Macdonald, John. Interview with Hopkins, James, c.1767-1859; (1848-10-27). Experiencing the Neutral Ground of the American Revolution: The McDonald Interviews, WCHS item 1530. Transcription courtesy of the Westchester County Historical Society (No copyright - United States).

- Hufeland Index Page 742 - October 27th James Hopkins of Round hill aged 82: "The first time that the British regulars came up to North Castle was in the month of May or June. We were hoeing corn the first time. Their force was four or five hundred horse, and about the same number of foot commanded by a general officer who remained at Clapp's in King Street to support the …

When the attack was about to com- -mence Carpenter told Aaron: "Now when we begin to run do you mount my horse and secure him." Accordingly very soon the militia began to retreat, and Aaron ran for the horse which had escaped from his fastening but he secured, mounted him, and escaped, by riding down a precipice among rocks where his pursuers (some British dragoons) were not …

It was then full of bushes and impassable for horses. A party of Refugees came up (Kipps?) at the latter end of the war, and towards the break of day they overtook Lieutenant Bouton's company of militia [X] [on Lewis's ground?] - Poundridge. Bouton's men were scattered along the road weary with the march - and the main part with Bouton by the Widow Dayton's and the rest near …

Bouton and his men were from Poundridge. He was never after in the service I believe A man named Fancher was dreadfull cut about the head with a broad sword south of the swamp (where he had run) and left for dead. - The swamp then full of vines. Fancher got up and wandered about deranged with his head cut so that his brains could be seen to work. He was taken to Gilbert …

<left margin> Capture of DeLanceys horses <left margin> Thomas Ferris, Wright Carpenter and Tim Knapp formed a plan to take off two very fine imported blood horses, vizt: a gelding (Goliah) and a mare which were kept concealed on Willett's neck (?) below West Farms. They were watched with great care as it had been given out that they would be taken off by persons from above to …

Still the three adventurers hesitated to uncover themselves for fear the boy would sound an alarm before they could have time to secure him. Fortunately, a sudden shower of rain came to their aid in the midst of which the boy scampered for shelter to a neighbouring house, and very singularly the horses came to the very spot where the captors were hidden. They were prepared …

With great pre- -sence of mind our three adventurers put the steeds that carried them to their utmost speed, shouting aloud and looking behind them: "Here they are, boys! - Come on, quickly! - We'll takem them all!" The sen- -tinel and dragoons were panic struck with this sudden attack. The former discharged his musket, and all ran for shelter to the woods and bushes on the …

When our three adven- -turers had come within hearing distance they cried out loudly as possible: "Clear the road! - a race - a race!" The dragoons as they approached wheeled right and left and allowed them to pass, but having recognized the horses pulled up and after a few moments hesitation, turned about and pursued. The sun had now set and evening was approach- -ing, but …

declared to his companions that he would now leave them, and immediate thereupon jumped off At this moment, a Quaker, appa- -rently well mounted passed by, and Ferris recognizing in him an old acquaintance told him in a few hurried words that he was flying for his life and asked for the loan of his horse. The friend at first refused, but a moment afterwards yielded to the …

In a moment after the Refugees passed by. Carpenter and Knapp continued their flight towards the hills of New Castle. The mare urged beyond her powers at one time fell, but after panting for a moment on the ground rose and justified her origin in resuming the race. It had cleared off and was a bright moonshining night, nearly as light as day. Car- -penter and Knapp rode with …

Ferris at first thought of going to his mothers at Throg's Neck, but a moments consideration convinced him that this was too hazardous, and he then made his way back on foot to Wright Carpenter's residence at North Castle, in the Kitchen of - Hufeland Index Page 755 - whose house which stood opposite the blacksmith's shop near Sam Smiths Tavern, he found Goliah and the mare …