USA > New York > Dutchess County > General history of Duchess County from 1609 to 1876, inclusive > Part 15
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* When the army was here [Newburgh] the printing was done by a press at Fish- kill, in Duchess County, as appears from the printed orders of that day .- Letters from Newburgh.
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Once when Washington passed through the town, the peo- ple eager to see him, had assembled at a place where the roads crossed each other. As Washington rode up and halted they all at once uncovered their heads before him. Observing this, he said, "Gentlemen, put your hats on; I am but a man like yourselves, and wish no such deference shown me."
At the time of Arnold's treason, Washington was going through here to West Point. The notorious Joshua H. Smith was arrested here shortly afterward on charge of complicity. Smith afterward published a work in England in which he says of the affair :
" I mentioned to General Arnold the distance I accompa- nied Mr. Anderson, which gave him apparently much satisfac- tion. His dinner being ready, I partook of it, refreshed my horses, and in the evening proceeded to Fishkill to my family. Here I found General Washington had arrived in the course of the afternoon, on his return from visiting Count Rocham- beau, and I supped in his company, with a large retinue at Gen. Scott's. The next day I went on business to Poughkeep- sie, and returned to Fishkill the ensuing evening. About midnight the door of my room was burst open with great violence, and instantly the chamber was filled with soldiers who approached my bed with fixed bayonets. I was then without ceremony drawn out of bed by a French officer named Grovion, whom I recollected to have entertained at my house not long before, in the suite of the Marquis de Lafayette. He commanded me instantly to dress myself, and to accompany him to General Washington, having an order from him, he said, to arrest me. I then desired of him the privilege of having my servant and one of my horses to go with him to General Washington, which was refused, and I was marched off on foot a distance of eighteen miles."
" There is a little fountain bubbling up by the side of the road running between Peekskill and Verplanck's Point named the Soldier's Spring, from the circumstance that an American soldier, while retreating from the enemy, stopped at the
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fountain to quench his thirst. While so doing, a cannon ball that struck the hill above him, glanced obliquely, hit and shattered his thigh, and left him mortally wounded by the side of the fountain. He was conveyed in a wagon that passed soon afterward, to Fishkill, where he expired."*
The Reformed Dutch Church was built about the year 1725. It was constructed of stone, quadrangular in shape, and the roof came up from all sides to the center. On the apex was the cupola, in which the bell was suspended. The window lights were small, and set in iron sash-frames. In the upper story were port holes for defense against the Indians. An old resident used to say, that after peace was proclaimed, a grand Fourth of July celebration took place at Fishkill, and services were held in this edifice. The gallery was so crowded that the supports began to give way. A general rush was made for the doors, but no serious accident occurred.
This church was enlarged soon after the Revolution, and changes made in its appearance .; The extension covered Madam Brett's burial plot ; and the remains of her and some of her descendants now repose underneath the present edifice. The walls are three feet thick, and thirty feet in height. The name of the architect was Barnes. Every stick of timber, every load of stone, lime and sand, were brought on the ground by the congregation gratuitously. General Swartwout gave the shingles for the roof. The timber was mostly obtained from the Highlands. The congregation turned out in full-force with horses, oxen, carts, and negro slaves, and hauled the material on the ground. Their money gave out before the building was completed, and money was borrowed on Long Island to finish the work. The interior has been remodeled several times. Originally, the galleries were supported by iron rods fastened to the timbers above the arch. Then there were no columns to distract the view, and the pulpit and side pews were elevated six inches above the floor. The pews were lowered and columns placed under the galleries in 1806; four-
* Pict. Field Book.
+ H. D. B. Bailey.
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teen years afterward, the entrance on Main Street was closed, and the pews re-arranged. The building shows no symptoms. of decay ; and of all the churches that have been built in the Fishkills none have eclipsed it ; and it still remains an ornament to the village. Lossing says he was shown in 1848 a silver tankard belonging to the communion service of this church, which was presented to the society by Samuel Verplanck, Esq., chiefly for the purpose of commemorating, by an inscription upon it, a resident Norwegian, who died at the extraordinary age of 125 years.
Several British and Hessian soldiers were at one time prisoners in the old Stone Church. The former were captured by strategem at Teller's Point, near the mouth of Croton River ; the latter were stragglers, who fell in with a party of Royalists near Yonkers, on the Neutral Ground. The British soldiers. were captured by Enoch Crosby and a few men, who composed a part of the detachment under Col. Van Cortlandt, then stationed on the east side of the Hudson to watch operations upon the Neutral Ground. While they were near Teller's Point, a British sloop of war sailed up the river, and cast anchor in the channel opposite. Crosby and six others pro- ceeded to the Point, five of whom, with himself, concealed themselves in the bushes; the other, dressed in infantry uniform, paraded the beach, the officers on the vessel observed him, and eleven men were sent in a boat to effect his capture. When the Englishmen landed, the American took to his heels. Unsuspicious of danger, they followed. As soon as the pursuers had passed his own little party, who were scattered about among the bushes, Crosby exclaimed : "Come on my boys, now we have them !" At this signal every man sprang up in his place with a loud shout ; at the same time making such a rustling in the bushes that the British thought themselves surrounded by a superior force, and surrendered without resistance. The next day they were marched to Fishkill, and confined in the old Dutch Church.
The Episcopal Church-otherwise called the Trinity, or
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English Church-was built, as nearly as can be ascertained, about the year 1760. It was the third church edifice erected in the town, and the first of its denominational character on the east side of the river above the Highlands. This is one of the oldest church edifices in the State. It had originally a towering spire, only three feet less than that of the Dutch Church, upon which perched the inevitable weather-cock. The said venerable bird is still flourishing on another building in full sight of his more ancient perch. The interior arrange- ments are believed to be the same as when first erected.
It is said the architect, who first hal supervision of its construction, left with all his men, before the work of framing was completed. Some say they were of intemperate habits. Another set of hands was obtained, who were obliged to ·commence anew the work of framing ; it is said the two fram- ings can be seen in the upper part of the structure. When this building was being raised, a workman fell from a height of nearly sixty feet, and was instantly killed. The upper portion of the steeple was taken off in 1810, as it was considered dangerous. Another section was taken off some fifteen years since. Otherwise the exterior has never been changed, · though the building has stood more than a century.
This church was used as a meeting place for the New York Legislature, when it adjourned from White Plains to Fishkill. The session here commenced on the 3d of September, 1776. It was also used as a hospital for the sick and wounded soldiery. Some years since, while digging a grave in the yard, the sexton discovered a skeleton, with bits of scarlet cloth, and a brass button, the remains doubtless of a British soldier who was buried in his uniform. The following will and the reader in obtaining an insight into the hospital department located at Fishkill.
Whereas the principal Surgeons and Physicians of the Hospitals at this place represented to me in December, 1778, then commanding at this Post, that the barracks and Episcopal church were so crowded with the sick that their condition was rendered deplorable, and were otherwise in a suffering condi-
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tion for want of proper covering, and there being no public buildings fit to receive or accommodate the sick but the Presby- terian Church of this town, which impelled me from necessity to order the said church to be taken and occupied for the purpose aforesaid; which was accordingly occupied : whereby considerable damage has been done to said building, now, therefore, I do hereby certify that at the time aforesaid, I engaged the public faith that whatever damage should be done to the said church would be repaired or repaid by the public. Given at Fishkill, the 8th day of March, 1780.
ALEX. MCDOUGAL, M. General.
The Verplanck House is situated a couple of miles north of Fishkill Landing, on a bluff overlooking the Hudson. It is.
The Verplanck House.
built of stone, a story and a half high, with dormer windows, in the style of the best Dutch houses built one hundred years ago, and is still in a state of almost perfect preservation. The cut of the building here shown is only the ancient edifice, an addition having been placed on the north end. It is approached from the highway by a winding carriage road traversing a. broad, undulating lawn, shaded by venerable trees.
This mansion is remarkable as being the headquarters of Baron Steuben when the American army was encamped in the vicinity of Newburgh ; and also the place where the Society of the Cincinnati was organized in 1783. The meeting for that purpose was held in the large square room on the north side of the passage. This room is carefully preserved in its. original style by the occupants of the dwelling.
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It was at the suggestion of Knox, with the acquiescence of the Commander-in-Chief, that an expedient was devised, by which a hope was entertained that the long-cherished friend- ship and social intercourse of the officers of the army might be perpetuated, and that at future periods they might annually communicate, and revive a recollection of the bonds by which they were connected. Pursuant to these suggestions the officers held a meeting at the Verplanck mansion, and this originated the society.
The chief objects of the Society were to promote cordial friendships and indissoluble union among themselves ; to com- memorate by frequent reunions the great struggle they had just passed through ; to cherish good feeling between the re- spective States, and to extend benevolent aid to those of the Society whose circumstances might require it. They formed a general Society, and elected Washington its first President. They also made provision for auxiliary State societies. To perpetuate the organization, it was provided in the constitution that the oldest male descendant of an original member should be entitled to bear the ORDER and enjoy the privileges of the Society. The ORDER consists of a gold eagle, suspended by a ribbon, on the breast of which is a medallion, with a device representing Cincinnatus receiving the Roman Senators. Sev- eral State Societies are yet in existence.
Some interesting Revolutionary reminiscences are given by Bailey in his work on Fishkill. Nanna was a colored slave, born in the old Van Voorhis house at Fishkill Landing. She used to relate that when the British fleet came up the river, all the family with whom she was living, except her master and herself, left home and sought a place of safety in the Great Nine Part- ners, at Filkin's, now Mabbettsville. When the British fleet arrived in Newburgh Bay they commenced firing their cannon. Their house was secluded from the river, but cannon balls came over the house and struck near by. One came very near striking the house. Her master proposed going into the cellar kitchen as a place of greater security, where they remained till
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the fleet passed by. She said when our army arrived at Fish- kill, her master was glad to think they now had protection. General Putnam came to Fishkill Landing on horseback. Her master took her to Fishkill Village, where she saw Generals Washington and Lafayette and staff, and also the American army, which then was encamped on the flats just north of the Highlands. On one occasion she assisted in some arrange- ments at the house of Robert R. Brett-now the Mrs. Van- Wyck house at Fishkill Village-for Washington and his staff who were then quartered there. In 1828, at the time of the
, abolition of slavery in this State, Nanna became a freewoman ; but she was soon reduced to pinching want, and died a few years afterward in a little house near where the Duchess Hat Works are now located.
The following are extracts from newspapers published at the time to which they refer :
JULY 12th, 1765 .- We hear from the Fishkills that for a week or two past, a tiger or panther has been seen in the woods in that neighborhood, not far from Mr. Dopeyster's house. It had killed several dogs, torn a cow so that she died the same day, and carried off the calf; it likewise carried off a colt about a week old. Eight men with their guns went in search of it, and started it at a distance ; it fled with great swift- ness, and has not since been seen at the Fishkills.
FISHKILL, Feb. 7th, 1783 .- It is with pain and regret that we mention the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Barber, who was unfortunately killed at camp the 11th ult. The circumstances which led to this unhappy catastrophe, we are told, are as fol- lois : Two soldiers were cutting down a tree ; at the instant he came riding by it was falling, which he did not observe, till they desired him to take. care ; but the surprise was so sudden, and embarrassed his ideas so much, that he reined his horse to the unfortunate spot where the tree fell, which tore his body in a shocking manner, and put an immediate period to his existence.
Below is given the copy of a letter which sufficiently ex- plains itself :
FISHKILL, Nov. 12, 1777.
SIR :-- Ever since my arrival here in this quarter, I have
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been endeavoring to collect the best idea I could of the state of things in New York, in order the better to form a judgment of the probable reinforcement gone to General Howe. On the whole, this is a fact well ascertained, that New York has been stripped as bare as possible ; that in consequence of this the few troops there, and the inhabitants, are under so strong ap- prehensions of an attack, as almost to amount to a panic, that to supply the deficiency of men, every effort is making to excite the citizens to arms for the defence of the city. For this pur- pose the public papers are full of addresses to them, that plainly speak the apprehensions prevailing on the occasion. Hence I infer, that a formidable force is gone to General Howe. The calculations made by those who have had the best opportunities of judging, carry the number from six to seven thousand. If so, the number gone, and going to General Washington, is far inferior ; five thousand at the utmost. The militia were all detained by General Putnam till it became too late to send them.
The state of things I gave you when I had the pleasure of seeing you was, to the best of my knowledge, sacredly true. I give you the present information, that you may decide whether any further succor can with propriety come from you.
The fleet, with the troops on board, sailed out of the Hook on the 5th instant. This circumstance demonstrates, beyond the possibility of doubt, that it is General Howe's fixed inten- tion to endeavor to hold Philadelphia at all hazards ; and re- moves all danger of any further operations up the North River this winter. Otherwise, Sir Henry Clinton's movement at this advanced season, is altogether inexplicable.
If you can with propriety afford any further assistance, the most expeditious manner of conveying it will be to acquaint General Putnam of it, that he may send on the troops with him, to be replaced by them. You, Sir, best know the uses to which the troops with you are to be applied, and determine accordingly. I am certain it is not His Excellency's wish to prostrate any plan you may have in view for the benefit of the service, so far as it can possibly be avoided, consistent with a due attention to more important objects.
I am, with respect, sir, Your most obedient servant, ALEX. HAMILTON, A. D. C.
To GENERAL GATES,
The following description of the Highlands, by the pen of
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Washington Irving, may not be out of place here. It relates to the voyage of Dolph Heyliger up the Hudson.
I have said that a voyage up the Hudson in early days was an undertaking of some moment; indeed, it was as much thought of as a voyage to Europe is at present. The sloops were often many days on the way ; the cautious navigators taking in sail when it blew fresh, and coming to anchor at night : and stopping to send the boat ashore for milk for tea ; without which it was impossible for the worthy old lady passengers to subsist. And there were the much talked of perils of the Tappan Zee, and the Highlands. In short, a prudent Dutch burgher would talk of such a voyage for months, and even years, beforehand ; and never undertook it without putting his affairs in order, making his will, and having prayers said for him in the Low Dutch Church. * * In the second day of the voyage they came to the Highlands. It was in the latter part of a calm sultry day, that they floated between these stern mountains. There was that perfect quiet that prevails over nature in the languor of summer heat; the turning of a plank, or the accidental falling of an oar on deck, was echoed from the mountain side, and reverberated along the shores ; and if by chance the captain gave a shout of command there were airy tongues that mocked it from every cliff. To the left a mountain reared its woody precipices, height over height, forest over forest, away into the deep summer sky. To the right strutted forth a bold promontory, with a solitary eagle wheeling about it ; while beyond, mountain succeeded to moun- tain, until they seemed to lock their arms together, and confine this mighty river in their embrace. There was a quiet luxury in gazing at the broad, green bosoms here and there scooped out among the precipices ; or at woodlands high in air, nodding over the edge of some beetling bluff, and their foliage all transparent in the yellow sunshine.
In the midst of his admiration Dolph remarked a pile of bright, snowy clouds peering above the western heights. It was succeeded by another and another, each seemingly pushing onward its predecessor, and towering with dazzling brilliancy, in the deep blue atmosphere ; and now muttering peals of thunder were faintly heard rolling behind the mountain. The river, hitherto still and glassy, reflecting pictures of the sky and land, now showed a dark ripple at a distance, as the breeze came creeping up it. The fish-hawks wheeled and screamed, and sought their nests on the high dry trees ; the crows flew
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clamorously to the rocks, and all nature seemed conscious of the approaching thunder gust. The clouds now rolled in volumes over the mountain tops; their summits still bright and snowy, but the lower parts of an inky blackness. The rain began to patter down in broad and scattered drops ; the wind freshened and curled up the waves ; at length it seemed as if the bellying clouds were torn open by the mountain tops, and complete torrents of rain came rattling down. The lightning leaped from cloud to cloud, and streamed quivering against the rocks, splitting and rending the stoutest forest trees. The thunder burst in tremendous explosions ; the peals rolled up the long defiles of the Highlands, each headland making a new echo, until old Bull Hill seemed to bellow back the storm.
There is on the west shore, in full view from the bluffs near Fishkill Landing, a large flat rock in the river above New- burgh, known as Der Duyvel's Dans Kamer, or The Devil's Dance Chamber. This rock has a broad surface of about one-half an acre (now covered with Arbor Vitæ), separated from the main land by a marsh. It it here, as tradition asserts, that the Indian tribes of the vicinity held their festivals. Hendrick Hudson, in his voyage up this stream, witnessed one of these pow-wows ; and here it was that Peter Stuyvesant and his crew were "horribly frightened by roystering devils," according to Knickerbocker. It was the custom of the natives to build a fire on this rock, and, grotesquely painting themselves, gather about it, with hideous contortions of face and body, evoke the Great Spirit to bless their undertakings, under the direction of the medicine man. Presently the Devil, or Evil Spirit, would appear in some form that either betokened evil to their under- taking, or prophesied success. For a century after the Euro- peans discovered the river, these rites were performed upon this spot, as many as five hundred Indians having been known to engage in the services at one time. Tradition tells the sad fate of a wedding party that once indiscreetly went ashore at this point ;
" For none that visit the Indians' den, Return again to the haunts of men ; The knife is their doom ! Oh. sad is their lot! Beware, beware, of the blood-stained spot!"
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Hans Hanson, a noble Dutch youth, loved Katrina Van Vrooman, a plump, rosy-cheeked Dutch damsel. His love was reciprocated ; and the pretty maiden consented to become his wife. They lived at Albany ; and a journey to New York was necessary to procure the marriage license from the Governor. Young Hans invited his prospective bride to accompany him, attended by a faithful squaw, Leshee. The latter was said to have communications with the Evil One ; and was often con- sulted by the Dutch. In the course of three days the license was obtained, when the party set out for home ; and on the evening of the sixth, they reached the vicinity of Dans Kamer. The company resolved to go ashore and partake of refresh- ments. Leshee remonstrated, portending that some dire calamity would befall them for their temerity; but the evening was beautiful, the place attractive, the Indians were at peace, the war-whoop hushed and the sacrificial fires extinguished- why regard a foolish tradition ? In the midst of their festivities they were startled by the fierce war-whoop of the savages, closely followed by a flight of arrows. Hans caught the chief and held him in front to protect himself from the missiles, and got into the boat. The Indians hesitated, fearing to wound their captain ; but he gave the war-shout-a cloud of arrows darkened the air, and the chief fell dead. Hans and his com- pany tried to escape ; but the Indians pursued, took them back and tortured them in all the ways that savage ingenuity could devise. They gathered materials for a fire, and the forms of Hans and his intended bride were soon mingled with the ashes of the pyre The remaining captives were treated more humanely, and were finally ransomed by their friends.
Some years ago this spot was searched for the buried treas- ures of Captain Kidd ; and a river pilot still dreams semi- yearly of the finding of countless chests of gold.
From Fishkill Landing the view embraces a vast extent of mountain and river scenery of rare loveliness, and rich in Rev- olutionary associations. On the southern verge of Newburgh the spectator beholds a low, broad-roofed house, built of stone,
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with a flag-staff near, and the grounds around garnished with cannon. That is the famous "Headquarters of General Washington" during one of the most interesting periods of the war, and at its close. Then the camp was graced by the pres- ence of Mrs. Washington a greater part of the time, and also by the cultivated wives of several of the officers ; and until a comparatively few years ago, says Lossing, the remains of the borders around the beds of a little garden which Mrs. Wash- ington cultivated for amusement, might then be seen in front of the mansion. That building, now the property of the State of New York, is preserved in the form it was when Washington left it. There is the famous room, with its seven doors and one window, which the Commander-in-Chief used as a dining- hall. In that room, a large portion of the chief officers* of the Continental army, both American and foreign, and many distinguished civilians were at different times entertained.
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