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. At length Isaac Coutant was com[)elled to apply to General Kny[)hausen for protection, since his family were in danger of .starvation. A stalwart Highlander from one of the Scotch regiments was detailed to guard the premises. Hardly had he entered upon this duty when one of these female harpies entered

the house, and, with meat-hook in hand, made her way, as usual, to the dinner-pot suspended over the fire. But as she stooped to raise the lid the Scotchman dealt her a blow with the flat of his sword which materially interfered with her investigations, and when she arose in wrath and advanced upon him with the meat-hook (without giving the countersign) he dealt her another thwack with his broadsword which sent her staggering to the door, from which she retreated in the direction of the camp, hurling anathemas like Parthian arrows at the soldier, by which, however, as they were couched in an unknown tongue, he was not much dismayed.