History / Archive / Macdonald, John. Interview with Buckley, Joseph; (1846). Experiencing the Neutral Ground of the American Revolution: The McDonald Interviews, WCHS item 572. Transcription courtesy of the Westchester County Historical Society (No copyright - United States).

Interview with Buckley, Joseph

Macdonald, John. Interview with Buckley, Joseph; (1846). Experiencing the Neutral Ground of the American Revolution: The McDonald Interviews, WCHS item 572. Transcription courtesy of the Westchester County Historical Society (No copyright - United States). Passage 1 of 1 255 words

- Hufeland Index Page 464 -

Capt. Joseph Buckley, of Greenfield Hill (P.O). "Glover was taken by General Silli- -man and harshly used, imprisoned, and refused his parole. He told Silliman who came some times to see him: "When I am exchanged, General, you shall hear from me." Accordingly, on his return to Long Island, he planned a surprise in which Silli- -man was captured. A refugee, Captain Willett, in May 1781, made an attack on some mills situate on Mill river but failed, being beaten off by the militia. One man, named Wakeman, was killed in the skirmish. After the war, Willett was introduced at Newburg to the son of Wakeman. The person introducing said: "This gentleman is the son of Wakeman killed at Fairfield by your party." Willett answered "Well, I am sorry for it, but it is the fortune of war." Silliman was not an enterprising officer, and his courage was doubted.

I will write my recollections and either send them to you at Flushing or entrust them to my grandson, Samuel B. Ruggles.

After the war, Willett was introduced at Newburg to the son of Wakeman. The person introducing said: "This gentleman is the son of Wakeman killed at Fairfield by your party." Willett answered "Well, I am sorry for it, but it is the fortune of war." Silliman was not an enterprising officer, and his courage was doubted. I will write my recollections and either send them to you at Flushing or entrust them to my grandson, Samuel B. Ruggles.