Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/176

 152 HISTORY OP ing behind the western hills ; the last glimpse they caught of the great metropolis^ as it gradually receded from their view, was in the soft twilight that preceded the darkness of night, and they all retiredr to commune with their own thoughts. With the indulgence of the reader, we will glance for a mo- ment into the cabin to which the party have repaired, and indulge in an impertinent glimpse at those brave men, the " avant couriers'' of the future prosperity of a large section of Delaware county. On the right hand bench sat Doctor Townsend, apparently buried in a deep reverie, leaning slightly forward, with a neatly- wrought cane in his hand, which he held suspended, gently tapping the floor, as if to keep time with his wandering thoughts. His looks bespoke an active, an energetic business man, which he was, and just in the meridian of life ; he was accompanied by one of his sons, Isaac, the other, William, having previously gone up to Poughkeepsie to collect some money, and was to rejoin them at Marbletown. Opposite him sat Joshua Pine, whose care-worn countenance would have indicated him as the patriarch of the little party : he had been Captain of a Company of Gruides in the American army, and had discharged his arduous duties with honor and courage ; his family consisted of his wife and two daughters, Hannah and Deborah. Robert North, wife, and infant son, Benjamin; William Furman, wife and two children, twenty-one souls in all, composed the party. They were safely landed at Swart' s landing, or Kingston point, and going ashore, took refuge in an old dilapidated warehouse, without windows or fire to shelter them from cold and rain. They proceeded to Marbletown, where they procured a home for their wives and children.; while the men went forward to grapple with the forest and prepare a place for their reception, and the land for plant- ing corn. This journey was performed in March, and part