In the capture of Major Bearmore, the inhabitants of the adjacent country were relieved from the frequent excursions of a troublesome officer."* The destruction of the old house took place under the following circumstances. Col. Fowler, of the British army, who had dispossessed the Graham family, and made it his own quarters, invited all the officers and gentry in the neighborhood to dine with him, preparatory to his change of quarters. The company were assembled, and all seemed gay and happy. The more youthful of both sexes were wandering about the lawn, enjoying the beauty of the j)rospect, when a servant (one of Mr. Graham's slaves) announced the important fact, "Dinner is on the table.'' All turned their faces to the banqueting room, but before any one entered the door, there was a cry of fire heard.
Col. Fowler seemed to think the dinner was more important than the building : he ordered everything removed from the table, the gentlemen assisting, and in a few minutes the table and contents were removed to the shade of a large willow, where all seated themselves, and appeared to enjoy the meal and the burning. The house was utterly consumed, with the contents, before the company separated. No effort was made to save an article not required for the better enjoyment of their meal. The same evening Colonel Fowler conducted a marauding party into the vicinity of Eastchester, where he was attacked and fell mortally wounded. Being brought back to the house of Cornelius van Ranc, overseer of Mr. Graham's farm, he expired that night.