The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-05-26

years these trees received the closest at
tention of their owner, and after his
tragic death the fact that he had given
them especial care was remembered by
others and they We're protected for his
sake.
In the alterations that have since been
made about this place it has been neces-
sary to cut down many of the old trees,
but these thirteen silent memorials of
the birth of the new nation have not been
molested. In spite o. this fact, however,
it must be admitted that they have not
received the care that they deserved
For a time they were protected by
fence, but it finally decayed, and since it
disappeared nothing has been done to
preserve these trees that ought to be so
priceless in the eyes of all true patriots
AS the result of this neglect they have
suffered irreparably, but it is some sat
isfaction to know that efforts will now
be made to guard them with more care.
HIS BEGINNING.
It is particularly appropriate that this
spot should be selected as the location
for an historical museum, for all about
it are imperishable reminders of the
years of strife with which Hamilton
was so closely associated. In its imme-
date neighborhood are scenes of some
of the most memorable events of the
Revolutionary war. In its retreat from
/ New York after the disastrous battle
| of Long Island, the American Army
/ passed directly over this spot. Within
a short distance from it are Harlem
| Heights, where, when yet boy, Ham
! ilton, by his bravery and address, at
| tracted the attention of General Wash
incton and won his first interview with
! him.
A little farther to the north is Fort
| WASHINGTON in which the Continental
Army made its last stand upon the island
land the loss of which sealed the fate
of New York for the war. 1t was tins
| fort which, in the ardor of his youthtuI
| enthusiasm and burning with chagrin at
4 its capture. Hamilton promised Wash
/ ington he would retake if the commander
! in-chief would place a small and select
/ detachment under his command, an en-
! terprise that the General considered far
! too hazardous
just across the Hudson river, on the
New Jersey side. is Fort Lee, which fell
into the hands of the enemy soon after
the capture of Fort Washington. and
a short distance above. on the Kings
| Bridge Road, is the Jumae Mansion
once known as the Roger Norris house,
in which Washington at one time had
his headquarters and from which he con-
island.
There can be no doubt but that Ham
ilton had these associations in mind when
he selected this beautiful spot as the
location for his home and it is singular
" fitting that it should now be chosen
As the home for great museum in which
shall be preserved every possible relic
OF Revolutionary and colonial days.
In the past comparatively few people
have visited Hamilton Grange, chiefly for
the reason that they were unaware OF
its existence If the present plans are
carried out it will not be long before
the Hamilton Museum, on the banks OF
the hudson, will be one of the most
Interesting and instructive show places
in the metropolis and this permanent
memorial will tend to keep the American
people in mind of the fact that not q
little of the success of the early govern
ment of the nation was due to the fact
that a man named Alexander Hamilton
placed his time and brains at the disposal
of his countrymen at the time when in
tegrity, intelligence and good judgment
were qualities that were most sorely
] needed.