Bayles, Nathaniel, 1791-1873
John M. McDonald interview — 1848-11-16
Nathaniel Baylies (1791-1873), whose surname is actually spelled Bayles, owned land in Tarrytown at the site of the capture of British Major John André. He prepared the will of Isaac Van Wart, one of the captors of André, with whom he visited the site of the capture. He recounts the story that Van Wart told him of André’s capture.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 830 -
Novr. 16th Nathaniel Baylies Esqr. “I was well acquainted with Isaac Van Wart and drew his will. Not long before his death I told him I should like that he would show me the precise spot of André’s capture. He answered that he would someday
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when at leisure. My request was renewed, and one day he said “I will go with now.” We went on the ground, and this is the substance of his information. ‘We lay here in the bushes on the west side of the Post road and about one hundred and fifty feet south of André brook. – Williams was on guard watching and Paulding and I playing cards. Williams announced the approach of a stranger. We said ‘Stop him.’ The stranger stopped and watered his horse which was black, &c &c. We then took him across the road to the east side south of the brook, where there is now an orchard, and there examined him, &c. What took place afterwards you know already. They stopped at Isaac Reads Tavern, between Youngs’s and Tarrytown,
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and borrowed the cards with which they played. They called again on their return at Read’s with their captive. He refused refreshments of all kinds which were offered him while in the custody of the captors, and was never taken at all under or near the great white wood tree.”