Macdonald, John. Interview with Hopkins, James, c.1767-1859; (1848-11-10). Experiencing the Neutral Ground of the American Revolution: The McDonald Interviews, WCHS item 1685. Transcription courtesy of the Westchester County Historical Society (No copyright - United States).

- Hufeland Index Page 809 - Before or after the capture of the horses? Irishman 3 miles from Smith's house on the hill east of Byram. Bedford? Novr. 10th James Hopkins: In (I think before the horses were taken), Thomas Ferris, Jedediah Owen, and Captain ^Major? Johnathan Paulding Horton went down to Throg's Neck where Ferris's mother lived with the intention of taking off one …

Ferris look- -ing behind found they were pursued and one man near who was very fleet named Golding, and who would certainly have overtaken them had he not fallen into a hole where they had dug and taken out a stone, and which in the dark couldn't be seen. They all three then escaped. Simmons wa informed of this in the morning. He then with the assistance built them in a stone …

When Ferris was returning through Horseneck after the escape of Bashaw, he found the place in the possession of Delancey's Refugees who had come up that day or the day before. His quickness furnished an expedient for passing the sentinel. Riding up: "I want to see Major H - - -," said Ferris - "where shall I find him?" The soldier informed him and allowed him to pass, but he …

fence so as not to expose himself, and picked out or got a cow and pair of oxen in the dark which he turned out into the field where they lay among the bushes. The whole drove being tired by this time had laid down in the road. Ferris had made out so well he now attempted another capture, but on going through the fence the rail cracked and broke, and he perceived a man behind …

"What are you doing here Ferris? How dare you come here?" Ferris then asked if they could not send somebody down to see if those chaps were still there. Burling answered, yes, he would send to bor- -row a scoup. He did so, but Ferris couldn't remain where he was but followed this boy, and presently met several men who knew and were talking about his adventure. They told him he …

The Irishman got up, threw down his pistol and surrendered, but the British dragoons, as they came up, commenced cutting at him. He then snatched hold of his pistol again and exclaimed: "If any of you cut at me again I'll kill him!" An officer happened to come up then who said: "Save that brave fellow." Quarter was then given and he was consigned to the care of the Yager horse …

They felt secure because Pritchard was there but had shifted his quarters that very night. After they got at Haerlem Peacock escaped by knocking down the sentry and going upon an island and the next night he got across to the main [X]. Peacock proposed to Smith that they should escape together who would not consent. Peacock at length said: "Smith, I am going now." He then made …

He was a tailor and worked at his trade making clothes for the officers for which he was paid. Once he was kept on Staten Island. This was the hard winter. Lieutenant Rawdon's regiment was then on Staten Island and all Irish. While Smith was there the Americans attacked the Island draw- -ing cannon over on the ice. Peacock told Smith, "If the British take me they'll hang me." …

- Hufeland Index Page 822 - Reuben Wright's mills, (lately known as Robbins's and Thomas Wrights) are now Sands's Mills. When André was taken Lieutenant Colonel Jamieson lay at the head of Mill Square at or near Thomas Wright's Mills. In 1781, Lauzun's Legion marched from Bedford by the Post road passing Smith's at sun about one or two hours high, or rather, I should say, near …

The party that burnt Bedford were composed of Refugees, Regular troops and Yagers. My father said the Yagers took bundles of plunder from his house. The Refugees piloted them. Samuel Kipp was along and assisted my aunt in taking furniture &c out of my fathers house which they had fired. The Refugees fired the following houses on their retreat, viz: Peter Lyons's two houses …

causing half the troops to dismount and make a fresh attack, but the commander Hunt or Kipp said: "You see they are determined men, and most of you are married, and our loss will be too great," &c. Mosier said a great many swords were left behind, dropped by the dragoons, when their horses were rearing and plunging in consequence of their wounds. While the Refugees were …

I saw his clothes after- -wards. Aaron Palmer belonged to Mosier's ^Sackett's company this time which were divided into three parties, one commanded by Sackett, one by Mosier, and the other by Sergeant McLeod. Theall and two others formed the advance, and attempted to cut through Theall was killed, one was wounded, and this one and the other rode through and escaped. The …