When the Revolutionary controversy commenced, he was living upon that portion of the Philipse estate which had been given to his wife, and there he desired to remain in the quiet enjoyment of country life, and in the management of this large domain That such was his inclination, is asserted by the late President Dwight, and is fully confirmed by circumstances and by his descendants. He was opposed to the Measures of the ministry, gave up the use of imported merchandise, and clothed himself and his family in fabrics of domestic manufacture. But he was also opposed to the separation of the Colonies from the mother country. Still, he wished to take no part in the conflict of arms ; but importunity of friends overruled his own judgement, and he entered the military sendee of the crown. His standing entitled him to high rank. Of the loyal American regiment, raised principally in New York by himself, he was accordingly commissioned the colonel. He alii Vea try book.

b The old cbarch glebe U now tbe property of Mr. David McCoy.

I3°

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

•so commanded the corps called the ' Guides ' and ' Pioneers.' Of the former or the loyal Americans, his son Beverly was Lieutenant-Colonel, and Thomas Barclay, Major. . Besides his active duty in the field. Colonel Robinson was employed to conduct several matters of consequence, and he figures conspicuously in cases of defection from the Whig cause.

Colonel Robinson at the peace, with a part of his family, went to England. The name appears as a member of the first Council of New Brunswick, but he never took his seat at that board. His wife is included in the confiscation act of New York, and the whole estate derived from her father passed from the family.