Just then a party of our militia came to our assistance, and helped to save some things in the house. I don't know who commanded the British - whether it was Simcoe or Tarleton or who. The Leather Caps were regulars, and appeared to have come in order to support the Refugees The Leather Caps, I think, were Hes- -sians. Colonel Holmes's house at Bedford was burnt. It was, I think, occupied by Benjamin Hayes. Tim Knapp was from near Horse- -neck, and a very handsome young man. He stole Delancey's horse and took him to a place where he met Tom
[X] The word with them was: Fire the houses, boys! and be off!"
- Hufeland Index Page 439 -
Ferris and some others concerned in the enterprise. They got off safely but were pursued. Tom Ferris was a very enterprising man. Sheldon's reputation was not high as a soldier. They called the road where Tarleton pursued him "Sheldon's Race Course." [They called the rough road between where Sheldon then was and Bedford "Sheldon's Race Course," because he didn't come to our assistance in time.] When the British burnt Bedford they intended to destroy some houses in Middle Patent, and advanced for that purpose to Mahanus river, but the bridge was taken up, and they could not cross. They thought if Sheldon had been active he might have attacked the enemy before he got away from Bedford and N[orth] Castle - and at least have hung upon his rear and picked up the strag- -glers as the Refugees were disorderly in their retreat. I think Tim Knapp was not