He was interred in the burying-ground belonging to the Purchase Meeting Society where his father, mother and friends also lie. I do not know that his grave can be found but I hope and believe on proper enquiry and search that it may and this circumstance may lead to the discovery, viz:--his daughter Eliza was buried at his feet in a contrary direction, that is, at right angles. His father was by religious profession a Quaker, and very averse to his tak-ing up arms in the Revolutionary War. His father, from the old deeds in the family, appears to have removed from West-chester and settled at White Plains in 1755. James Oakley, the guide, ete., was my father's cousin and Isaac Oakley was his brother. My father was once taken prisoner and confined in the Old Sugar House along with his brother and others and determined to make his escape. His brother opposed the attempt, but he was resolved and persuaded his friends to let him down from the windows by a rope about midday. He took the road to Haerlem with all expedition

1This important collection of Westchester County items has been made by Otto Hufeland of Mt. Vernon, N. Y., during the past fifty (50) years. It is without question one of the most complete assemblages of local materials in this country and is especially rich in manuscripts, maps, prints, engravings, pamphlets, etc. It is a monument of patient, per-sistent and discriminating research.

INTRODUCTION xi

and when he arrived went to Mrs. Day's Tavern and threw himself upon her mercy and friendship, telling her that his life and liberty were in her power. The woman was much alarmed and trembled with agitation but said she would do all in her power to aid him. Mrs. Day is an old acquaintance and tried to get a boat to take him across the Haerlem River but could not succeed.