60 THE McDONALD PAPERS

THE ATTACK ON COL. THOMPSON

Col. Thompson was stationed at Young's house, with his regiment, in the winter of 1780 which was near the line of what now are the towns Greenburgh & Mount Pleasant. Col. Thompson had sent one company of his men to the west near Saw Mill river & another to the east where Abraham Davis resided. They found the Enemy were approaching near them with 1500 men to attack Col. Thompson; he sent orders to the companies at Saw Mill river & Davis's to join him as soon as possible. John Odell was acting as guide to Thompson's regiment, he advised Thompson to retreat; he said his orders were to defend that post. Odell said not against impossibilities. He directed Odell to go & hurry on the men from Davis's. After Odell had gone a little distance, he saw that company ascend-ing a hill about a mile to the north; finding it impossible to get them there, to be of any service, Odell sat on his horse & saw the battle. Thompson had about 40 men killed, himself & a number of others taken prisoners.

THE CAPTURE OF MAJOR ANDRE

The legislature passed a law that all stock found driving to-ward the enemy, below a designated line, should be lawful prize to the captors. Paulding, Williams & Van Wart were all natives of the town of Greenburg & resided (as also their parents) neighbors to each other, near Saw Mill river. They with 5 or 6 others went near Tarrytown, to capture, whatever might be going to the enemy. Paulding & Van Wart & Williams secreted themselves near the road, while the rest of the party went down near the river to keep a lookout. Paulding & Van Wart were amusing themselves with cards, while Williams kept guard.