" November 7th, 1779, (says General Heath,) at night, Colonel Armand proceeded with his corps from near Tarrytown to the vicinity of Morrisania, to the house of Alderman Leggett, where he sur-. prised and took Major Bearmore and five other prisoners. The secresy, precaution, gallantry and discipline exhibited by the colonel and his corps on this occasion did them much honor. In the capture of Major Bearmore, the inhabitants of the adjacent country were relieved from the frequent excursions of a troublesome officer." The destruction of the old house took place under the following circumstances : Col. Fowler, of the British army, who Had dispossessed the Graham famil)-, and made it his own quarters, invited all the officers and gentry in the neighborhood to dine with him, preparatory to his change of quarters.
The company were assembled, and all seemed gay and happy. The more youthful of both sexes were wandering about the lawn, enjopng the beaut>' of the prospect, when a servant, (one of Mr. Graham's slaves,) announced the important fact, " Dinner is on the table." All turned their faces to the banqueting room, but before any one entered the door, there was a cry of fire heard. Col. Fowler seemed to think the dinner was more important than the building; he ordered everything removed from the table, the gentlemen assisting, and in a few minutes the table and contents were removed to the. shade of a large willow, where all seated them-
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