- Hufeland Index Page 442 -
October 12th John Patterson (or "Jack Peterson"): David Jones and David Slater belonged to Lieut. William Mosier's company. Slater and Mosier addressed us appealing to our courage and patriotism. Slater assisted Mosier in forming us into a solid square - 18 of us. Slater and Jones were both deserters from the British army, both Sergeants, and first rate soldiers. Mosier and Slater told us not to leave our ranks but to stand steady and obey the word of command. Capt. Kipp knew me for he had recently taken me a prisoner, and I was under him confined in Morrisania and New York for sometime. Holmes (?) (Kipp?) [Holmes and Kipp - both probably] called upon us to surrender promising quarter &c. Mosier refused. Holmes formerly Col. Holmes of the 4th Reg. T. Continental Line then drew a pistol and levelled it at Mosier who ordered his men to fire. Silvanus Strang, whom I knew very well, was killed by this fire, being shot through the body. - Holmes drew a second pistol which Mosier compelled him to return, saying:
- Hufeland Index Page 443 -
"If you point it towards me you're a dead man!" They were more than two hours attacking us. The field of contest was a little east of Blind Brook, and Gen. Thomas's saw mill on the south of the road just after you raise a slight hill, between Purchase Street and King Street. On the morning of the attack we were in the fields east of Purchase Street and opposite the White Plains road. Capt. Richard Sackett was at breakfast, and was taken with his brother in the house. Prince [Sackett], a slave, of Captain Sacket, belonged to our company, stood firm, but he was a little afraid of the bullets.