[Frederic Shonnard & W.W. Spooner (1900)] The fortification of the Highlands was begun under the auspices of the New York convention shortly after the arrival of the British invading expedition. At the time of Washington's visit to Peek-skill, in November, 1770, the work had made tolerable progress. Wash-ington, it will be remembered, spent one whole day and part of a second in reconnoitering this locality and the Highlands above. After indicating what should be done toward perfecting the defensive posi-tions, he left his able engineer, Colonel Rufus Putnam, to carry out his plans under the direction of General Heath. The situation as finally developed was in detail briefly as follows: On the east side of the river, just above Peekskill village, was a work called Fort Independence.1 This was substantially completed during the winter of 1770-77. There was at that time no other fort on the Westchester shore, although later Fort Lafayette was built at the extremity of Yerplanck's Point to protect the King's Ferry route, and on a hill near Cortlandtville Fort Lookout was con-structed. Above Peekskill the passes into the Highlands were pro-tected by detachments of troops, the principal pass being at Robin-son's Bridge. In this vicinity was located the celebrated Continental Village, where the stores were stationed and extensive barracks were erected. From Anthony's Nose to the west shore the chain designed to obstruct the navigation was stretched.