He could not, however, conceal his opinion of the officer who commanded the guard intended for his protection, and openly called him a coward. Those who heard him say this at West Point cautioned him about using such language, but he still persevered. At length it came to the ears of the superior officer at West Point who sent for him and reduced his account of the transaction to writing. The offending Colonel or officer was then tried by Court martial and dismissed the service. This offender belonged to one of the Eastern regiments.

At another time he was ordered to take a large quantity of powder to Albany for the use of the northern army. This was, I believe, while Gates had commanded there. [page break] There was a strong head wind when he took the powder on board, but a sudden change and a strong south wind enabled him to reach Albany in a few hours. He instantly landed the cargo. Another sudden change and a north wind and favorable tide enabled him to return again to that part of the Highlands from which he had departed; and thus the whole trip up and back was accomplished in a very short space of time. The next day after the powder was placed under his charge while at anchor at the same spot from which he had started, he was boarded by the public authorities who enquired in great displeasure why he had delayed the performance of his duty by not taking the powder to Albany. He answered that he had done all he promised. An explanation ensued. His accusers would not believe his story, he told, until he produced receipts for the powder from the proper officers in command at Albany. [page break] [margin: Joseph] Old Mr. Travers of Peekskill, who owned the upper part of the land where the present village of Peekskill stands, and who owned what was then called the upper dock, used to tell a story of his having, for several days, had possession of a barrel of specie, part of the French military chest.