NEWB

EWBURGH is pleasantly situated on the western bank of the Hudson, sixty miles from New-York, having a rapid communication with that city, and, by the Erie Railroad, with the Great West. It received its name from its first settlers, who were Germans, and who, after surveying the present site of the town, about the year 1719, abandoned it for some reason unknown. These were followed by a mixed population that completed what their predecessors had planned. About six miles to the west is a fine sheet of water, called Orange Lake. The old name, which is more beautiful, was Bennin Water. Three miles west of the town is a small lake, called Little Pond, from which water is brought by an aqueduct for the use of VOL. VIII.-1

the village. This arrangement furnishes the inhabitants with water preferable to the Croton of New-York; while the attractiveness of the place is increased by the salubrity of the air, and the beauty of the surrounding scenery.

One of the finest views of Newburgh and its vicinage is from Beacon Hill, a lofty peak on the opposite side of the river, and not far from the village of Matteawan.

A party started, early one morning in July, to make this exhilarating though toilsome ascent. Five romantic young men, we had an idea that a sunrise view from Beacon Hill would be a very pleasant affair. However, we saw a sunrise on the Hudson.

Such a scene is, nevertheless, worth