Battin, John, c.1751-1852
John M. McDonald interview — 1849
Born in England, John Battin (c.1751-1852, mistakenly identified here as Joseph Battin) served in the British army during the Revolutionary War, and later immigrated to the United States. He describes his service as a member of the 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons during the Revolutionary War. Battin states that he was not at the Battle of White Plains, but was at the capture of Fort Washington in Manhattan in November 1776 and the capture of Fort Montgomery in October 1777. He notes that he became close friends with Major William Popham, an American officer who resided in Scarsdale.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
911 253 2 means call upon him. My father was imprisoned along with Boyce, first, in the old Sugar House in Liberty Street and then in the North Dutch Church at corner of Fulton and William Streets. Shortly after his removal to the North Dutch Church, he effected his escape. The British were building a picket fence around the church. My father climbed up the fence several times and was ordered back, a certain number of prisoners being then allowed to walk in the yard by turns. At length when he perceived the sentinels all off their guard, he suddenly sprang over the fence, escaped, crossed to New Jersey where he was arrested as a spy, but was soon released through the intervention of Colonel Van Courtland who knew him. He then crossed the river somewhere at or below Tarrytown and returned home, making his first appearance at Read's Tavern above Tarrytown. This happened a few weeks before Andre's capture.
Joseph Battin of 275 Greenwich between Chambers and Warren Streets – Hosiery Gloves &c
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254 912 3. "I am in my 98th year, and through the Revolutionary war belonged to the 17th Dragoons. I was not at the battle of White Plains, but joined the Regiment a few days after that engagement. I was at the capture of Fort Washington when we were near Harlem all ready in case we should be called upon for service. I was also at the reduction of Fort Montgomery. Dr. [margin: (?)] Major Popham, my intimate friend, was a little my senior in age. I hope you will call upon me again."
Oct. 23rd Mrs. Stevenson: "I am 88 years of age and never saw my father. Both my parents died in my infancy. My maiden name was Macdonald. I went in childhood to a school at which Robert Burns the poet was a pupil. Doctor John B. Stevenson has not been home since early morning. Dr. Witherspoon of Princeton had several sons and your lady is a daughter of one of them," &c."