[J. Thomas Scharf (1886)] Revolutionary Wa k. — The importance of Peeks-kill as a military post — the key, as it were, to the lower gateway of the Highlands — had been recognized from the very beginning of the contest. As early as May, 1770, in the report of the commissioners sent to examine the fortifications of the Highlands, its posi-tion was remarked on as being in the near vicinity of the King's Perry (then the principal means of com-munication between the Eastern and Southern States), and also as having a most excellent road leading from it into Connecticut. Henry Wisner stated to the New York Convention that there was a hill to the north of Peekskill so situated, with the road winding along the side of it, that ten men on top, by rolling down stones, could prevent 'as many thousand from passing. " I believe," added Wisner, " that nothing more need be done than to keep great quantities of stones at the different places where the troops must pass, if they attempt penetrating the mountains." The place to which he alluded was probably in the neighborhood of Gallows Hill, about three miles above the village, a high eminence looking down on all the surrounding country, and over the side of which the post-road crosses. Near the northern de-clivity of this hill Continental Village, as will be seen, was destroyed by Try on in October, 1777.