Home / Dawson, Henry B. Westchester County, New York, During the American Revolution. Morrisania, NY: (privately printed by the author), 1886. / Passage

Westchester County, New York, During the American Revolution

Dawson, Henry B. Westchester County, New York, During the American Revolution. Morrisania, NY: (privately printed by the author), 1886. 314 words

I have " thought that the existence of such a Brigade, in which were so many "disaffected persons, was dangerous to the cause as well as to my own *' life ; but being desirous to participate in the virtuous opposition to the " British tyrant, I had determined, as Boon as possible, to join General "Washington, and contribute my assistance to him." (General Lewis Morris to the Convention "Philadelphia, Septr. 24, 1776.")

The reader may learn from this how very little the Morrises were respected, even among those who were under legal obligations to respect them, in and throughout Westchester-county, in the Summer of 1776.

The following will further illustrate the " disaffection " of the Militia of Westchester-county, a reasonable result of the outrages which had been officially perpetrated throughout that County, during many months preceding: " We suppose your Excellency has taken the necessary steps " to prevent their landing of any men from the ships, should they be so "inclined, as no reliance at all can be placed on the Militia of West- " chester-eounty." (The Committee of Safely to General Washington, "Fishkill, 10th Octr., 1776.")

WBSTCHESTEK COUNTY.

relied On, no matter what its temper might be -- it was drawn into the service, while the other States were delinquent,' until no more could be taken, for any, except for the most temporary, purposes. 2 It was called out to guard the banks of the Hudson-river' and those of Long Island Sound. 4 Reinforcements of the Continental Army were taken from it, whenever reinforcements were called for ; 5 the passes in the Highlands were constant sources of anxiety ; 6 and the northern borders of the 8tate T and Long Island 8 also enjoying its protection. Sometimes it was employed to drive Cattle to places of supposed safety: 9 sometimes it was employed in repairing roads : ,0 some-