Peck, James, b.1777
John M. McDonald interview — 1849-11-26
James Peck (b.1777) recalls the death of his father, who was killed by a party of Refugees after returning home from a scout. He notes the location of this incident, and states that the Refugees were from Stanwich and Horseneck in Greenwich, Connecticut. Peck concludes by recalling an attack made by a party of Refugees against the American guard at Sherwood’s Bridge in Glenville, and notes that he does not know whether or not Major Thomas Huggeford was in command of the Refugees during this action.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
[margin: 979 81] [margin: 70.] There was one Colonel Holdredge who commanded a regiment of militia horses. Once they went below and had a pretty smart skirmish with the enemy some where north of New Rochelle or Marmack This might have been Colonel Whites affair with Simcoe. It was not cold weather when it took place. That much I remem -ber.
Novr 26. James Peck, of Glen -ville: "I was born December 13th. 1777. My father name was Herbert Peck. He lived during the war at Stanwich where he was killed by a party of Refugees. He was just come home, having been down on a scouting party with eight or ten others when they were attacked by the cowboys. [margin: 70.] [page break] [margin: 82 980] [margin: 71] This occurred about a mile and a half west of Stanwich Meeting House. None but my father was killed wounded or taken. After my father's death the Refugees fled. They were from the neighborhood of Stanwich and Horseneck. The name of one of these Refugees was Lockwood. Once the Refugees crossed the Byram near Peck's land, and making a circuit came upon the guard at Sherwood's Bridge from the direction of Horseneck, and fired upon and cut off the guard. I don't know whether Major Huggeford, commanded this party or not. The horse came forward at this time and shouted dreadfully as they charged!
Edwin W. June, of Glenville. (Portchester Post Office): "Silas Chapman was not killed the same day he killed Thomas June. June was an elderly man [margin: 71]