126 1004 [margin: PAPERS] [margin: 1850.] August 20. Sylvanus Miller, Senr. of New York: "I have heard General James Clinton recount the full of Forts Montgomery and Clinton, and his escape Jr. His brother in law Colonel McClaughry was in Fort Clinton, and probably commanded it. (?) Colonel McClaughry was a Scotchman and made a brave defence. He cut down several of the enemy, and the British soldiers were on the point of bayoneting him when an officer interposed and said that so brave a man should not be killed. After capture Colonel McClaughry never returned, dying in the Sugar House, or some other prison.

As 'twas dark, when it became evident that the Forts must fall the brothers Clinton were together at Fort Montgomery. George determined to attempt his escape across the river in a boat and besought James to accompany him, but the latter resolved to fly across the mountains by way of Smith's Clove. Not a moment was to be lost. 95 [page break] 1005 129 96 [margin: PAPERS] [margin: ?] George scrabbled down the height to the bank of the river and crossed. He rejoined his wife (who was almost crazy) two days afterwards, dressed in a blanket coat. James turned south, and put spurs to his horse. There was a British guard on the bridge over Poplopans kil. James galloped on crying out: "Clear the way, boys!" At first he was taken for a British officer, but a moment afterwards the Commander of the guard exclaimed: "It's a Rebel officer! - Kill him!" He received three or four bayonet wounds in the hip but got over. He subsequently abandoned his horse, and got along as well as he could on foot. As he was groping his way in total darkness on his hands and knees, he put his hand upon something warm and found it was a man's face. - "Who are you?" exclaimed General James. "What are you doing here?" "Oh, my God, master! spare my life, I beg you - I am Ephraim DuBois, a black man!" 96 [page break] 130 1006 97 [margin: PAPERS] "What! Colonel Dubois's slave? - Why, Ephraim, don't you know me? I am General James Clinton, and am very badly wounded. I want you to assist me in getting to a place of security where I can have my wounds dressed." With Ephraim's assistance he crossed the mountains and at length entered an open field where they found an old white horse which Ephraim secured, and upon which Genl. James rode till they reached a habitation in a place of safety.

When Governor Clinton found that no reinforcements were coming, and that both forts were invested, he was for surrendering, deeming it impracticable with his slender force to make a successful defence. General James was of a contrary opinion, and it was owing to his opinion warmly expressed that resistance was made." 97