Macdonald, John. Interview with Yerks, John, 1758-1848; (1845-09-16). Experiencing the Neutral Ground of the American Revolution: The McDonald Interviews, WCHS item 1985. Transcription courtesy of the Westchester County Historical Society (No copyright - United States).

- Hufeland Index Page 144 - Sept. 16th. John Yerks of Mount Pleasant near Twitching's corner: "We were at Upper Salem in September 1780 when I proposed to John Paulding to make up a small party and lay in wait for the cow-boys and horse thieves that plundered the whigs alone and re- -treated to New York by way of Tarrytown. I engaged several to join me and Paulding engaged …

Paulding, Van Wert and Williams stationed themselves in an impervious thicket of bushes on top of a hill close to the Post -- road which commanded a view of the road (an extensive view) for a considerable distance, above and below, while the other four of us concealed ourselves in woods and bushes about three hundred yards above; the one party design- -ing to intercept robbers …

We also agreed to share equally between the seven all the plunder and gain we made. About 10 or 11 a.m. the three came to us with Major André whom they had taken and examined a short time before, and his horse &c. We then all went to Jacob Romer's (Tavern) where we took breakfast (some refreshments) and then proceeded im- -mediatley to Mile Square in North Cas- -tle where we …