OUTLINE SUMMARY OF THE ADDRESS MADE AT NEW WINDSOR, SEPTEMBER 21, 1933
BY THE HON. HAMILTON FISH,
JR.
I am glad to join with the members of the Dutchess County Historical Society on their annual pilgrimage to historic and patriotic shrines and particularly to Major General Henry Knox's old headquarters in the town of New Windsor. It is most fitting and proper that Temple Hill and Knox's Headquarters should be chosen this year as the places to be visited as it was just one hundred and fifty years ago this fall that the Continental Army was disbanded at Newburgh. The centenary of that event was probably the largest and most important celebration ever held at Newburgh. William M. Evarts, a former Secretary of State and at that time a United States Senator, one of the greatest orators of his time, was the main speaker. National Guard Regiments from New York and Brooklyn participated and all the Grand Army of the Republic posts along the Hudson River marched in the parade accompanied by forty bands. Due to economic conditions this year the 150th anniversary celebration will have to be dispensed with. The John Ellison house where Generals Knox, Gates and Greene had their headquarters at various times during the Revolution was erected in 1734 and the more substantial stone part in 1754. History tells us that the original building was so constructed that a horse could enter one door, drawing a large log for the huge fireplace and leave by the opposite door. Washington's Headquarters at Newburgh is celebrated for having a room with seven doors and one window, whereas Knox's Headquarters has one more door. Knox's Headquarters was the center of social entertainment during its use by the officers. On one of the window panes may still be seen the names of several belles of Orange County, written with a diamond. The names of Maria Colden, Gertie Wynkoop and Sallie Jansen are thus recorded and after the name of one is found the word: Amen. This whole section, including Newburgh, Fishkill, New Windsor and West Point can rightly be called the cradle of the Republic. It is well for us Americans of this generation not only to refresh our memories 20
