The Washington times., 1901-12-23
MADE FIREWOOD
OF HISTORIC HOUSE.
ANCIENT HOMESTEAD WRECKED,
Residences OF BedcU md sIont on
staten Island Torn Down-Where
Lord Howe Met Conti-
mental Delegation.

NEW YORK. Dec. 22.-Residents o
| Staten Island VINO take an interest il
things historical are much worried owe
the recent destruction Of two house!
which they hoped would be preserved
The Bedell homestead. near Green Ridge
one Of the Oldest and most historic housei
on the island. has been practically de
molished within the last month. II ha.
been a picturesque ruin for some time
having been partially burned for hrewooc
by negro family who occupied it.
The quaint old home of Admiral sloat
who commanded the Pacific squadron in
the war with Mexico. is being torn down
to make room for new building. The
destruction of these landmarks IS expect
ed 10 call forth renewed activity on the
part of the Staten Island Historical Com
mission, appointed some time ago for the
purpose of acquiring the Bentley Manor
House. near Tottenville. which was Lord
Howe's headquarters at the time of the
Revolution.
Nearly Two Centuries old.
The Bcdell house was built nearly 200
years ago by Hugueuot refugee. who
lived in it for many years before it came
into the Bedell family. Long before the
Revolution an important peace confer
ence between the Indian tribes of the is
land and their rivals on the New Jersey
coast was held there. The Staten Island
chlefs were quartered in the house, while
the others had to content themselves with
beds in the woods. The peace was finally
arranged, and for many years the Indians
made annual pilgrimages to the spot to
renew the treaty. The settlers took 2
great interest in these ratification meet
lngs. Tine house was the scene Of several
fierce encounters in the course Of the war
between British and Colonial troops. After
the battle OF Richmond Court House the
Americans ambushed large party of Brit
lsh regulars by hiding in the house and
firing on the passing troops Several Brit
ish officers of prominence were killed.
The Hand of the VnndaI.
The old homestead was built in the sub
stantial fashion which prevailed in early
days, and with any sort of care would
have lasted for years. II was given over
TO colored family some time ago. and
that was the beginning OF the end. When
they wanted frewOod they stripped the
walls of rooms which they did not use.
An elaborate panel painting. a hunting
scene. which was set into the wall over
the mantel in the dining room. was hacked
and ruined in their efforts to pry 1t out
OF its place.
4 year ago an historical commission
was formed of some OF the old residents.
and an effort was made to secure the
Bentley manor house. built by Christo-
pher Billopp. 1t stands near Tottenyille.
Billopp, the story goes Is the man who
secured Staten Island for the Duke of
York by sailing around il in less than
twenty-four hours. It was ia the front
room OF this house that Lord Howe met
delegation from the Continental Congress
benjamin Franklin, John Adams. and
Edward Butledge-in an effort to agree
on terms Of peace after the battle OF Long
Island. It was the intention OF the his
torical commission to make the house
the historical headquarters OF the island,
but the purchase could rot be effected at
that time.