Odell, Jackson, 1792-1849
John M. McDonald interview — 1845-09-15
Jackson Odell (1792-1849) was a son of John Odell, one of the Westchester Guides. He describes the route taken by the British force commanded by Colonel Chapple Norton that attacked American troops at the Battle of Youngs’ House. Although news of the advance reached the American commander, Colonel Joseph Thompson, he disregarded it. Odell then describes Loyalist Thomas Merritt, a brother of Shubael Merritt, and notes that he was protected by John Odell when he was in Westchester County after the war. Odell comments on the “excellent discipline” of the French soldiers during their time in Westchester County, and indicates that Colonel Joseph Thompson placed an outpost at Ikendahl Allaire’s near Youngs’ House prior to the Battle of Youngs’ House. He concludes by describing a skirmish that took place in April 1780 as the American force led by Captain Nathaniel Cushing moved northward through Greenburgh after conducting a raid into present-day Bronx County.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 140 -
September 15th. – Jackson Odell: On enquiry, I find Norton advanced by the Tuckeyhoe road to Hart’s Corner and took the Sprain (or Meeting House) road (formerly called Allaire’s road) to Young’s. At Hart’s Corner, Mr. Reed went express with the news. Mr. Campbell
- Hufeland Index Page 141 -
and Colonel William Hammond, then a boy, thereupon advanced on horseback to reconnoitre. Thompson said “they are only a few cowboys.” Cornet M[erritt] [X1] & Simcoe – at dinner – pr. Secy - Batar. – ordered to follow to New York. Col. Odell protected Cornet Merritt – who kept a small store at Chappequa after the war. Corns. Odell and others going to and from him – Odell said: “He has also behaved like an Office and Gentleman – kind to prisoners – though an enemy” – Captain Abraham (G) [X2] lived at James Tompkin’s – Excellent discipline of French troops. Colonel Thompson’s outpost at Ikendahl Allaire’s about a quarter or half mile from Young’s. Captain Acker joined Cushing’s party with a company of militia in the fields with near Col. Odell’s south of the road near McChains. Here Cushing left the rear and put it under Lieutenant Blake and he himself took command of the van. At this place DeLancey attempted a charge. He (or the Officer who commanded) had a body
[X] Cornet Thomas Merritt – brother of Shube Merritt – Was first with Emmerick with whom he quarreled. Next, with Simcoe. After the war, when Simcoe was appointed Govr. of Upper Canada, he made Merritt a Sheriff of a county (name not given – See Note Book 1844.)
[X2] (Gill?)
- Hufeland Index Page 142 -
1845
of Refugees as well as Yager Cavalry.