USA > New York > Schoharie County > History of Schoharie county, and border wars of New York > Part 2
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XV
CONTENTS.
don-He escapes with others and returns home-Command of Col. Fish- er-Capt. Fonda shoots a deserter-Is tried and acquitted -John Jay sent as Minister to Spain -Attack of the Americans and French ou Savannah- Death of Count Pulaski-Gov. Tryon burns several towns in Connecticut- Stoney Point stormed by Wayne-Acts of Paul Jones-Winter quarters of Gen. Washington and sufferings of his army. Page 291
CHAPTER XI.
The enemy moving-Death of a Tory named Cuck-Imprisonment of Van Zuyler-Sugar makers frightened-Lieut. Harper and friends captured by Brant at Harpersfield-Harper saves the Schoharie settlements by duplici- ty-Tory consultation-Harper's word doubted-March begun-Harper confronted by a Tory-Murder of an aged prisoner-Efficacy of rattle- saake soup-Enterprise to Minisink-Schoharie captives in danger of be- ing murdered-Are saved by an Indian who escaped from Van Campen- Party feast on horse flesh-Boast of Tories-Ashes used for salt-A run- ner sent to Niagara-Kind object of Brant in forwarding a messenger- Running the gantlet-Prisoners before Col. Butler-Price of American blood in Canada-Condition of prisoners at Chamblee-Attack on the Sa- condaga block-house-Letter of Col. Fisher-Indians pursued and killed by Solomon Woodworth and party-Public officers in Schoharie-Second invasion of Cherry Valley-Captivity of Moses Nelson-Fort Orange re- built-Willet's attempt to take it-Letters to Col. Fisher showing an ex- pected invasion-Enemy enter Johnstown-Murder of the Putinans and Stevens-Fate of two Tories-Fisher family-Troops arrive in Johns- town-Death of Capt. Hanson-Signification of Ca-daugh-ri-ty-Course of the enemy-Attack on the Fisher dwelling-Fortunes of Col. Fisher and fate of his brothers-Fonda brothers-Sheriff White and his neighbors- Furniture destroyed in Maj. Fonda's dwelling- Murder of Douw Fonda- Pleasing incident-Acts of the party under Johnson-Escape of George Eacker-Johnson's confidential slave-Boys liberated near Johnstown- Iavaders return to Canada-Escape of young Hanson. 321
CHAPTER XII.
Captivity of William Hynds and family at New Dorlach-An Indian attempts to surprise a sentinel at the Upper Schoharie Fort-Captivity and rescue of William Bouck and others-Seth's Henry in Vrooman's Land-Is at a spring-Resentment of the Indian William-Indians in the dwellings of the pioneers-Captive negroes liberate themselves-Attempt to capture Capt. Richtmyer-Mohawk valley invaded-Schoharie scout fall in with the enemy-Alarm guns how fired-Brant invades Vrooman's Land-Fate of the settlement-Character of Col. Vrooman -Indian grudge-Infant smiles save a father-Escape of Pull-foot Vrooman-Names of captives- Several citizens escape in a wagon-Number of houses burnt-Judge Swart's horse by whom rode-War-club of Seth's Henry-Escape of the Hager family-Old gentleman throttles his dog-His capture and treat- ment -Burning of Crysler's mill-Mill-stone recovered-Two Tories join the enemy-Hager family reach the Fort-Burial of the dead-Singular presentiment-Fate of the Vrooman infant-Brant releases part of the prisoners-Destructives assemble at Oquago-Prisoners divided-Boyd's scull -Lieut. Vrooman about to be murdered-Henry Hager insulted- Efficacy of tobacco-Prisoners run the gantlet-Attempt to fire the maga- ziae at Quebec-Negro prisoners adopt the Indian's life-Loss of British ship Seneca-Schobarie prisoners lodged at South Rakela-Their return home-Particulars from whom derived. 365
CHAPTER XIII.
Romantic courtship and marriage of Timothy Murphy-The bride's first in- terview with her mother-The reconciliation-Duty of Rangers-Their music when on a scout-Dancing at the Middle Fort-Rival dance of the soldiers -Ballston settlement invaded-Attempt to capture Maj. Mitchell-
xvi
CONTENTS.
Enterprise of Jo. Bettys-Absence of a Schoharie scout protracted-Sir John Johnson leaves Niagara to invade the frontiers of New York-Names of hills-Johnson's army discovered-A pack horse taken-Torch of de- struction first applied-Volunteers meet the enemy-Daring of Murphy- Burning of Middleburgh Church-Powder how sent up from Lower Fort- Volunteers under Capt. Lansing-Escape of Elerson-Stand made by the enemy-Mrs. Richtmyer frightened to death- How to start a bachelor-A flag of truce how attended-Is fired on by Murphy-Conduct of Major Woolsey-Surrenders his command to Col. Vrooman-Firing renewed- Loss of the Americans-Wilbur scalps an Indian-A dead Indian is found in the woods-Enemy move down the valley- Anxiety at the Upper Fort- A heroine-Lower Fort how garrisoned-Scout from that Fort meet the enemy-Death of Van Wart-Fate of Anthony Witner-Firing heard in Cobelskill-Preparations to defend Lower Fort-Salute from a grass-hop- per-An ancient apple tree-War's beverage-A presumptuous Indian- Adventure of Enders-An Indian killed at a well-Fate of a deer-Mor- tar abandoned-A Tory arrives at the Fort. ; Page 388
CHAPTER XIV.
Schoharie militia pursue the enemy-Schoharie fires seen at Fort Hunter- Cadaughrity destroyed-Enemy encamp near the Nose-Americans encamp in Florida-Battle of Stone Arabia-Death of Col. Brown-His remains honored-Pleasing anecdote of an Indian and a colt-Skirmish near St. Johnsville-Cowardly conduct of Gen. Van Rensselaer-Climax of his management-Anecdote of Capt. Vrooman-Willing captives-Schoharie horses recovered-Novel manner of carrying bread-Incidents from John Ostrom-Grain how saved-Maj. Woolsey leaves Schoharie-Death of a spy-Invasion of New Dorlach-Death of Michael Merckley and his niece Catharine-Murder of John France and providential escape of his brother Henry-Burial of the dead-A reason for Merckley's death-Number of buildings burnt in Schoharie county-Extract of a letter from James Madi- son-Continental money-Charleston captured-Kniphausen invades New Jersey-Arrival of French troops-Retreat of Gates and death of De Kalb- Treachery of Benedict Arnold. 421
CHAPTER XV.
Mutiny at Head-Quarters-Erection of block-houses-Fort Duboise-Cap- ture of Jo. Bettys and two associates-Col. Livingston's regiment in the Mohawk valley-Conduct of Maj. Davis-His death-Brant surprises a party of wood-choppers near Fort Schuyler-Americans pursue and recov- er shoe-buckles-Prisoners go through the manual exercise to gratify Brant-Boys captured near Fort Herkimer-Invasion of Curry Town- Escape of the Tanner family-Death of Jacob Moyer and son-Prisoners made in the settlement-Capt. Gros sent to New Dorlach-Discovers the enemy's trail and sends word to Willet-Sharon battle -American loss and death of Capt. Mckean-The captive Jacob Dievendorf-A religious meet- ing broken up-Murder of Hoffman and wife-Capture of William Bouck and other citizens of Schoharie in a wheat field-Indians eat a hedgehog- Escape of Lawrence Bouck-Fare of prisoners on their journey-Their return home-Ulster county invaded-Troops sent to Schoharie-Capture of Lt. Borst an I others in Myndert's valley -Death of Borst-Capt. Wood- worth and company surprised on West Canada creek and most of them killed-Incidents in the vicinity of Fort Dayton. 450
CHAPTER XVI.
Invasion of Maj. Ross-Death of Myers of Curry Town-Other citizens captured-Village of Fultonville-Escape of a prisoner-Willet pursues the enemy-Battle near Johnson Hall-Incidents of the battle-Retreat of Maj. Ross-Manner of crossing creeks-Death of Walter Butler-Captiv- ity and return of prisoners - Brant again invndes Vrooman's Land-Death of Adam Vrooman-Enemy are pursued-Fate of Richard Haggidorn-
xvii
CONTENTS.
Murphy fortune's favorite-A dend Tory-Capt. Hager pursues the ene- my-A rum-keg how guarded-Battle of Lake Utsayantho-Cowardly conduct of Capt. Hale-An incident which followed-Fruitless expedition of several Tories-Unexpected meeting of Capt. Eckler and Brant-For- mer escapes by flight -How concealed-A prisoner captured near Fort Plank - Escapes in the night-Is concealed and nearly suffocated in a log- Events of 1781-Military enterprises in the Southern States-Abortive plan to capture Arnold-Siege of York Town-Capture of Cornwallis and his army-Event how celebrated-British standards to whom delivered- Anec. dotes of stenling in the Revolution - Arnold destroys New London-Death of Ledyard and Montgomery-Conduct of Col. Gallup-Massacre in the Fort and attending incidents-Anecdote of a petticoat. Page 470
CHAPTER XVII.
Predatory warfare continued in 1782-Murder of the Dietz family-Captiv- ity of Capt. Dietz and the Bryce boys-Captivity of McFee's children- Character of Gen. Herkimer and others-Murder of Adam Vrooman-In- vasion of Fox's creek-Murder of Young Zimmer and capture of his brother-Death of a Hessian-The Becker family-John Becker how killed-Escape of Jacob and Wm. Becker-Indians discovered by boys- Attack on the Becker house-Eccentricity of Shell-Attempt to fire the building-Ingratitude of a Tory-Capture of several prisoners-Novel torture-Virginian spirit-A Tory wedding-Cobelskill again invaded- Several citizens killed or captured-Capture of the elder George Warner and son Nicholas-Escape of Joseph Barner-Meat how cooked and divid- ed-Escape of Nicholas Warner-Kind treatment of George Warner- Indian reverence of a Deity-Warner returns home-Gen. Washington vi- sits Schenectada-Burning of that place by the French and Indians-Wash. ington's treatment of Col. Fisher-His letter to the officers of Schenecta- da-Anecdote of his visit-Murphy takes a prisoner who escapes with his rifle-A Tory how concealed-Anecdote of Murphy and his cow-Notices of Timothy Murphy-Inscription on his tomb-stone-Incident at Fort Du- boise and death of a calf. 490
CHAPTER XVIII.
Ratification of Peace-Gen. Washington resigns his Commission-Lands for- feited-Tories return to the States and boast of their deeds-Indians return to Schoharie-Fate of Seth's Henry-Attempt to kill Abram-He disap- pears at a Bee-Indians become alarmed-Beverages drank in the war- Incidents in the life of Capt. Eben Williams-Conduct of Col. Vose in Gates' campaign-Anecdote of Col. Scammel-Gen. Montgomery's widow how honored-Army at Budd's Huts-Duty of Col. Laurens at York Town- Anecdote of an Irish Lieutenant-Incidents of the siege-Officers killed in duels-Celebration at West Point-Cincinnati Societies organized-Habits of Capt. Williams-Military Journal of Maj. Tallmadge-Incident in the river Bronx-Tallmadge commands a squadron of horse-Corresponds with Washington-Loses his horse-Enterprise against Lloyd's Neck- Surprise and capture of Fort St. George-Washington's letter respecting it -- How noticed in Congress-Capture of Fort Slongo-Enterprises how thwarted-London trade an incident of-An English Sloop captured in the Sound-Society of the Cincinnati how organized-Spies in New York how protected-Order in which the Americans entered New York after its eva- cuation by the British-Last interview of Gen. Washington and his offi- cers-Maj, Tallmadge returns home-Marries and settles for life. - 528
CHAPTER XIX.
Capt. Thomas Machin-Battle of Minden-The Duke of Bridgewater's Ca- nals-Machin arrives at New York-Locates in Boston-Is one of Boston Ten Party-Plans fortifications near Boston-Is sent by Gen. Washington to the Highlands of the Hudson-Cooperates with Gen. Clinton-Request of Gen. Schuyler-Putnam's Rock-Council of Safety recognize acts of
xviii
CONTENTS.
Capt. Machin-Orders to be observed by artificers-Washington's letter to Gen. Knox- Kingston how fortified-Correspondence showing the prepara- tions making to receive the enemy-Machin a recruiting officer-Attack on Fort Montgomery-Death of Capt. Milligan-Letters of Gov. Clinton -- Expense of Iron used in obstructing the Hudson-Capt. Machin writes N. York Council of Safety-Officers above their business-Letter from Gen. Parsons about fortifying West Point-Col. Hughes' letter respecting cord- age-Gen. Clinton wants fish-Gov. Clinton's letter relating to lead mines- Gen. Parsons wants timber-Capt. Machin writes Gen. McDougal about river chain-Gov. Clinton will purchase a phaeton-He certifies to the acts of Capt Machin-Chain of what iron wrought-Statement showing who fortified the Highlands and obstructed the river-Letter from Doct. Free- man-Letter from Peter Woodward-Machin's private expenses- Dis- burses large sums of money-Importance of the works-Importance of se- curing the Hudson-Expedition of Col. Van Schaick to Onondaga-A
plan for supplying Albany with water-Machin in Sullivan's expedition- Letters from Doct. Young-Letters from Henry Rutgers, jr .- Death of Kayingwaurto, a Seneca Chief-Receipt for scalps-Capt. Greg and his dog-Surrender of a Wyoming Fort-Table of distances in Western New York-Letter from Gen. Clinton-Cupid in the camp-Letter from Henry Rutgers respecting sufferings of the army-Doct. Young writes on the same subject-Ezra Patterson writes from Fort Pitt-Instructions to a Committee of Officers sent to the Legislature-Letter from Lt. Bradford showing condition of the army-Capt. Hubbell wants money-Difficulties attendant on recruiting service-Capt. Machin at York Town-Maj. Pop- ham parts with his sword-Letter from W. Morris-Machin about to mar- ry-Recruiting orders from Gen. Washington-Extract from Parker's let- ter-Machin is slandered-A messenger sent to Boston- Machin marries Miss Van Nostrand-Popularity of Machin-Gen. Clinton out of money- Correspondence of Joseph Wharton respecting lands at Cooperstown- Value of Western lands-Letter from Gov. Clinton about land-Machin settles at New Grange-Order of Timothy Pickering-Certificate of Gen. Clinton-Extent of Machin's business-Great copper-firm-Machin re- moves to Montgomery county-His patrons and friends-He is a Freema- son-Obtains a pension-His death. Page 550
CHAPTER XX.
Schoharie County when formed and how bounded-Its towns-New era in its history-First Attorneys-Neatness of Schoharie women-Want of taste among the Germans and Dutch- Out buildings in New England how adorned-Statistics of the county-Schoharie Judges- Lime-stone and fos- sils-The county interesting to Geologists-Turnpike roads- Canajoharie and Catskill Rail-Road-Congressional and Senatorial Districts-Sources and outlet of the Schoharie- Extent and formation of Schoharie flats- Public executions-Trial of Van Alstyne-Establishment and history of the Lutheran Church-Singular incident in the life of Domine Sommer- Some notice of the Reformed Dutch Church-A faithful church officer- Ministerial fees-Churches when first warmed-Tidingmen and their au- thority-Blenheim-Statistics of the town-Jacob Sutherland once a resi- dent-Statistics of Broome-David Elerson-How he obtains a carriage and horses-His death-David Williams-Notice of Gen. Shays-Indian war-path-Statistics of Carlisle-Town by whom settled-Its rocks and caverns-Indian's cave-Statistics of Cobelskill-Incidents in the life of Gen. Dana-Gen. Wm. Eaton-Anecdote of Gen. Lee-John Redington- Monumental inscriptions-Statistics of Conesville-Statistics of Fulton- Bouck's Falls-Ex-Governor Bouck-Abraham A. Keyser-Statistics of Jefferson-Statistics of Middleburh-The Vlaie-County Poor-house- Statistics of Schoharie-Indian mound-Gebhard's Cavern-Otsgaragee Cavern-Nethaway's Cave-Schoharie minerals-Monumental inscrip- tioa-Statistics of Seward-New Dorlach -- Monumental inscription-Sta- tisties of Sharon-New Rhinebeck-Sharon Springs-Analysis of water -- Rare mineral-ThePavilion-Statistics of Summit-Lake Utsayantho. 601
xix
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXI.
Ancestry of David Williams-His biography-Capture of Maj. Andre-Cow boys-Courtship of Williams -- How he chanced to be one of the captors- The object of the captors' expedition-Incidents attending the arrest of Andre-A singular dream-Congress how apprised of Andre's capture- Resolution of that Body on the subject-Marriage of Williams-He parti- cipates in a celebration at New York-How honored-His death-Obitua- ry notice of his death-His burial-Incidents connected with the arrest and execution of Andre-Instructions of Sir Henry Clinton-Papers found on Andre's person-Conduct of Col. Jamieson-Extract from the Journal of Maj. Tallmade-Joshua H. Smith is suspected and tried-Board con- vened to try Andre-Manner of his execution-Champe's attempt to arrest Arnold-Capt. Nathan Hale-Bold exploit of his-His arrest and execu- tion-Confession of Cunningham-Fate of Andre and Hale contrasted- Andre's remains taken to England-Character of Andre over-rated-Proof of his character-Ilis poem called the Cow-Chase-Somewhat phophetic- Arnold how respected in England-An acrostic to his faine-Monuments to Paulding and Van Wart-Efforts to obtain a monument for Williams. 646
INDEX
TO POST OFFICES IN SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
Page.1
Page.
Argusville,
643 Hyndsville, 642
Barnerville,.
619 Jefferson, ... 630
Blenheim,
615
Lawyerville,. 619
Brakabeen,ยท
623
Leesville, .. 643
Bynville,.
623
Livingstonville,
615
Carlisle,
618 Middleburgh,
630
Central Bridge,
632| Mossville, ..
630
Charlotteville,.
645 North Blenheim,
615
Cobelskill,
619 Punchkill,.
619
Cobelskill Centre,
619 Richmondville ..
619
Conesville,.
623 Schoharie Court House,. 632
Esperance,.
632 Sharon, 643
Franklinton,
630 Sharon Centre, 643
Fultonham,
623 Sloansville,
632
Gallupville,
632 Smithton ...
615
Gardnersville,.
642[Summit Four Corners,.
645
Gilboa, ..
615| Waldensville,
632
Hunters Land,
630;
ERRATA.
On page 117, under cut, instead of North read South view. It is the view of Guy Park as seen from the Erie canal.
On page 182, for the remotest parts, read their remotest part.
On page 194, for fighting a just cause, read fighting in a just cause. On the same page, for messenger of death, read messengers of death.
On page 195, fourth line from top, for Bunker, read Yankee.
On page 374, first line, after neighbor insert a comma.
On page 615, under post offices in Broome, for Livingston, read Living. stonville.
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
The border wars of New York, in the great struggle with Eng- land for American nationality, originated some of the most thrill- ing incidents that ever did or ever can stamp the page of history. Many of those transpired in that part of Albany county now known as Schoharie; while events of no less interest were enact- ing in Tryon, and other frontier counties. Some of them have already been published, but there are not a few, especially of those which occurred in the Schoharie settlements, that have either not been presented to the American reader at all, or if they have, but partially and inaccurately so.
Schoharie is the present name of a county, a town, a village, and a river, in the state of New York. The geographical posi- tion of the county, its division into towns, &c., will be given in a subsequent chapter of this work. The word Schoharie, is abori- ginial, and signifies, agreeable to published definitions, drift, or flood-wood. The author has spared no little pains to arrive at the origin and true meaning of this word. The word Schoharie, or the word from which that was derived, when originated, not only signified flood-wood, but a certain body of flood-wood. At a dis- tance of about half a mile above the bridge which now crosses the Schoharie in the present town of Middleburgh, two small streams run into the river directly opposite each other. The one on the west side, coming from a north-west course, was formerly
3
22
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY,
called the Line kill, being the northern boundary line of the first Vrooman Patent-which instrument embraced that part of the town of Fulton, now called Vrooman's Land. The other stream is called Stony creek, and runs into the Schoharie from a south- east course. John M. Brown, Esq., in a pamphlet history of Schoharie, published in 1823, attributes to this stream, which he calls the little Schoharie, the origin of the latter word. The two streams mentioned, falling into the Schoharie at that place, pro- duced in the latter a counter current, which caused a lodgment of drift-wood at every high water, directly above. The banks of the river there were no doubt studded at that period with heavy growing timber, which served as abutments for the formation of a natural bridge. I judge so from the fact, that between that place and the bridge below, on the west bank, may now be seen a row of elm stumps of gigantic growth. At what period the timber began to accumulate at that place, is unknown; but it was doubtless at a date far anterior to the settlement of the Scho- harie valley, by the aborigines of which we have any certain knowledge. At the time the Indians located in the valley, who were the owners of the soil when the Germans and Dutch first set- tled there, tradition says there were thousands of loads of wood in this wooden pyramid. How far it extended on the flats on ei- ther side is uncertain, they being at that place uncommonly wide; but across the river it is said to have been higher than a house of ordinary dimensions, and to have served the natives the purposes of a bridge; who, when crossing, could not see the water through it. One tradition says Schoharie signifies to takce across or carry over ; while another tradition, from an equally creditable source, gives its literal meaning to be, the meeting of two waters in a third-both referring, beyond doubt, to the drift-wood in question, and its locality. This mausoleum of the forest sugar- tree, gnarled oak, and lofty pine, was called by the Indians who dwelt in its immediate vicinity, to-wos-scho-hor,* the accent falling
* I give the orthography of this word as it sounded when spoken by Mrs. Susannah, widow of Martin Van Slyck. At an interview in 1837, I found Mrs. Van Slyck quite intelligent, and possessed of a very retentive memory.
23
AND BORDER WARS OF NEW YORK.
on the third and fourth syllables. From that word has been de- rived the present word Schoharie, the first two syllables having been entirely dropped, while another has been added in its Angli- cisement. Several years ago I saw an ugly shaped glass bottle in Schoharie, said to have been imported from London by John Lawyer, the first merchant among the German settlers. His name and the place of his residence were stamped upon the bottle in English letters, the latter being there spelled Shoary. Many of the old German people of that county, at the present day, pronounce it Shuckary, which, it will be perceived, differs nearly as much from the sound of the word as now written, as that does from the sound of the word here given as the original.
At what period the aborigines located who were occupying the Schoharie flats when the Germans and Dutch first settled upon them, is unknown. Judge Brown, in the pamphlet to which I have alluded, informs us that the first Indian settlement was made by Ka-righ-on-don-tee,* a French Indian prisoner, who had taken
She formerly dwelt in Vrooman's Land, near where the bridge of drift-wood had been-could once converse with the natives in their own dialect, and still retains many of their words. She gave the word to which the note re- fers, as the name by which they called the natural bridge-by whom she had often heard it spoken. The author is indebted to the kindness of this lady and her tenacious memory, for several interesting facts tradition has pre- served, relating to the early settlement of Vrooman's Land by the whites, she being a granddaughter of the first Vrooman settler ; and also for several incidents worthy of record which transpired during the revolution.
* At a personal interview with the venerable patriot Brown, in Sept. 1837, he pronounced this word as though written Kar-eek-won-don-tee. I adopt his written orthography, however, with the difference only of ending it ce. believing it to be sufficiently correct. At this interview he assured the au- thor that on the 5th of the following November, he would be ninety-two years old. Although his faculties, mental and bodily, were failing him, still we are indebted to his good humor and hospitality for some explanations of his pamphlet, and for much other matter not contained in that. Reading his pamphlet to him, and questioning him about customs which were in vogue in his earlier years, he seemed almost inspired with new life-his spirits, ani- mation and memory revived, and he was enabled to relate many anecdotes, which, to use his own words, " he had not thought of in fifty years before." Mr. Brown and his amiable consort were both sociable and urbane, and I spent nearly a day very agreeably with them. Brown was married at twenty- five to a Miss Hager, of Brakabeen, Schoharie county, with whom he lived
24
HISTORY OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY,
for a wife a Mohawk squaw; that his father-in-law gave him a part of those flats to remove him from the presence of the Mo- hawk Indians, by whom he had been made prisoner, as they bore a deadly hatred to the Canada Indians, and in a drunken frolic might kill him; that families from the Mohawk, Mohegan, Tuscarora, Delaware, and Oneida tribes there joined him, so that a new tribe, of which he was principal chief, was formed, num- bering at one time about three hundred warriors.
Karighondontee was probably a Canadian chief of some cele- brity, who had been taken prisoner by the Mohawks in one of the bloody wars, which the animosity existing between the Ca- nadian Indians and the Five Nations was continually originating. As speculation alone can furnish any thing like a beginning to the first settlement of Schoharie by the natives known as the
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