••-% -^ai^ '-^^0^ " :^«^'^ » • • • / c> <', ^'. 0" . ^^' V. 0* > ti, ^ *1^ p-^ ^°-v>. *-/ -^^ •'/.. v^ *i»^ \. o .* .^^ %. - V- ,V '^^ % -. vO' .^ ^^-^^^^ c° .'. >0. * • I ■> : ^^^-^ '^oV^ ^^-^K \ '^^■i*' iv^. -oV^^ -/^ .o'JL"".'^. 'v/^«i- :* A v«i- •^^ o » " " * -' / ... V^'^^-\n^'-' ../V^'"^"' ^' .s. ^ \ '"•^ fcti^ _i^ m. £^. ,^ut/ey. LOCAL TALES HISTORICAL SKETCHES, BY HENRY D. B. BAILEY. FISHKILL LANDING: .JOHN W. SPAIGHT, PUBLISHEK. FISHKILl. STANDARD OFFICE. 1874. Entered according to Act of Congress, in tlie year 1874, by HENEY D. B. BAILEY, In tJie Office of the Eilmirian of Congr.^ss at "Wasliington. INDEX Preface, "^ POETRY. The Months of the Year, 12 TALES. Dominie Van Nist's Courtship, ........ 17 The Subaltern, ^'5 Van Horn, 86 The Squatter's Daughter, 103 The Haunted Tavern, 119 Witchcraft in New Hackensack, 132 The Broken Hearted, 137 The Highland Farmer vs. The Western Farmer, . 149 Deacon Jones, the Pioneer, 161 The Farmer's Daughter, 172 A Tale of the Revolution, 183 Farmer Jones, the Discontented Man, 193 The Mechanic's Wipe, 203 Farmers Thrifty and Unthrifty, 212 The Old Farm House, 222 4 INDEX. Page. The Ungrateful Father, 232 The Tailor and the Bachelor, 242 A Tale of the Early Settlers, 250 The Mysterious Pack, 259 Ten Cents a Day, 266 A Tale of the Great Rebellion, 273 HISTORICAL SKETCHES. Early History of Dutchess County, 283 The First Churches in Dutchess County, .... 297 Pougfkeepsie, 307 Early History of the Town of Fishkill, .... 314 Historical Sketch of Fishkill Village, 355 Early Settlers near Fishkill Landing, 373 A Visit to Fort Hill 380 The Brick Meeting House, 384 Pine Plains, 393 Isaac Van Amburgh, 399 ESSAYS. Civilized and Savage Life Contrasted, 409 Books the Great Source of Information, .... 421 Sleep, 424 Adversity, 426 Fashion, . 428 April Days, 430 ILLUSTRATIONS. Page. Portrait of the Author, Frontispiece. The Van Kleeck House, 24 The Wharton House, 42 A Country Scene, 136 EpiscoPAii Church, Fishkill Vit.lagb, 361 Reformed Dutch Church, FiSHKiiii. ViiiLAGB, . . . 364 Verplanck House, Fishkill Landing, ...... 374 The Agent of Civimzation, 420 ERRATA. On pages 323 and 325, for General Abram Van Wyck, in three places, substitute James Van Wyck. On page 324, for C. Delevan, substitute Isaac Gilclersleeve. PREFACE. This volume of local tales and historical sketches is the result of many years, and not the product of a day. When the author began his literary labors, he had no idea that his writings would ever be volumin- ous enough to make a book, or of sufficient value to be collected in such permanent form. He was in the habit of writing a tale or a sketch, and contributing the same, either to The Fishkill Standard or the PouGHKEEPSiE Telegkaph, in which they were eagerly read by the subscribers to those papers. His first published tale was "The Tailor and the Bachelor," a simple story of life's vicissitudes. This was followed at irregular intervals by others, culminating in his latest and most pretentious effort, "Dominie Van Nist's Courtship." Having a deep love for the olden times, he took a great interest in liistorical matters, and has brought to light many facts bearing upon the early history of Dutchess County, and especially the 8 PREFACE. towns of Fishkill and East Fishkill, which the future historian will find of great value. To obtain these facts has cost him considerable time and labor, but his love for the work incited him to go on without expectation of pecuniary reward. A great many his- torical facts are woven into Mr. Bailey's tales. In fact, these are written with such a degree of natural- ness that the only fear is that those vi'ho are not well acquainted with the early history of the County, may take fiction for fact, and so be unconsciously led astray. The chapters devoted to sketches of history, however, may be relied upon as correct — at least so far as the author has been able to get information. Mr. Bailey is a native of this County, having been born at Johnsville, in the town of East Fishkill, on the 27th of December, 1813. He has resided in the County nearly all his life, and is well known to thou- sands of people. He did not commence his literary labors until in his forty-second year, but since that time has been a valued contributor to the local press. Tiiis book, which has been the result of so many years labor, and written while in the prime of his manhood, contains so many facts of historic interest that it will be regarded as an authority in many res- PREFACE. y pects, and will be looked to by future historians as a mine from which to gather facts relating to the early- days of this section of the County. Mr. Bailey did intend writing a history of Dutchess County, but his advancing years, and other difficulties of a physical nature, have deterred him from the work. He has expressed to us his regrets that he did not, ten years ago, make a systematic canvass of the County, with that end in view. Knowing his industry and capabilities, we can but join in the regrets which he has expressed. The fact is, we are drifting along with scarcely an efibrt to preserve from fast approaching oblivion the thousands of interesting facts, recollections, and remi- niscences of the past, relating to our county, which are attainable now, but which in a few years more will be utterly lost. How many have passed away within the decade just closed, whose memories could recall incidents of three and four score years past, which would have been of great value to the historian; but they are gone, and with them is buried the know- ledge they possessed. Our county is rich in material, and under a master hand would yield a fund of authen- tic historical incidents that would make a book of 10 PREFACE, surpassing interest and value. We hope the historical researches begun this year by a gentleman in one of our neighboring towns, will result in the pubMcation of a full and reliable history of the county. The photographic portrait of Mr. Railey, which forms a frontispiece, is an admirable one, and will be so accepted by all who know him. The engravings are mostly from ^'Lossing's Field Booli of the Revo- lution," published by the Harper Brothers, NewYork, to whose kindness we are indebted for the privilege of using the same. They add very much to the interest of the book. J. W. S. Fishkill Standard Office, October, 1874. f THE MONTHS OF THE YEAR. JANUARY. Lakes and rivers now are frozen, Icy fetters bind in chains ; Earth in winter's garb reposing, Winter now triumphant reigns. FEBRUARY. storms are raging, blustering, blowing Snow in whirling eddies fly, But the days are longer growing — Seasons brief, they soon pass by. Storm and sunshine intervening. Sullen Winter yields at last. To his Arctic den retreating, Driven by the Southern blast. Vernal seasim now approaching. Mildly do the zephyrs play. Light upon the night encroaching, Lengthens out the beams of day- Cattle in the pastures grazing, Fields are looking fresh and green, Man his great Creator praising For the balmy days of Spring. THE MONTHS OF THE YEAR. 13 Busy season now arriving, Weeds in great profusion grow, Farmers in their cornfields driving, Strong they wield the spade and hoe. Laborers in the fields are toUing Through the long and listless day; In the West dark clouds are lowering, Raindrops wet the new mown hay. Early morn the dew drops shining. Hanging on the bushes low, Lovers in the shades reclining, Love does in their bosoms glow. SEPTEMBER. Orchards noAv their boughs are bending, Filled with fruitage rich and rare. Choicest blessing thick descending. Fills all hearts with thankful prayer. OCTOBER. Leaves now from the trees are falling, Cool and frosty is the morn. Farmers to their cribs are hauling Golden ears of Indian corn. NOVEMBER. Autumn hues the landscape blending, O'er the face of Nature spread — Gloomy, dreary days portending — Birds to warmer climes have tied. DECEMBER. Ah ! the closing year reminds us Of the changing scenes of life — Friends whose ties were of the kindest, Have left this world of woe and strife. DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. Poiighkeepsie is the shire-town of the wealthy and flourishing county of Dutchess. It is situated on the east bank of the noble Hudson, equidistant between New York and Albany, and contains about twenty-two thousand inhabitants. The original name of Pough- keepsie was Apokeepsing, an Indian word signifying safe harbor. The first settlers were Dutch, who came from Long Island about 1700. Boltus Van Kleek built the first house within the present limits of the city, in 1702. Jacobus Vander Bogart, Peter Velie, Johannas Van Kleek, and other pioneers, soon erected dwellings where the present city is now located, and a highway was opened east through the great Nine Partners pat- ent, purcliased by Caleb Heathcote and others, May 27th, 1697. This patent extended from the Hudson river to the west line of Connecticut. In 1709 build- ing lots were laid out in Poughkeepsie and the Dutch Reformed Missionaries had commenced their labors there and at Fishkill. The Rev. Peter Vas, of Kings- ton, Rev. Gualterus Du Bois, of New York ; Rev. Vin- centius Antonides, of Kings county, Long Island, and 18 DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. the Rev. Mr. Van Deiisen, of Albany, would in turn visit Poughkeepsie and Fishkill and preach to the then few inhabitants, in their houses, and administer the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. In 1716 the Reformed Dutch Church was organized at Pough- keepsie and Fishkill by the Rev. Peter Vas. A lot for a church and parsonage at Poughkeej>sie was given by Captain Jacobus Vander Bogart, in 1716. This deed is recorded in the County Clerk's office, where it may be seen at the present day. The cluirch stood in what is now known as Market street ; the burying ground extended south near to what is now Cannon street, and along Main street east for several rods, and west of the church to the lot owned by the Court house. West of the Court house was the parsonage lot, where the pres- ent First Reformed Church is now located. This lot then contained several acres of land, and was conjoint- ly owned by the congregations of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, and remained so until the separation of the two churches, which took place in 1772. Since the separation, great alterations have taken place on the parsonage lot. The old parsonage has long since been demolished and a new one erected. The first church, which was erected in 1718, was taken down in 1782 and a new one erected on the opposite side of the street, near the Poughkeepsie Hotel, where the old burying ground is still to be seen. In 1822 they abandoned that ground and built a church on the parsonage lot. This church was destroyed by fire in 1857, when the present noble structure was erected on the same site. As we have said, the parsonage formerly contained several acres of land, but portions of it have been sold DOMINIE VAN NISt's COURTSHIP. 19 at difterent times, the last in 1848. A number of lots were then sold to Matthew Vassar, the money, which amounted to some $8000, was given to the Second Church, which had just been erected. We will now attempt to give the architecture of the first church, which, in 1718, stood in what is now known as Market street. The material of which the church was built was stone, the height of the walls was two stories, and it was covered with a gambrel roof. A tower went up in front of the church, rising above the apex of the roof a moderate distance, and there the bell was suspended, and over the same was a small tapering spire, and surmounting that was the rooster. There was but one entrance and that was in the tower, which fronted Main street. Passing through the entrance to the interior, two aisles led the way through the church, flanked with high backed pews on either side. The pulpit was reached by a high flight of stairs from one of the aisles, and it was shaped like a wineglass. Over it was the sounding board, fastened securely to the rear walls of the church. An arch spanned the building, and gal- leries extended all around the church, excepting the rear, which was supported by heavy columns. The window lights were very small, set in heavy sash frames. This was the first church erected in the county. It is about one hundred and fifty-six years since the corner stone was laid. From 1716 until 1731 the congregations of Pough- keepsie and Fishkill had no settled minister 5 they were too feeble to maintain one, for the country was as yet a wnlderness. Dark tangled forests lined the banks of the Hudson, extending east over the country. Here 20 DOMi>:iE VAN nist's courtship. and there the pioneer and squatter had made an open- ing, and erected log huts for a shelter, andtlie traveler in passing through the country then for miles nothing would greet his eye but dreary wastes, and occasional- ly a wolf or bear would emerge from some thicket, alarmed at the unusual noise occasioned by the travel- er's horse. Although the county had been purchased by the patentees from the Aborigines for some twenty- five years, yet Indian tribes roved through the coun- try, living by the chase. Their villages yet existed in Fishkill Hook and along the Wappingers Creek. After 1720, settlements increased rapidly, but Mission- aries from New York, Kingston (then called Esopus) and Albany supplied the church at Poughkeepsie and the station at Fislikill until 1731. That year the congre- gation at Fishkill had erected a substantial stone church and then an effort was made by the two congregations to raise money sufficient to support a minister. A com- mittee, one from each congregation, was appointed. Captain Jacobus Vander Bogart, of Pouglikeepsie, and Abram Brinckerhoff, of Fishkill, visited the families in their respective congregations, and after ascertaining what salary each member of the congregation would give, reported at the church in Poughkeepsie. The sum was found sufficient to warrant the maintenance of a clergyman. The two congregations had just com- pleted their parsonage in Poughkeepsie, which stood in the rear of the present one, located on the brow of the hill, on the south side of Main street, descending to the river. It was an airy, comfortable structure, sided and roofed with red cedar, and inclosed with a substantial fence. Accordingly a call was made out DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. 21 and accepted by the Rev. Cornelius Van Schie, who had been educated in Holhind. He was installed in office by the Rev. Gualterns Du Bois, of the city of New York, October 4tli, 173 1. Mr. Van Seine's salary was five hundred gilders a year and fire wood, which cost but little, except the labor of cutting and hauling, which was done by the congregation. Mr. Van Schie's pastorate contiiuied five years, when he was released from his charge and removed to Alban3^ The second pastor was the Rev. Benjamin Meynema, who also was educated in Holland. His pastorate commenced in 1745 and continued until 1755, when he resigned his charge. During his ministry he lost his wife, who was buried in the church yard at Fishkill, and September 9th, 1761, he died, and at his request he was biu'ied beside his wife, where their tombstones can be seen at the present day with epitaphs in the Low Dutch lan- guage. The third pastor was the Rev. Jacobus Van- nist, who was educated in this country. He was only twenty-four years old when he accepted the call to be- come pastor of the congregations of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill ; Mr. Vannist having just completed his stud- ies, and with little or no experience in preaching the Holy Gospel and imparting spiritual consolation to his flock, which then extended all over the western portion of the county, then called Poughkeepsie and Fishkill precincts. When Mr. Vannist an-ived at Poughkeep- sie, in the summer of 1758, he w^as cordially received by his congregation, and his time was occupied in vis- iting his parishoners and preaching at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill on alternate Sal^baths. Mr. Vannist was umunrried, and having no use for the parsonage, he 22 DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. vvaiited to get a permanent place to board at some pri- vate house, not wishing to board at a Hotel, deeming it an unsuitable place for a minister. The Van Kleek House was then the most conspicu- ous Hotel in the count3^ The Court House had just been erected, and Poughkeepsie being the county seat, business centered there. Judges, lawyers and learned men, merchants, artisans, &c., located at Poughkeepsie. One of the most prominent men that lived there was Paul Schank, who engaged in the mercantile business. His customers came from far and near, north to vvluit was then known as the Little Nine Partners, east to the Connecticut line, and south as far as New Hacken- sack and Beekman, which then contained a few settlers. The sturdy pioneers could be seen riding on horseback, with their frows seated on a pillion behind, trudging through Main street to Paul's store, the Christian name which his neighbors always called liim by. (Others again in their wagons would be wending tlieir way to Paul's store to purchase articles of merchandise which the pioneers really needed. Paul owned several acres of land on the south side of ]\Iain street, east of the Dutch Church, adjoining the burying ground, where he had built him a house and store and was doing a thriving business. Paul's lot covered a part of what is now known as Cannon street, and extended east along Main street, opposite to where the Morgan House is now located. His family consisted of his wife, two sons, and his daughter Rebekah, and a number of negro slaves, for then slavery existed throughout the country. In those days traveling through the country was do:minie van nist's courtship. 23 slow and difticult. Xew York city could be reached from the river by sloops, which sometimes woidd con- sume a fortnight going to and from Poughkeepsie. Paul only went to New York to purchase goods once or twice a year, and then he would have to take his bed and provisions with hini, for the Captains of sloops did not supply their passengers with berths and board in those days. Paul, as soon as he had purchased what goods he thought he needed, would have them all cart- ed to the sloop, which then lay at Coenties slip, for the city then lay all on the east side of the Island, and contained only thirteen thousand inhabitants. When the hour arrived for the Captain to &ail, Paul had his business all perfected, and if nothing muisual occurred, and with favorable wind and weather, they would arrive at Poughkeepsie the second or third day after leaving New York. In 1758, when Dominie Vannist was pastor of the two congregations at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, the now populous and beautiful city of Poughkeepsie made but a sorry appearance. On the south side of ]\Iain street, east of the Dutch Church and burying ground, was the residence of Paul Schank ; his store stood ad- jacent the burying ground. East of his residence was the school-house, a small building painted red. West of the Dutch Church was the Court House, a stone structure which was destroyed by fire in the Revolu- tion. The next building west of the Court House was the Dutch Parsonage, and along the sloping hillsides to the river there were some twenty houses. The Van Kleek house, a substantial stone structure, was the most prominent Hotel, and under the eaves the walls 24 DOMINIE VAN NIST'S COURTSHIP. were pierced with loopholes for musketry. In 1777 this Hotel was used as a State house and the Legisla- ture convened there. George Clinton was then gover- nor of the State, and Pierre Van Cortlandt lieutenant governor. In 1797 the Poughkeepsie Hotel was built, and then the Van Kleek House was abandoned as a public house, and finally it got in possession of Matthew Vassar, who demolished the building in 18:35. On the Van Kleek House, Poughkeepsie. north side of jVIain street, east of where the Poughkeep- sie Hotel is now located, there were a few houses and stores, and west of the Hotel were a few lawyers' offices, and you have all there was of Poughkeepsie in 1758. One of the most prominent lawyers then was Bartholomew Crannell, a gentleman of note as an able counsellor and eloquent advocate. John H. Livingston, one of the ablest dominies of the Reformed Dutch Church, who was born at Poughkeepsie in 1746, com- DOMINIE VAN NLSt's COURTSHIP. 25 menced reading law in his office in the Autumn of 1762, and at the close of 1764, his health being a good deal impaired, in consequence of close application to read- ing and writing, he left Mr. Crannell's office. After that he experienced a change of heart, and connected himself with the Dutch Church, and his health was in a measure recovered. He became impressed that he was called to preach the Gospel, and in May, 1766, he sailed for Europe, studied in the University of Utrecht, and returned in September, 1770, and became pastor of one of the Collegiate Churches in the city of New York. Dominie Vannist had as yet no permanent place to board ; he had lived among his parishioners, preaching at intervals in New Hackensack and Hopewell, which now had become Missionary stations. His labors were now very arduous, and it was necessary that he should have some place where he could spend more time in his study. Often times he had been subjected to great inconvenience in preparing his sermons, and Paul Schank politely invited him to come and board at his house, which offer the dominie gladly accepted. Paul's dwelling was a stone structure, with low walls and steep roof. The entrance from the front door was through a box entry, with a stairs, which led to the garret. This entry communicated with the parlor, through a large door, and adjoining this was the sitting room. Two bedrooms, which were separated by a par- tition from the sitting room, completed the first floor, excepting the kitchen, which projected from the east end of the main building, and was set apart for the negroes. A large fire place occupied one side of the 26 DOMINIE VAN NIST'S COURTSHIP. kitchen, with jambs of sufficient height to admit a tall man. Adjacent one of the jambs was a huge oven embedded in the walls, where the bread for the family was baked. In those days they had no knowledge of stoves, and their chimneys were so wide that one could drive through them with a cart and horses, with fire- places of such immense wings that the consMm})tion of wood was enormous. Two iron bars were fastened in the fireplace near the mouth of the chimney ; across these bars another one was laid, which held the tram- mels where the pots and kettles were suspended over the fire, in which the cooking was done. But as yet the country was comparatively a wilder- ness, and the forests were in close proximity to every settler's cabin. The negro then was the only laborer, and he was owned by the Dutch pioneer, and a half a score or less were in every Dutch farm house. They helped clear the forests and enclose and cultivate their farms. When Dominie Vannist came to Paul's to board, he gave him the privilege to select which room he wished to occupy. He selected one of the bedrooms adjoining the sitting room, and found it very conveni- ent. Mrs. Schank had ordered it thoroughly cleaned. Fillis and Juda were set to work scouring the floors and the huge beams over head, for there were no walls over head, nor carpets on the floors, in the Dutch liouses in those days. Rebekah was' busily engaged arranging the furniture her fatlier had recently purchas- ed for Mr. Vannist's room. When his room was ready, he took possession, and was highly pleased with his new quarters, for Rebekah and her mother had prevail- ed on her father to get some nice furniture for his room DOMINIE VAN NISt's COURTSHIP. 27 when be went to New York to buy goods. Paul was willhig to comply witb tbeir request, for he thought a great deal of liis dominie, and when in New York he purchased a book case, writing desk, and rocking chair, and they were luxuries in those days. The fireplace in Mr. Vannist's room was located in a corner, and occu- pied less room than usual, and he was furnished w ith tongs, shovel and bellows, and Paul had instructed San- 00 to fetch no wood but hickory in his room. Mr. Vannist having now a place to study prepared liis sei- mons with tiie greatest care. The Dutch language was then the only one used in the Dutch churches, in fact it was almost the oidy language used in the coun- ty, especially in the western portion. Mr. Vannist always preached in the Dutch language, and his con- gregation used none other, but he understood both the Dutch and English languages, and could speak them fluently, but he always wrote his sermons in Dutch. Mr. Vannist had now become a popular preacher, and on every alternate Sabbath w^hen he preached atPough- keepsie, the people would come north from beyond Hyde Paik, east to the center of the county, and south from New Hackensack and Beekman. Pioneers, in their large lumber wagons, seated on chairs taken from their houses, and their negro slaves squatted on bun- dles of straw" in the rear of the wagon ; young men on horseback, with their sweethearts behind seated on a pillion, clinging to their lovers, could be seen coming through Main street to the Dutch cliurch. Wagons and horses w^ould liue Main street on either side beyond the churchyard to where Paul's store was located, dur- ing the time of service. Although there was occasion- 2S DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. ally preaching in Poughkeepsie then by the Rev. Sam- uel Seebury, an Episcopalian minister, they had not as yet erected a house of worship. Once in a month, per- haps, he would preach in the Court House. The in- terior of the Dutch church at Poughkeepsie then, when Mr. Vannist held forth, presented an impressive scene. He was only twenty-four years of age, tall, his height was six feet two inches, his appearance in the pulpit was prepossessing in the extreme. For one so young, he was a fervent and eloquent speaker, and the pathetic appeals that fell from his lips when in the pulpit, and his winning manners among his people, all contri- buted to his popularity. Paul and Rebekah led the singing in Dutch, and the congregation joining, pre- sented a striking contrast from the mode of worship at the present day. The sexton's labors in those days were not arduous, and as no fires were used in chur- ches, there was but little to do. On Saturday preceed- ing the Sabbath that Mr. Yannist was to preach in Poughkeepsie, Paul would send Sanco to the church, who would open it and sweep the aisles and sand the floor, and then Paul would see if anything was wanting for the church. If a broom or sand was wanting, lie furnished those items from his store. Paul and his wife were two of the leading members of the church, having united during the ministry of the Rev. Benjamin Meynema, and they had the supervision of the church and parsonage. Rebekah was their only daughter, and when Dominie Vannist came there to board, she was twenty years of age, and she was the idol of her parents. Modest and unassuming in her manners, her sweetness of disposition, filial aflection, DOMINIE VAN NISt's COURTSHIP. 29 and love of domestic life, won tlie admiration of all who knew lier. Dt)minie Vannist's room was on the south side of Paul's house, which was entirely secluded. The city of Poughkeepsie had not extended outside of Main street ; not a habitation could be seen from his window, and w^hen he rested from his studies, nothing greeted his eye beyond Paul's little farm, but a monot- onous view of forest scenery. A century and a quarter ago, the time to which we refer, education was confined to a few. A large class of the inhabitants could not read nor write; schools and books were scarce. The board of Supervisors, which then sat in Poughkeepsie, some of them in sign- ing documents had to make their marks. No newspa- pers were printed in t\ie county until after the Revolu- tion. The first was printed in Poughkeepsie in 17S5. Nicholas Power was editor. The education of women was thought to be of little consequence, and but a few w^ere instructed beyond reading and writing. Many could not write their names. Rebekah's opportunities were as good as the times would admit ; she was per- fectly versed in Dutch wn-iting and reading, and often she would spend hours with the Dominie in his room, trying her skill with her pen and reading aloud to him from books taken from his library. Her mother often remonstrated with her for spending so much time in his room. "Why, Rebekah," she would say, "you will hinder him from studying ; he will not be prepared on Sunday," and one day at dinner she mentioned to Mr. Vannist that she was afraid that Rebekah was trespass- ing on time which he wished to devote to study, and if that was the case, she would not allow her to 30 DOMINIE VAX NISt's COURTSHIP. visit his room so frequently. Mr. Vannist replied that Rebekah did not often interfere, and when he wished to be alone in his room, Rebekah immediately left. But Rebekali's visits continued, and sometimes were prolonged, and the Dominie in his leisure hours would instruct her in various branches — reading, writing, and arithmetic, and her improvement was rapid, and it pleased him to see her so apt a scholar. Often when Mr. Vannist had hours of recreation, he would ask Rebekah to take a walk through the village and call on some of his congregation. Sometimes they would stroll to the river and take a sail to the opposite side, and there sit on the river's bank, secluded and alone. Rebekah would assist in rowing the boat. Again they would take a walk to where the Morgan House is now, which then was an open field, and wend their way to the woods near by, gathering wild flowers ; and then they would take a circuitous route home, crossing ravines ; anon they would cross lots, until they arrived on Main street, and on their way home they would stop at her father's store, who was pleased to see his Dominie pay so much attention to his daughter, per- haps thinking that it would be the forerunner of a closer union that could only be severed by death. The communion season was now approaching, and Mr. Vannist was making preparations for that solemn event. He had held his last commemorative service at his church in Fishkill, and now it was his turn to ad- minister the sacraments at Poughkeepsie, and on the Sabbath preceeding the communion he invited those who wished to connect themselves with the church of Christ to meet him and the elders of the church at the DOMINIE VAN NIST's COUETSHIP. 31 house of Mr. Paul Schank, at two o'clock. The pre- paratory lecture was to commence at three o'clock, and he smcerely hoped that there would be some that would feel the necessity of a preparation for death, as life is so uncertain. Among the number that present- ed themselves to unite with the church, was Rebekah Schank. Oh, how it gladdened the hearts of her par- ents when their daughter made a public profession of religion, when she renounced the world and gave her heart to God, and the joy of her parents on that Sabbath noon, when they were all seated around that sacramental table to commemorate the Saviour's dying love, can better be imagined than described. Mr. Van- nist was encouraged, for his labors at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill had been blest during the brief time he had been with this people. Besides preaching alternate Sabbaths at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, he had stations at New Hackensack and Hopewell, and as the county was becoming more thickly populated, his congrega- tions multiplied and their numbers increased. Mr. Vannist now confined himself more closely to his room, and witli close application to study left little time for leisure. He often had to ride miles to visit the sick and the afflicted, and with no way of travehng but on horseback, for the country would not admit of wheel vehicles, for the by-roads were so rough and uneven that if the traveler had to deviate from the main road, fallen trees would often obstruct his passage, and on horseback this difficulty could be avoided by finding an opening through the woods of sufficient width for his horse to pass through. Mr. Vannist often met with this difficulty, and he always could find a way in which 32 DOMINIE VAN NISt's COURTSHIP. to avoid sunken holes and fallen trees. The pioneers, when they traveled in their lumber wagons, took their axes with them, and in travehng through the woods, if they met with any obstruction caused by trees falhng across the road, which had blown down by violent storms of wind, they would fall to work with their axes and remove the obstruction, but this could be avoided by travehng on horseback ; and Mr. Vannist always traveled over his parish on horseback, then extending over a circuit of some twenty miles. A strong attachment now existed between Mr. Van- nist and Rebekah, and it created a great deal of gossip in the village. The matrons would meet at each oth- er's houses and talk the matter over, wondering if their Dominie would marry Rebekah Schank. The young ladies, too, would collect together and tell how they had seen them at different times walk out, engaged in close conversation. Such circumstances strengthened their hehef that they would soon be married. ''But then," said Mrs. L., ''he is such a fine young minister, so dignified, so engaging in his maimers, one cannot but help admire him." "Yes," said Miss V., "and Re- bekah Schank is a lucky girl." Rebekah was spotless to a fault, and she now might be described as a model of beauty and lovehness. Her figure was tall and graceful, her hair a light auburn, soft and lustrous, which flowed in silken ringlets over her neck and shoul- ders ; her ardent love for the church and her devotion to religious duties, particularly in the prayer meeting, ' all conspired to elevate her in the esteem of those who were the followers of the meek and lowly Saviour. On the week preceeding the Sabbath that Mr. Van- DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. 33 nist was to preach at Fishkill, he invited Rebekah to accompany him, which invitation she readily accepted. As provender was very cheap in those days, Paul vol- unteered to keep the Dominie's horse gratis. He sup- plied him with hay and meal, and whatever else he wished. Sanco was ordered to give the Dominie's horse a thorough brushing on the morning they were to set out for Fishkill, and Paul saddled his horse and fastened a pilhon on behind, and then led him to the front of the house in Main street, and after the Domi- nie helping Rebekah on the pillion, he placed himself in the saddle, and then bidding her parents good-bye, they moved slowly out of the village on their way to Fishkill. Their course lay through New Hackensack. It was the latter part of June, and the country wore a beautiful aspect, for nature was decking herself in her most brilliant garments. The purple willows had on their full dress, and the wild ivy was clambering the forest trees, whose giant arms stretched across the high- way and often interlocking each other, shutting out the sun's rays, presenting a scene wild and picturesque. Again the sunbeams would be streaming through every crevice, and pouring a flood of light through interven- ing forests ; anon they would emerge into open fields, where the Dutch pioneers had erected substantial dwelling houses and bams, and many of them had their farms enclosed, and cattle and sheep were feeding in luxuriant pastures that lay on either side of the high- way where they passed. Arriving at New Hackensack, they concluded to stop and refresh themselves and horse, and alighted at Mr.Van Benschoten's, who was a large landholder. He had just returned from the field 34 DOMIXIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. with his negro slaves, where he had been superintend- ing the w^ork. He ordered Pompey to take the Domi- nie's horse and put liim in the stabh^ and give him a half skipple of wheat, (skipple is a Dutch measure con- taining three pecks.) Mr. Van Benschoten politely- invited Mr. Vannist and Rebekah into the house, and after the customary salutations and inquiring tlie news at Poughkeepsie, Mrs. Van Benschoten set to work preparing dinner for their guests. Mr. Vannist had frequently stopped at ]\Ir. Van Bens(ihoten's when on his way to Fishkill to preach, and he knew the hos- pitality that he always received at his house, and when he lectured at New Hackensack, he often made his home there. A good substantial dinner was pre- pared, and the Dommie and Rebekah, with the famih^, were soon seated at the table, and after Mr. Vannist inxoking the divine blessing, they partook of the bountiful supply that had been set before them. After dinner, Mr. Vannist and Rebekali remained one hour at Mr. Van Benschoten's, who were mem- bers of his church. He gave a short exhortation before leaving, to his ftimily, who had gathered in the room, including the negro slaves, and then Mr. Vannist said that he would be obliged to leave, as he wished to reach Col. John Brinckerhoff's before night. Pom- pey was ordered to saddle his horse and lead him to the house, and then taking leave of Mr. and Mrs. Van Benschoten, thanking them for their kindness, thej^ left for Col. John BrinckerhofPs. The day was wear- ing away, and as they ascended the high rolling ridge now known as Mt. Hope, a half mile south of ]\Iyers' Corners, the scenery was of more than ordinary DOMINIE VAN NIST's COUETSHIP. 35 beauty. Tlie sun was receding to the western hori- zon, and the song birds were warbling on the tree tops, making the air ring with their melody. The valleys on the east of the Hudson w^as the foreground of the picture ; in the centre, like a beautiful pano- rama, lay the noble river ; beyond, for some twenty miles, the valleys extended to the base of the Shaw- angnnk mountains, whose blue tops reached the fur- therest limits of the landscape. The checkered shad- ows of the declining sun reflected over the scene. Conversation had lagged for some time, and Rebekah, who was getting fatigued with her journey, lay half reclining on his shoulder. The day was moderately warm, and the balmy breezes were sifting her cluster- ing curls, occasionally sweeping his face, who made no effort to push them aside. But they jogged slow- ly along, and before sunset they reached Col. John BrinckerhofFs, now tlie residence of Alfred White. The house is the same which Col. Brinckerhoft" then occupied. The Colonel was expecting Dominie Van- nist, as it was the Sabbath when he was to preach at Fishkill, and he often remained with him, particularly when night overtook him before reaching Fishkill Village. The Colonel told Caesar to take his horse, and Mr. Vannist and Rebekah were ushered into the parlor, where Rebekah was introduced to Mrs. Brinck- erhoft' and family, who soon spread aj bountiful table, knowing that Rel^ekah must be tired traveling on horseback, exposed to a warm sun through the day. Soon they w^ere all seated at the table, and after Mr. Vannist asking the blessing, their wants were sup- plied and the kind attention that Rebekah received at 36 DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. Col. Brinckerhort's made her feel very much at home. They spent a very pleasant evening with the Col- onel and fiimily. After tea they all took a walk to the large creek, which was but a little way from the house, and spent an hour sailing down the stream which broke through the forests that lined its banks. The silvery moonbeams reflected over the water at the splash of the oars, which were handled dexterously by Mr. Vannist. Martha Jane Brinckerhoff and Rebekah, who accompanied Mr. Vannist in the boat, admired his skill in gliding it so swiftly over the water. Returning home after such pleasant recreation, which was very much enjoyed by Rebekah and Martha Jane, the time for retiring soon arrived. Col. Brinckerhoff gathered his family and slaves together in the parlor, and then the Dominie opened the large Dutch Bible, which lay on the stand, and read the twenty-third Psalm, and after making a few remarks on the Psalmist, his faith in God, and that He would sustain him when passing through the dark valley of the shadow of death, fearing no evil, for his rod and staff they comforted him, so all who put trust in the Saviour could feel as David did when he penned this Psalm, and death would present to us no terrors, if we placed our firm reliance in Him who died to save such sinners as we are. He then closed with prayer ; and all retired for the night. Mr. Vannist, after retiring to his room, seated hhnself in his chair for some time in deep meditation. He at length opened his satchel, which he always carried with him, and taking his manuscript out, commenced examining his sermon, which he had to deliver to his congregation at Fish- DOMINIE VAN NISt's COURTSHIP. 37 kill on the morrow. In looking over it he thought if he had the time he could improve it. He had spent hours with Rebekah, which he thought he ought to have devoted to his studies, and he felt that he had neglected his duty to his God and to his people. He was an embassador of Christ, and his mission was to labor for the salvation of his gnilty fellow men, but, thought he, have I not been instrumental in bringing many to the Saviour; has not my ministry been suc- cessful, and through the instrumentality of my preach- ing have not souls been converted ! Such thoughts seemed to thrill the very fibres of his soul, and he felt encouraged to work with more zeal than ever. Hastily looking over his manuscript and making some altera- tions, he laid it aside, and after closet devotions, he sought to refresh himself with sleep, but this was denied him. He was fatigued with his day's journey, yet he had no disposition to sleep. His God, his labors on the Sabbath, and the object of his aifections, came rushing through his mind. He had not as yet offered her his hand and heart, but the love that he cherished for her penetrated his inmost soul, and no finite love could compare with that for his beloved Eebekah. The nights in the months of June are the shortest of the year, and Mr. Vannist had scarce got asleep ere the east was again streaked with the broad crimson of the dawn, and over the blazing hills the morning sun was again pouring his rays upon a regenerated world, and it was not seven o'clock when he was awakened by a loud rap at his door, and a voice from without saying that breakfast wovdd be ready in a quarter of an hour. Mr. Vannist hastily commenced dressing 38 DOMINIE VAN NIST'S COURTSHIP. himself, and in less time than specified his toilet was all adjusted, and he then made his appearance in the parlor, where the Colonel and his family were sitting. The Colonel then invited his guests to hreakfast, and Rebekah was ushered into tlie room by Martha Jane, who seated her at the table by the side of Mr. Vannist. After giving thanks to the giver of all good for his protecting care through the night and refreshing sleep, the Dominie gave each one a verse in Scripture to repeat in turn, while they were at breakfast, com- mencing with himself. His was Psalms, forty-second chaptei', fifth verse, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted in me; hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." Col. BrinckerhofF's turn came next, and the Dominie asked him if he could think of a pas- sage of Scripture, who said yes: "If any man serve me, let him follow me, and where I am there shall also my servant be. If any man serve me, him will my Father honor." Mrs. Brinckerhoft' was asked next if she could think of a passage of Scripture, who replied in the affirmative, and hers was very appropriate; and then he asked Martha Jane if she could repeat a verse, who said, "Be kindly aftectioned one to another, with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another." And last of all he asked Rebekah if she knew a passage, who replied, "And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh. What, therefore, God hath joined together, let not man ]iut asunder." What Mr. Vannist's thoughts were after hearing this passage of Scripture from Rebekah, was known only to him- DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. 39 self. Breakfast being over, the Colonel called in his domestics, and then Mr. Vannist read a chapter from the Gospel of St. Matthew, and closed with prayer. He then informed the Colonel that he would like to have his horse saddled, for it was time for him to leave for Fishkill. His request was complied with, and he then set out for Fishkill Village, leaving Rebekah at Col. Brinckerhoff's, who was to follow immediately with his family, with Rebekah in his wagon. Mr. Vannist soon arrived at Fishkill, and stopped at Stephen Purdy's, who then lived on the opposite side of the street from where the National Bank is now located. The house was demolished in 1836, by Nelson Bnrrough, who then owned the premises, and built the present mansion, now (1874) owned by 0. H. Barnes. Mr. Purdy took charge of tlie Dominie's horse, and in a little while the sound of the bell was reverberating through the valleys, calling the people to the house of God, and when Mr. Vannist arrived at the church he found a large congregation assembled, who had come from New Hackensack, Hopewell, Fishkill Plains, Fishkill Landing, and the Highlands, fining the main body of the church. Rebekah was seated in Col. BrinckerhofF's pew with Martha Jane. Mr. Vannist took his text in St. Matthew's Gospel, twenty-fifth chapter, last verse, "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal." After his introductory remarks, he proceeded to review the condition of the two classes, the righteous and the wicked, in the world to come, that punishment hereafter was eternal, and he exhorted all the impenitent to make their peace with God, and 40 DOMINIE VAN NIST'S COURTSHIP. if they put off the time until a more coiivenieut sensoii, that season may never come, but the righteous would attain evedasting fehcity, and all at last would be numbered among his Saints in glory everlasting. The speaker produced a profound impression on his hear- ers, and the vivid pictures that he drew of the two classes at the close of" his sermon seemed to penetrate every heart. After the services were concluded, Mr. Vannist stated to his congregation that he would preach at either New Hackensack or Hopewell before he returned to Poughkeepsie, if any member of the church had a convenient place for him to hold service, and as he saw a goodly number of his congregation from there present, he would appoint preaching if any one would say where the service might be held. Peter Monfort, from Fislikill PLiins, arose and said that he could preach in his bmn. It was the warm season of the. year, and he had not yet commenced haying; his barn being empty, tliere would be ample room to accommodate all that would be present. This offer was accepted, and then Mr. Vannist said that he would preach in Mr. Monfort's barn on Tuesday of that week," services to commence at 10 o'clock a. m. He then remarked that if any Avished or was willing to hold a prayer meeting at their house that evening, they could signify by rising. Johannas Swart arose and said that he could a})point a prayer meeting at his house. The Dominie then said that a meeting for prayers would be held at the house of Johannas Swart that evening, and then dismissed the congregation. In those days there was preaching only once on the Sabbath ; the country was too sparsely settled to DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. 41 collect a congregation more than once, and the village of Fishkill then contained so few inhabitants that only a small number lived in convenient distance even to attend prayer meeting. Mr. Vannist and Rebekah spent tlie remainder of the Sabbath with Stephen Purdy, and in the evening, with Mr. Purdy and flimily, they attended the prayer meeting at Mr. Swart's. The house is now the residence of John P. Green, and has been rebuilt several times. A little band of Christians had assembled to spend an hour in prayer. Mr. Van- nist opened the Bible, which had been laid on a stand for the occasion, and then read a chapter in Revelations and offered a brief prayer, and then said that the meet- ing was open for prayer and remarks. An hour was spent profitably in singing and praying, and then Mr. Vannist closed the meeting, and he and Rebekah remained over night with Mr. Swart. On Monday they spent the day calling on his people in the village, and dining at Robert R. Brett's, now the residence of Mrs. John C. Van Wyck. The house, which was then a stone structure, was demolished in 1819 by Obadiah Bowne, who then owned the premises, and built the present beautiful edifice. The close of the day Mr. Vannist and Rebekah arrived at Cornelius Van Wyck's, now the residence of Sidney E. Van Wyck, of Revolu- tionary fame, known in Cooper's novels as the Wharton House. The architecture of this house is the same as it was originally, covered with scollop shingles, which were taken off about 1805 by the grandfather of the present owner. They remained over night with Mr. Van Wyck, whose family spared no pains to make it pleasant for them. Rebekah was entertained by Mrs. 42 DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. Van Wyck and daughters, who accompanied her through their yards and garden. It was her first visit there and she admired the mountain scenery, the majestic highlands, whose tops were then gilded with the rays of the setting sun, painting with purple and gold a cloud that rested on Beacon, presenting a scene to her of indescribable beauty. After family worsliip, Mr. Vannist retired for the night, and spent an hour preparatory to rest in meditation, as he had an appoint- ment on the morrow at Mr. Monfort's. A good night's Wharton House, Fisbkill Village. rest refreshed him very much, and he awoke just as he heard the summons at his door that breakfast was waiting ; vvlien he hastily arose and made all haste to get ready, and when he entered the parlor he apolo- gized for his not rising earlier, but Mrs. Van Wyck said that he was in time for breakfast, and then all were soon seated around the table, and Mr. Vannist returned thanks for past mercies, and His protecting care through the night. He then informed Mr. Van Wyck that they would be obliged to leave as soon as breakfast was over, as his appointment at Mr. Monfort's was at 10 o'clock. After breakfast, Mr. Vannist read a DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. 43 chapter from tlie Psalms, and offered a prayer, in which Mr. Van Wyck and family were remembered at the throne of grace. Pompey was told to saddle the Domi- nie's horse and lead him to the front yard. Mr. Vannist, after thanking Mr. Van Wyck for the kind treatment that he had received from himself and family, and the many pleasant hours spent at his house during his stay at Fishkill, helped Kebekah on the pillion, w^ho invited the Miss Van Wycks to return her visit, hoping they might enjoy a visit at Poughkeepsie as hers had been at Fishkill. They set out for Peter Monfort's. It was a lovely June morning, and the country just emerging from a w^ilderness, presented a wild and romantic scene. Primitive forests, dark and dense, yet covered the country, untouched by the woodman's axe, and as they journeyed over the solitary road, they passed the time in conversation. Occasionally a squirrel would aiTest their attention, leaping through the tree tops, and a grouse or rabbit would flee from their seclusion at the noise of their approach, and disappear in the depths of the woods. Their progress being so slow^, and time passed away so unheeded, that they did not arrive at Mr. Monfort's until half an hour past the time appoin- ted. But a goodly number of his congregation from New Hackensack and Hopewell had collected in the barn, which was well arranged for the occasion. The ancient Dutch barns were built with a double frame work. The outer frame arose but a little way, when the roof commenced. A second frame work, twelve feet from the first one, went up, which supported the roof, and between the two frame works were the linters, where the hay and grain were stored. These linters 44 DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. being empty at this season of the year, and the weather warm, Mr. Vannist would once a month hold meetings in barns in New Hackensack, Hopewell or vicinity, before he returned to Poughkeepsie, after preaching on the Sabbath at Fishkill, as no church had yet been erected at either place. The congregation seated them- selves in the linters, and an open space in the center of the barn was allotted for Mr. Vannist, who com- menced the services by addressing the throne of grace. He opened the Bible and read the one hundred and thirty-fifth Psalm, and then the singing w^as led by Rebekah in Dutch. After which a practical discourse was delivered from the first verse of the Psalm just read : "They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever." The congregation listened with interest wdiile he deliv- ered his sermon, and after the services were over, they all gathertid around their Dominie, shaking him by the hand and inviting him to go home and take dinner with them. After thanking them all for their kind- ness, they dispersed for their homes, and the Dominie and Rebekah took dinner with Mr. Monfort, who enter- tained them very pleasantly. After an hour's rest after dinner, spent in pleasant conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Monfort, they set out for Poughkeepsie. The heat now was oppressive, and Mr. Vannist and Rebekah were exposed to its scorching rays, and after having traveled a few miles they concluded to take shelter under a large oak tree that stood near the high- way and remain there an hour or more until the svm's rays should be less penetrating, and oh, wliat a precious hour that was to Mr. Vannist. They sat for some time DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. 45 in silence and nothing broke the stilhiess but the occa- sional chattering of the squirrel and the singing of birds. He at length became tearfully agitated, so much so that Rebekah perceived it, and she gazed at some object to hide the secret throbbings of her heart, and at last the stillness was broken by Mr. Vannist, who then offered her his hand and his heart. Rebekah was so overwhelmed with emotion, that she had not the power to express herself, but placing her hand in his, nodded assent. A gleam of joy irradiated the Dominie's face, and as the heat was subsiding, they commenced their journey, he urging his horse, for the day was getting towards its close, and they were yet several miles from Poughkeepsie. A sudden shower obliged them again to stop and seek shelter under a tree, as no house was near to afford them protection from the falling rain- drops. But the clouds soon dispersed, and they trav- eled on, the sun again shining from below the clouds, and before them lay luxuriant fields covered with a tapestry of green, meadows blooming with buttercups and daisies, sparkling in the recent falling raindrops. As they neared Poughkeepsie, the sun was sinking below the western horizon, the last rays were gilding the eastern hilltops, and the approaching shades of evening touched the landscape with inexpressible beauty. Mrs. Schank had been looking for their return for some time, for Mr. Vannist had informed her that if nothing prevented they would return before night on Tuesday. Presently she saw them coming down Main street, and her anxiety was relieved by seeing them once more safely ensconced in her house. Sanco took charge of the Dominie's horse, and Paul, who had just 4G DUMINIE AAN NLST's COUKTSHIP. come from liis store, saw that he was well cared for. Rebekah Schank. accompanying Mr. Vannist to Fish- kill, created considerable excitement among the matrons in Poiighkeepsie, and they would congregate in each other's houses and discuss the subject. Some thought it was not right for the Dominie to take a girl with him when going to Fishkill to preach, and not return until Tuesday night ; others said that they saw no harm in it, but they were all confident that they would make a match. '^Don't you see," said one, "how often they walk out together!" ''Yes," says another, "I saw them pass by our house one evening last week, going towards the river, engaged in close conversation." "Why," says an elderly lady, "I can see Paul's garden from our back window, and I have frequently seen them at twilight, sitting in Paul's summer house, and I heard Sanco say that Misses Becca and Massa Domi- nie were walking in the garden every night." Rebekah did not communicate to her mother that Mr. Vannist had oflered himself to her in marriage until some days after her return from Fishkill. She merely told her of the pleasant time they had spent among the people there, and the many acquaintances she had made. But Mrs. Schank had long seen that an ardent attachment had existed between them, which she hoped would ultimately end in marriage. This was a source of great anxiety to her, for she was fear- ful that he occupying a high position in society and the influence he had in his congregation and in the community at large, he might not condescend to marry Rebekah, but she also thought he woidd not win the affections of her daughter and then not marry her, but DOMIXIE VAX NISt's COURTSHIP. 47 she would wait and see wliat the future would bring forth. A few more days had passed, when Rebekah and her mother were in the sitting room alone. The father and two brothej-s, Isaac and Cornelius, were at the store, and Dominie Vannist had just left Pough- keepsie for Fishkill, and would not return until the next Monday. Saoco was at work in the potato field, clearing the hills of weeds. Juda and Filhs were at work in the kitclien, and Mrs. Schank was busily engaged in their household duties. Rebekah then informed her mother of Mr. Vaiinist's offer to her in marriage, when returning from Fishkill. Her mother looked at her with some surprise, to think that she did not comnumicate to her this information before, but Rebekah said tliat she waited for a favorable oppor- timity, and then suddenly her father came into the room, and she related to them the diffidence and agita- tion the Dominie manifested under the large tree by the wayside, when he gave her his heart. Her parents' joy was unbounded, and the news soon spread through the village, that Dominie Vannist was engaged to Rebekah Schank, which now was the topic of conver- sation. Dominie Vannist promised Rebekah that he woidd return on Monday from Fishkill, as he would not preach at Hopewell until his next regular appoint- ment there, and he arrived home on Monday at noon, in time for dinner. After dinner, the Dominie and Rebekah retired to his room, and an hour was spent in close conversation. She related to him that she had made known to her parents his offer to her in marriage, and tlie pleasure it would afford them to see them united, and, said she, the report is now circulated 4S through the village that we are engaged, and the wed- ding is appointed ; and she farther said that Isaac told her that he overheard several young men, one a law- yer, talking over the affair at the Van Kleek House, wondering if they would be lucky enough to get an invitation, and several of her associates had hinted to her of her intended marriage. In the evening, Mr. Vannist entered the sitting room where Rebekah and her parents were sitting. The air was sultry, for it was midsummer, and Paul had just returned from his store, leaving his son Isaac there to attend to custom- ers. As soon as the Dominie entered, Paul arose and seated himself close to an open window, to catch the summer breezes that were gently passing, when he remarked that he hardly had time to ask him if there was anything new at Fishkill, whether any of his con- gregation was sick, and where he remained over night. Such questions were usually asked when the Dominie returned from preaching or visiting his parishioners, and then the conversation ceased and a stillness per- vaded the room for some time. Mr. Vannist knew that Rebekah had informed her parents of his offer to her in marriage, and the diffidency he expected he would have to contend with had subsided, and he proudly asked Mr. and Mrs. Schank for their daughter in marriage. "Yes," said Paul, "and I hope, with the blessing of God," but he could say no more ; ecstatic joy pervaded his soul, and his mind was so absorbed with his daughter's marriage, that he could not find words to express himself. Mrs. Schank then remarked that Rebekah was their only daughter, and she could wil- lingly consent to give her to him in marriage, and if DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. 49 she made him half as good a wife as she had been to her parents a dutiful and loving daughter, she would be worth to him more tlian all this world could give. Rebekah had been listening with intense interest, and when her mother related her filial affection and her consent for her to be united to him, until separated only by death, she could not refrain from weeping. Her love for her parents and their love for her pre- sented to her mind vivid recollections. Their tender assiduities, the watchfulness over her in the helpless period of infancy, how they had guarded her heedless youth, and their increasing anxiety for her welfare in subsequent life, all tended to awaken emotions in her bosom which she could not suppress. Mr. Vannist remained calm and self-possessed, and the question which had so long lain next to his heart, had been decided, and now his mind was relieved, and soon all w^as tranquil in the room, when Mr. Vannist said it was time to retire, and bidding Rebekah and her parents good night, he went to his room, and seating himself by his window, his mind reverted to the events which had just transpired. He was only twenty -six years old, and what bright visions did the future unfold to him. He was soon to be united to one to whom he had given the warm gushings of his heart ; her youth, her amiability, and her modest deportment, all tended to fill his soul with joy unutterable. When it became generally known throughout the village that Dominie Vannist was engaged to Rebekah Schank, the excitement partially subsided, and the long expected event, when they were to be married, was looked for by the united congregations with interest. 50 DOMINIE VAN NIST's COUKTSHIP. Paul, who had the supervision of the parsonage, now began to look after the premises. It had not been occupied since it was vacated by the Rev. Benjamin Meynema, and the premises were in a dilapidated state. The villagers had trespassed on the grounds, and some of the outside fence was broken down ; the window shutters were swinging, and the hinges of some were broken, caused by the fastenings not being secured. Paul had endeavored to protect the parsonage and he did all that lay in his power to keep trespassers off, but nights, boys and young men would go into the enclos- ure and commit depredations which he could not redress. He now employed a blacksmith at his own expense to make new hino-es for the window shutters, and himself and Sanco repaired the outside fence, and Mrs. Schank set Fillis and Juda to work at the interior, cleaning the floors, scouring the huge timbers overhead, white- washing the side walls, and cleaning the cellar and garret. Paul set out some apple trees in the lot that lay next to the Court house, and planted cherry trees, gooseberries, and currants in the garden, and when he went to New York to buy goods, he intended to pur- chase some nice furniture for his daughter, but the marriage had been postponed until Spring. The winter of 1760 and '61 had been comparatively mild, and Mr. Vannist did not fail to go and preach at Fish kill eveiy alternate Sabbath, for so little snow had fallen during the winter, that traveUng was but little obstructed. Often times in severe winters the snow would block up the highways so that traveling would be impossible and Mr. Vannist could not fulfill his appointments regulariy, but the present wdnter enabled DOMINIE VAN NISX's COURTSHIP. 51 him to attend to tlie spiritual wants of his people, and his leisure hours were spent in his study room with Rebekah, where they would remain for hours. Occa- sionally, when the weather was pleasant, they would call on some of the villagers, but Mr. Vannist was always attentive to the sick, and nothing would pre- vent his visiting the afflicted and imparting spiritual consolation at the bedside of the dying. The first spring month had now arrived, and the migratory birds began to appear, and every indication of the breaking up of winter w^as now apparent. The blue birds were warbling on the house tops, and flocks of wild geese and ducks had collected on the river and swamps, which afforded plenty of game for the hunter. Paul had connnenced making preparations for the wed- ding, which was to take place on Wednesday, the 5tli of June, at his house. Paul was making great preparations for that impor- tant event. The congregation from Fishkill had sent up to his house a large supply of turkeys and fowls. Madam Brett had sent a whole side of beef and a leg of nmtton. Paul had received from New Hackensack and Hopewell large quantities of provisions, and when the morning of the 5th of June dawned, there never was a loveher one. The spits in Paul's large kitchen fireplace, at an early hour, were hanging full of turkeys, fowls, beef, mutton, etc, for the wedding was to take place at twelve o'clock. The huge oven was crowded to its utmost capacity with pies, puddings, cakes, and other good things, and there was also sausages, souse and head cheese, A dozen or more colored girls were employed in cooking and baking. It was customary 52 DOMINIE VAN NISt'S COURTSHIP. in those days, when weddings took place, to keep what then was called "open house/' that is, to extend a gen- eral invitation a certain distance to every house, as the population was so sparse, and Paul gave a general invitation in the village of Poughkeepsie and a mile in the country, for all to be present. At ten o'clock the then village of Poughkeepsie presented a novel scene. The two congregations commenced to assemble and large wagon loads came pouring in Main street to Paul's house, some seated on chaii-s taken from their houses, some sitting on clean straw on the bottom of the wagon box ; young men and women on horseback, all flock- ing to Paul's house. Paul seeing that it was useless to have the ceremony performed in the house, as he wished all to have an opportunity to witness it, con- cluded to have the marriage take place out of doors. He at once set several negroes at work erecting a plat- form in his yard, fronting Main street, and in an hour it was completed. As the hour of twelve drew near, the excitement became intense, and what added more to the enthusiasm was the appearance of Madam Brett, in her coach, drawn by four horses, coming down Main street, with two negroes in the front seat and one negro on the rear of the coach, whose business was to open the carriage door. It was always customary for the patentees to ride in a carriage di'awn by four horses. The Van Cortlandts, Phillips, Vei-plancks, Beekmans, and Livingstons, always rode out for pleasure in carri- ages drawn by four horses. The Phillips, who owned the great Highland Patent, kept up that custom the longest. As late as 1S16 they rode out with their carriage with four horses. Tlie old carriage is still in DOMINIE VAN NISt's COURTSHIP. 53 existence. It was shown to the writer last summer by the foreman of the Phillips mansion at Garrison, in an out-building, where it had not been taken out for years. The wheels are as heavy as an ordinary lumber wagon used by oui- farmers at the present day, only a great deal more dishing. The carriage body rested on what was then called thorough-braces, which were used before the invention of the elastic spring. These thor- ough-braces gave the body a swinging motion, which yielded to the unevenness of the road. The carriage was more spherical and heavier than those used at the present time. The English coat of arms is emblazoned on the doors, and the interior was once beautifully tasselled. The page's seat in the rear is so arranged that he could either stand or sit to suit his convenience. If he stood up there were handles for him to take hold of so tliat he could keep his equilibrium. In the carriage with Madam Brett was the Rev. Gualterius DuBois, from New York, who was to per- form the ceremony, and two of her grand children. Her luisband had been accidentally killed when compara- tively young. Coming from New York on board of a sloop, the boom of the vessel struck him when enter- ing the mouth of the Fishkill creek near Byrnesville, in 1721. It is said that his remains were interred in an old burying ground near there, where it is still to be seen. Dominie DuBois had come from New York by land on horseback as far as Madam Brett's, and remained there over night, and leaving his horse at the Madam's mansion, he came to Poughkeepsie with her in her carriage. Paul was pleased to see Madam Brett, for he was fearful that she would not be able to attend 54 DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. the wedding, for she was nearly eighty years of age and infirm. She only lived three years after, as she died in 1764. When the hour of the wedding arrived, the excitement became intense ; the street in front of Paul's house was literally blocked with people. Every available space was occupied. The house tops near by were covered with people, and the forest trees in close proximity to Paul's yard were filled with half grown boys and negroes. Paul's barn roof and eveiy window in his house; every pane of glass could be seen with a face peering through. Presently the bride and groom made their appearance, and walked gracefully on the platform, and Dominie DuBois confronting them. Over the platform swung the Dutch coat of arms, and on each end of the platform was fastened two banners, on one was large letters in Dutch, "Fishkill," on the other "Poughkeepsie." On the Fishkill banner was the representation of the Saviour's advent in the world, and the star which the wise men saw in the East, and beneath read : "When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." On the other banner was "Poughkeepsie," and that represented Moses on Mount Sinai receiving the law, and on it read, "And the glory of the Lord shone upon Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days, and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud." While the mar- riage ceremony was solemnized the stillness of death pervaded the vast throng, and the heavens seemed to drink in with the assemblage. No waving cloud was seen, not even a ruffle was heard through the tree tops. The bride wore a trailing dress, and she held in her hand a boquet of choice flowers. The groom was DOMINIE VAN XIST's COURTSHIP. 55 dressed in small clothes, with silver knee buckles. After the ceremony was over, and the customary salu- tations passed, it was voted that Dominie DuBois should decide which banner was the prettiest, as there had been considerable strife between the two congre- gations which should excell. Dominie DuBois rather hesitated, but the ladies persisted till at last he con- sented. After paying an elegant tribute to the two banners, he said that if there was any difference, he should have to give Fishkill the preference. The Dominie had scarce finished, when quick as a flash cheers rent the air for Fishkill, the bride and groom, and the Dominie. Paul joined in the merriment with the Fishkillers. Some of the Poughkeepsie ladies were a little chagrined, but it was soon over. The table for the Fishkill people was set first, as they all wished to return home that afternoon. Precisely at one o'clock the table was all ready, and in the centre of it stood their banner. At the head of the table was seated the bride and groom, and Dominie DuBois sat next to the groom, and Madam Brett opposite, beside the bride. At the table was seated Colonel John Briuckerhoif, General Jacobus Swartout, Jacob Van Benschoten, Peter Monfort, Goris Storm, Robert R. Brett, John N. Bailey, Stephen Purdy, Cornelius Van Wyck, Johan- nas Terbush, and others. After the Fishkill congre- gation had finished eating, they invited the bride and groom to make them a visit, and then they dispersed to their homes. The Poughkeepsians then set their table and placed their banner upon it, and then the bride and groom took their place at the head the same as at the Fishkill table. By the side of the groom was 56 DOMINIE VAX NISt's COURTSHIP. seated Dominie DiiBois, and beside tlie bride sat Katrine Van Kleek. Seated at the Poughkeepsie table was HendrickBeekman, Bartholemew Cornell, Jacobus Vander Bogart, Boltus Van Kleek, Robert R. Living- ston. Leonard Lewis, Panl Schank, and others. The last table was the negroes', which occnpied the rest of the day, and at sunset it was all over. Madam Brett remained over night at Paul's, as he would not con- sent for her to return home the same day, for he tliought it too great an undertaking. She and Domi- nie DuBois left the next morning. Before leaving she gave Rebekah twenty guilders to buy her furniture when she commenced housekeeping, but, alas, that happy day never arrived, as the sequel will show. Dominie DuBois remained a week at Madam Brett's after the wedding, and preached on the following Sab- bath at Fishkill before returning to New York. Rebekah did not commence housekeeping as she first intended. Her father thought that the parsonage needed more repairs than he first apprehended, and he thought it advisable to defer it until the next Spring. The Dominie and his wife spent their Summer vaca- tion visiting his friends in New Jersey, and before returning home they made a visit at Dominie DuBois's, who was then pastor of the Middle Dutch Church in New York, and had officiated at their marriage. The fall and winter they spent nnich time visiting among their people. Anotlier Spring had now arrived, and about the latter part of March, Dominie Vannist got ready to go to Fishkill to preach, as it was the regular Sabbath to do so. He parted from his wife with a kiss, and set out for Fishkill. DOMINIE VAN NISt's COURTSHIP. 57 The day was raw and chilly, and his progress was extremely slow. Every step his horse sank to his fet- locks in mud, and wishing to get to Fishkill before night overtook him, made no stop at New Hackensack. A damp snow commenced falling before he reached what is now known as Swartvvoiitville, and this added to the slowness of his journey ; his horse at last was taken sick and he was obliged to dismount and lead him, and walking in the snow he felt a dampness pene- trating his garments, and not reaching Fishkill Village until dark, when on arriving at Mrs. Terbush's, his clothes were wet and he was very much chilled. This place is now the residence of Lewis B. White ; the house was demolished l)y his father. Dr. Baiio White, in 1808, who then owned the premises. Mr. Vannist hitched his horse to a post and then knocked at the door for admission. Mrs. Terbush came to the door and expressed her surprise on seeing him covered with snow, which was melting and the water dripping off his clothes, and invited him into the house. He informed her that he had just come from Poughkeep- sie, and at this time Mr. Terbush entered who saw his minister, who told of his exposure and the illness of his horse. Mr. Terbush had the Dominie's horse immediately put in his stable, and set one of his negroes to rub him and then cover him witli blankets. Mr. Vannist unbuckled his shoes and then taking them off and laying them aside, a dry pair of stockings was given him, and also taking off his wet garments and exchanging for dry ones, he took his seat close to a large open fire, which had been replenished by one of tlie domestics. Mrs. Terbush now set to work prepar- 5S DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. ing something for Mr. Vannist to eat, who had been exposed to the storm and eating nothing since he left Poughkeepsie. He, however, ate bat Httle, and com- plained of chilliness and aching of his head and limbs. Seating himself by the fire nntil early in the evening, when he wished to retire. Mrs. Terbush had placed a warming pan filled with ignited coals in his bed, and when it had been sufficiently warmed, he took a glass of wine, diluted with milk, and retired for the night. Mr. Vannist had a comfortable night's rest and he awoke refreshed. Mr. and Mrs. Terbush, feeling very uneasy and anxious to hear from him, early inquired after him, who expressed himself very comfortable after refreshing sleep, and thought that he would be well enough to preach. At breakfast Mr. Vannist's appetite was much better, and after the fimiily wor- ship, he spent what little time he liad left in collecting material, and looking over his sermon, which he had previously written. It was a clear, bright Sabbath morning, and the forests on the mountain tops were encased in snow and ice, which glistened in the rays of the sun. Every bush and sapling was bending under the weight of the new fallen snow^, presenting a wintry appearance. As the day progressed, the warm sun- shine began to dissolve the snow into slush and water, rendering the traveling very disagreeable. Mr. Van- nist rode with Mr. Terbush in a phaeton. A goodly number of his congregation were present, and he preached with his usual energy and zeal. His text was in Psalms, fifty-eighth chapter and last verse, "Verily there is a reward for the righteous, verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth." Mr. Vannist in DOMINIE VAN NIST's COURTSHIP. 59 the first place dwelt on the joys of the rigliteous, and in strains of heavenly wisdom he portrayed the joys that awaited them beyond the grave, but, said he, verily He is a God that judgeth in the earth, and all who will not put their trust in Him will eventually be judged with divine retribution. Mr. Vannist returned with Mr. Terbush from church, and after partaking of dinner, he remarked that he felt chilly and an aching similar to that of the preceding evening. He seated himself close to the fire, endeavoring to seek relief from the heat it produced, but the pain increased until he was unable to sit up, when Mr. Terbush helped him in bed. He had a very restless night, and Mr. Terbush thought it advisable to send for a physician, who, on visting him, found him suffering from a violent fever. He left medicine, with instructions as to how it should be administered, and said he woidd call again the next day. The physician was prompt as to time, and found his patient rather more comfortable, but his fever was unabated, and after giving instructions to Mr. and Mrs. Terbush as to care and treatment, he left him. The assistance of kind neighbors, who volunteered their services to help take care of their pastor, contributed much to alleviate his sufferings, but when the physi- cian arrived the next morning and examined his patient, he was somewhat alarmed. His disease was typhus fever, which now had assumed a violent character, and he thought it advisable to dispatch a messenger to Poughkeepsie to procure a consulting physician and inform Mr. Vannist's people of his illness. He then wrote a note, addressing it to Paul Schank, informing him of the sudden illness of Mr. Vannist, and stating 60 DOMINIE VAN NISt's COURTSHIP. the nature and character of the disease, and if the fever continued as violent a few days longer he should con- sider him dangerous. The messenger arrived at the Van Kleek House at eleven o'clock, and informed the proprietor that Dominie Vaimist was very sick at the house of Mr. Terbush, in Fishkill Village. He then gave his horse in charge of the hostler and proceeded to the store of Paul Schank, and handed the note to his son Isaac, his father having just gone to the house. Isaac immediately took the note to his father, who opened it and read the contents to himself, in the presence of his family, and while perusing it he betrayed considerable emotion, which was perceived by Rebekah, who anxiously inquired if anything was the matter. Her father then handed her the note, and she commenced reading it, but before finishing, it fell from her hand to the floor. Bursting into tears, she left the room, and there all alone she gave vent to excessive grief Paul, too, had commenced weeping, and his wife and son stood gazing on the mournful scene, not yet having learned the cause of their sorrow. After recovering a little, Paul informed them of Mr. Vannist's illness, and then all wept, and after an inter- val of a few minutes, Isaac said that the messenger was at the Van Kleek House, and as soon as his horse was rested he was going to return to FishkiU w^th a physician who had been sent for in consultation. Paul then went to Rebekah's room and found her weeping violently. He infonned her of what tlie messenger had said, and tliat probably the next news that they would hear from Mr. Vannist might be encouraging, but Rebekah wished to see him very much, and then DOMINIE VAN NIST'S COUETSHIP. 61 her father offered to go with her immediately to Fish- kill, which offer she accepted. They did not set out for Fishkill until the next morning, for Paul had to look for a conveyance, he having none suitable, owning only one horse. Finally he procured a chaise, and they started early for Fish- kill, and at eleven o'clock they arrived at Mr. Ter- bush's. Mr. Vannist was more comfortable, and he inquired of the physician from Poughkeepsie if Mr. Schank had been informed of his sickness, who replied in the affinnative, and then said that himself and daughter had just arrived, and they would be in pres- ently. A gleam of joy illuminated the sick man's face, and in a few moments Rebekah and her father stood before him. Mr. Vannist had strength sufficient to extend his hand, and then said "Rebekah," who placed her hand in his, and the scene was so solemn and im- pressive that all present were overwhelmed with sor- row. Mr. Vannist expressed himself to her that his Saviour was precious, and with a feeble voice said, "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul both sure and steadfast." Paul, after taking an affectionate leave of his minister, who trusted that if not permitted to meet here again they would meet in Heaven, re- turned to Poughkeepsie, leaving Rebekah at Mr. Ter- bush's, who watched almost incessantly at the bedside of her dying husband. He commenced sinking rapidly, and Rebekah soon saw clearly his approaching dissolu- tion, and when the physician gave up all hope of his recovery, she calmly resigned herself and bowed in submission to the will of Him who doeth all things right. His last words to her were, "We will meet in 62 DOMINIE VAN NISt's COURTSHIP. Heaven," and the lUth of April, 17(31, he breathed his last. Mr. Vannist's funeral took place at the church at Fishkill, the third day after his decease, and the whole surroimding countr}^ came to pay their last respects to one who held so strong an affection in the heartg of his people. His congregation from Poughkeepsie, New Hackensack and Hopewell, were all present. At ten o'clock the funeral procession commenced moving slowly from Mr. Terbush's to the church, headed by the clergy, physicians, and pall bearers, who were the officers of the church at Fishkill and Poughkeepsie. The floor of the church had been taken up from under the pulpit, and the earth removed and deposited on the floor beside the grave, and there the remains of the Rev. Jacobus Vannist were deposited. This custom of burying ministers beneath the floor, under the pul- pit, in the Dutch church, died out in the year ISOO. Rebekah, who had been with Mr. Vannist in his last sickness, and had stood beside his dying couch until his death, was now viewing the last mournful scene with her parents and brothers. It was not customary to preach funeral sermons in those days ; a brief prayer and then an exhortation was delivered by the Rev. Hermanns Meier, of Esopus, who alluded to the short period Mr. Vannist had labored amongst his people. "Only two years and a half," said he, "since his set- tlement with them. God took him in the veiy Spring time of life, but his work is done, and the loss to his people is irreparable." During the address, the speaker alluded to the uncertainty of hfe and the necessity of a preparation for death, and the loss of their minister 63 drew tears from many of the congregation. The coffin was then lowered into the grave, and the pall bearers commenced removing the earth from, the floor, and as it sounded on the cothn, Rebekah's heart wrung with anguish, and when the grave was filled with earth, and the mournful throng slowly dispersed, she remained tliere with her parents for some time. At last they slowly left that hallowed spot and wended their way homeward. A tombstone was erected to his memory, and placed in the churchyard at Fishkill, bearing the following inscription in the Dutch language: "Jacobus Vannist, preacher of the Holy Gospel in Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, died the 10th of April, 1761, in his 27th year." This tombstone, in process of time had disap- peared, but was accidentally discovered when digging a grave, where it had been placed. This stone is now placed against the rear wall of tlie church. Until 17S3, the old Dutch burying ground in Pough- keepsie remained undisturbed, and Paul Schank's burial plot was where Smith's restaurant is now located, and where the tombstones of Rebekah and her parents could be seen. The congregation then abandoned that ground and built their church on the opposite side of the street. Market street w\is then laid out through the burying ground, intersecting Cannon street, which then had just been opened. The remaining portion of the burying ground was leased for fifty years, in lots, to individuals. The leases prohibited the lease- holders from having cellars underneath the buildings erected thereon. These leases expired in 1833, when new leases were given, with the privilege of putting cellars underneath the buildings that stood on the old 64 DOMINIE VAN NIST's COUKTSHIP. burying ground. The ashes of the dead were then all collected and placed in a vault prepared for that pur- pose, which is located in the rear of Smith's restaurant. There the remains of Rebekah and her parents lie, and there they will lie until summoned by the voice of the archangel, and by the sound of the trumpet of God. Then that vault will open its marble jaws, that grave will give up its dead, and Rebekah and her husband will come forth clothed in tlie bright vestments of immortality, and then they will all receive the joyful summons that will call them to their glorified home in Heaven. THE SUBALTERN. A TALE OF THE REVOLUTION. The village of Fishkill Landing is comparatively of modern growth; including Matteawan, they have a population of some seven thousand inhabitants, and being in close proximity, they should be included in one village or city. They have doubled their popula- tion within a score of years, and they bid fair to vie with any city on the Hudson, between New York and Albany. Their locations are well chosen ; the scenery of the Highlands, the majestic Hudson, and the valley of the Fishkill, all combine to make the place attrac- tive to the capitalist and the pleasure seeker who wish to spend their simimers in the quiet valley lying near the base of the mountains. Men of wealth and culture have already selected this place for their country resi- dences, and several country seats have been erected, some at large cost. But what a change has taken place since the Revolution, Then, where these villa- ges are located, there were only a few isolated dwel- lings. The mansion of Mrs. S. Veq^lanck, and of the Honorable Isaac Teller, deceased, built by Madam Brett, in 1710, and the old Pine house, east of Mattea- wan, on the highway leading to Fishkill Village, are G6 THE SUBALTERN. the only relies now remaining of the Revolution, that we know of. The Teller house was then occupied by a gentleman named Depeyster, who came in possession of the mansion after the death of Madam Brett, in 1764, including the mill owned by her. Depeyster carried on the milling business, buying all the grain the country produced far and near, and after convert- in"- his wheat and corn into flour and meal, he would ship it to New York, where he had a brother engaged in mercantile business, who would sell it for him. Depeyster was a man of wealth, and occupying the Madam Brett mansion, he lived in the style of the patentees. His parlors were well furnished, and in the inclement season of the year, two blazing wood fires were constancy kept burning in them. His fam- ily consisted of his wife, son, several daughters, and a brace of negro slaves, for then slavery was tolerated throughout the country. The Revolutionary war had broken out, and the battles of Lexington, Bunker Hill, and Long Island had been fought, and the American army had suffered a total defeat in the latter battle, and were obliged to retreat through New Jersey, which created great alarm throughout Fishkill, particularly the following Spring, when they heard that General Burgoyne, with ten thousand veterans, besides a host of Canadians and Indians, were marching from Canada, intending to force their way through the interior to New York city. General Washington hurried on Gates and Arnold, with an army collected from the New England States, and to these they joined the immortal Morgan, who had one thousand riflemen. Burgoyne was getting THE SUBALTERN. 67 hemmed in near Saratoga, and the British commander in New York, hearing of his critical situation, sailed up the river with a large fleet to aid him, if possible. The inhabitants at Fishkill Landing, hearing of this large fleet coming up, were so terrified that most of them, with their famihes, decamped for the interior of the county, for a place of safety. Some sought refuge at Quaker Hill, in the eastern part of the county, others in the great Nine Partners, and some even in Connec- ticut. Depeyster's family, excepting himself, his daughter Katrina, and two negro slaves, Dinah and Pompey, removed to what is now known as the town of Pawling. Depeyster was a staunch whig, and he was determined not to leave his home, and flee, shoidd the British fleet appear above the Highlands ; and his daughter Katrina, and the two negro slaves, resolved to keep him company. A battle was expected to be fought in the immediate vicinity, and but few inhabi- tants remained at Fishkill Landing, and they kept a strict watch for the apj^earance of the fleet. General Washington supposed that the fleet might land some- where near Cold Spring, and effect an entrance through the Highlands to Fishkill Village, and he accordingly stationed his army on the most advantageous positions in the Highlands, near the village. His headquarters were what is now the residence of Sidney E. Van Wyck, Esq., generally known by the name of the Wharton House. A heavy chain, supported by buoys, was stretched across the river at a narrow pass in the Highlands, but when the fleet struck the chain it snap- ped asunder like a reed, without injuring a vessel or obstructing the fleet, and onward they sailed up the 68 THE SUBALTERN. river, and when the fleet hove in sight of Nevvburgh and Fishkill Landing, it created great consternation among the inhabitants. But to their great joy the fleet passed by without landing, occasionally tiring oft' a cannon at the buildings on the shore, the balls whist- ling over the river's banks, striking sometimes near an isolated dweUing. But the fleet sailed on, for they heard that a great battle had been fought, and Burgoyne was obliged to retreat, and his army greatly reduced and suffering for the want of provisions, and unless aid should soon come, he would be obUged to surrender. The fleet arrived opposite Kingston, then called Esopus, and there the commander learned that Burgoyne had sur- rendered with all his amiy to General Gates, The British commander, on hearing the sad news, ordered the village to be set on fire, and then immediately retired for New York. Arriving opposite Newburgh they halted, the fleet anchoring in the bay. Then Newburgh was located on the top of the hill, a small village containing only a few hundred inhabitants, and it was not imtil after the revolution, that streets were laid out on the descending slopes to the river. The main road that led to the river wound around the brow of the hill at the head of Golden street. North of Col- den street, where Front street now is, the bank of the river was then skirted with gigantic forest trees and a large growth of underbrush. Some young men crawl- ed "through the underbrush near where Mailler's store- house is now located, and fired upon the fleet, when instantly several cannon were brought to bear upon the spot. The cannon balls tore off some of the large THE SUBALTERN. 69 limbs of the trees, which fell with a tremendous crash, demolishing the underbrush, and so frightened the young men that they fled for their lives. A number of officers came ashore on the Fishkill side. Among the number was a subaltern, who took a stroll up the hill to near where the store of J. E. Member is now located, and casting his eye over the valley of the Fishkill, viewed the majestic Highlands, whose tops seemed reared to the clouds. The subal- tern seated himself on a post-rail fence, which was then a favorite fence with the Dutch, which consisted of posts set in the gromid, with holes made and posts inserted with a post-axe, when the rails were placed in and securely fastened. There sitting he fell into a deep revery, and while musing he was unconscious of aught that was passing around him, and time passed by unheeded, when suddenly he bethought himself, and looking toward the river saw that the fleet bad disappeared from view. He hastened with all his speed to the river's brink, in hopes of seeing the fleet near enough to signal them, but the vessels were fast disappearing in the Highlands, and probably they had not yet discovered that he was left behind; and sailing under favorable wind it was impossible for him to expect to reach the fleet on foot. The first idea that presented itself to his mind was to take a horse from the pasture fields and mount him, and by putting him to the top of his speed, try to overtake the fleet, but that would be a hazardous undertaking, for he might be taken as a spy, and then his life would have to pay the forfeit. He next thought of disguising himself and trying to reach New York through the interior, but to 70 THE SUBALTERN. pass the lines without detection would be almost im- possible, and if taken prisoner his chance of life would not be as favorable as to surrender himself, and frankly state the truth. He walked slowly to the top of the hill where the village of Fishkill Landing is now located, but how different the scene appeared. Noth- ing greeted his eye but extensive fields, and now and then an isolated farm house. The main highway lead- ing to Matteawan did not exist then, and where that busy street is now, was nothing but wnld, uncultivated fields, covered mostly with forest. The subaltern left the highway and commenced slowly walking across the fields toward Matteawan, but the scenery which recently he had so much admired, had lost all attrac- tion for him. His mind reverted to his native land, and the home of his childhood. The tender ties of a mother and sisters came rushing through his mind ; how they wept when he eidisted to fight at the call of his covmtry, and how their hearts would wring with anguish if they should hear that he was taken prisoner, and probably end his Hfe on the gallows. Overcome by such thoughts the subaltern burst into tears. Looking around he descried the Depeyster mansion. The day was drawing to a close, and no human being was in sight. The atmosphere was becoming chilly, and it reminded him of the necessity of obtaining lodg- ing. He thought first of passing the night in an out- house, but he at length concluded to try and gain admission to some house, not knowing what reception he would receive. He knew that it w^ould be impos- sible for him to escape being taken prisoner in the heart of an enemy's country, unless he could exchange his THE SUBALTERN. 71 military suit for a citizen's dress, and even if he could his chance then would be very precarious, and after reflec- tion he concluded to try and find shelter for the night in some dw^elling. He timidly approached the Depey- ster mansion and gently knocked. Depeyster had been much alarmed through tlie day on account of the British fleet stopping opposite Fish- kill Landing, for he had a large supply of grain in his mill, and he was fearful they might seize the mill and take the contents, and he kept close watch through the day, and when the subaltern knocked for admission he was alarmed, for he had not heard that the fleet had left. He was revolving in his mind whether to obey the summons or not, but he finally concluded to go to the door and see who was there. Katrina remon- strated, for she was fearful something serious might occur. She supposed that the British fleet yet lay in Newburgh bay, and that some officers might make demands on her father, which, if not acceded to, their house might be sacked, their mill broken into, or something more dreadful happen. But Depeyster told Pompey to fetch him the gun from the armory, which was done immediately, and Katrina holding a light, for it was now dark, they cautiously approached the hall door and inquired who was there and their busi- ness. The subaltern replied that a friend in misfortune wished to obtain a night's lodging. Depeyster opened the door, and a richly dressed British officer stood before them. The subaltern introduced himself by saying that he belonged to the British fleet that had recently sailed up the river, and on returning the fleet had anchored off' Newburgh bay, and several officers, 72 THE SUBALTERN. witli himself, came ashore, and he admiring the sceneiy of the Highhmds had strayed from his comi>anioiis, and falhng in a revery had remained some time in deep thought, thinking of the fnture of tliis country, and that the colonies would eventually become free and independent, when suddenly recollecting himself, he looked on the river and not a sail was in sight. Re- tracing his steps with all haste to the river, he said he saw the last vessel disappearing in the Highlands, and he had probably not yet been missed by his compan- ions. What course to pursue he did not know; he first thought of trying to make his escape, but upon reflection he concluded to abandon the idea, supposing that he would be taken for a spy, and then there would be but little hope of saving his hfe, and as night was close at hand, and the weather somewhat cold, he thouo-ht to try and gain admittance at some house, hoping some one would be kind enough to receive him. Depeyster and Katrina listened very attentively to the young officer, and they could not help but admire the dignity that he possessed, as he was unifonned in the style becoming his rank. Depeyster politely invited him to remain for the night. The subaltern, after thanking him for his kindness, was ushered into a large parlor, Katrina leading the way. Depeyster infonned him at once that he must secure his side arms and search his person, which the subaltern read- ily consented to, for Depeyster suspected some plot was being concocted by the enemy, and it was neces- sary for him to be very cautious as to who he received into his house. THE SUBALTERN. 73 The subaltern surrendered his side arms to Depeys- ter, and after a thorough search he discovered nothing that led him to believe but that he had given a true account of himself. Depeyster infomied him that Gen. Washington, with a large army, was encamped at the village of Fishkill, a few miles east, and was awaiting the movements of the British fleet ; and expecting that it would land somewhere near the Highlands, he had posted his artny at Fishkill Village, in order to give them battle, and at the same time telling the subaltern that he must be taken to Fishkill on the following morning, and handed over to General Washington, and if he had given a true account of himself, he might be dismissed on parole or be remanded to prison until an exchange of prisoners, and he apprehended no danger of losing his life. The subaltern said nothing, but drew his chair close to the fire to warm himself, for he had been exposed to the cold. When he reflected on his situation, he covered his face with his hands, and commenced weeping. He was only twenty-three years of age, and was related to some of the first fami- lies in England, and occupying a position in the British army, his appearance commanded respect. As he sat there thinking of his dear mother and sisters at home, that they might never see him again, his wliole form convulsed with agony. He could exclaim with Jonah of old, 'H3h Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." His appearance touched the heart of Katrina, and every cord there seemed to vibrate as she looked at the sor- row stricken officer, his hair falhng in disheveled locks over his face, sparkling like gold from the liglit of the 74 THE SUBALTERN. blazing wood fire, that shone so bright where he sat. It awakened emotions in her bosom which .can better be imagined than described. Depeyster had sent Pom- pey to summon two of the nearest neighbors to his house immediately, as he had some business of impor- tance with them, while Katrina and Dinah set about getting supper. The subaltern at length became more calm and collected, and partially recovering from his melancholy condition, he for the first time surveyed the room. He was struck with the splendor that he saw around him, for the house was most gorgeously fur- nished for those times. Splendid mirrors and paint- ings were suspended upon the walls, caqjets of burn- ing crimson, a massive mahogany side board in the corner of the parlor, loaded wnth plate and inlaid wath rose wood, and tables of the same material. The win- dows, covered with costly hangings, greeted his eye, whilst Katrina and Dinah were busily engaged in pre- paring for supper. Soon everything was ready, and Depeyster politely invited the subaltern to partake wdth them. Soon they were all seated around the table, Katrina presiding, and ordering Dinah to attend to the wants of the subaltern, who was well cared for also by Depeyster, who bountifully supplied him with everything the table afforded. Katrina then was only about nineteen years of age, and her person was peculiarly attractive ; her counte- nance was always radiant with smiles, and down a finely curved neck fell her dark auburn ringlets in graceful disorder. Her well developed forehead, almost concealed by the rich tresses, portrayed a mind well stored with knowledge. She knew nothing of the false THE SUBALTERN. 75 coquetry of the city belles, who pay their devotion to the shrine of fashion, and sport with the most sacred feelings of the human heart. She was open, frank, candid ; her lips knew no guile, her heart whispered no deceit, she was the lovely Katrina. Her filial affec- tion was unbounded, and when the British fleet sailed up the river and was expected to land at Fishkill Landing, and a battle was expected to be fought in the vicinity, and her mother, sisters, and brother fled, she could not think of leaving her father alone and unprotected ; she would share with him all the priva- tions and dangers that might occur. After supper, the subaltern, wishing to retire for the night, for he was much fatigued and downcast on account of the misfortunes which had befallen him, Depeyster conducted him to a bedroom in the upper story, close to the roof, where he thought it was the safest place to prevent him from making his escape, and shutting the door and turning the key in the lock, securely locking the door, he left the subaltern alone. In the meantime Pompey had returned, accompanied by two neighbors that Depeyster had sent for, and whom he informed of the whole transaction ; the manner that the subaltern came to his house and the account that he gave of himself. How the British fleet had left him in the heart of an enemy's country, and the anguish of mind he was now suffering, fearing when tried he might be found guilty and be imprison- ed, or perhaps lose his hfe. Depeyster thought it would be necessaiy for each to take his turn and watch till morning, for the subaltern might make an efl'ort to escape. This was acceded to, and each man stood 76 THE SUBALTERN. sentinel in turn while the night lasted. But the sub- altern had no disposition to flee; he lay quiet till morning, but his mind was restless. If he could be released on parole, he would be willing to accept the proposition, for he had no disposition to fight against the Colonies any more. He loved his country, it was true, but the kind treatment he had received softened his heart towards a people which his country branded as rebels, and now he was willing, if he could get his discharge, not to fight against the Colonies any more. Katrina he could not dismiss from his mind, and for one so young he had seen no one in all his intercourse with the world so interesting, and the tender assidui- ties he had received from her poured into his afilicted breast the healing balm of forgiving consolation. But the night wore away, and the rays of the king of day gilded the tops of the Highlands, and throwing his forked arrows through the glens and valleys that lay around the Depeyster mansion, sunnnoning the subal- tern to arise, that another day had dawned and ere its close a more terrible fate than he yet had experienced might be his. He had been up, and was walking to and fro across his room, when the noise of footsteps arrested his attention, and his bedroom door was unlocked and opened by Depeyster, who informed him that breakfiist was waiting him, and at the same time the subaltern followed him to the breakfast room, where Katrina and Dinah had everything prepared. Soon they were all seated at the table, and before they had finished, the two neighbors who had remained with Depeyster through the night, drove in front of his mansion with a conveyance, which had been pre- THE SUBALTERN. 77 viously arranged to take him to Fishkill. Having finished breakfast, Depeyster informed the subaltern that it would be necessary for them to take him to headquarters, and there he would be examined before a military tribunal, and if nothing appeared against him, he felt assured that he would be discharged on parole. There was then but two roads that led to Fishkill Village from the river. One went about north as it passed the Depeyster mansion, and when the con- veyance left there with the subaltern carefully guarded by Depeyster and his two neighbors, Katrina from the porch gazed at him until they disappeared from view. She hoped that he would at least be set at liberty, for she believed that he had given a true account of him- self, and she felt an intense interest in his welfare, and her father had promised to exert all his influence in liis behalf. Depeyster, with his pnsoner, jogged along towards Fishkill. The country then wore a different aspect from the present day. No smiling villages greeted the eye ; only now and then a solitary farm house w^as seen, and large tracts of primeval forest skirted the valleys and covered the mountain sides, in some places extending up to the highway and looming up in all their grand- eur where now is a busy thoroughftire, where the snort of the iron horse is heard almost every hour, with vil- lages, country seats, and opulent farm houses inter- spersed. But their journey was soon terminated, and Depeyster, v^dth his prisoner, was soon at the head- quarters of Washington, and an interview was had with him. After hearing all the circumstances from Depeyster respecting him ; how he came to his house 78 THE SUBALTERN. tind surrendered himself, and now was safely handed over to his charge to be disposed of, Washington ordered the subaltern to be remanded to prison until lie could summon a court martial to try him, wliich would take place in a few days. Tlie Refomied Dutch Church was then used as a prison, and it was a different structure from the pres- ent one. The building was four square, with a roof coming up from all sides to the center. From the apex of the roof ascended the cupola where the bell was suspended, and the Dutch coat of arms surmounted the top. The window liglits were very small, set in iron sash frames, with port holes above for a place of defense against Indian incursions, which the early set- tlers were exposed to when the country was first set- tled. In front of the church was a large oak tree, whose giant arms extended over the street. One large limb came in close proximity to a window in the upper story. Among the prisoners confined in this church with the subaltern, was tlie celebrated spy, Enoch Crosby, who figured in Cooper's writings as Harvey Burch, who one dark stormy night crawled through one of the port holes and ventured to leap to a limb of this tree, which he succeeded in catching, and then softly letting himself down till he reached tei'ra firma, when he was but a few feet from the sentinel, but the howling of the tempest drowned the noise that was occasioned by his descent, and he made his escape. Four years after the revolution this edifice was demol- ished, and the present church erected, which, for the want of funds, was not completed until 1794. In the time of the revolution, there were two fami- THE SUBALTERN. 79 lies whose names were Bailey living in Fislikill Vil- lage, one a great grandfather of the writer, who was born in the town of Westchester, Westchester county, N. Y., who purchased a farm in Fishkill containing 214 acres of land. The farm is now owned by Charles C. Rogers and William M. Baxter. The old homestead house was where Baxter now resides, and was replaced by the present edifice a few years ago. The other Bailey left the city of New York when the British took possession of it, and sought a temporary shelter in Fishkill in a small building near the highway close to where Mr. Rogers now resides. This Bailey was a cutler by trade, who made or repaired the sword of Gen. Washington while he resided there, and stamped his name upon it, "J. Bailey, Fishkill." Historians who have written upon the subject, have said that the Bailey with which family I am connected, made the sword, not knowing that there was another Bailey, whose name was John, living in Fishkill Village during the revolution. This cutler left Fishkill after the war, and returned to his home in New York. The subaltern's trial took place in what was known of late years as the Union Hotel. The same building and room in which he was tried remained the same until the great fire in December, 1873, when the building was totally destroyed. In time of war trials of prisoners soon terminate, and the subaltern's case was quickly disposed of. As nothing further was proved than as above stated by Depeyster, the prisoner was released on parole. The subaltern, after thanking Washington for the kindness shown him, returned with Depeyster, who invited him to remain with him so THE SUBALTERN. until he should get his final discharge, which invita- tion the subaltern gladly accepted. When Katrina saw him returidng with her father, and learned from Inm that he was discharged on parole, slie was much pleased, for her anxiety for his release was very great, and it afforded her unspeakable consolation to see him once more, not a prisoner, but a guest in her father's house. Depeyster's son, who fled with his mother and sisters when the British fleet sailed up the river, had not returned, and Depeyster needed his son's assis- tance very much, particularly in his mill, for he had the supervision of his books, and the accounts of all transactions in buying and selling was mainly done through him. The subaltern, learning this fact, vol- initeered to assist him. Depeyster soon found that his services were indispensable in the absence of his son, for he rendered him every assistance in keeping his accounts accurate, and being competent, he soon won the admiration of Depeyster and all who had inter- course with him. The subaltern began to feel more contented at his new home, and after business hours had passed, and seeing that the mill was safely locked, he always spent his leisure hours wdth Depeyster and Katrina, who tried to make eveiything pleasant for him, and long after Depeyster had retired for the night, Katrina and the subaltern would occupy the parlor alone, and their attachment for each other grew more ardent, and their love intense, as evening after evening glided away. The winter of 1780 was the coldest that had ever occurred in this country. The cold weather set in early, accompanied with snow storms of such depth THE SUBALTEKN. 81 that the fences were buried under the snow, and the highways were literally blocked and impassable. For forty-two days it did not thaw on the sunniest side of a building, and the river froze to such an extent that loaded teams crossed the river at New York city to the opposite side, and the bay that extends to Staten Island, a distance of nine miles, was covered with ice strong enough to enable the British to transport their cannon across it in safety. The suffering through Fishkill was terrible, on account of the great depth of snow, rendering it almost impossible for the inhabi- tants to get to the mill. What little traveling there was through the country, was by roads on top of the snow, over fences, taking the nearest route to any given point. This road had to be beaten hard before it could be much used, and if the traveler deviated the least from the track, his sleigh and horses would instantly sink to such depth in the snow that he would have great difficulty in getting them again on the track. The difficulty in passing and repassing could only be overcome by detaching the horses from the sleigh and leading them singly by, then hitching them again to the sleigh with ropes, drawing the sleighs past each other on the beaten track. The snow har- dened by the severe cold, formed a crust on the earth sufficient, with the aid of snow shoes, to bear the weight of the heaviest man. This gave the inhabi- tants the advantage to shorten the distance by taking the nearest route to Depeyster's mill. The frost was so intense that it was almost impossible for Depeyster to stop the ice from clogging the wheels of his mill, and enable him to grind for the suffering inhabitants, 32 THE SUBALTERN. who came from ftir and near, crossing the river from Orange county with their hand sleds loaded with bags of grain. The subaltern and Pompey were constantly at work with their axes, cutting the ice that would form through the night, in order to start the mill as soon as possible the following morning, and often they would be assisted by many whose families were almost starving, so as to enable them to return home with their grist to satisfy the cravings of hunger. But the long dreary winter gradually passed away, and the genial spring returned once more, dissolvmg the snow, and breaking the icy barriers which had so long held sway, and drivhig old Boreas to his icy den, covering the earth once more with verdure and beauty. Depeyster's f^imily had returned, and the political hori- zon wore a more cheering aspect. The war cloud which had been so long hanging over Fishkill, had dis- appeared. Washington had removed his anny to the South, where the war was now raging, and it inspired hope in Depevster that the struggle which his comitry was passing through would finally teraiinate m her independence. The sul^altern had received his final discharge from Washington, but he remained at Depey- ster's. For two years he had resided there, and had shared with him all the dangers and trials when his family was away ; had assisted him in his business transactions in the absence of his son •, and now Depey- ster felt under obligations for services rendered by hmi; yet he had not simnised tiiat an attachment had been formed between his daughter and the subaltern, which would terminate in his asking for her in marriage. Depeyster's love for Katrina was most ardent •, she THE SUBALTERN. 83 had remained with him in time of peril ; she had shar- ed with him all the dangers and hardships which they had been exposed to ; and with him was willing at any time to lay down her life on the altar of their country. It was a beautiful summer's evening, and the roses and the violets were in bloom ; the geraniums never looked more beautiful around the Depeyster mansion. The ivy and honey-suckles were chmbing the porch, the terraces, and the ornamental trees. The silvery moonbeams stole softly through the narrow openings of the trees, and in the windows of the parlor where sat Katrina and the subaltern. The old family clock had long told the hour of twelve, when the subaltern had something to say to Katrina, and yet he delayed. The large candles on the centre-table had burnt down to the sockets in their sticks, and the light streaks of day were breaking up the dark clouds in the east. Porapey and Dinah were already up, preparing for breakfast, when the subaltern offered his heart and liand to Katrina, which was at once accepted. The subaltern, overburdened with joy, hastened to his bed- room, and threw himself on his couch, hardly realizing his situation. Ecstatic joy pervaded his soul, and with no inclination to sleep, it seemed to him that his life for the future would be one of continual sunshine. He had yet to get the consent of Katrina's parents. This he thought would be no easy task, for they were stauncli whigs, and ardently attached to their country, while he was a British officer, intending soon to return to his native land. Would they be willing, thought he, for their daughter to leave her native land, her parents, sisters and brothers, and part with them, perhaps never S4 THE SUBALTERN. to see them again in this world? Such thoughts occu- pied his mind when alone, and filled his soul with in- tense agony, and a dark cloud overshadowed him. Sitting one evening in the parlor with Katrina and her parents, the subaltern, summoning courage suffi- cient, took the opportunity to ask them for their daughter in marriage. In doing this he betrayed con- siderable emotion, and Katrina perceiving it, was her- self tearfully agitated, and when he put the question to her parents her whole frame shook with tremor. Her parents gave their consent readily, and Depeyster turned to the subaltern and said : "If my daughter makes you half as good a wife as she has been to me a dutiful and loving daughter, she will be worth to you more than aU the diamond mines of Peru. Perfect happiness is not to be found in this world ; it remains inaccessible to humanity. Calm and temperate enjoyment is all that is allotted to men while sojourning here below." If any one in the world came near reaching that summit of joy, it was the subaltern, and when he took a retrospective view of his life for the past two years ; how he had been left in an enemy's country, friendless and unprotected, expecting nothing but imprisonment and death, the tears he shed when thinking of his mother and sisters, his happy deliverance afterward, and the kind treat- ment that he received from Depeyster, and now a union with his daughter, which could only be separa- ted by death, overwhelmed his soul with gratitude unutterable. The dawn of the day of our country's deliverance had now arrived. CorawaUis had surrendered, and THE SUBALTERN. 85 peace, blessed peace, once more smiled on our beloved country, which for seven long years had been drenched with blood and bedewed with the tears of widows and oi^phans. The joy throughout Fishkill at this event was unbounded, for now the inhabitants could beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks, and cultivate their wasted farms, which had been so long neglected and impoverished during the war. But ere the joy had subsided, the marriage of Katrina and the subaltern took place in the Depey- ster mansion, in the presence of the family, a few friends and the negro slaves. After peace, Katrina bid adieu to her parents, sisters and brother, and with her hus- band left for his native land, and here I will leave them, for what I have seen of the mutability of human affairs, of life's deceitful hopes and its fleeting and chimerical joys, I should fear, were I to follow them through life, and add to this narrative, I might be obliged to inscribe a misfortune there. But the Depeyster family, which then was so influential and wealthy, long since became extinct in the town of Fishkill. VAN HORN. A TALE OF HENEY HUDSON'S EIVEE AND THE FISHKOiL INDIANS, The Hudson river was discovered by Henry Hudson, from whence it derives its name. . He was an English- man by birth, and was employed by a London Com- pany to make discoveries. A ship was fitted out by this company, and given in command of Hudson, to discover a northwest passage to the East Indies. This voyage, and another for the same purpose, proved unsuccessful, and the company suspended their pat- ronage. Hudson then went to Holland and entered into the service of the celebrated Dutch East India Company. This company fitted out a small ship call- ed the Half Moon, under the command of Hudson, with a crew of some twenty men. Hudson left Ams- terdam on the 4th, and the Texel on the 6th of April, and arrived on the American coast on the.lSth day of July, 1609, near Portland, in the State of Maine. After this he sailed southward along the coast, mak- ing remarks on the soundings and currents, until he came to the entrance of Chesapeake Bay, about the 24tli of August. From this point he returned north- ward along the coast, discovering Delaware Bay, and the 3d of September, 1609, he anchored within on VAN HOEN. 87 .Sandy Hook. Here he spent ten days trafficing with the natives. The tradition is that his men first landed on Coney Island, which lies near Long Island, and now makes a part of Kings county. On the 11th of September he sailed through the Narrows, and on the 12th he entered the river which bears his name, and sailed, up about two leagues. There the Indians visi- ted the ship in great numbers, bringing with them corn, beans, tobacco and oysters in abundance, and exchanging them for such trifles as the ship's company were disposed to barter. Although they were civil, Hudson did not think proper to trust them, for he had lost one of his men before entering the Narrows by an arrow discharged by an Indian, which struck him in the throat, and by no means w^ould he suffer any of them to remain on board durinj? the night. From the 12th to the 22d of September, Hudson was employed in ascending the river, and when he arrived where the city of Hudson is now located, he considered it unsafe to proceed further. He sent a boat, however, with five hands, the mate, who had command of the expedi- tion, being one, to explore the river higher up. They proceeded to where the city of Albany now stands, and returned, rejiorting to Hudson that the river in some places was not more than seven feet deep and the soundings very irregular, and deemed it unadvisa- ble to attempt any farther progress. Hudson remain- ed here several days, and his men frequently went on shore. The natives appeared very hospitable. An old Sachem took the mate to his wigwam, and enter- tained him with good cheer, and the savages flocked on board the ship in considerable numbers, bringing 88 VAN HORN. with them corn, tobacco, pumpkins and grapes, and some beaver and other skins, which they exchanged for hatchets, knives, beads and other trifles. Hudson and his men, for the purpose of making an experiment on the temper of the Indians, attempted to make a number of them drunk. They only succeeded in mak- ing one completely intoxicated. This phenomenon excited great suqirise and alarm among them, for they knew not what to make of it, many supposing that he would die, but when he became sober, he expressed himself to his companions that he never felt better. This is the first instance recorded of intoxication by ardent spirits among the Indians on the American con- tinent. On the 23d of September, Hudson began to descend the river. On his way down his men went frequently on shore, and had several very friendly intercourses with the natives, who expressed a desire that they might remain among them. The ship anchored in the river off where the village of Fishkill Landing is now located, and a number of the crew went on shore there, and the previous kind treatment they had receiv- ed from the natives, induced them to be very intimate with them. They visited them in their wigwams, and several of the crew ventured some distance in the coun- try, following the Fishkill creek up to where Glenham now stands, plucking the wild flowers that grew on its banks and gathering grapes that hung in clusters on vines that had entwined themselves around the giant arms of the aged forest trees. While thus amusing themselves, they were suddenly surprised by a shower of arrows shot by a party of Indians who were ambush- VAN HORN. ed. Unfortunately they had left their muskets aboard of the ship, and having nothing to defend themselves with but what materials they could hastily collect, such as stones and clubs, and being overpowered with numbers, they fled with all haste to the ship, the Indi- ans closely pursuing them. One of their companions, whose name was Van Horn, received a wound in his knee from an arrow, which disabled him, and he was captured. The remainder made their escape to the ship. Hudson, on receiving this intelligence from his men, ordered a number of his bravest men, well armed, to proceed immediately ashore and take Van Horn at all hazards. The men were quickly rowed ashore, and then cautiously penetrated the country, which was covered with forests so dark and dense that they could not discover an object any great distance ahead. Sud- denly a tremendous war whoop was sounded, and then the Indians sprung from their hiding places, and with tomahawks in hand rushed on their assailants. Hud- son's men gave them a warm reception, and leveling their muskets they brought several of the foremost of them to the earth, which checked their advance. The Indians seeing the fate of their comrades, and the noise of fire arms so terrifying them, they fled precipitately into the woods, Hudson's men pursuing them, but being unacquainted with the country, they were oblig- ed to give up the pursuit. Van Horn had probably been carried off to meet an ignominious death from the hands of savages, who seldom show mercy to a captive. The crew returned to the ship and reported to Hudson their unsuccessful attempt to rescue Van Horn. When Hudson received this sad intelligence. 90 VAN HORN. he immediately set sail. This was the second man he had lost by the Indians, and when the ship came between the Highlands, the natives again attacked them, repeatedly shooting at the crew with bows and arrows from several near points of land. Hudson's men discharged their muskets at them, and killed ten or twelve of them. In these conflicts, which were frequently renewed, none of the ship's crew appear to have been injured. On the 4th of October, just one month from the day on which Hudson landed within Sandy Hook, he came out of the river which bears his name, and without anchoring in the bay, immediately stood out to sea. By noon that day he was entirely clear of land, and steered directly for Europe. Van Horn, who was taken prisoner by the Indians, was carried to the Indian village, which was located in Fishkill Hook, on the farm now owned by Charles Emans, and when the Indians arrived with their pris- oner, curiosity became very much excited. The squaws, with their pappooses, flocked around Van Horn, all eager to get a sight of so strange a personage — admir- ing his light complexion, soft flaxen hair, and to them, delicate features. The Sachem took charge of his prisoner, and conducted him to his wigwam, and had his wounded knee dressed. He endeavored to make his situation as comfortable as it was in his power to do, for he valued his prisoner very highly. A bed of the finest robes was made for Van Horn to lie on, and some warm com bread and bear's meat was placed before him. But he had no disposition to eat, for all hope had fled of his being rescued by his countrymen, and his heart sank within him. To think of his spend- VAN HORN. 91 iiig the remainder of his life among savages, perhaps never to see his countrymen, and never to visit his native land again, made his agony of mind indescriba- ble. The thought of home, parents, sisters and broth- ers, came up vividly before him. How they would weep when the ship would reach his country, and the mournful intelligence would be conveyed to them that he was wounded and taken prisoner by hostile savages, who were represented as being cannibals, and that he was probably put to death by the most excruciating tortures. Sucli thoughts occupied his mind as he lay in the wigwam of the Sachem. This tribe of Indians had made some progress in civihzation. They had a little clearing on the farm now owned by Van Wyck and Johnson, where they cultivated corn, called Indian corn because it was unknown to the Europeans until discavered here. They had an apple orchard, which was located on the farm now owned by John Waldo, traces of which are still visible. Pumpkins and grapes were also found in the country. The government of the Indians was absolute. The Sachem is the great arbiter of law. His power, however, is rather persuasive than coersive ; he is reverenced as a father rather than feared as a monarch. He has no guards, no prisons, no officers of justice, and one act of ill-judged violence would pull him from his humble throne. It will be recollected that Van Horn was captured about the 20th of Sep- tember. The Indian apple orchard then was in full bearing, and was loaded with ripe fruit, and the Sachem dealt out the fruit to his tribe as lie thought proper. None of his tribe would venture in the orchard without 92 VAN HORN. his permission, and the finest fruit he selected for Van Horn. Baked apples were placed before hiin in the wigwam, in the presence of the Sachem and his fami- ly, and every kindness was shown him. No pains were spared to make his situation pleasant and com- fortable. The kind treatment that he received, reviv- ed his drooping spirits ; his wounded knee was improv- ing, and in a few weeks he was able to walk, and he ventured out of the wigwam for the first time to sur- vey the country. It was then the pleasant month of October, and the valley of Fishkill Hook presented to him a novel scene. In the rear of the Indian village was their apple orch- ard, in front was their cornfield, and the squaws were busily engaged in gathering the crops. Beyond lay interminable forests. The aged men and women were sitting near. their wigw^ains, and the young men were all out on a hunt; the pappooses were playing in groups near the village, and the Sachem was superin- tending the doings of his people. He had erected a fort for a place of safety when attacked by tribes who were at war with him, and when obliged to retreat they would flee to this fort, and barricade themselves in, and keep the enemy at bay. This fort was located on a hill near the residence of H. D. Sherwood, and is known as Fort Hill to this day. In a few months Van Horn had entirely recovered the use of his limb, and the Sachem gave him peraiission to go a hunting with his tribe and fish in the Wiccapee, a small creek that runs through the valley of Fishkill Hook and dis- charges its waters in the large creek near Johnsville. During the long and severe winters the tribe would VAN HORN. 93 fish in the large creek with nets made of thread twist- ed from the bark of Indian hemp, by cutting holes through the ice with stone axes or hatchets. In this manner they would catch large quantities of fish. Van Horn was not allowed to go alone any distance from the Indian village, the Sacliem being fearful he might attempt to make his escape, but this was almost impos- sible. Hudson was the first European that had sailed up the river, and probably there would not be another expedition sent to make discoveries for some years. Hudson had been given the command of the Half Moon by the Dutch East India Company to discover a north- west passage to the East Indies, and as he was unsuc- cessful in discovering such passage, they probably would not soon attempt a second voyage. Under cir- cumstances like these, Van Horn's chance for return- ing to his native land was almost hopeless, yet he did not despair. He could not entertain the idea for one moment of spending the remainder of his life among savages whose living was precarious, oftentimes suffer- ing from hunger and cold ; their little stock of provis- ions some times consumed before Spring, and then a scanty subsistence could only be procured by hunting and fishing. Van Horn had been accustomed to all the comforts and luxuries of civilized hfe, but he fared with the Sachem and his family, which was poor enough. If any of the hunters succeeded in killing a bear, the Sachem selected the choicest part of the beast for him- self, the remainder he divided among his tribe ; and if a buffalo was killed, which was seldom, as the animal was scarce in this part of the country, he always 94 VAN HORN. I'ewarcled his hunters, and there was great rejoicing whenever such an event occurred, and a great feast was provided on the occasion. That the buffalo exist- ed in Fishkill when Hudson discovered the river, there is not the least shadow of doubt, although Hudson did not see any. He penetrated but a little way into the country, and tarried but a few days in one place, and spent only one month in exploring the countr}^ adja- cent, when he returned to Europe, and nearly a cen- tury elapsed after Hudson discovered the river, before any permanent settlement was made in Fishkill, although it was the first town settled in the county. Our early historians have mentioned animals that exis- ted in this county when first discovered, that have long been extinct. They have mentioned that lions aboun- ded on the high mountains along the Hudson, and there was seen sometimes a kind of a beast which had some resemblance to a horse, having cloven feet, shag- gy mane, one horn just on the forehead, a tail like that of a wild hog, and a deer's neck. From the descrip- tion given of this strange beast, it resembled exceeding- ly the unicorn. An animal bearing this description has been recently seen in the mountains in Colorado. Van Horn was kindly treated by the Sachem, but he was very careful not to let him have too much lib- erty, for he was the first prisoner he had taken who was of a race that he had never seen before. He had learnt all the facts of Hudson and his crew when they ascended the river ; the description they gave of the great ship, which his tribe looked at with wonder and amazement ; and lie regarded Van Horn as a great per- sonage, and he expected when he had imbibe