Smith, Joshua, c.1767-1856
John M. McDonald interview — 1846-10-29
Joshua Smith (c.1767-1856) begins his interview by explaining why the eastern portion of North Castle is called Middle Patent. According to Smith, the Refugees raided Middle Patent twice. Joshua’s father, David Smith, slept away from his home for fear of being taken prisoner. Despite his efforts, David was taken prisoner twice. Although he was paroled the first time, he was taken to Manhattan after his second capture and died of smallpox. Smith then states that Shubal Brush guided the British to Danbury, Connecticut, during Tryon’s raid there in 1777. He also notes that Benjamin Clapp stored money and goods at the home of Francis Nash in Greenwich, Connecticut, which is why that structure was burned by the British.
Manuscript page facsimiles
High-resolution images served from the Westchester County Historical Society's IIIF endpoint. Click any page to view full size.
Transcription
- Hufeland Index Page 418 -
October 29th Joshua Smith of Middle Patent: “The Stamford and Greenwich Party [X] (?) obtained a grant from the [Crown ?] for land eight miles from the Sound northerly, which left an oblong tract between Bedford, Stanwich and Greenwich (in Connecticut) four miles wide. This was discovered by the
<left margin> see orgl. p. 87 <left margin>
[X] They first bought the Indian title, and intended to buy 12 miles north from the Sound; but [considering] the (Counties) Country (?) had enough determined to buy only eight miles north. –
- Hufeland Index Page 419 -
New York speculators who bought the Indians out and obtained a grant from the Crown. Hence the name of Middle Patent. Refugees were here twice. First time probably, July 1st 1780, when Colonel [Holmes] took off cattle. Captain Frink was along. They came along before sunrise. My father, David Smith, slept away at night for fear of being taken, and came home that morning to take care of the bees which were swarming. Father and several neighbors were taken and paroled by Delancey when taken the first time. The second visit of the Refugees, I think, – (a mere guess) was when Major H made an excursion to N[orth] Castle in February 1781. – Father was taken this second time, carried to New York, caught small pox, and died in 1782. Shubal Brink [Brush] of Middle
- Hufeland Index Page 420 -
Patent, about a quarter of a mile from here guided the British to Danbury. He was one of the Danbury guides beyond a doubt. Benjamin Clapp had money and goods in Nash’s house which was the reason they burnt it. It was situated on the Post road near by the bridge over Byram river.