Chapter III THE WESTCHESTER GUIDES IN THE WAR OF THE REVOLUTION "MANY brave men," says an ancient writer, "lived before the days of Agamemnon, but unhonored by the bard and disregarded by the historian, their names have perished and their deeds are unknown." This observation if applied now to the times of the Revolution, would accord with truth as exactly as it did when first uttered with respec…

I have never felt more saddened at this injus-tice of fame, than when contemplating the merits of a class of men, who during the war of American Independence, steadily upheld "the good cause," acting sometimes as guides to the Continental and combined armies while operating in the adjacent county of Westchester, and sometimes as volunteers, but who in our days are scarcely remembered. In the latte…

In the attacks upon the British outposts particularly dur-ing the last years of the war, the American commanders were very often governed in their proceedings by the suggestions that came from these native strategists, and when in danger of capture, as the upper forces often were when down in small parties, from that rapidity of pursuit which the enemy were always enabled to make use of, in conseq…

To these names may be added An-drew Corsa of Fordham (who is yet living) but who in con-sequence of his youth, only acted upon two or three import-ant occasions, during the latter years of the war. The three, of whose numerous exploits I propose to describe a few, and of whose lives and characters, I shall give a very concise sketch, are Cornelius Oakley of Whiteplains, John Odell of Greenburgh an…

John Odell was born near Croton River upon the Manor of Courtland, on the 25th of October 1756. His paternal ances-tor William Odell emigrated from England along with some of the early colonists of Rye, where he at first settled, but subse-quently, about the year 1680, removed to the Manor of Ford-ham, and married a daughter of one of the Dutch inhabitants. Similar alliances were sought by most of…

From the time of their first migration from Holland, their political propensities were strongly republican, and during the agita-tions that characterized the days of Leisler, they were his devoted friends, adhering to him after his fall with the same steadiness with which they had supported him while in power. It is a tradition in the family that a few days before the execu-tion of the unfortunate…

As the time for putting his forces in motion drew nigh, General Heath applied to the Committee of Safety, for some persons minutely acquainted with the country around Kingsbridge, and with the various roads leading to New York, who might both act as guides and assist him in the capacity of aides, and that body appointed Cornelius Oakley, Isaac Oakley, John Pine and David Hunt to accompany the divi…

During part of the summer and autumn of 1778, the main body of the American forces under General Washington, was encamped at Whiteplains with a strong advanced corps posted near Tuckahoe, a few miles in front under General Scott, while still farther below, this latter officer stationed a picket guard of about one hundred and fifty riflemen under Colonel Gist, which lay on the heights, a little sou…

Lieutenant-colonel Tarleton in the meantime with the whole of his cavalry, had taken possession of Valentines' Hill on the East, while Major Prueschenck and Captain Wreden with strong detachments of the yagers were hastening to sta-tions where they might cut off the retreat of the Americans, towards the south or west. It was now a little before six o'clock in the morning. The Continental detachmen…

With great decision he wheeled about, threw himself flat upon the horses shoulders, and spur-ring him to his utmost speed, rode safely through a volley of musketry and rifle-balls and escaped. Simcoe now mounted rapidly up the steeps toward Colonel Gist, but was mortified to find that his quarry had escaped, and that all he had gained was the possession of an empty camp. The truth is, however, tha…

In the attack upon the refugee settlement situate in Mor-risania, on the east side of Mill-brook, made by Lieutenant Colonel Hull, supported by General Parsons on the morning of the 22nd January 1781, Cornelius Oakley, accompanied by the principal guides, commanded a select body of about twenty-five volunteer horsemen. When Hull's party ap-proached the brook, it was found swollen to such a height …

Preparatory to this operation, Count Mathieu Dumas and the two brothers Berthier, with several other young officers attached to the French staff, who had for some days been zealously engaged in exploring the ground and roads, and in sketching maps of the country, between the allied Camp and Kingsbridge, were ordered by the French commander to set out before day-light, and to push their examination…

Further down, the recon-noitring party was formed a junction with a select body of Amer-ican light-infantry, who the same morning, had gone down to explore the ground on the right, and the two allied detach-ments then drove across Kingsbridge the troops that occu-pied the Hessian outpost; pursuing the fugitives, till they came within musket shot of Prince Charles' redoubt. This reconnaissance was …

Two continental detachments under Major Generals Lincoln and Howe, to-gether with the corps of sappers and miners and four field pieces formed the next column, on the sawmill river road. The right column of the French, on the left of the Ameri-cans, consisted of the Brigade of Bourbonnais, with the bat-talion of grenadiers and chasseurs, two field pieces, and two twelve pounders, and moved by the …

THE WESTCHESTER GUIDES 75 At Valentine's Hill the left column of the American troops formed a junction with the two French divisions, and the united forces arrived before Kingsbridge about daylight. Here they found General Parsons, who had arrived on the ground a short time previously. The whole army then formed on the heights back of Fort Independence, and be-tween there and Fordham Hamlet, to t…

He had not yet risen, and the strangers who demanded the inter-view were conducted to his bedroom. Oakley then informed him that agreeably to his promise, General Washington re-quired his services forthwith as a guide, while the combined army remained below. This young man whose quick parts, intelligence, and accurate knowledge of the roads and passes of Morrisania and Fordham had recommended him …

Young Corsa told them there were two, of very notorious character, who might be found on the road they were about to pursue toward Westfarms, one of whom, Sergeant Hilliard belonged to Emmerich's dragoons, and that the other was one James Travis; but proceeded then to qual-ify his information with these words: "I saw them both last night, between here and Westfarms, at the house where Hilliard li…

The refugees however, were upon their guard, notwithstanding all the circumspection and speed that had been made use of by their adversaries; both of them being found mounted, as the guides came up. Travis fled at first sight of the pursuers, but Sergeant Hilliard felt such confi-dene in the superior powers of his courser, that he allowed them to approach within pistol shot before he moved. One of…

Next came the generals them-selves with their aides and retinue, and then, after a con-siderable interval, followed the main body of the army. The expedition moved forward slowly and silently, without beat of drum or sound of trumpet. The horsemen scarcely ever broke from a walk. In this manner the army marched along the Fordham road, straight to the west bank of the Bronx, directly opposite to De…

The refugee corps all this while, surprised and alarmed at the sudden appearance of the combined forces, were flying before them, and seeking safety at Harlem and Montressor's Island. When the allies came in sight of the enemy, on the high grounds about old Morrisania House, the residence of Col. Lewis Morris, the British Artillery opened upon them a tremendous fire from the fortifications at Mont…

The horse of one of the French officers was about the same time either killed or disabled, upon which the rider dismounted, and with great coolness took off and secured upon his shoulders the saddle, bridle and holsters, and waded back to the shore. Having driven the refugees to the Island, the vanguard stopped for a short time behind the mansion of Colonel Lewis Morris, near the Ferry, where most…

While the enter-prising robber was floundering in the creek, in fruitless efforts to impel his gallant looking prize within the British lines, the alarm was given to the allied horsemen, and eight or ten dragoons and guides rode into the river and discharged their pistols and carbines at the refugee. Montross now dis-mounted, but not to relinquish his prize. Holding on to the bridle and placing th…

Montross who had constantly held on to his saddle prize by the bridle, now secured him, together with his trappings and his master's pistols, but the horse persisted to the last in refusing to swim, and the cap-tor at length was compelled to take him to New York Island in a boat. The combined forces then commenced their return march, passing west of Mill-Brook, through the fields of Morrisania and…

The American detachment marched from near Pinesbridge about mid-day on the 3d of March. At Eastchester Major Woodbridge halted with his infantry for the purpose of tak-ing a position by which he might cover Honeywell's retreat, while the latter pushed forward toward Morrisania, and pass-ing down between the quarters occupied by the refugees and redoubt No. 8 turned the left flank of the former bet…

Although the American forces retired with celerity, it was not long before Colonel DeLancey overtook them in Eastchester, at the head of his whole corps, and some Hessian riflemen from Kingsbridge under Captain Hetlzheimer, but his infantry being extremely fatigued by a forced march of unusual rapidity, he halted for a while before leading them against the Americans. At this moment the guide of Ki…

"William," said the stricken soldier, laying his hand upon the wound: "I've got it now. But don't let me fall into the enemy's hands. I dread that." His two brothers Jacobus and Michael, who were a short distance off, were now called, and these, when they came up, took the reins of his bridle and rode briskly forward, while he with their aid supported himself by the horse's mane, until they passed…

As the American volunteers on their return, approached the Manor of Courtland, such of them as came from its eastern parts, being anxious to regain their homes by the shortest route, refused to cross the Croton River, and it was there-fore proposed and agreed to, by acclamation, that they should go to Orser's house, on the banks of the North River, where they could procure refreshments for themsel…

THE WESTCHESTER GUIDES 83 he refused to dismount, and performed from necessity the duty of a common vidette, for the men under his command; while the latter after leaving his horse and mingling occasion-ally with his comrades in the house, rejoined his commander for a lookout, at frequent intervals. While they were thus at Orser's, refreshing themselves in imaginary security, the refugee leaders h…

He lost not a moment in throwing himself upon the first steed he could find, and galloped at full speed upon the ice, in hopes of gaining the friendly shore of Cortland's Manor above the Croton, but as he attempted to pass the two royal officers, they rode out westerly and cut off his retreat. Odell now found that many of his compan-ions were endeavoring to secure their safety by following the rou…

At length Lieutenant-colonel Holmes was heard to exclaim: "Take care, Captain - he'll cut you," and immediately afterwards checked his speed, for the purpose of changing his position and of attack-ing the fugitive guide upon the left. Odell comprehended the manoeuvre at once, and seeing himself about to be as-sailed on both sides simultaneously, adopted the only expedi-ent now left for escape, and…

Dyckman was not much above the middle size, but square built, and possessed of extraordinary muscular powers, with a large trunk, and shoulders of unusual breadth. Odell was about six feet in height and robust, and although long limbed and apparently heavy moulded was capable of great and rapid exertion. Oakley was thin, tall, straight and of uncommon activity. A similar difference extended to the…

This characteristic often led him to unnecessary per-sonal exposure, and sometimes subjected him to reproach by the officers under whom he acted, who more than once, were compelled to remonstrate, and put before him its liveliest form the fact, that his life belonged not to himself, but to his country, and that the safety of the detachment he was guid-ing, depended upon his well-being. In the last…

Until his last excursion he had passed through the perils of the field without the slightest injury, so that at length some, apparently half in earnest, began to assert of him an immunity, such as the Thane of Cawdor claimed for himself, - that he wwas not destined to be harmed by one of woman born. It was but a few weeks before he received his mortal wound, that he conducted a large party below, …

He never hesitated to accept a challenge from the enemy or to encounter superior numbers, however great the odds might be. Once, in 1781, while reconnoitring near Fort Independence at the head of five guides and volunteers, a patrol of DeLancey's dragoons far superior in numbers, advanced upon him with loud shouts; but he lost not a moment in becoming the assailant himself, and a long combat with …

THE WESTCHESTER GUIDES 87 says: "Among the killed, is the noted Abraham Dyckman, a principal rebel guide." The circumstances which marked the end of his career were such as are hoped and prayed for by many a youthful and patriotic soldier. He fell while yet young in good cause, in the service of his country, with his face to the foe, and with battle harness on his back. The only relic of what once…

On the other hand, when circumstances required it, he faced danger and entered into combat, with as much resolution as his Kingsbridge comrade and with more coolness. From early life he was remarkable for sedateness, suavity of manners, and integrity, and throughout the contest for independence, he shielded from persecution, when it was in his power, such as were Royalists from principle, and neve…

Sometime about the middle of the war, he was below with a flag of truce, upon which occasion Colonel DeLancey took him aside, and intimated to him the expedi-ency of withdrawing for a while, along with Michael Dyck-man, from his usual service upon the lines, as some of the Royalists, whose relatives had had their houses and barns destroyed, were much excited and determined to retaliate upon the Od…

He had been below with a small party which had been very success-ful, and was returning at night, along the Sprain road, with seven or eight prisoners and their arms and horses, but upon passing a farmhouse somewhat celebrated for the hospital-ity of its owner, Mr. Jacob Vermilye, five or six of the men an-nounced their determination of stopping for refreshment. It was in vain that the commander o…

Odell sprang out from a window, followed by the others, and throwing himself sword in hand upon the refugees, forced a passage for himself and the two who were nearest, Isaac Lent and a boy named Van Nostrand. The other four who had also jumped from the same window and fol-lowed their guide, were overpowered and taken. Odell soon afterward returned and obtained possession of his horse, but the ste…

Consistent in this determination, he never accepted but one office, that of Colonel in the New York State Militia. After a life distinguished for hospital-ity, benevolence, industry and frugality, and having been twice married, he died at his residence upon the heights of Greenburgh, on the 26th of October 1835, leaving two chil-dren and other descendants. His character may be summed up in a few w…

His correct answers and prompt advice, when consulted upon the military routes to be traversed, his rapid and accurate perception of heights, and distances, and his sagacity in pointing out the proper direction for the various columns of the army to take through the impediments of the country, made a strong impression upon the principal officers, both French and American; and Rochambeau said to hi…

They urged at much length, that at that particular moment, the good cause stood in great need of a confidential agent to reside with the enemy for special pur-poses; they expressed the exalted opinion entertained by them of his fidelity and address; declared that of all the persons they could think of he was the one best fitted for the required service, and concluded by appealing to his patriotism…

So profoundly disgusted was he at this attempt to draw from him services which he deemed dishonorable, that he resigned his employment as a guide, and withdrew to a distant part of the country; and, it was not till after the expiration of several months, and after much entreaty that he consented to return and resume his situation. Once during the war Oakley was taken prisoner and con-fined along w…

92 THE MCDONALD PAPERS fellow prisoners he was lowered from one of the upper stories into the street, the attention of the sentinels in the mean-while being directed to an opposite quarter by his friends, who pointed down the street, and inquire the meaning of the crowd of people there assembled. The rope was instantly drawn back, and the manoeuvre proved successful and unob-served. His first obje…

The night that came on was one of bright moonlight, and in a short time he constructed out of some rails and his rope, a tolerable raft, upon which he secured his clothes and refreshments, and then pushed out into the stream; but when near the middle of the creek, his strength which had been much impaired by sickness while in confinement began to fail, in addition to which he was attacked by the c…

He had been below as guide to a scouting party, from which having led it back to a place of safety, he separated at Mamaroneck; himself pursuing the road through Rye. As he was passing Rye-Neck, he saw Benjamin Griffen, a farmer with whom he was well acquainted at the door of a house which stood about one hundred yards from the highway; upon which, he passed through the gate, approached his friend…

Clear the way." Upon this, he brandished his sword right and left over his head, and striking spurs into his horse, galloped off at speed. His well known person and character, and the cool volubility with which his threats were poured forth, confounded and discon-certed his antagonists so much, that they allowed him to pass unmolested, and when, having regained presence of mind, they attempted pur…

These young soldiers, the most elegant and accomplished of the European nobility, although from early life accustomed to the splendor and gaiety of Versailles and Paris, on their arrival in America, had at once accommo-dated themselves to the manners of the country, and over-coming ancient prejudices by urbanity and address, had acquired general popularity with the inhabitants. They have now all p…

THE WESTCHESTER GUIDES 95 distinguished in after years for a chivalric admiration of the unhappy Marie Antoinette, and whose assistance in 1791, was invoked and rendered, upon the unfortunate occasion of the royal flight to Varennes, as driver of the King's carriage. The two brothers Berthier, adjuncts in 1781, to the general staff, the elder of whom (Pierre Alexandre) was long celebrated for his …

His original education had been such only as the ordinary country schools of that day afforded, but careful self improvement in after years, enabled him to write and speak readily and correctly. Upon the great questions which agi-tated the public mind, he invariably formed opinions for him-self, sometimes reducing them to writing. In disposition, he was sanguine, kind and sociable, and blameless i…

A stranger, traversing in these days, what was once the "Neutral Ground," and hearing for the first time recounted, the adventures of the "Three Great Guides," some of which in hardihood and success, approach the fictions of knight-errantry, might be moved to seek for their tombs, and might natural say to those around him: "Where shall I find the monuments that have been erected by the gratitude o…

Later, and when almost half a century had passed by, the spot of sepulture was fortunately identified, and a plain stone put up, with this inscription (all that Quakerism permits) "Cornelius Oakley, died January 29th, 1805, aged 49 years." Odell's body was placed in the Cemetery of the ancient Dutch Church on the banks of the Pocantico, near Tarrytown, in contiguity with the sepulchers of his ance…