THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN. 693 



Fort Mifflin was garrisoned by troops of the Maryland line, under Lieutenant- 

 Colonel Samuel Smith of Baltimore ; and the attack on Fort Mercer was given up. 



These signal repulses of the enemy had an animating effect on the public mind, 

 and were promptly noticed by Congress. Col. Greene, who commanded at Fort 

 Mercer; Lieutenant-Colonel Smith of Maryland, who commanded at Fort Miff- 

 lin ; and Commodore Hazelwood, who commanded the galleys, received the 

 thanks of that body ; and consequently a sword was voted to each, as a testimo- 

 nial of distinguished merit."* 



Shrub Oak is a small village, in the northern part of the town, form- 

 ing a portion of Jefferson valley, and situated not far distant from Lake 

 Magrigaries, or what is now denominated Lake Osceola. This place is 

 beautifully situated in a well watered and picturesque region, and, chief- 

 ly on account of its healthiness, is much sought after by New York citi- 

 zens who are erecting some fine country seats in the neighborhood. 

 One of the oldest residences in the village is located on Park street and 

 belonged formerly to the Paulding family, but is now owned by the Rev. 

 George S. Gordon, one of the former rectors of St. Peter's church, 

 Peekskill. It seems that the celebrated John Paulding of revolutionary 

 fame, purchased the estate, on which the mansion stands, of Ezekiel 

 Knapp, probably before the Revolution or soon after. Upon the nth 

 of January, 1817, we find the said John Paulding conveying to Natha- 

 niel Garrison of Cortlandtown, for the sum of $4,500, one piece (of this 

 very property), "containing eighty-two acres, be the same more or less, 

 excepting the lands deeded to the Methodist meeting house and Isaac 

 Knapp, and except the lot sold for a district school-house and a piece 

 containing four acres, two rods and six perches." b Garrison after- 

 wards sold to Dr. Collett (who married a daughter of Dr. Felton, then 

 rector of St. Stephen's church, N. Y.) and the latter conveyed to the 

 Rev. George S. Gordon. The old house, which was used as a tav- 

 ern during the Revolutionary war, is well constructed of heavy oak tim- 

 ber, while the parlor and dining room are finished with old fashioned 

 mantles and fire places six feet wide. Tradition says that a bold Tory 

 captain, who was suspected of being a spy, was shot at the gate while 

 attempting to escape. It is well known that Major Andre passed this 

 spot on his way to Crompond. The Five Mile Turnpike leading from 

 Peekskill to Red Mills, passes within one quarter of a mile of this place, 

 likewise the intended route of the railroad from Turners Station in 

 Rockland Co., to Fort Montgomery and thence by the great Suspen- 



a From Irving's Life of Washington, vol. iii, pp. 269 to 275. 



b Copied from original Doc. in possession of the Kev. G. S. Gordon. 



c The Kev. George S. Gordon is a son of the late Capt. Henry Gordon of TJ. S. N. by Maria 

 da. of Will, and Mary Tapp. Wm. Tapp was born In London, Middlesex, England, 22d Dec. 

 1750.— Is". Styles. 



