" But their greatest troubles befell the inluibitants after the battle at White Plains was over, au<l the Bi'itish army had retired to Dobbs Ferry ; for the whole region between the Sound and the Hudson River was overrun ami laiil waste by a partizan warfare, and became, as it were, the battle-ground of the disafTectetl, and the i)rey of botli friend and foe. Scenes of cruelty and bloodslieii, unknown in civili/.ed warfare, marked tliese predatory excursions from both lines, and in defense of tlicir homes, the valiant sons of Westchester exhibited frequent instances of personal bravery unexcelled in ancient or modern times." '

The following incidents, related in Mr. Coutant's Historical Reminiscences, may serve as specimens of the annoyances and dangers to which the inhabitants occupying a position between two hostile armies were subjected. In many instances, no doubt they wereol a far more tragical character.

In 1776, when a portion of Howe's army was encamped upon the high land a few hundred yards east from the old Coutant homstead (upon which is now located the Coutant Cemetery), the surrounding country suffered much from the soldiery and camp followers. Of this kind of annoyance the ])remises and family of Isaac Coutant, by reason of their ])roxiniity to the army, had their full share. The fields were stripped of their fences for fuel, aud the live-stock of every kind disappeared, while the granaries and barns were speedily emptied of their contents. But while the soldiery were engaged in this external department of plunder, the Hessian women ransacked the house from kitchen to garret in quest of food, clothing or any article that might seem of use to them. So frequent were their visits, and so importunate and imperious their demands, that even the meat and vegetables were taken from the pot in the j)rocess of cooking.