Mosier was a hard drinker and of a loose moral deportment. Whale boats from West Chester were commissioned by Governor Clinton which gave them the right to privateer against the enemy in the Sound. Frederick Donaldson cruised under such a commission for Governor Clinton, but he transcended his powers, and not content with his rights to privateer in the East river, oftentimes landed on Long Island and in West Chester County and plundered the inhabitants. Captain Lockwood and Captain Reynolds were famous whaleboat

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26 305 [margin: 1845] whale boat commanders, both from Connecticut and commanded by the Governor of that state. Captain Ryder originally from Mamaroneck was also a celebrated whale boat commander, commissioned also by the Governor of Connecticut. These three men all served under Brewster in the whale boat engagement between himself and Captain Hoyt in the Sound. In this fight the associated Refugees lost two or three boats, one of which was com- -manded by Hoyt who was taken pri- -soner. Captain Samuel Lockwood lived down on Greenwich Point. Major Humphrey's, went down on the flats at Greenwich Point to reconnoitre the enemy's vessels cruising near the shore. He was warned of the danger to which he exposed himself and advised not to go, but would not listen to the advice. A three pounder, aimed if

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27 306 [margin: 1845] was said by Captain Hoyt, was fired from the vessel commanded by him, and the ball striking the belly of Humphreys horse killed him on the spot without injury to the Major. The occurrence created much comment among the Major's friends at his expense. Major Fitch was a very enterprising honorable man, always held in high estimation. He lived close by Putnam's Hill. Colonel Tarleton staid one night at my father's, when the British were encamped at Sniffon's Hill.