der the command of Colonel Burr, and in the spring of that year Major Hull ; that in the winter of 1780 they were occupied by Colonel Thompson of the American army, who then commanded the American troops stationed on the lines; that the prisoners and military stores belonging to said detachment were deposited in said buildings ; that on the third of February, 1780, an attack was made on that post by about 1000 British troops and refugees, under the command of Colonel Norton ; the action commenced in the dwelling house, and continued in and about it until Colonel Thompson had lost either in killed or wounded about 50 of his men when he surrendered ; that immediately thereupon the buildings of the said Joseph Young were burnt, by order of the British commander; that all the clothing, beding and furniture of the said Joseph Young were destroyed at that inclement season of the year. 3-

This spot is celebrated in the Westchester Spy, as the site of the hamlet of the Four Corners, whilst a little west of the present Van Wart residence stood the "Hotel Flanagan, a place of entertainment for man and beast." In front of this imposing edifice, on a rough board suspended from a gallows-looking post, was written in red chalk,

"ELIZABETH FLANAGAN, HER HOTEL." .

This illustrious personage, (who is said to have invented the well known beverage, vulgarly called "cock tail,") was the widow of an American soldier who had fallen in the service of his country. She appears to have gained her livelihood by driving a cart to the various military encampments; and as the Four Corners happened at this time to be the head-quarters of the Virginia horse, Betty Flanagan had emigrated thither with the troops. Here she was stationed when the lawless Skinners dragged in the .pedlar spy.b