Ronalds, William R.
John M. McDonald interview — 1848-09-27
William R. Ronalds (1814-1884) was a grandson of James Holmes. Appointed a colonel in a New York regiment near the beginning of the Revolutionary War, Holmes left the American service and later changed his allegiance to the British. Ronalds explains why his grandfather changed his allegiance, and concludes the interview noting that he was attempting to claim lands to which his grandfather was entitled from the British government.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 679 -
Sept. 27. William R. Ronalds of 47 Wall Street (over Mr. Ketchum’s): I will make it a point to examine my grandfather’s (Colonel James Holmes) papers and will furnish you with all you want in relation to his biography and his transactions in West Chester and Connecticut. I will leave my memoir at your brothers office in Clinton Place. My grandfather was Lieut. Colonel of one of the first four regiments raised by New York. Several circumstances induced him to go over to the British. He had difficulties with General Schuyler – advanced moneys to pay his men which was
- Hufeland Index Page 680 -
not refunded. He was intimate with Colonel James DeLancey and considered the British government right as respected the civil contest. He received compensation from Great Britain for the loss of his property at Bedford, but I am now urging a claim upon the British government for lands to which he was entitled from the Crown, &c. &c.