Interview with Horton, Francis Coutant
384 163 PAPERS November 11. Mrs. Toffy: "Trade Donaldson was notorious Skinner. He hung my brother in law, Mr. Rhinelander, on an apple tree to get his money!"
November 11. Mrs. Frances Horton, aged about 79 (nee Coutant): French was our family language. My parents were taught nothing else at school. In 1776 the British army moved gradually by our house -- the British first, and then the Hessians took their place. The British when they left moved south towards Wards house. [margin: Lu. Sunday, 27th] They stripped us of everything. The skir- -mish with the Hessians was near our house. They had been plundering, and had pumpkins on their heads which they dropped. They took off the doors and shutters from our house to transport their wounded on. Bonfon's Point
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PAPERS [on] is Davenport's Neck. There was a small [is] island within gun shot of Davenport's Neck.
November 11. Jesse Mollinex, of New Rochelle, 82 years old: In 1778 or '79 or thereabouts Colonel Thomas with 130 men attempted to take City Island. We, the inhabitants, about 14 in number were armed for the defence, and discovered his party about 80 in number? in two flat boats and a whale boat, and fired briskly on them. They then put back. We were assisted by the guard ship's long boat which carried two swivels and about ten men. (The sailors fired the swivels at Thomas while in sight.) Colonel Thomas intended to take the Island before daylight.
Jesse Mollinex, of New Rochelle, 82 years old: In 1778 or '79 or thereabouts Colonel Thomas with 130 men attempted to take City Island. We, the inhabitants, about 14 in number were armed for the defence, and discovered his party about 80 in number? in two flat boats and a whale boat, and fired briskly on them. They then put back. We were assisted by the guard ship's long boat which carried two swivels and about ten men. (The sailors fired the swivels at Thomas while in sight.) Colonel Thomas intended to take the Island before daylight.