Vredenburgh, Susan Valentine, 1756-1854
John M. McDonald interview — 1846-10-21
The first two paragraphs of this interview are repeated on the third page of the interview. It appears that their insertion at the beginning was an error. Susan Valentine Vredenburgh (1756-1854) was the daughter of Abraham Valentine and Deborah Barton. Although John Macdonald refers to her as Susanna, it appears that her first name was actually Susan. Mrs. Vredenburgh begins her interview by discussing the Deveau family as well as the Native American soldiers of the Stockbridge-Munsee tribe who were killed at the Battle of Van Cortlandt Woods, which took place on August 31, 1778. She praises Loyalist Captain Benjamin Ogden as “a pretty good soldier,” and recalls the British encampments in Yonkers. She also notes that Frederick Philipse III, Lord of Philipsburg Manor, might have been persuaded to stay at his home (Philipse Manor Hall) in Yonkers, but was encouraged by his wife to go to Manhattan behind the British lines. Mrs. Vredenburgh speaks highly of Philipse as well as his wife, Elizabeth Williams Rutgers Philipse, and the latter’s sister Sarah Williams. She also indicates that an American raid took Loyalist Colonel James DeLancey’s silverware, and a note indicates that this may have been the raid of January 25, 1783. Mrs. Vredenburgh also discusses the engagement of Hessian Captain Carl von Rau and Nancy Fowler, a granddaughter of Manhattan tavern keeper Mrs. Day. She then recounts an incident where a robber attempted to steal a mourning ring belonging to Grace Isaacs Babcock, widow of the Reverend Luke Babcock. Impressed by Mrs. Babcock’s courage, the robber relented and let her keep the ring. Mrs. Vredenburgh notes that her brother provided American Captain Daniel Williams with money and clothing after the latter was taken prisoner at the Battle of Youngs’ House, and concludes by stating that Colonel Andreas Emmerich encamped on a hill at Mile Square in Yonkers.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
October 23. James Purdy: My father moved from West Chester to Ulster County in the early part of the war, before the battle of White Plains, and I was in Ulster County till peace. My father's brothers Joseph and Nathan belonged to Capt. Kipps troop in Colonel Delanceys corps, &c.
October 21. Mrs. S. Vredenburgh: Miss Williams, a maiden sister of Mrs. Philipse lived with Mrs. Babcock during all the war and died at her house. She and Madam Philipse were English, and very handsome, genteel women, &c. A party once went down and took Delancey's silver forks and spoons, &c. (January 25. 1783.?) [page break] October 21 Widow Susanna Vredenburgh, born Valentine: John Deveau lived in the house by the road, and Daniel his son in the house in the fields. Cavalry pursued the Stockbridge Indians west and south of Deveaus. They were almost cut to pieces by the British dragoons. Those who escaped who were cut about the head and should ers. Old Nimham and young Nim ham were both killed. Capt. Ben. Ogden was a pretty good soldier. British army came out and encamped about Mile Square, five or six weeks at a time in the Summer and Fall. Colonel Philipse went off the first year of the war. He was taken to General Washington's head quarters and returned on parole, and might have staid at home unmolested but that his wife persuaded him to go. [page break] He was a very large, fleshy, handsome and good man. Miss Williams, a maiden sister of Mrs. Philipse lived with Mrs. Babcock during all the war and died at her house. She and Madame Philipse were English and very handsome, genteel women, &c. A party once went down and took Delancey's silver forks and spoons, &c. (January 25. 1783.?) Captain Rauw was engaged to marry old Mrs. Day's grand-daughter who was very pretty, and whose grandmother, Mrs. Day, kept tavern between Breakneck Hill and Peter Myers. Her name was Nancy Fowler, and she afterwards married Abraham King of New York. Her father, Mr. Fowler, was an intemperate man. Mrs. Babcock's sister was married to Mr. Nash. (or Bush) of Greenwich. When her husband died, she (Mrs. [page break] Babcock) had a mourning ring made with a relic of his hair. Robbers came to her house and ordered her to pull off her glove. She complied. "Now pull off the other". She did so, and the ring was exposed. "Give me that ring!" "My life first!" answered Mrs. Babcock. Robber touched by her affection and firmness told her to put on her glove. I heard her tell the story. She went back and died where she came from. Capt. Daniel Williams was provided with money and clothes, by my brother, when taken at Youngs house. My brother then lived on the road leading from Valentine's hill to Yonkers village. Colonel Emmerick encamped on a hill at Mile Square.