New York State History

Fort Montgomery, West Point Chain, Mad Anthony, Washington Spring.

It was Saturday afternoon. Yale was gridironing the cadets, and West Point was swamped with visitors. It was no time for sight seeing, so I worried down against the stream of football enthusiasts to look for a night's lodging. But, alas! There was no place for my bones, at least none that was fit, for Highland Falls lives on the liquor it sells to the military folks, and is not the pleasantest place in the world in which to spend a night. However, one night is but a short space to a good sleeper. Highland Falls has a church, but it yet reminds one of the remark made by the Rev. William Vesey, in 1704, concerning Orange County, to the effect that "there are about sixty families of several nations who have no minister nor are able to raise a salary for one".

The three miles to Fort Montgomery is a pleasant walk along a country road; the fields on the west are too rugged to be of much use to the farmer, but the great boulders and ledges, with trees growing where they can, make a most effective picture, and pass the time pleasantly until comes the village of Fort Montgomery. At one point we can look back on Sugar Loaf Mountain which, according to Lossing, "is the highest part of a range of lofty hills on the eastern side of the Hudson, upon which the Americans planted batteries and lighted beacon fires in the time of the old war for independence".

Somehow this little hamlet made me feel that it might be the original village of Laughing Water. The brook is a trifling affair, but there is a certain picturesque quaintness, combined with a look of backwoods crudity that appeals to the imagination.

The way to the old fort is devious. At the postoffice the road turns up hill, and in three or four minutes one comes to a rough lane on the left skirting a cleared field, and a few feet before this is reached is a blind footpath leading in from the road. This, diligently followed, will bring one out onto the breastworks which still surmount the steep river bank. With the year's crop of leaves on the ground this path is as easy to follow as the straight and narrow way. However, an easterly course will land one pretty close to the desired haven.

The capture of Forts Clinton and Montgomery is a well-known story. The forts, with the boom and chain across the river, which they protected, made the passage north impossible to a hostile army, and if Burgoyne was to be helped these obstructions must be swept aside. The fight can almost be called a family affair, for it was Clinton against Clinton: Gov. George and his brother Genl. James for the defendant and Sir Henry for the plaintiff. They were all from the same Irish stock, and all pretty good fighters, but the defenders were so outnumbered that the case was hopeless. Sir Henry, after deceiving Putnam, who was in command on the other side of the river, by a feint against Peekskill, crossed under cover of a dense fog on the morning of October 6, 1777, to Stony Point, and by a circuitous march back of the Dunderberg he was able to fall on both forts at once and carry them by the sheer force of numbers. The following description of the event is taken from the Historical Collections of the State of New York, published in 1841. It purports to have been written at Kingston three days after the fight by one who was in Fort Montgomery at the time, and gives some interesting details:-

"On Sunday night his Excellency, Governor Clinton, who then commanded at Fort Montgomery, sent out a party of about one hundred men under the command of Major Logan, across the Dunderbergh (Thunder Mountain) to watch the motion of the enemy. The party returned in the morning and reported that they had seen about forty boats full of men land below the Dunderbergh. The Governor sent out another small party of about twenty-eight men, under the command of Lieutenant Jackson. On the road that leads to Haverstraw, two or three miles below Fort Clinton, they fell in with a concealed party of the enemy, who ordered them to club their muskets and surrender themselves prisoners. They made no answer, but fired upon the enemy and hastily retreated; they returned the fire and pursued our people half a mile; but they all got back to the fort without losing a man, though within five rods of the enemy before they were discovered. Upon this intelligence, one hundred men were immediately sent off under Colonel Brown, who fell in with them two miles from the fort, about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, when a smart engagement ensued; but the enemy being of much superior force, our people were forced to retreat.

"At the same time it was thought proper to send some artillery with a field-piece to occupy an eminence that commands the road that leads to Orange Furnace, with a party of men to defend it; they were attacked soon after, and our field-piece did great execution. The field-piece bursting, our men in their retreat kept up the engagement for some time with small arms. Most of our people got within the breastwork, and the attack became general on both forts. At the same time the enemy's shipping came in sight, but the wind being light, and the tide against them, none of their vessels came up except the galleys and armed sloops, which fired upon us, but did no execution; we in return fired upon them, and believe did them some damage.

"The enemy continued a vigorous and incessant attack upon the forts; but notwithstanding their utmost efforts, they were many times repulsed and beaten back from our breastworks with great slaughter. But the smallness of our number (being in both forts but about five hundred), which required every man to be upon continual duty and obliged them to unremitted exertion, fatigued our people greatly, while the enemy, whose number was supposed to be at least four thousand, continued to press us with troops.

"About 4 o'clock they sent in a flag, demanding in five minutes a surrender of the fort and ourselves prisoners of war,-or they would put us all to the sword. An answer was returned by Colonel Livingston, acquainting them that we were determined to defend the fort to the last extremity. The action was renewed with fresh vigor on both sides, and continued until the dusk of the evening, when they stormed our upper redoubt which commands the fort, which after a severe struggle and overpowering us with numbers they got possession of; and we were obliged to give way. At the same time they stormed and got possession of Fort Clinton, in which were none but militia, who nobly defended it till they, like the garrison at Fort Montgomery, were obliged to give way to superior force.

"The darkness of the evening much favored the escape of our people, the greatest part of whom, with almost all the officers, got off, and have since joined our army or returned to their places of residence. We are told that the reinforcement from Peekskill, which had been twice urged during the day, arrived only in time on the opposite side of the river to see the fort taken, but could give them no manner of assistance, and even a small reinforcement would have enabled the garrison to maintain it until efficient succor had arrived. Under this misfortune, we have the satisfaction to be assured, that all the officers of the garrison fought like heroes, distinguished themselves both by their courage and conduct, and that all the privates, as well militia as continental, fought with the utmost bravery.The quantity of provisions in the fort was not great, but the ammunition and stores which fell into the enemy's hands were considerable."

The outline of the earthworks along the edge of the bank is well defined to-day. The whole is covered with a forest of second growth timber which, with the leaves on the trees, would cut off practically all of the outside world, but as I saw it in November the vista down and across the river was magnificent, limited only by the weather. Opposite, towering high overhead, is the rugged mountain known as Anthony's Nose, while below spreads the river and the group known as Dunderberg, whose stubborn feet have compelled the mighty stream to bend the knee.

There was a good deal more concerning the chain or chains which were stretched across the river during the War for Independence than most of us know about. The following notes are taken from "An historical address" by Macgrane Coxe, delivered at the unveiling of a tablet at Sterling Furnace:-

The first attempt to obstruct the Hudson was made at Fort Washington in the Summer of 1776 by a line of chevaux-de-frise and sunken ships across to Fort Lee, but this failed entirely of its purpose.

Next, in 1777, a chain was stretched from Fort Montgomery to Anthony's nose. To have one's nose tweaked in such fashion must be anything but pleasant, but there is no record of any objection on Anthony's part, though he is just the rugged sort that one would expect to hear from. This chain was made at or near Ticonderoga and was intended for the obstruction of the Sorel River, the outlet of Lake Champlain, but the Hudson was more important and it was brought south. The strong currents, however, developed many weak points, and the chain had to be both lengthened and strengthened. On the capture of Fort Montgomery this fell into the hands of the British, who sent it to England, and from there it was sent to Gibraltar, "where it was of great use in protecting the shipping at the moles".

In the Autumn of 1776 and the Springs of 1777 and 1778 a chevaux-de-frise with fire ships and rafts, to be used against an enemy, was constructed at Polopel's Island, opposite New Windsor. It was for the further defense of the river and as a protection to this obstruction that Captain Machin's battery was intrenched on Plum Point.

On April 30, 1778, the great chain was stretched from West Point to Constitution Island. This was five hundred yards long, and is said to have weighed one hundred and eighty-six tons. Was supported on logs, so that it floated but a few feet below the surface, and remained in place until the declaration of peace, being taken up in the Autumn of 1783. The iron for this was made at the Forest of Dean Mine and at Ringwood, then owned by Robert Erskine, and the links were forged at the Sterling Furnace, which is still in operation. They were then taken over the mountains on muleback or by ox carts, two or three or more links at a time, and were finally welded together at the several forges situated along the river near West Point and New Windsor, one of which was the Brewster forge at Moodna.

Most, if not all, of the oversight of this work devolved on Capt. Thomas Machin, who was of the Boston Tea Party, was wounded at Bunker Hill, and on. January 18, 1776, was commissioned second lieutenant of artillery in Colonel Knox's regiment. He was employed under Governor Clinton in constructing the fortifications and obstructions of the Hudson River in the Highlands.

There are two ways of going south from Fort Montgomery. One by crossing Popolopen Creek and taking a beautiful woodland road along the border of Sinnipink or Highland Lake, sometimes called Hessian Lake from the slaughter on its banks of Hessian troops during the assault on Fort Clinton.
Then around the foot of Dunderberg, through Tompkins Cove and so to Stony Point. The other back of Dunderberg, following the line of Sir Henry Clinton's advance on Fort Montgomery and of General Wayne's when he marched south to the storming of Stony Point, July 15, 1779. Both are historic and both beautiful, but, having been over the former some years since, I tried the longer and more "circuitous" route. This took me through the Hellhole, between The Torne and Bear Mountain, along Popolopen Creek, whose roar ascends to the traveller high overhead, along Queensboro Brook to Queensboro and Beach Bottoms, and through the latter by a cart track, and over the hills between Black Mountain on the west and The Timp on the east. It is only when one comes out on the southern brow of the ridge and looks down on the distant Hudson with the hills and vales between, that he realizes how high up in the world he is, the ascent has been so gradual.

This region is too rough for much farming, though here and there the attempt is made. Occasionally the little home of a woodchopper is passed, but for the most part it is a fairly wild piece of country. The voice of one crying in this wilderness would disturb but few. Queensboro Brook is as circuitous as a series of barrel hoops. The road runs first one side and then another, until it seems as though there was always one more river to cross. All of which entertains the traveller mightily.

Just about opposite Stony Point the road splits, the eastern fork, known as the Creek Town Road, offered General Wayne an opportunity to mass his men for the attack on Stony Point. There is a spring here which pours out of the roots of a stone wall which is evidently good for man and beast, as I had to drive out an old white horse before my turn could come.

Tradition says that a few days before the assault on Stony Point a squad of soldiers went from house to house through this entire region and killed every dog found so as to insure quiet when the time came.

Lossing, in "The Romance of the Hudson", published in Harpers' Magazine in 1876, gives the following as preliminary to the planning for the capture of Stony Point: "The chances for success in a night assault upon the garrison there were talked over at the headquarters of Washington at West Point. The impetuous General Wayne-"Mad Anthony"-was then in command of troops in that vicinity. "Can you take the fort by assault?" Washington asked Wayne. "I'll storm hell, general, if you'll plan it!" was the reply. "Try Stony Point first", solemnly answered the chief.

The following letter to General Washington, dated at Stony Point, July 17, 1779, is General Wayne's own account of the assault and capture:-

"Sir-I have the honor to give you a full and particular relation of the reduction of this Point, by the light infantry under my command.

"On the 15th instant at 12 o'clock we took up our line of march from Sandy Beach, distant fourteen miles from this place; the roads being exceedingly bad and narrow, and having to pass over high mountains, through deep morasses, and difficult defiles, we were obliged to move in single files the greatest part of the way. At 8 o'clock in the evening the van arrived at Mr. Springsteels, within one mile and a half of the enemy, and formed into columns as fast as they came up, agreeably to the order of battle anexed; namely, Colonels Febiger's and Meigs's regiments, with Major Hull's detachment, formed the right column; Colonel Butler's regiment and Major Murfey's two companies the left. The troops remained in this position until several of the principal officers with myself had returned from reconnoitering the works. At half after 11 o'clock, being the hour fixed on, the whole moved forward. The van of the right consisted of one hundred and fifty volunteers, properly officered, who advanced with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury; these were preceded by twenty picked men, and a vigilant and brave officer to remove the abatis and other obstructions. The van of the left consisted of one hundred volunteers, under the command of Major Stewart, with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets, also preceded by a brave and determined officer with twenty men, for the same purpose as the other.

"At 12 o'clock the assault was to begin on the right and left flanks of the enemy's works, whilst Major Murfey amused them in front; but a deep morass covering their whole front, and at this time overflowed by the tide, together with other obstructions, rendered the approaches more difficult than was at first apprehended, so that it was about twenty minutes after 12 before the assault began; previously to which I placed myself at the head of Febiger's regiment, or the right column, and gave the troops the most pointed orders not to fire on any account, but place their whole dependence on the bayonet, which order was literally and faithfully obeyed. Neither the deep morass, the formidable and double rows of abatis, nor the strong works in front and flank, could damp the ardor of the troops, who, in the face of a most tremendous and incessant fire of musketry, and from cannon loaded with grape-shot, forced their way at the point of the bayonet through every obstacle, both columns meeting in the centre of the enemy's works nearly at the same instant. Too much praise cannot be given to Lieutenant-Colonel Fleury (who struck the enemy's standard with his own hand), and to Major Stewart, who commanded the advance party, for their brave and prudent conduct.

"Colonels Butler, Meigs and Febiger conducted themselves with that coolness, bravery, and perseverance, that will ever insure success. Lieutenant-Colonel Hay was wounded in the thigh, bravely fighting at the head of his battalion. I should take up too much of your excellency's time, were I to particularize every individual who deserves it for his bravery on this occasion. I cannot, however, omit Major Lee, to whom I am indebted for frequent and very useful intelligence, which contributed much to the success of the enterprise; and it is with the greatest pleasure I acknowledge to you, that I was supported in the attack by all the officers and soldiers under my command, to the utmost of my wishes. The officers and privates of the artillery exerted themselves in turning the cannon against Verplanck's Point, and forced the enemy to cut the cables of their shipping, and run down the river.

"I should be wanting in gratitude were I to omit mentioning Captain Fishbourn and Mr. Archer, my two aids-decamp, who on every occasion showed the greatest intrepidity, and supported me into the works after I received my wound in passing the last abatis.

"Enclosed are the returns of the killed and wounded of the light infantry, as also of the enemy, together with the number of prisoners taken, likewise of the ordnance and stores found in the garrison.

"I forgot to inform your excellency, that previously to my marching, I had drawn General Muhlenberg into my rear, who, with three hundred men of his brigade, took post on the opposite side of the marsh, so as to be in readiness either to support me, or to cover a retreat in case of accident ; and I have no doubt of his faithfully and effectually executing either, had there been any occasion for him.

"The humanity of our brave soldiery, who scorned to take the lives of a vanquished foe calling for mercy, reflects the highest honor on them, and accounts for the few of the enemy killed on the occasion.

"I am not satisfied with the manner in which I have mentioned the conduct of Lieutenants Gibbons and Knox, the two gentlemen who led the advance parties of twenty men each. Their distinguished bravery deserves the highest commendation. The former belongs to the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment, and lost seventeen men killed and wounded in the attack; the latter belongs to the Ninth Pennsylvania Regiment, and was more fortunate in saving his men, though not less exposed. I have the honor to be, &c., ANTHONY WAYNE."

A spring, known as Washington Spring, once gushed in large volume at the side of the highway in what is now the village of North Haverstraw. It was a well-known spot to the army of the Revolution, and well merits its name. Of late it has been harnessed to the water pipes of a nearby house, and only the overflow is allowed to disport itself as of old, but even this makes quite a brook.