VII.

OLOFF STEVENSON VAN CORTLANDT, the ancestor of a distinguished family, died in this country about 1683, leaving seven children. Two years later, his eldest son obtained from Governor Dougan a patent for large tracts of land purchased from the Indians in Westchester, Put.nam, and Duchess Counties. The old-fashioned stone mansion that stood on the banks of the Croton-known as the Cortlandt Manor House-was the residence of the family for many years preceding the Revolution, and it was here that Cornelia, second daughter of Pierre Van Cortlandt and Joanna Livingston, was born, in 1752. Her father, a zealous patriot, was Lieutenant-Governor of New York under George Clinton, from 1777 to 1795. Her husband was Gerard G. Beekman; and their home, after marriage, was in New York, till the storm of war drove them back to Croton. When the Peekskill Manor House, a large brick building two miles north of Peekskill, was completed, the Beekmans removed thither, remaining during the war. It was a picturesque spot, but too convenient, as a place of encampment for the army, not to be exposed to peril and aggression. Of these Mrs. Beekman had her full share from the tories; on one occasion, when she was constrained to fly, finding

the house despoiled of every thing on her return. Her social qualities and unbounded hospitality made her famous throughout the country. The leading American officers were entertained, and one room was called "Washington's "-the house having been his and General Patterson's head-quarters. The charity and kindness of Mrs. Beekman were as widely known as her hospitality; and the poor of the country blessed her for many acts of self-sacrificing generosity. The trials and privations she endured for her patriotism, and the depredations with which her property was visited, are described in another work.*

The lands in the manor of Philipsburgh, having been vested in the State of New York by the attainder of the owners, were sold in parcels; and Mr. Beekman purchased the tract in the vicinity of Tarrytown in which stood the old Manor House, to which he removed his family in 1785. "Castle Philipse" was the ancient residence of the lords of Philipsburgh, and strongly fortified, in the early days of the colony, for defense against the Indians. The embrasures, or port-holes, now form the cellar windows. With additions made by Rodolphus Philipse, this fort was a convenient dwelling; looking on the old Dutch church built in 1699 by Frederick Philipse and Catharina Van Cortlandt his wife. Tradition says, while superintending its erection, she rode from New York on horseback, on moonlight nights,

*"Women of the American Revolution."

mounted on a pillion behind her brother, Jacobus Van Cortlandt. This church, which was struck by lightning, and rebuilt with modern improvements, is described in "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" with the wide, woody dell, and the bridge over the shaded stream, where Ichabod Crane met with his adventure. Mrs. Beekman often expressed her indignation that Irving had given the name of "Sleepy Hollow" to a spot so near her own residence, when the ravine on the other side of the hill was the actual locality of the legend. The Pocanteco, or Mill River, wanders here, replenished by crystal rills, through a region of romantic beauty, by dark woodlands, over grassy meadows, and beneath rugged heights. The Manor House was fronted by trees surrounding a silver sheet of water; and near it was the old mill, with its moss-covered roof, where many bushels of grain were ground free of toll for the poor. The windows commanded a most picturesque view of the landscape through which the stream wound, to lose itself in the bosom of the Hudson. Here passed the later years of Mrs. Beekman's life, in the midst of a circle of friends, to whose improvement and happiness she contributed. She was well pleased to welcome La Fayette on his last visit, and talk with him of days gone by. She survived her husband many years, and died in the midst of loving kindred, in her ninety-fifth year. Her funeral was attended by an immense concourse, in carriages, on horseback, and on foot. The hearse was drawn by two white horses with sable trappings, while the tolling of the old

church bell broke the silence. She was known as an accomplished lady "of the old school." With steadfast principles, she had a lofty sense of honor; with force of will and stern resolution, a heart alive to all kindly feelings. In her prime she was noted for beauty of person, refinement, and dignified courtesy; while her conversation was brilliant and interesting. Amid her stores of anecdote were thrilling tales of the olden time. Her mental faculties were unimpaired to the last; though her sight failed. Calmly she awaited death, with the clear faith of a Christian, and, while counting the failing beats of her pulse with one hand, signed her name with the other, shortly before she breathed her last. Of her brothers and sisters, General Pierre Van Cortlandt and Mrs. Van Rensselaer alone survived her. Her daughter was Mrs. De Peyster, and her son was Dr. Beekman of Tarrytown:

Mrs. Gates, the wife of General Gates, was his intelligent and efficient helpmeet, managing his house and estate in his absence. She was Miss Phillips, the daughter of a British officer. She and General Gates lived for years in Virginia, but afterwards at their country-seat— "Rose Hill"-near New York, where they exercised almost unlimited hospitality. "My Mary" was always quoted with deference by the General, and had a frank welcome for his friends.