remarkable in the uniformity of this testimony to 
 the potency of Cornwall air. A good appetite and ability to 
 sleep well, are the most encouraging signs of actual or return- 
 ing health, and their appearance are hailed by the invalid with 
 the most hopeful emotions. 
 
 Our Cornwall air is not only peculiar in character, but limited 
 in extent. Several winters since, we were in the habit of daily 
 passing over the Cornwall and Newburgh road. A certain 
 spot on the way, when reached, invariably attracted our atten- 
 
44 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 tion, as marking" a change in the air. However eng-ag-ed our 
 mind might be, the crossing of tliis atniofipherw line avresied our 
 thoughts. So confident were we of its existence that we fre- 
 quently hazarded the remark, that we could be hood-winked and 
 conveyed over different roads, with a view to deception, yet 
 when that particuh^r spot was reached, we woukl know it. We 
 made a note of the fact at tlie time for future use. We have 
 since come across a letter of Mr. Willis, written twenty years 
 ago, wherein he mentions the same phenijuienon. The coinci- 
 dence of observation is easily accounted for. At the time of 
 our first coming to Cornwall, we were afflicted with a long- 
 standing throat complaint (now happily cured), which rendered 
 our bronchial tubes, like the lungs of Mr. Willis, as sensitive to 
 atmospheric change as is the galvanometer to the touch of the 
 electric current. That the climate at any place should be vari- 
 able within so circumscribed limits, is not at all remarkal)le. 
 In California, a two hours' ride on a railroad (if built) from 
 Stockton, with the thermometer at 100 degrees, would place the 
 traveler (ju the sides of the Sierra Nevada, the region of eter- 
 nal IVost. The line of which we speak, as marking the confines 
 ol mountain air, begins at the river's edge a little south of 
 Sloop-hill, and extends westerly to the Schuneminik range. 
 You cross this line to tlie north, and yon breathe a difterent 
 atmosphere. 
 
 In accounting for the peculiar effects of Cornwall air, we are 
 unwillingly led to the domain of speculation. We liave not, 
 unibrlunately, any record of metereological observations which 
 would furnish data for generalizations. Nijtes of the tempera- 
 ture, the pressure of the barometer, the amount of rain-fall and 
 direction of the wind, have never been taken for any continued 
 or extended period of time. VVe are indebted to Mr. Ruttenber's 
 history * for some remarkable facts upon this subject, which, 
 although relating to Newburgh, are, nevertheless, by reason of 
 C(un wall's propinquity (five miles) of interest. The returns 
 made to the Regents of the University, embracing the observa- 
 tions taken during a period of thirteen years, gave the average 
 lem)>erature of Newburgh as 49:16, or a fraction of a degree 
 colder than the temperature due to latitude and elevation. 
 
 * " History of the Town of NewbiirRh." 
 
(ILIMATE AND TEMPERATURE. 4:, 
 
 Sliiulbusli liluoiiis there six days earlier than in other portions 
 of the valley of the Ihulson ; jK'aeh, eight days ; plum, liv<> 
 days ; eheiry, eleven days ; iipple, eight days, and lilac, two 
 days ; while the tirst killing frost occurs thirteen days later than 
 at others. The early appearance oi' bud and hlossoin in the 
 spring-, and the tardy approach of frost in tiie fall, are no doul)t 
 owing- to the sheltered position of our Cornwall basin, of which 
 Xewburg'h is the outer rim. We are hemmed in on all sides by 
 ag-reeably distant and lofty mountains. 
 
 The physical geog-rai)hy of the town exerts a marked intiu- 
 ence upon her climate. Cornw^all is situated iii a valley which 
 is a sort of oti-shoot of the Ramapo, up which the storm-winds 
 of the ocean drive, laden with the purest and freshest of air. 
 Sweeping- through the Moodna, they come to us in all their deli- 
 cious sweetness, driving- before them, and beyond our limits, all 
 impurities and poisonous exhalations. Now if we ascend the 
 hill-sides, w^e gain the additional advaiitag-e of heig-ht above the 
 sea-level and breathe an air chemically pure. 
 
 An early question with all enquirers about our place, is as to 
 the temperature in summer. Is Cornwall cool ? Our observa- 
 tion upon this point prompts us to reply, that the noons at Corn- 
 wall are probably a shade warmer than the latitude would 
 warrant, but tne emnings and nights are almost invariably cool. 
 It is at!ected by the same natural laws which influence the tem- 
 perature of other basin localities. The air becoming- heated by 
 the mid-day sun, rapidly ascends, and the valley-winds rush in 
 to take its place, g-iving- rise to that delicious coolness of eve- 
 nings for which the greater part of Cornwall is noted. We say 
 the greater part, for there are some localities that fail, by reason 
 of their situation, to g-et the full benefit of these winds, which 
 usually blow fntm the south-west and north-east. The sun and 
 wind, l)oth g'reat evaporators, tend to make our atmosphere a 
 dry one. There are times, o\ course, when it is humid, but as a 
 g-eneral thing- it is remarkably free from moisture, and especial- 
 ly so as we ascend the slopes and reacli the mountain summits. 
 If there is such a thing in nature as an air chemically pure, we 
 have it in Cornwall. Tlie lofty range of mountains which mark 
 our southern boundary, not oidy act as a barrier to the march 
 of salt air, but form a screen against those raw and searching- 
 
4H 
 
 TOWN or COKNWALL. 
 
 east winds which are as death to one witli weak lungs. The 
 land shjping' on all sides and dipping towards a common centre, 
 with a porous sub-soil, is a natural cullender, with no chance 
 for that soil-moisture which is now admitted on all hands to be 
 the cause of the typhoid state. The rivulets and brooks, leap- 
 ing from rock to rock in their rapid descent to the river, with 
 their pebbled bottoms, proclaim, in unmistakable language, the 
 absence of malaria. 
 
ACCESSIBILITY. 47 
 
 ^i:ce.HHibiliti|* 
 
 The three tiling's which conspire to g'ive Cornwall the promi- 
 nence it enjoys are, 1st, The salubrity of the air ; 2d, The 
 beauty of the scenery; and 3d, Its accessibility to the city. 
 Upon the latter point we may say that Cornwall is distant 
 about tifty-five miles from the city, and is reached eithcn- by rail 
 or water. The water communications are numerous and, with 
 two exceptions, unequalled by those of any other place on the 
 Hudson. There; are eig'ht first class river steamers stopping- at 
 Cornwall. At the head of the list stands the well deserved 
 favorite, the Mary Powell. She leaves New York, foot of Ves- 
 try street, every day at 3|, P. M., reaching- Cornwall about half- 
 past six. She leaves Cornwall every morning- at about eight 
 o'clock, arriving- in New York at eleven. 
 
 Next comes the Rondout boats : the Baldwin and Cornell. 
 One or the other of them leaves foot of Harrison street every 
 day at 4, P. M., and Cornwall every evening- at 9^ o'clock. 
 Then there is the River Queen and Walter Brett leaving- foot of 
 Spring- street every day at 4| o'clock and Cornwall every eve- 
 ning- at 9 o'clock. The four last named, the Baldwin, Cornell, 
 Brett, and River Queen, are mostly eng-aged in freighting, but 
 they are fine, large and fast steamers, with every accommoda- 
 tion and comfort for passengers. The next to be mentioned are 
 the Albany boats, the Chauncey Vibbard and Daniel Drew — 
 both of them splendid boats and run by able, courteous officers. 
 They leave foot of Vestry and 34th streets about 8, A.M.; return- 
 ing- leave Cornwall about 3, P. M., and reach New York about 
 6 o'clock. There are two other steamboats touching at Cornwall, 
 but as they are only intended for the accommodation of the river 
 towns and way traffic, we forbear further mention. 
 
 The above comprises the accommodations with ('ornwall by 
 
4S TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 water. Tlie sail ui)tli(' river occupies aliout three hours, dei)ei)d- 
 iug- somewhat upon the wind and tide. It- is needless, in this 
 connection, to call attention to the delig-htful character of the 
 trip. The scenery is unsurpassed by any in the world and each 
 succee(lino- feature in the landscape, consecrated as it is by 
 association with our Revolutionary history, furnishes an endless 
 source oi" attraction. 
 
 Coininunication with Oornwall by rail possesses like advanta- 
 o-es. It is reached by either the Hudson Kiver Railroad, or by 
 what is coiiuuonly called the Short-cut, a branch of the Erie, built 
 some four years since. The route by the Hudson River road is 
 not t(^ be reconnnended, under the present time-talile. Th<» only 
 trains stopping at the Storm-king- station are slow ones and 
 tedious. Then the crossing- of the river is effected in a row-boat 
 which, thoug'h safe, is not attractive to people with weak nerves. 
 A few years since a charter was obtained for a steam ferry-boat 
 at this point, with the promise that all the fast trains would 
 stop, during" the summer, at the Cornwall station. It has not 
 as yet be(Mi established. Until it is, we would advise all who take 
 the Hudson River road to continue on to Fishkili, there cross 
 to Newburg'h, where they will find stages for ('ornwall (five 
 miles distant) in waiting*. 
 
 The route above all others for dispatch and convenience \s via 
 the Erie Short-cut. It is the pleasantest because free from dust 
 and the noisy concussion of the Hudson River road, and because 
 of the broad-guage and luxurious coaches. It is the quickest, 
 because it leaves the business man at his store or office. White 
 Plains, thirty miles from New York, is further oft' to the business 
 man than Cornwall at fifty-five. An hour's ride on the Harlem 
 road followed by another hour's dandiny in one of the street 
 cars, is far more tedious and trying" than two hours' ride on the 
 Short-cut. The time between Cornwall and New York {not 
 upper New York, but the business pait of the city, Cliambers 
 street), is two hours. The trains are moved to suit out-of-the- 
 city people, and for this reason there is no trai n/'rom the city 
 until about 9 o'clock in the morning", and this is a slow train, not 
 reaching" Coiiiwall until about noon. Reg"arding" the time-table 
 irom Cornwall, we have all that could be desired. Two fast 
 trains leave ('ornwall every day at about 7 and S, A. M., reach- 
 
ACCESSIBILITY. iw 
 
 iiig' New York aliont 9 ;nul 10, A. M. Kctmiiiiiu-, leave the city 
 at lialf-past tliree and four, P. M., reaching Cijnivvall bel'ore six 
 and seven, P. M. Wv do not pretend to be (!xact. as some 
 modifications in the time-talih- are mach' each season, and the 
 time and point of (h'partnre in the city f<»r the boats is occa- 
 sionally altered. The arrangements wc have given are those 
 that liave prevailed for several years past and are likely to 
 continue with increased facilities.* The information is furnished 
 for the benefit of those in the city whose first question is, " How 
 am I to get to Cornwall .?" 
 
 Whilst speaking of thv jn'esmf accessibility of Cornwall, we 
 wotdd be doing our town an injustice, were we not to alhule in 
 brief to the /'(/i*'/r. The building of the West-shore railroad 
 may be looked upon as a certainty. It is oidy a matter of time. 
 Operations on the tunnel at West Point have been prosecuted 
 for a year })ast, and the present indications are favorable to an 
 early com])letion ot the road. Mr. Courtney, the President of 
 the road, has recently jturchased for a residence the villa prop- 
 erty at Cornwall, known as Idle-wild, formerly the home of the 
 poet Willis. The \\'est-sliore road is to be built and etjuipped 
 entirely ditferent from any other railroad in the country. The 
 ruling idea in its construction will be to increase the rate of 
 speed, having it appioximate if not exceed that which prevails 
 in England. With this object in view, we are told, a train ol' 
 cars and engine modeled after the English vans, have been 
 ordered, and when the road is built, they will be placed on it 
 between Newburgh and New York as a "buzzing train," run- 
 tiing several times a day and making the distance between 
 Cornwall and the city within an hour. 
 
 * The time-tables for the current year will be fouud iu the Appeudix. 
 
50 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 |.i«rinQ. 
 
 The Cornwall Mineral Spring- is situatod in a deep gorge of 
 the mountain, at an altitude oi' many hundred feet above the 
 plain beneath, less than two niile« from the Mountain-ville depot, 
 and about five miles from Canterbury. The road by which it 
 is reached after leaving- the turnpike, is -rather precipitous, and 
 in a barely passable condition. Like other mountain roads in 
 this vicinity, owing to the wash as well as the hauling of heavy 
 loads with locked wheels, it is difficult to keep in repair. A 
 slight alteration in the line would ease the grade and make it a 
 capital road. However tedious the ascent may be to the " fast 
 people of a fast age," the patience of the tourist is amply re- 
 warded when the summit is reached. Here a view of almost 
 unparalleled scope, beauty, and grandeur strikes the observer. 
 A plain of boundless extent, dotted with trees, houses, and 
 waving grain " white unto the harvest," lays stretched out at 
 the feet as a map, whilst the grassy slope, rising in the dis- 
 tance up to the very crown of the verdure-clad Schunemunk 
 and Shawangunk mountains, almost weary the eye with the 
 immensity of its range. Paltz-point and the Sullivan region 
 can be plainly discerned on a clear day. 
 
 The Spring is approached over a grass-grown path, through a 
 forest, the density of whose foliage efiectually excludes the 
 sun. Even before you near the spot, the fall of distant waters 
 comes gently to the ear, in tunely keeping with the waving 
 branches and chirping songsters of the grove. As you wend 
 your way over the tortuous path, through the copse-wood, shut 
 in by trees and rocks from the outer world, a sense of solitude 
 steals over you, and makes you feel, in the words of the lamented 
 Willis, 
 
 " Alone ! alone ! how drear it is, 
 Always to be alone !" 
 
MINEKAL SPRING. 51 
 
 The waters whose muriiiur we just lieanl — ^tlie living' waters 
 are now seen leapini;' from rock to rock ; the roeks I'orininj;" a 
 g'igantic stair-way, wliieli nii}i;lit have served sitine Titan of old 
 to reach his casth' on tin- hill. A few rods IVoni the pool at the 
 base of tliese stony stairs, a small rocky basin is formed by the 
 hand of nature, and HIUmI to the brim with th(,' nn'neral water. 
 Choked up with leaves, with no (nitlct, your first eftbrts will be 
 directed to clearing the Spring-, which a moment's work with a 
 convenient twig- will accomplish. Now for a draught ! The 
 water is deliciously cool ; that, too, when it is taken from 
 the surface as it oozes out. Lower the Spring by sinking it into 
 the earth, and yon would lower the temperatnre several degrees 
 more. The taste is strongly astringent, giving uiunistakable 
 evidence that iron is the predominating element. You also get 
 an almost unappreciable touch of snlphur, and a vivid imag- 
 ination might detect its peculiar odt)r. However this may be, 
 there are certainly well defined traces of snlphur in the Spring 
 and all about it. The leaves, the ground, and stones, are all 
 stained with an ocherous color, suggestive of the abode of the 
 p]vil One with the cloven foot. A cup left in the water for a 
 few days, will become dyed with a beautiful color impossible to 
 remove. 
 
 We had intended furnishing an analysis of the water in the 
 present edition of this work, and for that purpose had placed a 
 specimen in the hands of Professor Endemann, the able and expe- 
 rienced chemist to the Board of Health in New York. After 
 waiting some time for the result of his labors, we were told the 
 quantity sent was insufficient for a quantitative analysis. He 
 writes us, however, that the water contains 9.57 grains of salts 
 in one gallon. "It is especially rich — and that is notable — in 
 phosphate of soda, silica and bi-carbonate of iron." Those fa- 
 miliar with the analysis of similar waters, will be forcibly struck 
 by the uinisval preponderance of the mineral Kails, and when it 
 is remembered that the virtue of any chalybeate water depends 
 not alone on the amount of iron, but its combination with the 
 phosphate of soda, an idea may be had of the value of the 
 Cornwall Mineral Spring water as a therapeutical agent. Pro- 
 fessor Endemaini asserts, that the water has all the constituent 
 elements of the celebrated Concord Sjiriiig waters, which have 
 
52 TOWN OF COKNWALL. 
 
 perfbrmcd .sucli marvellous cures in cases of consumption. Ac- 
 cording to Professor Chanler's analysis, the Concord ^>pring 
 contains but 5.9 grains of solids in one gallon. The Cornwall 
 Spring has the same mineral ingredients. These waters arc 
 not without a local reputation, 'fhey have long i)eeii favorably 
 known i\)r their curative properties. Tradition affirms that the 
 Indians were in the habit of resorting to them for their healing 
 powers. During the building of the Xewburgh Branch of the 
 Erie Railroad, the laborers engaged in its construction, were 
 seized with an opthalmic affection, which assumed the i'orm of 
 an epidemic. At the instance of Henry F. Chadeayne, Esq.. ot 
 Canterbury, they were induced to try the mineral waters, inter- 
 nally and as a lotion. The effect was almost miraculous — a 
 cure resulting in a very few days in every case. Numerous 
 other instances of well accredited cures, in diseases requiring 
 tonics and mild alteratives, have been brought to our attention, 
 but to mention them in detail is beyond our present purpose. 
 We content ourselves with citing the general effects produced 
 from drinking the water. Why it is so, we are unable to say. 
 The similarity it bears to the Birch Dale Springs would indicate 
 that the properties of the two waters are identical, and the mar- 
 velous cures reported of the one, can easily be effected by the 
 other. Judging from this standard, we should say that the 
 Cornwall Mineral Spring will be found invaluable in the treat- 
 jnent of consumption, scrofula, rh(>umatism, dyspepsia, diseases 
 of the liver, kidneys, urinary affections, and all diseases origin- 
 ating in an impure state of the blood. 
 
 The practical conclusions to be drawn from what we have 
 said, are, that Cornwall possesses, in this Spring, an attraction 
 which can, under proper managenuMit, make her equal, if not 
 excell, Saratoga. Let us briefly state our reasons : The first 
 advantage is the superior accessibility of the Spring io Metropo- 
 litans, being within two hours' ride by rail and three by water. 
 Second — The surpassing coolness and salubrity of our mountain 
 air, which has become so noted all over the country that physi- 
 cians now send their patients here instead of to the Superior re- 
 gions. We have here now, families from Missouri and Louisiana, 
 recommended l)y their local physicians. Third — The medicinal 
 value of the min(!ral water. I'nlike the sulphur s|)rings of Cana- 
 
MINERAL SPRING. 
 
 53 
 
 da, Virg'inia, and other |)arts, tlie water is >s<i a^Tceahle that it 
 can h(! drunk with ph'asiire. Unlike the Saratoji^a water, it can 
 1)0 tak(>n nd lihitinn without producing' tiiat sense of oppression 
 wliicli the <>"ases in Congress water ahiiost invarialtly i)roduce. 
 Fourth — The remarkable beauty of the surrounding scenery, 
 and the g"randeur of the g'rounds ininiediately adjac(Mit to the 
 spring. It would be difficult to describe the latter. Nature 
 has done everything- here, leaving' nothing for art. A more 
 weird, picturesque spot it would be difficult to find, Hug-e, 
 massive boulders massed up on all sides in rough fantastic 
 shapes ; here forming a ca\e, there a grotto ; the trackless 
 mountains to the south ; the clouds stupendous overhead ; the 
 joyous birds in the branches ; the gently sighing wind ; the 
 tangled coppice ; all attend to produce a scene that a city eye 
 would revel in. 
 
o4 
 
 TOWN OF CORNWALL 
 
 tK! 411^ 
 
 QriTE a miiiiber of feet above tlie Hnw nf tli(> lludsdii. in tlic 
 i'iig'p:ed and jivecipitons lireasl-tioiie <»!' "nld (Jro'-iicst." was dis- 
 covererl, in the fall of ISTO. a Iniuc caxcvn, wliicli tVnin its 
 situation and tln' furimis M'inds that prevail in the Hi^dilands, 
 may liave li(>en tlie alxxle of tlie .Eolian kin,i;'. The lines of 
 Vir.Li'il will al once lie suu'^'ested to every I'cailer of the poet : 
 -Hie vastro rex ^Eoliis antm 
 
 Luctantes ventoK, tempestatesque sonoras 
 Iinperio premit, ai' vinclis et ttarcerp fra^nat." 
 
 It reipiires no o-yeat stretch of the imag-ination to fancy the 
 exasperated Jnno traversing- the waters of the Hudson, instead 
 of those of the Mediterratiean, and coming- to the top of old 
 "Gro'-nest," instead of the land of Sicily. 
 
CRO'-NEST CAVE. 55 
 
 But layiuji- rumiiucc ;iimI poetry aside, tlic discovery of tlie 
 cave ill (lucstioii was an eveiil of considerable iiii|»ortaiice. Its 
 pai-tiul exploi'atioii has already led to revelations oj' an mter- 
 estint;- kind, and a more tliorouiili examination may throw 
 additional li^'ht upon a period in our history which always 
 enchains the attention of the reader. At the time referred to, 
 a party ol' villai;-ers paid a visit to the cave, and whilst within 
 the dark and dreary chanilier. came a(;ross several coin, three 
 of which are in our possession, and are worthy of a detailed 
 description. Twt> are of silver and the rtMuaining- one of copper. 
 The silver are evidently a Spanish six-pence and siiilliug-, being 
 about the size, as well as we remember, of those coin. The 
 inscription is th(> same on (>ach. The obverse pres(!Uts a head 
 with the marginal words: '•Carolmlll * Dei gratia * 1782." 
 The reverse has the well known inllar of Hercules and the in- 
 scription, '' Bispan ef Ind. re.ry The copper coin is of the size 
 of an old fashitmed cent, and has on the obverse a rnde represen- 
 tation of a horse's head above and a primitive plow beneath. 
 The horse's head, however, is something like the cow the 
 Frenchman drew. For fear it might be taken for some other 
 aiumal, he wrote beneath, "This is a cow." The plow is ol' the 
 kind used anterior to the improvement in the mould-board by 
 Jetterson. There are two stilts, an upturned beam, with an 
 old fashioned coulter beiu-ath, and at the end a set of whittie- 
 trees. Th(! inscription, ''Nam Cesarea,'' encircles the horse's 
 head. The reverse has a heart-shaped shield with the words, 
 "E jihirihm iniam:' rnfortunately, the date of the coin has 
 been effaced. It is one of what is known to numismatists as the 
 "New Jersey cent." issued while that state was one of the 
 provinces of Great Britain. 
 
 Taking the date of the silver pieces, we have the fact eslal>- 
 lished that they were deposited or left in the cave snbse(pient 
 to the year 1782. When and l«y whom r It could not have 
 been by the Revolutionary refugees, who fre(piently s.mght such 
 places for concealment at times, for the war was ended and 
 amnesty proclaimed. It could not have been by "spies" or 
 "look-outs," who occasionally occupied the mountain tops, for 
 with the treaty of peace their occupation, like Othello's, was 
 g-one. It may have been by free-booters, or by some anchorite 
 
56 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 miser, in either of which case, the probability would be in favor 
 of additional treasure being- found on further search. Nor can 
 they be relics of the famed Captain Kidd, for althoug"h many an 
 one recalls the familiar cognomen, "Kidd's Pocket-book," so 
 long- localized here, and although that great marauder has 
 fathered so much mythical treasure-trove that any theory which 
 associates Ins name with it is the most likely to be received by 
 the mass of people, the fact remains that he expiated his offen- 
 ces on the gallows an hundred years or so before these coins 
 were minted. 
 
 Besides the coin, other interesting relics, and specimens of 
 the cave formation, were brought to light. One of the party 
 returned with a g-ood-sized specimen of mica (the isin-glass 
 of commerce), which he had broken from the side of the cave. 
 The (quality was inferior, being of a crumbling- nature and of a 
 dark brown color. It is probable that it exists in large (luan- 
 tities, when we consider the formation of the mountain granite. 
 Another of the party brought back a stalagmite of good dimen- 
 sions. Mr. P^)ley found a stone in which are strong traces of lead. 
 Mr. Baulsen picked up, on the floor of the cave, a bone. which 
 has every appearance of having belonged to the human frame. 
 
 The re-discovery of this cave, after the lapse of so many 
 years — for it was well known anterior to as well as during the 
 Revolution- — has revived the interest excited by the tirst publi- 
 cation of Cooper's thrilling- novel, "The Spy," which was found- 
 ed upon the adventures of Enoch Crosby. Barnum, in "The 
 Spy Unmasked," gives the narrative of (Uosby, and the story 
 follows the facts so closely that it is pretty generally accepted 
 as history. The narrative recites: 
 
 The Committee of Safety, then ('1771) in session at Fishkill, 
 had received information that an English officer was engaged 
 in the Highlands, secretly recruiting a company from those 
 disaffected to the American cause. Crosby was sclecteil to as- 
 certain the particulars. He crossed the river to Marlborough, a 
 little north of Newburgh, and, taking a soutli-westerly direc- 
 tion, traveled a distance of some twelve miles, bringing- up at a 
 farm-house near the foot of the mountains in Cornwall. Here 
 he engaged as a hired hand to lielp with the work on the farm. 
 He was quick to detect that the farmer was a tory, though 
 
CRO'-NEST (^AVE. ;-,7 
 
 artVctiii"- an ill-diso-iiised neutrality. '!'•» i'm-tlicr his plans, Cros- 
 by avowed himself as a Britisher at heart, and anxious to i^-et 
 " Ixdow." Th(? farmer at once laid asid<' all reserve, and oliered 
 to help him. "Do you see yond(;r mountain ?" he exelaimed, 
 " on the side of it is a i-urious litth* eave that's been dti<;' o' 
 purpose; but you might pass it a hundred tinn's without know- 
 ing,- th(!re was such a thing- there. In that cave an Eng-lish 
 Captain keeps himself concealed; and we, who are in the secret, 
 supply him with everything- lu^art can wish. He is recruiting- 
 among- the Highlands, and has nearly g-ot his com)»any tilled." 
 It was soon arrang'ed that the farmer should conduct ('rosby to 
 the "cave of the mountain " and make him acquainted with its 
 hermit recruiter. The same iiig-ht they set out. "On arriving- 
 at the eastern side of the lofty eminence which (jur hero's con- 
 ductor had pointed out to him in the morning-, they paused near 
 a clump of dwarf cedars which grew at its base. In front of 
 them was a dark-looking- ol)ject, which proved to be a huge rock 
 cleft in twain by some concussion of the elements, or by a pre- 
 cipitous descent from the dizzy steep above it. With a heavy 
 stick, wiiich the farmer carried with him, he struck several 
 blows, in quick succession, on the flat surface of the rock; and, 
 in a short time, a bright ray (jf light darted from behind it, and 
 gradually increased in brilliancy. In the next moment the 
 object of their visit stood before them, with a small lantern in 
 his hand, by the aid of which he took a critical survey f)f his 
 visitors without speaking. He then bid the farmer welcome, 
 who promptly introduced his companion as 'John Smith, a faith- 
 ful friend to his majesty,' and instantly disappeared. The ('ap- 
 tain received Crosby very cordially; and, after making numerous 
 inquiries, to all of which he received plausible and satisfactory 
 answers, invited him to enter the cave, pointing- to the mouth 
 of an artificial excavation in the mountain, just behind the 
 cloven rock, which (Jrosby had not before (observed. The new 
 recruit instantly obeyed the orders of his superior, and found 
 himself in a small, comfortable, well-furnished apartment, with 
 seats and other conveniences, suitable for two or three persons. 
 In the centre of the floor stood a small round table, liberally 
 supplied with a great variety of cold meats, pastry, bread, 
 butter, cheese, and other kinds of eatables, that the neighbor- 
 
58 TOWN OF COENWALL. 
 
 mg tavra-huuses could furnish. But what the occupant of the 
 cave most earnestly commended to the attention of his guest, 
 was a larg'e jug, or rather its contents, which he affirmed was as 
 tine Madeira as had ever graced the table of Sir Harry or even 
 his lordship himself." As the jug was emptied, the C'aptain 
 grew communicative. He informed his visitor that in three 
 days' time, on the following Tuesday, his recruits, now number- 
 ing some thirty or more, were to rendezvous at a barn on the 
 westerly side (jf Storm-king, belonging to a loyalist farmer, 
 from whence they would pursue their way to the British lines. 
 
 Crosby's ingenuity was now put to the test in devising a plan 
 to communicate the information he had acquired. His absence, 
 even for an hour, would excite suspicion and probably reveal 
 the part he was acting. The recruits were coming in fast, and 
 their numbers exposed them to detection. Crosby suggested to 
 the Captain that it would be better to divide up the forces so 
 that, in the event of a surprise by " Townsend's Rangers," who 
 were almost ubiqitous in their scoutings, the whole body would 
 not be captured. The suggestion was favorably received, and 
 each man was directed to hide himself. Crosby was not slow 
 to avail himself of the privilege. He hastened to the house of 
 a man he knew to be friendly to the cause, and urged him to 
 saddle a horse and carry an express to the Committee of Safety 
 at Fishkill. While the messenger was preparing for tlic jour- 
 ney, Crosby wrote the following communication: 
 
 " To THE Committee of Safety: Gentlemeu — I hasten this express to request yon to 
 order Captain Townsend's company of Rangers to repair immediately to the barn, sitna- 
 ted on the west side of Butter-hill (Storm-king), and there to secrete themselves until 
 we arrive, which will be to-morrow evening, probably about eleven o'clock: where, with 
 about thirty tories, they may find Yonr obedient servant. 
 
 Monday Evening, Nov. -t, 1777. JOHN SJIITH ." 
 
 The next evening the recruits were all gathered together in 
 the l)arn, and, jaded by their travels, were sleeping soundly 
 on the hay. Crosby alone was awake. In about an hour's 
 time, a cough was heard on the outside. This being the ])re- 
 concerted signal, was immediately answered by Crosby, and in 
 a few minuti's the building was tilled with Townsend's armed 
 Hangers. Tlu; tory company were (piickly made prisoners with- 
 ■out an attempt at defence. 
 
MOUNTAIN LAKES. 59 
 
 |||0ttntai!i 11 
 
 EvFA' ;ini(>ii<;' those best ;ic(|iiaiiit('(l witli (Cornwall, tew have 
 any idea ol' tlie beauty and iminbor of hikes and hikelets witli 
 which her mountains are dotted, 'riie stranger, as he stands 
 on tliephiiiis beneath, and notes the sharp, angular peaks wln'ch, 
 in tlie deep tM'ilig'ht ol' the coining' nig'ht, seem to support the 
 sky to the sf)uth, can liardly credit the fact, that over and be- 
 yond these mountain tops, anchored in rocky defiles and crag'g-y 
 l»asins, are numerous lakes of ample size and surpassing beauty. 
 
 The town of Cornwall and the town of Monroe are the lake 
 towns of Orange county. The town of (Treenville has but one 
 small sheet of water, known as Beunet VV^xter-pond. Crawford 
 iias her Dwars-kill, Blooming-Crrove her Cromeline creek, Deer- 
 park her Xeversink, Mount Hope her Shawangunk-kill, Minisink 
 her Drowned Lands, (roshen her Big" Swamp, Wawayanda her 
 Walkill, Chester her Seeley's creek, New Windsor her Wash- 
 ington and Xewburgh her Orange lake, but upon (Cornwall and 
 Monroe nature has bestowed with prodigal hand a bounteous 
 series of lakes, unsurpassed in any part of the world. It is to 
 them we would call attention, botli on account of theii' beauty 
 and utility. 
 
 The lake system of the Highlands liegins on the Cornwall 
 mountains, continues on into Moiu'oe, and culminates in War- 
 wick in that l)eautiful sheet of water known as Greenwood 
 Lake. It comprises in all sonu! forty lakes of various sizes. 
 The principal ones in Coi-nwall, before the recent division ol' 
 the town, were (giving tliem the expressive but inelegant names 
 by which they have been knoAvn) Bog-meadow Pond, Long Pond, 
 Round Fond, and Sutherland's Pond. The three first named 
 have their outlet to the Hudson: Bog-meadow at Buttermilk 
 Falls, the Bnter rnelck vol of tlie early Dutch skippers; Long- 
 Pond and Hound i'ond, l>y Poplo])en"s kill at Fort Montgomery. 
 
60 TOWN OF COENWALL. 
 
 Sutherland's Pond empties to the west and supplies the beauti- 
 ful falls that are seen at the Cornwall Mineral Spring-. Round 
 Fond is near to but more elevated than Long Pond, into which 
 its waters flow. Poplopen's Pond is on the line between Corn- 
 wall and Monroe. It covers about three hundred acres of land 
 and has a depth of some twenty-five feet. Its waters were 
 dammed back, years since, to furnish a reservoir for the Fort 
 Montgomery mills. This pond has a sad interest in the records 
 of our town by reason of an unfortunate incident which occur- 
 red on its waters twenty-six years ago. On the 14th of August, 
 1846, a pleasure party of young folks repaired thither on a pic- 
 nic and fishing excursion. Whilst some of them were rowing 
 about in a boat, the wind suddenly blowed Harvey Adams' cap 
 into the water. A young man by the name of Peter- Seaman, 
 after some little pleasantry, undertook to regain it by jumping 
 overboard and swimming for it. Whilst in the act of doing so, 
 he suddenly sank, and before his companions could furnish 
 assistance, was drowned. The pleasures of the day were ended 
 and the party returned li(jm(> with mournftil hearts. The body 
 was not recovered until the 17th, three days afterwards. 
 
 Arqong the more prominent ponds in Monroe we may mention 
 the Bull Fond, Green Pond, Two Ponds (upper and lower), 
 Slaughter Pond, Cranberry Fond, Island Fond, Gi-reenwood Fond, 
 Haz/.ard's Fond, Round Pond, Mt. Basha or Mombasha Fond, 
 Johnson-town Pond, Duck-cedar Fond, Little Long Pond, Car 
 Pond, Spruce Pond, Cedar Fond, and last, as well as least, a 
 small body of water in the extreme south-west angle of the 
 town, between Ramapo and Warwick, dubbed with the ultra- 
 radical name of Nigger Fond. 
 
 Sterling Pond lies in the town of Warwick and has its outlet 
 near the Sterling Furnace. Mt. Basha Pond is located near 
 Southfield, a mile north of the Monroe Ii'on-works. Round 
 Fond is in the north-west part of the town and within a mile 
 of Monroe village. Hazzard Pond heads the Woodbury creek, 
 wliii'h runs along the line of the Short-cut railroad, entering 
 the Murderer's creek near Taylor's bridge. It is an important 
 tributary to the latter stream. Slaughter Pond empties near 
 Greenwood Furnace and runs south. Round Pond is in the 
 west jtart of Monroe and is su{)posed to be the source of the 
 
MOUNTAIN LAKES. HI 
 
 Haiiiapo. 'I'lic term Kaiiia|i(», tliiiu<;'li now s|i('citically a|)|)li<'cl 
 ti» the creek, is an Al<>'()ii(iuiii g'eiierie term and was ori^'iiially 
 jj'iveii to the entire district. It si<;iiiHes, in tlie ex])ressive and 
 eminently Amerit-an dialect referred to, " Nfany ponds." 
 
 There is a certain point on the Short-cut kiKtwn as "The 
 Summit." It is about a mile north of the junction near the 
 race-course, and directly opposite John Coffey's house, which 
 stands to tlie east of the railroad. It is a rtMuarkahle fact, that 
 a line draw'n east from this point over dale and hill until it 
 strikes the Hudson, forms the summit oi' the water's flow. The 
 lakes and streams to the south of this line How south, whilst 
 those on the north How north. 
 
 Duck-cedar Pond derives its com{)ound name from the num- 
 ber of aquatic fowls of that name for which it formerly was a 
 favorite resort, and the cedars which skirt its banks. It is call- 
 ed sometimes Truxedo Pond. It is about two miles in leng'th. 
 Its waters are on a level with the Sterling' and Ringwood val- 
 leys. Advantag'e was taken of this fact, during the Ri'volu- 
 tion, in a novel way. The iron furnaces, through the Kamapo, 
 being threatened with an attack by the British, a dam was 
 constructed *»n the north of Duck-cedar Pond and its waters 
 caused to flow to the south-west, thereby supplying the Ring- 
 wood Furnace in New Jcusey with the necessary power. 
 
 Bull Pond is situated to the east of Highland Mills, about a 
 mile from the station. Of late years it has gone by the nam<' 
 of Agnel's Pond. Agnel, now deceased, was one of the profes- 
 sors at West Point and an enthusiast inpisci-culture. Through 
 his exertions a friend, by the name of Voisan, was induced to 
 purchase the pond and stock it with fish. Voisan is also dead, 
 but the title to the property is in his son, now absent in Europe. 
 During his absence, "Tom" Miller, of New York, that devoted 
 disciple of the g'enial Walton, has charge of the pond and en- 
 tertains his friends in a princely way. The success which has 
 attended the experiments in Agnel's Pond justifies the i)redic- 
 tion that some day the numerous ponds we have alluded to will 
 prove a mine of wealth to their owners, if properly developed. 
 
 The titles to all these ponds are in the hands of private indi- 
 viduals. Mr. Parrott, of (Greenwood Furnace, is the owner of 
 four. With the exception of Bull Pond, no r<'striction has been 
 
(i2 TOWN OF GOKNWALL. 
 
 plac<^(l upon the use of their waters. The eoiisequeiice has been 
 ail indiscriminate, wholesale destruction of the tinny tribe with 
 wliich they were tilled. Not many years ago, they were stock- 
 ed with pickerel, bass and perch, and in the streams leadinji,- 
 from tliem trout could be taken. The barbarous custom of 
 tishing- through the ice and setting lines over night, has been so 
 generally indulged in that the fishing is now comparatively poor. 
 Tlie fall is the time to visit our Mountain Lakes. The air is 
 keen and clear, whilst the leafless branches broaden the view. 
 To see them aright, you must go on foot. Armed with a stout 
 walking-stick, you ascend the mountains. At each resting place 
 in the ascent (and you will find the need of many), you naturally 
 turn round and view the plain below, bordered on the east by 
 the waters of the beautiful Hudson ; on the north shut in by 
 the Shawangunk mountains, and on the west by the Schune- 
 iiiunk range. The view is unobstructed. The living green is 
 gone, and in its stead you 
 
 •• See the fading many color'd woods, 
 Shade deep'ningover shade, the country round 
 Imbrown : crowded umbrage, dusk and dun 
 Of every hue, from wan declining green 
 To sooty dark " 
 
 Except here and tlierc where the winter grain lies bathed in 
 tli(^ sunlight, 
 
 '• Fled is the blasted verdure of the fields." 
 
 Nature has ciuiuged her garments, and soon will wrap her- 
 self up in robes of ermine for a winter's nap. As you near the 
 mountain top and look yet again beneath you, a strange feeling- 
 comes over you. No one can stand on these summits, (how- 
 ever dead to emotional excitement he may be) and help but feel 
 his own littleness and nature's greatness. He feeh it here ; 
 he thud's it in the valleys. 
 
 " All that expands the spirit, yet appalls. 
 Gather around these siunmits, to show 
 How earth may pierce to heaven, yet leave 
 Vain man below '" 
 
 There is sometliing besides expanse and height to help the 
 feeling on. The very air — still, save wlien rustled by the fall- 
 ing leaf — speaks loudly to tlie soul within. 
 
 " The whispering air sends inspiration from the mountain heights." 
 
MOUNTAIN LAKES. tJ8 
 
 As yoii cliinl), your tlioii^lits Uccp puci' with your steps. Bui 
 still you j^'o ou — Tip — liit^'iicr and liig'hcr. A point is soon reach- 
 ed in your traA^ds when you involuntarily corue to a halt. Fr<iui 
 the elevation on which you stand, lietoi-e you in the near tlis- 
 tance, you liehold lor the first time one of our Mountain Lakes. 
 The t'eelin<;' of" surprise soon g'ives way to admiration. There it 
 is in all its Ix-auty. 
 
 •■ In a deep vale, ahnt init by Alpine hill.«." 
 
 As you gaze upon its crystal waters, it requii'es no g^reat 
 stretch of" imagination to fancy them peopled with lake-nyiuphs; 
 and when you turn to the miniature mountains liy which its 
 banks are bound, you picture the homes «jf" the Oreads. While 
 listening, as it were, for the song of the nymphs, the noise of 
 falling waters comes sweetly to the ear, and tvirning in the di- 
 rection whence the sound proceeds, yon see where 
 
 •■ Deep the snuless glens are scooped between, 
 And bi-awl o'er shallow beds, the stream nuseen." 
 
 But leaving the iesthetic consideration of our lakes, let us 
 view them in a utilitarian light. We find that during the Rev- 
 olution, and even before that period, their waters were econo- 
 mized for different purposes. Numerous furnaces were located 
 so as to take advantage of the power they yielded. One of 
 these furnaces, known as Sterling Furnace, at the outlet oi' 
 Sterling Pond, was in operation as early as 1751. It was here 
 that the chain which was stretched from Fort Montgomery 
 across the river to obstruct the passage of the British, was 
 forged. At the outlet of Truxedo Pond a factory was erected 
 during the war of 1812, for the manufacture of nails and saws. 
 At the outlet ol" Hazzard's pond an extensive tannery and Hour 
 mills have been in operation for a number of years. (Green- 
 wood Furnace, established in 1811, is at the outlet of Cranlierry, 
 Slaughter's, Island and (Ireenwood Ponds, the Avaters of which 
 four [xiuds are united for the purposes of the Furnace. There 
 are numerous otiier mills and fat-tories which depend upon the 
 various ponds we have mentioned for power. Some of these 
 ponds, are artificial, in part — that is, a dam has lieen built across 
 a ravine so as to throw the water back and How a consi(leral>le 
 acreau'e. This was the case with Boa'-meadow I'oud. The un'lls 
 
fi4 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 wliose ruins are seen on the river bank at Buttermilk Falls, 
 were formerly supplied with water from Bog"-meadow. 
 
 Tlie lay of the hind on our mountain tops is highly favorable 
 to the creation of artificial lakes. There are numerous natural 
 basins of the largest size, only waiting for an inexpensive dam 
 across tlieir mouth to furnish an almost unlimited reservoir. The 
 plateau on Cro'-nest is gifted with (me of them, and some day 
 in tlie early future, the (Government will utilize it as a means of 
 fiH'nishing West Point with water. 
 
 , The day can not be far distant when, if Cornwall progresses 
 as she has in the last five years, advantage will be taken of 
 the privileges which nature has laid at our very door. The 
 water of these Mountain Lakes is remarkably pure and soft. 
 As before observed, trout were formerly taken in the streams 
 leading from them, and every pisci-culturist knows that trout are 
 never found except in the purest water. The soil has a great 
 deal to do with the purity of water, as well as the hygienic ef- 
 fects of the two elements in combination. In this connection 
 we may note the remarkable contrast our lake system of the 
 Highlands presents to that of the Adirondacks. There the soil 
 is loaded with humus and vegetable decomposition, and the ac- 
 tion of the water and sun gives rise to malaria. Here witli us, 
 the water in its passage down the mountain sides, dashes over 
 rocks or glides over a pebbled bed. The miasm of the Adiron- 
 dacks is unknown to the (Cornwall mountains. 
 
WEST POINT. fi-T 
 
 The seat of our National Military Academy is too well kunwn 
 to need any extended notice. Wo have already glanced -M tlu- 
 Kevolutionary incidents and associations which cluster Mn.und 
 it. To thcseit owes its primary interest. At the close ot tiic 
 war, in fact the very year next succeeding- the declaration of 
 peace, the importance of providing an institution for i)urposes 
 of military education was n.ade the subject of (Congressional m- 
 quiry, and resulted in the recommendation of West Point as the 
 site for the future Academy. The project, however, met with 
 considerable opi)osition ; anu.ng others by Jet^-erson, wlio con- 
 sidered it unconstitutional. A school ..f limited extent, howev- 
 er was established and continued up to the war oi' 1812, when 
 its endowment upon n n.ore liberal basis was sanctioned by 
 even its former opponents, who had now come to appreciate its 
 importance. It is not within ..ur purpose to trace the growth 
 of the Institute or set forth the conspicuous part it has played 
 in advancing our rank as a military nation. These matters 
 have already been touched upon by abler hands. In the pres- 
 ent pages, we con>e to look upon West Point in a somewhat 
 different, but no less interesting light. Of late years, the 
 pictures.pie scenery, aided by the daze of military life, have 
 conspired to popularize it as a fashionable place of summer re- 
 sort Large, well-appointed hotels have been erected, and nu- 
 merous boarding-houses of less pretensions but equal merit 
 compete for the patronage of the summer tourist. The class 
 of visitors and the character of their pleasures are cpnte dis- 
 tinct from those at Cornwall. At the Point, all the dress and 
 dissipation of the more notable watering-places are to be tound. 
 Hops and music are regularly provided, and furnish nightly en- 
 tertainment to the v<.taries ..f the dance. To those that fancy 
 such pleasures, the Point is an agreeabl,. spot. There are many, 
 
(jH 
 
 TOWN UF CORNWALL. 
 
 however (and of sueli, Cornwall society in the sunnner is prin- 
 cipally made up), who prefer a more rational mode of enjoying" 
 thenjselves ; and yet do not ohject \v an occasional dissipation. 
 To such, the pleasures of the I'oint are conveniently near. The 
 distance is only about four miles, and can he accomplished hy 
 rail, boat or wag-oii. The communication l)y boat is the most 
 pleasant. The Powell in the early morning', or one of the way- 
 steamers in the afternoon, will convey the Cornwall boarder to 
 the Point, where he can visit the numerous objects of interest, 
 and return l)y the Powell in the evening- in time for tea. If he 
 wishes to witness the dress-parade of the cadets, he can remain 
 and take one of the later l)oats back If a hop is to be attend- 
 ed, a bed at any of the hotels i'or the un-danced portion of the 
 night can b<' had, and an early return the next morning' by the 
 lioat, made. A still more agreeable way of going, is to secure 
 the services oi' some of the watermen on the river, when the re- 
 turn may l)e made at leisure. 
 
 The objects of interest are not only numerous but novel, and 
 re(juire time for their proper examination. The remains of the 
 old I'orts, with which the river-traveler has become familiar I'rom 
 a distance, can be visiled with pleasure. Fort Putnam's ruins 
 will be found on the tree-clad summit of Mt. Indejiendence, 
 
 500 feet above 
 tlie river. The 
 casemates that 
 sheltered the 
 patriot soldiers 
 and the stone 
 ste|)s at the 
 sallyport, are 
 'j; yet to be seen. 
 The tirst fort, 
 constructed to 
 guard the High- 
 land s , w a s 
 built in 1775, 
 on Martelaer's 
 
 Hock (now (-onstitution) Island, immediately op|)osite West 
 Point, and was called Fort Constitution, .\fter the capture <^»f 
 
WEST POINT. 67 
 
 Foits Cliiitdii iiiiil MdiitgdiiHMT, ii surv(!y (liscl(isc<l the iiii|i((rt- 
 aiit i'act tliat the l(K'atii>n oi" Fuv\ Coiistitution was jx'ciiliarlv 
 uiitoi-tuiiatc, it Ix'iii^- (•(Hiiiiiaiidcd l»y tlic more clcvalcd land on 
 the west Itaiik of tli<' i'i\fi-. To i-ciiicdv the cri-or tlic fortilica- 
 rioii was lic<i,-iiii and completed wliieli first went by tlie name of 
 l"'ort Arnold, and, alter the tri-ason of the ottieer of that name, 
 was known as Fort Clinton. It stands at the north-east angle 
 of the ])lain, and has recently ln'cn almost completely restored. 
 The whit(> marble ct'notaph, amid the ruins, perpetuates the 
 memory of Kosciusko, under whose superiiiteiideuce the fort 
 \\'as completed. To the rear of Fort Putnam on Kocky-hill may 
 be seen Kedoubt Xo. 4, and on lower eminences to the south- 
 ward, the ruineil parapets of Forts Wyllis and Webb. 
 
 The plateau on which the Academic buildings stand, is oiie 
 liundred and fifty-seven feet above the level of the river, and 
 end)races about tii'ty acres of smooth land, nicely laid down in 
 sward and beautifully shaded where traversed by roads or paths, 
 file principal buildings worthy of visit are the Academy, the 
 Mess-hall, the Observatory and Library, the Chapel, the Cadet's 
 Barracks and the Riding School. At the Academy nuiy be 
 I'ound the ilitlerent- recitation rooms, a large gymnasium, fenc- 
 ing room, and picture and sculpture gallery. In the Artillery 
 Model-i-oom may be seen models of bridges, engines and other 
 matters connected with civil engineering. The models of build- 
 ings and forts are worthy of notice. Those of F'ort Wagner, 
 Ifefore Charleston, and San Juan d'Ulloa, off Vera Cruz, will 
 attract attention. The Museum of Ordinance and Trophies will 
 deserve much more time than the visitor usually has to give it. 
 Swords, muskets, and anmiunition of rare and varied kinds, aic 
 here to be seen. The collection comprises torpedoes and shot 
 from the battle-fields of the late war, tlag-statis and Hags from 
 Mexico, Indian trophies and curious projectiles, and munerous 
 flags borne by the army in the war of 1812, in the Florida war, 
 in Mexico, and in the Rebellion, together with their inscriptions. 
 The most prominent object is a model of the silver mine of Va- 
 lenciana, which stands in the centre oi' the room. The American 
 oflficers stationed in the city of .Mexico, in 1847, purchased the 
 model, at a cost of $8000, by a subscription among themselves, 
 and caused it to be placed in its present position. The upper 
 
68 
 
 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 surface repit'seuts the operatives, made of silver ainalgain, 
 practising- tlieir several divisions of labor, while the sides ex- 
 hibit the g-alleries of ;che mine with the miners at work. 
 
 The Riding-hall stands on the bank of the river, at the head 
 of the shelf-road by which the plateau is reached. It is 78x21H 
 feet, and spanned V>y a single curved roof. The equestrian ex- 
 ercises of the Cadets in this capacious hall are quite a feature. 
 The hours for riding are Itetween 11, A. M., and 1, P. M., except 
 _____ during the time 
 
 of encampment. - 
 1 n s t r u c t ion is 
 given in tiring at 
 the head, running 
 at the ring with 
 poised sabre, 
 practicing with 
 pistols, leapi ng 
 bars and hurdles, 
 and other feats of 
 more or less diflK- 
 c u 1 1 y. Visitors 
 have an ojiportu- 
 nity oi' witness- 
 ing the evolu- 
 tions and t hey 
 never fail to ex- 
 cite fa vor a bl e 
 comment. 
 
 Besides the buildings to which we have referred, there are at 
 the post nunuM'ous others of less pretensions. The Superintend- 
 ent's ([uarters, the (General's quarters, the homes of the officers, 
 professors, nmsicians, and their families, are all conveniently 
 situated on the west of the plain. 
 
 Having called the visitor's attention to the m>te-worthy ob- 
 jects nnfhia the various buildings, we may now invite him to a 
 stroll icithout. Well-kept paths conduct him to the different 
 points of interest. On the north verge of the plain are to be 
 seen the brass mortars taken from Burgoyne at Saratoga, sur- 
 rounded by links of the big chain, of which mention has already 
 
WEiST POINT. 0<) 
 
 been made. There lire also tlie Mexican trophy guns, the fa- 
 mous thirteen-inch mortar, the English tropliy guns, and a large 
 granite ball brought by (Jeneral Delafield from the Crimea. 
 Descending the hill on the north we come upon the Sea-coast 
 Battery with its armament of rilled monsters. Here may be 
 seen 100, 200 and 300-lb. Parrots, the 15-inch gun and the 
 lo-inch mortar, capable of hurling missiles as far as Polopel's 
 Island, which the battery eonnnands. The attention is not con- 
 fined alone to the spoils and trophies of " grim visag'd war.'' 
 Here and there about the grounds and in the cemetery near by, 
 a melancholy pleasure is taken in viewing the shafts raised to 
 the mighty dead. A massive sarcophagus indicates the tondi 
 of General Winfield Scott. Tlie Cadet's Monument marks the 
 resting place of those who have died whilst pursuing their 
 studies at the Point. Not far from the turn in the road, in 
 iVont of the officers quarters, stands upon a granite pedestal, 
 a Hue bronze statue of General Sedgwick ; and near to it, upon 
 a knoll surrounded by evergreens, is an obelisk, erected to the 
 memory of Lieutenant-Colonel E. D. Wood, who fell in Septem- 
 ber, 1814, while leading the sortie from Fort Erie, in Canada. 
 The white marble monument on the plain commemorates the 
 bravery of a detachment of United States troops under Major 
 Francis L. Dade, in a battle M'itli the Seminole Indians in Flori- 
 da, in December, 1835. Of the one hundred and eight men 
 in the party, all but three were massacred by the infuriated 
 savages. 
 
 The jiaths at the Point are not only well shaded but well 
 chosen so as to create pleasant surprises and open vistas of the 
 most charming scenery. The drives are, owing to the nature 
 of the country, limited in extent. Of the paths, that so widely 
 known as Flirtation Walk is traversed by almost every visitor. 
 It possesses many points of romantic beauty, and borrows no 
 little admiration from the sijfter sex on account of its tradi- 
 tionary " charming walks with the Cadets, you know." It will 
 serve you an agreeable hour, if you have the time and a suit- 
 able companion. Less time will be required and a more sub- 
 stantial interest awakened by visiting Kosciusko's Garden, 
 which is reached by the path starting a few feet only from 
 Dade's monument, which serves the stranger as a finger-board, 
 c 5 
 
TO 
 
 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 Everything- con- 
 nected with the 
 illustrious Pole is 
 uf absorbing" in- 
 I t e rest t o t h e 
 American heart. 
 During- tiie Kevo- 
 Intion, he was in 
 <• ii a rg-e as engi- 
 neer at the Point, 
 and the spot we 
 are considering- is 
 aflrtnned by tradi- 
 tion to liave lieen 
 the scene of his 
 studies and reve- 
 ries. The site is 
 retired and most 
 romantically situ- 
 ated on a sheh- 
 ing- g'org-e in the 
 face of the rock. 
 In 1802, the re- 
 mains of a foun- 
 tain which Kosciusko had constructed, were discovered at this? 
 point. A marble basin has been placed on the original site into 
 which the water now flows. 
 
 If time permits, it will be well to visit Hig-ldand Falls, a 
 lively little villag-e, about a mile to the south of the military 
 post ; and perhaps extend the drive as far as Vovt Montg'omery. 
 The road is kept in g-ood order, and, following- the water's edg-e 
 as it does, will be found delig-htfully pleasant. 
 
 Retui-ning- to the Point, we may take a peep at tiie iminner 
 in which our future heroes conduct themselves. Their militai-y 
 <'xercises possess a renuirkable fascination for all visitors. 
 The most diflficult manoeuvres are executed with an ease and 
 precision seldom ecpudled. The music by the West Point Band 
 is unrivalled. For ten months in the year, the (Uidets remain 
 ill the barracks and pursue their academical studies. About 
 
WEST POINT. 
 
 tlic 25tli. (if .hint', tlicy ^;'<> into cainp <iii tlir plain and iciiiaiii 
 about two inoutlis in tlit' cxciH^isc of purely military duties. 
 
 \ sketch of West Point IVoni the pen of a local writer would 
 lie sadly deficient without mention of tlu^ world-known Benny 
 
 Havens. Benny's 
 fame is almost co- 
 existent with that 
 of the Academy, 
 (ieiieration a ft e r 
 g-encration of ;^-ra- 
 duates have borne 
 with tiieni to all 
 parts of the nation 
 a pleasant memory 
 of delin([uencies in 
 which he shared. 
 Special notoriety 
 is g"iven him by a 
 song' comiiosed liy 
 Assistant- Surg'eon 
 O'Brien, whilst on 
 a visit to the Point, 
 many years ag-o, 
 and sung- to the 
 now familiar air of 
 "Wearing- of the 
 Green." The me- 
 ti-e encourages c.r- 
 tempore versification, of which an uidimited amount has been 
 conijiosed. An idea of the character of the song- may lie had 
 from the first stanza, which we (juote: 
 
 " Come, till your glasses, fellows, aud stand up iu a row. 
 To sing sentimentally, we 're going for to go; 
 In the array there's sobriety, jiromotion 's very slow, 
 .So we '11 sing our reminiscences of Benny Havens, oh! 
 Oh! Benny Havens, oh! — Oh! Benny Havens, oh! 
 So we '11 sing our reminiscences of Benuy Havens, oh!" 
 
 Ill early days, Benny kept a retreat on th<' i'oint. where the 
 Cadets secretly resorted for the " forbidden fruit " of the vine. 
 Having- liccome obnoxious to the Faculty, he was banished from 
 
72 TOWN OF COENWALL. 
 
 the guvcrninent grounds, and took refuge beneath the clift' near 
 the Falls, where he carried on his business until a recent date. 
 His quarters continued, as before, the favorite resort of the Ca- 
 dets, who found a new and super-added pleasure in violating 
 two rules instead of one, while seeking " refreshments" in the 
 sliape of " flip and buckwheat cakes." They were now com- 
 pelled to pass the South Gate witiiout permission, the penalty 
 for which, if discovered, materially lessened their merit roll. 
 Benny is quite a genius in his way. We have only room for a 
 single anecdote illustrative of his peculiar disposition. Some 
 years since when the eye now gone was attacked with inflamma- 
 tion, he was urged to seek medical advice. He refused, assign- 
 ing as a reason that the "Doctors would take the other for their 
 pay." Benny is now living with a near relative at the Falls, 
 in the enjtjyment of fair health at the advanced age of 80 years. 
 
 " When this life's troubled sea is over, and our last battle through, 
 If God permits us mortals then his bless'd domain to view, 
 Then shall we see, with glory crown'd, in proud celestial row. 
 The friends we've known and loved so well, and Benny Havens, oh! 
 Oh ! Benny Havens, oh ! " 
 
 We would advise those visiting the Point, to lay aside a full 
 day for the purpose. Let them go down in the Powell at S, A. 
 M., and return at 6, P. M. They can take a luncheon with them 
 or dine at the hotel. It is a full day's work of ten hours to 
 " do " the Point as it should be " done." 
 
 
ASCENT OF STOKM-KING. 73 
 
 in-King. 
 
 Whilst adniittiiio- that all rivers may bo pronounced usofnl, 
 comparatively few are worthy of being' called beantiful. The 
 Mississippi and St. Lawrence are types of the former — the Hud- 
 son and Khine, of the latter. It is its banks that give character 
 to a river; and, judged by this test, the Hudson has no equal. 
 Its waters are margined by an endless variety of rock, wood 
 and meadow from its source to its mouth. The rock formations, 
 in particular, are of a most striking nature. The cliif-like Palis- 
 ades, and the bold crags and towering peaks of the Highlands, 
 with their varying heights and shapes, and novelty of combi- 
 nation, produce a picture of which the artist would never weary. 
 Amid tlie host of peaks which greet the eye. Storm-king stands 
 preeminenl. Its position as one of the columns to the northern 
 gate to the Highlands, its bold projection in the river and ab- 
 rupt ascent from the water's (Klge, its bleak and serried sides, its 
 cloud-supporting pinnacle, tend to give it an individuality pos- 
 sessed by no other peak. It is not strange that so peculiar a 
 formation should have exhausted the vocabulary of the early 
 skipper for an appropriate name. They called it the Klinkers- 
 Ixng, doubtless from the close resemblance of its base to the 
 flat-bottomed vessel (the klinker) of the Dutch. The name by 
 which it has been generally known for the last century is 
 Butter-hill. Our local etymologists claim that it was so called 
 on account of its likeness to a mound of butter. Their claim is 
 seriously invalidated by a discovery we have fortunately made, 
 in examining a very ancient map whereon the peak in question 
 is laid down as Buttel-hill. Butte! is the German for bailiff — 
 jailor — one who guards — and the name was given to the peak, 
 no doubt, from its outlying position as a guard to the Highland 
 pass. It is also known on some maps as Button-hill. Its pres- 
 ent name of Storm-king was given it by the poet, who thus 
 
74 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 assio-ns his reasons for tlie re-cliristcning-; "The tallest moiui- 
 taiii with its feet in tho Hudson at the Highland gap, is officially 
 the storm king — l)eing looked to, by the whole eountry around, 
 as the most sure foretell(M' of a storm. When the white eloud- 
 heard descends npoii his breast in the morning- (as if with a nod 
 Ibrward of his majesti<- he;id) there is sure to Ite a rain-storiu 
 helbi'c nig-ht. Standing aloft among the other mountains oi" the 
 chain, this sign is peculiar to him. He seems the monarcii and 
 this seems his stately ordering- of a cliange in the weather. 
 Should not Storm-king, then, be his proper title?" A similar 
 phenonKuion has been observed with Mount l^ilatus, al liucerne, 
 Switzerland, g'iving rise to the triplet verse: 
 
 " If Pilatiis wears his cap, sei-eue will be the day. 
 If hi.s coUar he puts on, theu mount the riigged way. 
 But if his sword he wields, theu keep at home, I say V 
 
 Storm-king- is seen to the best advantage I'rom the river as 
 you apjtroach it from the north, (jrlancing- at its rugg-ed, pre- 
 (•ipitous sith^s, the possibility of clind)ing them is at once ipiest- 
 ioned — g-enerally denied. The side facing- its divorced com|):in- 
 ion. Break-neck, on the opposite bank of the river, has never 
 been climbed ; but the side which over-looks the l>ay is suscep- 
 tilde of an ascent. The top may also be reached Uy a tlaiik 
 movement to the west, passing up Cliamplin-way and coming 
 upon it by the rear. Of the two routes the former is tlie most 
 difficult, and has to be accomplished entirely on foot. The toil 
 of the latter may be shared by driving to the residence of Mr. 
 Peter Brown, or John L. Wood, and there leaving your horses. 
 The hardy and venturesome t(»urist will prefer to climb the 
 mountain at the steepest practicalile [»itcli. The difficulties ol' 
 the feat creates a fascination which always favors this route. 
 Tlu; departure is taken from a point near A[r. Solomon's new villa, 
 at the foot of the monarch, and c-ontinued over wood-path and 
 water-course until his majesty's crown is reached. Notwith- 
 standing the toil and difficulty of this route, ladies have fre- 
 (jueiitly joiiu'd the expedition, and sut-ceeded in scaling the 
 heights, upon which they have caused their accoiMpanying 
 knight-errant to display a handkerchief fastened to a tree-top, 
 that they might afterwards point tVom the plain below to the 
 lia';--like emblem of their success. 
 
ASCENT OF STORM-KING. 75 
 
 'I'lic siiiiiinit once <>,'iiiiH'(l, wliilst taking" the iinu-li-iiccdcd rest, 
 the eye soon sliaivs tlic tatigMic ot" the Ixxly in its cftorts to grasp 
 the many objects that cliallengc its att(Mition. There ai'e nn- 
 nierons olhei- views about Cornwall equally tine, Imt none ol' such 
 !<c<)i)t' to the north as the one that is hereto be had. An entirely 
 new leatnre is super-added. For the first tiine you have an ont- 
 h)ok to tlie east and south-east. Everything about you, in eveiy 
 dinu'tion, witliin the compass of tlie eye, is brought out in bold 
 reli(>f. The natural beauty ol' the country, within a radius ol' 
 sixty miles from the spot you stand on, caji nowhere be surpass- 
 ed. Fore-ground and back-ground of the picture are equally 
 attractive. Sparkling' valleys at your feet — towering* mountains 
 in the distance — cities and villages sprinkled about — the river 
 thn'ading its tortuous way — hill-sides discharging tlieir silver 
 streams — huge chasms and massive rocks — some near and 
 others remote — all and each contribute to i"ound out and com- 
 plete a picture of unequalled grandeur. You view the spectacle 
 from your mountain-tier seat with no intervening peaks with 
 their hats on to obstruct the view. You may hear tlie music of 
 the band at West Point, wafted on the southern wind, and might 
 look down on the parade-ground and witness the evolutions of 
 the ('adets, were it not for the intervening heights of Cro'-nest. 
 If you have been thoughtful, you will have brought with you a 
 field-glass and a guide familiar with the surrounding country. 
 
 Not only the view l)ut the peculiar air which surrounds the 
 mountain-top, excites attention. It was of this, when describ- 
 ing the ascent, Mr. Willis wrote: "Somewhere about noon we 
 came upon brooks running the other way, and began to smell 
 (we thought) a little of the salt air of the seabord — the ridge 
 we had mounted being an efiectual Panama l)etween this and 
 an iidand air nuich more Pacific for the lungs. In the cannon of 
 the military post at the foot of the descent on one side and the 
 rolls of Orange county butter at the foot of the descent on the 
 otiier, my chronic cough-memory found a very correct exponent 
 of the two climates which the mountain divides. To my emi- 
 nent friend Doctor (xray, who prescribed the velvet side of this 
 Isthmus, so near New York (instead of the Trip to the Tro])ics 
 whii-h 1 took in spite of him and found so inefi'ectual), I owe 
 what gratitude my present better health is wortli ; and 1 men- 
 
70 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 tion it here for the benefit of the large public of consumptive 
 given-over-dom of which I have now ceased to be one. To the 
 pulmonary patients who abound in our harsh seabord atmos- 
 phere, this Highland Terrace (Cornwall) is a far better Malvern 
 tlian the Antilles — the poor, at least should know." 
 
 The student of Revolutionary history will find food for his 
 contemplation here. There is a sermon on patient and heroic 
 suffering in the bare rocks, for here were lighted those massive 
 beacon fires which ever and anon summoned the hardy militia 
 to the defence of the Highland forts. Being the highest, the 
 l)oacon here was the signal to others similarly located on hills 
 for miles around. Half-clad signal-men watched here through 
 storm and night and cold — so cold that more than one perished 
 and passed to that future which has " no king but God." Wo 
 need to get close to the footsteps of these men to properly ap- 
 preciate their work. 
 
 Parties making the ascent of Storm-king will be amply re- 
 paid for their trouble. There are other imposing views of which 
 we shall come to speak, but tliey are of comparatively easy 
 access. The element of fatigue and danger which add a zest 
 to mountain climbing, are to be met at Cornwall only in the 
 ascent of Storm-king. 
 
THE GKAVE OF DUNCAN. 77 
 
 ^])rai'e of 5"^^^^'^^b 
 
 James Duxcax was born in Pliillipstown (Cold Spring;), on 
 tlic opjxtsitc side of the riviu', iSoptcmbov 29tli, 1811. From 
 the tuinbstones in the family burying'-g-round, situated a little 
 to the south of the hero's grave, it appears that the family 
 name was Duncanson. His father, Robert Duncanson, died 
 Dec. 26th, 1858, aged 72 years and 18 days. His mother, 
 Judith Duncanson, died 11th Feb., 1845, in the 58th year of her 
 age. Tlie terminal syllable of the name was first dropped by 
 the subject of our sketch, whose dislike of superfluities was 
 peculiarly characteristic. Ever since, the surviving members 
 of the famih", consisting oi' a brother and two sisters, have been 
 known by the name of Duncan. Our hero received the rudi- 
 ments of his education near the scene of his birth, at the village 
 school. From those who knew him at this early period of life, 
 we learn that he was noted for his love of fair-play on the 
 school-ground and his championship of the weaker side. An 
 insight to his youthful pastimes may be gained from his speech 
 at the Astor-House, on the occasion of being presented with a 
 gold medal, wherein he said: "The mountains of the Highlands 
 in which I was born, I rambled and climbed so often when a 
 boy, that every stone, tree and cool spring for miles around, 
 was as familiar to me as the fireside of my lunnble home. 
 These scenes of my childhood and youth are too deeply stamped 
 upon my heart and recollection ever to be forgotten. After the 
 lapse of years, when far away from my native land, even amid 
 the din of battle, when the thought came f)ver me — as it often 
 did come — ' what will they say of this at home V it proved an 
 incentive to increased exertion." 
 
 Having secured an appointment as Cadet to the Military 
 Academy at West Point, he entered that institution, and gradu- 
 ated with becoming honors in 1835. He now entered the armv 
 
78 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 as Lieutenant of tlie 4tli Regiment of Artillery, and was eng-a- 
 o-ed in active service during the Seminole war. While with 
 rieneral (iaines, at Withlacoocheo, in Florida, he was slightly 
 wounded. .About 1838, he gave his attention to perfecting an 
 arm of the service which was then in its infancy, but afterwards 
 became conspicuous under the name of the ''Battery of Flying 
 Artillery." Major Ringgold and Captain Taylor cooperated 
 with him, at Camp Washington, in organizing and drilling a 
 company. enlisted for the purpose. It was in this employment 
 that the superior ability of Lieutenant Duncan, as a tactitian and 
 military instructor, first forced itself upon the public attention. 
 
 Ipon the l)reaking out of the Mexican war, lie joined the 
 army with his battery, and participated in every engagement 
 from l*alo Alto to tlie city of Mexico, except the battle of Beuna 
 Vista. At Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, his brilliant e.\- 
 |)l()its and daring bravery made him the Sheridan of the day. 
 At the latter of these battles, when the enemy were in full 
 tlight, Duncan pursued them with his battery, creating a per- 
 fect panic and dispersing them in all directions. His gallant 
 conduct met with quick appreciation. Li the short space of two 
 years he rose from a Lieutenant to the full rank of Colonel in 
 the army. His splendid achievements not only exacted the 
 approval of his military superiors, but elicited a deep response 
 from the popular heart. Cpon his return home, he received, in 
 every place through which he passed, the most marked manitest- 
 ations of the public esteem. Ovations met him at every turn. 
 At the Astor House, on the evening of the 28th December, 1848, 
 the wealth, the talent and the respectability of the great city 
 united in a complimentary dinner to him, and the presentation 
 of a gold medal. The Hon. Judge Edmonds presided on the 
 occasion, and tendered the memorial in a speech reciting at 
 length his gallant deeds. 
 
 The death of Col. Croghan, soon afterwards, gave President 
 Polk an opportunity of rewarding ('ol. Duncan's distinguished 
 services with the honorable and lucrative but arduous i)ost 
 of Inspector-(ieneral of the United States Army. It was whilst 
 in tiie discharge of the duties of this position he contracted the 
 malady oi' which he died. He had been visiting the southei'ii 
 military |)osts, when he was taken with tlie yellow fever at Mo- 
 
THE GRAVE OF DUNCAN. 79 
 
 bilo and died on the 3d day of July, 1849. His doatli cn'ato(l a 
 most ]jrotouiid sensation tlironi>'liout tlie country, lie was com- 
 paratively a young- man, l)ein<;' only tliirty-oight years of aj;-e, 
 hut liis brief career had been so brilliant that the popular in- 
 stiiu-t had selected him lor a briyht and [)romiuent fate in th<' 
 futni'c. His name had already l)een mentioned in connection 
 with the Presidency. His untinudy deatli formed the to|)ic of 
 universal lament. The Connnon Couiu'il of New York, ])rover- 
 bially (piick to reflect the puiilic feeling', passed the folidwing' 
 preand»l(; and resolution: 
 
 " Whereas, the public have been iuformed. thi-ough the cohimus of the public press, 
 of the death of the brave aud heroic Duiicau, whose devotiou and success, as an officer 
 in the late Mexi(-an war. have stamped him as one of those whose name is identical with 
 the history of our country: and as our city cannot forgether representatives, either upon 
 the battle-tield or in the council of the nation, therefore be it 
 
 " Hksolvej). That, in keeping with the above expressed services of the heroic dead, 
 and the hi^h estimation in which W(^ hold those services, a committee of three of this 
 body be appointed, to have his remains brought to this city, and the proi)er testimonials 
 of respect paid which are due to his exalted worth and merit, as a republican soldier and 
 citizen." 
 
 In pursuance of the resolution, the remains of Col. Duncan 
 were brought to New York, and th<'re, on the loth of Novem- 
 ber, 1849, funeral solemnities of the most imposing character 
 ceh'brated. The pageant, which has never been equalled for 
 impressive ostentation, was in honor of the lamented Major- 
 General Worth, Colonel Duncan, and Major Gates. The hearses 
 containing the remains of tlie dead heroes were preceded by the 
 entire iirst division of the state militia accompanied by Itands 
 of music performing appropriate airs. After the hearse of Ma- 
 jor-General V^^)rth came that (jf Colonel Duncan, drawn by two 
 pairs of gray horses. The military charger, which he had rode 
 for twelve years, followed the hearse, led by a g-room. This 
 equine veteran had carried his master through the battles of 
 Palo Alto, Kesaca, Monterey, Vera Cruz, Cerro (iordo, San An- 
 tonio, Cherubusco, Molino del Hey, Chapultepec, Garita Belen, 
 Garita Cosme, and City of Mexico. As he walked behind the 
 hearse, with his master's boots reversed, he excited a most 
 mournful interest. The procession reached from the City Hall 
 to Union Square, a distance of about two miles. The buildings 
 along the route were draped in mourning, and crape was worn 
 by the celebrants. Upon returning to the ('ity Hall, the coffins 
 were placed upon a catafalque and an ode, composed by (reorge 
 
80 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 P. Morris, was sung; after which a funeral oration was deliver- 
 ed by Ihm. John Van Buren. 
 
 The next morning, the 16th, the remains of Colonel Duncan 
 were conveyed to the steamer St. Nicholas for transportation to 
 their final resting place. A deputation from the Common Coun- 
 cil, the X. Y. Light Guards, a band of music from Boston, offi- 
 cers of the U. S. Army, and a committee of the citizens of 
 Cornwall, accompanied them. Upon passing West Point and 
 Cold Spring, fitting honors were paid by those on shore. When 
 Cornwall was reached, the funeral procession was formed at the 
 landing, and proceeded to the iut<?nded place of interment in 
 the following order: 1st. A Harbinger, in deep mourning; 2d. 
 The military from Middletown; 3d. The Kemble Guards; 4th. 
 Boston Band; 5th. Hearse, ornamented with plumes, drawn by 
 four gray horses, clad in mourning and led by four colored 
 grooms in livery; 6th. The New York Light Guards, as a guard 
 of honor, in open order each side of the hearse; 7th. The charger 
 before alluded to, led l)y a groom; 8th. Relatives of the deceas- 
 ed in carriages, attended by footmen in mourning. 9th. Aldermen 
 of the city of New York, on foot, with their staves of office 
 draped; 10th. The Cornwall Committee; 11th. The Cold Spring 
 Band; 12th. Society of Odd-Fellows, from Cold Spring, in rega. 
 lia; 13th. The Sons of Temperance, from Cold Spring; 14th. 
 Citizens in general, in carriages and on foot, forming a train 
 nearly a mile in length. So large and unusual a procession, as 
 it wound its way up tlie hill, produced a deep impression on the 
 numbers who had gathered to witness it 
 
 When tlie grave was reached, the coffin was placed on a bier 
 and the multitude passed round to vww it. The coffin was cov- 
 ered with the richest black silk-velvet, bordered with silver 
 edging and fastened with silver nails. The breast-plates and 
 the plates on the sides were also of silver, and the arms and 
 other devices were beautifully chased. The inscription and 
 devices were as follows: 
 
 (.\rm8 ot the State of New York.) 
 COL. JAMES DUNCAN, 
 
 DIED 
 
 At Mobile, Alabama, 
 
 3d July, 1849. 
 
 Aged 38 years. 
 
 U. 8. A. 
 
THE GRAVE OF DUNCAN. 81 
 
 On the rij:;lit of the coffin wore the words, Vera Cruz, at tlio 
 head; at the foot, Cerro Gordo; on the h^ft, at the head, Kesaca; 
 and at the foot, Clierubusco, with the device, in th(' middle of 
 each side, of a cannon surTnonnted with stars and entwined with 
 laurel. On the coffin were dis))layed two swords; one, his reg-i- 
 niental sword, which was })lain, old and rusted; the other, a 
 handsome <;'ilt-sheatlK>d one, bearinf:; the inscription: "'flie citi- 
 zens of Newburg-h, N. Y., to Captain James Duncan, U. 8. A." 
 
 A platform had been erected at the head t)f the grave frcjui 
 which the Rev. Win. Cruikshank, a local pastor of marked 
 ability, delivered the funeral oration. The body was tlien 
 lowered into the g-ronnd, three vollies in cpiick succession tired 
 by the Light Guards, and the assembly dispersed. 
 
 The interest of the reader is, no doubt, excited to know some- 
 thing of the personal appearance of Colonel Duncan. In tigure 
 he \vas slight and not above the middle height. lie possessed 
 a most marked physiognomy. The features were sharp and an- 
 gular, indicative of great individuality of character and resolute 
 lirmness. The eye betokened a mind ([uick to act. The head 
 was well-proportioned and connected by a neck rather inclined 
 to be lengthy. The two most prominent traits in his character 
 were courage and modesty. They were illustrated time and 
 again. His conduct at Palo Alto and Resaca, for personal bra- 
 very, has never been surpassed, if equalled, on the battle-tield. 
 He was not only brave under the excitement of the battle, but 
 in council his voice was always for the fight. In the council-of- 
 war, previous to Resaca, out of the thirteen officers, he was one 
 of the three who voted for the advance. His modesty was no 
 less conspici^)us than his bravery. In his reply to Judge Ed- 
 monds, at the Astor House dinner, he said: "For my profession- 
 al success, to which you have so eloquently referred, I feel that 
 I owe son)ething to chance, much to opportunity and still more 
 to the zeal and cordial cooperation of the acc()nii)lished offic-ers 
 and brave men with whom I have had the honor and good for- 
 tune to be associated." It was to this remarkable freedom from 
 envy and detraction— so rare in jjultlic men — that he owed his 
 popularity among his military associates. A comi)arison be- 
 tween Worth and Duncan was attempted by their eulogist at 
 the City Hall ceremonies. If the ft>rmer occiii)ies a more pro- 
 
^2 TOWN OF COKNAVALL. 
 
 iiiiiieiit place on the i:)ag'e of history, it was because of his more 
 varied and extended career. Ducan's career was like that of 
 the meteor, not only in brilliancy but duration. The earth was 
 tilled with tiie noon-tide g'lory of iiis daring-, but the shades of 
 an early night dissipated it. He died in the meridian of life. 
 It were idle to predict the eminence to which he would have 
 attained, had Providence spared him. But 
 
 "Duucan is iu his grave. 
 
 After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well." 
 
 The site of his resting-place is on the easterly slope of liigh- 
 land Park, near the humble home he loved sn well, overlooking 
 th(> broad expanse of Cornwall l)ay and in full view of the en- 
 circling mountains. Six plain turned posts, connected by a rude 
 chain, enclose the space where rest his remains. Xo stone is 
 raised to mark tlie sp(jt. A head-ltoard and foot-lioard of rough 
 hemlock, rotted off and fallen to the ground, are the sole monu- 
 ments to his memory. 
 
 "Rest! Warrior, rest ! 
 
 * * * * 
 
 Thy sleei^ is ijeaceful, th<)Ut,'li alxive 
 The turf no banners wave, 
 Nor showy shaft, nor scnlptur'il .stone. 
 Hath niark'd the Warrior's {jravc, 
 Yet thou wert foremost in the strife 
 Where thousands strove lor fame and life. 
 The laurel wreath, to all so dear. 
 Was nobly won — to deck thy bier. 
 
 * * * * 
 
 Sleep, Duncan, sleep ! the Hudson breathes 
 
 A ceaseless dirge for thee; 
 
 The dark green hills that guard tliy grave 
 
 Thy monument shall be. 
 
 The land for whom thy blood was shed , 
 
 Remembers not her noble dead; 
 
 XwA well to-day may Freedom weep, 
 
 When hearts like thine forijotlen sleeji. 
 
IDLE-WILD. 
 
 83 
 
 ir 
 
 RESIDEXCK OF THE LATE X. 1'. WILLIS. 
 
 Here was the home of tlie Poet! Here he lived and died! 
 In the little cliamber abt)ve the library the invalid <>vnius ]K'n- 
 ued those fanciful sketches which have aroused the admiration 
 of two continents. The grove in the o-len— the l)rook— the 
 Uiwn— the slumbering river— the towering numntains— one and 
 all were vivified by the touch of his fruitful i)en. Speak of 
 Idle-wild we cannot. It must be seen and felt .' It is like a 
 fabled region where the confines of fancy and fact are lost to 
 sense. The limnings of the genial Willis have invested his 
 Hitildand Eyrie with such romantic charm, that to break it, we 
 would not if wc could. If the picture nmst be nuirred, we leave- 
 it for other hands. We restrict ourself to a brief biographical 
 
84 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 sketch of the Poet, and a simple description of liis former home 
 and surroundings. 
 
 Natlianiel Parker Willis was born at Portland, Maine, on the 
 20th day of January, 1807. His grandfather is said to Inive 
 worked as an apprentice in the same office with Benjamin 
 Franklin, and afterwards published the Imlejiciulrnt (Jlirouide 
 at Boston. He took an active part in the "tea party" which 
 the American gave to their British cousins, about this time, in 
 Boston harbor. Nathaniel Willis, the lather of the Poet, was 
 also a practical printer and editor. He published at Boston 
 (having removed to that place from Portland), the first religious 
 newspaper printed in America. It was called the Bodon Re- 
 corder. Subsequently he started the Yoidli's C'omjjanion which 
 he continued to edit for a number of years. The mother of the 
 P(jet, an excellent wonum and highly gifted, died in 1854. 
 
 The rudiments of Mr. Willis' education were acquired under 
 the tutorship of the Rev. Dr. McFarland, of Concord, N. H. He 
 subsequently attended the Boston Latin School, and Phillip's 
 Academy, at Andover, where he remained until he entered Yale 
 College in 1823. About this time, when the futiire of his life 
 was in the balance, his father was anxious to place him in a 
 printing office. His mother, however, favored the son's aspira- 
 tions for a classical education and he was sent to Yale. During 
 his collegiale course his poetical exuberance sought relief in a 
 number of fugitive poems. His " Scripture Sketches," composed 
 at this early period, immediately gained a popularit}^ which they 
 have never lost. Upon graduating, in 1827, he delivered the 
 valedictory poem to his class — a production Avhich will bear fa- 
 vorably with any of his later eff'orts. His editorial life began 
 with the Token, upon leaving college. At the same time he 
 published, in several volumes, the Ltgevdary. He next estab- 
 lished the American Monthly Magazine, a periodical which at 
 once took a high position. All these literary eft'orts were ac- 
 complished beibre he attained his majority. In 1830 the Maga- 
 zine was united with the New York Mirror. Mr. Willis now 
 took his departure for Europe, over which he journeyed, and 
 sent from time to time those interesting papers which under the 
 title of " Pencilings by the Way," gave the Mirror a prominent 
 l)osition in the literature of the day. It was during his resi- 
 
IDLE-WIJJ). «rt 
 
 (Iciicc ill Hii<;-laii(l (1885), that he was iiiairicd lo Mary Ii<'i;^-Iitiiii 
 Stacc, tlic (laiiji-litcr of a (listiii,iLi,-iiisli('(l British dtticcr wiio was 
 at tliat time (I()iiiiuaii(liii<;--^'ni('ral. in (•(niniiaiHl i)t' tlic arsenal 
 a) \V(i()lwii-li. Ill ISoT he rctiiriHMl hoinr and cstabliHlicd hiiu- 
 scir (111 tlic hanks (if the Siis(|n('lianiia in ccntriil New York. 
 near the village of Owe^'o. With that felicity of iKnueiicluture 
 for which he was noted, lie i-ajled the cottaf;-e he hiiilt " (ileii- 
 iiiary," and his sn])se(Hieiit " Letters from I'lider a Hridgx'," in- 
 vested his then lioinc with all the romance and charm which 
 ^s^^bseqnelltly attached to his later one on the Hudson. Whilst 
 at " (ilenmary," the first shadow crossed his hitherto sun-lit path. 
 in the death of his first-born, whiidi sad event gave rise to those 
 tender lines beii'iniiiiii;" : 
 
 •■ Room, gentle flowers I my child would paws to heavt;u."' 
 
 Other iiiisfortniies licfel him in ipiick succession. The failure 
 of his income by reason of the death of his futher-iu-law, and 
 the insolvency of his book ])ublislier. compelled him after the 
 lapse of tive years to turn his back upon his cottage by the .Sus- 
 (|ueliamia and seek the ever busy city for means of sustenance. 
 He attached himself to the Corxair, -a weekly journal published 
 by Dr. Porter, and in its interest again went abroad. While in 
 London he published a c-ollection of stories, poems and letters, 
 under the title of " Loiterings of Travel," and another volume 
 containing his plays of " Biaiica Yisconti " and "Tortesa, the 
 I' surer." He returned to the I'nited States in 1844, and finding 
 the ('orsair vanislu'd from its wonted place, he engaged with 
 (ieneral (i. J*. Morris in the conduct of the New Mirror. It was 
 during this year his wife died, and his own health failing, for 
 the tliiivl time he visited Kuroi)c, taking with him his only child, 
 a girl who had been named Imogen. He here bnmglit out. in 
 1845, his " Dashes at Ijife with a Free Pencil," in three volumes. 
 During his tri]) on the continent he fell in with one of his old 
 boon companions in the person oj' Theodore Fay. the American 
 Secretary of Legation at Berlin. Through his importunities, 
 aided by those of .Mr. \Vlieaton. the Embassador. (»ur Poet had re- 
 solved to remain abroad, but going to England to place his daugh- 
 ter at school, he w^as taken ill, and once again he turned towards 
 th(! land of his birth. Fpon arriving in New York he associated 
 himself with (Tcnl. Morris in the publication of the Home Journal . 
 
 C 11 
 
8(i 
 
 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 wliicli sdoii liccaiiie one ni tlic iiiust siiceesst'iil weekly papei's 
 ill the coiuitry. Mr. Willis wa.s a hard worker and the iimid)er 
 iii' Noluiues he published would t'urni, of themselves, a fair-sized 
 library. We have not space to eatalooiie them. Tiiose of local 
 interest are, " Out Doors at Idle-wild, oi' the Shaping of a Home 
 on the banks of the Hudson;" "Hurry-g'raphs," and the "Con- 
 valescent." 
 
 In 1845,!i\ir. Willis was married to Cornelia, only daughter of 
 Hon. Joseph (jrinnell, of Massachusetts, a former member of 
 
 
 ff^-^ 
 
 -ss- 
 
 
 /--- 
 
 ",<l?^ 
 
 I'HK COTTACE FROM THF, I.AWN. 
 
 (Jongress from that state, by whom he l(>ft four children, named, 
 res])ectively, Grinnell. Bailey, Sarali. and Kditii. In summing 
 up the literary rejyutation of the Poet, we cannot do better than 
 (piote th(^ words of Dr. (iriswold, who. in his " i'l'ose Writevsol' 
 America," says: "'The life and fertility of the mind of Mr. 
 Willis are very remarkalilc. His spirits and faculties seemed 
 to have been bathed in perpetual freshness. The stream of 
 
IDLE-WILD. 
 
 ST 
 
 tliiiiiii'lit and IV'cliiiL;' in him is like (lie hiilihliiiLi' (iiils|iriiii;- of it 
 natural tonntaiii, vvliicli Hows tbrtli with g-aiety and trccdoin, if 
 it flows at all. His powers scoiii ncvtu'to he lessened liy e.\- 
 lianstion. His lancv is never soihwl hy latii^'iie. lie nciver 
 copies others and he never rejteats hiinstdt'; but always prompt 
 and always vivid, his mind acts with the i-ei'tainty of" a natural 
 prism which turns every ray that reaches it into a peculiar 
 heauty." 
 
 As a man. Mi'. Willis was companionalije and ol a i;ciiial 
 luiture. Those who knew him at Coiiiwall. in his every day 
 walks and talks, bear testimony to his unil'orm kindness. TTis 
 court-like address was not assume(l, iiut I'elt. We have lieai'd 
 an old resident say, he was the "only true ';x'ntl(unan 1 ever 
 met." He endi'ared liimselC to all with whom he came in con- 
 tact by his condescending' t'orbeai'ance — especially to the ]»oor 
 and lowly, from whom he n<'ver shi'ank. His sense of honor 
 was nice and acute, as evidenced by his acceptance of tiie chal- 
 leniiX' ol' (.'a])tain Marryatt, the novelist, for a supposed provo- 
 cation, whilst in Eu<;'land. 
 
 Mr. Willis, in early youth, had been attached to the tenets of 
 I'resbyterianisni. In laVei' life, he renounced them. Whilst at 
 Cornwall, he was one of the Vestrymen of St. ffithn's Episcopal 
 Church. His death occurred on Sunday evening-, the 20th of 
 January, 1867, at Idle-wild. He died on the anniversary of his 
 birth and was just sixty years old. His remains were conv(?yed 
 to Mount Aubiu'ii for interment. 
 
 Ijct us now retrace our steps and go back to the period of 
 the Poet's advent in Cornwall. We have already hinted at the 
 malady which threatened him on his return from Europe. Tndev 
 the advice of a prominent city physician (the distinguished Dr. 
 (xray). h*' was directed to Cornwall. He passed the sununer oi' 
 18;")! at (ilen-brook Farm, the home of the Misses Suth(M'lan(l. 
 which is situated on the road to NcAvburgh, immt^diately north 
 of the mountain stream which his pen has since immortali/ed. 
 He sought for a (|uiet, retirecl home, and in that of the Misses 
 S. he secured it. His tim(! was spent in randtling about the 
 country, usually attended by a companion. It was during one 
 of these wanderings, in company with Mr. dohn SutheHaud, a 
 brother of his hostess, that the i-apahil ities of Idle-Avild glen 
 
H8 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 forced tl)eiiiselve!S uii liis arteiitioii. Tiiniiii,u- to liis conipaiiioii. 
 lie pxclaiiiied: "What a beautiful s])()t 1" 'Oh," returued Mv. 
 S.. who had known the locality trom liis youth as a wild and idle 
 waste under the name ot Newhold-hollow. "'it's nothing' but an 
 idle wild." The expression, like a spai'k ti-oni the Hint, caught 
 the fancy of the Poet, and kindlctl those thoug'hts which breathed 
 and words which l)unied their way to the hearts of thousands. 
 
 \ clue to the motives Avhich g'uided in the selection of this 
 wild and picturesque spot for his future home can be gathered 
 from a passage i]i one of his letters: " 1 have thought it curious, 
 by the way, that among the many who liave strolled with me 
 through our wilderness of acclivities and wood-))aths — coming 
 Ti))on all kinds of views and landsca])e surprises, and seeing' 
 every variety of surface and every })ossible tangle of wood. 
 rock, and water — no one has ever yet suggested an embellish- 
 ment, or ))ointed out a natural l)eauty that might be modilied or 
 taken advantage of. Yet the improvements that might l)e made, 
 seem to me as obvious as they are almost numlx-rless — charm- 
 ing paths that might l)e cut, precipices and waterfalls that 
 might terminate vistas, terraces that might be turned into 
 glades and lawns, chasms that might be romantically bridged, 
 and rapids that should be seim from eminences. Admiring the 
 little that has been done very kindly and warndy. as beautiful, 
 the imagination of the visitor does not seem to busy itself to 
 lend a thought as to what viight he done to make it more beau- 
 tiful still. Omni-creative as tlie American mind would seem to 
 be, the creation of beauty seems not to be among our hal)itual 
 and alert instincts, as a people." Inspired by such thoughts, 
 Mr. Willis purchased, for an inconsiderable price, the portion of 
 the Xewbold tract which had been regarded as valueless. In 
 June, 1852, he returned to Cornwall and connnenced the erect- 
 ion of th(^ cottage. During its construction he remained with 
 his former friends, the .Misses Sutherland, the conveiiieni-e of 
 whose residence favored the daily visits of superintendence he 
 gave the rising structure. The cottage was completed by the 
 spring oi" 1858, and in .lunc of that year, Mr. Willis with his 
 family took possession. 
 
 Th<> I'ottage was designed by Mr. Calvert Vaux, then associa- 
 ted in l)usiness with the lamented Downini;', with their ollice at 
 
IDLE-WILD: 
 
 S^» 
 
 \,.wImu-1i. Mr. V:inx ivinarks. in Lis -Villas unci Cottages," 
 that "ail the lines of the plan wciv set ..ut under the special 
 .lin.eti.H. ..r Mr. Willis, wlm seemed U> take move interest in 
 
 juv-mii latin- tlie h.mse t.. the laneies nf the -enius of the 
 
 place than in any other 
 part of the arrang-enients, 
 and the whole design was 
 so fitted among the ever- 
 greens and adapted to eve- 
 ry peruliarity of the site, 
 that it a])pears to be al- 
 most surrounded by tall, 
 flourishing trees, although 
 l)road stretches of distance 
 III every dir(H-tit»n, and ex- 
 tensive^ views of the river 
 and mountain scenery are 
 gained from the various 
 w indows. each vi(nv being 
 .1 separate picture set in a 
 frame of unfading foliage." 
 The site selected for the 
 erection of the cottage 
 w<mld stvik<' the utilitarian 
 mind as scn-iously inconve- 
 nient. It staiids on the ex- 
 treme verge of the broad 
 plateau which stretches to 
 the south-east. In almost 
 dangerous p r o x i m i t y . 
 slopes the precipitous side 
 of the two hundred feet 
 
 THK (!OTT.\(}K FROM THK (i.\TK. 
 
 gorge. S.. idose to the edge of this declivity were the walls 
 placed, that the present proi)rietor of tlie grounds. Mr. Courte- 
 uay. in seekino- ro<,m for an addition in that direction, has been 
 obliged to build a retaining wall over forty feet high to secure 
 a foundation. 
 
 'fhe purchase of Mr. Willis comprised abont sixty acres, a 
 go...l part of which is abs..rhed in th(> tree-clad, craggy ravine 
 
90 
 
 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 wliicli marks tlu^ boundaries to the west. Tlif ]:)]at('aii, or ter- 
 race as it has been iiia))tly called, eml»races the remainder. 
 
 Over the rocky bed of tlie 
 
 ravine, a motintain stream, : ;" 
 
 with rapid leap, finds its \ ^.. 
 
 way to the river below.- — ' 
 
 The descent from where it 
 
 enters the grounds is al)out 
 
 two Imndred feet, and is 
 
 accomplished in a distance 
 
 of less than a half-mile. — 
 
 This stream takes its ris(> 
 
 in the mountains to the 
 
 south, and, like those of 
 
 similar sour(-e, is, at times. ^ 
 
 a slumbering.' rill: at othei's, 
 
 a sweepint;' torrent. Its 
 
 ])assau,'e throug'h the >j-len 
 
 is checked at intervals by 
 
 huii-e boulders — one of 
 
 which is knoAvji as ('hapel 
 
 Hock — and smallei' rocks 
 
 of quaintest i'orm, over and 
 
 around which the waters 
 
 cascade, forming;' what the 
 
 Poet was i)leased to call 
 
 " a kind of Trenton Falls 
 
 for one." 
 
 The ( Hen is the most at- 
 tractive feature of the 
 
 ])lace. A ramble throuu'h its tanji'led depths displays a wealth 
 of Ix'auty rarely ('(pialed. On either si(U', the steep ascending;- 
 banks are (hovered with sturdy |)ines and hemlocks, whose 
 never-failing" verdure give a perennial freshness to the scene. 
 The air, at times, is heavy with the fragrance they emit. In 
 o))edience to the notions of the Poet, which were to utili/.e. at 
 trilling iu>st, every vantage of nature, the paths, by which the 
 glen is traversed, wei'e sh(>lve(l along the sides of the |)reci- 
 ))ice, and the brook crossed, where needed, by the primitive 
 
 
 THE COTT.VOK FROM THK MKAHOW, 
 
IPLE-WILi:). 91 
 
 means of a t'allcii ti'<'c. As all, laiiiiliar witli tlu' \\'i'itiii;j,'s of 
 Mr. Willis arc aware, lie had a liapjn' Cdiieeil of i-l<»tliiii<;- his 
 thoiiu-hts with words coiiietl Ircsh IVoiii the luiiil of a mind 
 
 I'ATH IN THE (tI,K\, 
 
 noted ioi- its orij^-iHality. The habit was not eontined alone to 
 the ideal : it extended to the actual ; and in the inultiforni 
 names, <;'iven to the various objects in the ^den, is presei'vod 
 the memory of many a friend, many an association, and many 
 an incident. Of this charactei- is Funny-child Brook, Chapel 
 Kock, Dri]) Rotd<. .ludii'e Daly's Seat, and so on. The bvook to 
 which the name of Funny-child was g'iven. descends through 
 an intersectiuii- ra.vine. called Home-shut, and minti'les its waters 
 
9!> 
 
 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 witli tlioso of Idle-wild Brook, near the meadow-lawn l)orderiii>i,- 
 the river. The passer over River-side Drive, traverses tlie 
 bridjj-e beneath which flow the wedded waters of the two brooks. 
 The history of tlie union is o-iven by the Poet, in one t)f liis 
 letters, so charinino'ly that we beii," to quote: "To niairv two 
 brooks was my errand out- =:*; 
 
 of-doors this mornini^-. The 
 meadow-lawn, two hundred 
 feet below our cottag'e win- 
 dows, is the junction-porch 
 ul' two converj>'ing' g'lens — 
 Idle-wild and Home-shut, ajid 
 each has its brook, brought 
 from far-apart sources, but 
 joining- lips within our fence 
 upon the Hudson. Both gden- 
 opening-s being- included in 
 one tangled domain, tiie road 
 ( lut, t( >wards N e w b u r g ii , 
 makes a bend arcmnd the 
 meadow, crossing- below the 
 projecting promontories of 
 the two ; and, as we must 
 needs, of course, traverse 
 their two streams, it was desirable to bring them a little sooner 
 tog-ether and span their united waters with one bridge. It re- 
 (piired some digging and danniiing- — ^Funny-child (the other 
 brook), after all manner of noisy vagaries in its own glen, 
 coming out to co([uet capriciously with the swells of the mead- 
 ow, and shieing- Idle-wild just where nature iutemled they 
 slumld meet to part no more — l)iit we made the new bed some 
 days ag-o and only waitecl fir a thuiider-stoi'iii, it being an object 
 to reiuiive the barrier just when the swollen flood might g'ive a 
 more natural turn to their meeting. 1 should mention that 
 Home-shut, thoug'h directly opposite my study-window, is a glen 
 so intricately out of the way that no chance foot would ever 
 c-ross it; and from its close wooded entrance of hendocks, the 
 denuire stream, so suiuiy and nu^rry the moment after, i-omes 
 forth like n n'ih'tJ mm mif of tin' dar/,- /inrdi of o cnfliedfo/ — Funny- 
 
 FUXXY-CHILD HRooK. 
 
TDI.K-WILD. 
 
 1)8 
 
 cliild liciiit;' also a rixulct of capricious stay, and disaiipcariii^' 
 (g-oiic to tiic S/))'iii(/s pcriiaps) tor two iiioiitlis oi' tlic year. Bill 
 wc liroiiii'lit the two to^'ctlicr. * * 
 
 Tlic scciiiiii.i;- loneliness ol' the tiden is r(diev('<l at all times, 
 even to tlie solitary ranii)ler, iiy the " fall oi' waters and the 
 hiiin of l»irds." The foliaji'e attracts the feathered soiiji'sters in 
 lari;-e niiiiiliers. and tlie air is vocal with their niiisic. The 
 brook, witii the varviii_i>' seasons, keeps u]) a ))eri)etiial concert 
 of nudody — in niid-siiininer, sinking- to the solo softness of tlie 
 tiiite; in si)ring- and antiiniii, swcdling- to the tiiial tuinult oi' a 
 full orchestra acconipaninieiit. The ganiiit of sound is run 
 Avitli astouishint;- ccderity. A few hours turns a iz^entle iniirinur 
 into the din ol' a cataract. VVlien the rain-clouds that encircde 
 the Storni-k inn's liea<l, sunder their bonds, the stream breaks 
 loose from its banks, and sjireads desolation in its wayward 
 course. The most memoraide instance of its sudden rising- oc- 
 curred on the evening of August 1st, 1853, and was occasoned 
 by the bursting" of masses of (douds, sometimes called a " water- 
 siioiit." The damag-e done was of a most serious character. 
 Roads were scooped out. embankments torn away, building's 
 d(duged and swejit off, trees uprooted, and iields devastated 
 ^^^ with g"ravel, 
 
 r o c k s a n d 
 drift- wood. — 
 D u r i n g- the 
 freshet, on the 
 liosom ol' the 
 torrent, w a s 
 b o r n e from 
 the hidden re- 
 cesses of the 
 far-off moun- 
 tains a larg'e 
 stump of pe- 
 I'uliar shape, 
 which lodg-ed 
 
 in the gdeii. The eye of the Poet discerned at a g-lance its re- 
 semiilance to the Russian bear. It was removed from its lodg- 
 ing-|)lace, conveyed to the lawn in front of the cottage, and 
 
 TUK (Z.u;. 
 
94 
 
 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 (•liristeiipd witli the uaiuc of 11 ic Czar, in coninieiiHiratidii (if tlic 
 Emperor Nicholas, wliose death had just been annomicfMl. It 
 still occupies the position which he assig-ned to it, surrounded 
 l)y a clump of everg'reens, and with its life-like grotesqneness 
 startles the stranger as he approaches tiie dwelling-. 
 
 The location of the cottage is so peculiar, that the visitor 
 must be close to, or at a great distance from it, to see it. A 
 stranger might travel both of the highways by which it is ;q»- 
 proached, for months, without being aware of its existence. 
 There are two niocles of ap])i'oach — one l>y way of the jihiteaii 
 
 ri,.vrEAr .\Nn rivkr from xe.\r moodna. 
 
 on which the cottag'e stands, the (itiier from tlie river si(h'. 
 througli the glen, over a sonu-what pi'ccipitous and winding 
 road. The upper and lower entrance are Itoth effected through 
 the far-famed Fig-tight Gate. 'I'lie history of this gate is told 
 I >y the Poet in his own (pniint way. "1 had taken ])encil and 
 pa])er to bed (witli a cough wliii-h keeps me sitting upright 
 half the night, and which 1 turn to account by working as a 
 cough-))ower to tiu'n a waking-wheel on any suliject that per- 
 
IDLE-WILD. 
 
 «15 
 
 ])lox(-'s iiic) — an<i had spent liours in tlic coniltination of lines 
 and curves to express Avhat I wanted the entrance to luy cot- 
 taii'e to say. An autobiog^raphy that would latch and swing- upon 
 a hinge, was the amount of it — and I soon found that it was a 
 kind of rehearsal of a grave stone that would reqiiire nion' 
 study than I iiad thought for — but I went to sleej) at last, ovei' 
 one that seemed toleral>ly successful. It looked well by the 
 cool light of th<> next morning; and, making a clean drawing- 
 of it, 1 walked down into the glen and showed it to a laboring- 
 man by whose opinions 1 ' . ^^ 
 usually take the measure 
 of my own. 'Yes, sir,' 
 said he, after looking at it 
 a moment, 'hiif if isn^ ])i<i'' /% 
 fight!'' 1 had ([uite for- ^ 
 gotten that it was to keep Q 
 out pigs as well as let in ^^: 
 friends. It was too open '- „-' 
 at the l»ottom. * i gave I'IC-tkjht (;.me. 
 
 ujt tile idea of letting my own gate tell any iiarticular story, 
 and applied to the architect who huilt my house Ibr a plan of 
 one. He drew it. as he does everything, well — ^l)Ut it does not 
 look at all as ii' it led to }iit\ There it stands, however, lead- 
 ing to Idle-wild. Friends will understand where it promises 
 too niuch." The Poet liad an oft-avowed aversion to the run- 
 ning at large of hogs in the highways, and the crusade he in- 
 stituted against the detestable practice, coupled with its attend- 
 ant success, so far as (Jornwall is concerned, would seem to 
 warrant his canonization under the title of Saint Willis. 
 
 Ill taking leave of a locality the surpassing loveliness of 
 which, both real and ideal, has given it a world-wide celebrity, 
 an answer may reasonably be expected to the question so often 
 put: What privileges are accorded the stranger of visiting- the 
 grounds y We are sorry we can give no definite answer. We 
 recently addressed a note to d. M. Courtenay, Esq., the present 
 )>roprietor of Idle-wild, with a view of securing his wishes upon 
 this point, but, unfortunately, he had just sailed for Europe, 
 wlH're he yet remains. The reader will naturally rfH-all the 
 views oi' the Poet, as ex))ressed to the boy who longed for a 
 
i)(i TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 stroll tliroug'li the ^It'ii, but feared to enter on another's grounds: 
 "Why ! my sweet fellow, it would l>e time for a new delug-e, if 
 any bright spot on the surface of the world could l)e so shut 
 from you ! No ! no ! there is no such right of propei"ty possi- 
 ble in a republic. Fence out pigs, we may — if we know how. 
 and nobody h'aves the gate open — but ti) fence out a genial eye 
 from any corner of the earth which nature has lovingly touched 
 with that pencil which never I'ejjeats itself- — to shut up a glen, 
 or a waterfall for one man's exclusive knowing and enjoying — 
 to lock up trees and glades — shady paths and haunts along 
 rivuh^ts — it would be an embezzlement by one man of (xod's 
 gift to all. A capitalist might as well curtain off a star, or 
 have the monopoly of an hour. Doors may lock, l)ut out-doors 
 is a free-hold to feet and eyes." 
 
 The sentiment of the Poet is truly lieautiful. If he liad lived 
 till to-day, however, whether he would have written in this 
 strain is extremely doubtful. Instead of the st)litary i-hild. he 
 would have daily encountered hundreds clamoring at the Fig- 
 tight gates for admission. To have found the privacy and se- 
 clusion of his home daily invaded by a score or more of sig'ht- 
 seers and tropliy-gatherers woidd have been as distasteful to 
 him as it no doul)t is to his more practical successor. We in- 
 dulge these rejections upon our own responsibility. We are 
 entirely unauthorized to speak for Mr. Courtenay. We know 
 him, however, to l)e a gentleman of refined tastes, educated 
 ability, and remarkable urbanity, and we have no doubt that 
 the civil visitor will be accorded such reasomible and jiroper 
 privileges as one gentlenuiii extends to another. 
 
WALKS AND DRIVES. 97 
 
 mnf^ 'dim imvt^. 
 
 u 
 
 RIVKK-.SIDK HILL. 
 
 Thk Walks and l>riv(>s of Cornwall ai'(^ not only numerous 
 hut clianning'ly l)lcHsant. They could not well l)e otherwise iji 
 a section where the natural surrounding-s are so beautiful. The 
 roads, it is true, liave not yet reached that standard of excel- 
 lence befitting- the travel, l>ut they are steadily improving under 
 a more liberal and enlightened public feeling. We ask the 
 reader to a stroll akmg the more prominent Drives. The ob- 
 jects of interest l»y the way-side will be ]K)inted out. 
 
 On leaving the Ixiat. at the landing, the stranger is ushered 
 upon a tine, capacious dock, crowded with ecpiipages of various 
 kinds. The landaulet of the attluent Metro})olitan stands side 
 by side with the more modest carry-all of the farmer-Boniface. 
 Numerous stages of motley character compete for the patronage 
 of the out-pouring passeng'ers. It is no unusual thing to see 
 over a hundred carriages on the dock, awaiting the arrival of 
 the Powell. Lady and gentlemen equestrians are sprinkled 
 here and there, having come down to welcome expected friends. 
 The scene is an aninuited one and invariably excites the sur- 
 prise of the stranger. The vehicles are soon tilled — or rather, 
 loaded — to the brim, the more unfortniutte taking refuge on the 
 roof-tops of the stages, and the half-mile procession winds its 
 way up the hill to the table-land above. The road is skirted on 
 the left by a snuill stream, which formerly furnished water-power 
 to the mills and brewery, now going- to decay, seen on the edg-e 
 of the road. In the rocky l»ed of tiiis stream, neai' the ancient 
 brewery, some few years since, the body of Mary Blake, a poor 
 but industrious widow-woman, was found. She lived in the 
 cottage below the mill-])oiid, from which she was last seen to 
 emei'ge about lU o'clock in the evening, upon the call of some 
 
98 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 person wliose identity was never established. Alter beini;' mis- 
 sed several days, her murdered body was found as stated. 
 Suspicion attached to a neighboring- party who was arrested, 
 subsequently tried but acquitted of the crime. 
 
 As the brow of the hill is reached, a bridgv on the left crosses 
 the stream we have been following-. We propose leaving- the 
 train of carriages to distril)ute its living- freight, and passing 
 the l)ridge, enter on 
 
 BAY-VIKW AVENLK. 
 
 This is a most beautiful Drive. It appears to the best advant- 
 age at sun-set. Commanding a tine view of the water its whole 
 length, it needs the quiet, subdued shadows of evening to bring- 
 out the beauties of the scene in their full force. The glare and 
 reflection on the water of the noon-day sun destroy the pleasure 
 of the view. The road is pleasantly winding and unpleasantly 
 i<horl. No one that ever tried it but complained of its limited 
 extent. It leads to the point of Storm-king and is not over a 
 iinle in length. 
 
 The white house, sitting well back from the road, on the upper 
 terrace, is the summer residence of Mr. Charles Bellows, of New 
 York. Nearly opposite, on the lower t(n-race. facing the river, 
 is the Clark House, a large and well-kept hotel, named after the 
 proprietor, Mr. Josiah Clark. A little further on, at the foot of 
 the mountain, approached by a |)rivate drive-way, will be found 
 the Storm-king House. 
 
 The turn-switch of the Bay-view Drive is in front of the 
 Birdsall House, which occupies a highly favored position. The 
 road that descends the hill at this point leads to the cottage of 
 Mr. Hull. It may be followed if desired, l)ut as it conducts to 
 private grounds, it is seldom used by the strang-<"r 
 
 The fine, new cottage adjoining- the Birdsall House, is the 
 l»roperty of Mr. B. L. Solomon, of New York, who has become 
 prominently identified with Cornwall interests. In the selection 
 of this site as a home for his declining years, Mr. Solomon has 
 given rise to a remarkable coincidence. He was born in Eng- 
 land, near Land's-end, in Cornwall county. His summer resi- 
 dence is now at Land's-end (as the point of Storm-king is local- 
 ly called) in the town of Cornwall. The stranger will linger 
 for a prolonged view, as he passes Mr. Solomon's house. The 
 
WALKS AND DEIVES. «)t) 
 
 bay is seen at an an,nlc which no other lorality admits ol'. The 
 vyv lias a full sweep to the north, covering- Newhiiro-h, Fishkill, 
 and Dennino-'s [*oint, in the distani-e, witli i'luni Point and the 
 mouth of the A[oodna in the tore^'round. 
 
 Let us now retrace our steps to thi' lirid^'c ironi which we 
 starte<l, and, enlerinL;' the main hig'hwav, continue oiu' journey. 
 At a short distanc(! from the l)rid<j,-e, between tlie residence of 
 Mrs. Fletcher Smith and the Brook-side stables, anotlier road 
 shoots to the left. This is known as 
 
 OHAMPIJX-WAV. 
 
 It leads to the .Mountain House, and, by l)ridle-path, to the to}) 
 of old Cro'-nest, and to West Point. It follows, in part, the 
 si<le of a yawning' chasm, the far-down, unseen depths of which 
 e.xcite the awe of the traveler. The grade is very steep and 
 continued from the Mid-cliff Cottage, where the ascent is begun 
 in earnest. The road-bed, however, is smooth and free from 
 stones. As the Mountain House comes in sight, the view of the 
 river, on looking back, is obstructe(l by a mountain-peak, known 
 by the e.\)iressive name of K'ound-top. .\ ])ath lea<ls to the 
 sunnnit of Kound-to]), on which Miss Hussey has erected a look- 
 out box of (pniint a]»pearance. The view from Round-top is 
 tine, and much sought after by excursionists. The Mountain 
 House consists of two large buildings, detached until recently 
 by a sjiace of about 300 feet. During the spring just past, the 
 iiiter\ening ground has been built u])on, thereby increasing the 
 capacity ot the house. The Mountain House is a favorite resort 
 with those seeking a line view, and mountain air. The archi- 
 tecture of the Imilding is i)eculiar. It was vlesigned by the 
 owner. Dr. E. H. (Jhaniplin, whose study of foreign models re- 
 sulted in the composite structure we see before us. A valuable 
 feature is the broad ))ortico suiTounding tlie secimd Hoor of the 
 house, affording the pleasures of a promemide at all hours, and 
 in all weather. A bowling-alley is provided for the recreation 
 of guests. 
 
 The ascent grows still more pi'ecipilous as we leave the 
 Mountain House behind us. At Peter Brown's, we may note, 
 the easiest route to the top of Storm-king is found. Some con- 
 tinue oil to John Losey Wood's before diverging from the high- 
 way, but the latter route is nunc rugged and difficult. The 
 
100 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 liirgT white house, set in the niouiitaiu recess like a picture in a 
 tVauie, is the well-kiiowu Institute tor Yotni^- Men. fonuerly kept 
 by tlie Rev. Dr. Ledoux, and now by J*rof. ('ol)l). The liuihhnji' 
 heconies familiar to visitors tor miles aroinid, on account ot" its 
 elevated and seemingly isolated position. In iront of the insti- 
 tute, a new road has ix'cently been built by private enterprise, 
 leading- to the pretty chalet of Mr. E. \. Matthiesoii. The cot- 
 tag'e on the lower terrace is that of Dr. i^edou.x. .Mrs. Van Blar- 
 coin's residence is to the east of the institute. We are now on 
 the summit of the mountain. The road skirting the south side 
 of Storm-kiug conducts to the river, atfording the settlers in the 
 " ch)ve '' a land egress t(^ the interior. We would not advise 
 the stranger to penetrate these mountain roads further with 
 wagon unless accompanied by some one familiar with tlieii' iie- 
 culiarities. They will be found steep, i-ougli and narrow. Th(>ir 
 narrowness makes turning an exploit of serious ditticulty, and 
 no convenient turn-outs being provided, the driver, Avishing to 
 return, will suddenly tind his horses at the wrong end of the 
 vehicle. 
 
 In this connection we may liint that the liest time to take any 
 of our mountain-drives, is in the early morning. The superior 
 coolness of the air at that time is fai- more delightful to the 
 toiirist, as it certainly is more acce|)table to the toiling liorses 
 liCt us now return to the main road, which, upon the recent map 
 of Mr. Kirby, the engineer, is laid down as 
 
 HUnSOX STRKKT. 
 
 From the l)row of the hill to where it intersects the Canterbury 
 and Newbtirgh turnpike, Hudson street is lined on either side, 
 al intermitting spots, Avitli stores, dwellings, and boarding- 
 houses. As we pass along, we note a few of the more promi- 
 nent. The first large boarding-house seen on the right is the 
 Lawrence House, recently built. Adjoining it stands Mr. El- 
 mer's well-shaded cottage, formerly the honu' of the well-known 
 dohn McKibbin. A few minutes' (Irive brings us to Willis-ville, 
 but before reaching this locality, the Presbyterian Church will 
 have been noticed on the right, and tlie Temjierance Hall on the 
 left. The large brick building to be seen as you api)roach Wil- 
 lis-ville, is the lu'w Tjil)rary Hall. In tdose proximity, is to lie 
 found the Smith House, a large and well-conducte(l establish- 
 
HUDSON STKEET. 101 
 
 iiiciit. At tliis point tluTc arc two intersecting' roads. The 
 castcu'ly one leads down the liill by Mr. Rycknian's to the river, 
 there eonneetint;' witli Kiver-side Drive, or tlie Sliore Road as it 
 is sonictinics eaUcd. The other is i-alled Park Avenue and ti'a- 
 verses lJiu,-hhuid Park, a most lieautiful tract of land, from wliich 
 spK-ndid views are obtained, at easy grades. The Kivx'r-sidc; 
 road is llie pleasantest noon-day drive we have. It follows the 
 edge of the water its full length, and, skirting the terrace slope 
 as it does, a constant shade attends the traveler. The boating 
 establishment of Dan. Ward is located on this road. Sail and 
 i-owboats and iishiug outfits can be procured at Ward's, at reason- 
 altle rates. A short distance from Ward's, we conre across the 
 mead(nv entrance to Idle-wild. Slooi)-hill is next reached, on 
 the north side of which the road connects with the Canterbury 
 and Xewburgh turn})ike, thus allowing" a circuit return by way 
 of Canterbury, or a continuation to Newburgh, if desired. 
 
 Park A\'enue has the advantage of being a drive every one 
 can take, however limited his time. As it gives a complete 
 bird's-eye view of Ccn'uwall and surroundings, it is a drive that 
 every one ought tt) take. It passes the summer residences of 
 many of our city friends. Mr. James W. Smith, of the Manhattan 
 Gas-light Company, owns the villa property soon seen on the 
 riglit, whilst the Gothic cottage above, faced by a spacious lawn 
 dotted with evergreens massed in clumps, is the residence of 
 Mr. H. H. Salmon. 
 
 As we ascend, the road divides — the branch to the left 
 taking the name of Duncan Avenue. The house in the angh; 
 formed by the two roads is kept by Mr. Theron Turner, for the 
 accommodation of city guests. Duncan Avenue is of limited 
 length, leading oidy to the "old homestead" of the gallant 
 soldier, now maintanined as a select boarding-house by his sis- 
 ters, the Misses Duncan. Tiie grave of the hero is a few steps 
 to the north-west of the house. 
 
 Continuing the ascent of Park Aveiuie a short distance fur- 
 ther, the house oi Mr. Stillman is reached, to be seen on the left. 
 The white house on the right, occupying a connnanding posi- 
 tion, is the residence of Mr. Geo. Moore, President of the West 
 Side Bank, N. Y. After passing thi'ough the gate at the Lodge- 
 house, we enter upon private grounds, and continue our journey 
 
 C 7 
 
102 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 (•ver the ri(lj;e-land of Hiii,-hland Park, eiiierg'iiig- at tlie Lodgu- 
 liuuse at the (»ther extieinity of the Park. Whilst traversing- 
 the ridge, a chariuiiig mountain, river, and valley view is to be 
 liad the whole of the way. 
 
 Let lis return once again to VVillis-ville Scjuare, which, we 
 may (jhserve in passing, should lie tlie site of the proposed 
 monument to the brave Duncan. The narrow road that shoots 
 t(j the north by the side of Library Hall, furnishes an outlet to 
 the occupants of the beautiful villas fronting the river. The plain 
 l>ut commodious brick building, near by, is the District School 
 House. Hudson street now takes an abrupt turn to the west. 
 In the elbow, formed by the turn, stands the Sagamore House, 
 kept by George A. Price. At the crest of the hill wliich tlie 
 road now ascends, a very pleasant detour may lie made over 
 Idle-wild Drive, passing the terrace entrance to the grounds of 
 that name, and emerg-ing on the Newburg'h turnpike by Suther- 
 land's bridge. Following Hudson street, however, we soon 
 come upon the new Catlujlic Church, of which particular men- 
 tion will 1)0 made in another connection. The secluded cottage 
 on the left, with lawn and well-shaded lakelet in front, is the 
 })opular Linden Park House, Alderman C H. Ring", proprietor. 
 We shortly reach the point where Hudson street strikes the 
 Canterbury and Xewburgh turnpike. To the north of this 
 jioint, the road retains the latter name, whilst to the south it 
 is called Main street. About mid-way of the village. Willow 
 avenue, on the right, will conduct the tcmrist to the Woolen 
 Mills and Montana Drive, already spoken of. 
 
 As you emerge from Canterbury on the south, you cross the 
 Stone Bridge. Through the double arch-ways of this antique 
 structure, flow the waters of Idle-wild brook; at times, g'eiitly — 
 at others, madly — wildly. The Stone Bridg'c, with its rude sim- 
 plicity, and rough but substantial masonry, always attracts 
 favorable connnent from the stranger. It was built many, many 
 years ago, fasliioned after no particular model, and without aim 
 at architectural beauty. Yet the graceful curve to the walls, 
 and the winding' sweep to the parapet by which it is guarded 
 on (uther side, give it a rustic charm which no amount of design 
 or art could ever have eftected. The midsummer visitor, who 
 sees the dark and sluggish pool of water beneath the arches, 
 
WEST POINT ROAD. 108 
 
 can li;t,v(' hut ruiiit coiK-('i>1iiiii of tlic Hiigry tonciit into wliicli 
 tliat jxxil is often swollen during- the spring- and autiunn IVesli- 
 els. IMie vHi-ious streams and rivulets of the mountain side, 
 unite in Wringing- watery trilnite to this spot, anil, aftei' a heavy 
 rain, tlie relentless tiood l)(!ats for passage through the now 
 dwarfed areh-ways, and, failing to find it, rusiies impetuously to 
 the soiitii, completely submerging the road-lx-d. Full many a 
 time the old Stone Bridge has withstood the onslaught of the 
 waters; yet there it stands — innnovahle — intact — the victor of 
 a hundred battles. 
 
 Apart from its structural attractiveness, the Stone Bridge 
 possesses an additional iiderest by reason of its geographical 
 position. It is located at the converging point of foui- roads. 
 These four roads may be said to represent a three-tined fork. 
 Tlie main street of Canterbm-y is the handle, and the three roads 
 to the south will do very well for the tines. The northerly of 
 these three roads leads to the Cornwall depot, on the Erie Short- 
 cut, and thence on through Salisbury, Washing'tonville and 
 Hamptonburgh, to (Joslien, and is i-ommonly called the Goshen 
 Road. The southerly road crosst's the mountains, and has long- 
 been known as the West Point Koad. The middle road is one 
 of the oldest in the country, and was lormerly called the King's 
 Highway, from the fact that it was laid out and opened by the 
 colonial govenmient as a portion of the road-connection be- 
 tween New York and All)any. It unites with the State Road, 
 in the Ramapo valley, and continues thenct; to the city. 
 
 We now ask the stranger to accompany us in a walk over tlu' 
 
 WEST I'OIXT ROAD. 
 
 As we proceed, we will find objects of interest, both physical 
 and historical, to awaken attenti()n and repay our trouble. 
 Starting- from the Stone Bridge, the West Point Road takes a 
 south-easterly direction, fornung a foot to the stocking of which 
 Main Street may be called the leg. About live rods distant, on 
 the left, is a frame bridge, leading- to the grounds of the late 
 Wm. C. Hasbrouck, more connnonly known as Highland Park. 
 The cottage by the bridg'e, enshrouded by tirs and pines, was 
 built as a Lodge-lK)Use for th(\ Park. The large white house, 
 immediately opposite, t)n the knoll, and in the angle formed by 
 the King's Highway and the West Point Koad. is the residence 
 
104 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 of Henry F. Chadcayiie, Esq., a mure tliau forty yoars' citizen 
 of Cornwall. 
 
 From this point to the (ireen Bridge, at the foot of the moun- 
 tain, the distance is al)out three-qnarters of a mile. Tlic road 
 is level, g'ently windini^- and well-shaded. Being usually kept 
 in comparatively g'ood (jrder, it furnishes a favorite drive to 
 city visitors. Idle-wild brook runs close by the side of the road, 
 and its purling waters (of which an occasional glimpse may be 
 had through the foliage that lines the banks) fall pleasantly on 
 the ear of the summer rambler. As you proceed, you presently 
 come to the entrance-gate of the Cornwall Track. Several 
 years since, an association was formed, under the corporate 
 name of the Cornwall Driving-park and Pleasure-grounds Asso- 
 ciation, who built tlie track. Considerable money was spent in 
 grading — the intention being to make it as good a track as 
 could be found in the State. The association found itself umii- 
 ble, for lack of means, to carry out the improvements required 
 by the lease under which the grounds were held, and they re- 
 verted to the proprietor, by whom they have ever since been 
 maintained in but indifferent order, but open free to the public. 
 
 As you stand in tlie elbt)w formed by the West Point Eoad 
 near the Cornwall Track entrance, and hjok southward and u})- 
 ward, y(ju see a range of towering mountains extending from 
 the stately Storm-king in the east to the lofty Pochunck in the 
 south-west. The angle of vision is here such as to produce 
 the most favorable impression of the altitude and grandeur of 
 our Cornwall mountains. You are are directly beneatli them. 
 The valley in which you stand is about three hundred feet above 
 the waters of the Hudson. The two elevated peaks immediate- 
 ly in front are probably as lofty as any in the Highlands. The 
 more easterly is known as Black-rock, and derives its name 
 from the dark and sombre appearance its treeless and weather- 
 stained sides present. The westerly peak has never been 
 named. Its summit is densely covered with forest grciwth, 
 wearing in summer a bright emerald hue, and in winter a sub- 
 dued but cheerful gray. The enlivening contrast it presents to 
 the dark and gloomy countenance of Black-rock, suggests the 
 name of Mount Cheerful, by which we propose to call it in fu- 
 ture. 
 
WEST POINT KOAD. 105 
 
 The West Point lload traverses the westerly side of Mount 
 Cheerful until it strikes the deiile formed by the southerly side, 
 :ui<l then shoots off to the table-land beyond. From the point 
 at which we have been takino- „ur observations, it hardly seems 
 possible that a carriage road could be made to cross the moun- 
 tains. The sunnuit to be passed is apparently so near and really 
 so high as to give the impression of being impassable. A 
 floscT inspection, however, will disclose numerous ravines and 
 gulches (shut out from' view by intervening peaks), through 
 which a road of tolerable fair grade is made to wind. 
 
 The necessity of land ccjmmunication between West Point 
 and Newburgh, no doubt was early felt, and gave rise to the 
 present road, which dates its existence anterior to the Revolu- 
 tion. There was, and is yet, another route of egress from the 
 Point, traversing the town of Monroe, and debouching in the 
 Eamapo valley; but this was lengthy, circuitous and inade- 
 quate to the wants of the people. 
 
 Let us now continue our footsteps and begin the ascent of the 
 mountain. You cross the Green Bridge, which spans one of 
 the tributaries of Idle-wild brook, and after passing a few 
 houses to the left, commence the ascent. And here let us 
 pause to remark the difference between walking on level ground 
 and climbing a mountain road. Ordinary walking has many 
 charms, and no doubt can l)e expressed of its beneficial effects 
 on man— be he sick or well. But for novel sensations and 
 life giving influences, commend us to a smart strcjU along 
 the Ull-sides ! You take it in winter. The air is crisp and 
 bracing. Under its exhilerating influence, the pulse quickens 
 —the eye brightens— the cheeks redden, and the flesh tingles. 
 Every muscle\)f the body is brought into play, whilst the mind 
 is e(pially busy in selecting a foothold. The elenient of hazard 
 which is associated to a greater or less extent in the climbing 
 ol' all rugged mountains, keeps the eye unwearied, and nerves 
 the whole frame into a joyous state of activity. But let us pro- 
 ceed with the journey ! The acclivity keeps growing steeper 
 and steeper as we go on. The road is narrow— just sufficient 
 for the passage of a single vehicle— and in places cut deep 
 through the mountain slope. The water-shed from the adjoin- 
 iii«-- lan.l would soon turn the road into a brook after rains, were 
 
106 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 it IK tl for certain artificial appliances, called "breaks," wliich 
 are ]jlaced trarisverse the road, at a distance of every few rods 
 apart, and condnct the water to one side. These " l)reaks " are 
 roniicd by monldinj^" the earth well np, tlierehy intensifying- the 
 u'rade at tlu^ jxtints of their location. 
 
 When ahont one-third w]) the mountain, upon turning- around, 
 yoii have a fair view of \ewburg;h bay, but none of the river 
 below, which is shut out by the intervening- Highland Park. A 
 very picturesque ravine lays to the west, running onward and 
 upward, till lost in the distance. The road that now liranch(^s 
 to tli*^ rig-Jit leads to Sutherland's ])ond. 
 
 Leaving it behind, we toil upward, until we reach a point in 
 tiie road where a halt is always acceptable. About three rods 
 oil", on the left, is the famous Continental Spring. Local tradi- 
 tion has it, that during- the Revolution, a detachment of the 
 American army encamped in this neig-hborhood, and hence the 
 name by which the spring is known. The M'ater oozes from 
 tlie solid rock, and is deliciously cool, bright and sparkling. 
 Tiie spring has never been known to go dry. 
 
 A huge rock, shelving to the very edge of the beaten road, 
 will serve as a guide to the spring", which will be found imme- 
 diately below, a sliort distan(;e onlj' from the road on the left. 
 \V{' are now fast approaching- the sunnnit. Just befon' it is 
 reached, the small stream which courses the gorge to the right, 
 widens into twin pools, sustained by basins of solid stt>ne form- 
 ed by the dip of the rock. The water plays from one to anoth- 
 er of these natural basins, giving rise to a series of falls t-alled 
 the Naicnrs Bath Fal/x. Th(\v are close to the road, and yet 
 probably unknown to many who have passed the way scores of 
 times. Tlie tiiicket which skirts the road, conceals them from 
 view, when the foliage is on. They are (|uite a curiosity in 
 their way, and sliould be examined. The bridle path to Black-- 
 7-or/(-, starts just o|)])osite the falls. There being no direction 
 ))ost, it nuty not be amiss to caution the stranger of the danger 
 oi" losing his way. A g-uide should be always taken along. 
 l*'or those who have not provided one, we will entleavor to de- 
 s(-i-ibe the way. After leaving the main road, a small hea]> ol' 
 stones will lie seen on eitiier side ol' a beaten |)atli. Ry going 
 hflirt-fit them, instead of pursning the more inviting wood-road 
 
WEST POINT ROAD BLAGK-ROCK. 107 
 
 to tlic soiitli, tlic pnipcr direction will Ix' entered (in. A care- 
 i'nl eye will detect the route from the distinct churacter of the 
 verdnre beneath the i\n)\, and the occasional cleariiii;- ol' the 
 interhicint;- coppice. A walk of a half mile a Ion ji,- <;'round some- 
 what roui;-h hut not (jver-steep, will bring us to the base {>f the 
 rock, which rises aliruptly to a height of sonu; eighty feet. 
 
 The rock is ascended by means of a natural stair-way, to 
 which attention is directed by a li(,>a)) of stones. The stei)S are 
 lormed by ledges, and pursue a zig-zag course along the slant 
 of the rock. With a guide to lead, the top is reached with 
 comparative ease. \o one should miss taking the view»from 
 Black-rock. It cannot be surpassed, for grandeur and variety, 
 by any in the world. It bears strong similitude to that obtain- 
 ed from the Higi in Switzerland. Of course the range is more 
 limited, and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps are wanting. 
 But the prominence of each detail in the panorama more than 
 compensates for the lack in scope. The happy mean between 
 limitless and contracted vision is here to be found. The out- 
 lying objects are brought forth with a distinctness which allows 
 the eye to grasp and understand them. Immediately under the 
 feet lies the mountain-side, with its convergent chasms meeting 
 in the low-down valley; to tlu! right. Deer-hill, Storm-king, 
 ( ■astle-hill, and Cro'-nest, lift their lofty heads. The Duchess 
 mountains hem the river to the north-east — the North-beacon 
 and South-beacon towering high above their more modest com- 
 panions. To the north, the Shawangunk range tVu'ms the lower 
 tier, and al)0ve them, in the extreme distance, the Catskill 
 spread their cloud-supporting shoulders. To the west lies the 
 Schunnemunk, with the shadows ever playing fitfully along its 
 screen of living green, from broken-backed Pea-ridge to a ])oint 
 where they lose themselves in the distance. Turning to the 
 south and behind, the view is narrowed by isolated peaks, 
 springing from the summit-plateau about us. 
 
 Having traced the mountain rim to the picture, the eye falls 
 upon the smiling valley, bathed in a flood of sun-light, and 
 stretching its V)road, fat acres in every direction up to the very 
 edge of the mountain slopes. The sparkling waters of (Corn- 
 wall bay, and the riv(n--e.\t<'nsion for thirty miles upwards, lays 
 b(4bre vou — ^handets, villages, and cities, are scattered about. 
 
108 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 Newl)urg-h is in full view and its streets can almost be counted. 
 Opposite to the hill-side city, Fishkill is seen, and still further 
 back, in a mountain g'allery, the sprightly little village of Mat- 
 teawan can be discerned. Following the river-bend, in the far- 
 distance, Poughkeepsie, with her smoke-clouded sky, rounds 
 out the picture. 
 
 A stop of several hours should be made on Black-rock. The 
 view is one that changes with eveiy passing- cloud. We would 
 recommend an over-cast day as the most fitting for a visit. One 
 of the prettiest sights is the play of the sun-lig'ht and shadow 
 along; tlie mountain-sides, and a cloudy day helps to vary the per- 
 formance. There are plenty of sequestered spots, near the sum- 
 mit of tlie rock, inviting a stroll. A favorite one is to the east, a 
 few rods off, where the Lover^a Eoeking-done will be foimd, sur- 
 rounded, and quite hidden from prurient eyes, by clumps of 
 dwarf evergreens. This stone, weig'hing several tons, is so 
 equipoised that a child of ten can move it from side to side. It 
 is sufficiently low to the ground to form a convenient seat for 
 two. Ladies must remember, whilst occupying it with their 
 remote intended, that to incline away to escape the coming- 
 kiss, will surely set the stone a-rocking. 
 
 If the journey to Black-rock has been taken in the morning, 
 and the rambler is not too much wearied, he ma}^ continue on 
 to the south over the summit-plateau. As he once again resumes 
 tiie main road, he finds himself traversing an extended plain, 
 with evidences of rude husbandry on either side. The proprie- 
 tor of this mountain farm is Mr. William Chatfield. His home, 
 in the sliape of a substantial stone building, comes to view at 
 tlic turn tlie road makes in front of the house. Every thing 
 here invites to a halt. A well stands close by the road on the 
 terraced lawn and a request for a di])per will be graciously 
 granted by the host or his cheery wife. A driidv from this 
 iiioiiiitain well — clear, pure and cold — will never be forgotten. 
 It will cling to the memory, in after life, like a fond dream. A 
 few inonu'nts with Mr. (■hatiield will show him to be a genial 
 host, ol' more than ordinary intclligeni-e and quite coinmunica- 
 live. His long experieni-e in the mountains would make him 
 an invaluable guide. In this (^ipaeity he sometimes acts when 
 his farm engagements will permit. To those unable to bear 
 
WEST POINT ROAD -GIANT'S HAUNT. 109 
 
 the i'ati<>'iio of the ascent, we would advise riding* as far as Mr. 
 (Miattield's, wliere their liorses can be stabled, and, whilst a 
 a dinncn- is being prepared, they can make the tour of the moun- 
 tains. We presume Mr. Chatfield will furnish entertainment, to 
 tliose that apply, for a reasonable compensation. 
 
 In pursuing our journey from this point, a guide is indispen- 
 sable ill the suiiiiiier time. In the winter, when the foliage is 
 off, the more elevated ])eaks, aided by tree and rock-marks, will 
 direct the way. A sliort distance from Mr. Ciiatfield's, a wood- 
 road shoots to the right. By following it we presently come 
 upon th(» Giaiit^s Haunt. Early legends ascribe to these moun- 
 tain tops the homes of titans, gnomes, giants and fairies. There 
 is much in the surroundings to favor the conceit, for as we look 
 about we feel like exclaiming, with the author of the Knicker- 
 bocker: "Here it would seem that the gigantic titans had erst 
 waged their impious war with heaven, piling up cliffs on cliffs 
 and hurling vast masses of rock in wild confusion !" The 
 Giant's Haunt is the out-cropping- pinnacle of a series of as- 
 cending rocks and has more frequently been called SpjM-ock, 
 from the extended view it connnands. Immediately beneath, on 
 the west, a grotto is roofed b}^ the over-hanging rock, where the 
 giant doubtless took his repose, sheltered from sun and rain. 
 Whilst descending to this retreat the last time, he dropped his 
 slipper, which, turned to stone, over six feet in length, in perfect 
 shape, is still to be seen and is known as the Giant's Slipper. 
 
 Striking out a path through the tangled under-growth, and 
 proceeding in a south-westerly direction, we traverse the plain 
 which separates the Giant's Haunt from a more elevated peak 
 in the distance for whi(;h we are bound. The gnmnd is rough 
 and strewn with loose boulders. The whip-like branches of the 
 coppice necessitates procession in Indian tile at lengthened dis- 
 tances. In our tramp over these almost trackless glens, we 
 nu'(>t with many objects new to the eye. Flowers of the most 
 exquisite beauty — shrubs of unknown kind — trees, some of tlie 
 most perfect symmetry; others of gnarled and gTotesque shape — 
 and rocks of curious form, most cunningly placed. The large 
 number of ant-iiills that are seen will recall the lines of the poet: 
 
 " Over the grass and through the brake, 
 Where toils the ant and sleeps the snake." 
 
1 1 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 For tlu' bpuofit of those to wliom tlio (Mose of the couplet may 
 be nii))h'usiiiitly sug-jj-estive, we may say, no venomous snakes 
 av<' found in the mountains. 
 
 We soon reach tlie Pic-nir Hock, a table summit f>f ])latforni 
 rock covered with Jiioss and lichen, and provided with numerous 
 blocks of stone, of varying" size, which answer for chairs and 
 tables. If the hamper has been brought along, this is the ])lace 
 to open it. It is astonishing how the appetite shar|>ens on these 
 mountain heights, and how the fatigue, so strongly felt in the 
 early ascent, disappears on iidialing the jjure and invigorating 
 air which surrounds tliem. 
 
 In renewing our steps we note the charred and withered a|)- 
 pearaiice of the trees, caused by the flames which swejtt o\t'i- 
 this ])art of the mountains a few years ago. In this connection 
 it may not be amiss to caution the stranger against the careless 
 throwing away of a match after lighting a «Mgar. The most 
 serious damag'e, entailing the loss of thousands, has been done 
 l)y this simple but thoughtless act. 
 
 The rocky peak wliich we now a])pr(»ach is Erlin^a BJtiJf'. It 
 was here tliat Erlin, the fairy (jueen's favorite page, first spied 
 the sails of the Half-moon, as she rounded Teller's Hoint. At- 
 tracted l)y so unusual an appearance, he hastened his Hight to 
 ascertain its nature. The story is told so well l)y Judge Monell, 
 ill liis Washington's Head-quarters, that we beg- to quote: 
 
 "The Legend of the Huds(m Highlands, as related lirst by 
 Hendrick Hudson, is recorded by Professor Ingraham, and re- 
 ferred to by Diederick Knickerbocker in his History of New 
 York, and by the ])oet Drake in The Culjuit Fay. As the story 
 goes, th(Me was a deep lake completely shut in by the High- 
 lands, b(d(tw Storm-king and Bull-hill, which were then joined 
 together and constituted one range. This was tlie ]irison hc^use 
 oi" evil demons, who were to remain here till this new world 
 became the inheritance of the chihlren of the old; but tlu^y 
 having rebelled at this decree, were shut up in the Palisades 
 and in the south side of Storm-king. They have no power of 
 utterance, except as they n^peat sounds heard on earth. Thus 
 through the walls of tlieir prison house you can hear the rever- 
 beration of thunder and the echo of human voices. These de- 
 mons were thrust into their dungeon through a crevice into 
 
WEST POINT ROAD ERLIN'S BLUFF. 1 1 I 
 
 wliicli was poured an ig-ncoiis rock, melted in the lower re*i-ioiis 
 and supposed to be impervious. In 1868 some darinji;- ex})eri- 
 menters I'ormed a i)lan to take out this roek, remelt it and i)repare 
 it to hold .s/>/V//.s ol" anotWer Imt not less destructive nature. It 
 was found, however, to l)e too strongly impreg-nated with sul- 
 phur from l)elow for manufacturing i>urposes, and too sugg-est- 
 ivc to he agreeahle. VVHien the demons were imprisoned the 
 titans, gnomes, kelpies, giants, org'ies, and ttther superhuman 
 beings, were ])ermitted to remain among" the rocks about okl 
 ('ro'-nest. They were malevolent in their luitun; and hated 
 mankind, ever seeking- their destruction. They had a tradition 
 which ran thus: 
 
 '• Orgies, siauts, kelpies, guoniea ! 
 Fly, fly youi- aiicieut home.s ! 
 Wheu au elf shall thrice defeud 
 A maid 'gainst whom ye all contend- 
 Then, then, your power shall end." 
 
 On' the mountain opposite wh<'re these evil g'enii dwelt, the 
 queen of fairies held her eltin court, always ready to protect 
 mortals. She had a favorite page called Erliii, who, while on 
 an errand hir his ipieen, saw a white sail enter the Hig'hlands 
 below Peekskill. Curiosity led the young* pagv to drop unseen 
 upon its canvas, when a beautiful woman, Hudson's daug"hter, 
 appeared on the deck. Charmed by her beauty he overstaid 
 his time, and while returning* was delayed still further by hear- 
 ing- an uproar in the cliff of a rock, the council-chamber of the 
 evil g-enii. He passed noiselessly into a nook in the cave, and 
 there heard them plot the destruction of the vessel which they 
 had seen approaching-. They determined to lift her out of the 
 Avater and dash her against the rocks, or raise a storm in which 
 she might be wrecked, (»r else cru,sh her by hurling- down up- 
 rooted trees and immense rocks. A gnome, of enormous size, 
 who lived in a cave beneath Kosciusko's garden, was to com- 
 mence the work of destruction as the Half-in<ton came into view 
 the next morning rounding the headland of West Point. The 
 council having luoken up, Erlin escaped to his home, inventing 
 a lie to excuse his delay. With the morning light he was off 
 on his daily errands. Being a good spirit he had the power of 
 counteracting tlu^ schemes (»f the enemies of mankind, and iii 
 this case he determined to do so at all hazards for the love he 
 
112 TOWN OF COKNWALL. 
 
 bore to tlie beautiful maiden. He therefore perched himself, 
 with his white wiugs transparent as lig'ht, on the sails of the 
 vessel, so that the gnomes and other evil beings could not lift 
 her out of the water. Thus baffled, th«y conjured up a storm ; 
 but notwithstanding the violent wind and dashing waves she 
 sailed on as usual. Then they pulled up enormous ti'ees and 
 rocks and hurled them down from the mountain ; but Erlin flew 
 from one to another, and they fell at once short of their mark. 
 Then came the fultillment of the tradition, for " amid loud bel- 
 lowings and wailings " the monsters were hurled back by an 
 invisible power, into the dark chambers of Storm-king, where 
 they remain to this day The storms whicli gather and break 
 upon its sunnnit and often dash down its ribbed sides to the 
 valley below ; the gusts of winds that often strike the thought- 
 less mariner as he passes its base, as also the startling echo 
 whicli breaks from the perpendicular wall on its south face, 
 may be attributed to the almost smothered power of the caged 
 monster. Erlin had violated his vows by falling' in love with a 
 mortal. 
 
 '•■ He had dared to love au earthly maid, 
 And left her for his woodlaud shade." 
 
 The genii proclaimed it as they were departing from earth, 
 and he was arraigned in the Elfin Court. 
 
 "Fairy, Fairy! list and mark! 
 
 Thou hast broke thine elfin charm ; 
 Thy flame wood lamp is quenched and dark. 
 
 And thy wings are dyed with a deadly stain : 
 Thon hast sullied thine elfin purity 
 
 In the glance of a mortal maiden's eye." 
 
 After a fair trial, he was condemned to vast labors and the 
 performance of various tasks and penances, before he could be 
 restored, an account of which is given by Drake injiis inimita- 
 ble poem. The Culprit Fay. These having been done, " all the 
 shadowy tribes of air" were called tipon to 
 
 " HaU the wanderer again 
 
 With dance and song and lute and lyre : 
 Pure his wings and strong his chain. 
 And doubly bright his fairy fire." 
 
 Tlie I'airies still liold court in tlieir ancient dwelling-place, 
 and all lovers, and those who are pure in heart, i-aii iiear tlic 
 
WEST POINT llOAD— NATUllAL BRIDGE. 1 1 M 
 
 tlutti'iiii- <.r tlK-ir wii)j;-s :uul sec the (hinciii- ..f their wliite 
 feet (111 the wutevs when 
 
 '■ The moon looks down on okl Cro'-ucHt, 
 Aud mellows the shades on her shaggy breast." 
 
 The view tVoiii Erliii's BlutV is entirely (lit1["erent from uny we 
 liave as yet taken. A hundred hills raise their rounded tops 
 about us, resembling- a vast eueamiimeiit of m.)untain tents. 
 Beneath, a deep-down valley g'oro-e stretches four hundred feet 
 away. We cast a stime, but long before it reaches the ground 
 below, it disappears from sight. The di/z/y rock on which we 
 stand, shelves abruptly towards the abyss, and care must be 
 taken' to avoid slipping off. The wind, always fresh, sometimes 
 a gale (reminding one of the Teufels-brucke over the Reuss), 
 ink'usifies the danger. The traveler must also beware of the 
 llutschelni (hat-rogue) who, as he rides along on the violent 
 gust, plays unfortunate tricks with the hats of the unwary. 
 '^ Looking to the south-west, we see the towering head of Mt. 
 Rascal, which marks the boimdary line of Cornwall and the 
 town of Highlands. The house at the green opening in the 
 mountains, OT the same range of vision, is the residedce of J. 
 Odell, and the division line passes through it and continues on 
 to Mr. Chatfield's, so as to just leave that sturdy mountaineer in 
 the town of Cornwall. To the south-east, we catch a glimpse, 
 in the far-distance, of Peekskill, Teller's Point, Tappan Sea, and 
 Sing-Sing. On the same line will be seen St. Anthony's Nose, 
 the'bunderberg and Bear-hill, and the historic region of Fort 
 Montgomery where the forts stood. In the extreme south, on 
 one of the mountain slopes, we see the house of Quaker Hollett, 
 s(j kindly remembered by Mr. Willis, in one of his eariy letters. 
 Hard by, but not to be visited at present, is the Natural 
 Bridge, which the Poet describes as being a massive porch, 
 coverii'ig the last stair of a staircase by which a cascading 
 stream descends into a mountain lake. Three lovely things so 
 close together as that leaping cascade, that singular archway, 
 and the lake below, could hardly be found, even in the conipo- 
 siti.in of a landscape painter. The long sheet of water narrows 
 to this point, like a receding aisle ending at a glittering altar- 
 step, and far down is a little fairy island standing out from the 
 shore— the garden of wild-tiowers, periiaps, to which the de- 
 
114 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 sceiiding tstrcain has its eiTHiid. VVliat Naiad, oi' name as yvX. 
 by poet unuttered, comes down those briglit steps through tiie 
 hemh)ck ^Tove, and, layinjj,' ott lier t'oaining- mantel under the 
 rocky porch, glides silently along the smooth Hoor of tlie lake? 
 Here is a poem in the mountains — wanting" only its eclio inked 
 over. It is related that a clergyman who had once been sent to 
 see the l)ridge, rode across it without suspecting it was under 
 him, though he might have seated his country congregation 
 under the shelter of the rock. The bridge forms part of the 
 common horse-path around the head of the lake. There is no 
 day-light under it, however. The stream, on the upper side, 
 dashes into a dark cave and is lost to sight; and it comes out 
 of another dark cave on the lower side, the two caves Ix'ing 
 separated by a partition of solid rock, under the deep-down 
 h^undations of which the water finds its invisible way. The 
 well, across which this partition-rock extends, is open on the 
 side next the lake and has been plunnneted to the deptli of 
 sixty feet. It is always kept full by springs, even when tiie 
 cascade dries up with summer heats — a reservoir of cool and 
 pure water, ready made for the happy scenery-lover, who will 
 one day make his home upon this prettiest cottage-site in the 
 world. 
 
 From Erlin's Bluff we have a view iA' /our of the seven lakes 
 which can be seen from the peak near Quaker Hollett's. Two 
 f)f them lay directly beneath — the two which so challenged the 
 Poet's admiration; "But the difference of level, betw(H'n these 
 two beautiful sheets of water, laying around us, was startlingly 
 novel as an effect in so wild a landscape. There w/u'e two par- 
 ticularly, into either of which it looked as if we might almost 
 drop a pebble — own, fifty Ximi below us, on the right hand of the 
 peak where we stood, and another, three or four hundred feet 
 b<'low us on the left— like two silver l)alance scales, of which 
 one had sunk into the valley and the other had mounted to tlie 
 sky. These lofty cloud tanks are from two to four miles in cir- 
 cumference, and each one seems formed into a cup by four 
 mountains — vases with scalloped rims — and their- ('(Iges and 
 steep sides looked to be of unl)roken foliage and wildness." 
 
 VV^hilst drijiking in the beauty of so lovely a spot, well might 
 the Poet, in the first flush of a justihalile entlmsiiisiii, c.xclaini: 
 
WEST POINT ROAD -POISED KOCK. 115 
 
 " \Vli;it stiips tor siiiiiiricr liMiiiits ! To tliiiik. tliiit t'ni- the itricc 
 (tf a small lumsc in a l)rii-k block in New York — say for the ten 
 tliousand dollars whicli a man pays tor a barely respectable 
 nnmiier in a street — he niif>'ht here build a cottaj^e, and own a 
 mountain and a lake tor its belonj;'in^"s !" 
 
 To (he lover of mountain scenery, Erlin's Blufi' is far superior 
 to Blac-k-rock. It is the only spot in Cornwall where a view out 
 of the back window of the town can be had. In partinji' from 
 it, we [)ursue an easterly direction, taking' a contrary path to 
 that by which we came. On a lower peak, not far oft", we stop 
 for a moment for a glance at the Forexf (yDean Mint', to lie seen 
 in the distance, the huts of the niiiiers indicating- the locality. 
 This mine is one of the oldest in the country, and still yields an 
 abundance of valuable ore. Prior to the capture of Fort Mont- 
 g'omery, in 1177, there was a furnace connected with the mine. 
 It made just twenty-one blasts, when the tires were extinguished 
 and they have never been re-lit. The ore from which the chain- 
 obstructions in the Hudson were made, came from this mine, 
 and was torged at the smitlu-ry on the Moodna, hereafter to l»e 
 spoken of. 
 
 As we regain the road once more, we come suddenly upon one 
 of those gleaming lakes with which these mountains are inter- 
 spersed. x\t the southerly end of the lake, close to the road, on 
 the light, will be seen a im^tst remarkable freak of nature — the 
 Foiaed Rock-. Rocks placed in a similar position are (juite com- 
 mon on tlie mountain tops. They are, doubless, erratic blocks 
 of stone, deposited by ancient g'laciers, at a period when the 
 strut'ture of our mountains and the climate were far ditterent 
 and more; rigorous than they now are. The Poised Rock is a 
 paralellogram in shape, having two sides, the upper and lower, 
 ten feet in length, and the ends about four feet. It measures 
 eighteen feet in circumference, and being formed of g'ranite, 
 will weigh about fifteen tons. This huge rock stands by itself 
 alone, lifted entirely fnjm the pedestal rock on which it rests, 
 except at one i>oint. This point of contact is not over four 
 inches scpuire. It is supjwrted on the extreme westerly end by 
 a Hat stone, eight inches high — eig"liteen inches long and tifteen 
 wide. A round chunk of stone raises it on the north side. 
 The altitude from the outer edge on the south side to the 
 
IK) 
 
 TOWN OF CORNWALL. 
 
 gruund is three feet seven inches, whilst on the inirth it is only 
 two feet one inch. As you look at it, the first thoug-ht is, that 
 it has been {)laced in its perched position by the hand of man, 
 but a more careful inspection will show that nature was the la- 
 borer. It is a curiosity well worth visiting". Our ramble 
 through the mountains must now be brought to a close. Wo 
 might continue on to West Point, to Highland Falls, to the diff- 
 erent mountain lakes, and other points of interest, but our 
 space compels a return to Canterbury, from which we will con- 
 duct the reader on a different but no less attractive jaunt. 
 
DRR^ES ABOUT CORNWALL. I 1 
 
 5;mrsj ^liitnil 4^ '^^^^"'^'^■'^t 
 
 Within couvoiioit (Iriviiig- (listaiicc o\' Coniwall are many 
 (ihjccts of interest to the visitor. The adjoining- towns of New 
 VViixlsor and Newburg-li are menu)ra])h' for the conspicuons 
 part they phiyed in the stnii^'gh" for Independence. No other 
 section of oni' conntry is more repU'te with Revohitionary inci- 
 (■i,l,>,it — no other part more haMowed hy associations of an ah- 
 sorlting character. It was here that the more ])roiuinent ofticers 
 of the patriot army liad their head-quartei-s — here that they 
 phmned and sorrowed, sorrowed and planned, during the dark 
 and troublesome days which preceded the consunnnation oi' 
 liieir ettorts. Tiie disasters of Forts Alontgomery and Clinton 
 
 the treachery of Arnold — the attempts to obstruent the river 
 
 — the Newburgh addresses- — the proclamation of peace, and 
 disbandment oi' the army in front of the old house at Newburgh 
 are, each and all, epochs in our history familiar to the reader. 
 
 Tiie drive to Newburgh aifords an opportunity of viewing a 
 nund)er of objects jirominently identified witli (mr early history. 
 'Hie road leaves Canterbury and runs in a north-easterly direc- 
 tion. Soon after emerging from ihe village proper, a road lead- 
 ing to Willis-ville and River-side shoots to the right. The New- 
 burgh road continues on. A guide-board in tiie triangular 
 space formed by the intersection of the two roads, directs the 
 stranger. The low-roofed dwelling on the left, buried in sum- 
 mer in the spray of venerable willoAVs, is one of the oklest in 
 the town. During the devolution it was t)ccupied as a store by 
 the grandfather of its present owner. 'S(|uire Robert PI Ring, 
 and at times served the purpose of a guard-house, a detach- 
 ment of troops from the New Windsor camp-ground being al- 
 ways stationed in the vicinity. As we proceed on our way wv 
 soon rt-ach the Sutherland bridge, whicli at this point spans 
 Idle-wild brook. After crossing the bridge, (rlen-brook Cottage 
 
118 MANHATTAN WELL. 
 
 is seen to the left. It was here that Mr. Willis stopped, upon 
 first coming to Cornwall. A century ago the building was a 
 rude hut. It has been re-modeled and improved to such an ex- 
 tent that it is now one of the tastiest cottages around us. It 
 presents another interest, by reason of its having been the 
 birth-place and home of the unfortunate and beautiful girl who 
 subsequently met so tragic a deatli. 
 
 The story of Manhaffan Well is one of the saddest ever por- 
 trayed by the pen of the romancist, and founded, as it is, on 
 facts, furnishes the strongest evidence of the force of the trite 
 saying, " truth is stranger than fiction." In a recent publi- 
 cation by Carleton, entitled (iuilty or not (4uilty, the true 
 story of Manhattan Well is given, by a gifted relative of the 
 unfortunate heroine. It Avas over the portal of this ancient 
 dwelling that (xiuelma Sands stepped, in the month of June, 
 1797, to take up a residence in the great city away. She was 
 scarce fifteen, and possessed of remarkable beauty. Her man- 
 ners were (jf that marked innt)cence and simplicity, for which 
 the sect (Quaker) to which she belonged is renowned. The 
 house in the city to which she repaired was located in Green- 
 wich street, near Chambers — in those days the aristocratic 
 quarter of the city. On Sunday evening, December 22, 1799, 
 she leit her home in company, as was supposed, of one Levi 
 Weeks. She never I'eturned. Twelve days afterward her body 
 was found in Manhattan Well, wliich at that time stood in tlu' 
 sulnirbs of the city. Its precise location was discovered in 
 18C9, by the occupant of No. 155 Spring street, who, in digging 
 in his garden, came upon its remains. This well had been dug 
 with a view of supplying the city with water, but for some 
 reason or other the undertaking was abandoned and the exca- 
 vation covered with loose boards. Weeks was brought to trial, 
 and was defended by an illustrious trio of counsel — Alexander 
 Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and Edward P. Livingston. He was ac- 
 (juitted, through a break in the chain of evidence. The excite- 
 ment among the populace over the search, at the funeral, and 
 over the trial, produced a sensation which long lingered in the 
 uiernory of those who witnessed it. 
 
 At the brow of the gentle hill which the road now mounts, 
 we come upon the capacious and favorite hotel, kept by James 
 
NEWBURGH ROAD. 11<) 
 
 G. Koe, known us tlie (ik'ii-rid^'c House, lu tlic winter of '11- 
 '72, Mr. Hoe increased his iicconunodations l)_v l)uildin^' tlic i)res- 
 ent indarg-ed structure, which, without hiying- pretentions to 
 arcliitectural beauty, supplies tlie demands of liis numerous 
 i;-uests. The vimd to the ri*;-ht, riuiuing' in the rear of the hotel, 
 leads across tlu; lands of Mr. Roe, and connects with Idle-wild 
 Di-ive by means of a brid<;e over the brook, near David ('lark's 
 mills. 
 
 Resuming' the Newburgh road, the settlement in the tlale on 
 the left, is known as Koe-ville. It embraces tlie homes of some 
 of our Cornwall laborers and meciuinics, most ol" wjiom own 
 theii- property in fee. A short distance further on, a new ave- 
 nue over the lands, late of Judge (i-eorge, now^ of some N(;w 
 York capitalists, is in course of construction. The road up to 
 this point has been comparatively level. We now approach the 
 descent, wliich leads us to the valley of tlu; Moodna. The cone- 
 like elevation to the right is Sloop-hill, which, asi(h' from its 
 connection with the (^arly settlement of the town, has IJevolu- 
 tionary interest as a signal station from whose suunnit watch- 
 tires threw forth their lurid tlames, at the a})proach of danger. 
 The origin of the name is involved in obscurity. It has been 
 suggest(Ml that the name was given in commemoration of the 
 fact that sloops found a favorite anchoring spt)t in the waters 
 at its base, in early times. The Moodna, which empties at this 
 point, was formerly navigable to vessels of light burthen, a 
 sliort distance up; but the continued deposits of earth and sand 
 at the mouth, have made a succession of shoals where once the 
 water was deep. 
 
 Sloop-hill marks the uorthei'ly Itoundary of the town of Corn- 
 wall. The line i)egius at the viver and, running across the tup 
 of the hill, continues in a westerly direction until it strikes the 
 town of Blooming-grove. The beautiful villa in the angle, 
 formed by the road we are traveling and the Moodna Drive, is 
 now occupied l)y Mrs. Hoffman, the widow of Ogden Hoifman, 
 the eminent lawyer and statesman. It was formerly built and 
 owne<l by David Sands, the father of J. & B. Sands, the New 
 York druggists of Sarsa])arilla fame. The view from the (idge 
 of the bank, at this point, is one of the finest we have of the 
 northern gate to the Highlands. 
 
J 20 NEWBTTIKIH ROAD. 
 
 Leaving' tiic Moixliia Drive iiiiU()tic<Hl lor the |)r<'st'iit. we coii- 
 liiiucoii toward \ewl>urj>li. .lust as voii enter on tlie hriilj^c. 
 a small eottao-e. with the sij;-ii of Moofhw, Fosf-qpij-e, grv^^tt^ you. 
 This siu'ii was caused to be painted and ereeted by the genius 
 i>\' Idle-wild, to whose exertions the place is indebted tor its 
 present name 'I'lu^ cottag'e was t'ornierly ticcupied by the toll- 
 H'atherer, who exacted tribute for eacii ))assag'e over the brid^ic. 
 Thanks to the more liberal policy which animated Xewbui'gh. 
 New Windsor, and Cornwall, the rights of the Bridge Company 
 were secni'ed. in 186H. by purchase, and the passage made tree 
 to the public. It was formerly know]i as the Covered Bridge 
 from being enclosed on all sides. A few years since, when 
 the present arches were erected to stivngthen it, the roof and 
 sides, which, in their dilajjidated condition, gave a sense of 
 insecurity, were removed. While speaking of the locality, 
 we canm^t forbear reix-ating. that it is not only distinguished 
 for its connection with the tirst settlement .of Orange county, 
 but as th(i scene of Paulding's familiar legend, Xaoniitn, than 
 which no wo-rk of Ht'tion has had more extended publication. 
 
 After crossing the bridge, you j>ass over an artificial cause- 
 way, with another bridg'c of smaller si/e, under which the tide 
 of the Hudson ebbs and Mows. Ijooking to the southward, you 
 see a coiisidei'able expanse of low. marshy lantl, occasionally 
 submerged entirely by water. Over this the surveys locate the 
 West-sh(n'e Kail-road, which is intended to run through the 
 Plum Point ravine, instead of to the river side of that |U'omon- 
 tory. .V few rods' further drive l)rings you to a road on the 
 left — a nai'row road, shut in l)v tn-es and so uni»retending in 
 ai»pearance that you ar(^ disposed to look upon it as a fai'iner's 
 lane leading to a pasture Held ^'et this road, so retired that 
 one might ))ass it a hundred times without noticing its exist- 
 ence, furnishes one of the most se(pH'stei-ed and pictures(pi<' 
 drives alxmt. We turn our back n])on it. however, and proceed. 
 As we look in front of us, a steep hill, known as the Nicoll-hill, 
 confronts us. Tlie grade is shar]), and the humane driver will 
 give his horse a slack line. About mid\\'ay up the ascent, op- 
 ytosite a stalwart oak of venerable years, stands a couple of 
 stone columns — the eiitrance to Fhim Poiiil. \ forbidding sign 
 — such as we alwavs re"-ret to see — wai'us the public thai the 
 
l^LUM POINT. 1-21 
 
 uroimds arc |iii\iit(', and iimst nut be tr<'S)»ass('(| iijion liy IIk- 
 lilrasiirc seeker. 
 
 This lieaiitit'iil piere ul" talile-hiiid Was named l)_v tlie Poet. 
 I'roniontory Lawn. It was tlie j^roperty of tlie late I'liili]) .V. 
 Verplanek. It is a spot Inillowed hy IJevolutionury incidents; 
 semi-isolated liy the convnisions ot natnre; over-lookin,<i', to tiie 
 north, the In-oad expanse ol' Xewl»nru,'li bay; to tiie south, the 
 phicid bosom of the hiirryinii' river as it iiears the strait over 
 which tlie mij^hty Stonn-kinp,- stands sentinel; to the south-west, 
 the (dond-snpportini;' peaks of sha,t;\ii'y nioinitains; to the west, 
 the teemin.u' iViiittnlness of lertile slopes. Here should be a 
 public pai'k — a want which the r!ii)id ^-rowth ol' Newburij,'h and 
 Cornwall will turn lo a necessity in the early i'uture, A more 
 beautitnl and a|)propriate site for the purpi>se cannot be found. 
 The cliaractei' of the soil, the lay of the laud, the abundance of 
 shade atforded l>y the full-ii'idwu timber, the lV()nta<i'e of well 
 nio'li a nn'le upon our noble river, tlu^ opportunity of o|)eninji,' a 
 circuit drive ol' over two miles — the better part of the way in 
 full view of and in close proximity to the river, and all the dis- 
 tance throu,i>"h a delicious shade; the natural causeway, arched 
 by over-hang-inj>- (dins, leading- to the premises; the chance for 
 innumerable winding drives and paths which, under the wand 
 of the landscape gardener, would leap into beauty; its accessi- 
 liility to the jieople of a dozen towns — these and many other 
 advantages which mig'ht be mentioned, unite to nuike I'lum 
 Point the place above all others for a public park. 
 
 Laying' aside the future use to which this b(;autiful promon- 
 tory should be i)ut, let us glance; for a moment at its Kevolu- 
 tionary history. Near the foot of the acclivity on the riverside 
 are still to be seen in good yjreservation, the breastworks erect- 
 <'d in ITTT. under the sujierintendence of Brig'adier-g-eneral 
 Clinton, for the protection of the ahevaux-de-frim which exteuid- 
 ed ai-ross the chainud from the southerly end of Plum Point to 
 P(.llo])el's Island. It was imunited with a battery of fourteen 
 guns, and put in charge of ('aptain .\lacliin, of the Eng'ineer 
 Corps. The embankment which was thrown up, with its em- 
 brasures at distances of al»out twenty-five feet apart, is still to 
 l)e seen — now ovei-shad(,'d with lofty trees of well nigh a cen- 
 tury's growth. The camp lire-places, well, and magazine, can 
 
122 
 
 PLUM POINT— OBSTRUCTIONS. 
 
 REMAINS OF BATTERY. 
 
 easily be traced. They will 
 repay a visit. As entrance 
 to the grounds from the 
 road we are traveling is 
 prohibited, we would ad- 
 vise tliose desiring to view 
 these interesting relics, to 
 secure a l)oat from the v(^t- 
 eran Ward and row to the 
 spot. A weather-stained 
 l)ath-honse, on the water's 
 edge, will gnid(! the oars- 
 man to the proper landing. 
 Whilst examining the re- 
 mains, the oliserver will be 
 interested to know the 
 character of the obstruction the battery was erected to protect. 
 Judge Monell, in his Washington's Head-quarters, gives an 
 accurate description of the obstruction. It ''consisted ol' 'cribs 
 oi- S(|iuire frames of timbers 
 tilled with stones and sunk 
 at inti'rvals across the chan- 
 nel, a distance of about iifty- 
 three chains. Prom the top 
 of each of these cribs and iirmly 
 imbedded therein, came up, at an 
 angle of about forty-five degrees, to 
 within a few feet of the surface of 
 the water, spears pointed with iron, 
 designed to pierce the l)ottom of any 
 vessel that might come upon them." 
 Tli(^ iron used in the construction of = 
 this impediment to navigation came 
 from the Forest O'Dean mines— was spear axo crib. 
 
 traiisporte<i on pack-horses to the smitliery of Jonas Williams, 
 in Cornwall, and there turned into shape. The bottom of the 
 river no doubt contains tiie debris of the obstruction, as detach- 
 ed portions have, from time to time, been brouglit to the surface 
 by the ancliors of \essels stop|)ing in the vicinity. The jxiint 
 
NEWBURGH ROAD NICOLL-HILL. 128 
 
 of Olio of tlio spears, rccovorod a few years since, can be seen 
 at the Xewljurg'li Head-quarters. 
 
 While we are at I'luni Point we may trace out tlie site of tlie 
 first house in Orange county — that of Colonel Patrick MaCxreg- 
 orie. We have ah-eady (pag-e 11) established, from the maixm 
 (iftieial record, the precise location of this house, and simply 
 remark here that tlie excavation near the battery, sometimes 
 spoken of as the site of the house in question, very certainly 
 indicates a dift'erent building' — possibly one enacted by some of 
 the Scotch emig-rants of 1684, but at a period subsequent to 
 the erection by Madregorie. In the boundaries recited in the 
 l)atent of 1727 is mentioned "the house of one Macolm (then) 
 lately stood." The reference may be to that which covered the 
 excavation pointed out; but we incline to the conviction that 
 the structure was of a much later date. 
 
 And here we may remark that the name, Plum Point, is as 
 old as the occupation of the place by Europeans. Cowonham's 
 hill, the Indians called it, acknowledging* the ownership and 
 place (jf Slimmer-residence of one of their chiefs — a native lord 
 and a primeval watering place.* The Europeans called it 
 Plum Point from the abundance of wild plmns they found there. 
 
 Returning to the. road, we continue the ascent of Nicf)ll-hill. 
 This hill takes its name from a family of that name, who Avere 
 early settlers of this section and possessed of an extended area 
 of land lying to the north of the Moodna. The large, substan- 
 tial-looking house at the top of the hill, on the left, is the Nicoll 
 mansion, at present occupied by Erasttis Ide, the paper manu- 
 facturer. From this point the road, for nearly half a mile, is 
 perfectly level and well-shaded. It is usually kept in good 
 condition, and forms a favorite spot for ''speeding" horses. 
 Tlie first hous(^ on the vight, at the back of a capacious lawn 
 dotted with elms, is the residence of the widow of the late 
 Colonel Ellis — the leader of the gallant 124th Regiment — who 
 was killed at Gettysburg. Just before reaching the New Wind- 
 sor hill, we come upon a quaint little stone church, standing in 
 the angle of the two roads, which converge at this point. This 
 is St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, of New Windsor. It is a per- 
 
 * "Indian Tribes of Hndson's River," by E. M. Ruttenber. 
 
124 HEAD-QITAKTERS AT NEW WINDKOE. 
 
 iect model of beauty tor a rural church, and invarialdy attracts 
 The favorabk' criticism of the straug'er. 
 
 As we descend the New Windsor hill, we see to the ri;i'ht, on 
 tlic liuiik wiiich slopes to the river's ed.g-e, immense ranks of 
 wood, and fui'ther down, the smoothed plane and leng'thy sheds 
 which hetdkeii the l)usiness of brick-makiug-. This property is 
 now in the possessi(tii of Mr. F. ('orwin. It has a Kevolution- 
 ary history of no small int<n-est. It was here, in what was 
 known as the old Ellison House, Washinii'ton had his liead- 
 (piarters. 'flic liuildiiiii' was taken down some years since, 
 'file cottag'e in which Mr. Corwin resides, was (ittcd u]j and 
 improv(;d Ity 'fliomas Ellison, a ii>-raudson of William KUison, 
 who erected the oriji'inal building". 'Squire Silas ("oiwiii. now 
 al the advanced ag-e of eig'hty-live, with all his faculties unim- 
 paired, resides here with his son; The Experiment, the tiist 
 freig-ht-boat that plied the Hudson, was built near this point by 
 the 'Squire in 182*1. He still retains the vigor of his earli(>r 
 days. .Vbout five years since, he was loosening- the chiy with a 
 t'row-bar for the workmen, when the instrument struck some- 
 thing hard, which, upon examination, proved to l)e a Mexican 
 water-jug. It was placed with the mouth downward, resting 
 on a flat stone. It contained six lunuh-ed and fifty Spanish 
 and Mexican silver dollars, whicli came forth nearly as bright 
 as the day they were coined. The treasure had prol)ably been 
 buried by soiae Revolutionary officer, who subsequently died 
 without revealing- the secret. Near l\v still stands the old 
 smoke house in which William Ellison concealed his plate dur- 
 ing- the passag-e of the Brivish tleet up the river, after the taking- 
 of Forts ('linton and Montg-omery. Whilst eng-ag-ed in remov- 
 ing clay, iimiierous relics of an int(>resting- character liave been 
 (ixhumed, particular mention oi' which we must pass. The Elli- 
 son Mouse was used by Washington for his Head-quarters at 
 New Windsor diu-iiig a good portion of the years 1719, '80. '81. 
 \{ this point the road diverges. Fat-h branch, however, leads 
 to Newburgh. We will follow the more easterly, which is com- 
 monly called the Hiver IJoad, and return by way oi' the other, 
 'fhe iuiildiiig at the foot oi' the hill, on the rig'ht. is the (t/«.v.s 
 W'orks It was crecteil, some few ycai's sim-e, by a company 
 ol Newbiirg-li (-apitalists. with a \iew ol manufat-tiu-ing glass 
 
NEW WINDSOK DEWITT CLINTON. 12.") 
 
 t'niiii ;i ix'ciiliar stone ludii^'lit IVoiu the side (if Stoi'iii-kiiiu'. The 
 expeiiiueiit proved ;i tiiuuiciiil failure and the property, after 
 lyiii.n" idle for a few years, caiiu! into th(! possession ol" Mi-. Bnr- 
 roiiji'hs. I)y whom tiie nianufactiire ol' y-hiss liottles is now car- 
 ried on. 'riie process is of sutticieiit interest to justify a stoj) 
 of the tra\('h'r, wlio will be warndy welcomed by the u'cnial 
 pi'oprietor. Hut a short distant'c north itf the present works, a 
 similar industry — the tirst ol' the kind in the connty — ^was car- 
 I'ied on anterior to the iievolution. it ceased to exist after the 
 wai-. Kau'cr. in his History of Oranji'c Connty, r(dates a tra- 
 dition ol' the I'oreman of the (ilass-house iicinii' shot l>y some 
 hunters, who mistook him in the dark for a i\ci'V. which at that 
 lime were plenty in this section. 
 
 'file collection of time-worn, paintless, half-decayed building-.s 
 which here liiu' the road, mark the site of prindtive New Wind- 
 .-•o/-. Yet forl)idding' as it is in appearaiu-e it boasts the possess- 
 ion if not of the birth-place, the early n^sidence of the ,ii:ift- 
 ed UeWitt Clinton. His parents resided in the house on the 
 lelt. near the foot of the hill, at tin; time of his birth, but his 
 advent occurre<l while his mother was on a visit to her brother 
 in Deerpark. His fatliei' was then resident ag'ent and surveyor 
 for a company of capitalists wlio had boui2,'ht the land here and 
 cut it up into streets and lots, with a view to fouiul a city. The 
 scheme, it is hardly necessary to say, failed. 
 
 As far back as 1732, Williani Ellison ki^it a store here and 
 sailed sloops to New York. The freightin;j' business of a very 
 considerable portion of the liack country found its outlet here. 
 A dock, the r<'mains of which can still be traced, was luiilt to 
 acconnnodate the shippinji," interests of that early day. But its 
 prosperity waned after the Revolution, when a considerable num- 
 ber of energetic othcers and privates of the army took uplands 
 at Newliurg'h and turne(| u)>ou her slioi'es the incoming" tide of 
 population and coimnerce. New Windsor is now a jdace ol' no 
 commert'ial importance^ whatever. ^ 
 
 Till- numerons l)rick-yards that are now encountered give rise 
 to an active industry. The clay-banks of New Windsor and 
 Cornwall yiekl material of most excellent (juality, and are ap- 
 parently inexhaustil)le. Tl'c tine, clear sand, so indispensable 
 in brick-making, is fonnd in abnndance and li(dps to cn'onomise 
 
126 THE YALE A TRADITION. 
 
 the cost of manufacture. After leaving the last of the brick- 
 yards, the road sweeps gracefully ax'ound the Christie promon- 
 tory, and runs its course close to the river's edge, over a semi- 
 causeway, in part natural, in part artiticial. Of a summer 
 afternoon when the rays of the sun are obstructed by the inter- 
 vening hill, this is the most delightful section of the drive to 
 Newburgh. 
 
 Our further progress is shortly arrested by the unwelcome 
 toll-gate, which zealously guards the entrance to Xewl)urgh. 
 Why a city of nearlj^ twenty thousand inhalutants should suffer 
 this relic of a barbarous age to sentin(»l its portals, we will not 
 stop t(j inquire. 
 
 The stream wliich here debouches into the Hudson, is known 
 indiscriminately as Chambers' creek and Quassaick creek. The 
 former was given it owing to its having lieen the boundary 
 line of a patent granted at an early day to a person by the 
 name of Chambers. Of late, there is a strong leaning in favor 
 (jf calling the streamlet Quaftmick, a word of Indian derivation 
 and as pretty as it is suggestive. Quassaick creek is the out- 
 let of Orange lake, a beautiful sheet of water to the north- 
 west of Newburgh, of which we will come to speak in another 
 connection. Along the line of the creek are numerous mills 
 and manufactories. The water-power is abundant and reliable 
 at all seasons of the year. The defik; through which the creek 
 has worn its bed, is known as The Vale. It was formerly a 
 picturesque spot, shut in by the bluffs on either side, embower- 
 ed by trees, interspersed with walks and water-courses, and 
 a few droning mills It was tluMi a favorite resort of the 
 people. Much of its primitive beauty remains — much has been 
 destroyed by the approaches of connnerce and the erection f)f 
 private n^sidences, which liave alike tended to exclude the pub- 
 lic from rambling through the grounds. Tradition locates one 
 of hei' most intei'esting stories at this point. During the Revo- 
 lution, near the spot^iow occupied by the Superintendent of the 
 Coal Company, a tory by the name of Ettrick resided. The 
 adjacent lands were (-(jvered with a dense forest growth, giving 
 to the place the name of P]ttrick drove. Washingbm, who at 
 the time was holding his Head-quarters at the Ellison House, 
 New Windsor, had been invited liy Ettrick to join a social 
 
PENNSYLVANIA COAL COMPANY. 127 
 
 i>-:itli('rin!;' at liis house. Kttrick's i)artizaiisliii) was niiaiiiKUiiic- 
 ('(I. He had taken no active part on one side or the other, but 
 at lieart ho was in favor of the Bi-itish king-. He eoiinived tlie 
 phiii of making- Washington captive, and for this pHr))ose ask- 
 (ul liini to liis house. A daughter of Kttrick, who syinpatliized 
 with the American cause, overhearing the conversation of the 
 conspirators, conve\'e<l the intelligence to Wasliington. The in- 
 vitation was accepted. The (rcneral was foHowed by a detacli- 
 ilient of liis faithful guards, disguised in plain farmer's clothes. 
 .\s they drew near the house in a careless way, according to the 
 plan he had tixed with his confederates, Ettrick mistook them 
 and stepping up to Washington and tapping him on the shoul- 
 der, exclaimed: 'TTeneral, 1 believe you are my prisoner !" "I 
 believe not, sir," quietly replied Washington, taking- out his 
 watch, "l)ut you are mine. The men at your doors are under 
 my command; your friends are not to arrive until thi'ee; you 
 see it lacks a quarter of an hour of that time !" Ettrick con- 
 fessed his error, and Washington, after holding- him prisoner for 
 a short time, permitted him, out of deference to his daughter, 
 to remove to Nova Scotia. 
 
 The road that shoots to the left at the toll-gate, leads through 
 the A^ale and connects with Q,uassaick avenue, about a half mile 
 distant. By following it we escape the tribute exacted by New- 
 burgh of all visitors who enter her precincts by way of the 
 river road. Let us pay toll, however, and cross the bridge. The 
 new brick building on the terraced lawn, is the office of the 
 Penns_i| Ivania ('oal Company, whose l)usiness is carried on at 
 this point. The trestle-work under which we pass, is used l)y 
 the cars for conveying the coal for trans-shipment. The location 
 of the (Joal-works furnish unsurpassed facilities for the econom- 
 ical purchase of that necessary article, in which the people of 
 Cornwall share alike with Newburgh. The road now follows 
 the river's edge, at the foot of a sodded terrace, the summit of 
 which is traversed by the Erie Branch Railway. If your horse 
 is nervous or inclined to frighten at the cars, it will be well to 
 keep him in hand, for, without a moment's notice, you are liable 
 to encounter a train, rattling and thundering over your head. 
 Fortunately you have a choice in entering the city. By taking 
 the street to the left, near Bigler's saw-mills, you pass mtdei 
 
l:>s 
 
 HEAD-QUAKTEES AT NEWBUKGH. 
 
 the ti-;ick ; liy (•oiitiiiniiiu' on. ynii i.);iss orer it. Kitlicr nnito 
 will soon liriiiu' you t<i Washiju/(<m\-< Head-ijuarters. Tliis build- 
 iuu' was tuniierly known ass tlic Hasbrouck Hoiisp tVoni the tact 
 of its luiviu!^- been in main i)arl built by Colonel .lonathan Has- 
 lirouck. and occupied by liini down to 1 780. tlie tii i' his death. 
 
 IIKAIi-i,H ARTKH^ N i >!;|'H-KA<T \ 1K\^- 
 
 The structure is ol' rouo-li o-v;iy stone, one story liitili. lit'ty-six 
 leet front l)y tbrty-six dee|t. and its ii-eneral outline partakes 
 stroUi>'ly of that peculiar older of architecture for whit-|i our 
 Dutch ancestors were noted. Washiiig'ton occuiiied it as Head- 
 (juarters from the si;)rinii-of 17S-2 to th(> summer of 1788. during 
 which time many of the most memorable incidents in the history 
 ol' oin- country took place. On the 5th of November. 1783, the 
 army was disbanded on the lawn in front of the house, when 
 tiie farewell orders of the ( -ommander-in-cliief were read at the 
 head of each reg'iment. 
 
 1)1 1849 the title to the i)roperty became vested in the people 
 of the State, liy virtm^ of a foreclosure sale, and in 1S50. by 
 an act of the Legislature, it was placed under care of the 
 'friiste<\s <>\' the Village of Newburg-h, with directions to kec]) 
 it in the same condition as when occuiiied by Washington. 
 'Hiese directions have been scrupulously followed. 
 
 The interior arrang-(nnents of the building are d((S(;ril)ed by 
 diidge .\lon(dl in his Hand-book, as follows: " The large room 
 which is entered from the ])ia//,a on the east, known as ■ fiir 
 room iiufh .srrr// doorx and out' irindoir," was used as the dining 
 and sitting-room. It is without ceiling and is spanned by 
 heavw smoothl\- hewn oak timliers. On the south side of the 
 
i^ jjiyi^lalM^v^ES'tf^liaBlfe 
 
HEAD-QUAKTERS AT NEWBUlUiH. 
 
 \-29 
 
 inoiii is till' tirc-|)lacc, with its wide. u|icn cliiiiiiicy. siin',u'('stiv(' 
 (if lni.!j,'(' l)iicl<-l(»<;'s and massive liics. Tlic old siiin-lc wiiidoAV 
 still uM\(>s liu'lit on the cast; the seven ancient ddors afVord the 
 means of in,<i,"ress and ej^-fess. On tlie nortli was \Vasliin^M()n's 
 licd-rooMi, and adjoiniii<;- it. that occnpiecl \>\ llamiltmi when liis 
 wife was witii him — at otliei' times liisroom was up stairs. Tlie 
 family room was on the south. It is n')W usecl to pi-eserve and 
 exhiliit relics from the liattle-fields of the l!e\dlutioii. with some 
 
 EAST FKONT. 
 
 r 
 
 5T00P 
 
 /.; 
 
 '^L 
 
 >. G 
 
 5 
 
 J~ 
 
 A. — Sittiug Room. B. — Family Room. C. — Kitchen. 1). — Hall. 
 
 E. — Wasbiugton's Parlor. F. — Hamilton's Bed-room. 
 
 (t. — WashiiiKtoii".'! Bed-i'oom, H. — Store-room. 
 
 from the war of 1S12, and also from the ^^exiean war. It is 
 the oldest ])art of the Imildiiii;'. The parlor was the north-west 
 room : the kitchen, the south-west room. Between tiie latter 
 and foi'miM' aic a store-room, hall and stair-case." 
 
 .\ room with ■"seven dooi's and one window,'" is an art'hitec- 
 tural monstrosity, difficult to conceive. Vet liei'e we have it. 
 and a sinnlar chamber probably does not exist (dsewhei'c. It 
 was in this loom that VVashiny-ton ate and li\-ed. .Minute ac- 
 counts of the domestic arraii!.i('nients duriiiL;' his occupation of 
 
180 
 
 THE CITY OF NEWBURGH. 
 
 tlie building- were noted by contemporaneous liistorians, and 
 liave been carefully compiled by Judge Monell in his Hand-boolv, 
 which may be obtained on application to the janitor in charge 
 of tlie building. For some time past a lively interest has been 
 taken by prominent Newburghers, among whom was the late 
 
 Enoch Carter, in secur- 
 ing rare and valuable 
 relics to be placed on 
 deposit here. T h e i r 
 efforts have been re- 
 warded with a good 
 shar(! of success. 
 
 After examining the 
 relics at Head -quar- 
 ters, we issue forth 
 for an inspection of 
 Newburgh. This city 
 is but live miles dis- 
 tant from Cornwall, 
 and between the two 
 places there is com- 
 munication by four or 
 more regular stage 
 lines. The road by 
 which we have ci'ine 
 clindjs the hills, ma- 
 king the drive well 
 nigh an hour long. A 
 more direct and almost 
 level route can be 
 p o i n te d out, over 
 which we ho])e to see, 
 at an early day, the 
 horse-cars running. — 
 The advantage of lo- 
 cating near a large 
 and growing city, can- 
 not l)e overrated. Newburgh is to Cornwall what New York 
 is to Morrisania : a vast em])orium for the supply of every want 
 
THE CITY OF NEWBUKGH. 131 
 
 at rcasoiuible j)rices. Water street is not Broadway, of course, 
 Imt 3'et the slu'lves of her merchants are stored with a well- 
 assorted stock ot" };'oods, from which the custiimer (;an most 
 always make a selection. Churches of ev<;ry denomination, and 
 schools ([)rivate and public) of unsurpassed excellence, are here 
 to be found. 
 
 The Ilill-side City, as Newburt-h has iieen a[)tly called, is n(»t 
 oidy the most beautiful, l)ut, with the excei)tion ])erhaps of 
 Poug-hkeepsie, the most prosperous on tlie Hudson. Her geo- 
 graphical position, aided by favorable railroad ctmnections and 
 peculiar facilities for the supply of cheap coal, have attracted 
 a varied and numerous industry. Manufactories of different 
 kinds have here found a congenial location. Among the more 
 prominent may be mentioned the cotton mills, woolen mills, 
 paper mills, grist mills, plaster and cement mills, the iron works 
 and saw mills. These establishments employ a large niunber 
 of operatives, and are frequently run night and day. 
 
 Two daily papers are published, the Telegraph and the Jour- 
 nal. The former is a morning issue, Democratic in politics, and 
 under the editorship of J. J. McNally; the latter is ct)nducted 
 by C. B. Martin, is an evening paper and Republican in politics. 
 Each has a weekly issue for country circulation, and as they 
 have regular correspondents at Cornwall to furnish local news, 
 botli papers should be taken by those who wish to keep " u]> " 
 in Cornwall doings. There are a number of hotels, the United 
 States and the Orange being the principal. The United States 
 is situated on Frt)nt street, and confronts the stranger as he 
 issues from the ferry boat. It was recently modernized, after 
 its partial destruction by fire, and is now kept by the Goodsell 
 Brothers. The Orange is located on Water street, the main 
 business thoroughfare of the city. 
 
 Communication with the Hudson River Railroad is had l)y 
 means of two ferries, one to Duchess Junction and the other to 
 Fishkill. All trains stop at one or the other of these stations, 
 and people with business in the upper part of the City prefer 
 this route to the Erie. 
 
 The suburbs to the north of Newburgh are noted f(jr their 
 beauty. TIk^ streets are well-shaded, and lined by the parks 
 and villas of the wealthy. The existence of the Powelton 
 
132 THE CITY OF NEWBUKGH. 
 
 House, funiicilv ill this quarter, made the ueig'lilioriuji' seeiies 
 familiar to thousauds (if metropolitaus wlio jiatronized tliat pop- 
 ular resort. The Powelton was destroyed l>y lire, a few years 
 since, and has not been rebuilt. 
 
 XcAvliur^'h, althoug'h young' in luunicipal years, having- only 
 thrown aside her village g'arments in l!S(io. is. in all res|)ects, a 
 city of the first order. Her att'airs are conducted by a ^[ayor 
 and Board of Aldermen, with tlie other necessar}^ departments. 
 The inhabitants are supplied Avith excellent water from a small 
 lake to the west of the city, known as Little Pond. The houses 
 are lig'hted with g-as. and the Fire Department -is supplied with 
 a new improved steam tire engine. 
 
 In otir drive fi'om Cornwall, it will lie remembered we entered 
 the city by passing uuder the railroa<l track. If \ve had con- 
 tinued straight on, we would have traversed South-Water street 
 and noted the de})dt and buildings ot" the Erie Company, along 
 the river bank. At this point the Newbnrgh Branch has its 
 tide-water terminus. It tai)s the trunk line at (xreycourt, about 
 sixteen miles distant. It was cfinipleted in 1849. CVmnnuni- 
 cation with the City by rail was formerly made over the Branch. 
 The route was circuitous and deiiendent upon rather hazardous 
 connections at Ureycourt. In 1869 the present Short-cut was 
 built, furnishing a direct and speedy connection with the busi- 
 ness part of Xew York. 
 
 In returning to Cornwall, we now invite the reader to a new 
 and difterent route. The mad by which we came itllowed a fair 
 chance of viewing the river and the encampment of tent-like 
 movnitains on the Duchess side. The one we propose to take on 
 our way back will open iidand scenes of rare beauty, and ini- 
 mei'ous ol)jects of past and jiresent interest. We emerge from 
 Newburgh by way of Western avenue, a broad and pleasant 
 street which dates its origin back to the first settlement of the 
 country, dust before reaching llaskins' oil-cloth factory, which 
 stands at the lirow of an acclivity, we turn abruptly to the left, 
 and follow the street leading to tlie liridge which was thrown 
 over (^uassaick creek a few years since. The m^mnfactories in 
 the chasm which the bridge spans, are employecl on woolen 
 goods^ — chiefly blankets. The Erie road-track li(>s beneath the 
 bridge. Not far east from this point, in I8lt». Peter Townsend 
 
QUASSAICK AVENUE. 133 
 
 ('rci't('(l ;i cannon foundry, und at it the first cannon inainifac- 
 tnrcd in the State is said to have been cast. 
 
 After crossing the bridg-e, a short distance brings us tt) the 
 cottage and grounds of tlie late C. H. Havcrneyer. The road 
 on which they front leads tln-ongh the Vale, to the river road, 
 emerging at the toll-gate, before alluded to. Continuing on, we 
 presently meet a beautiful villa, built in the Italian style, set 
 well back from the road on a gentle eminence and surrounded 
 by a dense forest growth. It is the residenc(^ oi' Major W. C. 
 n. Sherman. The next gate-way on the left is the entrance to 
 Cedar-lawn, the former residence of the Hon. Joel T. Headley, 
 the historian. A casual glimpse of the liousc is all that can be 
 had, owing to the numerous trees with which the lawn is dotted. 
 As we proceed, we note, on the continuing ridge occupied by 
 iMajor Sherman, a couple of new, substantial stone structures 
 recently erected at a considerable cost by Mr. Roe. The drive 
 from this point is well-shaded by the cedars which line the road 
 on either side. At a distance of about a mile from the Quas- 
 saick bridge, we come upon Woodlaivn Cemetery, wliich owes 
 its existence to the eflbrts of the late Mayor Clark, of New- 
 burgh. The grounds have been neatly laid out in plots, drives 
 and walks opened, and a lodge-house of brick erected at the 
 entrance. As yet, but few interments have been made, and 
 those largely embrace removals from other grounds. 
 
 The road to the left (Union avenue) would conduct us back 
 again to Washington's Head-quarters at New Windsor, which 
 we described on our upward trip. As it presents no object 
 worthy of special mention, we will continue on along the road 
 upon which tiie cemetery fronts, which at this point assumes 
 the name of Quassaick avenue. This avenue was opened about 
 five years since, but, as yet, lias not been properly graded or 
 widened. It possesses no particular attractions, and we hasten 
 over it. It soon connects with the VaiPs-gate and New Wind- 
 sor road, over which we desire to pass. We have not gone far 
 before we encounter the elegant residence of Major Thomas 
 Morton, on the right. Major Morton is widely known as one of 
 the most enthusiastic patrons in the rearing of fine stock. His 
 stables are well-filled with aninuils of the best blood — the Ham- 
 bletonian, of course predominating. In the rear of the house, 
 c 9 
 
J 84 
 
 KNOX'S HEAD-QXTARTEES. 
 
 lir has a |»iivatc track tor cxtTcisiiiii- his cdIts. whirli is pro- 
 ii(iiiiKM"(l til ))(_• as fine a one as tiicrc is in the State. 
 
 The road whicli is presently iiiet shooting' to the h't't. coiineets 
 with the river road at the foot of Nicoll-iiill. A little furtlier on. 
 we come to a plain frame house, on the left, standing* amid a 
 perfect wilderness of forest g'rowth, on a g-entle rise of g^ronnd. 
 It is the summer home of the Hon. Justice E. \j. Fancher, who 
 at present fills a seat on the Suiireme Court liench in the First 
 Judicial District. 
 
 Judg'e Fancher's residence is close to one of the most remai'k- 
 ahle building's in the country, which we now approach. John 
 Ellison, the brother of William, with whom the reader is already 
 familiar, made a settlement here in 1735. At that time it was 
 a wild, unti'Hversed jungde. The hardy pioneer made a small 
 clearance and put up a rude log' hut, which answered his pur- 
 pose for a nundier of years. It was eventually torn down, and 
 
 the quaint structure erected, now 
 widely known as K)ioys Head- 
 <iuarterx. The building- is of that 
 marked and peculiar character 
 which id(>iitifies it to the stianger 
 
 at even 
 
 ive panes of glass 
 
 set in their heavy 
 
 sash, — all help to 
 
 franu^ a picture of 
 
 architecture, simple and ([uaint. The location also heig'htens 
 
 the interest. The site was chosen with a view of utilizing" the 
 
 water of a beantiful stream (Silver creek), which takes its rise 
 
 in th<! hills beyond Washing'ton S(piare and em))ties into th(! 
 
 .Moodna. .\t the point we are considering, the stream expand- 
 
FORGE-HILL— MOODNA VALLEY. 135 
 
 (•(1 iiild a l)r();nl sheet, iire|i!iiiit(ii\v t(i lakiii^' its dyiii^' leap 
 tlinini;li a deep j^'orge to the Moodiia below. The road was 
 iiwuU' t(i cross this watery plane, thereby fbniiiii<i,' twin lakelets, 
 by the side oi' the lower of which Mr. Kllison built his house. 
 Near by, still stand th(; tiouriiii;' mills, which are about the old- 
 est ill the country. DuriiiL!,' the llevolutioii the hous(! to whic'h 
 we ai-e calling- attention, was occu|)ied by (Jeueral Kno.x as his 
 liea(l-(iuarters. In coni))any with (ireneral Knox, it was also 
 siiared by (xeiieral (ireene, VVashinj>-ton's favorite officer. The 
 property has ol' late been owned l)y Major ('has. F. Morton, who 
 occui)icd it up to the time of his death, a few years siiu-e. 
 
 Let us now leave the road we are pursuing- (with the promise 
 of an eai'lv retuiii), and make a slig'ht detour on the Korge-hill 
 road, which leads us to tlu' far-down bed of the Moodna. This 
 road takes its name from the forge of donas Williams, to which 
 we will presently allude. It was of frequent nse dnring the 
 Revolution. Tradition r(dates an incident of the great and 
 good Lafayette, which may projx'rly receive mention in this 
 connection. The officers oi' the patriot army were not the an- 
 choi'iti's that some historians would have us believe. The soci- 
 alities and ameinties of civili/.ed life wei'c not entirely forgotten 
 in Held or camp. General Knox, and, in particular his wife, 
 were noted for their hos])italitv. It was their habit to give occa- 
 sional parties, to which the offic<'rs of the army were invited. 
 One had been determined upon in honor of (Jeneral Lafayette, 
 who was obliged to cross the creek to I'cach the scene of the 
 evening's eiitertaimnent. At that time no bridge was in exist- 
 ence, and the stream had to be forded. Lafayette, dressed in 
 his best, conunitted his person to the back of a \mr\y Irishman 
 lor transportation. Through accident or design, — which, is not 
 certain, — the Irishman dropped his burden in the creek. The 
 (xeneral, with his raiment thoroughly soaked, returned home, 
 and for that evening, at least, was absent from the dance. 
 
 The descent of Forge-hill is accomplished by means of a nar- 
 row road shelved out of the cliff' side. A deep gorge, lined with 
 lotty trees and sapling undergrowth, and guarded indiff'erently 
 by an insecure rail, gives the pnM-ipitous roadway an appear- 
 ance of danger which the weird and lonely character of the 
 place in no way lessens. The roar of unseen waters alone dis- 
 
136 THE WILLIAMS HOUSE. 
 
 turbs the air as we tread our path beneath the over-haii<>-ii)g 
 branches to the sunless glen below. At the foot of the hill we 
 see to the right a substantial dam, over which the water plays 
 in copious volume, and immediately in front stands the red 
 Ijridge spanning the Moodna. After crossing the bridge, the 
 iirst house on the right is commonly known as the Williams 
 House. It was built in 1155 by Samuel Brewster, who had a 
 saw-mill nearly opposite, on the stream. 
 
 When the British took possession of Long Island, a party of 
 forty young Whigs abandoned their homes and sought shelter 
 elsewhere. Among them was Jonas Williams who came to 
 Cornwall and settled here. He was then twenty-one years old. 
 He married Miss Abigail, daughter of Samuel Brewster, whose 
 saw-mill had then given way to a forge and anchor shop. Upon 
 the death of Mr. Brewster, Jonas Williams continued the busi- 
 ness. During the Revolution the chains, used to obstruct the 
 river, wereniade, under the direction of General James Clinton, 
 at this forge. The iron came from the Forest O'Dean mine. We 
 iiave it from an old I'esident (whose mother frequently told the 
 story) that Mr. Williams made two trips a week, himself, to the 
 mines. In returning, he rode one horse and led three, all load- 
 ed with the ore. Only those acquainted with the distance and 
 mountainous road to be traversed, can form any idea of the 
 difficult and perilous journey he performed. 
 
 But these hardy pioneers were equal to the occasion at all 
 times. It is related of Mr. Williams that whilst riding in a 
 one-horse chaise up Forge-hill, one evening at twilight, he was 
 met by a four-horse team descending at a furious pace, with a 
 charcoal wagon attached, the coal being on fire. Quietly get- 
 ting out of liis chaise without alarming his wife, who accompa- 
 nied him, he took his horse by the head and backed him down 
 the bank out of harm's way. The run-away team, with the flam- 
 ing wagon, thundered by him, never stopping till they came near 
 drowning in the stream below. Mr. Williams' presence of mind 
 averted what seemed, at first, an inevitable catastrophe. 
 
 The site of the old forge can easily be traced. The cinders 
 are turned up by the plough, and the debris are yet to be seen. 
 
 The Williams H<mse has an interesting historical importance. 
 It was, for a brief period, the Head-quarters of General Lafayette. 
 
THE WILLIAMS HOUSE. 137 
 
 In tlio cellar, the vault in wliicli the specie, raised from the loan 
 by Holland, to pay off the suifering troops, was placed, is still 
 seen. Upon the occasion of a recent visit, we found the cellar 
 tenanted by a group of barn-door fowls and a huge pile of cord- 
 wood ranked against the walls. The occupant of the building 
 insisted that the chamber to which he had conducted us embrac- 
 ed all that was to be seen. Striking a match, however, we dis- 
 covered by its light a door, leading to a passage-way behind 
 the chimney-base which formed part of the cellar wall. In this 
 chimney is built a recess or vault, in which the money was put 
 and then masoned up. The stone-work is as perfect as on the 
 day it was laid. Looking over-head, we may get an idea of the 
 substantial manner in which our ancestors built their houses. 
 The floor-beams are of oak and sufficiently strong to support a 
 modern church. 
 
 The house has been considerably altered by Mr. Ide, the pres- 
 ent owner. New siding has been put on with batons, and the 
 exterior painted yellow. There is enough of the original build- 
 ing left to give an idea of its character. The front door, with 
 its carved jambs and lintel; the chimney architraves with their 
 curious recesses, and the quaint balustrades to the stairway, 
 excite the interest of the visitor. 
 
 Jonas Williams occupied this house for a number of years. 
 At a later day, he built the large house now occupied by Mr. 
 Peter Roe, who married his daughter, Susan Elizabeth. Mr. Roe, 
 now past his eightieth year, but in hale and vigorous health, is 
 the father of James G. Roe, the proprietor of the Glen-ridge 
 Hotel; also, of the Rev. Alfred C. Roe, the former principal of 
 the Cornwall Academy, and of the Rev. E. P. Roe, the author of 
 the recent popular work entitled Barriers Burned Away. 
 
 Not far from the Williams House, on the opposite side of the 
 road, there was formerly a colored folks' cemetery. 
 
 Resuming our journey, we pass over the mill-race, and soon 
 see to the left, guarded by four sturdy pines of venerable 
 growth, a dilapidated, barn-like structure which dates its origin 
 anterior to the Revolution. It was run as a flouring-mill, when 
 first erected, by Jonas Williams & Sons, who supplied the gov- 
 ernment post at West Point with flour. The military officers at 
 West Point frequently visited the family of Mr. Williams, who 
 
13S MOODNA-V ALLEY MANUFACTORIES. . 
 
 had Hvc (liinjiiitcvs — s|)riii'litlY, brig'lit, intollio-ciit vonii,^' ladies, 
 wild sulisciinciitly married as follows: Mary to Jac^ol) Drake, of 
 New York; Anna, John Nicoll. of New Windsor; Helen, Dr. .1. 
 B. .lohnes, of .Nforristown; Susan E., Mr. Peter Roe, and Ahig'ail 
 to Sanil. Oakhn', of New "^'ork. Mr. Williams was in the habit of 
 riding- on horse-bai-k to the Point to eollect the money du(^ him. 
 
 .lonathan and .Jacob Morrill subsequ(Mitly took possession of 
 the mill and eng-ajj-ed in the manufacture ol' t'ut nails. They 
 carried on a very extensive and flourishing" business. Fiom tlu' 
 hands ol' the Morrills the property went into the posssssion of 
 (■aleb and Thomas Williams, who embarked in the preparation of 
 snuft", which they sold IVom their wag'ons throughout the country. 
 Reil & Storm were the next owners, and to the business of siuitl' 
 manufacture they added that of fine-cut tobacco. The next 
 proprietor was Mrs. ^[iller, whose " Rose-leaf Snuft" and Tobac- 
 co " enjoyed a world-wide fame. Adjacent to the property is a 
 field of about four acres, known as the Rose Lot, where the 
 rosi^s were grown for the purpose of scenting the tobacco. The 
 variety selet'ted was what was called the Philadelphia Kose. 
 The fragrance from four acres of roses in full bloom must have 
 produced an olfactory sensation seldom experienced. 
 
 The building we are considering has l)een named the Sham- 
 rock House, by Mr Ide, (mi of honor to the nationality of the 
 tenants by whom of late it has been occupied. Immediately to 
 tlH> north and in close proximity stands a stone building' erected 
 by Mrs. Millei' for tlie accommodation of lier tobacco business, 
 wliic-h was carried on subse(|uently by luu- son-in-law. A. ll. 
 Mickle, who was at one time Mayor of tlie city of New York. 
 
 About 1848, Leonard, \hmo & Xicoll jmt up a factory for the 
 manufacture of cotton go<)ds on tlu' site now occupied by the 
 ])a))er mills. The first story was of brick and the two upjier, 
 iVame. In September, 1845, it was wholly destroyed by fire. 
 A cou]de of years afterwards it was rebuilt wholly of brick, 
 and run by an Englishman Ity the name of Ha/.elhurst. for a few 
 years, as a shoddy mill. In 1850, the pro])erty was purchased 
 l)y David and David F. B. ('arson and P^i'astus Ide, and convert- 
 ('(1 into a paper mill, to which use it has been devoted ever since, 
 with some change or other in the ])ro])rietorshi)). The only paper 
 now made a1 these nulls is a sujx'rior (pnility of wi'iting and 
 
M()()J)NA-VALLEY MANUFACTORIES. ] 8<) 
 
 Icdo-cr papers, which, uikUt the p(i))uhir tiadc-iiiarks of Hio-li- 
 laiid Mills and Valley F(ir!j,'e. have ohtained a wide and well- 
 deserxcd re|)iitati(>n. 
 
 .Mr. Ide, the present proprietor, tells lis that some years since 
 he took down«n old hum which stood near the Williams House. 
 'The IVanie was found to have been joincnl to,t;'etlier with scrihe- 
 ruTe an<l pod-aut;'ur tenons. The shin,<;les were of cedar, ahont 
 foiU' feet loni>', and held to their place, as was the sidin^^', by 
 wrou,ij,'ht-iron nails, 'i'o prevent sj)littin|L!,", holes had been first 
 bored where the nails were <lriven. 
 
 Continuiiifi' our journey, we pass alony' a well-made road, the 
 Moodna all the while coquettinf^' with us — now closing- and then 
 receding'. As we near its mouth, we come on the linen mills of 
 Whiteside Bi-others. This site was, at a very early day, occu- 
 pied for a tlour mill, erected by Samuel Sackett. It subse(pu'nt- 
 ly jjassed into the hands of Lawrence & Wyckofll', and then to 
 Wyckoft' & Van Buren. .\[r. Van Bnren was a cousin of the 
 President of that name. T'he mill had four run of stones, and 
 a daily i)rodncing' capacity of one hundred bai'rels ol' tlour. 
 People from all parts of the country came to this mill with their 
 g'rists. It was no infre(puMit matter to see a line of wagons a 
 half-mile long, waiting their turn to unload their wheat. Forty- 
 five years ago, grain was l)rouglit to this ))oint from as far back 
 as the northern part of New Jersey. 
 
 Among- the things of the past which formerly existed in this 
 section, may be mentioned a tan-yard, owned by Britton Moore 
 and subsequently by Mr. Delamater; a rope-walk, also conduct- 
 ed by Mr. Delamater (1830); also a sawmill and a plaster mill. 
 The farmers of the early days are said to have patroinzed the 
 plastei' mill very liberally. T'he saw mills were busily engaged 
 in sawing timber brought in by the farmers of the adjacent 
 country, and occasionally rafts from the river w(!re purchased 
 and converted into lumber, in 1845 the Houring mills were 
 bought by William B. Leonard, and converted into a cotton 
 factory, and run as such up to I8(i0. T'he present proprietors, 
 Whiteside Brothers, secured control of the property in 18H2. 
 Machinery for tlu; nuiiiufacture of linen goods was impt)rted 
 from Ireland. Artisans, skilled in their peculiar line, were 
 brought over to operate it. The experiment, as might be ex- 
 
140 MOODNA-V ALLEY MANUFACTORIES. 
 
 pected, mot with iudifFerent success, and after a trial of five 
 years, was abandoned, since wliicli time the mills have remain- 
 ed idle. 
 
 A moment's further drive now brings to view the estuary into 
 which the Moodna debouches. The long bridge "^hich we see 
 has already been described. The early history of this spot is 
 highly interesting and has already been alluded to. At present 
 we wish to call attention to the dock and store-house, which for- 
 merly stood below S. Smith's Half-way House. Before the Rev- 
 olution and for a lengthy period afterwards, a considerable com- 
 merce was carried on at this point. The products of the vari- 
 ous mills we have been considering, were carried to market by 
 means of vessels which loaded and unloaded at the dock in 
 question. As late as 1845, Capt. Parker sailed a sloop carry- 
 ing from here in main, snuif, tobacco and flour. Adjoining the 
 dock and store-house, Nathaniel Sands had a cider-mill and dis- 
 tillei-y, which did business up to 1828. It is not unreasonable 
 to suppose that tlie fame and riches to which his sons subse- 
 quently attained from the manufacture and sale of their noted 
 Sarsaparilla, were owing to the knowledge acquired in the old 
 distillery. An early proprietor of extended lands in this sec- 
 tion was Samuel Sackett, before alluded to. He built the orig- 
 inal of the house now occupied by Mrs. Ogden Hoffman. He 
 owned all south of the Moodna, extending as far to the east as 
 Idle-wild, and to the west so as to include the Crane farm. 
 Tliere was a reservation, however, of a few acres along the 
 Sloop-hill ridge, owned by Vincent Helmus, the grandfather of 
 David Edmondston, whose cottage stands at the junction of the 
 river-road with the Newburgh turnpike. Vincent Helmus had 
 a house (now gone) on the east slope of Sloop-hill. 
 
 Fifty years ago the Moodna region furnished rare sport to 
 the hunter and angler. The estuary between Sloop-hill and 
 Plum Point was a favorite resort f(jr wild fowl; whilst percli, 
 sun-iish and bass were caught in large numbers. Shad fre- 
 ([uently found their way up the creek and were taken near the 
 first dam. Above the dam, tliat sweet but much reviled fish the 
 " sucker," was sought after in a peculiar manner. In the 
 month of April, iiumbers of people from Vail's-gate took their 
 ])osition on the north side of the stream, whilst tlie villagers 
 
THE ELLISON HOUSE— METHODISM. 141 
 
 from Cuutoi'bury would occu[)y tlic Kouth side. The fisliiiig was 
 done in tlie niji,-ht tiino with scapp-nets. Fires were built and 
 tlie familiar jug- was frequently passed around. Many remain- 
 ed all nig'lit engaged in the sport, and the "catch " is reported 
 by old residents to have been fabulous. 
 
 Let us now return to Hen. Knox's Head-quarters, I'roiu whicli 
 we turned for our trip through the Moodiia. An old resident 
 tnrnishes us a story told by the late Major Edmondston about 
 John Ellison, who owned and ran the mill at this point. Most 
 of our local readers are familiar with the history of Claudius 
 Smith, a noted cow-l)oy of the Revolution, who lived west of 
 the Highlands, in the Ramapo valley, now Monroe. Claudius 
 was the protype of the modern Lowerre. He was engaged in 
 all sorts of thieving, and in his marauds did not hesitate to cut a 
 throat or two to avoid detection or satiate revenge. He expi- 
 ated his many crimes- on the gallows at Goshen, 22d January, 
 1779. About dusk one evening he rode up to Ellison's Mill, 
 followed by a couple of confederates, each in charge of a 
 wagon load of wheat. The wheat was sold and delivered. 
 Claudius then informed Mr. Ellison that he had two more loads 
 at home, for which he would send. The drivers departed with 
 their empty wagons, and Claudius remained all night at Mr. 
 Ellison's. At the peep of day the wagons were again under 
 the shed, filled with wheat, which was taken out. Mr. Ellison 
 paid for the four loads and Claudius retired. Shortly after his 
 departure, it was discovei'ed that the drivers had withdrawn 
 the preceding night a short distance, then returned to the mill, 
 tilled their sacks from the spout, and sold Mr. Ellison his own 
 wheat. Major EduKMidston asserted the story to be true, and 
 from our reading of the cunning of Claudius, we have no reason 
 to doiibt it. 
 
 About a hundred yards to the west of the Ellison House, 
 still stands the first building erected in Orange county for the 
 purpose of Methodism. John Ellison was an ardent follower of 
 Wesley, and in 1789 organized a class which was known by 
 his name. In 1790 he put np the building in question, and it 
 was used for divine service until 1807, when the edifice on the 
 hill to the west was constructed. 
 
 The road which leaves the New Windsor and Vail's-o-ate turn- 
 
142 THE EDMONDSTON HOUSE. 
 
 pike at the Hea(l-(iuavtf'rs, niiis in a iiui'tli-wost directinii, and 
 leads ti) \Vasliing,ton Square, in Little Britian. We will follow 
 it shortly. For the present we continue on towards VaiPs-g'ate, 
 a small settlement, deriving- its chief importance from having" a 
 station on the Newhurg'h Branch of the Erie. It takes its name 
 iVoin that ol" the man who formerly controlled the toll-gate. A 
 tavern stands on the south side of tiie small sipmre, tiiat is 
 formed by the ci'ossing at rig'ht angles oi" a vond which leads to 
 the left to Orr's Mills, and on the right to Newburgii over what 
 is called the Snake-hill turn])ike. 
 
 After passing through the toll-g"ate, we presently come upon 
 an old-fashioned ston(^ building known as the Eihnoitdsion Hoane. 
 Aside from its antiquity, it acquires an interi'st from having 
 been the head-(|narters of (xenerals firates ami St. Clair during 
 the Kevolution. 
 
 In 172*1, -James Edmoudston having purchased a tract (jf 200 
 acres, for which he paid twenty shilling's per acre, located upon 
 it and buill a log cabin, whi(;h at that time was the only dwell- 
 ing- between New Windsor village and Washingtonville. In 
 the immediate neighborhood was an Indian settlement, and to 
 the west oi' the brook along- the hill side they deposited their 
 dead. The log- cabin g-ave way, in 1775, to a stone structure, 
 which, with the additions subsequently made, now forms the 
 residence of Mr. Henry Van ('left. It is said that the hospital 
 stores and medical .staft" of the army, whose encampment we are 
 about to note, were also located in the P]dmondston House. 
 
 Dr. Thacher, whose Journal has preserved to us many an 
 interesting- incident of the Kevolution, alludes under date of 
 April 30, 1781, to a visit he paid the head-quarters of the medi- 
 cal start" in this building-, and also to a dinner he enjoyed at the 
 same place on the 15th of December, 1782. In speaking- of the 
 latter he adds : " Our entertainment was ample and (degant." 
 The Edmoudston House stands but a short distance from the 
 point where tlie Short-cut intersects tlie old Xewl)urg-h Branch 
 of the Erie. 
 
 Let us now retrace our steps to (reneral Knox's Head-quar- 
 ters, and take the road to the north-west, before alluded to. A 
 drive of a little over two miles bring-s us to WaHhinqton Square, 
 fornuMl bv tile convergence of iour roads, and named in honor 
 
I'HK FALLS HOUSE CAMP (illOUND. 
 
 143 
 
 n\' tiic ('(iiiiiii;ni(lci-iii-ilii('r liy the tr(>t)i)s ciicanipcd in tlic viciii- 
 ily (liiiiii.i;- the yc;ir 17S-2. ll \v;is here, in liie lall of 17ST, at 
 
 tile liduse (.f Mrs. Falls, that 
 (iovenini- Clinliiii estalilisheil 
 iiis liea(l-(iiiarters, at'ttM- th<' ilis- 
 asti-ous caijtiin' i>l' Forts Moiit- 
 li'oniery and (Mintoii, and eiidea- 
 axdreil to rally liis scattered 
 joree witli a view ol' i)r()t(M'tiuj4' 
 the ri^'(M• front from the attacks 
 iHE F.LLsHoiyiE. "f tlic Britisli fleet. At a later 
 
 date it was selectdl by \\'ashini;ton. in eoniKM'tioii with the ad- 
 jacent lands as an eli,u-il>le sit(.' for the winter ([uarters of his 
 arniv. .Vll the tioops of the line were g'atliered at this ))oint 
 
 d u r inu' 
 
 CAMP (iBOUNP. 
 
 north-east to the base of Snake-hill, and on the south-east as far 
 down as the ])resent turnpike. The evideiKjes of their oecujia- 
 tion are still in e.xistencf. 
 
 The farms laid down on recent maps, as belonjj'iiii;" to (lil- 
 bert Tompkins. .Ir.. -lames ('. (Moyd, Nathaniel Moores, William 
 S. .McOill and Daniel Moores. are in particular favored. Tpon 
 the farm formerly owned by SujX'rvisor 'i'ompkins, may yet be 
 seen tiie walls of the Commissary's Store-house, and the rude 
 llao-o-iu^- whit'h foi'med the floors of the shelterine,- huts. Here, 
 also, is tol>e found the mound(Ml <'arth, devoid of head-stone — 
 y(>t s|ieakin,^- in still and silent tones of the patriot dead. The 
 ruthless plow has thus far spare(l this holy land. We earnesrly 
 
144 
 
 THE CAMP GROUND— THE TEMPLE. 
 
 THE TEMPLE. 
 
 hope succeeding generations will guard the sacred spot with 
 patriot care, and leave it as a monument of love and respect to 
 their children's children. 
 
 On the McGill farm stood The 
 Temple, a building eighty feet 
 long by forty wide, erected of 
 hewn logs with a barrack roof. 
 The uses for which this building 
 \v3i% erected, as well as its name, 
 have been the subject of consider- 
 rable dispute. The Rev. Mr. (jano, 
 a chaplain of the army, wrote that 
 it was intended as a house " for public worship on the Lord's 
 Day." It doubtless was used for that purpose along with 
 others. In the military orders of the day, it was frequently 
 alluded to as the " Public Building." Dr. Thacher so calls it 
 in his Journal. It was also sometimes called the " New Build- 
 ing," in centra-distinction to some other of which we have no 
 definite record. It must have been destroyed soon after the 
 Revolution. Fortunately, Major Burnett, a resident of New 
 Windsor, who had frequently seen it, furnished a description 
 from which a probably accurate engraving has been made. 
 
 The name of Temple was given it on account of its stated 
 occupation by American Union Lodge, F. & A. M., which 
 followed the army under a traveling dispensation. 
 
 It was here that Washington met with his officers in consid- 
 eration of the famous Newburgh Letters. It was here that the 
 crown, tendered by disaffected leaders, was indignantly thrust 
 aside, and an instance of unselfish conduct displayed which 
 will in the future, as it lias in the past, challenge the admira- 
 tion of a wondering world. The historian has truly said : 
 "This spot is consecrated by one of the loftiest exhibitions of 
 true patriotism with which our Revolutionary history abounds." 
 The Temple is also renowned as the birth-place of the 
 Society of the Cincinnatti, It is not within our purpose to 
 give a history of this Order. It met with a storm of opposition 
 from its very inception, which, however, it managed to survive. 
 The organization is kept alive at the present day, but the influ- 
 ence it wields is of no weight or importance. 
 
STOCK FARMS. 145 
 
 j;^« 
 
 A VERY pleasant day may be spent in visiting- the stock 
 farms of the county, tlic principal ones being- within easy reach 
 of (;ornwall. Orange county has of late added to her reputation 
 for milk and butter, that of being- the Nursery of fine horses. 
 The hundreds of fleet animals that have proved their metal and 
 speed on the turf were reared on the sweet pastures, the 
 bracing- air and well-watered fields i^f old Orange. The im- 
 petus in this direction was no doubt first given by the fortunate 
 purchase of Mr. Rysdick, in 1849, whilst in the city of New 
 York. During- the summer of that year, he bought of Charles 
 Kent, a butcher, a mare in foal at the time. Nothing was 
 known of her pedigree, though she was reputed to be of fine 
 blood. The price paid was one hundred and twenty-five dol- 
 lars. The investment was most remarkably profitable. Twen- 
 ty-two years afterwards, upon his death, Mr. Rysdick left an 
 estate valued at between one hundred and two hundred thous- 
 and dollars, the direct result of the purchase in question. 
 
 The foal dropped by this mare was called Hambletonian, a 
 name which has become familiar throughout the whole world. 
 From his loins has sprung- a numerous progeny whose ex- 
 ploits may well challenge for their illustrious sire the proud 
 position of being the King or Father of American trotters. 
 The " old horse," as he is sometimes called, can be seen in the 
 stables of his former owner, at Chester. He is now twenty- 
 four years old. 
 
 The American passion for fast horses occasioned a demand 
 which the different breeding establishments in Orange county 
 were intended to supply. The largest and best appointed of 
 these institutions is that of Mr. Charles Bachman, near Goshen, 
 better known as the Stony-ford Farm. Mr. Bachman has been 
 for years a prominent merchant in the city. Naturally fond 
 
14(i STOCK FAilMS. 
 
 of liorscs, ;il>i)Ut eig'lit vcurs siin'c lie pnl i)i cxcciitidii a |)laii 
 lie liad loiig- culcrtaiiK'il, tor tlic dcxclopinciit of tlirir licst (jiiali- 
 tics. Tlie auiplc means witli wliicli his lucrcaiitilt' success 
 had (U'ovided liiiii, eiiahled him to conduct operations upon an 
 enlarged scale never hclore attempted. His original ])urchase 
 of land comprised hut titty-three acres, which liy sul)se([uen( 
 additions is now increased to six hundred. lie hegan vvdtii lour 
 l)rood-mares ; he has now over seventy. The harns, sheds and 
 stables will cover between two and three acres. There are 
 eighty-four box stalls, and thirty of the ordinary kind. The 
 stalls ai'e built in the most substantial ami elaborate manner: 
 tlu! materials being spruce, oak and iron. Eveiwthing about 
 them is arranged with a view to the cond'ort of the occupants 
 and the convenience of the keeper. In the arrangement oC the 
 barns Mr. Bachman has shown remarkable tact. One of them. 
 in particular, is a model of its kind, and well worthy of Ix'ing 
 studied by those intending to l)nild sinnlar structures. We 
 have no means of knowing the amount of money expeiidcMl on 
 these improvements, but it must have been immense. The old- 
 fashioned neighbors, as they saw lliem progress, picclicted, as 
 usual, tinancial ruin to the propi-ielor. flie result, by no means, 
 verified the prediction. The project has been a complete suc- 
 cess. By a judicious system of breeding, Mr. Bachman has 
 succeeded in raising a large number of valuable horses, for 
 which he has realised fabulous prices. Some of them have 
 been sold at sums ranging between ten thousand and iil'ty 
 thousanil dolhirs, as currently reported. .\ full mile ti'ack is 
 attached to the farm, upon which the speed ol' the colt is de- 
 veloped. It is not within oiu' scope to particularize the vari- 
 ous animals that are to be seen in Mr. Baclnnan's staliles. 
 They are all noted for their speed and beauty. Four stallions 
 of tine strain and strong lind) will attiact immediate attention. 
 Their names are Abdallah Star, Bolton. Messenger Ihiroc, 
 and Idol. Adjoining Stony-t'ord is the farm of .\lr. Win. 
 Keetch, in whose stables will be found the cid(d)rated pjdward 
 Kverett, formerly Major Wintield. now the ♦property of .Mi-. 
 Robert Bonner. Edward Kverett is the sire of Judge Fuller- 
 ton, Mountain Boy. -loe Elliot, and other well known horses. 
 Not far trom her(>, mav be visited Mr. .lohn .Minchen, a verv 
 
STOCK FARMS. HT 
 
 Micccssfnl l)rcc(lcr wlio has his stahh'S tilk'd wilh very vahia- 
 l»k' lior.ses. 
 
 Tho farms we have luciitioiHMl can l»c rciichcd hy cars if de- 
 sired, via the Ki'ie Braiicli to (rdshen, and tlience on tlie Wall- 
 kill Valley road to ('anipl)ell Hall. They are, however, iiut 
 altout sixteen miles from (Cornwall — not too far for a pleasant 
 drive. If the visitor has ailopted the latter mode, he niay, in 
 retnnnng', call on Mr. Alden (joldsmith, at his farm, about a 
 mile west of the little villag-e ot AVashingtonville. He will 
 here have an opportunity of inspecting- Volunteer, one of the 
 best sons of old Hand)letoniaii. Volunteer is the sire of (rlos- 
 ter, VV. H. Allen, Huntress, Hamlet, and a host of other "good 
 ones." He is of a beautiful bay, sixteen hands high, and every 
 inch a horse. Mr. (ioldsmith has a number of horses on the 
 turf, all of them winning name and fame for their owner. 
 (.Goldsmith Maid, whose time surpassed that of the renowned 
 Dexter, \vas formerly owned by Mr. fToldsmith, and was named 
 after him. 
 
 The improvements here are not as extensive noi' as costly as 
 those at Stony-ford, but they are substantial and well ada]tted 
 to the purpose lor which they were built. If the visit should 
 be made when the horses are all at home, a large )iumber of 
 famous trotters will be found in the stalls. .Mr. <ioldsmith fur- 
 nishes anotiier instance of the success attending stock-l)i-eeding 
 when direete(l by sound judgment and a thorough knowledge 
 oi' the horse. The Walnut-grove farm, as Mi', (ioldsmith's is 
 called, is about eight miles from Canterbury. 
 
 As we pass through Salisbury on our return, a slight dcMec- 
 tion from the uuiin road will lead us to the stable of Tut. 
 Wood, where Billy I)ent(ui, another of Hamldetonian's well 
 known sons may be seen. 
 
 In another dii-<'ction, at Highland Mills, about nine miles 
 from Canterbury, Mr. Aaron H. Taylor has a large stock farm. 
 Over a hundred horses, many of high breeding, are to be found 
 here. The principal stallions are Florida, son of the old horse; 
 yet young' but of great promise ; and Black Harry Clay, more 
 commonly known as Doty's Clay. Mr. Taylor has a track to 
 the south of tlu; house for the exhibition of his horses. It is in 
 plain sight of the traveler on the Short-cut cars, midway be- 
 
148 STOCK FAKMS. 
 
 tweon the Junction and Highland Mills. We have already allud- 
 ed, in Walks and Drives, to tlie stock farm of Major Thomas 
 Morton, in New Windsor, about two miles distant from Canter- 
 bury. Everything at this establishment betrays the wealth and 
 good taste of its owner. The stalls are equine boudoirs — dain- 
 ty resting spots for the fine strung animals that occupy them. 
 The track is probably the best half mile track in the state. It 
 is always kept in proper condition, and maintained for the pri- 
 vate use of the Major and sxich friends as he may see fit to in- 
 vite. The Major has now in his stables Micawber, a stallion 
 young in years but of remarkable beauty and great speed. 
 
 Not far from Major Morton's, a visit may be paid to the train- 
 ing stables of Mr. James Hasbrouck and W. C. Trimble. Both 
 these gentlemen have handled some of the best horses that have 
 gone on the turf. Mr. Trimble developed the Bull Colt, as he 
 was formerly called, now Judge Fullerton, on the Cornwall 
 track, and it was from his hands the horse passed to tiiose of 
 Mr. Humphrey, his present owner. A track will also be found 
 on Mr. Hasbrouck's place. 
 
 Returning to Cornwall, we may look in at Captain Kennedy's 
 Maple-grove farm. It will be found about a quarter of a mile 
 to the north of the Erie depot, but is reached by an indirect 
 road, known as the Vail's-gate road The Captain has a number 
 of horses on hand. The strain from which the breeding on this 
 farm has been conducted is diiferent from the others we have 
 mentioned. The result, however, has been highly satisfactory. 
 The Captain has raised a number of colts whose record is mak- 
 ing an enviable reputation for their sire. Wild Irishman, as he 
 is called, was sired by Dr. Rich's Jupiter. He is sorrel in color 
 with large bone and a fine open gait. A marked peculiarity is 
 the length of his mane, which reaches to the ground and will 
 measure seven feet in length. Captain Kennedy has recently 
 built a track upon his farm, and trots between good horses may 
 reasonably be expected from time to time for the amusement of 
 Cornwall boarders. 
 
 The visitor may rely upon a hearty welcome at all of the stock 
 farms we have mentioned. It is a remarkable characteristic of 
 the owner of good horses, that he not only likes to look at them 
 himself, but he wishes others to share the pleasure with him. 
 
AQUATICS -WARD BROTHERS. 1 49 
 
 '1 
 
 Thk lover of tuiuatic sports will find ample scopt; for their 
 iii(lul,i>'eiice at Cornwall. The broad and beautiful bay into 
 which the river expands at this point, furnishes an unsurpassed 
 field for pleasure-boatinjL^. The lake-like estuary of the Moodna, 
 well-sheltered from winds and with shoal water, is perfectly free 
 from danger, at all times, even to ladies and children unattended 
 by a companion; whilst the more venturesome and experienced 
 can spread their sails for a scud throug'h the Highlands. Sail 
 and row-boats can be had, at reasonable prices, from the water- 
 men. "Dan" Ward, a cousin of the famous oarsmen, always 
 has a larg'e assortment of boats on hand. His establishment is 
 not over five minutes' walk from VVillis-ville. To those stopping 
 nearer the Landing, a more convenient resort will be the Clarks 
 or " Josh" Ward's. 
 
 Boating has grown to be a favorite recreation with the Ameri- 
 can people. It certainly is one of the most healthful exercises 
 one can take. Parents are generally anxious that their child- 
 ren should become familiar with "the oars." To such, we may 
 say, Cornwall possesses superior inducements, botli in the safety 
 of tlie water and in the possession of the veteran Wai'd, who 
 makes it a point to instruct such as need his services during 
 the summer. Amateurs in the art are qiiite plenty and every 
 season witnesses one or more regattas in the bay, wherein they 
 strive in friendly contest. 
 
 Facilities for bathing have never been properly encouraged 
 at Cornwall, though the shore and water are both finely adapted 
 to the purpose. Public bathing-h(mses will doubtless grow into 
 fashion ere long. Until they do, we would advise the stranger 
 to take a Ijoat tor the friendly seclusion off Plum Point, where 
 a river-bath may lie had in safe water. 
 
 Cornwall has attaijied a world-wide notoriety in aquatic circles 
 c 10 
 
150 AQUATICS— WARD BROTHERS. 
 
 liy rcasuii of its being the home of the Champion Oarsmen — 
 the Ward Brothers. The personal history of the Ward faniil}^ 
 is not without interest. Isaac Ward was married to Winifred 
 Moshcr in the winter of 1820. P'rom this union sprung fourteen 
 children, all of whom, as well as the parents, are yet living. 
 We give the birth-days of the different members, as the ages 
 of some of them are a matter of fre([uent iiujuiry. Isaac Ward 
 Avas born on the 20th January, 1798, and is ctjusequentl}' now 
 in his seventy-sixth year. His wife is but six years his jiuiior, 
 having been born on the 5th of July, 1804. The children were 
 born as follows: John W., Sept. 6th, 1821; Martha, April 11th, 
 1823; James Oscar, Jan. Itth, 1825; William Henry, Dec. 14tli, 
 1827; Caroliiie, March 28th, 1829; Charles, 1881; George, June 
 6th, 1832; Benjamin S., April 4th, 1834; Maria, August 11th, 
 1836; Joshua, May 11th, 1838; Sarah Eliza, Jan. 23d, 1840; 
 Gilbert, October 23d, 1841; Gloraner, Dec. 20th, 1843; Ellis F., 
 Sept. 13th, 1846. 
 
 The parents resided at Middlehope, a few miles to the north 
 of Newburgh, where all the children were born. From their 
 earliest youth, the boys have followed the river, being engaged 
 in fishing and boating. The natural effect of this daily employ- 
 ment was to strengthen the sinew and develop the skill for 
 which they have since become so renowned. All of the boys 
 became good rowers. Josh, by reason of the number of races 
 in which he has participated, is more prominently known than 
 any of his brothers. In person, he hardly appears the athlete 
 which his many victories prove him. He would stand full six 
 feet high, if straightened up. A stoop of the shoulders and a 
 slight droop of the head to one side, belittles his actual heighth. 
 His capacious chest, and long, brawny arms, however, exhibit 
 a most marked fitness for his peculiar vocaticjn. The weight at 
 which he usually rows is one hundred and sixty pounds. The 
 first public race in which he engaged was at the Newburgh 
 Regatta on the 4th of July, 1857. On this oc(;asion, which was 
 a double-scull race, he rowed in the Fanny Fern in company 
 with his brother, William Henry, and succeeded in carrying off' 
 the first prize; accomplishing the full distance of four miles in 
 thirty-three minutes and thirty seconds. His first important 
 single-scull victory took place on the 20th of September, 1859, 
 
AQUATICS -WARD BROTHERS. 151 
 
 in Ne\vl)mgli bay, when lir dctt-iited, among' otlicrs, John llancon, 
 a ('ornwall uaisinan, whotse reputation at that time was, as it has 
 ever since l)ecn, deservedly higii. About three weeks hitin-, on 
 'I'uesday, Octolx'r lltii, IS49, he entered the regatta off Staten 
 Ishiiid, lor a purse of $100 and the cliampion's belt. His com- 
 petitors were Fay, Daw, and llancon, whom he van([uished in 
 the extraordinary time of" thirty-Hve minutes and ten seconds 
 To allay suspicions that had arisen as to the distance, Ca[»tain 
 Faunce, of the revenue-cutter Harriet Lane, carefully surveyed 
 the course iind found it fully five miles. 
 
 The champion sculler's belt, which now became the property 
 ol' Ward, was nuule by Messrs. Tiffany & Co.. of Broadway, X. 
 Y. H was of solid silver, thirty inches in circund'erence, three 
 inches wide, and weighed twenty ounces. Upon tlu; front the 
 national arms were beautifidly engraved, and along the edge 
 ran a border of rope. The body of the belt had represeutaticm.s 
 of both yatch and scull contests. This belt having been left 
 in the charge of Mr. Benjamin Odell, of Newburgh, for safe 
 keeping, was stolen and probably melted down by the thieves. 
 
 We have not space to chronicle the various achievements of 
 our champion. He engaged in numerous struggles on different 
 fields and won fresh laurels at every point. His friends had 
 become so confident of his ability that they now offered to match 
 him against tiic celebrated Robert Chambers, of England. The 
 distraction occasioned by the civil war, and the lack of interest 
 in a contest of the kind contemplated, caused its abandonment. 
 It is not to be expected that every struggle should be rewarded 
 with victor3^ The elements necessary to success are so multi- 
 form and dependent upon so many conditions, that it would 
 be indeed marvelous if our champion had always escaped de- 
 feat. Considering the number of races he has rowed, the few 
 defeats are truly remarkable. The only ones worth mentioning 
 are those on the Schuylkill and at Pittsburg, by Hamil, and on 
 Lake C^uinsigamond and at Portland, by Walter Brown. To 
 what extent his ignorance of these waters effected the result, 
 we, of course, are unable to conjecture. These reverses, how- 
 ever, were more than atoned for by the brilliant success on the 
 memorable Sept. lltli, 1811. On this day, at Saratoga, in the 
 International Regatta, the Ward Brothers crowned themselves 
 
152 AQUATICS— WARD BROTHERS. 
 
 with glory by defeating the two picked crews of Great Britain. 
 The satisfaction and pride with which this glorious victory was 
 hailed thruugliout the country knew no bounds. The event is 
 so recent that the particulars must be still fresh in the minds of 
 our readers. Not the least remarkable feature connected with 
 it, was tlie fact that four brothers could l)e found in one family 
 whose combined prowess was superior to that of four picked 
 representatives of a kingdom upon whose possessions the sun 
 is said never to set. 
 
 In consTiming so much space with the exploits of " Josh," we 
 have, cpiite unintentionally, deprived ourself of the power to do 
 justice to the claims of his brothers. The three who shared 
 with him the honors of Saratoga were William Henry, Gilbert, 
 and Ellis. The tirst named is more comnnmly known as " Hank," 
 the Leatherstocking of American oarsmen. On the occasion 
 referred to he pulled "stroke" and was at the time forty-four 
 years old — an age at which few would be found equal to the 
 demands of scj severe a strain. Gilbert and Ellis have rowed 
 in many single-scull matches, and carried off the first prize on 
 inimerous occasions, Ellis, in particular, has already earned a 
 })roud position and bids fair to take the place so long and so 
 ably held by his brother " Josh." 
 
 The stranger is nati;rally anxious to see the brothers who 
 have done so much to advance the reputation of American oars- 
 men. His curiosity may be gratified by visiting the public 
 liouse, kept by the veteran "Josh," to be seen facing the dock 
 where the Powell lands. During a part of the summer, the 
 brothers are more or less engaged at the different colleges 
 training amateur crews for the usual regattas. One or more 
 of them, however, will be found at home. The visitor will find 
 them as genial in the entertainment of guests as they are pro- 
 ficient in the use of the "paddles." 
 
HOTELS AND BOARDING-HOUSES. IfjS 
 
 ioicl", rtiiil 1||0;iriliiig4|pttse^. 
 
 Less than five-aiul-twoiity years ago, the bnarding'-liousos in 
 Cornwall could be nunilxu'cd on the fingers. Now, they are 
 counted by scores. Mr. Willis was the first to awaken atten- 
 tion to the natural beauty of our Hig-hland terrace, and to point 
 out to the people the advantages of their entertaining city folks 
 during the summer. Under his influence and direction, each suc- 
 ceeding season brought renewed numbers to the place. Those 
 that came were well-treated, and returned in the fall to their 
 city residences with none but pleasant impressions. The tide 
 of visitors that set in, has never ebbed. Each year can boast 
 a larger number than the one that preceded it. 
 
 The acconnnodation provided for strangers is a subject upon 
 which they naturally seek information. As before hinted, the 
 hostelries are numerous and vary in the number of guests they 
 recieive, the character of the accommodations, and the prices 
 charged. None of them aspire to the dignity of being called 
 " Hotel." They are content with the more modest suffix of 
 " House." Of those that have accommodations for over a hund- 
 red, we may mention the Glen-ridge House, the Smith House, 
 the Linden-park House, the Mountain House, the Clark House, 
 and the Lawrence House. The order in which they are named 
 indicates their relative capacity — the Glen-ridge accommodating 
 about three hundred and fifty and the Lawrence probably about 
 an hundred. The Mountain House is less accessible than the 
 others, but its want in this respect is more than atoned for bj' 
 its secluded position and the extended view to be had from its 
 broad porches. Fine views of the mountains and river are 
 gained from the other houses mentioned. Situated within fif- 
 teen minutes' drive of boats or cars, they are pleasantly conve- 
 nient to those whose business requires them in the city from 
 time to time. Stages call at the door every day to meet tlie 
 
154 HOTELS AND BOARDING-HOUSES. 
 
 boats, charg-ing- the moderate price of twenty-five cents for eacli 
 passeng'er. Some of the houses run their own conveyance ; 
 tlie Gk^n-ridge, for instance, keeping* three or more for that 
 ])urpose. 
 
 In this connection we may say a word in behalf of the livery- 
 stabh' keepers and hackmen. They are quite an important 
 accessory to tlie comforts and pleasures of the visitor. They 
 are sufficiently numerous to make competition lively, and yet 
 the stranger will note an entire absence of that pulling' and 
 liutton-holing so annoying- at other pleasure resorts. Importu- 
 nities for "a fare," if indulg'ed in at all, are made in a respect- 
 lul manner. Their charges are invariably fair and exact. We 
 havt! never lieard of a single attempt at extortion by any of our 
 Cornwall hackmen— a compliment, rare indeed. Guests unpro- 
 vided with their own horses and carriages, can always be sup- 
 plied, at short notice, with a conveyance to take any of the 
 beautiful drives alread}^ alluded to. 
 
 The houses that accommodate less than a hundred but over 
 twenty-five, tire quite numerous. The principal ones are: Jolni 
 Orr's, at Mountain-ville, with a splendid valley view; Charles 
 Mailler's, on the moiintain, convenient to the Mineral Spring; 
 the Moodna-valley House, Wm. Orr, proprietor; J. H. Atkinson's 
 House, on Willow avenue; T. Milton Wiley's new house; the 
 Carswell House, — the two latter near Willis-ville; the Storm- 
 king House, and the Birdsall House, at the point of Storm-king; 
 the Tinner House, and the Duncan House, on the cntwn lands 
 of Highland Park. All these houses are pleasantly and conve- 
 niently located and well-kept. 
 
 Next in order are the houses of more limited accommodations. 
 It would be idle to speculate as to their number. The widow 
 of moderate means; the mechanic or laborer with a room or 
 two to s|)are; the farmer in his old-fashioned but comfortable 
 JKime — all open their doors, during the season, to the city guest. 
 
 From the classitication we have made, the stranger will be 
 enabled to make a selection in accordance with his peculiar 
 views. If he looks for a (piiet, retired place, he will apply to 
 tlie class last mentioned; if plenty of company is desired, he 
 may take up his quarters at any of the larger houses; if a happy 
 mean between the two extremes is sought after, he will find it in 
 
HOTELS AND BOAKDING-HOUSES. 155 
 
 llic liouscs wliosc average accommodation is about forty guests. 
 
 'riic pric-i's cliarged at the difllerent estahlishmeuts will vary 
 IVoiii seven to twenty dollars per week, — transient boarders, 
 IVom two to three dollars per day. Shelter and bed being- more 
 dillieult to provide than board, marked concessions are made to 
 those who will accept indillerent rooms, or share their occupancy 
 with another. A room which might accommodate two, if retain- 
 ed by one, will be charged for at nearly the full price of two 
 boarders. The ])ractice occasions much dissatisfaction at times, 
 but it is hardly fair to blame the Boniface for studying, what 
 every one else docs, in matters of business — his own interests. 
 In return for the prices paid, the guest will receive a full equiv- 
 alent. The table may l:)e lacking in gout-courting entrees, and 
 dyspeptic jiastry, but it will be liberally supplied with a variety 
 of viands, properly cooked. The meats and poultry will be 
 found of the best, the butter fresh, the milk and cream sweet, 
 the vegetables just from the earth, and the fruit new from the 
 stem. It matters not whether the boarder pays seven or twenty 
 dollars a week, the fare will be substantially of the kind we 
 mention — the "host" making himself whole by curtailing the 
 variety, and not deteriorating the quality, according to the price 
 charged. There is one thing the habitue of large, fashionable 
 hotels will probably miss — the exactions of servants He will 
 not find a lackey at every turn, ready to brush a coat and take 
 a quarter. The absence of this custom, so prevalent at large 
 hotels, and thus "honored in the breach" at Cornwall, will not 
 be regretted. At the same time, we may remai'k, the ways for 
 " getting rid of money," at Cornwall, are quite limited. The 
 incidental expenses of Niagara, Saratoga, and Long Branch, in 
 the shape of douceurs to servants, opera tickets, trophy pur- 
 chases, saloon outlays, and extra suppers, are happily unknown 
 to Cornwall. The sources of enjoyment are of a different, more 
 rational, and less expensive a kind, as we have elsewhere 
 shown. 
 
 All of the various boarding-houses command fine views — 
 either of mountain, valley, or river, or of all combined. Fruit 
 in abundance is common to them all. The grounds will be 
 found, with but few exceptions, well-shaded. Parents will be 
 glad to learn that the growing antipathy to receiving children, 
 
150 HOTELS AND BOARDING-HOUSES. 
 
 finds no countonaiice at Cornwall. Some of the houses make 
 tlie entertaiiinuMit of the "little ones" a specialty. The Glen- 
 ri(l,a,e has HC({uiied a wide reputation in this direction. Social 
 iiiiins<'iiients, such as cliarades and hops, are provided most 
 every night, at some of the houses; and an interchang'e of visits 
 among- the boarders at large being encourag'ed, the occasion is 
 made enjoyable to all who may be inclined to attend. A con- 
 cert, or lecture, or ball, is occasionally g'iven at Library Hall, 
 where a select billiard-room may also be found. Whilst speak- 
 ing' of the positive pleasures to be enjoyed, we must not omit 
 the negative one to be experienced in the absence of mosquitoes. 
 
 Besides the boarding-houses alluded to, there are a couple of 
 hotels, open the year round. The Union at Canterbury, and the 
 Sag'amore at VVillis-ville, are mainly devoted to the accommo- 
 dation of transient visitors, though permanent guests are fre- 
 quently taken and well-cared for. 
 
 The stranger, whilst noting the numbers who resort to Corn- 
 wall, invariably expresses surprise that no large, first-class 
 hotel is to be found. The project is one that has frequently 
 engaged the attention of the people, but a serious conflict of 
 opinion exists as to its merits. It is contended, by many, that 
 a large hotel, witli its usual appointments, would iiuiugurate 
 high prices and open the door to the introduction of all tliat 
 dissipation, show, dress, and expense, that would do the place 
 more harm than good. Cornwall's reputation depends, to a 
 large extent, upon the fact that people can spend the summer 
 \ivvo, receiving the best of accommodation, at fair and reason- 
 able rates. A large, fashionable hotel, it is argued, would de- 
 stroy this individuality of character, for which the place has 
 become so noted. On the other hand, it is claimed that the ab- 
 sence of such a hotel practically exchides a very numerous 
 class, whose love of luxury, independence, and ease, are the 
 main inducements to a country sojourn. The question is one, 
 however, that tlie future must decide. 
 
SOCIETY. 157 
 
 mthig. 
 
 The seeker after a rural home, wlietlier transient or perma- 
 nent, very naturally looks to the kind of society by which he 
 will be surrounded. Accustomed in the city to easy intercourse 
 with cong'enial company, he reg'ards with aversion the possibility 
 of this necessary privilege being* denied him in the country. — 
 There is no doubt that a very considerable nund)er of those who 
 return dissatisfied to the city, after a brief taste of country 
 life, do so from a failure of those social amenities and friend- 
 ships in which most country places are lacking. N<j just com- 
 plaint, in this respect, can be made against Cornwall. The 
 society is ever}^ thing that could be wished for. A brief glance 
 at the character of the residents will g'ive an idea of what may 
 be expected. The population, in the sparsely settled poi'tions 
 of the town, consists of well-to-do farmers — in the villages, of 
 thrifty trades-men, mechanics, and laborers; and on the hill- 
 slopes and plateau, of retired business men, or those keeping 
 up merely a summer residence. There is yet another class who 
 do business in the city, but maintain their homes at Cornwall, 
 where the expense of living is much lighter and their children 
 can have the benefit of country air. The facility of communi- 
 cation with the city is highly favorable to the latter mode of 
 life. To this permanent population must be added the thous- 
 ands of city folks who fill the hotels and boarding-houses be- 
 tween the first of June and October. The "boarders," as they 
 are locally called, represent various conditions of life. They 
 come principally from New York and Brooklyn, though many 
 are seen hailing from distant states. Some are affluent — others 
 in moderate circumstances. All are sensible and make good 
 company. Unlike tlie patrons of the Sea-shore and the Springs, 
 they prefer to enjoy themselves in a rational way. Many bring- 
 along with them their horses and carriages, and, during the 
 
158 SOCIETY. 
 
 season, our roads are enlivened with handsome equipages. No 
 attempt, liowever, at ostentation is made. The hidies arrang-e 
 their toilets to suit themselves, and waste but little time or 
 money in trying to out-dress their neighbor. The " boarders," 
 as a class, seem to be of that substantial kind who prefer com- 
 fort to fashion; keeping up, the while, an equable expenditure, 
 without making the one hand (of retrenchment)" wash the other 
 (of extravagance). 
 
 The amusements gotten up for the entertainment of the 
 " boarders," are by no means exclusive, in the oft'ensive sense 
 of the word. The permanent residents mingle at times witli 
 the guests, and share the festivities of tlie occasion. The infer- 
 ence is pretty plain, tliat Cornwall is lively enough during the 
 boarding season. As to the balance of the year, the permanent 
 resident will tind the social attractions equally pleasant. Neigh- 
 bors are conveniently near and agreeably friendly. The formali- 
 ties of fashionable etiquette are rarely indulged in. Acquaint- 
 ances are easy made and a reasonable intimacy courted. The 
 church cf)teries, whicli the numerous churches give rise to, furn- 
 ish a fruitful source of pleasant association for those inclined 
 to such privileges. The different societies — Masonic, Odd P'el- 
 lows. Temperance, Benevolent, and Musical — will exact, each 
 in its own way, a due proportion of the time usually given to 
 social enjoyments. The person of literary taste, or one inclined 
 to art, may have, within calling distance, an Abbott, a Warner, 
 a Roe, a Weir, a Brown, a Headley, or a Monell, — names all 
 prominent in romance, history, sculpture, painting, and litera- 
 ture. If the immediate locality should not furnish the society 
 needed, there is Newburgh, a city of nigh twenty thousand 
 people, close at hand; and, as Mr. Willis once observed, "like 
 the moon and the stars, it is a much-Tised addition to 'our ex- 
 tent of property,' though not charged among the taxes." In 
 the suburbs of Newburgh, as well as in the City, are many 
 families whose wealth and refinement are inferior to none in 
 the country. 
 
 The crowning advantage of Cornwall, however, in the matter 
 of society, is its convenience to New York. City friends 
 are by no means to be given up, on account of a change in 
 residejice. Communication is so easy and frequent that one's 
 
SOCIETY. 151» 
 
 visitiiit;" list uccmI not Ix" shortcMied in tlie least. A liroakfast at 
 lionic, a chatty sail down the river, five hours in tlie city for 
 calling- or sliopping-, and a return in time for seven o'clock tea, 
 are all within the ('oinpass ot" less than a half-day. In the 
 winter tlu; same facilities are enjoyed — only suhstitutinj;' the 
 cars for the boat. One of tlie pleasantest features connected 
 witli rural life is the mutual exchange of visits between city 
 and country friends. Tiie practice is one that deserv^es encour- 
 a>>-einent. By means of it, the sunnner pleasures of the country 
 and the winter pleasures of the city, may be reciprocally enjoy- 
 ed, without additional expense to either party. 
 
 Cornwall society, of course, is constantly growing. Many of 
 those who first appeared as " boarders," soon became enamored 
 with the place, selected favorite sites and erected pretty cotta- 
 ges for summer homes. Each year, the period of their remain- 
 ing is lengthened, until finally they settle down as permanent 
 residents. They become gradually but firmly wedded to the 
 faith that the most enjoyable mode of life is that which has its 
 home in the country. 
 
 
160 COMMERCE EARLY AND FUTURE. 
 
 The river commerce of Cornwall has never been written. 
 The insignificance into which it has dwindled at the present 
 day, is no criterion of the importance it assumed during the 
 early years of the present century. New Windsor has claimed 
 the lionor of establishing the first landing-place to the north of 
 the Highlands, for river shipment. It does not belong to her. 
 It is true, prior to the Revolution, the old Ellison dock monopo- 
 lized the carrying trade of tlie surrounding country, but it is 
 equally true, that long anterior to this, the limited traflBc, such 
 as it was, found its outlet to the south of the Moodna. This 
 point we have established in another connection Our present 
 purpose is with the commercial history of Cornwall of more 
 recent date. 
 
 At the beginning of the present century, the freigliting busi- 
 ness was done from a dock which stood near where Mr. Gillis' 
 brick-yard now does. It was reached by a road through the 
 ravine which skirts Mr. Ryckman's property on the north. 
 From this point Captain Daniel Tobias sailed a sloop, and kept 
 a store near the landing. The name of Tobias is closely asso- 
 ciated with the freighting business for a period of well nigh a 
 half century. Captain Daniel S. Tobias (now in his 73d year), 
 who has acted as superintendent of Mr. Salmon's warehouse for 
 several years past, is the grand-son of Dr. Isaac Tobias, who 
 lived on the William Halstead place near Salisbury, and died 
 there in 1808. His father, whose name was Isaac S. (brother 
 to Daniel), removed from the old dock in 1807, and erected the 
 house now occupied by the oarsman. Josh. Ward. He con- 
 structed a dock and built the sloop Hector, of favorable mem- 
 ory. At this time there was no communicatif)n between the 
 river and the table-land above. He built the road at his own 
 expense as far as the first bridge, where it connected Avith the 
 
COMMERCE- EARLY AND FUTURE. 101 
 
 present road to Willis-ville, wliicli latter road was then in 
 existence. 
 
 Captain Natlianiel Iving also sailed a sloop IVoiii the old dock, 
 from which he removed and built the dock at the present land- 
 ing:;, now occupied by Mead & Taft. We have already alluded 
 to the dock which stood at the foot of Sloop-hill, now gone to 
 decay. In 1810, Captain lleuben Reynolds came from New 
 Windsor and raised the house now occupied by Charley Brown, 
 and built the dock in front of it, now iised for a coal yard. 
 About this time Captains Reynolds and Toltias built and launch- 
 ed the sloop Handet. In 1812, Captain Tobias sold out to Isaac 
 Van Duzer, and retired to a farm in the west end of the town. 
 
 The Clark dock, the most southerly one, was built about 1821 
 by Nathan Clark. Our (present) Capt. Daniel S. Tobias began 
 his river life in 1821, going before the mast under the master- 
 ship of Capt. Reynolds. At the same time, Capt. John Sift'erth 
 sailed the sloop Exchange for Isaac Van Duzer. 
 
 A new era in water transportation now took place, an era 
 which has revolutionized the commerce of the world. In 1828, 
 Capt. Isaac Van Duzer built the first steamboat for freighting 
 purposes ever constructed on the river. It was cautiously 
 named the Experiment, and boldly belied its name by proving a 
 success. The ship-wright was Silas Corwin, yet living, a more 
 than octogenarian, at the site of Washington's Head-quarters 
 at New Windsor. The vessel was built at the latter place. 
 Her boilers and engine were furnished by Isaiah and John 
 Townsend of Albany. She was run for several years by Isaac 
 Van Duzer and then sold to Weeks & Griffin. Weeks, at that 
 time, kept the hotel now owned by Charley Brown. Weeks & 
 Griffin, in turn, sold her to Henry Bertholf & Co., who run her 
 four or five years. She next became the property of Hudson 
 MacFarland, Mr. Mitchell, Dr. Morris(m, and Captain Tobias. 
 The latter run her for a year, when her engine became broken. 
 It was not thought advisable to repair it. She was dismantled 
 of her machinery, converted into a barge and sailed as such 
 from New Windsor, under the command of Capt. Dyer Brewster. 
 
 Upon the retirement of the Experiment, the steamboat Wave 
 took her place, but for a few months only. The next year the 
 Union was put on and officered by Capt. Tobias. Then came 
 
\(\2 COMMERCE-EARLY AND FUTURE. 
 
 the General Jackson, acting as a tow to the Newburgh and New 
 Windsor barges. 
 
 I'pon the completion of" the Erie railroad to Piennont, a fatal 
 blow was struck at the freighting interests of Cornwall. This 
 occurred in 1837. Up to this period, a very considerable por- 
 tion of the produce of the back country for a distance of thirty 
 miles had sought tide-water at Cornwall. Tlie farmer's wagons 
 often formed an extended line, near the landing, awaiting their 
 turn to unload. The principal articles of shipment were hay, 
 straw, butter, hoop-poles ("mountain wheat," as they were call- 
 ed), farm produce, hickoi'y wood, bricks, and live stock. The 
 building of the railroad diverted this trade from its early chan- 
 nel and turned it in another direction. From rliis time dates 
 the change in the character of our freighting business, and its 
 gradual decline. 
 
 The General Jackson was followed by the Gazelle, which ran 
 as far as Poughkeepsie and merely called at Cornwall. The 
 Columbia succeeded the Gazelle. About 1856, Henry Clark 
 bought the Orange County, and placed her on the line between 
 Cornwall and the city. She was run by Capt. Jose[)h Ketcham, 
 and continued her trips up to 18H4. During this period the cult- 
 ure of small fruits, especially the Antwerp — for which our S(jil 
 and climate are so well-adapted — had been embarked in, and 
 the shipment of fruit as freight, or to be sold on commission by 
 the Captain, formed a main article of the business done by the 
 old Orange County. Of recent years, the large influx of summer 
 visitors has tended to make a home-market for the fruit-grower. 
 
 Since the Orange County passed away, there have been, as 
 now, a number of first-class boats calling at Cornwall each day 
 for freight. We have no accurate account of the business dime, 
 but it must be considerable, judging from the lively competition 
 which ensues each season. Its character is changed, however. 
 It consists of the horses, equipages, and luggage, of summer 
 residents, together with the store-purchases of our numerous 
 merchants. 
 
 Whilst regretting the decay of the commerce of Cornwall, 
 th(! political economist cannot fail to remark the tendency in 
 the same direction as affecting the city of New York. Similar 
 causes have produced similar effects. The great city at the 
 
COMMERCE^EARLY AND FUTURE. 163 
 
 niontli of the Hudson has }i,-rowii into lier i)r('S(Mit |)i-on(l distinc- 
 lion by reason of the trade and coniincjrce she was able to con- 
 trol. Her unparalleh'd liarl)or and numerous transportation con- 
 nections, liave contributed to this result. The ;;-rain and provis- 
 ions of the west have been poured into her la}!, and the white 
 winj^cd niessen,i;-ers of commerce have anchored in her Avaters. 
 So h>ng as she rectnved this g;eiierous tribute, all went well 
 with her, and she prospered. It is now f(jund, from a compari- 
 son of statistics, that a largo portion of this trade has been di- 
 verted. New routes for exportation have been opened. Of 
 these, a favorite one is through the Welland canal, down the 
 St. Lawrence, and so on to the sea-bord. Canadian influence 
 is at the bottom of this movement, and the substitution of Mon- 
 treal for New York, its chief object. Anoth(!r projected route 
 is, via the Kanawha and its river tributaries with Norfolk, Va., 
 as an entrepot. Still another is down the Mississippi by the 
 way of New Orleans. If New York is to maintain her preem- 
 inence, she has got not only to retain the trade she already 
 possesses, but take instant and effectual measures to recover 
 what she has lost. The subject is of great importance, but of 
 limited interest to the general reader. Our excuse for touching 
 on it at all must be, the great importance a proper solution of 
 the problem may possibly have on the future of Cornwall. We 
 will endeavor to give a brief summary of the situation. Chi- 
 cago, on Lake Michigan, is the huge funnel into which tlu; pro 
 ducts of the west are poured. We call it a " funnel," because 
 it b(!ars a strong resemblance to that domestic article in its ca- 
 pacity to receive, and in its inability to discharge. The pro 
 ducts come in fast, but go out slow. The}' accumulate. Freight 
 rates, tardy transportation, and want of additional routes, all 
 conspire to favor this accumulation. These products have here- 
 t<jfore been moved by rail and water. So far as our state is 
 concerned, the agents have been the Erie canal, the Central and 
 the Erie railroads. On acc(^)unt (^f the low rate of speed on the 
 canal, and its being closed by ice nearly five nuMiths in the 
 year, its freighting capacity has become entirely inadequate to 
 the demands made upon it. Two methods of increasing it have 
 been suggested; widening and deepening the canal, or using 
 its bed for a frciighting railroad, with a speed of ten miles an 
 
164 COMMERCE— EARLY AND FUTURE. 
 
 hour. When the canal is inoperative, shippers resort to the 
 raih'oads. These are in the hands of nioncjpolists, and the 
 rates for freight arc put up to suit themselves, thus enhancing 
 the cost of provisions to the consumer. It is plain, therefore, 
 that the true relief for the present difficulty, is in rapid trans- 
 portation and low freights. To accomplish this, there must be 
 built and run by the general government an air-line freight 
 railway from Chicago to the sea-bord. Nature has marked out 
 the place where such a road should strike tide-water. We may 
 remark, that trade follows certain channels with the same un- 
 ering certainty as natural phenomena; and in its transit, is 
 controlled by the configuration of the earth's surface and other 
 physical aspects. The point is susceptible of the strongest 
 proof. The histt)ry of ancient cities and traffic-highways, as 
 well as that of those to-day, will convince the student interest- 
 ed in the subject, that our views are not merely idle specu- 
 lation. 
 
 In building a road of the kind suggested, due regard nuist 
 be had, in its location, to return traffic. For this reason, Nor- 
 folk and Montreal, already hinted at as terminal points, are en- 
 tirely out of the question. The road must traverse the New 
 England states so as to return their manufactures, in exchange 
 for the grain and provisions of the west and the oil and coal of 
 Pennsylvania. It requires no figures to show that a road which 
 carries both ways, is in a position to cheapen its rates one-half. 
 The return of empty cars enhances very materially the cost of 
 transportation. The carrying of coal is an instance in point, 
 familiar to all in this section. The great manufacturing states 
 of the east are Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, 
 and the road we propose must be so located as to drain them. 
 Let us take New Haven as a central point. Now put up a stake 
 at Chicago and one at New Haven, and sight across them with 
 vi(!W of placing a central stake somewhere on the Hudson. It 
 will be found the air-line strikes the Hudson at Cornwall, and 
 there is where the central stake must be put. It don't strike at 
 Newburgh, five miles above; or at West Point, five miles below; 
 but right at Cornwall, as any one can verify by placing a straigt- 
 edge on a Colton's map. 
 
 It frequently happens that a point in the air-line which we 
 
COMMERCE EARLY AND FUTURE. Ifi5 
 
 wish to toiu'li witli a railroad is iiiipracticablc hy reason of 
 heavy jj;Tad('s or iiit('rv('iiiii}>' iiiouiitaiiis. Such, however, is not 
 th(* case with t'oniwull. It is (h'reetly tlie reverse. Nature lias 
 already |)rovi(U'(l tlie road-bed. The road t'uuld not he h)eate(l 
 at Xewl)iir<4-h, for the riv(!r at that |)()iiit is broad and shaUow, 
 neeessitating- tlie Itreakiiit;- ot" bidk and ferria^-e. 'i'he scheme 
 of a ferry siniihir to that at Ha\re de (irace, or Lachine in 
 Canada, whereby a train could be run on a propeller and thus 
 crossed, is subject to the objections of winter obstructions by ice. 
 
 The passage of the river at Cornwall can be made on a bridg'e 
 suspended from Storm-king" to Break-neck. The distance across 
 is {greater than at Fort Montgomery, but not so g-reat as to ex- 
 clude the possibility of a sus])ension bridg-e. It is the only 
 point on the Hudson where the g'radf^s of the. connecting loads 
 are favorabh\ The approaches on l»oth sides are alread}- ))ro- 
 vided by the natural lay of the land. The bridge must l)e at 
 least one hundred I'eet above the wat(n'. We believe the Brook- 
 lyn bridg-e is one hundred and fifteen feet. The st)lid g-i'anite of 
 Storm-king- and Break-neck form natural buttresses to which the 
 bridge can be anchored. 
 
 From these remarks it is ai)parent that the controlling- princi- 
 ples in locating- the great air-line freight railway, jxiint strongly 
 toward Cornwall. We occu])v a position on the straight line, 
 and have the advantage possessed by no other p(jint on the 
 Hudson. There is still another very important consideration 
 that must not be lost sight of. Our beautiful bay ! Here a 
 thousand ships can ride at anchor. The Hudson is navigable to 
 this point by vessels ot" the heaviest burthen. The depth of water 
 along shore, and the rock-formations, are highly favt)rable. to the 
 economical construction of quays, ware-houses and elevators. 
 
 The conclusion we draw from the premises is, that at some 
 not very far distant day oin- section is to become the seat oj" a 
 vast enterprise, ('ornwall bay will become a harbor, and a 
 teeming industry arise upon its shores. We already see the 
 gravitation of railroad interests at this point, which is in obedi- 
 ence to physical laws, and if we, of this generation, would reajt 
 any of the accruing- benefits, we should tender that timely assist- 
 ance and encouragement which will hasten the movement. 
 
166 VALUE OF LAND. 
 
 aliie of If aiitl. 
 
 The question is frequently asked us by strangers: What is 
 tlic value of land in Cornwall ? Like land elsewhere, it varies; 
 depending" upon location and its adaptability to industrial, com- 
 mercial or agricultural requirements. Advantages of water- 
 power, convenience for business and fertility of soil, each in its 
 peculiar way, helps to advance the value of the land possessing 
 them respectively. There is another class of property whose 
 value is entirely independent of the considerations referred to. 
 Available building-sites, commanding fine views, and eligibly 
 ]o(;ated, bring prices that are only measured by the fancy and 
 wealth of the owner. 
 
 During the last ten years, land in Cornwall has ti'ebled in 
 value. The advance has not been fictitious or hasty, but a 
 slow and liealthy growth. The causes which have contributed 
 to this result ar<; continuing and cannot be averted. The rea- 
 son is plain. There is but one Cornwall, and her limits are cir- 
 cumscril)ed. The salubrity of the air, the beauty of the scenery, 
 and other natural attractions, aided by the facility of communi- 
 catidii with tlie city, will continue to make Cornwall as she 
 lias l>een in the past, the most popular resort on the Hudson. 
 The construction of the West-shore Railroad (about which 
 tliere is now no doubt), with the London moddeled train, will 
 place us within an hour and a quarter of the city. Owing to 
 the rugged, mountainous character of a good portion of the 
 town, the value of farm land is unusually high. Good farms, 
 part arable and part wood, or pasture, are worth from one hun- 
 dred and fifty to four hundred dollars per acre; depending some- 
 what on improvements, shade and fruit. The main reason of 
 this seemingly high price of farm lands, is tlie fact that the 
 farmer has a home market for his produce. The increase in 
 
VALUE OF LAND. ] fi7 
 
 population, and tlic larg'c influx of straug-ers during' the suni- 
 iiuT, create an army which Cornwall, under the {)resent system 
 of farming', is unable to feed and supply. She is obliged to im- 
 port, in large (Quantities, farm products whicli might be grown 
 at her door under an improved system of farming. Cornwall 
 farmers have yet to learn the effects of drainage and high farm- 
 ing, to double their crops without increasing their acreage. 
 Take, for instanci^ the crop of hay. The large number of liv- 
 ery stable people, and the city folks with small places, who 
 keep one or more horses on them during the winter, and the 
 poor man who has to winter his cow — all of these are consu- 
 mers, and in tlieii' greed to secure fodder for the winter, are 
 willing to pay any price for hay. Good hay, for the last three 
 years, has brought from twenty-live to thirty dollars per ton. 
 This, of course, effects the value of the farm land. If a farmer 
 can cut two to three tons of hay to the acre, as he certainly 
 ought on a meadow properly laid, that acre is bringing him an 
 interest of ten per cent upon a valuation of six to nine hun- 
 dred dollars. 
 
 When we look at the value of village lots, we find them sell- 
 ing in (Canterbury from $900 to $1300, and at Willis-ville from 
 $300 to $700. This is the ordinary city lot 25x100. The hill- 
 sides where fine views are had, are held from $500 to $1000 per 
 acre. Villa sites on Highland Park consisting of five or more 
 acres, are offered at $750 to $1000 per acre. Dr. Ledoux, who 
 lives on the Heights, holds his property at $1000 per acre, and 
 has, we understand, refused to sell for less. There have been 
 a few sales of land recently near Willis-ville, from which it ap- 
 pears that land in that vicinity is worth from $2500 to $3000 
 per acre. This may jirobably be taken as the value of all the 
 table-land between Idle-wild and Storm-king, a distance of two 
 miles on the river. For reasons which will be obvious to all, 
 the value of Cornwall lands must continue to increase. 
 
 We were talking about the relative merits of the east and 
 west bank oi' the Hudson river, with a prominent real-estate 
 broker in the city, when he exclaimed: "For residences, the 
 west bank is the side. A man always wants the sun to his 
 back." 
 
 When you reflect on it, the remark is full of argument as an 
 
168 VALUE OF LAND. 
 
 e^g i.s <»f' moat. Tlir banks of tlic river in wliicli wo all take 
 .so innoli |>rido, iiavo boon and nmst continiio to be the sites for 
 the suniinor liomes of tho wealthy from the eity. In seeking- 
 tliom out, tlio beautifnl water-scape is the chit^f attraction. To 
 enjoy this, the observer must be properly placed with relation 
 to the sun. The point of time at which the observation is ta- 
 ken, must also to be considered. Now, it is a conceded fact 
 that a view of the water during- the afternoon and early even- 
 ing is not im]y tho most desirable, l>ut a matter of necessity to 
 that class who occupy the banks with their families for a sea- 
 son, but are daily called to the city on business. If located on 
 tho oast bank, what is the result? How is it with the so- 
 journers at Yonkers, Tarrytown, Garrisons, and other places on 
 that side of the river ? A post-prandial view of the water is 
 almost an impossibility. The glare of the sun and its reflec- 
 tion from the glassy surface of tho i-iver, drive the residents 
 from their water-fronting porches. At a time of day when 
 lazy inclination and tho beauties of nature woo the observer, 
 he is forced to the seclusion of the back-stoop where tho south- 
 erly winds are cut oi!", and his vision shortened by circumjacent 
 trees or rising cliffs. 
 
 Tho occupant of tho west bank is exempt from these misfor- 
 tunes. The sun is to his back after dinner, and under his porch 
 or fig-tree, ho can sit and dream and enjoy, under the influence 
 of a molloAV and subdixed light, the surpassing beauties of the 
 water-scape. A stranger would hasten to ask: Why is it then 
 that tho east side is densely settled with tho villas of tho 
 wealthy, whilst the west is comparatively tenantless ? There 
 are two answers to the qtiestion. The physical geography of 
 the west bank and its hitherto inaccessibility, have conspired 
 to keep it a wild and a waste. The table-land and rolling-land 
 of the east bank, aided by the opening of the Hudson River 
 Railroad, attracted the numerous metropolitans who were look- 
 ing for eligible locatiims for summer residences. As soon as 
 the West-shore Railroad is built, land on this side will bo 
 rapidly sought after and rise rapidly in value. 
 
 Besides tho reason alioady given, there are others that will 
 put land on tho west liank far above any price it has reacluid 
 on the oast. Wo only mention two. One is, that tho West- 
 
VALUE (IF LAND. 161) 
 
 shore road will land passeiig'ers in the hiismeftK part of" the city, 
 without that delay and inconvenience which attends the g'etting 
 down from the (irand Union Dejjot in 42d street. The other 
 reason is, that land for villa sit«!S oji the west bank cannot he 
 duplicated. There are just so many acres adapted to the pur- 
 pose, and no more ca)i he made. It is this rule which has kept 
 up values in New York city. There are a certain number of 
 lots on the island, and not one (if them can be duplicated. — 
 Now, look at the west bank of the Hudson, from .Jersey ('ity 
 up to Newburg"li, and what have you ? A rough, rugged, 
 mountainous, forest-clad country, with only here and there an 
 opening for building purposes, like Nyack, Haverstraw, and 
 Cornwall. If you exclude such portions as the Dunderberg, 
 (j'ro'-nest, Storm-king, &c., you find the sites adapted for resi- 
 dences limited- — very limited. 
 
 It is for these J'easons we have strong faith in the apprecia- 
 tion in value of Cornwall lands. The speculation which has 
 already taken place in Palisade lands, through the opening of 
 the Northern New Jersey Railroad, which runs to the rear of 
 them, is an illustration in point. The Palisades are about three 
 luindred feet above tide-water and tlie view from the summit 
 takes in the whole of Long Island sound and the distant ocean. 
 Yet these lands a few years ago (not more than ten), could be 
 bought for about the value of the wood on them. They are 
 now selling at from $5,000 to $8,000 per acre. The railroad 
 enhanced their value just as the West-shore will d(t for land 
 in Cornwall. 
 
1 70 GEOLOGY. 
 
 3)e 
 
 No SPOT east of the Rocky Mountains presents a viclier field 
 for the study of the Economic- (ieohjg-ist than the town of I'orn- 
 wall, and her recent oflispring-, the town of Hig-lilands. Profes- 
 sor Mather, after twelve years of steady application to the 
 rocks of the Highlands, uKxlestly confessed that he had but 
 " begun " to develop their geology. He further remarked, that 
 " a life-time miglit be well-spent, and with advantage to the 
 community, from its economical results alone," in pursuing the 
 proper explorations. The difficulty heretofore experienced by 
 the Geologist arises from the irregularity of the formation. The 
 mountains are not ranged in a continuous ridge, but broken up 
 in short, abrupt hills, varying from a thousand to fifteen hund- 
 red feet in heighth. Numerous faults, also, are found, whilst 
 the dip of the rock is variable and the stratification uneven and 
 interrupted. 
 
 The geological structure of Cornwall may be i-eferred to the 
 Primary rock and the Quaternary formation. The beds of clay, 
 sand, and gravel, which are found between Newbnrgh and 
 Storm-king, are quaternary deposits. Another small patch of 
 the same formation is found in the Clove, between the north 
 branch of Cro'-nest ^nd Storm-king; and still another, composed 
 mostly of gravel overlying the boulders and coarse drift, but 
 without clay beds, extending from the base of Cro'-nest by 
 Washington Valley to West Point, where it forms the plain. 
 
 The value of these Quaternary deposits is well understood. 
 Th<- sand is useful for casting or moulding, sawing nuirble, 
 moulding bricks, smoothing and rubbing stones used in litho- 
 grapliy, blotting sand and for making mortar and glass. The 
 sand taken from Sloop-hill is of a very superior quality. The 
 gravel and pebble beds furnish the best of material for the 
 road-maker. The clays are used for pottery and brick-making. 
 
GEOLOGY. 1 7 1 
 
 Tlio color is bufl" iiml bliu', both kinds usually liciui^- I'duiKl in 
 tlic SMiiM' bank. A strikint;' teaturc ol" tlic Cornwall clay beds 
 is that they contain thin layers oi' sand, so that the material 
 rcipiircs l)ut little nioic to be added in niakinj;" brick. Mr. Ste- 
 phen (irillis is the only brick inanutacturer in Cornwall at pres- 
 ent. .\bont lour millions ol' brick are ainimilly made at his 
 yard. 
 
 The business has been carried on at this jtoint for a great 
 number of" years. Leonard ('lark conduct(Ml a brick-yard near 
 Mr. dfillis' until the present season, when it was discontinued. 
 Formerly there was a pottery at Cornwall, at which a very fair 
 article of ware was nuide. 
 
 The Primitive reg'ion of Cornwall beg'ins at Storm-king, and, 
 extending along the river as far as Fort Montgomery and as far 
 in the interior as the Ramapo Valley, eml)races a very enlarged 
 area. The greatest part of this region is composed of granite 
 and granitic gneiss. In many places it is regularly stratified, 
 the line of bearing being, according to Professor Mather's ob- 
 servations, on an average S. 45'' to 50® W., and N. 45"" to 50'-' 
 E., and the dip to the south and east at an angle varying from 
 forty-five degrees to nearly vertical. Fine exhibitions of the 
 stratification and dip are noticeable on the turnpike from Can- 
 terbury to the Ramapo Valley. The local variations, of which 
 there are many, may be observed at different points on the West 
 Point road, which crosses the mountain. 
 
 Besides the gneiss and granite, throughout the whole region, 
 sienite, augite rock, mica slate, greenstone, and hornblende 
 rocks are found in abundance. The granite and granitic gneiss 
 at the foot of Storm-king and Cro'-nest, have been quarried quite 
 extensively. 
 
 About the year 1830, a large mass of rock was detached, 
 by the action of the frost, from the south-east side of Storm- 
 king. The fallen stone was split up and used for build- 
 ing, much of it being consiuned at the Delaware break-water 
 and the public works at Portress Monroe. We believe some of 
 it also entered into the construction of the High-bridge over the 
 Harlem river. Since that time it has been used for Belgian 
 paving blocks, and occasionally for cemetery purposes. It is 
 easily obtained and very convenient for shipping. When ])olisli- 
 
172 GEOLOGY. 
 
 ed, it lias a beautiful appearance. It is of L."()od grain, eornpact 
 and indcsti uctiblc. The difficulty ut dressing" it, on account ol' 
 its hardness, is the only drawback to its more general use iVn- 
 building and cemetery purposi^s. The stone of which the build- 
 ings at West Point are constructed is a gneiss of blueish-grey 
 color and comes from the mountain about one-half of a mile In 
 the north of Fort Putnam. 
 
 Tiimestone is also found at difterent points, l^ut no advantage 
 lias yet been taken of it. A very fair quality exists at the base 
 (){' Ueer-hill. A specimen from this locality, we saw s<'veral 
 years since, was remarkably fine. A bed of limestone is also 
 to be seen on tli»^ mountain, at the north-east corner of Bog- 
 meadow pond. It is of a beautiful tlesh-red, very coarsely 
 chrystalline, so that large rhombic chrystals can be obtained 
 by cleavage. Limestone exists at several other points on the 
 mountains. 
 
 The student will find, on these niountain-tops, geological phe- 
 nomena of great interest. Boulders, erratic blocks and scratches 
 on the rocks, are numerous. The boulders are formed mostly 
 of granite and gneiss. Occasionally one will Ix; f(mnd of grey- 
 wacke, showing unmistakably its transportation from a great 
 distance by means of icebergs. There are also to be visited 
 caves, formed by the sinking of the limestone into the caverns 
 below. About the year 1824, while Mr. Cronkite was digging 
 a pit to luny his potatoes, on his farm near Round-pond, the 
 ground suddenly sunk down several feet. The fall of the i-ock 
 ex]iosed a cavern extending thirty or forty feet from the pit-fall. 
 The walls of the cavern were studded with most brilliant chrys- 
 tals. It has since been filled up with stone to prevent accidents 
 to cattle. Not far from the same locality will be fcuuid Bear- 
 hole, a cavern owing its existence to similar causes. It prol>a- 
 bly derives its name from having been a den for bears. It 
 certainly is well-adajjted i'or a retreat for these animals. 
 
 The Natural Bridge, aln^ady referred to, will command the 
 attention of the Geologist. It will he found spanning the 
 stream that flows into the south-west end of Poplopen's pond. 
 The rock is the white chrystalline limestone, resting on horn- 
 blende rock on one si<le and on granite on the other, though 
 the rock is concealed bv the soil. It is used as a bridge, its 
 
(iE()L()(U'. 17:^ 
 
 l)rea(ltl» iK^ross the strcain is tiftv I'cet, and its l('ii<;tli up and 
 d(»wn the stream alxmt ciii'ldy fret. In limes ol' di'(m<;lit |)('ii|)lf 
 can pass under it. 
 
 We turn, liowrver, IVom tlies<' objiicts oi" scientiiie interest, 
 and proceed to speak, in brief, as we must, of the mineral wealth 
 of (Cornwall. As he rode at anchor in the Half-moon, on the 
 :^Otli of September, KiOU, Master duet d<itted d<»wn in his Jour- 
 nal: "The mountains look as il' some* metall or minerall were 
 in them." It was in the ridinu' ofi" ('ornwall the little vessel 
 lay, and upon the Cornwall mountains the observant mate was 
 looking'. Traditions of lead, tin, silver, and gold mines, in the 
 Hig-hlands, are (|uite prevalent. They are evidently based on 
 the examinations and excavations which were mad(! hy the <'arly 
 adventurers from Europe, who, thirsting for wealth and mistak- 
 ing- the magnetic pyrites, which are so frequenti}' found, for 
 indications of precious ore, made extended research. A single 
 strongly-supposed silver mine, on the Fhillipse patent, rewarded 
 their investigations, but it was subsequently abandoned. It may 
 be that the precious ores exist, but there is no record of well- 
 authenticated specimens. Lead mines are also supposed to 
 occur. On the Kinsley farm, near the summit of the mountain, 
 tuie-and-a-half miles south-west of West Point and about three- 
 quarters of a mile west oi the Hudson, an old mine-hole may 
 be seen from which lead is said to have been taken — not by the 
 Indians, of coxirse, although the tradition so avers, but by the 
 the eaily investigators to whom we have referred. Iron, how- 
 ever, of the best quality and in the largest veins, is to be found 
 throughout the whole Cornwall group of mountains. Cnder 
 this title we include, of course, the range in the town of High- 
 lands (until recently a part of Cornwall) and that of Monroe. 
 
 Beginning at Storm-king on the river, the first mine ol' which 
 we have any reliable account, is the Smith mine, which was 
 opened in 1828. It is located in the clove between Storm-king 
 and Cro'-nest. The ore is a native magnet, — the vein, about 
 three to foiir feet thick. The working of it has long since been 
 abandoned, for reasons unknown to us. On the north side of 
 Storm-king, on Mr. Clark's land, and on that of Luke Wood and 
 Thomas Titus (formerly), very valuable indicaticms have been 
 noted. As we cimtinue westward, we find numerous localities. 
 
174 • aEOLOGY. 
 
 (HI tlif ninniitains, where more or less prospecting for ore has 
 been carried on. On the Broad-view ridge, at the easterly side, 
 Mr. Joim S. (yilliert made considerable excavations, finding good 
 ore l)ut ill limited quantity. The explorations have been con- 
 ducted liy iiKlividual capitalists, and usually abandoned from a 
 lack of eitlicr nerve or money. 
 
 Among the mines which have been wrought with more or less 
 success, we may mention Kronkite's mine. Round-pond, *Forest 
 o' Dean, ^Cxreenwood, *Long mine, Patterson, Mountain, Antone, 
 Conklin and New mine (the four latter forming a group), (Jross- 
 way mine, *Sterling, *Belcher, Red mine or Spruce-swamp mine. 
 Clove mine, the O'Neil mine, and the Forshee mines. Those 
 marked witii an asterisk are very extended, yielding an abund- 
 ance ol' rich ore, entirely or quite free from pyrites. The moun- 
 tains in which they are found belong to the (Virnwall group. 
 
 When we descend to the low land of the valleys, we find 
 numerous beds of bog-ore. The most important is the one on 
 the late Townsend tract, back of Cold-hill, aboiit two-and-a-half 
 miles west of Canterbury. The ore is lean but makes excellent 
 iron. It is mostly in powder or small fragments, mixed with 
 balls of the liematite of a few pounds weight. It lies in lime- 
 stone rock and between the limestone and the grit rock. Owing 
 to the decompcjsition of these rocks, the ore requires washing. 
 A few years since, when the bed was being worked, the rude 
 ore was carted with teams to a point on the stream just west 
 of Mrs. John E. Rider's house, where the cleansing process was 
 conducted by means of a water-race prepared for the purpose. 
 The lied is not in use at present. The detritus from this bed 
 has been applied as a road dressing and found to be a most 
 superior metal for that purpose. 
 
 Mineral salts effloresce on tlie mountain rocks. They are 
 numerous, and, considering their economical application, of 
 great value. Sulphate of lime is (|uite conunon, but appears 
 only as an alluvion. Large quantities of it, in combination with 
 the oxide and red-sulphate of iron,.may be seen in the neighbor- 
 hood of the Mineral Spring, and at other points where streamlets 
 issue from the rocks 
 
 Without further detail, we pass to the consideration of a 
 more jiractical subject — the Alluvions of Cornwall. The whole 
 
GEOLOGY. 17;") 
 
 of Oraiiii;<' coiiiity is rcinurkiihly ricli in the lacustriiM' and 
 niarsli alluvions. Tlic drowncil lands itn the Walkill ulonr art^ 
 • 'stiniatcd to contain scN-cntccn tiiousand acres. They arc nioic 
 altninhint in tliis county than in any otiici- in tiic state, tliere 
 being jn-ohably forty thousand acres. Of tliese, Cornwall has 
 her share. The principal deposit is in tlie swamp to the west 
 of (!old-hill, on the lands of the late Captain Cocks, and the late 
 Townsend tract. A peat of fair quality is taken from this spot. 
 A few years since an attempt was made to cut and prepar<' it 
 for market as fuel. The scheme, however, was abandoned after 
 a brief trial, owing to a lack of capital in the projectors. It has 
 been used by the farmers, for a long time, as an ameliorator of 
 upland soils. From our acquaintance with other deposits simi- 
 larly located, we feel satisfied that the best of the peat in this 
 swamp lies deeper than any yet taken from it. The surface 
 material, being merely the vegetable fil»res of the partially 
 decayed plants, is of an inferior quality. Doubtless, shell-marl 
 in abundance, would be found at a greater depth. 
 
 A similar formation exists on the lands of Mr. Jas. W. Smith, 
 near Willis-ville. The super-incumbent peat at this localit}^ is 
 but a few feet in depth. Beneath is found the very best of shell- 
 marl. We examined some specimens of it, several years since, 
 and found it pure enough for whiting or for making lime. The 
 commercial value of this marl is superior to that of the gypsum 
 imported from Nova Scotia — a fact our farmers may remember 
 to their profit. Besides the alluvions referred to, there are nu- 
 merous others scattered about the town in convenient situations. 
 
 It niaj' be noted, in this connecti(jn, that in the alluvial de- 
 posits, near Montgomery and at other points, the remains of the 
 Mastodon have been found. A perfect skeleton of this ancient 
 animal, exhumed about seven miles west of Newburgh, is pre- 
 served in the museum at Boston. 
 
 It will be seen, from the observati(ms already made, that in 
 the stone-quarries, the iron and other mines, the clay and sand 
 banks, the peat and marl beds, Cornwall possesses a wealth of 
 resource seldom equaled. To these may be added, the valua- 
 ble water-privileges, now partially economized, but capable of 
 indefinite extension. 
 
17(5 THE BETHLEHEM CHUECH. 
 
 THE BETHLEHEM CHURCH. 
 
 The present edifice known by this niune, stands in the north- 
 west part ol' the town of ('ornwall, and was ercH'ted in 182S. 
 'file ()ri,>;iiial linilding, wliose pUit-e it took, was erected in 1730, 
 ajul was raised liytheiirst Presbyterian congreg-ation org-anized 
 to tlie nortli oi' the Highlands, on this side of the river, except- 
 ing that (»r (roshen, which ante-dated it a few years. In tlie 
 begiiniing, the pulpit was supplied quite irregularly by such 
 clergymen as could be procured from time to time. The lirst 
 minister of whom we have any record, was the Rev. Mr. Chalk- 
 er, whose residence is said to liave been with the people pernun- 
 nently. He was followed by the Rev. Enos Ayers, who officiated 
 down to 1764. The next stated preacher was the Rev. Francis 
 Feppard, a Scottish gentleman, during wiiose time the congre- 
 g'ation at New Windsor came into existence and was united 
 with that at Bethlehem. Mr. Feppard withdrew' his pastoral 
 connection in 1773, and was succeeded by tl»e Rev. John Close. 
 From the Clinton papers, on tile in the State Library, it appears 
 that the church was divided, at this time, into four districts, viz: 
 New (Cornwall, Murderer's Creek, New Windsor, and Newburgii. 
 The period embraced by Mr. Close's ministrations was that 
 covering the war, during a part of wliich he acted as Chaplain 
 to the militia wlio were stationed in the neighborhood. He was 
 burn in Creenwich, (Jonn., in 1737, graduated at Princeton in 
 1763, was licensed by the Presbytery of Ducliess county in 
 1765, and was ordained, as colleague of the Rev. Eben Prime, 
 at Huntington, L. 1., in 1766. He removed to VVaterford in 
 1796, and died there in 1813. His term of service at Bethlehem 
 extended over fourteen years. The names of several Cornwall 
 ))eo])le, prominently identified with the churclf in 1773, are re- 
 corded in the Clinton papers before referred -to. It is stated 
 
THE BETHLEHEM CHURCH. I 77 
 
 that, "at a iiu'ctiuy of the (elders and several of tlic iiiciiiIk'is of 
 tli<' (•oiii;T('<2;atioii of New Windsor, the 22d of Anji^ust, 1773, for 
 setting' on foot a subscription for raising" a salary for the Hev. 
 John Close, in order to the calling- of him as the stated teachei- 
 and pastor of the united cong-reg'ations of Bethlehem and New- 
 Windsor," the folloMnnf^ trustees were appointed in the New 
 ('ornwall district, viz: Jose]>h Wood, Rcul)en ('lark, -Joseph 
 Smith, Daniel Wood, and Jeremiah Clark. 
 
 Upon the retirement of Mr. ('lose, the Rev. Jonathan Freeman 
 took his place, and he in turn was succeeded by the Rev. Joel 
 'r. Benedict. The Rev. Henry Ford, the next pastor, was fol- 
 lowed by the Rev. Artemus Dean, who was installed in Decem- 
 ber, 1813, and remained till April, 1842. It was during- the 
 pastorate of Mr. Dean that the pi-esent editice was substituted 
 in place of the old one, which had stood for ninety-eig-ht years. 
 The Rev. J. B. Hubbard next occupied the i)ulpit and continued 
 the pastor until 1846. Mr. Hubbard was succeeded by the Rev. 
 John N. Lewis, who remained until July, 1853. He was fol- 
 lowed by the Kev. Dr. Robert H. Beattie, in September, 1854. 
 Dr. Beattie was pastor until May, 1866. Rev. Wm. A. Holliday 
 next came. He left in 1872. The present pastor, the Hev. 
 David J. Atwater, officiated as a supply for some four months 
 after the departure of Mr. Holliday, when a call w^as made to 
 him and accepted. On the Hrst of May, 1873, he was duly 
 ijistalled. 
 
 The church edifice has recently been re-seated and consider- 
 ably improved at a cost of $1300. In 1868, the trustees pur- 
 chased the property adjoining- the old burial g-round, and have 
 just enclosed about four acres and divided it into lots. 
 
 It is currently believed that (xeneral Washington attended 
 divine ssrvice at the old Bethlehem church, while holding- his 
 head-quarters at the Ellison house in New Windsor. 
 
 The painfully plain structure with closed l)oartl shutters, 
 which is to be seen on the Depot road, shortly after leaving 
 Canterbury, is the first 
 
 qUAKKR MKETIN<; HOTSK 
 
 erected in Cornwall. Before its const\'uction, the people ol this 
 persuasion Avere in the habit of convi'iiing- foi- worship in the 
 house of David Sands, (now occupied by Robert E. Ring-.) 
 
178 THE QUAKEE MEETING HOUSE. 
 
 David Sands was a noted preacher of the sect, and his name 
 occupies a prominent position in the early history of our town. 
 In 1798, he visited England and Ireland, during the rebellion of 
 the latter country, and passed unmolested from the camp of the 
 royalists to that of the insurgents, boldly preaching the doctrine 
 of peace. Sometime about the year 1*190, the present building 
 for the use of his followers was constructed. The original 
 frame remains, but the exterior now seen was put on in 1823. 
 
 Catherine Sands, the mother of 'Squire Ring, brought the 
 nails with which the building was put together, on horseback. 
 These nails were of wrought iron, and came from the smithery 
 at New Windsor. She was, at the time, about twelve years of 
 age; six years later, at the age of eighteen, she was married 
 to Elias Ring, — being the first marriage celebrated in the new 
 meeting house. 
 
 A division in the sect occurred in 1827, resulting in the forma- 
 tion of a new society, called the " Hicksites." The former ad- 
 lierents were denominated " Orthodox." The " Hicksites," re- 
 tained possession of the old meeting house. The " Orthodox," 
 ibr a brief while, held their meetings at the house of Jabez 
 Green (now Mrs. Purdy's), in Canterbury. From there tiiey 
 went to what is commonly known as the " Bell House," at Mon- 
 tana. At that time the cotton factory of Samuel Townsend was 
 in operation near by. They remained at the " Bell House " for 
 several months, and then removed to the brick building adjoin- 
 ing the Union Hotel, in Canterbury. The necessity for a new 
 iiouse of wcjrship occasioned the l)uilding, in 1828 or 1829, of the 
 present brick meeting house, in the rear of John Chatfield's liv- 
 ery stables. A remarkable coincidence took place soon after 
 the completion of the new house. In 1881, 'Squire Ring was 
 the first one married in it, as his mother had been the first one 
 married in the old house. Attached, is the private burial ground 
 of the Ring- and Sands families. The remains of David Sands 
 are now deposited here, having been removed from the small 
 and early burial site in the rear t>f Mr. John Hancon's. There 
 is also a cemetery annexed to the old meeting house. The 
 grounds (of which there are several acres) were deeded in 1789. 
 by Langford Thorn to Joseph Thorn, Nicholas Townsend and 
 William Titus, in trust for the Cornwall Monthly Meeting. 
 
METHODIST CHURCHES. 179 
 
 Tlicrc are (luite h uuinbor of Fiiciids in imr midst, to wliicli 
 tlioir periodical ^•atlierings contribute largely. Both nieetiiiLi: 
 houses are open for worship Thursdays and Sundays. 
 
 THE CANTF.RBrKY METHODIST CHrRCH. 
 
 Many of our oldest residents will reineniher the school-house 
 which formerly stood near the new Library buildin^u;. In this 
 school-house the early Methodists of our town were wont to 
 <z;ather and worship in their accustomed way. They were few 
 in number, but earnest in faith. They continued their meeting-s 
 in this btiilding; nntil increasing- numbers and growing wealth 
 sanctioned the building of the present edifice, which was erect- 
 ed in 1830. The location of the church is on a pretty knoll at 
 the northern entrance to the village. The grounds are decorated 
 with evergreens, which, with the prettiness of the site, go far 
 to relieve the rigid plainness of the structure. In August, 1862, 
 the belfry was annexed, and the building modernized by eidarg- 
 ing the windows and making other necessary changes. 
 
 A neat parsonage villa stands to the north of the church. — 
 The Kev. Phinneas Kice was the first {)astor, and at that time 
 it was connected with, or formed part of the New Windsor 
 circuit, wliich embraced the churches at Vail's-gate, Salisbury, 
 Little Britain, and Angola (now Mountain-ville). 
 
 In 1863, Cornwall and Angola were detached from the old 
 circuit and became self-supporting. The Rev. J. H. (iregory 
 was appointed pastt)r at this time, and i>rticiated his full term 
 of three years. He was followed by the Kev. Uriah Messiter, 
 who remained for a similar length of time. The Rev. I). D. 
 Gillespie succeeded Mr. Messiter, and he in turn was followed 
 by the present incumbent, the Rev. B. N. Lewis. 
 
 The church has now a very large and influential attendance. 
 The Sunday-school attached is in vigorous liealth, and the finan- 
 cial condition all that could be desired. 
 
 THK HIGHLAND-VILLE METHODIST CHURCH. 
 
 This church stands on the elevated ridge, near Highland-villc, 
 in the south-west part of the town, about four miles from CUin- 
 terbury. It l»elongs to the (Cornwall circuit, and is presided 
 over by the Rev. B. \. Lewis, who alternates his ministra- 
 tions between it and the Canterbury church. The original 
 structure at this point is still seen on the right of the road, it 
 
ISO THE NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH. 
 
 WHS elected in 1844, tliroup,-li tlie I'litiie benevolence of Mr. 
 Henry Wisiier. Tlie land was donated liy Mr. Jacol) Van Du- 
 zer. In 18()H-1, about an acre of ^'round, occupyinii;' a more 
 coininanding' position, was secured, and the present i)uilding 
 was erected at a cost of five thousand dollars. It was dedi- 
 cated March 20th, 1861. The Kev. Mr. Messiter was the pas- 
 tor in charg'c at the time, and to his untirinjj;' zeal, the people 
 are indel)ted for their new house of worship. The church is 
 happily free from debt. The present trustees are John D. 
 Hulse, Eleazer T. Barton, Nelson H. Barton, S. Quackeid»ush 
 and J. T. Taylor. Mr. E. T. Barton is the treasurer, and J. E. 
 Benjamin the clerk. 
 
 THK NEW CATHOMC CHURCH 
 
 occui)ies a commanding' knoll on the main drive between Can- 
 terbury and Willis-ville. The church, as well as the rectory 
 adjoining-, were designed by the New York architect, Mr. N L. 
 Brun. Its architectural symmetry cannot yet be fairly criti- 
 cized, owing to its nnfinished state. The Catholics of Cornwall 
 are indebted to the energy and indefatig'able labors of the Rev- 
 erend Father Keogh, the pastor now in charge of the parish, 
 Jor this eidarged and beautiful structure. Our people will re- 
 nuMuber the wan and sickly face of Father Keogh when he tirst 
 came among us in the spring n[' 18T0. We, ourself, are pain- 
 fully conscious of onr feelings upon first seeing him. The 
 thought was thrust upon us that his lease of life was for a 
 very limited time. As he writes us in a recent letter: " I was 
 not ex|)ected to live; but as the pure air of this lovely spot 
 agreed with me, my liealth and strength were gradually re- 
 stored." In the fall of that year he was appointed to the Corn- 
 wall Mission by his Grace the Arch-bishop of New York. Ser- 
 vice at this time was held in a small brick church, opposite the 
 entrance to Mr. Rycknian's propeity, which was Iniilt about 
 the year I8ti0, under the direction of the Rev. Edward J. 
 O'Reilly, now [)astor of St. Mary's, New York. Father Keogh 
 resolved at once uj)on a more commodious edifice. Notwith- 
 standing the precarious state of his health, he set to work with 
 an earnestness which knew no bounds. His enthusiasm was 
 im{)arted to his parishioners, and even extended to the people 
 of other d«!nominations, who gave their voluntary assistance 
 
CANTEKBUKY PlIESBYTEKIAN CHURCH. 181 
 
 ill iii;ikiii^' tli<' necessary excavation This work wsi.s aecoiii- 
 plislied jiTaluitdUsIy (lurinjj; the winter nt" 1H70 1; and ii{miii 
 the npeniii;;' iif" sprinj^', the euriier-stoiie was hiid Ity the liishop 
 (if Ivoeliestcr, the lit. Kev. Dr. Meliiiade, assisted hy several 
 proinineiit priests from New York and elsewhere, in the presenee 
 III" a larj;"e eoiieonrs*' of citizens and delei;'ations rnmi nei^'hlior- 
 ini;- towns. The Imildinj;- materials had been drawn to the 
 j^round in advance, and the work proi^-nissed with such lapidity 
 that lioth church and rectory were enclosed hefore fall. In the 
 spring- of "12 the old church and |iropcrty were disposed of, and 
 ill the month of .June the altar was moved to the chapel already 
 prepared in the basement of the new church, and divine service 
 celebrated. This chapel, which will be used until the comple- 
 tion of the I'hurch proper, is 100x50. 
 
 The church and rectory have thus far cost $30,000, which has 
 iieeii all paid excepting a debt of $13,000. \n additional 
 $10,000 will be iK'eded to finish the altar. The new church 
 was luiilt none too soon and none too large. There are more 
 than a thousand souls in the parish at the present time. The 
 average attendance at the Sunday School each Sunday, at 3 F. 
 M., is 150 scholars. Father Keogh gives his personal attention 
 to this department of his pastoral duties. It is in contein|»la- 
 tion to open, during the coming fall, a jtarocliial school, under 
 the tutelage and instruction of lady teachers of approved com- 
 petency. In this connection we may also notice the proposed 
 establishment of a ladies' seminary. Father Keogh has already 
 secured six acres of the crown lands facing the church on the 
 south, and iiiton them an educational institute is now being- 
 erected. .V thorough and comprehensive tsystem of instruction 
 in English, French, Italian, Music, etc., will be dispensed to 
 young ladies, irrespective of their religious belief. 
 
 THE CAXTERBL'RY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 
 This church stands on Clinton street, in the village of Can- 
 terliury. It is a plain, unassuming stnictiu-e, built of stone 
 with a coat of stucco. It was erected in 1827. It was re- 
 l»aired in 1841, and again in I8fi0, when a tower and a new 
 front of lirick were added at an (expense of two thousand dol- 
 lars. The rear of the lot on wliicli the church stands is used 
 as a burying ground. The church was organized July 1st, 
 
 C 12 
 
182 CORNWALL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 
 1827, by the Kev. James H. Thomas, of members behmg-iiig- to 
 other rhurches living' in the vicinity, who presented tlieir letters 
 of dismissal from their respective churches for this purpose. 
 On the 12th of February, 1828, the Kev. James H. Thomas was 
 installed at Canterbury, pastor of New Windsor and Canter- 
 l)ury, by the Presbytery of North River. This relation was 
 dissolved l)y the Presbytery of Wapping-er's Creek, on the 29th 
 of April, 1834. The Rev. John B. Fish was employed to sup- 
 ply the i)ulpit from May 1st, 1834, till August 1st, 1835. In 
 the fall of the latter year, the Rev. .Tonathan Silliman was duly 
 installed pastor by the Presbytery of North Riv(n-, and for a 
 period of twenty-six years sustained that position. On the 
 third Sal)bath in July, 1861, he formally tendered his resigna- 
 tion, which was acted upon and accepted by the Presbytery at 
 their meeting in the following September. Mr. Sillirnan, how- 
 ever, continued to supply the pulpit until April, 1862, when 
 Alvah Baker, a licentiate, of the third Presbytery of New 
 York, was employed as stated supply, to the 1st of April, 1864. 
 Clarence Eddy, a licentiate from Princeton Seminary, was next 
 called as pastor. He was ordained and installed by Presby- 
 tery at their spring meeting' in 1865, and ct)ntinued to act until 
 relieved, January 15th, 1869. He was followed on October 1st, 
 1869, by the Rev. William E. Clarke, who was the stated sup- 
 ply till April 1, 1872. The pulpit at jjresent is tilled by the 
 Rev. Lyman Abbott. 
 
 When the church was organized, in 1827, Peter Roe and 
 Daniel Ci'iiver were chosen Elders. Since that time, the fol- 
 lowing persons have been elected and acted as Elders: Dr. A. 
 Clinton, Caleb C. Colwell, Wm. Y. Dusinberre, James 0. Adams, 
 Wm. Hunt, Yictor M. Purdy, Britain M. Barrett, and James J. 
 Baldwin. There have been 356 names enrolled as members of 
 the church. Many of these have died, but more have been dis- 
 missed to unite with other churches. A Sabbath School has been 
 maintained ovvv since the organization of the church. Formerly 
 the attendance; was large, but since the establishment of similar 
 s<'h()ols by other churches in the neighborhood, it has fallen off, 
 l)ut is yet continued with encouraging' results. 
 
 THE CORXWAI,L PRKSBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 
 Previous to 1855, there was no church or organized religious 
 
COllNWALL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 183 
 
 society in tliat part of tlic town lyiiiji," Ix'twccn Ciiiitcrlmry and 
 i\\c river. Some time during- that year, the enterprise was coni- 
 meneed whii'h r(>snlted, a tew months later, in the erection of a 
 cliurch. Meetings were iiehl, meantime, in the scliool-room of 
 Mr. A. C. Roe, now the property of Mr. (feor<i,(' H. Carsweli. 
 
 A l)uildini'' capable of seating' three hundred persons was, 
 after great effort and sacrifice, comj)h'ted, and on tlie otli of 
 Marcii, 185<), dedicated to the Trinne (Jod l»y a committee from 
 tlie Presbytery of North Hiver. The same committee, on the 
 Ifitli of March, lH5«i, orgainzed the cliurch. It embraced l>ut 
 seventeen members, of whom only five were males. Peter Hoe, 
 Thomas M. Wiley, and James (i. Roe, were chosen Elders; and 
 soon after, 'Scpiire James U. Adams was added to the nnndier. 
 The church has been in existence, therefore, about seventeen 
 years. Dui'ing this period, it has had three settled pastors and 
 one stated supply. The Rev. 0. P. A. Deyo was the stated sup- 
 j)ly for one year, from April, 1856, to April, 1857. During the 
 following year, the pulpit was filled by various clergymen, who 
 were engaged from week to week. The Rev. Louis P. Ledoux, 
 I). T)., was the first settled pastor. He began his labors in 
 April, 1858, was installed in l.s5l), and continued in office tintil 
 .September 20tli, 1865, when, at his own request, the relation 
 was dissolved. The next pastor was the Rev. Jose[)h H. Rol)- 
 inson, who entered upon his work December 1st, 1865, and con- 
 tinued until his death, in March, 1868. The Rev. John W. Teal 
 was called June 1st, 1868 ; i»egan his ministrations at that 
 time; was ordained and installed September ITth, of the same 
 year, and continues to be the pastor of the church. 
 
 During the seventeen years of its existence, there have been 
 received into the church 288 persons; 114 on profession of 
 their faith, and 74 by letter, making the wholen umber at some- 
 time connected with the t-hurch, 305. Of these, 130 have united 
 within the last four years. The present membership is about 
 190. The Sunday School (Comprises about 25 teachers, and 
 more than 200 scholars. In 1869, the churcii l>uilding was en- 
 larged, and now acconnuodates nearly twice as many as the 
 (•riginal structure. A parsonage costing $6,000 was purchased 
 two years ago. 
 
1^4 THE BAPTIST CHUKCH. 
 
 THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 Ill the year 1820, seven Baptist families emigrated from near 
 Leeds, in Yorkshire, England, and settled in Cornwall, where, 
 ill 1823, they organized into a church under the name of the 
 Zion Baptist Chvrrh of CormraU, and erected the stone build- 
 ing now to be seen on the depot road not far from Townsend's 
 bridge. The land was donated liy Wm. H. Townsend. All the 
 constituent members are buried in the cemetery attached to the 
 churcli. The marble shaft, noticed from the road, marks the 
 resting place of Samuel Brooks, who died on the 28tli of No- 
 veml)er, 1865, aged 88 years 23 days. The inscription tells us 
 that he was "a constant member of the Baptist church of (Corn- 
 wall and he held the office of deacon from its organization till 
 his death." Another slab is erected to the memory of Benjaniin 
 Wright, who died on the 14th of January, 1867, aged 79 years, 
 1 uKmth and 2 days. Still another to David McLuckey, who 
 died at the advanced age of 80 years. The Rev. Mr. Pearce 
 had cliarge of the early Hock and upon his death his remains 
 were deposited at his special request beneath the pulpit of the 
 church. He was followed by the Rev. C. Mayer. Divine ser- 
 vice was held in the old church up to 1860, a period of forty 
 years, when the new brick edifice in Canterbury was erected at 
 a cost of a little over $4,000. There have been twenty-one pas- 
 tors and supplies since the organization of the church and their 
 names are as follows: Rev. Messrs. Pearce, C. Maze, D. T. 
 Hill, A. (i. Sangster, J. Wellslager, J. W. Jones, G. Webster, 
 C. A. Raymond, G. S. Bailey, Wilkins, James Scott, Parsons, 
 Palmer, F. N. Barlow, J. H. Castle, Dr. Westcott, E. P. Weed, 
 B. F. Bowen, Palmer, Walter Scott and James Goodman, the 
 present incumbent. The present membership is 63 and includes 
 the descendants of the early settlers to whom reference has 
 been made. 
 
 ST. .IOHN's CHl'RCH (l\ E.) CANTERBURY. 
 
 At a meeting duly convened Jhly 17, 1858, for taking the 
 necessary steps for the incorporation of a jiarish, the following 
 officers were chosen to serve until Tuesda}"^ in Easter week, 
 thence next ensuing, viz: Wardens — Alonzo A. Alvord, Wm. 
 IT. Bayard. Vestrymen — Thomas P. Cummings, Nathaniel P. 
 Willis, Daniel C. Birdsall, James W. Crissey, Nicholas Chat- 
 
ST. JOHN'S (P. E.) CHTTRCH. ]H:^ 
 
 field, Jr., Francis A. Barton, Charles H. .Nfcud, John Chatficld. 
 
 Oil the 31st (lay of the same month the Rev. (!hristo])her 11 
 W^'att, who had been oltii-iatiiiij,' for the c.oiig'reg'ation some time 
 previously, was chosen to be rector of the new parish. .\t the 
 same meeting a committee was appointed to secure a site iur 
 the erection of a church edifice. In November followinjj,- the lot 
 upon which the church stands was purchased, and nujasures 
 forthwith adopted for raising- the nec(^ssary funds for building. 
 The plans sulnnitted by Mr. J. VV. Priest, the architect, were 
 adoi)ted. The corner-stone was laid .Nfay 10th, 1859, by the 
 Right Rev. Dr. Potter, and a contract was subsequently made 
 with Messrs. Shaw & Sons, of Newburgh for the erection of the 
 building, with the exception of the tower and spire. Before the 
 edifice was begun, the talented young architect who designed 
 it, had already ceased from his labors on earth. The west win- 
 dow of the church was contributed by admiring friends as a 
 memorial of him. The building was first used for the celebra- 
 tion of divine service on Sunday, November 20th, 1859. It is a 
 very chaste example of the early English style, substantially 
 built of brick with stone trimmings, strictly correct both in 
 proporti«m and details and capable of being rendered truly 
 beautiful by a judicious and not costly employment of color 
 decoration. 
 
 The melodeon used in tlie church was tlie gift of Mr. and 
 Mrs. N. P. Willis. The font, service books, communion ves- 
 sels, etc., were also the gifts of different individuals. In the 
 spring of 1862, the Rev. Mr. Wyatt resigncnl the pastorship of 
 the parish and was succeeded by the Rev. Edward H. Crissej', 
 I). D. The same year a legacy of $2,000 (the interest from 
 which is forever to be appropriated to the rector of the parish) 
 was received from the executors of the late Abraham B. Sands. 
 
 At Easter, 1863, the Rev. Dr. Crissey terminated his rector- 
 ship and was followed in July by the Rev. George Seabury. 
 Hitlierto the parish had been associated, so far as being served 
 by the same clergyman was concerned, with that of St. Thomas', 
 New Windsor. It was now resolved to place it upon a sepa- 
 rate and independent footing. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Seabury's connection with the ]>arisli was dis- 
 solved May 1, 1864. He was succeeded in November following 
 
ISf) ST. JOHN'S (P. E.) CHUKCH. 
 
 by tlic Kev. Jolm Q. Webster, who remained only until the fol- 
 lowing antuinu; and was succeeded, January 21, 1866, by the 
 Ivcv. Will. a. French. 
 
 In July, 1869, some funds having accumulated through the 
 urgent efiorts of Mr. Frencli, it was resolved to proceed witli 
 the (Mjiiipletion of the edifice by erecting the tower and spire; 
 and l)oth were finisVied the following suunner. In June, 1871, 
 the Rev. Mr. French resigned the rectorsliip. In February fol- 
 h)\viiig, the present etlicient and |)opuhir incumbent, tlie Kev. 
 I)a\id II. Macnrdy, to wliom we are indebted for tlie facts 
 herein stated, was called to the nnttorship, and, on Easter day, 
 began his iiiiiiistratioiis. 
 
 During the past year (1872) the debt upon the church edifice 
 ($3,613.17) has been entirely li(piidated. 01' this amount two 
 thousand dollars were generously contributed by the Senior 
 Warden, Thomas P. Cummings, Esq., of New York, whose act- 
 ive int(U'est, early and late, entitles him to the fervent thanks 
 of the connnunity. 
 
 The church was largely intended for the accommodation of 
 our suimner visitors and such are always welcomed to it. TIh^ 
 seats are all free. The resident parishioners are few in num- 
 ber and but moderately blessed with "worldly goods" — facts 
 that n\iiy be remembered by our city visitors in their Sunday' 
 i-oiitribntioiis. The hours of service are 11, A. M. and 4, P. M. 
 Tlie Sunday St-liool (from May 1st to November 1st) opens at 10, 
 A. M.; during the remainder of the year at 3, P. M. 
 
LIBRARY HALL. 1S7 
 
 
 LIBRARY HALL. 
 
 Tills Imildiii/j,- was oroctod in 1870, under tlic auspices of the 
 Cornwall Library Building- ('ompaiiy. It occupies an elig^ible 
 location, beino- on the north side of the sipiare formed by the 
 continence of fom- roads, 'fhe structnn.' is substantially built- 
 and faced on all si<les MMth the best (luality of pressed brick. 
 In size it is 80x45. The height frt»m the ground to the eaves is 
 iifty feet. A cellar extends under the entire building. The 
 first floor is divided into stores, all of which are rented. The 
 second tioor is occupied by the library and reading rooms, 
 billiard saloon, and offices. The third or upper floor is devoted 
 to the Hall. It is 18x43 with a gallery at one end and a stage 
 at the other. Beneath the gallery are the gentlemen's and 
 ladies' waiting rooms. The ceiling is twenty-one feet high. 
 The room will seat four hundred persons. The acoustic proper- 
 ties of the Hall are excellent. Concerts, light entertainments, 
 and lectures are given from time to time during the season, and 
 occasionally the well-laid floor yields to the feet of terpsi- 
 chorean devotees. The entire cost of the building and land 
 was $28,000. An additional $2,000 was expended in procuring 
 heater, fixtures and settees for the Hall. The billiard saloon is 
 under the superintendence of Mr. E. Gillis and is conducted in 
 such a manner that ladies are in the habit of frequenting it. 
 The library has now some 1,800 well-selected volumes on its 
 shelves. It owes its origin to a stock company and is managed 
 by a board of trustees. Miss Mary Clark is at present the 
 librarian. The reading room is supplied with the principal 
 daily and weekly papers, both local and foreign. The promi- 
 nent magazines, periodicals and other serial publications are 
 also to be found on the tables. It is open daily, except holi- 
 
]SS FIRE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 (lays and Sniulays, betwoon 3 and 10, P. M. There are at pres- 
 ent about one hnndrod subscribers at $2 00 per year, wlios*^ 
 (•(intriltutidiis, witli the (iccasiunal assistance oi" a public benefit, 
 pay expenses and furnish the means of gradually increasin,^- 
 the nundier of volumes. Transient visitors ai-e permitted to 
 avail themselves of the privileges of tlie liln-ary upon favor- 
 abh^ terms, which may be learned on a])plication to the libra- 
 rian iti charge 
 
 In this building will also be I'ound the Cornwall Sariiu/s 
 Hank', an institution of recent d:tte, whicli ali-eady enjoys a very 
 consichM'able patronage. 
 
 FIRK DEPARTMENT. 
 
 By an Act of tlie Legislature, passed 20th April, 1S30, " \a- 
 • than Westcott, Elias Hand, W. T. Cock, (4eorge Marriott, John 
 M. (biugh and such otliers as shall associate with them and 
 shall pay two dollars and hfty cents, for procuring not more 
 than two engines, and other implements necessary for ex- 
 tinguishing fires," were created a body corpf)rate under the 
 name of the Canterbury Fire Company. On the 10th of May 
 following, a meeting of the inhabitants was held at the house 
 of B. Colter for the purpose of organizing a company. Oliver 
 Cromwell was appointed Chairman and John M. tiough, Secre- 
 tary. A certified copy of the Act above referred to was ]n-o- 
 dnced and read, whereupon quite a number appeared and be- 
 came members by, pa^nng the necessary fee. Among the more 
 prominent names, we find Elias Hand, John Edwin Chadeayne, 
 W. T. Cock, Justus Sackett, Noah Townsend, Lewis Barrett, 
 Heiuy Titus, Thos. F. Fish, Samuel G. Purdy, Daniel Chadeayne, 
 Samuel Townsend, Benjamin Atkinson, Charles K. Southerland, 
 and Fowler Griggs. At the next nu'eting the following w<'ek, 
 by-laws were established and a conunittee appointed to sei'ure 
 hooks and huhhn-s. A small liand-engine was bought at an ex- 
 IxMise of about one hundred and twenty-five dollars. H was 
 carried by four n»en by means of handles, which soon, however, 
 gave place to wheels. This ru<le engine is still in occasional 
 use and can be seen at the house of the company. Hfioks and 
 ladders wen^ made from sa])lings cut on the mountains, and 
 ironed by Hewitt & Torrey at their tri})-hammer shop on Idle- 
 wild l)rook, near the present site of Mr. Xicholas Cock's factory. 
 
FIRE DEPARTMENT. 1S«) 
 
 The iiK'iiiis of tlic coiiipaiiy wei'o qnito limited, as iiiiiy Itc in- 
 rcncd IVdiii tlic aiiKiiiiit ('X])('ii(lod in 0(|iii])])iii,<'' it. 'i'lic indi- 
 vidual iiinidxTs wore f"r(>(|iu'ntly callod upon to supply dcliricii- 
 cics. I'lidcr date of .Taimaiy ^tli, 1S81, it appears that scncral 
 iiiendxTs loaned tlie eoiii|)any one" dollar each, which, in the 
 words of the Secretary, was "to l)ear leiifal interest until paid." 
 dune 7tli, 1S81, a coniniittee was ai)|)ointed to solicit donations 
 for Iniildint;- an en<>-ine honse. They se(Mii to Inive Jiiet with 
 poor snccess, toi- the record of Septonihev 5th, 1832 (lifleeen 
 months afterwards), states that they were discharj;'ed ujion re- 
 porting!,' "no pro_i>'ress," and a new committee snlistitnte<l in 
 theii- ])lace. The new committee sncce<'ded in raisini>- the 
 means and a small frani<» hnildinjj' was erected and snbsecpient- 
 ly removed to the lot now owned by V. C. Kihlmire. This 
 hnildint*" was sold to John ^falloy, upon the company's secnrini;' 
 tlx'ir jn-esent (piarters, and by him removed to Hoe-ville, wlwre 
 it is now litted up ibr a dwelling". 
 
 The first dnty performed by the company was at the burning" 
 of Samuel Townsend's barn, which had b(H'n set on lire by a 
 uegTo, who was subsequently sent to State's Prison for tAventy 
 years for horse stealing'. 
 
 About 1836 or 1831, a second-hand suction engine was bought 
 in New York, for which about $500 was paid. Thiseng-ine was 
 broken up for the iron when the one now in use was purchased. 
 In the early part of 1869, the present engine was secured and 
 christened, Highland Engine, No. 1. The first public parade 
 occurred on the 4th of July, 1869, Avhen two of the company 
 were hurt, but not seriously, by being run over, in the haste of 
 answering an alarm of tire. 
 
 On the evening of the 19th of October, 1869, a meeting of 
 property owners and others interested in the purchase of a 
 proper site for a new house, took place at the rooms of Val. 
 Schardt, in Canterbury. A committee was appointed who sub- 
 se(piently reported in favor of buying the lot and building 
 at that time occupied b}^ Hunter & McLean for a meat market. 
 The re])ort was adopted and the premises purchased for $2,000; 
 one half th(^ sum being made up by vohmtary subscriptions. 
 Th(» building had to be altered, incurring considerable addition- 
 al expense. It is now well-adapted t«» the |iurposes of the 
 
190 FIRE DEPAETMENT. 
 
 company. The use of the ground floor for election purposes 
 and the room over-head for public meetings, yield a revenue 
 wliich, with occasional assistance from fairs and balls, keeps 
 the finances of tiie company in a satisfactory condition. 
 
 Tiider tlie charter creating- tlie company, the number of fire- 
 men is limited to twenty for each engine, and ten for the hook 
 and bidder company, but tbe aggregate membership far ex- 
 ceeds the limitation. The afi airs of the company are managed 
 by a l»oard of trustees — five in number — elected annually. 
 Tlie present Foreman is Samuel Young, Jr., and the Assistant 
 Foreman, John Young, his brother. 
 
 Tlie rapid growth of Willis-ville, gave rise, in- 1868, to a 
 movement for tlie formation of an additional company whose 
 apparatus would be located in that vicinity. During that j^ear 
 a committee of active young men undertook to raise the neces- 
 sary funds. Their efforts were rewarded with such success 
 that a company was soon formed and the following officers 
 elected: William J. Quigley, Foreman, John K. Oliver, Assist- 
 ant, and John McLean, Jr., Secretary. The application for a 
 charter during tbe legislative session of 1868-69, resulted un- 
 favorably, owing to Ttov. HoflYnan's oppositicm to special legis- 
 lation. Fpon being renewed, however, the following year, 
 tlie applicants were more fortunate. An Act was passed 
 March 30th, 1810, constituting E. A. Matthieson, Stephen C, 
 (lillis, Hamilton H. Salmon, David Clark, James K. Hitchcock 
 and Elbert H. Champlin a body corporate under tlie name of 
 Storm-Icing Fire Engine Company, No, 2. 
 
 With the money already raised, a fine engine liad been 
 bought, but the (Company had no place to store it. In this ex- 
 tremity, appeals for contributions were made to the citizens, ac- 
 CAjmpanied by balls and ccmcerts given in aid of the enterprise. 
 A lot was soon secured on Park avenue, not far from its inter- 
 section with Hudscm street, and the present two-story frame 
 building erected - 
 
 The first fire at which the services of the company were 
 brought into requisition occurred in the now-called Sagamore 
 House, then occupied by Charles M. Brown. The alarm was 
 given at midnight, and the whole of the first floor in flames 
 upon the arrival of the firemen, ^^r. Brown, aroused from, his 
 
MASONIC. I'.l] 
 
 slumlxTs, was ohlifi'tMl to cflrct his escapo l)y moans of an nppcr 
 window. Tiic rapidity witli wliii'li tlu; fire was extina'uislicd, put 
 tlic conipaiiy at oiu;o upon a favorable footing- with the poople. 
 
 The niunbcr of nif'nd)ers on the roll now aggregates thirty- 
 live, .lohn K. Oliver is th(^ present Foreman; George jjandi, 
 1st Assistant; ('liaries iJay, 2(1 .\ssistant; John (Joucey, Secre- 
 tary; Titus M. Wiley, Assistant Secretary; and William 11. 
 Clark, Treasurer. The Trustees ioi- the current year are (icorge 
 A. Pric(% Charles 11. .1. Smith, Wm. J. Quigley, John McLean, 
 Jr., and David (-lark. 
 
 The company have a verj' beautiful hose carriage, built by 
 James Keid, of (Janterbury, upon which is reeled two hundicd 
 and fifty feet of hose. Tiu^ meeting room of the engine house 
 is neatly furnished. The value of the company's property is 
 $2,200, on which there yet renuiins a debt of $(iOO. 
 
 MASONIC. 
 
 In the year 1815, a number of Masons, resident in Cornwall, 
 assembled together in Canterbury and took the preliminary steps 
 for the organization of a Lodge at this place. Upon petition to 
 the fxrand Lodge of the State a warrant was issued, under date 
 the 9th of Septend»er, 1815, authorizing the erection of a Lodge 
 in Cornwall, under tlie name of Jeriimlem Temple Lodge, No. 247, 
 and appointing Wyatt Carr as Master, Abraham Mead, Senior 
 Warden, and Southerland Moore, Junior Warden. The war- 
 rant directed W. M., James B. Reynolds, of Hiram Lodge, New- 
 burgh, to install the new Lodge. Accordingly, in the words of 
 the record now before us, "the said James B.Reynolds met 
 the said Lodge, in the house of Ebenezer Crissey, on the fifth 
 day of October, 1815, and then and there installed the Lodge 
 agreeable to the customs thereof. The Lodge then adjourned to 
 the liouse of Brother Hugh Gregg and partook of a dinner pre- 
 pared by him." On the 23d of December following, an election 
 for officers took place, resulting as follows: Wyatt Carr, W. 
 M.; Abraham Mead, S. W.; Southerland Moore, J. AV.; Na- 
 thaniel Clark, Tr(>asurer; Samuel H. Purdy, Secretary; Wil- 
 liam Williams, S. D.; Stephen Coleman, J. D.; Obadiah Smith, 
 Jun. Sr. M. (!.; Isaac B. Titus, Jr. M. C; Lewis Batterson and 
 John Arnold, Stewards, and Hugh Gregg, Tyler, Wyatt ('arr 
 held his seat in the East until the 23d of December, 1820, 
 
1 92 MASONIC. 
 
 whoii William A. Clark was elected to succeed him. Mv. 
 Clark was followed by Jonathan Morrill. In December, 1824, 
 Oliver Farrington was elected Master, and occupied that posi- 
 tion down to 22d April, 1826, at which time the record stops. 
 In the sununer of tiie last mentioned year, the conununications 
 ceased, ajid the Tjodge became dormant for a period of forty-live 
 years until revived in the winter of 18*11. 
 
 During its early existence, covering- a period of eleven years, 
 there were ninety-two candidates initiated, of wliom the first 
 was Saml. H. Purdy. Their meetings were held in the attic room 
 over the present Union Hotel, in Canterbury. Among the 
 many names in the roll-call, we recog-nize at the present day 
 l)nt one, Dyer Brewster, Esq., now in his 80th year. When the 
 Lodge suspended, the paraphernalia were taken in charge by 
 Mr. Lane, the former proprietor of the Union Hotel, and upon 
 his death in 1863, they were preserved by Mr. Brewster. They 
 an^ now to be seen in the Lodge room, and excite the wonder of 
 visiting brethren. The Bible is of large size, 15in.x8in., and 
 was printed in 1799. The Tyler's sword evidently belonged to 
 some Revolutionary patriot, whilst a dark lantern formed of tin 
 and wood with mystical openings gives rise to much specula- 
 tion as to its use. Among the relics is a Masonic mirror and 
 Symbolic Chart printed in 1819. 
 
 During the fall of 1811, a dispensation was procured allow- 
 ing a few resident Masons to meet under the old name. They 
 continued their meetings until the 27th of July, 1872, when the 
 old Lodge (revived with the old name, but a new number — No. 
 721,) was re-installed by R. W., Ellwood E. Thorn, Grand 
 Master of the State, assisted by representatives from various 
 other Lodges. The procession was formed in front of the Hall 
 under tii<> lead of R. W., Brother (t. Fred. Wiltsie as Grand 
 Marshal, and proceeded to the Methodist Church, where the 
 dedicatory rites were celebrated in ample form. Music was 
 Inrnished by the West Point Band, and after listening to an 
 oration by the Rev. Brother Charles Shelling, t)f Newburgh, the 
 lii-ethren and others ])resent jiartnok of a bounteous collation 
 pi'epared for the occasion. 
 
 The |)resent officers of the Lodge ai-e Charles AfcLean, W^ 
 M; a. 11. Black, S. W.; Henry Roderman, J. W.; Jacob V. 
 
TEMPERANCE HALL. Ui;^ 
 
 Cocks, 'ricasiircr; P. I'. Ha/.eii, Secret a ly; Frederick I>e/eii- 
 (lorf, Marslial; Kev BeiijaiiiiTi N. Lewis, Cliaplaiii; VV^illiaiii 11. 
 Reynolds, S. I).; Saiimel Yoniij;', Jr., J. 1).; Daniel J. liUnsiiian, 
 S. M. of C; Holland Enislie, J. M. of ('.; Lewis Haiiinierstein, 
 Organist; David A. Faurot, Tyler. The acting Trnstees are 
 Brothers Charles H. Mead, Noah Clark, Jr., and 'Sc^uirc Henry 
 Van Dnzer. The Finance Committee is coinj)osed of Brothers 
 (xeorg-e Chatfield, William Orr and A. J. Booth. 
 
 The Lodge is now in a prosperons condition. Visiting lireth- 
 ren are clothed and welcomed to the regular conimnnications 
 which take place every Thursday night, in the Hall, over 
 Knapp & Breed's store, Canterbury. 
 
 TEMPER.iNCE HALL 
 
 is h)cated on Hudsttn street, corner of Cherry avenue, about 
 mid-way between Willis-ville and Riverside-hill. It was built 
 in 1872 by the Idle-wild Temperance Association, at a total cost 
 of about $6,000, including the price paid for the lot. It is a 
 frame building, 30x55, surmounted by a cupola. The Hall 
 proper is 29x40, with a 14 ft. ceiling; the walls wainsi-otted, 
 and room appropriately furnished. It will seat five hundred 
 people. Idle-wild Lodge, I. 0. of G. T.. No. 860, meet in this 
 Hall every Tuesday evening. The Alpha Degree, a higher or- 
 der of Good Templars, occupy it on the first and thjrd Friday 
 of each month. The Cornwall Lodge, 1 0. of 0. F., No. 340, 
 also use it every Monday night. Sunday afternoons at three 
 o'clock, the Methodist Society hold their meetings at the Hall. 
 Part of the building is occupi(;d as ,i dwelling, and on the 
 ground fioor are three stores, the rent from which makes the in- 
 stitution self-supporting. 
 
 The first Temperance organization in Cornwall was eftected 
 about thirty years ago. Among the more active members were 
 Fowler Griggs and George G. Clark. It enjoyed a rather limit- 
 ed existence. In 1869, a new organization was instituted at 
 Canterbury, under the corporate name of Cornwall DivMon, S. 
 of T., No. 204. It was inaugurated by tlie Hon. Samuel E. 
 Shutes, at present Mayiir of Newburgh, James G. Roe, Rev. 
 Mr. Messiter, D. A. Stephens, Esq., Thomas Taft, Jonas G. 
 Davis, Joseph Ferguson, Henry R. Hunter, Harvey R. Taylor and 
 Charles H. Ray. Among the ladies attached to it were Mrs. 
 
1 04 ODD-FELLOWS. 
 
 Sliutos, the Misses C(jusers, Jackson, Ray and Wiley. David 
 A. Stephens, P]sq., was tlie first W. P. Hon .Sanil. E. Shutes 
 fo]h)wed hini, holding the office for two terms in succession. 
 He in turn was succeeded l»y Mr. Tiionias Taft. The organiza- 
 tion continued about five years, having in that period eni'olled 
 a membership of two hundred and fifty. It gave way in 1811 
 to the present Lodge of Good Templars, who are known as 
 Tdle-unld Lodge, I. 0. of G. T., No. 860. Tlie officers of the 
 Ijodge at present are as follows: William J. Quigley, W. C. 
 T.; Martha E. Quigley, V. T.; Egbert Stover R. S.; Lizzie 
 Wink, L. S.; James McLaughlin, Treasurer; G. F. Bethune, F. 
 S.; Harman Goodsell, F. W. C. T.; Albert Lawrence, W. Sec; 
 (i. H. Dobbs, Marshal; Sarah Jane Goodsell, Deputy M.; Mrs. 
 
 E. E. Cabrey, L G.; John H. Cox, 0. G.; Jas. A. Ranney, S. D. 
 The Hall was built by an association formed under the gen- 
 eral laws. Stock was issued to the amount of $10,000. Wm. 
 H. Clark is President of the Building Association, George 
 Stevenson, Vice President, Leonard P. Clark, Treasurin', Frank 
 Couch," Secretary, and its affairs are managed by them in con- 
 nection with six other trustees. 
 
 onn-FEi,i,(»ws. 
 The brotherhood of this name had a Lodge at Canterbury, 
 some twenty years since, which used to meet in Jackson Hall, 
 and at one time over what is now known as Hazzard's Market. 
 It had, however, but a brief existence, and we have been un- 
 able t(j find the early records. Tt was known as Beacon Hill 
 Lodffp. The present Lodge, which holds its meetings in the 
 Teini)erance Hall building, was instituted Dec. 2, 1872, by G. D. 
 1). Van Dalfsen, of Highland Lodge, Newburgh, under the name 
 of Cornwall Lodge, No. 340, I. 0. 0. F. Tlie officers are: B. F. 
 Oliver, N. G.; James Wyms, V. (}.; George Stevenson, Sec; 
 W. P. Quigley, Treas.; J. H. Cleland, P. S.; H. Brock, Chaplain; 
 
 F. Greatsinger, Guard; H. Brewer, L. S. N. G.; G. Cleland, R. 
 S. N. (;.; P. J. Lozier, L. S. V. G.; T. Nappier, R. S. V. (}.; (J. 
 Hulselander, Warden; W. T. Quigley, Conductor. The Lodge 
 is rapidly filling up, and gives promise of a useful future. 
 
SCHOOLS. 1 <)5 
 
 The ('iuisc ot" Education is not without its friends at t'ornwall. 
 The public Schools are well appointed and well attended. The 
 one at Canterbury, and that at Willis-ville, are the more ))roiiii- 
 nent. The latter is deserving' of particular mention. The l)uild- 
 ing devoted to the purpose stands close to Library Hall and was 
 erected in 1868, at a cost of about $12,500. The money was 
 i-aised by Hoating' bonds, all of which are now paid. About 
 $2,000 more was laid out in the })urchase of furniture, maps, and 
 other appointments. Scliool was opened in the spring of 1869, 
 since which time there has been a constantly increasing attend- 
 ance. The building is of brick, 60x82, and contains six class- 
 rooms Ifesides a room for the district library. Mr. J. J. Law- 
 rence is the principal, and is assisted by four lady teachers of 
 acknowledged ability. School is kept the entire year, with the 
 exception of July and August. The average attendance for the 
 year is one hundred and fifty scholars. During the winter the 
 number increases to abtmt two hundred and fifty. It is known 
 as Cornwall School, District No. 4, and was organized under the 
 free School law in 1868. There are in the library attached to 
 the school about five hundred volumes, which are liberally pat- 
 ronized by the pupils. 
 
 The public school in Canterbury is of more moderate preten- 
 sions. The building is a plain frame one, on Clinton street. 
 The school is taught ten months in the year, and the average 
 attendance about one hundred and five. The principal teacher 
 is W. H. Brundage, who is assisted by Miss Laura Hotchkiss. 
 The present trustee is Charles S. Ostrander. 
 
 Besides the public schools there are several select private 
 schools, for both day and Innirding pupils, among which that of 
 Prof a. H. Carswell, at Willis-ville, and that of Prof Ct)bb, on 
 the Heights, have a wide and well-deserved reputation. 
 
1 0() 
 
 APPENDIX— TIME-TABLES. 
 
 >t f 
 
 Lienili.^. 
 
 TIME-TABLES— SUMMER— 1873. 
 
 
 
 
 ERIE SHORT-CUT RAILROAD. 
 
 
 
 
 
 A.M. 
 
 11.4:! 
 *8.30 
 
 P.M. A.M. 
 (i.SO 11.40 
 4.;t0 9.00 
 
 AR.. 
 LV,. 
 
 CORNWALL 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 ..LV. 
 ..AR. 
 
 A.M. 
 
 7.32 
 9.55 
 
 P.M. 
 
 5.20 
 9.25 
 
 P.M. 
 
 *4.05 
 
 7.25 
 
 *Swndays only. N. B.— F. A. Barton's Stage is on hand upon arrival of every train. 
 
 HUDSON RIVER RAILROAD. 
 
 \ I I I IpmT i '^ 
 
 1.58 9.03 7.58 6.02 4.30 12.5511.55 10.00 9.33 AR FISHKILL. 
 
 8.45 7.42 5.48 4.15 12.40 11.37 9.17 COLD SPRING. 
 
 P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. A.M. A.M. A.M. A.M. 
 
 11.00*7.00 5.30 4.00 2.00 10.45 itO.lO' 8.00 7.00; LV NEW YORK. 
 
 1A.M. A.M. A.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. 
 
 EISKLILL LV. 6.42' 7.21 9.31 12.581*1.42 *4, 24 t8.15 8.11*9.43 
 
 COLD SPRING I 6.57 7.35' 9.45 1..56 4.39 8.2510.05 
 
 A.M. 
 NEW YORK AR. 9.00 9.15 11.30 2.30 3.40 7.05 10.00 10.30 1.00 
 
 Trains marked * run on Sundays also. Trains marked t run only on Simdays. 
 N. B.— Communication with Cold Spring Station is made by row-boat terry. For Fish- 
 kill, constilt the Time-table of the Newburgh Stages. 
 
 
 
 
 
 BOATS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 Sc 
 
 
 
 ■*^ 5 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 w 
 
 a 
 
 
 a 
 2 
 a 
 .a 
 
 
 <D 
 
 5= 
 
 "3 
 g 
 
 
 
 T) 9 
 
 
 
 U 
 cS 
 
 C. Vibbard aud 
 Daniel Dre 
 
 Cornell and 
 
 Baldw 
 
 S -' 
 
 • r 
 
 y. -5 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 JH 
 
 P.M. 
 
 P.M. 
 
 P.M. 
 
 
 P.M. 
 
 
 
 A.M. 
 
 P.M. 
 
 12.30 
 
 11.30 
 
 7 15 
 
 11 55 
 
 6,20 
 
 AR Cornwall LV. 
 
 7.45 
 
 2.25 
 
 9.15 
 
 11.30 
 
 2 45 
 
 9.00 
 
 
 
 8.45 
 A.M. 
 8,30 
 
 P.M. 
 3.30 
 
 ....23d-st.,N. Y 
 
 Vestry street 
 
 10.45 
 
 5.35 
 5.50 
 
 
 
 6.30 
 
 
 
 P.M. 
 
 
 
 
 
 A.M. 
 
 
 
 
 
 4.00 
 
 
 
 Harrison street 
 
 
 2.30 
 
 
 
 
 P M, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 A.M. 
 
 
 
 6.00 
 
 
 
 
 Franklin street, 
 
 
 
 
 5.00 
 
 H.30 
 
 
 
 
 
 Christopher street, . 
 
 
 
 
 7.00 
 
 .\.M. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 8.00 
 
 
 
 
 
 LV Fulton-st.Brooklyn AR. 
 
 
 
 
 
 7.30 
 
 *Suudays onlv. tNew Champion leaves Cornwall. Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 
 and New York Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. tOne or the other leaves Cornwall 
 every night in the week except Saturday. SDon't run on Sundays. 
 
 WAY-BOAT— L. BOARDMAN. 
 
 Leaves Newburgh 3, P. M.: Cornwall. 3.20: Cold Spring, 3.50: West Point, 4.00; Coz- 
 zens', 4.10: Peekskill, 5.10— Arrives at Sing Sing 6.4.5. 
 
 Leaves Sing Sing 6.45. A.M.: Peekskill, 8.15; Cozzens', 9.15; West Point, 9.25; Cold 
 Spring, 9.35; Cornwall, 9.50— Arrives at Newburgh 10.15. 
 
 This boat connects at Peekskill with Hudson River trains both ways. .\.lso at Cold 
 Spring for Cornwall Passengers. Don't run on Siuidays. 
 
Ari'KNI)[X TIMK-TABLES. \(r 
 
 aw sW -6 
 
 ^ NEWBUUtrH STACtES. " % 
 
 o 
 
 A.M. P.M.! A.M. A.M. 
 
 11.4:> I'i.i.') AU RIVEK-.SIDE LV. H.JiO 7.15 
 
 P.M. I and P.M. P.M. 
 
 7.00 i ti.OO l.liO -2.45 
 
 P.M. A.M. A.M. 
 
 1-2.M ll'2.30 LIBllARY HALL 8.4.5 7.:!0 
 
 P.M. aud P.M. P.JL 
 
 7.;!0 I 5.40i 1.45 ;!.ll(l 
 
 P.M. I P.M. 1 CANTEUBUUV A.M. P.M. 
 
 5.30 12.30 1 S..30 1.00 
 
 A.M. A.M. A.M. A.M. 
 
 10.30 1>.M. A.M. 11.30 LY NEWBURtiH \K. '1.45 0.30 2.00 8.30 
 
 P.M. 4.30 11.30 P.M. P.M. P.M. 
 
 6.30 I 4.301 2.50 . 4.00 
 
 POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS. 
 Cornwall Lucation nl offire Canterbury Anms il. llnUctt. I'ust Ma.ster. 
 
 MAILS CLOSK. 
 
 (1.30 .\ Af. for New York and all iioints'Sonth. East and West. 
 10.45 A.M. for Ncwbrn-Kh and the North. 
 4.45 P.M. for New York and beyond. 
 1.45 P.M. for Newbur^h and beyond. 
 
 MAILS AKUIVK. 
 
 8,0(1 A. M. from NewbnrKh- 
 1-2.00 M. from New York. 
 8. (JO P. M. frcnn New York and Newbnrt,'h. 
 
 Mails come and j^o via the Erie Short-t'nt. 
 
 Cornwall-on-the-Hudson Charles E. Cock. Po.st .'\laster. 
 
 Main offiee at River-side. Branch at Mr. Weyant's store WjUis-ville. 
 Mails close. 7.00 A. M. Mails arrive. 11.30 A. M. 
 
 •2.30 P. M. 7.30 P. M. 
 
 TELEGRAPH OFFICE. 
 \Vill be found at Willis-ville iu the Smith House. 
 
 MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES. 
 :\lasonie — Knaiip I'c Breed's Hall, Canterbury. Thursdays at 8, P M. 
 Odd Fellows— Temi)erauee Hall, Willis-ville! Mondays at 8, P. M. 
 Good Templars — do do do Tuesdays at 8, P. M. 
 
 .\lpha Degree Templars — Temperance Hall, 1st Saturday at 8. P. M. 
 do do do Firemen's Hall, Canterbury. 3d Saturda,^' at H, P. 
 
 CHURCH SERVICE. 
 Services begin at 11, A. M., iu all the Churches except the Methodist, where the hour is 
 10.30. Afternoon service at i o'clock in the Episcoijal. 
 
 THE CIRCUL.\TING LIBRARY 
 is open every day except Sundays and Holidays. Transient visitors, uimn payment 
 fee, can have the privilege of its shelves for the season. 
 
198 CONTENTS. 
 
 EARLY HISTORY. 
 
 Hiiir.v Hiiilsoii in tli(! Higlilaiids. .5: The Hall-iunoii ami Ma.ster Juet's Journal, fi: In- 
 aiauK— Maringonian'.s (Jastle. Murderer's Kill, 7: Indian Relics, 8; The Devil's Danee- 
 Cliamlier. 11; Capt. Kvans. 10: First House north ot the Highlands, 11; MaeGrecorie and 
 Toshuck. VI. 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY HISTORY. 
 
 The Campaign of 1777, 14; Consjiiracy — Hiekey and Haft", the Tories, 16; the British 
 Feint on I'eekskill, 17: Recounaiseauce of the Highlands. 18; General George (Uinton, 19: 
 Forts Montgomery and CHnton, 20 ; their Capture by the British, 21, 22; Evacuation of 
 tlie Highlands, 2:i; the Tory Spy and the Silver Bullet, 24; Ascent of the Ri\'er by the 
 Bi-itish and Burning of Esopus, 24: Forts Constitution and Putnam— Chain Obstructions. 
 2r>: Arnold and Andre, 26, 27, 28. 
 
 BOUNDARIES AND LOCALITIES. 
 
 Early Lines. 27: Reasons for Dividing Town, 30: Present Boundaries, IJl ; Salisbiu'y, 
 I'.cthlehem, Mountaiu-ville, Highland-ville, :J2: Canterbury, 33; Garner-ville. Willis-ville, 
 l!iver-side. 34; Roe-ville Montana, :^.'i. 
 
 {.IHOROGRAPHY. 
 
 The I'ornwall Basin. :^(i; Cromwell Ridge and Townsend Ridge, 37; the Intervening 
 \';dleys and Suspension-Bridge over the Hudson. 38; Broad-view— Table-lands— Valley 
 (^f the Moodna, 39: Orr's Mills— Paint Mills— Woolen Mills— Paper Mills— Linen Mills, 40: 
 Montana Dri\e — Moodna Drive. 41. 
 
 CLIMATE— TEMPERATURE. 
 The Air, 42; its peculiar character and benefit to Consumptives. 43; the cause, 44; Is 
 Cornwall Cool'? 4.5; No East Winds, 40. 
 
 .\CCESSIBILITY. 
 Boat and Rail commnuications — their number and facility. 47 — 49. 
 
 MINERAL SPRING. 
 Location— beauty of, 50: .\nalysis partial, .'il: Cures effected, 52; Future of, 53. 
 
 CRO'-NEST CAVE. 
 Its Recent Discovery, 54: Relics Found. 55; Story of the Spy. 50, 58. 
 
 MOUNTAIN LAKES. 
 Lake System of the Highlands, 59: Drowning Casualty on Poiilopen, 00; Names of the 
 different Lakes, (iO: Their Number— Fish— Time to Visit. 26; Economical Application, 63: 
 Their Great Value, 04. 
 
 WEST POINT. 
 Its Interest to Visitors, 05: How to Visit— Fort Putnam. t>6; Public Building.s— Tro- 
 phies, 07; Riding Hall. OS: Monunients— Paths. 09; Kosciusko's Garden- Drives. 70; 
 Benny Havens. 71. 
 
 ASCENT OF STORM-KING. 
 Etymology. 73: Routes for Ascending. 74; Summit View, 75; The Dividing Itidge bi- 
 tween Sea and Inland .\ir. 75. 
 
CONTENTS. 1 <)<) 
 
 (IKAVE OF DUNCAN. 
 
 Life, Death niul Burial ul' the Hero, 77, 81: Site of the (iravc and it.s Cdiulitimi. 8J. 
 
 IDLE-WILD. 
 
 N. P. Willis, Sketch of his Life and Literary Prodiiction.s. Kl. H(i: Personal Keminis- 
 
 cenees. K7; Ori{,'in of the Name of Idle-wild, K8; The Cottage DeKcribed, H'.l; Tlie Hronk, 
 
 ',»(): The Glen, 91; Fnnny Child's Weddiuf,', '.(2 : The Groat Water-spont— the C/.ar. ;•:): Tlir- 
 
 Pig-tight Gate, 94 ; Mr. Courteuay, the present owner, 95, 9(). 
 
 WALKS AND DRIVES. 
 Landing from the Powell— the Doek alive — River-side Hill — Mary blake, 97: Hay -view 
 Avenue, 98; Chaniplin Way, 09; Hudson Street, 100: Park Avenue, 101; Willis- ville Square 
 — Canterbury Stone-bridge, 102; West Point Road, lOU; Driving Park. 104; Aseeiit of the 
 Mountain, 10.5; Continental Spring — the Naiad's-bath Falls, 10(!: Blaek-roek, View from, 
 107: the Lover's Roeking-stoue — Wm. Chatfield's Summit Farm, 108: Giant's Haunt — 
 Legend— Giant's Slipper, 109: Pic-nie Rock, 110; Erlin's Blutt— Homeof the Fairies. 110, 
 112; Hat-rogue — View from Erlin's Bluff — the Natural Bridge, 113; Lakes. 104: Forest 
 o' Dean Mine — Poised Rock, 115. 
 
 DRIVES ABOUT CORNWALL. 
 Road to Newburgh, 117: Story of Manhattan Well. 118: Roe-ville— Sloop-hill. 119; Cov- 
 ered Bi'idge — Cause-way, 120; Plum Point — its Beauty — Revolutionary History, 121; Re- 
 mains Battery, Spear and Crib, 122: First House in Orange County — Nicoll-hill — Way-side 
 Villas, 12;i; New Windsor hill — Ellison House — Treasure-trove — Glass Works, 124; New 
 Windsor — Early Settlement — Brick Yards, 125; Shore Road — Toll Gate — Quassaick Creek 
 — The Vale — Ettrick Grove, 126: Washington's Escape — Coal Works, 127; Washington's 
 Head-quarters. 128; De.scriptiou of, 129; Newburgh, 130, 131; Erie Connections — Quas- 
 saick Bridge, 132; The Aveime— Villas — Woodlawn'Cenietery, 133: Road to Vail's-gate — 
 Knox's Head-quarters, VM: Lafayette, Incident. 135; Forge-hill — .Jouas Williams — Head- 
 (juarters of Lafayette. 13(i— Holland Loan Vault — Early Cemetei-y, 137: Mrs. Miller's Snutl' 
 and Tobacco Factory — Shamrock House — Cotton and Paper Mills, 138; Ijiiieu Mills — Early 
 History of the Moodna. 139.110; (Claudius Smith — First Methodist Building in Orange 
 County. 141; Edmondst(JU House — Head-quarters of Medical Staff, 142: Tlie Falls House 
 — Washington Square — Camp Ground, 143: The Temple — Newburgh Letters. 144. 
 
 STOCK-FARMS. 
 Hambletonian — Mr. Rysdick — -Mr. Bachman's Stony-ford Farm, 145, 146: .\Jden Gold- 
 smith's — Aaron H. Taylor's, 147; Major Morton's — .las. Hasbrouck — W. C. Trimble — Capt. 
 Daniel Kennedy, 148. 
 
 AQUATICS— WARD BROTHERS. 
 Boating at Cornwall — Bathing, 149: Champion Oarsmen — Ward Brothers — Dates of 
 Birth — Physical Peculiarities, 150; Races by -'Josh," 151; International Race, 1.52. 
 
 HOTELS AND BOARDING-HOUSES. 
 Number. Location and Accommodations. 1,53, 1.54; Prices of Board — Bills of Fare — 
 Children, 1.55; First-class Hotel, 1.56. 
 
 SOCIETY. 
 Composition of. 157; Amusements. 1.58; tlonvenieuce to New York .\c(iuaintances — 
 Growth of, 159. 
 
 COMMERCE— EARLY AND FUTURE. 
 Early Freighting, 160: First Freight^st(iamer on the Hudson. 161: Subsequent Enter- 
 prises — Decay of C'ommerce. 162; Commerce of the Future — Air Freight-line to the West. 
 164; Bridging the Hudson. 165. 
 
 VALUE OF LAND. 
 Present Prices of Land. 166. 167; Causes of Future Increase. 168. 
 
200 CONTENTS. 
 
 (_tEOLOC4V. 
 CTeoloKical Structure. 170: Quaternary and Priniitivc Furiiiatioiiis. 171; Liiutstouc — 
 Caverns— Natural Bridge. 172; Mineral Deposits. )7:t, 174; Alluvidus. 17.5. 
 
 CHURCHES. 
 The Bethlehem Cliurcli. 170; Quaker Meeting House. 177; The Canterbury Methodist 
 Church— The Highlaud-ville jMethodi.st Church. 179; The New Catholic Church, ISO; The 
 Canterbury Presbyterian Ch;n-ch. 181; The Cornwall Presbyterian Church. 182; The Bap- 
 tist Church— St. John's (P. E.) Church. 184. 
 
 SOCIETIES. 
 Library Hall. 187; Fire Department. 188-i>»0; Masonic. llll-l'.»2; Temperance Hall. I'.i:!; 
 Odd-Fellows, 19.5. 
 
 sc;hools. 
 
 Cornwall School— Canterbury School— Private Schools. 19.5. 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 Railroad and Steamboat Time-tables. 19fi. 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 Titles marked with an asterisk (*). are from •• Harper's Magazine; " those marked 
 
 with an obelisk (+), are trom Boynton's ■• West Point;" those marked with a 
 
 double obelisk (t), are from "' Scribner's Magazine;" those marked with 
 
 a section (S). trom Lossiug's "Field Book."— by permission. 
 
 Henry Hudson ■"> 
 
 Cornwall Bay, lfi09 •< 
 
 Maringoman's Castle 7 
 
 Devil Worship at Dans-Kammer '•' 
 
 MacGregorie's House ^ 11 
 
 View from Fort Montgomei-y 19 
 
 Remains of Chain at West Point 2ri 
 
 Remains of Boom at West Point 2ii 
 
 Ide Pai)er Mills 4(1 
 
 Pic-Nic Vignette 4fi 
 
 JCro'-nest -54 
 
 tRuins of Fort Putnam fifi 
 
 tRiding Hall at West Point f>8 
 
 tKoBciusko's Garden 70 
 
 JBenny Havens 71 
 
 *Residence of the late N. P. Willis H:i 
 
 *Cottage from the Lawn x>> 
 
 *Cottagc trom the Gate «9 
 
 *Cottage trom the Meadow .... 9(i 
 
 *Path in the Glen 91 
 
 *Fiinny Child Brook 92 
 
 *The Czar !•:( 
 
 *Plateau and River from near Moodna 94 
 
 *Pig-tight Gate 9.-. 
 
 SiPlum Point Battery 122 
 
 Spear and (!rib of Chevaux-de-frize 122 
 
 Washington's Head-quarters at Newburgh 1'28 
 
 Diagram of Head-quarters 1'29 
 
 SRoom with seven Doors and one Window 129 
 
 View of Newburgh V-W 
 
 gEllison House — Knox's Head-quarters i;!4 
 
 SThe Falls House — Clinton's Head-quarters *. 14:j 
 
 SThe ( 'amp (iround at New Windsor 14:1 
 
 The Temple 1*4