That great outrage, inflicted on the inhabitants of Westchester-county, called forth the denunciations of the Commander-in-chief, in the General Orders of the Army, 8 and those of the Committee of Safety of the State ; 9 the leader of the band of ruffians who
1 "When she went out of the house, some of the men began to carry " things out of the house ; when she asked them why they took those "things. Then Major Austin spake; and told her he should carry "them to the General's; and alleged General Sullivan's orders for it." --(Mrs. Adams' '« testimony, before the Court-martial for the trial of Major Austin, " Philipsburg, November 12, 1776.")
" On the night of the 5th instant, he had been out on a scouting party, "with Major Austin; and,on their return.the Major ordered him back.with '•five men, to thehouses which they burned ; and told him to take good care " of whatever things he got ; to keep them safe ; and bring them off, to his " markee j" etc.-- (Testimony of Sergeant Churchill, at the same trial, " Nov- " ember 13," in which Captain Keith and James Linzer fully concurred.)
" Further says, that what things were tied up, in two blankets, were "carried to the Major's markee ; and all the rest were left with the wo- " men."-- (Testimony of Tilley now, at the same trial, " November 13 ; " in which James Linzer and Captain Keith fully concurred.)