Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary

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

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of the historical events that occurred here but to reaffirm our faith in those principles of government and ideals handed down to us by our forefathers. The Republic that was born here still survives. We have not changed our Republican form of government merely because the Congress very properly relinquished temporarily some of its powers to the President in the economic emergency in order to wage war on unemployment and the depression. There is a vast difference between the despotic dictatorships of the Right and of the Left in Europe and our representative form of government under the Constitution. We have not sacrificed any of our rights or liberties under the Constitution and the Congress can take back any of the powers it loaned the President whenever it so decides. Our Republican form of government is the oldest in form and structure in the world and we do not propose to surrender any of our rights or liberties or freedom of speech, of the press or of assembly for any form of European dictatorship. We still believe in the sovereignty of the American people and that our representative system of government, within the Republic, is the soundest, fairest, wisest and best ever developed by the mind of man.

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CELEBRATION OF THE TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATHON OF THE DUTCHESS'S COUNTY

On November 1, 1933, the two-hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the creation of the Dutchess's County was observed under the auspices of the Dutchess County Historical Society with a special program at Poughkeepsie, the county seat. In the morning there were addresses in the Supreme Court Room of the Court House, which were followed by a lunchon and an address at the Nelson House. Preliminary arrangements had been made by Dr. J. W. Poucher, Executive-Secretary of the Society, and the President, W. Willis Reese presided throughout. The Supreme Court Room was filled to capacity and one hundred and seventy-four guests gathered in the main dining room of the hotel, which large attendance witnessed to the general interest felt in the occasion. That interest was further evident in the spirited manner in which speakers and listeners joined together to make the celebration a memorable one.

In detail the program provided as follows: Addresses at the Court House by:

Joseph A. Daughton, County Clerk.

J. Gordon Flannery, County Judge.

Everett H. Travis, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

C. Fred Close, Member of Assembly.

Howard N. Allen, Member of Assembly.

Alexander Cameron Dow, representing the Bar of Dutchess.

The Rev. Father Joseph F. Sheahan, rector of St. Peter's Church, Poughkeepsie, and

The Rev. Frank D. Blanchard, pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church, Rhinebeck; speaking for the churches of the county;

James E. Sadlier, M. D., representing the Medical Profession in Dutchess County.

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