These he also charged, and, on his passing them, his horse was wounded, and threw him, when he fell into the enemy's hands. Two of the lieutenant's party, which consisted of twenty four, were killed, and one taken prisoner ; the rest escaped safe to their regiments.^

In the vicinity of the village a detachment under the command ' of General Parsons, fitted out in sleighs, (returning from an enterprise against the enemy at Morrisania,) were overtaken and almost entirely cut to pieces by a party of British light horse.^

The small stream that waters the western part of the village of Eastchester, was formerly known as Rattlesnake Brook. An early town order required " the inhabitants to meet together one day in the spring, for the destruction of this dangerous reptile.''^ In 1721 Nathaniel Tompkins was permitted to erect a fish wair on Rattlesnake Creek, - to ye advantage of himself to catch ye fish that swimmeth therein, for ye space of ten years from this date, providing he put it up at once."d

Near the mouth of the brook is situated the tide mill of Mr. Robert Reed. The cottage commands an extensive view of the winding creek and the high grounds of Pelham. The adjoining property formed a portion of the ancient planting grounds of Eastchester. Further to the southwest lies Black Dog Brook,

a Heath's Mem., 218. t Hugh Gaines' Gazette,

b As late as 1775, a rattlesnake was killed near the brook, measuring some six feet, c Town Rec, 1 Feb., 1696-7. John Pell, senr., had the privilege of erecting a mill on this brook.