Edwards, Amelia
John M. McDonald interview — 1844-08
Mrs. Edwards is likely Amelia Edwards (b.c.1770), the wife of Daniel Edwards. She recounts the flight of Loyalist women and children from Refugee settlements during the reconnaissance made by the American and French forces southward from Westchester County into present-day Bronx County in July 1781. She references the causeway that crossed Westchester Creek near present-day Westchester Square and discusses several members of the DeLancey family, including Loyalist Colonel James DeLancey.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 105 -
Mrs. Edwards: 1844. Augt. When the French and Americans advanced to West Farms in 1781, the women and children escaped to York Island by the Morrisania Ferry. The cause way from West Chester to Throgs Neck was covered with water at high tide, and was difficult to pass at low tide. There was a flood gate in the middle. Peter Delancey married a daughter of governor Colden. Byvanck formerly owned the Mill estate He was said to have been a servant (or agent) of Mr. [X], the real owner who lived in Holland, and Peter Delancey was thought to have had no title. The heirs of bought a suit after the war (?) and the Delancey’s could produce no documentary title. There was a trial at White Plains. (?) The Delancey’s succeeded. “Col. James Delancey was outlawed by the state.” (?) He (Delancey) took with him when he left six barrels of dollars!
[X] The blanks in this page are also blank in original.