The present light-house occupies the site of the old fort, and was built in part of stone taken from its walls.  Upon its capture by the British, Washington, whose headquarters were at New Windsor, meditated a bold stroke and summoned Anthony Wayne, more generally known as “Mad Anthony,” from his reckless daring, to undertake its recapture with a force of one thousand picked men.  The lines were formed in two columns about 8 p.m. at “Springsteel’s farm.”  Each soldier and officer put a piece of white paper in his hat to distinguish him from the foe.  No guns were to be loaded under penalty of death.  General Wayne, at the head of the column, forded the marsh covered at the time with two feet of water.  The other column led by Butler and Murfree crossed an apology for a bridge.  During the advance both columns were discovered by the British sentinels and the rocky defense literally blazed with musketry.  In stern silence, however, without faltering, the American columns moved forward, entered the abatis, until the advance guard under Anthony Wayne was within the enemy’s works.  A bullet at this moment struck Wayne in the forehead grazing his skull.  Quickly recovering from the shock, he rose to his knees, shouted:  “Forward, my brave fellows”; then turning to two of his followers, he asked them to help him into the fort that he might die, if it were to be so, “in possession of the spot.”  Both columns were now at hand and inspired by the brave general, came pouring in, crying “The fort’s our own.”  The British troops completely overwhelmed, were fain to surrender and called for mercy.  Wayne’s characteristic message to Washington antedates modern telegraphic brevity:—­“Stony Point, 2 o’clock a.m.  The American flag waves here.—­Mad Anthony.”  There were twenty killed and sixty wounded on each side.  Some five hundred of the enemy were captured and about sixty escaped.  “Money rewards and medals were given to Wayne and the leaders in the assault.  The ordinance and stores captured were appraised at over $180,000 and there was universal rejoicing” throughout the land.  “Stony Point State Park” was dedicated by appropriate ceremony July 16, 1902.  At the close of Governor Odell’s address the flag was raised by William Wayne, a lineal descendant of the hero, and the cruiser “Olympia” of Manila fame boomed forth her tribute.  Verplank’s Point, on the east bank (now full of brick-making establishments), was the site of Fort Lafayette.  It was here that Baron Steuben drilled the soldiers of the American army.  Back from Green Cove above Verplanck’s Point is “Knickerbocker Lake.”

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  The star spangled banner, the flag of the brave,
  And the cross of old England in amity wave,
  But if ever the nations do battle again
  God send us such soldiers as Anthony Wayne.

  Minna Irving.

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  The echoes that so boldly rung
    When cannon flashed from steep to steep,
  And freedom’s airy challenge flung,
    In each romantic valley sleep.