THE FIRST BLOOD SHED IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY In the latter part of September 1775 some British vessels of war came up to the east river and lay off Suttons (now called Delancy's Neck) at Mamaroneck, it was suspected with a view to land and plunder. The militia of the lower part of the County, who were called out to rendezvous at Mamaroneck under the command of Major Gen'l Lewis Morris. While there, information was obtained that William Lounsberry who TOMPKINS' RECOLLECTIONS 55

had lately left Mamaroneck (where he had resided for a long time) and gone to the enemy, was out with Enlisting Orders, enlisting men out of the militia there assembled, to join the enemy, and was secreted in the rocks in what was called the great lots west of Mamaroneck village. About 20 men were selected to go and capture him and his recruits. One of the party that went from Mamaroneck was a Capt. John Floods who for several years had sailed a market sloop from that place, and resided within half a mile of Lounsberry's residence. When the party came near, Lounsberry fired upon them but did no injury; some of the party returned the fire and wounded one Bloomer Nelson in the knee. Lounsberry ran off, Floods singled him out, pursued, came up with him, and ordered him to surrender, he refused and fought Floods with his gun. Floods run him through with his bayonet, and in his breeches pocket were found his enlisting Orders-- Samuel Haines, Jacob Schureman, Joseph Turner & Bloomer Nelson were taken prisoners. Lounsberry was the first person killed in Westchester County--