[J. Thomas Scharf (1886)] longed to the old m inor of Philipsburgh, which was forfeited to the State when its proprietor, Frederic! 1 From BiubM Him-llh'-rralrd, oopyrlglit, 1875, by P. Applolon A.Co. MOUNT PLEASANT. 307 Philipse, went over to the enemy during the Revolu-i tion. While the war was going on, this hill, now called Prospect Hill, was much resorted to as a point of observation, and Washington himself frequently repaired to it to make reconnoisances of the British ships of war as they moved up and down the river. There are indications, also, that the Indians had used it for some similar purpose long prior to the settle-ment of the Dutch. Adjoining Mr. Douglas's premises on the north, are the lauds of George S. Rice, Esq., of New York City. His estate, comprising something more than one hundred acres alto--gether, were formerly the property of the late James Bayles, of Thomas II. Purdy, of John W. Patterson and of Isaac R. and Gabriel Mead, and passed into the possession of Mr. Rice by purchase from 1866 to 1872. The place is situated in a scene of great rural beauty. Touching the premises of Mr. Rice at its eastern end, is the high stone viaduct erected to make a way for the old Croton Aqueduct across the Pocantico River. The building of this viaduct is connected with an amusing anecdote concerning the late George Law and Washing-' ton Irving. During the progress of the work, under Mr. Law's supervi-sion as contractor, Mr.