GHAFTEB ZIV.
 

(1776-1780.)
 

Bichmond EiU—Tom Paine'a "Common SeiiM^-'Seatli of Tom Paine—
Great Fire of 1776—First Written Constitution of Kew York
Framed nt Princeton—Intense Cold in 1779.

Fronting tbe Hudson, with nothing to obstruct the view, stood In 1776
Richmond Hill, the residence of Wsshington from the time of hia return
from Boston after tbe oxpulalon of the British troops until he retreated
from the city and fixed his quarters at the house of Robert Murray, oo
Murray Kill. From the latter place he laaued his Instructlous to Nathan
Hale regarding the Information to be obtained by him when he penetrated
the Britiafa lines on Long island. Richmond Hilt had been built by Major
Martier. an English officer. In 1766, on what Is now Charlton street, a few
feet from Varlck. At that time "meadows stretched up toward the little
hamlet of Oreenwich Village, and en the left the view of the little city In
the distance waa half bidden by clumpa of trees and rising bills. There
was a broad entrance to the house, under a porch of imposing height aup-
ported by high columnSp with balconies fronting the rooms of tho second
story. The premises were encored by a spacious gateway. Qankod by orna¬
mental columns, at what la now the termination of Macdougal street.
Within the gate and te the north was a beautiful sheet of water known
aa Burr's pond."

The glory of Richmond HIU lasted for many years after Washington
occupied IL It was the home of Vice-President Adams during the first
year of the Constitutional govemment, and men and women eminent In the
Old World were guests within Its walls during its occupancy by Aaron Burr,
'*wbose daughter, Theodosla. dispensed a charming hospitalIty.*' After her
disappearance and bis own rail from prominence prior to 130S Richmond
Hiirs glory departed, and from a flrat claas theatre it passed through the
gradations of circus and menagerie, and was finally abandoned. It Is now
the site of a private residence.

Tho idea of Independence was fast gaining ground among the people
in 1776, and arguments poised on the lips of many, and, through lack of
courage, not uttered, were fearlessly projected after the appearance of
Thomas Palne'a "Common Sense/' publiahed In Philadelphia. Through It
the whole nation was electrified with the spirit of independence and liberty,
and the link binding the colonies to the mother country waa severed. So
cogent was the reasoning of Paine that his conclusions were accepted, and
on June 7. 1776, Richard Henry Lee Introduced In Congresa the resolution
absolving the colonies from all allegiance to the British Crown and severing

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