Interview with Van Cortlandt, Pierre
Colonel Philipse was taken up early in the Revolutionary war and carried to Connecticut, and paroled by Govr. Trumbull to his Manor. In the early part of 1777, or thereabouts Philips's wife and daughter (great tories) persuaded him to sign a letter informing the British Commander at Kingsbridge that an American party was down at Morrisania. The letter was sent by a servant to the British and found out by one of the Dyckmans, &c Col. Philipse after this was afraid to stay any longer.
There were five of Mosier's men on my farm at one time -- vizt: James Croft, Henry and Peter [Christian] [marg: or Godfrey], Peter Meeks and
Pierre Teller taken at the ice fight in 1783 was wounded badly and died in the New York Hospital soon after.
I saw Colonel Philipse in New York in 1783, just before he went to England. I was pointed out to him as Governor Van Cortlandt's son, and he was glad to see me, but cried bitterly when he said, "I must leave my country!" -- I cried, too.
In March 1777, the British advanced guard occupied two conical hills, about one mile north of Peekskill which was situated on the East side of, and near the public road, and about 200 or 300 feet apart. Colonel Willett attacked the most easterly of these where most of the British were posted. He advanced upon them through a valley formed by a small branch of the Peekskill which runs towards these hills and through fields covered with underwood and brush and got near them unperceived, when his men shouted out and charged with the bayonets. The British were ~~much~~ alarmed and retreated instantly.