For this purpose Armand left his quarters above the Croton and proceeded down the main post road to the village of Yonkers ; after passing the village, and when in the neighborhood of the enemy's encampment, he started his whole corps on a full gallop. The Yagers had taken the precaution to post a sentinel at Hadley's spring, but the poor fellow became so perfectly alarmed and powerless on seeing the furious onset of Armand's horse, that he could give no alarm, and was instantly dispatched. The consequence was, the whole corps were either killed or made' prisoners. Colonel Armand then made good his

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retreat, passing in front of the Van Cortlandt residence, and returning by the way of Tippett's valley. In the mean time the British bugle sounded to horse, and his enemies were in full pursuit. On arriving at the Van Cortlandt house a vigorous search was made for Armand, who was by this time far advanced on his retreat to the Croton.

On the Van Cortlandt estate is situated Indian bridge and field ; the former crosses Tippet's brook, the latter forms a portion of the Cortlandt woods, an extensive range of woodland to the north-east of the mansion. Both these places are memorable as the scene of a severe engagement between the British troops and Stockbridge Indians, 3 1st August, 1778.

The action is thus related in Simcoe's Military Journal :

" Lt. Col. Simcoe, returning from head quarters, the 20th of August, heard a firing in front, and being informed that Lt. Coi. Emmerick had patrolled, he immediately marched to his assistance. He soon met him retreating ; and Lt. Col. Emmerick being of opinion the rebels were in such force, that it would be advisable to return, he did so.