That in the month of August, 1777, a Regiment of levies was raised in the Counties of Dutchess and Westchester, consisting of about 500 men, and placed under the command of Col. Dudiugton and Dieut. Col. Hammond, for the term of four months ; that Col. Dudiugton' s headquarters were at the house of Joseph Youngs, and that Capt. Gilbert Dean's Company was also continued in the service, but was under the immediate command, of the Committee of Safety. In the month of November or December, Col. Rudington's Regiment was discharged, having served the period of their enlistment, and the defence of the American lines was again left entirely to the Whisr inhabitants ; that Col. Hammond ordered out a part of his Regiment for the protection of those who were daily sustaining serious losses from the plundering British Refugees ; and these Dines were wholly defended at that period by the Whig Militia of Col. Hammond's Regiment, from October, 1777, to the beginning of May, 1778.

That sometime in March, 1778, Col. Rmerick, who commanded about 300 men composed of British and Refugees, sent out Dieut. Althouse with 32 men, to take and bring in the cattle of Joseph Youngs, and of other Whig inhabitants of that neighborhood. It was the practice of the Militia, after keeping guard during the night, to return to their homes and attend to the necessary business of their farms. Col.

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HISTORICAL SKETCHES.

Kinerick having doubtless been informed of these practices was induced to make an effort to take their cattle in the daytime.