" We the sub-committee of Poundridge, in Westchester County, beg leave to inform your Honors, that we are apprehensive that there is danger of our prisoners leaving us and joining the ministerial army, as we are not above nine or ten miles from the water where the sound is full of the ministerial ships and tenders. One of our number is already gone to Long Island, and numbers are gone from other places, who are no doubt now with the ministerial army. There are disaffected persons daily going over to

i^ Major Lockwood was also a member of the convention that framed t\\Q first constitution of the state, and a judge of the county in 1778.

12 HISTORY OF THE

them which gives us much trouble. Therefore, we humbly beg your Honors would give us some directions concerning them, that they may be speedily removed at some farther distance. We would also inform you that for the misdemeanors of one of them and our own safety, we have been obliged to commit him to jail at the White Phuns. These with all proper respects, from yours to serve.

Joseph Ambler.^

Chairman of Committee.

In July, 1779, a skirmish took place in this village between the Americans and a strong force of the enemy, under Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton.

" About three hundred and sixty of the enemy's light horse, and light-infantry, (says General Heath,) came out from Mile-.Square, and attacked Colonel Sheldon's light-horse, who were ^posied al Puundridge, about ninety in numt)er- The superiir force of the enemy obliged our horse at first, to retreat ; but being reinforced by the militia, they in turn, pursued the enemy. Our loss was one corporal, one trumpeter and eight privates, wounded ; three sergeants, one corporal and four privates missing ; and twelve horses missing.