Vermillya, Isaac
John M. McDonald interview — 1844
“Vermille” is likely Isaac Vermillya (1769-1854). He begins the interview by mentioning Loyalist Colonel James Holmes and his encounter with American Lieutenant William Mosier at Mosier’s Fight on December 2, 1781. He notes that American Captain Israel Honeywell was from the Town of Westchester in present-day Bronx County, and describes the engagement that took place on March 4, 1782, when Honeywell and his men were retreating through present-day Mount Vernon after conducting a raid. Westchester Guide Abraham “Brom” Dyckman was killed during this skirmish. Vermillya then describes the engagement that took place in January 1783 at Orser’s along the frozen Hudson River in present-day Ossining. Vermillya also recounts the raid led by American Daniel Williams into Morrisania in December 1778, and the raid conducted by Loyalist Mansfield Bearmore against Youngs’ House the following day. During the latter skirmish, John Champenois, a Loyalist soldier who had been captured the previous day, was killed by a Refugee said by some to have been a man with whom he had a quarrel. Vermillya concludes the interview by recounting two anecdotes regarding Lieutenant Colonel Andreas Emmerich of Emmerich’s Chasseurs.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 126 -
Vermille: Holmes drew and fired a pistol at [Mosier?] Holmes then attempted to draw the other but Mosier said if &c. die &c. (compelled him to put it back). One of the wounded horses by rearing and floundering came very near breaking the ranks at one time. Captain Israel Honeywell from the town of West Chester. Ambuscade behind a barn – then fired on the Refugees without doing harm - fire returned and one American killed. Brom. D[onaldson Dyckman] killed near Sampson Valentine’s – Died at , on Orsers near Singsing. George McChain killed. Capt Williams rode near the open channel, and escaped
- Hufeland Index Page 127 -
because his pursuers, some of them broke through and feared to venture further. The night before Williams was taken at Youngs house he had been below and taken several (?) prisoners. These were recaptured by Barmore – Champenois one of them was sitting by the fire tied fast when Barmore’s party entered. Champenoix was killed in the melee by a Refugee – Some say by a Refugee, a man with whom he had a quarrel. Emmerick once surprised at Philipse Manor house (Philipsburg) and forced to escape along the banks of the river. At Youngs house he cried out: “Rouse! rouse! Come home to me my Yagers!”