Vermillya, Isaac
John M. McDonald interview — 1846-10-10
Isaac Vermille (1769-1854), whose surname is actually spelled Vermillya, recalls Captain Nathaniel Cushing’s May 1780 raid into present-day Bronx County. He heard from his father and grandfather that the house they attacked belonged to Benjamin Archer at the time of the raid. Vermille also recounts how American Captain Daniel Williams was captured and exchanged three times during the war, and describes how Benjamin Ogden, a Loyalist officer who was once exchanged for Williams, was captured. He concludes by recounting how Cushing’s force was led by a guide named Garretson during its raid.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 449 -
October 10. Mr. Isaac Vermille, of Kingsbridge: “I always heard from my grandfather and others that it was Saml. Archer’s house (then owned by his father Benjamin) which was stormed and taken by Cushing in 1780. The attack was bold. The Americans passed between Fort No. 8. and the road to avoid a picket or patrol. Captain Daniel Williams was taken three times and exchanged for Ogden, Maccaboy and Emmerick’s Headquarters were at Tetard’s house when Ogden was taken. Ogden’s son had his arm broken (fractured). Negro servant sent back [X] to take care of Benjamin Ogden. Feared he would infor Emmerick. Old Bill Underhill’s house is now occupied by Valentine Odell. Garretson marked stones beforehand
[X] [i.e. They took the negro with them till they had passed beyond Emmerick’s quarters, and then sent him back to take care of the child.]
- Hufeland Index Page 450 -
so that he could grope his way in the dark, having been previously engaged as Cushing’s guide. He guided Cushing’s party in the dark, feeling his way. [They must have advanced within 200 yards of Post No. 8, passing between it and the road to avoid the patrols. J. M. M.] Cushing’s party when they approached Archer’s house took to the fields and crossed the road north and west of ^*Fort* No. 8.