midnight
It continued , however , to be a matter of popular belief and marvellous anecdote through the whole time of the Dutch government , and particularly just before the capture of New-Amsterdam , and the subjugation of the province by the English squadron . About that time the storm-ship was repeatedly seen in the Tappaan Zee , and about Weehawk , and even down as far as Hoboken ; and her appearance was supposed to be ominous of the approaching squall in public affairs , and the downfall of Dutch domination . Since that time , we have no authentic accounts of her ; though it is said she still haunts the highlands and cruises about Point-no-point . People who live along the river , insist that they sometimes see her in summer moonlight ; and that in a deep still midnight , they have heard the chant of her crew , as if heaving the lead ; but sights and sounds are so deceptive along the mountainous shores , and about the wide bays and long reaches of this great river , that I confess I have very strong doubts upon the subject . It is certain , nevertheless , that strange things have been seen in these highlands in storms , which are considered as connected with the old story of the ship . The captains of the river craft talk of a little bulbous-bottomed Dutch goblin , in trunk hose and sugar-loafed hat , with a speaking trumpet in his hand , which they say keeps about the Dunderberg . -LSB- 16 -RSB- They declare they have heard him , in stormy weather , in the midst of the turmoil , giving orders in Low Dutch for the piping up of a fresh gust of wind , or the rattling off of another thunder-clap .