24 470 128. a good deal.) Arnold began skirmishing with the British when they left Ridgefield about 10 or 11 o'clock.

Sept. 4. Mr. Davis and others and our observations: "Old Hill seems to be about one mile and a half from the old bridge at [Sau -gatuck]. The cross or by-road which the British took in fording the river is about one mile from the bridge, or less than a mile.

Capt. Ebenezer Disbrow of Compo (Westport) promised to correspond with me and collect facts.

Capt. Ebenezer Disbrow and Mrs. Couch: (Mrs. Couch.) The British on the 28th of April 1777, were attacked at Compo by Lamb and Arnold on the west side of the hill (Compo Hill). They advanced and retreated by E. or road. My husband (Mr. Couch) was with Arnold who ordered his men forward over the bridge when the British advanced. They attempted to cross but the fire of the British threw them into confusion [margin: See script p. 123.] 126

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471 27 129 and they retreated from the bridge. After a few minutes Arnold returned, ordered and led them across. Old hill was half a mile from [Saugatuck] bridge. [Couch] hill was half or three quarters of a mile from said bridge. After a few minutes Arnold restored order. Arnold then addressed and encouraged his men and led them on. [He ordered Captain Lockwood to form his company in the column who said he could not. Arnold then drew a pistol, aimed it at his head, and discharged it above him. - Mr. Fairchild.]

When the British advanced up Compo Lane, a militia company was stationed behind a stone wall directly at Compo Lane. When the British approached, the Commanding officer hailed - no answer - hailed again, and a voice from the British party said: "We will give you an answer presently." The American party then fired a volley and retreated. [margin: see script p. 123.] 127