THE TOWN OF WEST FARMS. 449 



1683 he was appointed Recorder, and was the first who held that office. 

 He afterwards was appointed Attorney General of this province. His 

 subsequent career in public life was of the most prominent character, 

 having filled several high Legislative stations in this city and Province. 

 He removed in the later years of his life to the estate of Mr. Morris at 

 Morrisania which he took on lease and where he dispensed his hospitali- 

 ties on a magnificant scale. He died in the year 1701, leaving six chil- 

 dren, by his wife Elizabeth Windebane, of New York." 



From Austin Graham this property passed to the Leggetts, who have 

 sold various portions to Mr. Dater, Mr. Dennison and others. 



Rose Bank, the charming seat of Mr. William H. Leggett, is situated 

 near the entrance of Jcjfertfs JVeck, on the banks of the East River, the 

 waters of which appear spread out into a vast lake. 



The view in front of the house embraces Riker's Island, the Two 

 Brothers, (called in the Dutch " Gesellen") the entrance of the Gate, 

 and the distant shores of New York city, &c." In the Graham mansion, 

 which formerly stood on the site of Mr. Leggett's farm house, Major 

 Bearmore, a British officer, was surprised by Colonel Armand of the 

 French cavalry. "November 7th, 1779, (says General Heath,) at night, 

 Colonel Armand proceeded with his corps from near Tarrytown to the 

 vicinity of Morrisania, to the house of Alderman Leggett, where he sur- 

 prised and took Major Bearmore and five other prisoners. The secresy, 

 precaution, gallantry and discipline exhibited by the colonel and his 

 corps on this occasion did them much honor. In the capture of Major 

 Bearmore, the inhabitants of the adjacent country were relieved from the 

 frequent excursions of a troublesome officer." The destruction of the 

 old house took place under the following circumstances : Col. Fowler, 

 of the British army, who nad dispossessed the Graham family, and made 

 it his own quarters, invited all the officers and gentry in the neighborhood 

 to dine with him, preparatory to his change of quarters. The company 

 were assembled, and all seemed gay and happy. The more youthful of 

 both sexes were wandering about the lawn, enjoying the beauty of the 

 prospect, when a servant, (one of Mr. Graham's slaves,) announced the 

 important fact, " Dinner is on the table." All turned their faces to the 

 banqueting room, but before any one entered the door, there was a cry 

 of fire heard. Col. Fowler seemed to think the dinner was more import- 

 ant than the building; he ordered everything removed from the table, 

 the gentlemen assisting, and in a few minutes the table and contents 

 were removed to the shade of a large willow, where all seated them- 



o Ou the IStli of July, 18S4, a license of marriage was issued of the Prov. Sec. Office, N. Y. 

 for James Graham ami Ellzab tii Wintlebaufc, N. Y. Ool. MS^., xxxiii, part ii., p. 2, arms of 

 Wiudebanke (llaiue's Co. Wilts; az a chev betw. 3 falcons volant or. 



