As will be seen there are different accounts and dates named of that affair.

His son William, known as Gen. Wm. Hammond, states in an account of the Westchester Guides, that after the appointment of his father as Lieut. -Col. , their house was resorted to repeatedly by all who took an active part in the common cause, and that in the summer of

THE COE. HAMMOND HOUSE.

17S1, his father was taken prisoner, & c., while the following account is also given by another :

Col. Hammond lived in the fu'st house on the right-hand side of the road leading from Tarrytown to White Plains, just beyond the brick school house, directly west of Air. Robert Bonner's farm, and adjoining it. The house used to have tall pine trees and very old box borders in front ; it is now owned by Mr. Kingsland. A part of the American army had been laying in front on the fine plateau. General

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HISTORICAL SKETCHES.

Washington came one day to consult with him, and stayed quite late in the evening, after which he returned to his headquarters near White Plains. The army had also been withdrawn, and the Colonel was left alone for the night. Just before daybreak the Colonel's wife was awakened by a heavy, rumbling noise, and she awoke her husband ; but he thought it was only distant thunder. Soon it became louder and louder, and then stopped directly opposite their door. This was followed by loud rapping at the door, and demands to open. The Colonel dressed as quickly as possible ; and, as he opened the door, several English soldiers demanded his surrender and all within. The Colonel replied, "I do surrender, and all with me." They then demanded: "Where is General Washington ?" The Colonel replied, "He left yesterday evening." Upon looking out of the door, he saw two field pieces planted directly opposite.