32 
the northern end of the place in which Col. Musgrave in the 
action of 1776-77, with a company of British Light Infantry, 
defended himself so bravely against a large body of the 
American Army." Schoepf also refers to the fact, that "in 
the direction of Germantown there are still many sad traces 
of the war in burned and ruined houses." This was in the 
year 1784, and we further learn from the work of Schoepf, 
that Germantown was again upon the upward move, — for 
"there are many well-to-do people among the inhabitants; and 
much property and many houses here are owned by Phila- 
delphians, who make use of this place as a Summer retreat, — 
and in general, on account of its nearness, frequent excursions 
are made hither. On Sundays, the whole road is covered 
with the wagons and carriages of the pleasure-loving Philadel- 
phians." 
This also coincides with the description of the Rev. John 
C. Ogden, who 15 years later stated, "The houses in German- 
town are very universally shaded with weeping-willows, the 
Lombardy poplar, and other ornamental trees. The gardens 
are under excellent cultivation, with valuable fields to their 
rear." 
For a period, let us now pass from Germantown proper, 
to its immediate vicinity. Along, or near Old York Road, 
are a few noted places, which may not be wholly ignored, 
because they have always been associated with Germantown. 
These are "Solitude," "Champlost," "Fairfield," "Butler- 
Place" and "Bonneval Cottage." 
"Solitude" is situated east of Old York Road and 
Fisher's Lane. Once it was interesting both historically, and 
floriculturally. Now improvements have left little more than 
memories, so that its glories, like those of "Fair-Hill" and 
"Stenton" are largely of the past. The same may also be 
said of "Champlost," situated upon Fisher's Lane, east of 
Old York Road. The latter was one of the oldest, and one 
of the finest estates in Pennsylvania. It was brought to its 
perfection by the Fox family, and was celebrated for its 
grounds, its gardens, and for its magnificent trees, — now the 
