Sheldon having received information from his spies, that the enemy were prepaiing an incursion into this vicinity, left his quarters at New Castle, and led by Isaac Odell, a trusty guide, followed the by-roads to this place, where he ascertained from Peter Post, that the Hessians had not yet passed. Enjoining secrecy upon Post, the Colonel ambuscaded his horse in the adjoining cedars, which he had barely done, when the Hessians rode up, and demanded of Post, if he had seen the rebels. The Hessians, deceived by his answer, were proceeding in full gallop through the lane, when a shrill whistle rang through the air, instantly followed by the impetuous charge of Sheldon's horse. Panic stricken, the enemy fled in every direction, but the fresh horses of the Americans carried their gallant riders wherever a wandering ray disclosed the steel cap, or the brilliant accoutrements of a Hessian. A bridle path leading from the place of ambush to the river was strewed with the dead and dying, while those who sought safety in the water were captured, cut to pieces or drowned. The conflict, so short and bloody, was decisive. One solitary horseman was seen galloping off in the direction of Yonkers, and he alone? wounded and unarmed, reached the camp of Col. Emmerick in safety. Here he related the particulars of the march, the sudden onset and retreat.

Astonished and maddened with rage, Emmerick started his

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 181

whole command in pursuit. Poor Post was stripped for his fidelity, and after having a sufficient number of blows inflicted upon his person, left for dead. The lane, half a mile in length, has been since used as a race course. The former residence of Van Burgh Livingston, Esq. is agreeably situated near the river, a short distance north of Hastings, The estate is at present owned by Mr.