Chadeayne, Samuel, c.1770-c.1854
John M. McDonald interview — 1848-10-16
Samuel Chadeayne (c.1770-c.1854) begins his interview by stating his opinion regarding the approach made by the Loyalist force under Colonel James DeLancey to the Battle of Pines Bridge. Fanny Totten stated that the attacking force approached from the front of the Davenport House, while Chadeayne believes that they came from the northwest. Chadeayne then tells a story regarding British Major John André and the route that he took through Westchester County on September 23, 1780. South of Pines Bridge, a man supposed to be André encountered a young woman named Martha Williams as well as a few members of the Society of Friends who gave him directions, but Chadeayne states that André did not follow them and took the wrong road. Chadeayne then recalls Joseph McKeel and Joshua Hughson, and notes that the latter was killed where General Bernardus Montross resides. He concludes by stating that Colonel Charles Armand, commander of Armand’s Legion, encamped at the home of Jesse Ryder in Ossining in the Fall of 1779.
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Transcription
35. removed to North Castle Church. Charles Leggett was born at West Farms or West Chester, but when a small boy was taken by an uncle Joseph Leggett of North Castle where he was brought up. The Kipps probably induced him to join De Lancey’s. He was a bold, resolute man, middle sized and strong. I think there was no fighting when Major Lyon was taken by Totten.
October 16th Samuel Chadeayne. “I think Fanny Totten must be wrong in insisting, as she does, that the Refugees advanced in front of the house when they surprised Davenports house. I had always heard before that they came up on the north west [page break] 36. of the building making a circuit to surprise the guard.
On the morning of André’s capture a young woman named Martha Williams was on a visit at a house about three or four miles from Pines Bridge. A young gentleman (always supposed to be André) rode up to the house (coming from the direction of Pines Bridge) and enquired the road to White Plains, the distance &c. He was informed by the young woman and particularly cautioned not to mistake the Tarrytown for the White Plains road, when he came to where these highways branched off a quarter of a mile further on. After parting from her she watched his progress. A few moments after he met some Friends going to their meeting whom he accosted, and who gave similar directions about his route. In spite of all this, and in sight of the young woman (Mary [page break] 37. Williams, who followed on and watched from curiosity) when a few moments after he came to where the highway branches, he took the Tarrytown road. Mary Williams and the inhabitants generally always thought that André took the Tarrytown road by mistake.
Joseph McKeel was a very bold robber. Joshua Hughson another was killed where General B. Montross lives. Jesse Ryder is the grandson of Jacob Ryder at whose house Colonel Armand was quartered in the Fall of 1779.