Westchester County, New York, During the American Revolution

"By whom this performance was given to the pub- " lie, is uncertain, and being as little distinguished by " decency as by truth, there is reason to suspect, the " author's name will remain a secret.

" The falsities contained in this representation, are " too flagrant to impose upon any person in this col- " ony, and nothing but the apprehension of its gain- " ing credit in other parts of the world, would have " induced me to have made it the subject of ani- " madversion.

" I shall pass over the many little embellishments " with which the author's fancy has endeavoured to " decorate his narrative ; nor is it necessary to call in '' question the reality of that loyal enthusiasm, by " which it was said these good people were influenced ; " and I really wish it had been the fact, because when " inconsistencies and fooleries result from inebriety or " enthusiasm, they merit our pity, and escape indig- " nation and resentment.

" Much pains, I confess, were on that day taken to " make temporary enthusiasts, and with other more " exhilirating spirit, than the spirit of loyalty.

" To give the appearance of dignity to these curious " and very orderly protestors, the author has been " very mindful to annex every man's addition to his " name, upon a presumption perhaps that it would " derive weight from the title of Mayor, Esquire, Cap- " tain, Lieutenant, Judge, &c.