Weary and discouraged he now began to despair, and, for a while, relaxed all further efforts to get across. At length, a large bird
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alighted upon his clothes, and, after remaining awhile, again took wing and flew to the West chester shore. Regarding this as a good omen, he summoned up all his remaining powers, and, after struggling for a long time forward with the raft, he at last gained footing upon the Morrisania shore. He was scarcely able to stand upright when he reached land. Although now surround- -ed by enemies, his knowledge of the country enabled him to escape. Concealing himself during daylight, he travelled carefully and circuitously at night, and, at length after suffering much from hunger and fatigue, he reached an American outpost." Immediately on receiving them you shall be furnished with the copies which my brothers have sent to Washington of my father's papers, and the affidavits accompanying them, &c. John and Isaac were brothers of my father. Isaac was a guide, but not
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John. James Oakley, my father's cousin, was both a Lieutenant and a guide. My father married soon after the war, but in what particular year I don't know. My mother's maiden name was Sarah Warner. She was the daughter of John Warner who occupied and owned the most southerly farm of Philipse's Manor.