P185 - Plan of the Post at Harlem

Plan von der Posten zu Harlem
P185 - Plan of the Post at Harlem
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    Abstract
    Map of the area around Harlem, New York during the summer of 1779 showing the disposition of Hessian Field-Jäger forces in and around the village and along the right bank of the Harlem River. Published in a 1979 English language translation of the diary of a Hessian officer Ewald, Johann von. Diary of the American War : a Hessian Journal / translated and edited by Joseph P. Tustin. New Haven : Yale University Press, 1979, p. 125 from a 1791 transcription of notes and sketches found in the original diary (Tagebuch von dem Amerikanischen Kriege). The original map, only one of three contemporary views of Valley Forge known to exist, includes the page number on which it occurs in the 1791 transcription.
    Description Long

    This plan shows the Hessian Field-Jäger Corps stationed in and around Harlem and along the right bank of the Harlem River.  Morrisania lies across the river, with the Morris House, now in the lower Bronx of New York City, shown above.  An armed sloop is noted in the river.  The islands shown are not in their correct geographical locations.  Montresor's Island is now Randalls Island; "Phasen Island" was Barren Island, now Ward's Island; and "Ruckurs Island is a rock" is Rikers Island.  At the left of the plan is the post of Captain John Althouse, New York Volunteers.  The vertical writing states, "The two banks of the Harlem River are so marshy that no boat can land at low tide."  The round markers with pennants along the river bank are sentries.  Ewald has labeled the defense barrier at the river "My night post."
        The village of Harlem is located at the center of the plan, which shows Ewald's quarters, the picket house, and the hospital of the Jäger Corps.  To the right is a night picket of six jägers and a noncommissioned officer.  Near the upper right corner is a picket of Regiment von Mirbach guarding the defense barriers of McGowan's Pass.  The site of the pass is now in the northeastern part of Central Park.  The long road running from the left to the right is the "Road from Kings Bridge through the highlands of York Island to the city of New York."

    Date Created
    1791
    Date
    1779
    Note

    Source: Ewald, Johann von. Tagebuch von dem amerikanischen kriege. 1791. This is a ms. transcription of Ewald's notes.

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