At the advance of the British army to White Plains the Whig families were seen hurrying unprotected before them with thin clothing and a scanty supply of provisions to seek shelter for the coming winter, they knew not where. Desolation and famine marked that fair region over which the two armies passed. The English army finding all attempts to circumvent General Washington hopeless, broke up their camp at White Plains on the 5ih of November and retired to Dobb's Ferry, and from thence to King's Bridge, where they encamped on the 13lh of that month."

"Thus ended in Westchester for the year '76 the movements of the British army ; but soon the inhabitants of the North were overrun by loyalists from Morrisania, and for a long time without protection were exposed to every danger and suffering. In short, till the peace of 1782, Westchester was the battle-ground of the disaffected, and the prey of both friend and foe. Scenes of cruelty and bloodshed unknown in civilized warfare, marked their partizan engagements, and in the defence of their homes her valiant sons exhibited frequent instances of personal bravery unexcelled in ancient or modern times. Among the most daring were the guides -- such men as Abraham Dijckman, Cornelius Oakley and John Odell. In the darkness of night they have often surprised and carried off captains, officers and men, under the guns of the British forts at Morrisania, or in small parties amused Itiemselves by beating up De Lancey's quarters. Frequent alarms had made them watchful of surprise and success rendered them reckless of danger, till they became the chosen leaders of each dangerous enterprise against the enemy."