Jacob Odell
John M. McDonald interview
Jacob Odell (1756-1845) served in the Westchester County Militia during the Revolutionary War and later became a brigadier general in the New York State Militia. He begins by describing Captain Nathaniel Cushing’s April 1780 raid into present-day Bronx County and the skirmish that took place in Greenburgh as Refugee cavalry pursued Cushing’s force northward. He references the leadership of Lieutenant William Mosier at the skirmish of December 2, 1781, and the bravery of a Black soldier during the fight. Odell also refers to the route taken by British Colonel Chapple Norton (misspelled here as Morton) and DeLancey’s Refugees on their way to attack the American force at the Battle of Youngs’ House in February 1780. He then recalls many of the principal officers of DeLancey’s Refugees: Moses Knapp, Gilbert Totten, James Kipp, Samuel Kipp, and Thomas Huggeford. Odell also recounts a story regarding Elizabeth Philipse, wife of Frederick Philipse III (Lord of Philipsburg Manor), who sent a man named Vincent to warn the British of the movement of an American force. He concludes by remarking that George Washington praised Lieutenant Mosier and his men for their “skill and gallantry” during Mosier’s Fight.
Original findings from this interview
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 122 -
Genl. Jacob Odell: Brown [X], (D. and Michael) guided Capt. Cushman to Delancey’s. Brown ^Brom? Crawled up to the sentry and took him prisoner. They surprised the outpost playing cards – money on the table – spears and swords and bayonets in the barn – they took in the house and barn seventeen prisoners – Pursued by the Yagers and retreated up the Sprain road to Van
[X] Brom Dyckman ? Written Brown &c. in origl. (see p. 87) but the writer must have meant Brom Dyckman. J.E./
- Hufeland Index Page 123 -
Genl. Jacob Odell contd.
Tassell’s Hill and then crossed to Saw Mill River road. Here the Yagers attempted to cut them off in the open fields – They sounded the charge. Cushing began to think every man ought to shift for himself. D[elancey yckman?] was opposed to this. Prisoners made a great noise – could scarcely be kept in the ranks between the platoon – They did not charge for some reason. D[elancey yckman?] wondered. Mosier was shaving when the news came – laid his razor down very coolly, and retreated towards a [X] wood. Negro very brave – a servant to Capt. Sackett – Colonel Morton probably went up the Tuckeyho road. Delancey’s horse must have gone up the North River road - they did not go up the Saw Mill River road. Knapp, Totten and the Kipps from New Castle [North Castle?] or thereabouts Major Huggeford a clever fellow –
[X] (Prince Sackett? Peterson?)
- Hufeland Index Page 124 -
Genl. Jacob Odell, contd.
Staid here – Mrs. Phillipse furnished Vincent with a fresh horse, and sent him on to Kingsbridge. She was a daughter of Tryons butler. She wrung her hands on this occasion. Washington frequently spoke among his officers of the skill and gallantry of Mosier and his men.