38 



pstenl Jtoriatas. 



In addition to its interesting topographical features, 

 these grounds are consecrated by historic associations, 

 which should be a strong argument for preserving them 

 in their original character. In the very heart of the 

 park there is a quiet dell, which no one can enter without 

 a feeling of pleasure, called forth by its sylvan beauty. 

 Tranquil as it now appears, this spot was once the scene 

 of a desperate and bloody conflict, which, in its intrepid 

 valor, may well rank among the most gallant deeds 

 enacted by the American army, during the struggle for 

 independence. Four hundred men, composing the 

 Maryland and Delaware battalions, under General Sul- 

 livan, and forming the centre of the little army which 

 had been stationed on the heights to prevent the pas- 

 sage of the British upon New York, defended this pass, 

 under a galling fire of artillery, from sunrise to twelve 

 o'clock on the memorable 27th of August, 1776 ; and 

 never would have yielded their ground, though it should 

 have become a new Thermopolyse, had they not been 

 surrounded and attacked in the rear by the enemy, who 

 had turned the left wing of the American position. 



"Hemmed in and entrapped between the British and 

 Hessians, and driven from one to the other, the Ameri- 

 cans fought bravely and desperately ; some were cut 

 down and trampled by the cavalry, others bayonetted 

 without mercy by the Hessians ; some rallied in groups, 

 and made a brief stand with their rifles, from rocks or 

 behind trees. The whole pass was a scene of carnage, 

 resounding with the clash of arms, the tramp of horses, 



