Home / Macdonald, John. Interview with Lawrence, Samuel, c.1759-1848; (1847-10-22). John M. McDonald Interviews, 1844-1851, WCHS item 1004. Westchester County Historical Society. Transcribed by history.croton.news April 2026. / Passage

Interview with Lawrence, Samuel

Macdonald, John. Interview with Lawrence, Samuel, c.1759-1848; (1847-10-22). John M. McDonald Interviews, 1844-1851, WCHS item 1004. Westchester County Historical Society. Transcribed by history.croton.news April 2026. 309 words

194 562 [margin: PARIS] 83. the Danby expedition, and he himself went on horse back to carry provisions for them.

[margin: Hyatt (Carpenter above, 333 Broadway) was told where Gen s Huntings lives.] Octr. 22d Samuel Lawrence of Cross River: "Major Fish was a very fire looking active soldier and commanded the scout of between 100 and 200 men; nine months and militia men which went down towards Williams Bridge where we encountered the British and Refugees across the river. I didn't then know the object of the scout. It was for the party of our folks to sweep off from West Chester and Morrisania the cattle feeding there for the British in New York. This we accomplished, and the cattle, taken to Horse neck for safety, while we diverted the enemy and drew their attention towards Williams Bridge. We went down in the morning and remained all day skirmishing with

[page break]

563 197 [margin: PARIS] 7784. the British. Major Fish would take a soldier's gun and fire across, then go into a house where we were and keep a young girl there and court her. Towards night the British increased in numbers, and showed an intention of cutting us off.- Fish then determined to retreat. He had two Captains under him, and led us back with great adroitness, taking us at first through the woods and fields and concealing our route from the enemy. John Shaw, a Scotchman, was a private in Captain Samuel Delavan's Rangers who were mounted. He was a good soldier, an expert swordsman, and lived with Captain Delavan attending his mill. Shaw never did refuse to surrender and defended himself with resolution and bravery, but was cut to pieces by six or seven troopers, who boasted after = words that they had killed Captain Delavan - for him they supposed Shaw to be."