The enemy's horse soon appeared in sight of the Americans, and discharged their rifles at long shot, and waited the coming up of the infantry, when a warm action commenced ; the enemy scattered, taking the advantage of the ground and trees in the orchard, and closing up Oil all sides. The three companies of the detachment which had joined, fought well. After about fifteen minutes sharp coijflict, our trooj)S broke; some took into the house, and others made off'; the enemy's horse rushing on at the same instant, and the whole bhouting. At this time, the two flank companies
COL'NTY OF WESTCHESTER. 353
came up, but finding how matters stood, judged it best to retreat, Capt. Stoddard's company giving a fire or two at long shot, Capt. Cooper's, from their distance, not firing at all. Some who were engaged effected their escape, others were overtaken by the horse. The enemy collected what prisoners they could, set Mr. Young's house and buildings on fire, and returned.
Of the Americans, thirteen were killed on the spot, and Captain Roberts, who was mortally wounded, lived but a few minutes. Seventeen others were wounded, several of whom died. Lieut. Col. Thompson, of Marshall's, Capt. Watson, of Greaton's, Capt. Lieut. Farley, of Wesson's, Lieut. Barley, of Tupper's, Lieut. Maynard, of Greaton's, Ensign Fowler, of Nixon's, Ensign Bradley, of Bigelow's, with eighty-nine others, were taken prisoners. The enemy left three men dead on the field, and a captain of grenadiers was wounded in the hip, and a lieutenant of infiuitry in the thigh. The British, in their account of the action, acknowledged that they had five men killed, and eighteen wounded. Lieut. Col. Badlam, with the relief for the lines, was at the time of the action far advanced on his march ^ but not within reach of those engaged.