After passing Manhattan Island, the eastern shore grad-
ually assumes a wild and rocky character, but ever varying;
woods, lawns, pastures, and towering cliffs all meet the eye
in quick succession, as the giant steam-boat cleaves its swift
passage up the stream.

For several miles the voyage is one of great interest
independent of its beauty, for it passes many points where
important events of the revolutionary war took place.

It was not without a pang that I looked on the spot where
poor André was taken, and another where he was executed.

Several forts, generally placed in most commanding
situations, still show by their battered ruins, where the
struggle was strongest, and I felt no lack of that moral
interest so entirely wanting in the new States, and without
which no journey can, I think, continue long without weary-
ing the spirits.

About forty miles from New York you enter upon the
Highlands, as a series of mountains which then flank the
river on both sides, are called. The beauty of this scenery
can only be conceived when it is seen. One might fancy
that these capricious masses, with all their countless varie-
ties of light and shade, were thrown together to show how
passing lovely rocks, and woods, and water could be. Some-
times a lofty peak shoots suddenly up into the heavens,
showing in bold relief against the sky; and then a deep
ravine sinks in solemn shadow, and draws the imagination
into its leafy recesses. For several miles the river appears
to form a succession of lakes; you are often enclosed on
all sides by rocks rising directly from the very edge of the
stream, and then you turn a point, the river widens, and
again woods, lawns, and villages are reflected on its bosom.

The state prison of Sing Sing is upon the edge of the
water, and has no picturesque effect to atone for the painful
images it suggests; the "Sleepy Hollow" of Washington

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