He had been below as guide to a scouting party, from which having led it back to a place of safety, he separated at Mamaroneck; himself pursuing the road through Rye. As he was passing Rye-Neck, he saw Benjamin Griffen, a farmer with whom he was well acquainted at the door of a house which stood about one hundred yards from the highway; upon which, he passed through the gate, approached his friend, and saying that he was nearly famished, asked for something to eat, but refused to dismount. While partaking of the refreshments which were readily furnished, Griffen informed him that a party, apparently hostile, had halted on the road opposite to the house. It was in fact a detach-ment of refugee horsemen returning from Horseneck, to whom a Tory had pointed out the place where the hostile guide then was. Upon receiving this information, Oakley said at once that it was too late to retreat without discovery, and quietly finished his repast. He then grasped the reins of his bridle, drew his sword, and rode deliberately to the gate where the enemy were awaiting his approach. As he drew near he addressed the refugees with firmness. "You know who I am," said he, "and that I keep my promise; the first one among you that raises his hand against me, or offers to bar my passage, I will lay his head upon the ground rom which he never again will raise it. Clear the way." Upon this, he brandished his sword right and left over his head, and striking spurs into his horse, galloped off at speed. His well known person and character, and the cool volubility with which his threats were poured forth, confounded and discon-certed his antagonists so much, that they allowed him to pass unmolested, and when, having regained presence of mind, they attempted pursuit, it was found he had gone too far to be readily overtaken.