Pierre Van Cortlandt Jr.
John M. McDonald interview — 1845-10-31
Pierre Van Cortlandt, Jr. (1762-1848) was a son of Pierre Van Cortlandt, Lieutenant Governor of New York, and a brother of Brigadier General Philip Van Cortlandt. At the time of this interview, he was residing at the Van Cortlandt Upper Manor House in Van Cortlandtville. He describes the location of a skirmish that took place on March 24, 1777, between an American force led by Colonel Marinus Willett and British troops commanded by Colonel Bird. Willett had pointed out the location of the skirmish to Van Cortlandt shortly before his death.
Original findings from this interview
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Transcription
October 31st General Pierre Van Cortlandt, of Peekskill:
"The hill east of and adjacent to the Post Road about a quarter or a half a mile south of my house and contiguous to the 'Old Orchard' is the spot where the Picket Guard of the British was posted in 1777, when it was attacked by Colonel Willett. There is a deep valley (that is, the Peekskill valley) every part of which is conspicuous from the Hill, on its left or west flank; and one much smaller which approaches the right or east flank and which at that time was covered with brush and wood, and much less conspicuous from the Hill - Along this valley or depressed ground Willett, probably, (?) advanced. Shortly before his death he spoke of it and pointed it out to me. (?)
Mr. Thomas Strang informs me that the French army in 1782, was encamped on the long ridge of ground south west of Crompond Meeting House.
November 1st Samuel Chadeayne of Yorktown: "DeLancey when he attacked Colonel Green advanced by the White Plains road, or rather by the Chappequa road, and when he came to the Sing Sing road about three fourths of a mile from Pines Bridge left a detachment in an orchard on the right hand or east by a farm