Installation of the First Memorial Tablet on Glover's Rock on October 18, 1901
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William Abbatt mis-identified the giant boulder as the place where the battle began in his book published in 1901 entitled "The Battle of Pell's Point". Shortly thereafter, the rock was "named" after John Glover, who led the American patriots in the battle, and an historic plaque providing erroneous information about the battle was affixed to the boulder.
The error arose because in trying to place the progress of the battle, William Abbatt was unaware of the existence of a detailed and highly-accurate map showing the progress of the battle prepared by Charles Blaskowitz in 1776. Instead, Abbatt relied on a less detailed and certainly less-accurate map prepared by Claude Sauthier. Sauthier's map erroneously showed the bulk of the British and German troops landing at the tip of Pell's Point rather than along the side of the neck where Shore Road ended at the bay. Because he measured distances referenced in a letter by Col. John Glover about the battle from the tip of Pell's Point, Abbatt misplaced the beginning of the Battle near the boulder that became known as Glover's Rock.
In contrast, the so-called "Blaskowitz Map" created shortly after the battle by Englishman Charles Blaskowitz accurately shows where the battle began, marked with an "X". The location on the Blaskowitz map matches exactly (within 1/100th of a mile using the map's scale) the 1-1/2 mile estimate given by Glover in his letter for the distance he and his men had traveled on Boston Post Road and then Split Rock Road before meeting the enemy. That spot where the Battle began today is a rise near the second tee on today's Split Rock Golf Course -- nowhere near Glover's Rock. The Battle then progressed across the remainder of today's Split Rock Golf Course toward the New England Thruway, crossed today's Thruway, proceeded onto and around today's Split Rock Road in Pelham and continued down to today's Wolf's Lane to Colonial Avenue where it ended at the grounds of today's Pelham Memorial High School where the British and German troops camped along today's Colonial Avenue toward New Rochelle.
On October 18, 1901, the Bronx Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, of Mount Vernon, N. Y., unveiled a bronze memorial tablet affixed to the newly-named Glover's Rock. Articles about the event, including one with an interesting photograph, appeared in a variety of local newspapers. Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes one such article that included a photograph taken at the time of the event that appeared with that article. Following that transcription, there are transcriptions of a host of articles describing preparations for the unveiling of the tablet place in 1901 and the actual unveiling -- each followed by a citation to its source.
"GLOVER'S ROCK, PELHAM BAY PARK.
Which was marked with a tablet by the D. A. R. last week.
Professor Alfred Hallam and chorus of public school children of
Mount Vernon, who sang at the exercises."
Source: GLOVER'S ROCK, PELHAM BAY PARK, New-York
Daily Tribune, Oct. 21, 1901, p. 7, cols. 1-2 (photo and caption).
NOTE: Click on image to enlarge.
"TO THE MEMORY OF PATRIOTS.
Bronx Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, of Mount Vernon, N. Y., unveiled on Friday a handsome bronze tablet on Glover's Rock, a huge bowlder [sic] located in Pelham Bay Park, on the drive to City Island.
The day was the 125th anniversary of the battle of Pell's Point, an engagement in which Colonel Glover, with 550 Americans, held back a few thousand men of the royal army under General Howe, who were endeavoring to cut off General Washington's retreat to White Plains.
So well did this small body of men do their work that Washington was able to reach White Plains and remove his stores to the north before the battle at that place later in the month occurred.
The inscription, reads as follows:
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GLOVER'S ROCK.
In memory of the 550 patriots who, led by Colonel John Glover, held General Howe's army in check at the BATTLE OF PELL'S POINT. October 18, 1776. Thus aiding General Washington in his retreat to White Plains. 'Fame is the perfume of heroic deeds.' Erected by Bronx Chapter of Mount Vernon, N. Y. Daughters of the American Revolution. October 18, 1901.
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Source: GLOVER'S ROCK, PELHAM BAY PARK, New-York Daily Tribune, Oct. 21, 1901, p. 7, cols. 1-2.
"COMMEMORATIVE TABLET.
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Battle of Pell's Point to Receive Deserved Attention from Bronx Chapter D. A. R.
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The Bronx Chapter, Daughter [sic] of the American Revolution, of Mount Vernon, intends to place a bronze tablet to commemorate the encounter, properly known as the Battle of Pell's Point, between the American forces under General John Glover and the British under General Howe, on October 18, 1776.
The scenes of this little known but most important conflict is within the limits of the present Pelham Bay Park, and the tablet will be affixed to the huge boulder historically known as Glover's Rock, which marks the scene of the first skirmish of the day, between the American and British advance guards.
With the single exception of the historian Dawson, writers have neglected this all-day-long encounter, between two small regiments of Glover's brigade and an enemy ten times their number. But the historic importance of the fight was great, for it gave an additional day's respite to Washington's troops then retreating northward after the disastrous battle of Long Island, and caused the enemy to halt for several days more at and near New Rochelle; thus enabling the patriot army to take up a new position at White Plains and later give battle there.
Washington and Gen. Charles Lee recognized its signal importance in congratulatory addresses to General Glover and his command, soon after. It was the first resistance offered to the invaders after landing on the mainland of Westchester County; and the tablet will be the first Revolutionary memento erected in the eastern shore of the County.
It is hoped to erect and dedicate the tablet on the anniversary of the battle, October 18th.
The cost of the erection will be probably $200 -- a sum beyond the power of a small chapter like this to provide in full.
An appeal to the citizens of the County and friends of the D. A. R. generally, therefore becomes necessary and you are asked to send a check for a [sic] much as you may be disposed to subscribe to this object. Due notice will be sent to all donors, and they are requested to attend the ceremonies.
The members of the Chapter authorized to receive these contributions are: Mrs. Roger M. Sherman, 17 Summit avenue; Mrs. H. P. Willcox, 127 Archer avenue; Mrs. Harry Hudler, 9 Willow Place, and Miss Susan Maude Stone, 161 Park avenue."
Source: COMMEMORATIVE TABLET -- Battle of Pell's Point to Receive Deserved Attention From Bronx Chapter D. A. R., The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 26, 1901, p. 4, col. 3.
"Battle of Pell's Point.
The Bronx Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of Mount Vernon, intends to place a bronze tablet to commemorate the encounter, properly known as the Battle of Pell's Point, between the American forces under General John Glover and the British under General Howe, on Oct. 18, 1776.
The scenes of this little known but most important conflict are within the limits of the Present Pelham Bay Park, and the tablet will be affixed to the huge bowlder [sic] historically known as Glover's Rock, which marks the scene of the first skirmish of the day, between the American and British advance guards."
Source: Battle of Pell's Point, The Yonkers Statesman, Oct. 2, 1901, p. 4, col. 1.
"THE BATTLE OF PELL'S POINT.
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Tablet to be Erected.
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THE UNVEILING TAKES PLACE TO-MORROW.
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The Public Invited -- Interesting and Instructive Exercises to Be Held at Glover's Rock.
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To-morrow, Friday afternoon, the exercises conducted by Bronx Chapter, D. A. R., at the unveiling of the tablet in commemoration of the Battle of Pell's Point, will take place at Glover's Rock, Pelham Bay Park.
This rock lies on the road to City Island, beside the Bartow horse car track near the gate of the Little Mothers summer house. It is a charming drive from Mount Vernon, or a train on the New Haven road leaves Mount Vernon, at 1:30; New York, at 1:04 p.m., arriving at Bartow in ample time for the ceremonies.
The Chapter urges the public to attend. This is the first historical tablet place on this side of West Chester County, and it is felt that some interest should be shown, and the exercises themselves will be very interesting.
The members of Bronx Chapter, D. A. R., have been untiring in their efforts to accomplish the erection of this tablet and to furnish an interesting and instructing [sic] a program:
Chorus, School Children of Mount Vernon; conductor, Prof. Alfred Hallam.
Prayer, Rev. Owen Lovejoy.
Address.
Chorus, Public School Children.
Address, Mrs. Roger M. Sherman, Regent, Bronx Chapter.
Unveiling of Tablet, Majorie [sic?] Sherman and Donald Baker.
Chorus, Public School Children.
Benediction, Rev. F. M. Taylor."
Source: THE BATTLE OF PELL'S POINT -- Tablet to be Erected, Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], p. 1, col. 3.
"ORATOR AT GLOVER'S ROCK.
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Hon. Edward Hageman Hall, secretary of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society will deliver the address at the unveiling of the tablet in commemoration of the battle of Pell's Point, at Glover's Rock, this afternoon.
Mr. Hall has been interested in just such work as that undertaken by Bronx Chapter, D. A. R. and his selection as the orator of the day is most appropriate."
Source: ORATOR AT GLOVER'S ROCK, Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Oct. 18, 1901, p. 1, col. 3.
"Bronx Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will unveil the tablet on Glover's Rock, Pelham Bay Park, to commemorate the Battle of Pell's Point, at 2.30 Friday next, October 18. This rock hill is on the road to City Island, beside the Bartow horse car track, near the gate of the Little Mothers' Summer Home.
The Chapter urges the public to attend. This is the second historical tablet placed on this side of Westchester County and it is felt some interest should be shown and the exercises themselves will be interesting."
Source: [Untitled], The New Rochelle Press, Oct. 19, 1901, p. 8, col. 2 (note that the article appeared on October 19, 1901 announcing that there "will" be an unveiling on October 18, 1901).
"ANOTHER HISTORIC SPOT MARKED.
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Bronze Table [sic] Unveiled.
TO COMMEMORATE BATTLE OF PELL'S POINT.
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Bronx Chapter, D. A. R., Selected the 125th Anniversary as an Appropriate Time for the Unveiling.
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Yesterday afternoon, under the glowing October skies and amid a large number of interested people, Bronx Chapter, D. A. R., unveiled a fine bronze tablet, as a fitting celebration and memorial of the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of the battle of Pell's Point.
The occasion was the climax and crown of a year and a half of preparation and effort on the part of the chapter. Through their efforts and the generosity of friends, the desire of the chapter has at last been happily fulfilled, to mark the spot of this little known, but important battle. The beautiful site of the encounter, in Pelham Bay Park, was brought to the notice of the chapter by Mr. William Abbatt, the well-known historian of Eastchester, whose research and unfailing interest in the project of the chapter have been of the greatest assistance in their work.
Opposite to the huge boulder known as Glover's Rock, a grand stand was erected for the chapter and the guests of honor. The stand was beautifully draped with the National colors, and surrounded as it was with numerous carriages filled with an interested au-
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(Continued on Fifth Page.)
ANOTHER HISTORIC SPOT MARKED.
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(Continued from First Page.)
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dience, faced by a chorus of fifty public school children, standing close beside the historic boulder, made a picture long to be remembered. The exercises opened with a chorus entitled 'America for Freedom,' by the public school children, led by Mr. Alfred Hallam, in his usual inspiring style.
The following are the names of the scholars selected from the respective schools to form the chorus.
High School.--Misses Brittingham, Clayton, Brodsky, Cust, Howland, Wolff, Ross, Van Denburg, Morris Kirby and Percy Young.
School No. 1.--Arthur Dusenberry, Harvey Traband, John Law, Augustus Brady, Clark Gould, Clarence Marsh, Ben Banning, Edith Downs, Mabel Sutter, Eva Gustafson, Fayette Henshaw, Maud Weber, Nellie Morris, Elizabeth Morris, Mary Merritt, Grace Whitney, Gertrude Hitchcock.
School No. 6.--Arvilla Relyea, Ethel Stoney, Marjorie Knight, Helen Chapin, Emily Anderson.
School No. 7.--Ruth Olson, Addie Low, Annie Bants, Frank Cart, Lewis Reif, Harry Sterus, Peter O'Connor, Fletcher Wood, Blatchford Sherman.
School No. 4.--Fred Michel, Herbert Bradley, Maitland Ponton, Vernon Blair,, May Gallagher, May Wren, Bessie Gibson, Catherine McCaffery.
Next followed a prayer of dedication by the Rev. Owen R. Lovejoy. The Regent of the chapter, Mrs. Roger M. Sherman, then introduced the speaker of the day, Mr. Edward Hageman Hall, of New York City, Secretary of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society, which it will be remembered, has recently done such fine service to New York and the country at large by saving the Palisades on the Hudson from threatened destruction.
Mr. Hall's address was an eloquent plea for memorials of the kind just erected by Bronx Chapter. He urged silent but impressive effect upon observers, both old and young, of such witnesses to glorious deeds of the past, and pleaded for a reverent and discriminating memory of the annals of our country, as one of the best guides to future conduct. Mr. Hall was listened to with the closest attention, and received hearty applause. The chorus sang 'America,' after which the Regent, Mrs. Sherman, dedicated the tablet in a short address, glowing with patriotism, and paying a graceful and appreciative tribute to Mr. William Abbatt, to whom the chapter owes so much.
At the close of Mrs. Sherman's speech, the tablet was unveiled by Marjorie Sherman and Donald Baker. Prolonged applause and murmurs of admiration greeted the handsome bronze memorial which is the work of Paul Cabaret, of New York. The tablet is 3.6 feet long by 3 feet high, and bears the following inscription in large clear cut letters:
Glover's Rock. In Memory of those 550 Patriots led by Colonel John Glover, held in check. The British troops under General Howe at the Battle of Pell's Point, October 7. [sic] 1776, Thus aiding Washington in his retreat to White Plains. Erected by Bronx Chapter, Mount Vernon, New York. Daughters of the American Revolution October 18th, 1901.
Following the unveiling, the entire audience joined with Mr. Hallam's choir in singing 'The Star Spangled Banner,' and the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. F. M. Taylor.
Thus Bronx Chapter commemorates the first resistance offered to British invaders after landing on the mainland of Westchester County, the first tablet erected as a Revolutionary memento in the eastern shore of the county. After the impressive ceremonies, the chapter and their friends were entertained in a delightful informal reception, given by Mrs. Roger Sherman at her home, 17 Summit avenue."
Source: ANOTHER HISTORIC SPOT MARKED -- Bronze Table [sic] Unveiled TO COMMEMORATE BATTLE OF PELL'S POINT, Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Oct. 19, 1901, p. 1, col.3 & p. 5, col. 1.
"TABLET TO GLOVER'S MEN.
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Marks the Spot Where Americans Held Gen. Howe in Check.
MOUNT VERNON, N. Y., Oct. 18.--Bronx Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, of Mount Vernon unveiled a bronze tablet on Glover's Rock, a big boulder in Pelham Bay Park, this afternoon, to mark the spot where 550 American patriots, led by Col. John Glover, held a detachment of the British Army under Gen. Howe in check, thus aiding the Continental Army under George Washington in its retreat to White Plains.
Addresses were delivered by Edward Hagemen Hall, Secretary of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society, and Mrs. Roger M. Sherman. The tablet was unveiled by Marjorie Sherman and Donald Baker the descendant of one of the men who took part in the engagement. It bears the following inscription:
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GLOVER'S ROCK.
In Memory of the 550 Patriots who, led by Col. John Glover, held Gen. Howe's army in check at the battle of Pell's Point, Oct. 18, 1776, thus aiding Washington in his retreat to White Plains. 'Fame is the perfume of heroic deeds.' Erected by Bronx Chapter of Mount Vernon, Daughters of the American Revolution, Oct. 18, 1901.
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Source: TABLET TO GLOVER'S MEN -- Marks the Spot Where Americans Held Gen. Howe in Check, The Sun [NY, NY], Oct. 19, 1901, p. 6, col. 7.
"Patriotic Address.
Mrs. Roger M. Sherman, formerly Miss Mary Drake of Buffalo, made a most inspiring address recently at the unveiling of the tablet on Glover's rock, in Westchester County. The tablet commemorates 550 patriots who led by Col. John Glover held Gen. Howe's army in check at the battle of Pell's Point, during the Revolutionary War. It was erected by the Bronx Chapter, D. A. R., of which Mrs. Sherman is a prominent member. The tablet was unveiled by her daughter, Miss Marjorie Sherman."
Source: Patriotic Address, The Buffalo Courier [Buffalo, NY], Nov. 1, 1901, p. 5, col. 1.
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I have written previously about Glover's Rock on a number of occasions. For one such article, see:
Mon., Feb. 28, 2005: Glover's Rock on Orchard Beach Road Does Not Mark the Site of the Battle of Pelham.
Labels: 1901, Battle of Pelham, Battle of Pell's Point, Glover's Rock, Revolutionary War
posted by Blake A. Bell @ 4:55 AM
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