His own loss, which he makes one hussar of the legion killed, one wounded, and one horse of the Seventeenth dra-goons killed, is undoubtedly much underrated. He probably made no return of the losses sustained by the irregulars under his command. It may be well to record whatever may redound to the credit of an enemy whose conduct too often and too justly was charged with inhumanity. After Tarleton's retreat from Poundridge, one of the British surgeons continued for some time in the village, for the purpose of taking care of some American soldiers, whose wounds required immediate atten-tion. This medical officer, is still gratefully spoken of by the inhabitants, for his assiduity and skill. Tarleton regained his quarters in Milesquare, at about half past ten in the evening, after one of the most rapid marches upon record. As the name of this celebrated British partisan must forever live in our revolutionary history, I will conclude my paper with a brief sketch of his life. Banaster Tarleton was born on the 21st of August 1754, at Liverpool, of which city, his father was at one time the Mayor. This gentleman long importuned his son to study for the profession of law, but found that youthful ambition con-

CAPTURE OF POUNDRIDGE 45

stantly urged him to the career of arms. The parent there-upon wisely deferred his wishes to the military inclinations of the child, for whom, in 1775, he procured a cornetcy in the King's dragoon-guards. In the following year, the young soldier obtained leave to push his fortunes by joining the royal forces in America, where the revolutionary struggle had just commenced. Eager for distinction, he volunteered imme-diately after his arrival to serve under Colonel Harcourt of the Sixteenth light dragoons, and in the month of December, commanded the advanced guard of the detachment, which made General Charles Lee prisoner, near Baskingridge in New Jersey.