Miller, David
John M. McDonald interview — 1848-11-04
Captain David Miller (1766-1859) discusses the burning of Bedford, which took place on July 11, 1779. He notes that a house rented by Benjamin Hays, a strong supporter of American independence, was among the structures that were burned. This house was owned by Colonel James Holmes, an officer who changed his allegiance from the Americans to the British and who was commonly believed to have been present at the burning. Miller notes that the British force unsuccessfully attempted to use the Bedford and Stanwich road to burn the houses of Whigs residing in Middle Patent in eastern North Castle. He then describes the understanding that existed in Westchester County between the Cowboys and the Skinners, and the sham fights that resulted from this understanding. Miller concludes by indicating that he is unaware of a “Finch or Wardell” who were said to have been from Bedford and killed at a skirmish in Chappaqua.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 798 -
November 4th Capt. David Miller, of Bedford, aged : “When Bedford was burnt old Ben Hayes kept tavern in the village and his house was burnt in consequence probably of his being a very strong whig. The house belonged to Col. Holmes, and I have been informed that he commanded the Refugees and others on this occasion – though this may not be so. The attacking force consisted of the Refugees as well as Regulars (altogether four or five hundred as I have heard) but the former set all the houses on fire. They intended at that time to destroy the buildings of some whigs in the Middle Patent and part of them attempted to retreat through this place for that purpose. They accordingly took the Bedford and Stanwich road, but the two bridges which
- Hufeland Index Page 799 -
cross the Mianus river having been taken up, they would not ford the muddy stream and so retired towards White Plains by the Post road. The Cowboys and Skinners frequently had an understanding &c. The Skinners would collect cattle under some pretence, for instance, alledging it to be for their safety and protection when the Refugees were up, or making some such excuse – then take care to get their drove into an ambuscade of the Lower Party. A sham fight would ensue. – the drove would be sure to be taken and perhaps some of the Skinners, while the others would escape sometimes with the reputation of having made a brave defence. I don’t know anything of Finch or Wardell said to have been from Bedford and killed at Chappequa by a party under Capt. Samuel Kipp.