The obstruction of the
Hudson River, to prevent British vessels passing up during the
Revolutionary War, and thus defeat the ministerial project for dividing the
Union, occupied much of the attention of the patriots.
First there were vessels sunk, and a sort of chevaux-de-frise constructed in the channel between
Fort Washington, on
Manhattan Island, and the Palisades.
 |
|
Great chain and mortars. |
Chevaux-de-frise were placed in the channel between
Pollopel's Island and the western shore of the river, just above the upper entrance to the Highlands.
A chain and boom were stretched across the river from
Anthony's Nose to
Fort Montgomery, at the lower entrance to the Highlands.
In the spring of 1778 the most notable of all these obstructions, a heavy chain supported by huge logs, was stretched across the
Hudson from
West Point to
Constitution Island, opposite.
It was constructed at the Stirling Iron Works, in
Warwick, Orange co., by
Peter Townsend, under the supervision of
Timothy Pickering.
The task was performed in six weeks. The links were carted to New Windsor, where, at
Captain Machin's forges, they were put together, and the whole floated down the river to
West Point on logs late in April.
The links weighed from 100 to 150 lbs. each.
The length of the chain was 1,500 feet, and its entire weight was 186 tons.
The logs that buoyed it were placed transversely with the chain, a few feet apart, and their ends secured by chains and strong timbers.
The ends were made secure to the rocks on both shores.
Fort Constitution, on
Constitution Island, defended one end, and a small battery the other.
In winter it was drawn on shore by a windlass, and replaced in the spring.
The
British never attempted to disturb it; but it is said
Benedict Arnold, when he prepared for the consummation of his treason, took measures for weakening the chain—how, is not stated.
