Notes - Hoyt, Jesse (or Joseph)
John M. McDonald interview — 1846
It is not clear whether the information on this page consists of an interview with Jesse Hoyt, if it is a page of notes about Jesse Hoyt, or if it is a continuation of an interview with Daniel Dickman. It begins with a reference to Rings End in Darien, Connecticut, where Jesse Hoyt (or Joseph Hoyt) was taken by Caleb Brewster. He then discusses the British raid on the Middlesex Parish church (now the First Congregational Church of Darien) on July 22, 1781, the capture of the Reverend Moses Mather and a number of male congregants at the church, and the withdrawal of the prisoners to awaiting boats. A force of American militia pursued as the prisoners were being taken away, but was wary of firing in fear of injuring them.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 459 -
Jesse Hoyt. Ringsend (?) (where Jesse ^Joseph? Hoyt was taken by Brewster and died of his wounds) is east of [Gorhams Mills.] When Mather was taken, F[rink] returned to, first to inner (Fish) island, and, then to the outer island. The islands are southwest of the main and of each other. Col. Davenport. Our men were ordered not to fire for fear of killing the prisoners. Both islands are within thirty or forty rods of the main and within firing distance. The end of the outer island approaches near the shore. Thaddeus Ball of Darien still living, and was taken where Mather was taken – (Also a Mr. Dibble.) Mills was very sorry that he bayoneted my father after he was shot.