They surrendered and begged for life, but their entreaties were disregarded, and the swords of their cruel foes were plunged into their bodies so long as signs of life remained. We found many friends to our cause, who reside on their farms between the lines of the two armies, whose situation is truly deplorable, being continually exposed to the ravages of the tories, horse thieves, and cow boys, who rob and plunder them without mercy, and the personal abuse and punishments which they iutlict is almost incredible."

•About a mile below the residence of Mr. William Smith, on the Pines JBridge road, a narro-.v lane diverges south-west to Da\cnport, or Dan-

676 HISTORY OF THE COUXTV OF WESTCHESTER.

forth's house. Here, Col. Christoplier Greene v.-as posted with the lUiode Island regiment, in advance of the Continental army, in 17S1, and near the French force under Count Rochambeau. The followin<T communication appears to have been addressed to Col. Greene, by John Dexter, of the orderly office, upon the reorganization of his force : --

Ordeely Office, Iotowa, ^Tut. 19tb, 1780. Mt deae Sir : --

I have been a considerable time expecting your arrival at camp, or at least a deputy or delegate from our regiment, in order to a settlement of the otliccrs -vvho continue in service from our State on tlie nev,- arrangement. There are many circumstances which must inevitably atteud'it, that may possilily and probably not be considered without the most particular attention and deliberation. But the most material, which I recollect at this time, is this-- "The filling up all the vacancies in the regiment which happened previous to the passing the late resolution, for the re-aiTangcmeat of the army as far as tlie ofScers in it will extend." This I have made particular enquiry respecting at Ijead-quarters.