632 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 



Philipse's, in order to embark for Albany, on board of Captain Conradts 

 Derrike's sloop, who lay there for that purpose." 01 



This was on occasion of the war with France, when the Colony of 

 New York was making formidable preparations for the reduction of 

 Canada. 



Directly opposite the dock on the Jersey shore, is situated Closter 

 landing, from which a road gradually ascends to the summit of the Pali- 

 sades —a height of 5 1 7 feet above the river. Here Lord Grey, after 

 coming up the Hudson in barges, disembarked his troops for the purpose 

 of cutting off Baylor's light dragoons then stationed at Tappaan.^ 



During the winter of 1780, the river was frozen so hard, that sleighs 

 were driven from this place to the city on the ice. At a short distance 

 above the landing, facing the post road, is the old Manor hall. The 

 present front was erected cir. 1745 ; the rear, at a much earlier period — ■ 

 which is reported to have been built soon after the Philipse family 

 purchased here, A. D. 1682 — although the favorite residence, at first, 

 appears to have been Castle Philipse, in Sleepy Hollow. 



The front of the Manor hall presented quite a handsome elevation 

 for a country residence of the olden time. 



It is built in the Dutch style, so fashionable at that period ; its roof 

 is surmounted by a heavy line of balustrade forming a terrace, that com- 

 mands extensive views of the river. 



The principal entrance is through the eastern porch, ornamented with 

 light columns and corresponding pilasters. There are likewise two 

 porches on the eastern front, looking upon the lawn. The interior is 

 fitted up with wainscoted walls, ceilings highly ornamented in arabesque 

 work, and carved marble mantels. The view from the south, commands 

 the old stone mill, village spires, and the wooded banks of Philip's 

 point. On the west, beautiful prospects of the dock and river ; on the 

 east, a verdant lawn skirted by garden terraces, horse-chestnuts and 

 the main road, above which rises Locust hill. 



The hall is capacious, and its wide staircase with antique balustrades 

 and banister, has a fine effect. The bedrooms are large panelled 



a Journal of Lewis Morris. 



b October, 1778, (says Thacher) the regiment of cavalry commanded by Col Bat lor being 

 posted on our lines ni ar Tappan, their sitaatioD was betrayed by some tories, and a party of 

 the enemy surprised them whil>- in a barn, in the night, and massacred a pail of them under 

 orcamstanc - of - wage cruelty. The commander of the party who disgraced themselves by 

 this foul deed, was the English General Grey. Col. Baylor's detachment consisted of one 

 hundred and four horsemen. The attack was so sudden, that they were entirely defenceless. 

 and the ei»-niy immediately commenced the h rrid work of slaughter; their entreaties and 

 cn>-s (o mercy were totally disregarded by their savage foes. It has been well ascertianed 

 that the British soldiers were ordered by their Inhuman officers to bayonet every man they 

 could Ilnd, and give no quarter.— Thacher'a Military Journal, 147. 



