Afterward he was stationed along the high grounds east of Sing-Sing and Tarrytown which commanded a view of the Hudson, for the purpose of preventing intercourse between British vessels of war and the disaffected inhabitants. In this service he displayed great activity and address, and made prisoners of several parties of marines and sailors who ven-tured on shore. He was compelled however to be constantly on the alert while the active campaign lasted, for opposed to him and watching all his movements, were the lieutenant-colonels Simcoe, Tarleton and Emmerich, and major Bear- more,--undoubtedly the most daring and enterprising of all the partisans then in the enemy's service. The legion, con-sequently, was always kept ready for action. Sentinels posted in advance and numerous patrols rendered surprise difficult; the men never undressed, and the horses were con-stantly caparisoned. Tarleton's legion at length had with- drawn from the county and gone into winter quarters, and the Queen's Rangers were preparing to follow, when the French colonel determined to give his horsemen an opportunity of distinguishing themselves by an attack upon the out-post of the Green-Yagers, situate at Hadley's house, on the north river post-road, about a mile or more above colonel Wurmb's position near Kingsbridge. Armand put his men in motion at night, posted his infantry near Dobbs' Ferry to cover a retreat in case of pursuit, and at the head of his cavalry has-tened to throw himself upon the Hessian guard. It was just

20 THE McDONALD PAPERS

after daybreak when he approached the enemy. His spies had given the information that a single sentinel would be encountered on the road some distance in advance, and meas-ures were taken accordingly. When this man came in view, the whole troop were ordered to charge with loud shouts and at full speed; a proceeding which surprised and disconcerted the sentinel to such a degree that he suffered himself to be disarmed and taken prisoner without discharging his mus-ket.