During his march to Kingsbridge, he was often left alone among the enemy's soldiers, and at these times was much exposed to the insults of the privates who guarded him. This petty persecution proceeded chiefly from one Robert Crooker, a man with whom he had previously been well acquainted. At length, one of the enemy's soldiers, an Irishman, interfered in his behalf, and swore with great warmth that he wouldn't stand by and witness such treatment to a prisoner any longer. After this he was no longer
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insulted during his journey. Having arrived at New York City early in the morning he was conducted to the old stone jail [Hall of Records?], and delivered to the custody of the notorious Cunningham, the Provost Marshal, an Irishman. - Cunningham, rubbing his hands with joy, exclaimed: "Ah! Colonel Thomas! I'm glad to see you. I've expected this pleasure for a long time past. I never saw you before, but have heard much of you. You are safe now. I shall have the hanging of you, and you may depend upon being well hanged!" &c. Colonel Thomas, weary, faint, hungry, and dispirited, answered: "Sir, I am a prisoner of war, and claim the treatment due to an officer." Soon afterwards two British officers called to see him, and to them he complained of Cunningham's manners. From them he received assur- -ances of kind usage. They staid until
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a comfortable room had been assigned for his use, and when they left told him he would soon be exchanged on parole. An excellent breakfast of coffee and chickens was then brought in, after partaking of which his spirits were resorted, and he felt ready and anxious to be again confronted with his keeper.