Chadeayne, Samuel
John M. McDonald interview — 1847-10-06
Most of this interview with Samuel Chadeayne (c.1770-c.1854) concerns a one-on-one combat in North Castle between Captain Gilbert Totten of DeLancey’s Refugees, a Loyalist, and Benjamin Green (misspelled here as Greene), an American. Chadeayne suggests that John Macdonald speak with Jesse Kipp of Chappaqua and Mrs. Totten, a daughter of Richardson Davenport.
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 537 -
Octr. 6th Samuel Chadeayne – [At the Fair] “I have heard Captain Totten relate his single combat with Colonel Ben. Greene, Coffin’s father law. He said that Greene and his party were posted in a field in North Castle, and consisted of a few volunteers horse and a company of foot. The Refugees consisted also of a few cavalry and a small detachment of infantry. When Totten came near the Americans and recognized Greene with whom he was well acquainted, he said to his men: “I will make a prisoner of Greene now before you can get over the wall.” On saying this he put spurs to his horse, leaped the wall, and pushed for Greene who, with his men, fled to an adjacent swamp and wood, – being probably much outnumbered. Totten overtook him as he was preparing to abandon his horse to seek shelter in the wood, and struck him on the head with his sabre, – riding at full speed at the very moment Greene had pulled up. A moment after, before he could stop his horse’s career, the animal plunged into a slough up to his
- Hufeland Index Page 538 -
shoulders, and unhorsed the rider. Totten was up in a moment, and advanced, sword in hand, on foot against Greene who had also dismounted in order to escape. A combat with sabres ensured; but Greene having been badly wounded in the head soon gave up, and was taken prisoner. Jesse Kipp, near Chappequa, is better than any other acquainted with the life &c. of Captain Saml. Kipp. My neighbor, Mrs. Totten, is a daughter of Richard Davenport, and acquainted with Col Greene’s surprise and death.