He had not yet risen, and the strangers who demanded the inter-view were conducted to his bedroom. Oakley then informed him that agreeably to his promise, General Washington re-quired his services forthwith as a guide, while the combined army remained below. This young man whose quick parts, intelligence, and accurate knowledge of the roads and passes of Morrisania and Fordham had recommended him to the elder guides, soon dressed, and then followed his visitors; who took him to front of a gateway which had lately led to Union Hill, the Rev. Doctor Powell's residence, at that time occupied by the widow of Peter De-Lancey, the grandmother of Mrs. Powell. Here he found a splendid array of officers in full military dress, mounted, and awaiting his arrival. They sat on horseback, on the northerly side of the road, abreast of each other, and facing the highway. Besides the

76 THE MCDONALD PAPERS American generals and their aides, the group comprised Rochambeau, Chastellux, the Duke de Lauzun, and the num-erous officers attached to the French staff. Washington spoke kindly to the young man and ordered a good horse to be furnished for his use. The guides inquired if there were any of the refugee corps in the neighbourhood whom they might capture. Young Corsa told them there were two, of very notorious character, who might be found on the road they were about to pursue toward Westfarms, one of whom, Sergeant Hilliard belonged to Emmerich's dragoons, and that the other was one James Travis; but proceeded then to qual-ify his information with these words: "I saw them both last night, between here and Westfarms, at the house where Hilliard lives when not on duty. Push on quickly and you may secure them. But take care that Hilliard doesn't see you before you lay your hands on him, for if he once gets into the saddle you'll never catch him in the world.