186 558 79. They called him, "That old bitch Gearmore," and feared him as though he were a tiger. I have heard old Mrs. Bearmore say that he would have got well of the wound he received but for the imprudence of getting wet in some river when in a fair way of recovery, &c. I will correspond and you and endeavor to collect particulars of Major Bearmore from my mother, the Williams' family and others, &c. - Address me at Peekskill Post Office

Oct. 22. Zabud June: "I lived during the Revolutionary war in the west part of the town of Bedford, and there was a Captain Moseman who lived near us belonging to the militia).

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559 189 80. The French Doctor was ambuscaded and taken by James Tottow (cousin of Gilbert, the captain) James Tillett and two others not far from Pines Bridge. After taking his horse, watch, money, &c. they kept him one or two hours in an obscure place in the woods where they had conducted him, amusing themselves at his expense, like a cat that has secured her victim. The poor Frenchman could not talk much English, but begged hard for his life by signs, and a few words which he understood. He tried to conciliate them, appealing to their humanity, and showing the number of children he had left at home in France by holding up his fingers. In compliance with their request he sang two or three French songs. At length they determined to kill him, and in order to decide who should be the executioner, they sat down and played a game of cards. When they had finished the Doctor went up to a tree

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190 560 81. [margin: be] and by motions requested to bid fast. Some suppose this was in order to submit to his fate, others, that he wished them to leave him secured thus in the woods. He was then tied and shot by him upon whom the lot had fallen. Luther Kennicutt the spy was of bad repute, and I always considered his fidelity to the American cause doubtful. He, as well as Capt. J. Dean married a daughter of Colonel Gil. Drake James Tillett, after the Revolutionary war returned from Nova Scotia and became a Methodist preacher, but was always despised for the murder. He made a full confession of all the affair and expressed great contrition. The Doctors watch was thrown overboard in a storm. The others also told the story, and all were said to have been afraid of being alone after dark, being haunted by something.