The National tribune., 1894-12-06

wcrc guarded by several companics of Prc-
vincal militia. who had returned 10 their
homes after taking part in the Canada expedi-
tion. Ia July. 1776, "a runior spread that the
enemy contemplated march along the west
shore OF The Hudson. The Provincial Conven-
ton ordered THAT one fourth part Of the
militia of the Counties of Ulster and Orange i.e
drawn out for the defense Of the State" A
system Of signals Introduces that,
should the enemy att1Ck the handful of men
who guarded the mountain passes. those who
were attending 10 their bone duties would
Immediately march 10 their assistance. Forti-
fcstions were quickly thrown up on the sum-
rl:s of Authouy's Nose and Mount Manito. \
position was also taken OH Constitution Island.
opposite West Point, WHICH was then uuiu
habitcd and ttl0H2ly fortified. EcdQub!s
were constructed OH the surrounding hills and
many guns mounted this island. The site.
however, was condemned by Congressional
committee OF account of being overlooked by
West Point. The post was rot abandoned until
tho British caatated Forts Montgomery and
Clinton in 1771. 1T was destroyed by the
enemy Immediately after the fall Of tose f0rIs.
No defenscs bad becn erected Oh West Point at
this time.
The plateau known as West Point is washed
by the HUDSON. which abruptly changes its
course here and with q sharp curve forces its
way Through the clcits %! the highest part of
the highland range. ! he uioantaius rise 10 "A
great hight on either side and command nm
extensive view Of Tie surrounding country.
The wild and rugged character of tais sec! ion
natc IL uninyltlng to the ear. s. settlers aud
the place unknown except 10 tho hunter
ana wOOdcuttcr. The iortiicatnns OF West
Point had boon decided upon in I77., but it
WAS not until the Winter of 1177 that actual
work begun. Col. Rsdicre, French
officer. had charge as engineer, but his plans
failed to meet Washiugtou's approval and he
H. 81. 4
General. succeeded him, and the work was
pushed with great visor. notwithstanding the
severity Of the Winter. Parsons Bri.ade
hauled logs and stones through the deep snow,
and fort which ut that time
sdered almost inpregnable commanded the
narrow and dangerous curve of the Hudson.
This fort was on the east corner OF the pla-
teaa. It is still in existence, and is kept in
excellent repair by the Hillary Academy au-
ihorities. Within the furt the Cadets are
taught practical engineering during .tyo Sum-
nlcr months. On tho northeast corner - nIonu-
mcnt has been erected by u former class Of
Cadets to the gallant Kosciusko Before Bene-
dict ArDods trcachery this fortifcati0n was
known as Fort Arnold. The name was after
ward changed to Fort Clinton. which it still
retains. There many trophies of later wars
stored in Fort Clinton. On the cliffs directly
under this fort several batteries commanded
the river, the most important Of which was
Battery Knox. This battery. of several large
guns is kept in good condition. 1t is IA
vorte spot for Summer visitors, and OH a hot
July day the whitc-trousered Cadets, with their
fair companions fnd it an agreeable resting.
place after stroll through Flirtaton."
A little south of Battery Knox is the roman
tic nook known as koseins1o's Garden. This
garden is a narrow, rocky ledge, overlooking Il
precipice of more than 800 feet. A limpd
spring which bubbles out Of the rock, aud "a
small fountain, having upon its rim the name
Koscinsko," are its principal features. Ira.
dition says that this spot the favorite rest