But take care that Hilliard don't see you before you lay hands on him, for if he once gets in his saddle you'll never take him in the world, for he's a most determined rider and has the fleetest horse that's known about here." The guides were all eager for the capture and the generals gave their consent. They furnished me with a horse, and we all set off at full speed, but Hilliard and Travis had got sight of us and mounted just before we reached the house. We pursued and took Travis, but we could not come up with Hilliard whom we chased through the fields for more than two miles. Hilliard kept a small tavern at this time on the road between Fordham and West Farms. We had a fine chase in the fields where there were no enclosures, as the fences had all been burnt up. The instant I described Hilliard's horse the guides were all eager for the attempt, but Hilliard got off with ease, notwithstanding his pursuers were

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262 916 [margin: Travis or Travers] well mounted. Travers soon after managed to get paroled.

Immediately after this the combined army commenced its march for Morrisania. The two Oakleys, Webbers and myself were the principal guides. We conducted them to West Farms by the two roads, and so along the Bronx till we came to Willett's Creek which Classon purchased afterwards. We then returned turned to the right and entered Morrisania, moving all this while along the roads. The moment we came in sight of Harlem river from the high grounds about Gouverneur Morris's house, a furious cannonade was directed against us from the British at Montressor's Island, Harlem and Snake Hill, and from the ships of war in the river. We (that is, guides) sheltered ourselves for several minutes behind the old hill, but Washington Rochambeau and their suites moved on as cool and tranquil as ever.