"February, 17S0, Lieutenant Colonel Thompson had the command of about two hundred and fifty men, as an advanced party, on 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 Col. Thompson resolved to defend his ground. The enemy's horse first advanced and commenced skirmishing till their infantry 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, b being mortally wounded, soon expired; seventeen others were

a Heath's Mem., p "29.

b It was afterwards related by Isaac van Wart, that the day previous to this fata! occurrence, Captain Roberts, In a conversation with him. mentioned that his father had been piled in the old French war. and be was sure he should fall in the present Btruggle, He fell, alas! not by the hand of a foe, but by one of his own countrymen, a refugee named Hammond, who, as he recognized this brave officer, exclaimed, ""Now I will give it yon ! " and llred with deadly effect. His bod v w:is found after the conflict, with one of his lingers barbarously bitten for the purpose of obtaining a gold ring. His murderers had also inhumanly placed their feet upon the body to draw off his boots. It mav he as well to mention here that Col.