In order to cheek the prosecution of this practice, small scouting parties were frequently sent out beyond the American posts to reconnoiter the country between the posts and those of the enemy. As the cattle taken from the Cowboys, unless stolen and reclaimed, were by legislative enactment held to be " prize of war," small volunteer parties were occasionally formed by the young men attached to the American cause to watch the roads in order to suppress the practice which exposed their stock to depredation. On the 22d a party of this kind was suggested by one John Yerks to John Paulding, both of whom were within the American lines at Upper or North Salem, West■* -._ ... „ Chester County. Paulding I. agreed to go if a sufficient Jp |,., . number could be induced to accompany them. This Y'erks assured him could be easily accomplished, and he agreed to procure the men while Paulding should obtain the necessary permit from the commanding officer. Paulding went to the encampment at North Salem and obtained BEVKRLY KOHINSON IIOCSE. the permit. While there he saw his friend, Isaac Van Wart, whom he invited to accompany him. Van Wart readily assented and accompanied Paulding to the place where he had left Yerks. In the meantime Yerks had enlisted Sergeant John Dean, Isaac See, James Bonier, and Abraham Williams. In the afternoon they proceeded southward with their muskets over their shoulders. After walking about a mile they met David Williams, who joined them. The party now consisted of eight, all of whom were devotedly attached to the American cause, and most, if not all, of whom had been in the American army. All but Sergeant Dean, however, were privates. After walking about fifteen miles, they found quarters for the night in the barn of John Andrews at Pleasantville.