152 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 



of sisters for their future labor in caring for and reforming those of their 

 own sex who have fallen from virtue. 



One of the most interesting objects in the village of Peekskill, is the 

 old Birdsall residence, situated directly opposite the Bank. This house, 

 during the American Revolution, was occupied occasionally by General 

 Washington as head-quarters when the army happened to be stationed 

 here. In this time honored mansion the visitor is still shown the sleep- 

 ing apartments of Washington, and his noble companion in arms — La 

 Fayette. The furniture occupies nearly the same position as at that 

 day, and the old clock still marks the passing hour as it did seventy- 

 seven years ago. The colored woman who waited upon the illustrious 

 visitors, died in 1844. The Rev. George Whitfield also preached in one 

 of the parlors. 



The Village landing is pleasantly situated at the foot of a high bank, 

 commanding a fine view of Peekskill Bay, the Dunderbarrach, Rahway 

 Hook, and the entrance to the Highlands ; directly opposite is Cald- 

 well's Landing, in Rockland county, with which the Westchester shore 

 is connected by a ferry. Across this ferry the American troops were 

 frequently transported during the Revolution. In the vicinity of the 

 landing there was formerly a silver mine in operation; the following 

 register of its discovery occurs in the Secretary of State's office : 



No 8 Name of Discoverer. In which County. Recorded. Book. Page. 

 Gilbert Weeks. W. C. Co., town of March 16, 26. 190. 



Cortlandt, within a 1796. 

 quarter of a mile of 

 Peekskill Landing, 

 on the north side of 

 McGregory's brook 

 silver ore. 



Numerous minerals are also found in this neighborhood, such as 

 Epidote, Garnet, &c. Sphene is said to have been discovered near 

 Peekskill in an aggregate of quartz. Sulphate of barytes exists in the 

 region of Anthony's Nose. 



Gregory's brook (sometimes called Magrigarie's creek,) rises in Mag- 

 rigarie's pond, a few miles east of the village. This rapid stream, after 

 flowing through a deep and wooded glen, empties into the Hudson near 

 the landing place. 



The romantic hills which abound in the immediate vicinity of Peek- 

 skill are many of them connected with stirring events during the revolu- 

 tionary war. Among the most prominent is Gallows Hill, famous as the 

 spot where the spy Palmer was executed by order of General Putnam, 



