As the American volunteers on their return, approached the Manor of Courtland, such of them as came from its eastern parts, being anxious to regain their homes by the shortest route, refused to cross the Croton River, and it was there-fore proposed and agreed to, by acclamation, that they should go to Orser's house, on the banks of the North River, where they could procure refreshments for themselves and their horses, and divide the spoils. Captain Williams and John Odell remonstrated with them, but in vain, upon the dan-ger of halting south of the Croton. The men weary and half famished, were bent upon rest of refreshment, and turned a deaf ear alike to command and advice. It was about nine o'clock in the forenoon when they proceeded to the farm house, and according to the custom of the time, commenced a sale of their booty at auction, for the purpose of making an equitable division. No sentinel was posted to guard against surprise, and the men, their tour of voluntary service having now drawn almost to a close, felt no longer a disposition to obey. Captain Williams and Odell alone remained upon the alert. The former considered the danger so imminent, that

THE WESTCHESTER GUIDES 83 he refused to dismount, and performed from necessity the duty of a common vidette, for the men under his command; while the latter after leaving his horse and mingling occasion-ally with his comrades in the house, rejoined his commander for a lookout, at frequent intervals. While they were thus at Orser's, refreshing themselves in imaginary security, the refugee leaders had overtaken and encompassed them with their whole cavalry, leaving no way open for escape but that of the river. The attack was commenced by the firing of a volley upon the out-buildings of the farm, and the surprise proved complete and irremediable.