Merritt, Lott
John M. McDonald interview — 1851-12-18
Lott Merritt (1777-1854) describes the death of Benoni Newman and the capture of Shubael Merritt by American soldiers at the home of Nathaniel Brown in Rye. Lott Merritt notes that Shubael obtained a promise of quarter before he surrendered, much to the consternation of the American officer who was at first unaware of his true identity. He also describes Tim Knapp, who was a favorite of Loyalist Colonel James DeLancey before he stole his horse Goliah. Lott Merritt concludes by recounting Knapp’s execution, which took place at DeLancey’s order.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 1068 -
December 18th Lott Merritt, of Rye, &c.: “Once during the Revolutionary war, Shube Merritt and one Benoni (?) Newman, a brother of Platt Newman, were at the house of Nathaniel Brown the father of Judge Nehemiah Brown. Nathaniel Brown was a shoemaker and they were bargaining with him for shoes. An American patrol from Sherwood’s on Byram Bridge passed by, upon which Shube and
- Hufeland Index Page 1069 -
Newman hid themselves. The officer in command halted his men and entered the house and enquired if there were any Refugees there. Nathaniel Brown wished to tell the truth, but didn’t dare to answer “Yes,” for fear of being overheard by Shube and Newman. He, therefore, said that there were not any Refugees in his house. The officer replied he had been informed that there were, but seemed satisfied with the answer and went out. – Brown followed him out of doors and there made signs for him to search the house. The American officer then entered at the head of his men. Newman was killed in endeavouring to cut his way through them, but Shube had the address to obtain quarters by disguising himself so as not to be recognized. For this purpose, he took his hair out of tie, combing it over his face, and put his cocked hat
- Hufeland Index Page 1070 -
upon the stump of his left arm so as to conceal the loss of his hand, then asked and obtained quarter. When the officer discovered who his prisoner was he regretted that his life had been spared, but directed his men to treat him well notwithstanding his uncommon wickedness. Shube was younger than Thomas Merritt. [X] Tim Knapp was a handsome fellow who was master of numerous accomplishments for those days. He sang, danced, and played upon the violin extremely well, and had been a great favorite of his commander, Colonel Delancey, until his concern with the captors of the horse Goliah. It was said and believed that Delancey only intended to frighten him, but that
[X] See Nehemiah Brown’s account – Block Note Book. 1. p.
- Hufeland Index Page 1071 -
when he kicked the barrel from under his feet, his neck was broken by the sudden fall. Tim was so great a favorite that no one, not even the black hangman, would remove the barrel, so that the Colonel was compelled to do it himself. Brom Barrett, I believe, was a foreigner, probably an Irishman.