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Caleb Tompkins (of Scarsdale) Recollections of the Revolution. Copied from a small mss Volume in N.Y. Hist-Socy Oct 1925

All that I know about the ancestry of my father, is what I have heard from him; that in the early settlement of Westchester County, three brothers emigrated to this county, from England and purchased this whole or the greater part of what is now this town of Eastchester. From that time I know nothing of their descendants down to the father of Jonathan G. Tompkins, who owned a very valuable farm at West Chester, bordering the sound. Being somewhat involved, he exchanged farms with a brother of his who owned a farm in Scarsdale, where James Varian and family resided, previous to the Am Revolution, and since to the present time. He then removed to a house at the junction of the road (leading to Mamar= oneck) with the post road to White Plains, where Jonathan G. Tompkins was born, and was named Joshua after his father, and where his father died. When he was about four years old, Capt Jonathan Griffen who lived near by took a fancy to him and he was bound to him by Indenture until he was 21 years old, to learn the farming business, which Indenture

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I have seen and read. After he was 21 Capt Griffen having no children of his own adopted him as his son and had him baptized by the name of Jonathan Griffen. From that time and for several years previous, he had the sole management of the farm and all of Capt Griffens business. Shortly after his appren= ticeship expired, he married the daughter of Caleb Hyatt, a respectable farmer, and a justice of the peace in the town of White Plains. They resided with Capt. Griffen until about three years before the Revolutionary war and until he had eight children born, of which I was the oldest. Capt Griffen conveyed to him a hundred acres of land without either buildings or orchard. He rented a house of Thomas Vail for one year, on the farm adjoining his own, where Daniel D. Thompkins was born June 21st 1774 and which after Vails death he purchased, whereon I have resided for the last 50 years. The house and barn on this one hundred acres (conveyed by Capt Griffen) was built during the year my father resided in Vail’s house. He resided in the house he built until a week before the battle of White Plains

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when the family were removed to John Cromwells near the Friends Meeting house in Harrison. The day before the battle, the family removed to South Salem, now called Lewisborough.

The first Bloodshed in West Chester County. In the latter part of September 1775 some British vessels of war came up to Sutton’s (now called Delanceys Neck) at Mamaraneck, it was suspected with a view to land and plunder the militia of the lower part of the county, who were called to rendezvous at Mamaroneck under the command of Major Genl. Lewis Morris. While there, information was obtained that William Lounsberry who had lately left Mamaroneck (where he had resided for a long time) and gone to the enemy was out with enlisting orders, enlisting men of the militia there assembled, to join the enemy, and was secreted in the rocks in what was called the great rocks lots west of Mamaroneck village. About twenty men were selected to go out and capture him and his recruits. One of the party that went from Mamaroneck was a Capt John Floods, who for several years had

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sailed a market sloop from that place and resided within half a mile of Lounsberry residence. When the party came near, Lounsberry fired upon them but did no injury; some of the party returned the fire and wounded one Bloomer Nelson in the knee. Lounsberry ran off, Floods singled him out, pursued, came up with him, and ordered him to surrender; he refused and fought Floods with his gun. Floods run him through with his bayonet and in his breeches pocket were found his enlisting orders. Samuel Haines, Jacob Schureman, Joseph Turner + Bloomer Nelson were taken prisoner. Lounsberry was the first person killed in Westchester County

Col Odells combat on the ice at Sing-Sing The guides and militia being no organized corps, but *volinteers/volunteers*, whenever they went on an expedition, put themselves under the command of Capt Daniel Williams a brave + prudent officer, who after the war was appointed Col of a regiment of militia to which I belonged + was Capt of a company in the same Williams informed me he could always command the militia horse very well, going down

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to Westchester + Morrisania (where Delancey regiment of refugees were stationed + while there) but in returning one wanted to stop to see one friend, another, another friend, some could stop to get a drink of cider, others a drink of buttermilk &c that it was very difficult to get them along. Some time in the winter of 1781 or 82 a party of these guides + militia horse, under the command of Capt Williams went down to West chester + took a number of swords + pistols and returned as far as Sing Sing, where they insisted on stopping to get some refreshment + feed their horses. Williams urged them to go on about 3 miles, where some Continental troops were and where they would be out of danger, as they would certainly be followed up by the lower party of refugees. Notwithstanding Capt Williams entreaties, they insisted on stopping + was at the house of one Acker under the hill near the river, holding a vendue among themselves, selling off the swords + pistols they had taken. The Hudson River was frozen over except the channel. The enemies horse came suddenly upon them, fired + frightened some of their horses, that they broke loose and ran off. Many of the men ran off on foot. George McChain a young man about 19

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years of age was overtaken soon after he got on the ice and cut to pieces while on his knees begging for quarter. Williams (who did not get off his horse) after running about ¼ mile on the ice, his horse gave out: finding he should be taken, dismounted. Col Holmes + Capt Totten, came up with him; Williams told them he was their prisoner + gave them his sword, when they left him and pursued after John Odell. The rest of the party were coming on crying out Kill the d—d rebels &c when Williams (having given up his sword, had nothing to defend himself with + was sure of being cut to pieces) mounted his horse + ran off another quarter as fast as the first; finding it impossible to escape, he leaned his horse’s head toward the channel of the river, determined to run in and drown himself rather than be cut to pieces; two of the Refugee horse (one on each side) came almost near enough to strike him. He gave his horse a sudden check + being sharp shod he stuck in the ice + his pursuers passed by him; he then turned his horse and got off safe to Teller’s Point, when the firing commenced at the house. John Odell’s horse broke loose + ran off. One of the party named Acker ran off leaving his horse which Odell mounted + ran off before Williams

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Acker’s horse that Odell mounted had no shoes on his hind feet. Holmes + Totten left Williams + pursued Odell who was riding with his sword over his head to protect himself. They came up one on each side. Totten nearer than Holmes when Holmes said to Totten take care that fellow may cut you. Odell said if he had dared check his horse he could have cut Totten several times but his horse having no shoes behind he was fearful he might slip. Totten came near enough to strike him with his sword + cut the end of his nose so as to draw blood, when Odell gave a back handed stroke + cut Totten on the shoulder or cheek when they ceased further pursuit. After they left him, Odell attempted to take up his horse when his feet slipped from under him + he went several rods on the ice, he hung to him + as the horse rose sprang on his back + let him run until he reached Teller’s Point. I have been informed of this affair, by Capt Williams – Capt William Dyckman, John Odell + William Vermilyea, all of the party.

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The capture of Delancey’s outpost

Sometime in the year 1781 or 82 Isaac Oakley (brother of Cornelius Oakley) was taken prisoner. The night after he was taken, Cornelius Oakley + Abraham Dyckman (both guides to the American army, when any of them was stationed in Westchester county, to and *the* militia in defending the lower part of the county) a Lieutenant command of twenty two men were at that time stationed near them. Oakley and Dyckman prevailed upon their Lieutenant to accompany them to Westchester to try and retake Isaac Oakley before he was taken to New York. They started and after proceeding four or five miles night overtook them + was likely to be very dark + rainy; *the* Lieutenant hesitated about pro= ceding farther as he had no orders + if any thing disastrous should happen he might be censured, but concluded to leave it to Oakley and Dyckman; the *counselled* together + agreed to proceed. When within two or three miles of Delancey’s outpost they took an inhabitant who was in the habit of frequenting daily the outpost + trading with the enemy + who know the countersign or watchman

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when hailed by a sentinel. This man informed them there was a refugee in bed upstairs who would answer their purposes better than himself. Oakley went upstairs *ordered* him up + informed him what they wanted; he said if he was found out they would hang him. Oakley gave him his word of honor that it should not be made known as long as the war *earlier*. They learned from the refugee that the outpost had but one sentinel, it being so dark and stormy that they were not apprehensive of an attack. When within one hundred yards of the house they halted and informed the soldiers what was to be done. They told the refugee if he was faithful as soon as they effected their purpose he might go, but if he had deceived them they would kill him on the spot. They then placed the refugee in front two soldiers, one behind the other + Oakley behind them that they might appear as one man + ordered the refugees when hailed to answer but press forward + the soldiers when near enough to spring forward + seize the sentry which they did with his gun on his shoulder. The party then marched in front of the house + close to it, when Oakley + Dyckman went on to the piazza to get a peep into the room through the window shutters. (which were old) Oakley

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discovered four men sitting around a table in the middle of the room playing cards. Wishing to get a view of the room, the situation of the men and where their firearms were placed, he put his fingers between the shutters + pulled them a little open; they made a creaking noise which startled the men. Oakley thinking there was no time to be lost, dashed open the shutters + jumped head foremost against the window taking the sash in with him + fell full length on the floor, threatening at the time if they made any resistance they would kill them on the spot. Before Oakley could get on his feet Dyckman sprang in over his back at the same time the soldiers burst open the door + they took 24 prisoners + one of them was a cornet in Delancey’s horse; their surprise was so sudden, that but three or four of the enemy had time to seize their muskets – Oakley and Dyckman hurried off their prisoners + had gone 3 miles, when the alarm gun of the enemy fired. They hurried on their prisoners and reached their American lines in safety.

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Oakleys escape from the Refugees at Mamaroneck

Cornelius Oakley had been down as guide to a Lieuts. Command on a scouting party. When returning through Mamaroneck + Rye, Oakley saw Benjamin Griffin standing at the door of a house on Rye neck about 12 or 15 rods from the road. When Griffin saw Oakley he drew back and disappeared. Oakley rode into a gate near the road and enquired if he did not see Benjamin Griffen there; they said no. He insisted that he had seen him at the door + told them to tell him to come out, that he should not hurt him. He then came to the door + Oakley asked him for something to eat. Griffen gave him some cake + a mug of cider, while sitting on his horse. Griffen expected they would be pursued + kept looking out for the enemy; he soon saw they were in sight + told Oakley of it. He paid but little attention to it, although he was there alone, the rest of the party having gone on. He sat still while he had drank the cider and eaten the cake. He then handed Griffen the mug drew up the reins, drew his sword, put spurs on his horse, *shoiled* + rode out of the gate, when the enemy were within twenty yards of him + made his escape in safety.

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The Capture of Delancey’s horse Wright Carpenter who resided in North Castle went down Col Delancey’s quarters at Westchester with a flag of truce. Col Delancey was acquainted with him, but asked him jokingly where he lived, he replied, at home; he asked him if he kept any stock, he said yes he had five cows. Delancey said he wondered his boys had not got them before that time. Carpenter said if they did get them he would have his (Delanceys) horse (Col Delancey had a very fine English horse) Not long after the conversation the Refugees stole Carpenters cows. Carpenter, Thos Ferris + --- Green formed a plan to bring off Delanceys horse. They went to West chester + found that Delancey with his horse had gone to New York. They secreted themselves until his return. When Delancey returned, his horse with another indifferent one + a sprightly mare (that had been taken from the upper part of the county) were turned into a meadow in part of which there was corn, + two black boys sit to watch the horses + keep them from getting into the corn. In the afternoon there came a heavy shower + the boys ran off to the house. They took this opportunity to catch the horses: Carpenter caught Delancey’s horse, Ferris the indifferent one + Greene the mare + started off at full speed. They passed Williams Bridge where were stationed 25 Refguees, some of whom observed, there goes the Col’s horse. They thinking that Col Delancey had

- Hufeland Index Page 1093 - sent out an express, a party of horse were sent out in pursuit. Ferris finding he could not get off with his horse, left him + ran through the fields towards Westchester and escaped: Delancey’s Horse sent in pursuit came within speaking distance of Carpenter + Greene but would not overtake them + they got off safe with their horses.

Ferris Adventure at Throg’s Neck The British had a number of horses on Throgs Neck at pasture. Johnathan Pawling Horton, Thomas Ferris + Jedidiah Owens went down with a view of bringing them off. Owens who had charge of the ropes lost them + the Refugees on the Neck found them. They then sent search in every direction to search the neck they searched so thoroughly for them, that they got up into the top of a large tree, to spend the night. They had been there but a short time, when five or six Refugees came under the same tree + talked about lying down. One of them said there was another tree, a little way off and that would be better to sleep under than that + they started off. The three men then came down from the tree making as little noise as possible. Horton had taken off his shoes to climb the tree + set them under a bush; while he was putting them on a man came along + asked who they were, they said of his own party; He

- Hufeland Index Page 1094 - went immediately (as they expected) and alarmed the refugees. Horton + Owens made their escape. One of the Refugees pursued Ferris + he ran through a field of his mothers, where before he left home, large stones had been dug up + left holes in the ground. He crooked about among the holes, until the refugee plunged into one, and then Ferris made his escape. Luther Kinnicutt who was acting as spy for the Americans, was on the neck at the time + he, with one Robert Simmons (who had been a Refugee Lieut, but had taken disgust + come back to the Americans) endeav= ored to secrete these men. They built them up in a very wide stone wall near the water side, where they remained 2 or 3 days. Kinnicutt + Simmons laid sedge along the sides of the wall and fed them privately through the holes in the wall. At length Ferris said there was a place at the upper end of the neck that was fordable at low tide. Kinnicutt + Simmons then let them out of the wall + they went as privately as possible There, took off their clothes, bundled them up, put them on their heads + forded the creek over to Pelham, where they were able obliged to conceal themselves 2 or three days before they entirely escaped.

- Hufeland Index Page 1095 - Attack on Col Greene Col Greene (a stout athletic southerner) was stationed with his regiment a little below Pines Bridge. Col Delancey with his regiment of Tory refugees, accom= panied by British troops marched up with a view of surprising Greene, which they did, he not being sufficiently on his guard. Major Flagg of Greenes regiment, had retired; hear= ing the noise he got up + sitting on the bedside dis= charged a pistol through the window. Those without fired through the window + killed Major Flagg who fell back on the bed. Col Green had 5 or 6 negro waiters. The enemy (as they were called) attempted to force the door open; Greene and his negroes tried to prevent them. The enemy got the door open so that one of their men put his arm through, which Greene seized + broke it across the edge of the door. The enemy at length succeeded in forcing open the door; the negroes surrounded Greene to protect him from the blows aimed at him. They were all killed and Col Greene also. Doct. Eustis, a surgeon in the army (who was after war security of War + then Govr. Of Massachusetts) arrived a Greene’s quarters a few minutes after the affair happened. I obtained this information from Doctor

- Hufeland Index Page 1096 - Eustis himself, who informed me that when he arrived there, those negroes lay kicking about the floor like hens with their heads cut off.

The Attack on Col Thompson Col Thompson was stationed at Youngs house, with his regiment in the winter of 1780, which was near the line of what now are the towns of Greenburgh + Mount Pleasant – Col Thompson had sent one company of his men to the west near Saw Mill River + another to the east where Abraham Davis resided. They found the enemy were approaching near them with 1500 men to attack Col Thomson. He sent orders to the companies at Saw Mill River + Davis’s to join him as soon as possible. John Odell was acting as guide to Thompsons regiment. He advised Thompson to retreat; he said his orders were to defend that post. Odell said, not against impossibilities – He directed Odell to go + hurry on the men from Davis. After Odell had gone a little distance, he saw that company ascending a hill about a mile to the north; finding it impossible to get them there to be of any service, Odell sat on his horse + saw the battle. Thompson had about 40 men killed himself and a number of others taken prisoners.

- Hufeland Index Page 1097 - The Capture of Maj. Andre The legislature passed a law that all stock found driving toward the enemy, below a designated line, should be a lawful prize to the captors Paulding, Williams + Van Wart were all natives of the town of Greenburgh + resided (as also did their parents) neighbors to each other, near the Saw Mill River. They with five or six others went near Tarrytown to capture whatever might be going to the enemy. Paulding, Van Wart + Williams secreted themselves near the road, while the rest of the party went down near the river to keep a look out. Paulding + Van Wart were amusing themselves with cards, while Williams kept guard. When Major Andre came along, they sprang into the road + stopped him. What afterwards took place you are already acquainted with.

Lieut Mosiers gallant stand against 45 horseman. Captain Richard Sackett raised a company for 6 months. William Mosier was Lieut in the company. Capt Sackett with part of the company were breakfasting at a house near Thomas’ Mills in King Street. Lieut Mosier with 22 men were breakfasting at another house a little distance off. Col Holmes with 45 Horsemen appeared in sight.

- Hufeland Index Page 1098 - Sackett with his men were made prisoners. Mosier with his men fled through cleared fields pursued by the refugee horse. Finding it impossible to escape, Mosier formed his men into a hollow square, facing outward, with orders not to fire until he did; calculating to make the best Terms he could before surrendering. The refugees came on at full speed + shouting. When they pressed on Mosiers men, they kept them back by pricking their horses noses with their bayonets. Holmes approached near to Mosier, (being acquainted with him) + ordered him to surrender + he should have good quarters. Mosier said he would consider on it. Knowing (as he told me) that they would frequently promise quarters + when they surrounded cut them to pieces. Holmes parleyed with him some minutes, then drew a pistol + discharged it at Mosier, the ball passing near his temple, Holmes was in the act of drawing another, when Mosier leveled his piece at him + ordered him to return his pistol, or he would blow him off his horse. Holmes returned the pistol into the holster. A Capt. Kipp (who left North Castle + joined the enemy) rode around to Mosier, damned him + ordered him to surrender + commenced cutting at him with his sword, when Mosier fired at him, the horse reared + was shot

- Hufeland Index Page 1099 - in the breast, he fell with Kipps thigh under him. The men fired + the horsemen ran off helter skelter through the fields. A negro (belonging to Capt Sackett) who was with Mosier, sprang from the ranks and thrust his bayonet into Kipp By the time the enemy formed again, Mosiers men had reloaded + when the enemy again charged, Mosiers men gave them another shot, where they again fled, they formed, came on a third time and were saluted with another shot, when they again ran off + called on the Infantry to come on. Mosier not knowing but they might have Infantry (as they frequently had) marched off without having a man hurt + wounding 9 of the enemy. After Mosier went off, the enemy returned, procured a carriage + carried off Kipp, who it is said recovered from his wound. This affair was published in the papers at the time + great credit bestowed on Mosier for his bravery + skill. Shortly after the war Mosier related this whole transaction to me personally

A Capt Althouse + his company was sent out by the British + had gone within a short distance of Youngs house at Croton. The inhabitants of the neighborhood collected together and attacked Althouse who defended himself bravely but was overpowered

- Hufeland Index Page 1100 - + with his company made prisoners Joshua Barnes who had resided at what is now called Hart’s Corner in the town of Greenburgh (formerly called Philipse Manor) in the early part of the war, nearly a year before the battle of White Plains, went with several others to the British. He there obtained a captains commission. Althouse not returning as soon as expected, Barnes with his company was sent out to reinforce him. He was met by a Capt Levinsworth of the American army (a young officer about 19 years of age and a native of New England) with his company, at the point of a hill. Barnes retreated around the hill, to the other side, where he was again met by Levensworth + surrendered with his whole company without firing a gun or making any resistance whatsoever. The Enemy commanded by Lord How advanced within about four miles of White Plains on Friday 25th Oct 1776 + encamped a little north of where John Barker then lived. On Monday 28th they advanced to White Plains when the battle took place. Gen How during the time had his headquarter at the house now owned by Mrs. Osbury. They remained here 8 days, then decamped and marched down + captured fort Washington below Kings Bridge. <left margin> In the original this comes *af [after]* death of Crawford end of pp 22 O. Huf <left margin>

- Hufeland Index Page 1101 - Death of Mr Crawford Late in the fall + first part of the winter of 1776, Col William Duer, Egbert Benson + Jonathan G Thompkins (all members of the committee of safety) were appointed to superintend the bringing off of all the stock forage + grain from the lower part of West Chester County, to prevent it falling into the hands of the enemy. Four continental four horse wagons with a number of ox teams were procured for that purpose. All the cattle and horse kind of all ages + sizes, also forage were brought to my fathers farm. Samuel Crawford (the father of Elijah Crawford) a stout, spirited man was conductor of the teams. Being down on a Sunday, there was a good deal of skirmishing between Delavan’s Rangers + the Tory refugees (Capt Delavan who commanded a company of rangers was stationed at Judge Ward’s house + went down every day to protect the teams) Mr Crawford called to see his sister + fill into the rear of the teams. The refugees came into the house + he surrendered himself a prisoner. One of them asked his name + as soon as he told it, run him through with his bayonet. He was taken to Kings Bridge

- Hufeland Index Page 1102 - thrown into a waggon, to be taken to New York + died by the way. The same night a company commanded by Capt Archibald Campbell (a Scotchman) were marched into the yard in front of Judge Ward’s house. Campbell immediately advanced onto the piazza floor + uttered the most profane oaths, + ordering the rangers to resign. He had approached the step of the door, when a shot from inside struck him + he fell dead on the piazza floor, when some of his men fired, + killed Lieut Paddock, who was standing inside, near the door. After entering the lower part of the house + finding no one there (the Rangers some of them secreting themselves in different parts of the house + some made their escape out of the back door) Campbells men made a precipitate retreat, there being a large company of militia at a house about ¼ mile distant who, on hearing the firing, instead of arming to the aid of the rangers, all ran off.

- Hufeland Index Page 1103 - The British having thrown us out of protection, we had no government but by the county committee. In 1775 my father was chosen a committee man + afterwards chairman of that committee. He was a member of the provincial congress; then chosen on a committee of safety which committee met at Esopus (now Kingston) and administered the government until the constitution was framed. He was a member at the framing of the first constitution of the state. After the Constitution was framed he was appointed one of the judges, which office he held until appointed first Judge. Of the offices he held + services he rendered the remainder of his life, you are already informed. In regard to myself. I was born at Scarsdale Dec 23 1759. In 1775 I was enrolled in the militia at the age of 16 + performed duty until the battle at White Plains. I belonged to Col Thomas Thomas reg= iment. In the fall of the same year the militia were ordered out + assembled at Mamaroneck, some British vessels of war lying off that place, it was supposed intending to land and plunder, they reminded there about a week, then went

- Hufeland Index Page 1104 - off + we were discharged. Shortly afterward a sergeants guard was ordered to Jay’s place on Rye Neck, to keep guard + protect the stock on the neck from being taken off. I was one of that guard + remained there eight days. In the summer of 1780 some British vessels of war sailed up the Hudson + anchored off Fishkill. All the militia of Dutchess County were ordered to march to Fishkill with 7 days provisions. I belonged to a company commanded by Capt Pearce. We marched late in the afternoon as far as Col Ludingtons in the mountains west of Patterson, where we staid during the night (We then met Genl Arnold and his wife, he being on his way to take command at West Point) The next day we marched to Fishkill + remained there that night; the next day the British shipping having gone down the river, we were drawn up in a hollow square, received then thanks of Govr George Clinton for our prompt attention + were dismissed.

End of Caleb Tompkins Recollections