Tompkins, Nehemiah, and Macdonald Notes
John M. McDonald interview — 1849-10-23
Dr. Nehemiah U. Tompkins was the son of James Tompkins and Elizabeth Underhill. He tells the story of how James Tompkins was placed under confinement by the French army during the Franco-American Encampment in 1781 after he tried to prevent them from using his horses, but was released by General Rochambeau. John Macdonald attempted to visit several other individuals in Manhattan on this day but was prevented from doing so due to the bereavement, sickness, and absence of his prospective interviewees.
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 913 -
Dr. Nehemiah U. Tompkins, of 161 Bowery: “I think I know some old persons who may have information that would be useful to you, &c, and will as certain &c. My father was very brave and defended himself against the French soldiers who took his horse, with a stake, &c. The French general before whom he was taken said to him: “What! Do you, a little man, mean to destroy my forces with a stake!” After detaining him for a while under guard the commander said to the officer of the guard: “Give him a horse, and let him go.”
I called also this day (October 23d) upon Mrs. Caroline F. Clapham of Broadway who had last week lost two of her children, and was sick &c. – Upon General Nathaniel Montross of 734 Greenwich Street who was sick and in the country &c, and upon Dr. Clinton of 603 Houston Street and the Revd. Mr. Van Pelt of 73 Hammond Street who were both absent from home.