When he arrived at the swamp just northeast of the village of White Plains he was so closely pursued that he abandoned his cattle, sending them on into the woods near Kensico, while he himself descended into the swamp and hid in the water, his head only above the surface. In this waj' he managed to escape from his pursuers and afterwards was able to return to his home. Scarsdale was the scene of the movements of the patriot and royal troops prior to the battle of White Plains,

RESIDENCE OF C. W. DICKEL, §CARSPALE, M. Y.

SCARSDALE.

GG5

as well as again when the British were commanded by General Howe.

It is said that the old Fish house was occujiied by Sir William Howe for some time as his headijuarters, and that near by are the graves of several of his orticei'S who fell in service. It is probable that the British army was for some time within the limits of Scarsdale previous to the battle of White Plains, for they moved but slowly after their landing near New Eochelle. Speaking of this battle, Baird says, " ]\Ieanwhile the enemy had advanced from Scarsdale, and after a skirmish near the present village of Hart's Corners, a little more than a mile south of the lines, had arrived in view of the American forces."

Still another account is as follows: On the 21st the British removed and encamped on New Kochelle Heights, north of the village and on both sides of the road leading to Scarsdale. This camj) was broken uj) on the 25th, and the army moved forward to a position upon the high grounds of Scarsdale, on the site of the late John Bennet's farm, and there remained till the morning of the 28th of October. Then they moved from camp in two columns, the right under command of General Clinton and the left under that of General de Heister. and coming in sight of the Americans by 10 a.m., there followed the battle of White Plains.