All these measures were entirely new ; and, within eight or ten days, the whole system appeared to be in complete operation, and the face of things was totally changed.

A few days after the Colonel's arrival, the house of one Gedney was plundered in the night, and the family abused and terrified. Gedney sent his son to make a representation of it to the Colonel. The young man, not regarding the orders which had been issued, came to the Colonel's quarters undiscovered by the sen-

HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER^

tinels, having taken a secret path through the fields for that purpose. For this violation of orders the young man was punished. The Colonel immediately took measures for the detection of the plunderers; and, though they were all disguised and wholly unknown toGedney, yet Col. Burr, by means which were never yet disclosed, discovered the plunderers, and had them all secured within twenty-four hours. Gedney's family, on reference to his register, appeared to be Tories; but Burr had promised that every quiet man should be protected. He caused the robbers to be conveyed to Gedney's house, under the charge of Capt Benson ; there to restore the booty they had taken ; to make reparation in money for such articles as were lost or damaged ; and for the alarm and abuse, the amount of which the Colonel assessed ; to be flogged ten lashes, and to ask pardon of the old man. All which was faithfully and immediately executed. These measures gave universal satisfaction ; and the terror they inspired effectually prevented a repetition of similar depredations. No further instance oceured during the time of Col. Burr's command.