Macdonald, John. Interview with Romer, John, 1764-1855; (1845-09-30). Experiencing the Neutral Ground of the American Revolution: The McDonald Interviews, WCHS item 1324. Transcription courtesy of the Westchester County Historical Society (No copyright - United States).

- Hufeland Index Page 175 - Sept. 30th. Captain John Romer: "Peter and Cornelius Van Tassel were cousins. The out-post was kept at Cornelius's house and the guard at The night on which the houses were surprised and burnt was one of the coldest of the season. Cornelius Van Tassel on the first alarm sprang from the window and tried to escape being almost naked. He was taken but …

Peter who was the Committee Man held a Lieutenants commission in the militia (?) and was entitled to and received his parole I don't know how long he was absent. The Van Tassel taken in the Sum- -mer of 1779 about the time of Tarle- -ton's execution excursion to Pound- -ridge was probably John Van Tassel of Tarrytown who was taken and soon after paroled and was suspect- -ed of …

One man when they came to re embark had a pair of brass hand irons slung across his shoulders. In the Fall of 1779 7 a body of militia under Colonel Luddington of Dutchess, lay a little west of Ham- -mond's house near the school house. Colonel Hammonds regiment also was there under the command of Luddington. The British on their way up the river landed to strike at this force …

They exchanged a few vollies at long shot which did no injury." When Colonel Thompson was surprised at Young's house he had with him fifty or one hundred pairs of snow shoes which he was advised to put upon his men and thereby secure a safe advance or retreat, but he re- -fused all advice to the last saying, "They are only a handful of Cowboys" - "I'll take another drink," and …

The arms used by the American army at the commencement of the war were of the worst description and continued bad until the French mus- -quets came in use. The Morrisania fever which prevailed along the Refugees settle- -ment and was a species of camp fever was very fatal. Persons going below frequently returned with the seeds of this disease which afterwards carried them off …

Isaac Van Wart was born on the Saw Mill river near the meeting house or church, and afterwards bought the Youngs house and farm where he lived and died. His mothers name was Williams. David Williams was also born near the Saw Mill river. These three captors of André were all born within about two miles of each other, and were all of Dutch ancestry or mostly. ? When the …