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October 17th. Genl. Nathaniel Montross aged seventy eight: “When Tarleton came out to Crompond in 1779, he crossed the Croton at Cudney’s ford two and a half miles above Pines Bridge. He then went about two miles on the Somers road where they took Captain Teller whose company was at Crompond that day on duty, and who had been home that night on a visit to his wife. They then proceeded to proceed to Crompond with Teller riding in front to deceive the Americans. When they approached the enemy at Crompond his (Teller’s) men said: “Who are those coming? Why there’s the Captain with some of Sheldon’s horse – Why there’s Captain Teller – They must be our folks.” &c. From Teller’s house they took a circuitous road which out into

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the Crompond road at Delavan’s (now called Hallecks) Mills. Captain Samuel Delavan owned Hallecks Mills and lived directly opposite the mill which is very near the Crompond road. I don’t know but the same house stands there now a little modernized. Here Shaw was killed. Tarleton then went to Crompond where he burnt the Church and took some prisoners. Major Joseph Strang was pursued up Crompond Street but escaped. In June 1779, my father was returning home (going south) on the road leading from Crompond to Somers road which comes out near where General William Greene afterwards lived when he met the dragoons under Col. Simcoe going north towards Crompond. One of them without provocation wounded my father severely. When Simcoe was informed of it he forbid the soldier from

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doing him any further injury and rescued him. My father went home but finding himself badly wounded made for his sisters who lived just across Pines Bridge – that is south of it. He fainted on the bridge and his sister sent a person to his assistance. Simcoe who by this time had returned then sent his surgeon who cut the skin that held his little finger on, dressed that and his wound in the forehead and he soon recovered. Three cuts were made of him, one with the back of the sword, one on the forehead, and the other aimed at his head he fended off with his arm, and received the blow which cut off his finger. My father was a captain under the King and advised not to bear arms against him. Joseph McKul was a native of Yorktown and lived on the north side

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of the river. Joshua Hughson also from the same neighborhood. My father’s name was David He was a Captain before the Revolutionary war, and always said that his oath would always prevent him from taking up arms against the king. The road or path through the woods by which the Refugees retreated from Davenports, came out into the Pines Bridge and Crompond road about a quarter of a mile north west of the Spook-Rocks, and about a quarter of a mile south east of Mr. Nathl. Underhills. The road that leads to Joshua Carpenters is the same that led to Davenports in the Revolutionary war. The course of this road or path through the wood is still perceptible at the point where it came out into the Crompond road.

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My father lived about three fourths of a mile from Pine’s Bridge upon the Somers road. The widow Griffen lived on the Crompond road not more than a quarter of a mile from the Bridge. The widow Remsen lived between my fathers and the widow Griffen. A large white house on the north side of the Somers road now indicates the site of my fathers dwelling. When Jack was upwards of fifty, my father offered him freedom but advised him to remain on the farm and he should be well supported in his old age. Jack answered by putting his hand on his breast and saying: “Master, freedom is a great thing – I feel it here.” He was made free, but didn’t do well, because sick, and was supported by us at great expense.