Palmer, Denham
John M. McDonald interview — 1849-11-23
Denham Palmer, 84, of Horseneck in Greenwich, Connecticut, gives his memories of Americans William Mosier and Samuel Reynolds and Loyalist Nathan Frink. He recalls that DeLancey’s Refugees occasionally made raids into Fairfield County, Connecticut, as far as Stamford. He also comments on Fort Nonsense in Stamford, the closing of schools during the Revolutionary War, the condemnation of the execution of Brom Barrett, and the death of Tom Knapp.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 971 -
Novr. 23d. Denham Palmer, aged 84 of Horseneck, Connecticut: “Lieut. William Mosier was from some place west of Horseneck Church. I have often heard of Captain Frink. He used to come up to King Street and
- Hufeland Index Page 972 -
Stanwich. I knew Samuel Reynolds who was not a whale boat captain, but only a private. The Refugees went up to Palmers Hill and crossed over to Stamford more than once – I think a number of times. Once two Refugees had been across Stamford river and wishing to return over Stamford Bridge, one of them killed the American sentry posted on the Bridge and so crossed to the west side of the river. Fort Nonsense was so called in ridicule because built out of the way where it was of no use. Schools were discontinued mostly about here in the Revolution. Towards the close of the war the Refugees came up here frequently and took off our cattle and horses. This for the most part was done at night. Everybody condemned the execution of Brom Barrett. Tom Knapp opened the upper part of the door, and stooping opened the under part – Titus Mead shot him dead.