198 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 



terson, who were in the vicinity, seized their arms and hastened to the 

 shore, resolved in their own minds that the enemy should not land with- 

 out opposition. For this purpose they concealed themselves behind the 

 large rocks which still lie on the beach; and as the barge came sweeping 

 along towards the shore, Patterson fired. His aim had been well 

 directed, for an oar was seen to fall from the hands of one of the men 

 on board, and much confusion was observed among them. A second 

 shot from Sherwood compelled them to return, which they did under 

 a cover of canister and grape-shot from the Vulture, directed to that 

 part of the beach where Petterson and Sherwood were concealed. The 

 cannonade from the Vulture drew the attention of the people of Cort- 

 landt-town to the scene of action. The Vulture lying in a position to 

 be distinctly seen from Verplanck's Point, and the distance of country 

 between it and the point on the Westchester shore, and likewise from 

 Stony Point ; the town of Haverstraw, and the point where Andre and 

 Arnold held their conference in Rockland County ; the grounds upon 

 both sides of the river for many miles in extent sloping gradually 

 towards the river — gave the inhabitants a full view of the scene 

 of action. 



The inhabitants on the Westchester side had been upon the lookout, 

 for they apprehended an attack under cover of the night. There were 

 more, however, who entertained the opinion that it would be brought 

 on before sunset, until Petterson and Sherwood commenced their 

 fire. 



Many of them now hastened to the scene of action with a field-piece, 

 which they had obtained of Col. Livingston, who was in command at 

 Verplanck's Point ; and after erecting their little battery on the Point, 

 they opened a well-directed fire against the Vulture. They soon com- 

 pelled her to slip her cable and hoist sail. This circumstance pre- 

 vented Andre from returning to New York by water. 



" No sooner (says Sparks) had Andre and Arnold arrived at Smith's 

 house, than a cannonade was heard down the river. It was discovered 

 to be against the Vulture, which, though distant several miles, was in 

 full view, and for a time seemed to be on fire. It had been reported to 

 Colonel Livingston by messengers from Teller's Point, that the vessel 

 was so near the shore as to be within reach of cannon-shot, and that 

 the inhabitants were likewise apprehensive boats would land and com- 

 mit depredations. Col. Livingston accordingly sent from Verplanck's 

 Point a party with cannon, who fired upon the Vulture and compelled 

 her to remove from the position she had held during the night, and drop 

 farther down the river till she was beyond reach of the shot. Andre 



