Vermillya, Isaac, 1769-1854
John M. McDonald interview — 1844
“Vermille” is likely Isaac Vermillya (1769-1854). He explains the incident that caused Frederick Philipse and his family to leave Philipse Manor Hall for the British lines. Elizabeth Williams Rutgers Philipse instructed a man named Vincent, a tenant of Abraham Odell, to warn the British about the movement of an American regiment under Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs. Vincent was intercepted by American Benjamin Dyckman, and the Philipses boarded a boat in the Hudson River that took them to Manhattan. Vermillya also references the rejected marriage proposal made by American Colonel Nathaniel Gist (misspelled here as Guest) to Grace Isaacs Babcock, widow of the rector of Yonkers parish (now Saint John’s Episcopal Church). Vermillya also recounts the skirmish between an American force led by Captain John Pray, who commanded a blockhouse at Sneden’s Landing in Rockland County opposite Dobbs Ferry, and a Hessian force commanded by Carl von Rau (misspelled here as Rowe). The skirmish resulted in the death of Rau, who was engaged to a granddaughter of Mrs. Day, a tavern keeper in Harlem. Vermillya then notes that William Green (usually referred to as “General Green”) had his horse shot in a skirmish, and mentions the Van Tassel family. He concludes by describing the activity of the command of Captain Pray, who often crossed the Hudson River from Sneden’s Landing to Yonkers.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
129 261 129. [margin: PARIS] [margin: x Contants St. John Constant. S. of Rev. Silas Dykeman] [margin: H] [margin: Morrisania Point?] opposite to Judge Constant. One Hessian, Yager, a dragoon, escaped by dashing down a ravine and retreating along the bank of the river to the camp which was on Hog hill. The Kipp's (Capt. and Lieut.) were from New Castle (North Castle?) or West Point? At the turn of the road by Abraham Odell's the Kipp's attacked and killed Barton and Lawrence Smith and left Vincent for dead – refused quarter. These three had been down to plunder Odell – they fired and then ran into (across) the Saw Mill river, where horses could not follow – Some of Kipp's horse made a circuit and crossed the bridge – Vincent was under a brush heap and was discovered by a horse treading on him. – (Vermille) [margin: Isaac Vermille.] Col. Philipse suffered to remain Col. Meigs with his regiment came down the Saw Mill river road. One Vincent, [page break] 262 130 [margin: Vermille contd] 129. [margin: PARIS] a tenant of Abraham Odell, saw them and rode over Hog hill to inform Philipse. Philipse's wife ruled and was firm upon upon informing the British. Vincent was sent to Kings bridge where Benjamin Dyckman was with a flag. Dyckman observed a general movement and asked Vincent. Vincent requested Dyckman not to tell he had seen him there. Dyckman replied: "that will expose upon your future conduct." Dyckman informed; and Vincent was taken and imprisoned. Philipse then with his family got on board a vessel and left the Manor. When Vincent informed the British prepared to surprise Meigs who was on his guard and retreated safely. (Rev. Burke) 130 [page break] 263 131 [margin: Vermille contd] 130 [margin: PARIS] war, and waylaid and surprised Captn. Rowe? – fired upon and killed him – Rowe's party was about 20 or 30. They were only four or five – surrounded and surrendered – Their lives were all spared. Rowe was to have been married to a grand daughter of Mrs. Day, widow, Tavern keeper, at Harlem. It was to have been his last excursion – was to have resigned and get married. Rowe was surprised and killed among the cedars near where the Methodist Church stands at Yonkers. General Green (Coffin's father in law) of Somers had his mare shot in an action near Philipse Manor House. The Van Tassels houses were next above Abraham Odell's. They were said to be part Indian. There was a block house on the west side of Dobbs ferry. Pray often crossed with his men in whaleboats, and scoured the country about Yonkers taking prisoners.