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November 6th Samuel Allen, of Chappequa: "Captain Isaac Conkling, formerly of Peeksill, now deceased, has told me many of his Revolutionary adventures. He was master of a North River sloop at the time. Once, his sloop was loaded somewhere near Tappan with flour in barrels brought from Pennsylvania across New Jersey. The lour was intended for the garrison at West Point, and a guard of about sixty men under a Colonel or some other officer was put on board for the protection of sloop and cargo. There was a head wind, and several British vessels en- -deavoring to come up with them. The officer in command exclaimed: "I don't mean that this paltry flour shall be the cause of my being taken prisoner - Captain Conkling put me and my men ashore immediately." Conkling answered: "I command this vessel and mean to take her and the cargo to West Point. - You shall not go ashore." "We're stronger than you," replied the officer. "Put us instantly ashore, or I'll take command
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by force." Finding it in vain to contend any longer, Conklin put the officer and his men ashore and prosecuted his voyage. He was fortunate enough to arrive in safety at West Point where he landed his cargo. He could not, however, conceal his opinion of the officer who commanded the guard intended for his protection, and openly called him a coward. Those who heard him say this at West Point cautioned him about using such language, but he still persevered. At length it came to the ears of the superior officer at West Point who sent for him and reduced his account of the transaction to writing. The offending Colonel or officer was then tried by Court Martial and dismissed the service.