I have "thought that the existence of such a Brigade, in which were so many "dis;ilTected persons, was dangerous to the cause as well as to my own ■' life ; but being desirous to participate in the virtuous opposition to the "British tyrant, I had determined, as soon as possible, to join General "^Vashiiigton. and contribute my assistance to him." {General Letoit Morris to the Convention " Phil.ioelphu, Septr. 24, 1776.")

The reader may learn from this how very little the Slorrises were respected, even among those who were under legal obligations to respect them, in and throughout Westchester-county, in the Summer of 1776.

The following will further illustrate the "disaffection" of the Militia of Westchester-county, a reasonable result of the outrages which had been officially perpetrated throughout that County, during many months preceding: " We suppose your Excellency has taken the necessiiry steps " to prevent their landing of any men from the ships, should they be so ' inclined, as no reliance at all can be placed on the Militia of West- " chester-county." {The Committee of Safely tn General Washinrjlon. "FiSHKiLL, 10th Octr., 1776.")

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, 1774-1783.

relied on, no matter what its temper might be -- it was drawn into the service, while the other States were delinquent,' until no more could be taken, for any, except for the most tcmjjorary, purposes.' It was called out to guard the banks of the Hudsoy-river^ and those of Long Island Sound.* Reinfbrcemcuts of the Continental Army were taken from it, whenever reinforcements were called for;' the passes in the Highlands were constant sources of anxiety ; * and the northern borders of the State' and Long Island' also enjoying its protection. Sometimes it was employed to drive Cattle to places of supposed safety:* sometimes it was employed in repairing roads : some-