It was in the old Orser residence that a body of continental troops, under the command of Capt. Daniel Williams, were surprised by a superior force of British cavalry, led by Capt. Bearmore ; the circumstances attending the event are thus related by an eye-witness. During the winter of 1782 Capt. Daniel Williams (who had been for some lime stationed at Croton in command of the American guard upon the lines.) undertook, with a small party of dragoons, a foraging expedition into the neighorhood of Morrisania. Success had attended the enterprise, and they were thus far on their way homeward when they halted to refresh themselves. Not apprehending pursuit, they neglected to post guards, and the road leading from the highway being hidden by a small knoll which rose directly in front of the windows, they were not aware of an enemy's approach until nearly surrounded by Capt. Bearmore and his dragoons.

Tlie confusion that ensued may be imagined. Some of th«

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Americans were cut down within and about the house ; others rushed along the steep bank to the river, which was frozetj, their enemies following in hot pursuit. Several were slain upon the ice; among the latter was George iMcChain. Capt. Williams himself fled down the adjoining bank, closely followed by a British dragoon, who was gaining fast upon him, when he suddenly checked his horse, and, as liis pursupr (unable to stop) dashed by him, rose in his stirrups and dealt a back handed biow with his sword, which brought the dragoon to the ground. He also succeeded in capturing his adversary's horse with which he arrived safe at head-quarters.