November 17th, 1777, the British, under Captain Emmerick, made an excursion from their quarters to the Saw Mill Valley, and completely surprised the Van Tassels, who were residina: near Captain Romer's, burnt their houses, " stripped the women and children of necessary apparel to cover them from the severity of a cold winter's night," and led off, in triumph, the two brothers, Peter and Corneliiis van Tassel.*

In retaliation for this inhuman outrage, the patriots fitted up an expedition at Tarrytowii, under the command of Abraham Marllingh, which proceeded down the Hudson River, passed the enemy's guard boats in safety, and succeeded in setting fire to General Oliver de l^ancey's house on New York island, after plundering it of its contents. The whole party returned to Tarrytovvn in safety. This enterprise was conducted in the very face of the British army.

Three young lads named Vincent, Smith, and Lawrence, were overtaken by a party of Totten's refugee corps a little south of Rowland's mill ; two were killed on thes pot, Vincent recovered

"" See Gen. Parson's Letter, Mamaroneck.

Vol. I. 31

2.42 HISTORY OF THE

irom his wounds, but remained a cripple for life. Major David Hunt of the continental army afterwards conveyed him to Paulus Hook where he was noticed by several members of Congress who subsequently obtained a pension for the suflerer. This is said to liave been the first pension granted by the United States' government.

A short distance south of the hamlet of Greenburgh is situated the residence of Samuel Howland, Esq. It is embosomed in trees, and stands on the west bank of the Saw Mill river, in its rear rise bold and majestic hills covered with luxuriant woods. The building itself is a very handsome structure of wood, in the modern style. The river arrested by the mill dam, forms in front of the house an extensive sheet of water which adds greatly to the beauty of this romantic spot.