Two of the enemy's horse turned into his track after him and gaining fast upon him he asked them if they would give him quarter, they replied, 'Yes, you dog, we will quarter you. ' This was twice repeated, when Mayliew, finding them inflexible, determined to give them one shot before he was quartered ; and, turning round, discharged his piece at the first horseman^ who cried out, 'The rascal has broke m>' leg,' when both of them turned their horses round and went off, leaving Mayliew at liberty to tread back his path to the road and come oft."

An account of this same affair at Young's house is given by Thacher in a single paragraph of ifis " Military Journal " as follows : "February (1780), Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson had the. command of about two hundred and fifty men as an advanced party 011 our lines. He was instructed to be constantly alert and in motion, that the enemy might not be able to take advantage and form a plan for his destruction. It happened, however, that a detachment of British, Hessians and mounted refugees were discovered advancing towards him, but, on account of a very deep snow obstructing the road, they marched slowly, and Colonel Thompson resolved to defend his ground. The enemy's horse first advanced and commenced skirmishing till their infantry7 approached, when a sharp conflict ensued, which continued about fifteen minutes; some of our troops manifested symptoms of cowardice and gave way. The enemy secured the advantage and rushed on with a general shout which soon decided the contest. The Americans lost thirteen men killed and Captain Roberts, being mortally wounded, soon expired. Seventeen others were wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson and six other officers, with eighty-nine rank and file, were made prisoners. Of the enemy, two officers and eighteen men were wounded and five men killed."