Griffin, Martha, 1771-1851
John M. McDonald interview — 1847-11-18
Martha Griffin (1771-1851), whose name John Macdonald spells here as Griffen, recounts a few stories regarding people and events in the Bedford area. She states her belief that Colonel James Holmes led the British expedition that burned Bedford in 1779. She then describes American militia officers Yaup Vermille and Abijah Harris, as well as the activities of the 2nd (Sheldon’s) and 4th (Moylan’s) Continental Light Dragoons and the Loyalist Refugee cavalry.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 641 -
Novr. 18th Mrs. Martha Griffen of Bedford (aged 77) New Purchase: “Col. Holmes, I believe, commanded the party that burnt Bedford, and folks [said] that he would never return, but he did. Capt. Yaup Vermille lived in Cherry Street, and was very good at plundering. Lieut. Harris (Abijah) was a smart good soldier. Sheldon’s and Moylan’s horse lay near here in the vicinity of Stephen Moseman’s at different times were staying long in one place. Sheldon’s [men] were great plunderers. The Refugees often drove cattle off and were sometimes pursued and the cattle
- Hufeland Index Page 642 -
retaken. Irving was a hatter and an Irishman, and lived east of North Castle Church on the road to Bedford. [Mem. This was James Irving, not Andrew Irving, who was a weaver. J. M.M.]