Horton, Frances Coutant
John M. McDonald interview — 1846-11-11
Frances Coutant Horton notes that French was her family’s first language. In October 1776 the British encamped on her family’s property in New Rochelle en route to the Battle of White Plains. She recalls a skirmish that took place during this time involving Hessian troops, and notes that doors and shutters were taken from the Coutant house to serve as stretchers for the wounded. Mrs. Horton concludes by stating that Bonfon’s Point is located on Davenport Neck.
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Transcription
384 163 42 PAPERS November 11. Mrs. Toffy: "Trade Donaldson was notorious Skinner. He hung my brother in law, Mr. Rhinelander, on an apple tree to get his money!"
November 11. Mrs. Frances Horton, aged about 79 (nee Coutant): French was our family language. My parents were taught nothing else at school. In 1776 the British army moved gradually by our house — the British first, and then the Hessians took their place. The British when they left moved south towards Wards house. [margin: Lu. Sunday, 27th] They stripped us of everything. The skirmish with the Hessians was near our house. They had been plundering, and had pumpkins on their heads which they dropped. They took off the doors and shutters from our house to transport their wounded on. Bonfon's Point 42
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164 385 43 PAPERS [on] is Davenport's Neck. There was a small [is] island within gun shot of Davenport's Neck.
November 11. Jesse Mollinex, of New Rochelle, 82 years old: In 1778 or '79 or thereabouts Colonel Thomas with 130 men attempted to take City Island. We, the inhabitants, about 14 in number were armed for the defence, and discovered his party about 80 in number? in two flat boats and a whale boat, and fired briskly on them. They then put back. We were assisted by the guard ship's long boat which carried two swivels and about ten men. (The sailors fired the swivels at Thomas while in sight.) Colonel Thomas intended to take the Island before daylight.