It would appear that the unfortunate man being better mounted than the rest of his companions, who were all retreating before Col. De Lancey, rode considerably in advance ; and on coming to the cross roads near the Methodist church, he mistook his way, and was following the course of the Saw Mill road when thus mortally wounded. The rest of the parly made good their retreat by the Albany turnpike. .,..•.-"■ - ' ' ^ . - ' ' ■ ^■'' '^

Life of Hamilton by tlie Harpers, p 336,

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 487

The old Parsonage, formerly called Babcock's house, appears to have been frequently garrisoned by the troops of both armies. It was here that Lord Howe fixed his head quarters, and here the American Col. Gist was visiting in 1778, when the enemy determined upon his surprisal. At this period the house was occupied by the handsome and accomplished widow of the Rev. Luke Babcock and Miss Sarah Williams, a sister of Mrs. Frederick Philipse. To the former lady Col. Gist was devotedly attached, consequently when an opportunity afforded he gladly moved his command into that vicinity. On the night preceding the attack, he had stationed his camp at the foot of Boar hill, directly opposite the parsonage, for the better purpose of paying a special visit to this lady. It is said that whilst engaged in urging his suit the enemy were quietly surrounding his quarters ; he had barely received his final dismissal from Mrs. Babcock when he was startled with the firing of musketry. The following account of the attack is thus given by the British commander, Lieut. Col. Simcoe.