One man when they came to re embark had a pair of brass hand irons slung across his shoulders. In the Fall of 1779 7 a body of militia under Colonel Luddington of Dutchess, lay a little west of Ham- -mond's house near the school house. Colonel Hammonds regiment also was there under the command of Luddington. The British on their way up the river landed to strike at this force and to distract the Americans. Luddington not know- -ing the force waited for them, preparing
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his baggage for a retreat. He had with him a British drummer who had deserted named John Stuart. The British were advancing rapidly in column. Stuart said he could play something that would stop them. Luddington told him to do so. He then beat a parley. (?) The British then halted and drew up in order of battle, and Luddington took advantage of this delay to secure his retreat. They exchanged a few vollies at long shot which did no injury." When Colonel Thompson was surprised at Young's house he had with him fifty or one hundred pairs of snow shoes which he was advised to put upon his men and thereby secure a safe advance or retreat, but he re- -fused all advice to the last saying, "They are only a handful of Cowboys" - "I'll take another drink," and then stopped at a sutler's and drank a glass of brandy. Just then the
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