The British commander took great pains throughout this day's march to maintain order among his followers and to conciliate the people of the country. He frequently alighted and partook of milk and other refresh-ments. Plunderers were punished upon the spot. At Wes-ton, where the invaders halted for a short time, a lady was robbed by a soldier of a new dress. However, being a woman of spirit, it was not long before she made her loss known by an outcry so loud that it reached the ears of Tryon, who sought out the ravished garment, compelled immediate res-

102 THE MCDONALD PAPERS

titution, and caused the offender to be scourged severely with the ramrod of a musket. The Royal volunteers procured. some of the best horses in the country from their relatives and friends along the road, and joining themselves to part of the regular dragoons, formed a strong body of mounted men. These the British commander sent forward, as an advanced guard under an officer, who everywhere requested the country people to remain at their home, promising security and kind treatment. Ample payment for whatever necessaries they took, was generally made by the officers. They however advised the inhabitants to gratify the reasonable wants of the soldiers many of whom were faint and hungry, and asked for bread and cider; which provisions were cheerfully furnished by the householders, who were but too happy to escape with so light a requisition. At Reading-on-the-ridge, where the British forces arrived in the forenoon, they halted and took breakfast. Small par-ties of the American militia, meanwhile hovered about watch-ing every opportunity for attack.-- While Brigadier Agnew, who had entered a farm-house at this place, was engaged in his morning's repast, an enterprising volunteer named William Hawley, ventured suddenly into the hostile line of march, overpowered the groom that held the general's horse at the door, and vaulting into the saddle, escaped with his prize.