Although overlooked by history, and almost unknown to a new generation, the memories of these men are cherished in their native county, where the first of each of the three groups above named, are still familiarly spoken of as "The three great guides." On one of the last days of April before preparations for the intended attack had been entirely completed, and in the absence of the two field-officers selected for the command, a strong party of Delancey's refugees came out to Singsing, and then marched easterly to Chappaqua, for the purpose of covering the operations of some persons who were conducting a large drove of cattle from Dutchess county to the New

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York market. When Colonel Millen heard of the enemy's approach, his drums beat to arms, and he ordered out the whole detachment intended for the movement against Delancey, with orders to pursue the refugees, and, if possible, to come up with and attack them. The command was given to Captain Cushing of the First Massachusetts battalion, he being the officer highest in command of all the selected corps then pres-ent. The volunteers, guides, and several of the officers were mounted, and the remainder on foot. When Captain Cushing arrived at Chappaqua, he learnt that the enemy had retreated sometime previously. Hop-ing to overtake them by a rapid pursuit, he resumed his march until nightfall, when a heavy rain set in, and the com-manding officer perceiving that his game had escaped, halted his followers near Milesquare, and announced his intention to return. This determination was opposed with much warmth by the guides, who urged that this was the moment to surprise the refugee-colonel in his quarters, while his men were reposing from the fatigues of their late excursion, and when, in consequence of the darkness of the night and the inclemency of the weather, they would probably be more off their guard than usual.