[Robert Bolton, Jr. (1848)] I need not point out to your excellency the consequence of destroying this post, as it was the only establishment of the rebels on that part of the High-lands, and the place from whence any body of troops drew their supplies.''^ The Cortlandt bridge crosses the mouth of the Peekskill creek near Annsville, on the road leading to Roa or Rahway Hook. The total length of this bridge, which is built of wood, is four-teen hundred and ninety-six feet. Upon the highest ground of Rahway Hook stands " Fort Independence Hotel," lately erected by Col, Pierre van Cortlandt. From its elevated position this spot commands a most extensive prospect of the Hudson River and adjacent country. To the north rise the mnjestic Highlands, on the west the race and towering Dunderbarrack. To the south the waters of the Peekskill bay resemble a vast lake bounded by the mountains of Rockland and Stony and Verplanck's Points, while on the east appears the village of Peekskill and the Cort-landt hills. The proximity of this place to the city, and the un-equalled facilities of communication by steamboat, renders this "^ Supplement to H. Gaines' Military Gazette, Feb. 9, 1778, No. 1372, 92 HISTORY OF THE hotel one of the most desirable residences in summer for families or individuals to be found on the banks of the Hudson. In the rear of the hotel are situated the remains of Fort Independence,