He and some of his men snapped their pistols and carbines at Putnam, but the priming had become damp in fording Byram which was deep, the planks having been taken up.

[Mr Knapp: "Putnam was at the Tracy House, talking with a lady who advised him to take care of himself, but he refused, saying there was no danger. She then pointed out a party of dragoons (on the British right flank) advancing rapidly towards him that he had not seen. He instantly bade her good morning; and putting spurs to his

Mr. Knapp contd.

horse rode at full speed to near where the Dutnam Post road suddenly turns off to the east, and then leaving the road continued his flight in [a] the South easterly direction, striking the stepping stones about three fourths of the way down. Having arrived safely below the hill, he leaped his horse across the fence and galloped some distance across the fields leaving his pursuers far behind. He was a good horseman, and upon this occasion mounted upon an uncommonly fine fresh horse, while the steeds of the pursuing dragoons were jaded by their long march."

horse rode at full speed to near where the Dutnam Post road suddenly turns off to the east, and then leaving the road continued his flight in [a] the South easterly direction, striking the stepping stones about three fourths of the way down. Having arrived safely below the hill, he leaped his horse across the fence and galloped some distance across the fields leaving his pursuers far behind. He was a good horseman, and upon this occasion mounted upon an uncommonly fine fresh horse, while the steeds of the pursuing dragoons were jaded by their long march."