The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-08-02
Brooklyn, July q, 1916.


This piece of old times, it appears, is in a
course to receive due attention and careful pre-
servation from Brooklyns patriots. That it will
rebound extensively to the honor of those directly
instrumental in its preservation, there can be no
doubt. Much, however, yet depends upon the
manner in which it is to be preserved, and the
ornaments with which it is to be decorated; all
which it appears should be on lofty scale.
On this height no fort erected in those
times which tried mems souls, but that this was
a prominent observatory then, there can be no
doubt Indeed, if little occurred upon II, in its
Immediate vicinity and vista were enacted deeds
which thrill the soul at this distant period. To
the southwark, from its apex, can be seen the
marshes Of Gowannu's Bay, in W hich the flower
of the Maryland forces penshed IN their retreat
from the superior powers OF the Toe. Above, on the
hills to the left occurred the battle OF Long Island,
attended by disaster to our arms From this Wei
mage and the heights, it was also that on fortui-
tous foggy morning, the American forces under
Washington retreated with regular pace, the or
der beng given that any breaking ranks by undue
gency then happened of tory, who going to in
form the foe at night OF the Americans design to
retreat from Long Island, met an Hessian guard,
who not understanding me traitors tongue,
imprisoned him and luckily for the American
arms, the object of this Judas was thus frustrated
At the northern base OF this eminence, can be
seen the locality of the prison ships, wherein over
ii 900 American patriots were IN loathsomc
manner confined and where many died martyrs
O liberty; l3 collins of the beached bones OF
whom were deposited in plainly erected wood
EN- tomb, in Jackson street, IN 1905, with ceremo-
MES suiting the occasion. These are lew oil
the revolutionary incidents that lnger round the
circle of this commanding emlnence, invul-
nerable to the ravagng effects OF tune.
But as well may this lofty hill be pointed to by
those having sour last war; before them. In the
vicinity OF, and on this hill then 1t was, that en-
bankments of soil were extensively raised-New'.
Orleans cotton bale fashion. The patriotic sons
of Brooklyn and New York united IN laoof'ng 10
throw up" these protective fences; School
teachers, with becoming patriotism, allowed (as
a quaint Ms. has it,) "the enthusiastic big boy,
holiday to help; and political bodies joined
with citizens generally in handling plckaxes,
shoyels. etc., to erect these defensive embank-
ments. Fort Green presented lively spectacle
mid these preparations; and tins active scene IS
enhanced by its being the encampIng ground OIL
forces under Commandment General jeremiah
Johnson who is an Ex-Mayor of Brooklyn, and
still living. In short, the whole OF this extensive
eminence presents a chivalric scene with these
preparation and this martial army
With hammered pomp of war and glittering files,
Ger whose gay trappings stern Bellona smiles,
With brazen trump and spirit stirring drum,
Ready to descend-a phalanx-to batterng ef-
forts-against invading tyrants hostile to our adj
vancing nation.
These and other "reminiscences have awaken
ed in Brooklyn minds the desire TO preserve Fort
Green as oasis TO the eye OF memory; as a
commanding position upon which the historic
muse loves to take her stand, and gaze upon the
days extending farther and farther IN the depart
ing passages of the Architectural past. AS
height worthy of care a spot where trees, foil
age, and flowers-the cheering existence OF ma
ture--may impart their lessons 10 myrads the fli-
ture will seld up hither; hill OF Brooklyns
pride, mementO OF past deeds, ceaseless distTiou-
ter of healthfu benefits to INITIATING generations
sacred spot where freemen join with nature in
sending grateful incense to the infinitely great
Eternal -
II remains but to be asked: when will this
height, with due ceremonies, be dedicated TO the
uses of the city and the city's sons! Would 1t
not be pleasing (aye, and a patriotic) scene, to
with gallant army, "raking captive this fort,"
in the name OF President Posterity?
CLRoPHoN