The Hudson eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 284 pages of information about The Hudson.

The Hudson eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 284 pages of information about The Hudson.
or barricaded camps, which may be compared to the ‘hiemalia’ of the Romans.”  These barracks were situated on the level plateau between the residence of Mr. Cotheal and the mountains.  Portions of these grounds were no doubt then covered with timber.  Guarding the approach from the south, stockades and fortifications were erected on commanding positions, and regularly manned by detachments from the camp.

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  Unto him and them all owing
    Peace as stable as our hills,
  Plenty like yon river flowing
    To the sea from thousand rills.

  Mary E. Monell.

* * *

“Upon one of these hills, rising out of this mountain pass-way, very distinct lines of earthworks are yet apparent.  Near the residence of Mr. Sidney E. Van Wyck, by the large black-walnut trees, and east of the road near the base of the mountain, was the soldiers’ burial ground.  Many a poor patriot soldier’s bones lie mouldering there; and if we did but know how many, we would be startled at the number, for this almost unknown and unnoticed burial ground holds not a few, but hundreds of those who gave their lives for the cause of American independence.  Some fifteen years ago, an old lady who had lived near the village until after she had grown to womanhood, told the writer that after the battle of White Plains she went with her father through the streets of Fishkill, and in places between the Dutch and Episcopal churches, the dead were piled up like cord-wood.  Those who died from wounds in battle or from sickness in hospital were buried there.  Many of these were State militiamen, and it seems no more than just that the State should make an appropriation to erect a suitable monument over this spot.  Rather than thus remain for another century, if a rough granite boulder were rolled down from the mountain side and inscribed:  ’To the unknown and unnumbered dead of the American Revolution,’ that rough unhewn stone would tell to the stranger and the passer-by, more to the praise and fame of our native town than any of us shall be able to add to it by works of our own; for it is doubtful whether any spot in the State has as many of the buried dead of the Revolution as this quiet burial yard in our old town!” Here also on June 2, 1883, was observed “The Fishkill Centennial,” and few of our centennials have been celebrated amid objects of greater revolutionary interest.  Near at hand, to quote from the official report of the proceedings, is “Denning’s Point where Washington frequently, while waiting, tied his horses under those magnificent ‘Washington oaks,’ as he passed backward and forward from New Windsor and Newburgh to Fishkill.  Near by is the Verplanck House, Baron Steuben’s old headquarters.  On Spy Hill and Continental Hill troops were quartered.  At Matteawan Sackett lived, and there is the Teller House built by Madame Brett, where officers frequently resorted, and there Yates dwelt when he presided over the legislative body

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The Hudson from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.