Fountain, James
John M. McDonald interview — 1848-11-02
James Fountain (1769-1849) notes that he remembers the Battle of White Plains, but does not go into any detail about that engagement. He recalls seeing members of DeLancey’s Refugees en route to burn Bedford on July 11, 1779. Fountain describes another incident when American militia successfully recaptured livestock that had been taken by the Refugees, but were then ambushed near Tarrytown. He notes that British forces only came as far as Bedford in July 1779, and that black rate was enforced in the town. Fountain concludes by detailing a dispute between two cousins in Bedford who had differing political opinions. Mr. Daniels, who supported American independence, fired a shot at Mrs. Worden, who was a Loyalist and had sons behind British lines. According to Fountain, “it was conjectured” that Mrs. Worden’s sons killed Mr. Daniel in retribution.
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 788 -
Novr. 2d. James Fountain: “I am in my 79th year and remember the battle of White Plains One Stephen Baxter from North Salem then or afterwards a Captain, was here with the Refugees at the burning of Bedford. I think they were all Refugees that burnt Bedford – about 100 or 150 in number. I saw them pass. They advanced by the North Castle road. Ben. Hayes kept a Tavern in Bedford at this time, and his house, owned by Colonel Holmes, was some reason burnt. Once when the Refugees came up they drove off a great many cattle, twenty or thirty sheep or more. The militia pursued and retook the cattle Following on they fell into an ambush near Tarrytown. The horsemen were foremost and were all taken but two
- Hufeland Index Page 789 -
who outrun the Refugees. The American horse, I think, were all volunteers, I think. Thad. Seely was badly wounded at this time. The enemy never came as far as Bedford but twice – that is, the 2nd & 11th of July 17879. Black rate was enforced here at Bedford. There lived in Bedford in the Revolutionary war a woman named Worden and a man named Daniels. They were cousins. Mrs. Worden had two or three sons who had gone below. She had a dispute one day with her cousin on the politics of the times – Whig and Tory. On parting, Daniels said to her: “If you say that again I’ll shoot you!” She, supposing he wouldn’t do it, and that is was a mere threat repeated the offensive words whereupon
- Hufeland Index Page 790 -
he fired and the ball passed between her legs through her petticoat. They were thirty or forty yards apart, and Daniels an excellent shot. He fired too low. It was conjectured that Mrs. Worden’s sons of came up, took him to the woods and killed him.