General Washington often spoke of the affair, and it was reported all over Europe, to show the utility of the bayonet and that a small party of infantry thus armed may successfully resist a strong body of cavalry." After the third charge the Americans fired with good effect, and the incident ended with the discomfiture of the British. At the end of January, 17S2, an expedition of fifty men left Peekskill for West Farms, arriving there about midnight. This was one of the numerous undertakings to surprise and capture Colonel James de Lancoy, and, like all the others, failed to realize that much sought end. But some prisoners and horses were taken. The retiring Americans (commanded by Captain Daniel Williams! were pursued by British cavalry, and, in their turn, were surprised the next morning while quartered at Orser's, near the Hudson, just below the Croton River. There was a spirited encounter, one of the Americans -- the gallant George McChain -- being killed and several made prisoners (among them John Paulding, the captor of Andre).

HISTORY

WESTCHESTER

COUNTY

Iii February (the 7th) fifty of de Lancey's Horse came up as far as Mills, and, falling Chappaqua. From there they went to Wright'scommand, killed one in with a detachment of General Waterbury's and took four prisoners. In March two successful attacks were made by the Americans on de Lancey's camp at Morrisania. The first of these expeditions (March 4) was led by Captain Hunnewell, with a body of volunteer horse backed by infantry under the command of Major Woodbridge. The party assaulted the cantonment just before sunrise, taking the enemy completely by surprise, killing and wounding many, and carrying away twenty prisoners. During the retreat Abraham Dyckman, the heroic Kingsbridge guide, was mortally wounded. On the attack, though on a smaller scale. 26th of March there "was a similar The American party consisted of only thirteen mounted volunteers, at whose head was Michael Dyckinan, brother of Abraham.