November 17th, 1777, the British, under Captain Emmerick, made an excursion from their quarters, to the Saw-Mill Valley, and completely surprised the Van Tassels, who were residing near Captain Romer's, burnt their houses, "stripped the women and children of the necessary apparel to cover them from the severity of a cold winter's night," and led off in triumph, the two brothers, Peter and Cornelius Van Tassel.*1

In retaliation for this inhuman outrage, the patriots fitted up an expedition at Tarrytown, under the command of Abraham Martlingh, which proceeded down the Hudson River, passed the enemy's guardboats in safety, and succeeded in setting fire to General Oliver de Lancey's house on New York island, after plundering it of its contents. The whole party returned to Tarrytown in safety. This enterprise was conducted in the very face of the British army.

Three young lads named Vincent, Smith and Lawrence, were overtaken by a party of Totten's refugee corps, a little south of Rowland's mill; two were killed on the spot, Vincent recovered from his wounds, but remained a cripple for life. Major David Hunt, of the Continental army, afterwards conveyed him to Paulus Hook, where he was notice! o See Gen. Parson's Letter, Mamaroueck.

35^ HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

by several members of Congress, who afterwards obtained a pension for the sufferer. This is said to be the first pension granted by the United States Government.

A short distance south of Greenburgh village, is situated the residence of the late Samuel Howland, Esq. It is embosomed in trees, and stands on the west bank of the Saw-Mill river; in its rear, rise bold and majestic hills covered with luxuriant woods. The building itself is a very handsome structure of wood, in the modern style. The river, arrested by the mill-dam, forms in front of the house an extensive sheet of water, which adds greatly to the beauty of this romantic spot.