Revolutionary incidents of Suffolk and Kings Counties; with an account of the Battle of Long Island and the British prisons and prison-ships at New York, Part 15

Author: Onderdonk, Henry, 1804-1886. cn
Publication date: 1849
Publisher: New-York : Leavitt & Company
Number of Pages: 282


USA > New York > Kings County > Revolutionary incidents of Suffolk and Kings Counties; with an account of the Battle of Long Island and the British prisons and prison-ships at New York > Part 15
USA > New York > Suffolk County > Revolutionary incidents of Suffolk and Kings Counties; with an account of the Battle of Long Island and the British prisons and prison-ships at New York > Part 15


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23


Johannes Remsen, John A. Remsen, Ab'm Remsen,


Wm. Remsen, Geo. Remsen,


Derick Remsen, 2, Aris Remsen, Jacob Remsen, 2, Jeromus Remsen,


Rem A. Remsen, Joris Remsen, 2, Rem Remsen,


Dan'l Jones, Jacob Kershow,


Tunis Kershow,


Geo. Moore, Ab'm Murff,


·Barnardus Ryder, Lawrence Ryder, Sam'l Ryder, Stephen Ryder, Wilhelmus Ryder,


Nich's Lefferts, Jan Lequier, Ab'm Luquer, John Lewis, Roeloff Lott,


Wm. Plowman,


Theod's Polhemus, 2, John Schenck, 2,


Ab'm Polhemus,


Jan Schenck, Caleb Scofield, Benj. Seaman, Chas. Semper, Isaac Selover, Jacob Sickels, Hend'k Sickels, Dan'l Simonsen,


Fred'k Simonson,


Evert Shareman, John Skillman,


John Rapalje, jr. Dan'l Rapalje, Geo. Rapalje, Tennis Rapalje, Folkert Rapalje, Jores Rapalje,


Jacob Ryerson, John Ryerson, 2, Hend'k Schenck, Stephen Schenck, Nich's Schenck,


Derick Lake,


Leffert Lefferts, 2,


170


SUBMISSION OF KINGS COUNTY.


Thos. Skillman, John Smith,


Fernandus Suydam,


Jacob Suydam,


Lewis Sness,


Sam'l Sullen,


Isaac Snedeker, 2,


Albert Terhune,


Johannes Van Sicklen, Jeremias Vanderbilt, John Vanderbilt, 2,


Ab'm Snedeker, Johannes Snedeker,


Chas. Titus,


Rem Vanderbilt,


Jacob Snedeker,


David Titus,


Peter Vanderbilt, 2,


David Sprong, 2,


Frans Titus,


Wm. Vandervoort,


Stephen Sprong, Gabriel Sprong,


Tetus Titus,


Paul Vandervoort,


Wm. Sprong,


Teunis Tiebout, Henry Van Beuren,


Jan Vandervoort, John Vandervoort, Michael Vandervoort, 2,


Volkert Sprong, jr. Jacob Stellenwerf,


Isaac Van Brunt,


Albert Van Brunt,


Lamb't Vandervoort, John Vanderveer, 2, Hend'k Vanderveer,


Nich's Stillwell, jr. 2, Thos. Stillwell, 2, Joost Stilwell,


Rutgert Stillwell,


Rich. Stillwell, 2,


Christ'r Stillwell,


Peter Stoothoff,


Garret Stoothoff,


Johannes Stoothoff,


Wm. Van Dyck, 2,


Wilhelmus Stoothoff, 3, Hend'k Van Cleef,


Bernardus Vandewater,


John Van Varck, Cor's Van Zinze,


Garret Stryker, 2,


Niclase Vegte,


Sam'l Strycker, John Stryker, Michael Stryker,


Jos. Vonck, Adrian Voorhees, Ab'm Voorhees,


Cornelius Strycker, Jacobus Suydam,


Rem Van Pelt, 2,


Lawrence Voorhees,


Peter Voorhees, .


Hend'k Suydam, 4,


Joost Van Nuys,


Robert Voorhees,


John Suydam, 3, Lambert Suydam, Vernandt Suydam, Hend'k H. Suydam, Andrew Suydam, Evert Suydam, Tunis Suydam,


Ulpianus Van Sinderen, John Voorhees, U. Van Sinderen, v.D.M. Aert Voorhees, Cor's Van Sice,


Thos. Whitlock,


Jos. White, 2,


Garret Van Sise, Chas. Van Sice, Garret Williamson,


John Van Siclen,


Nich's Williamson,


John Stewart,


Adrian Van Brunt, Wm. Van Brunt, Rutgert Van Brunt, 4, Cor's Vanderveer, jr. · Cor's Van Brunt, Jacobus Vanderveer, Gerret Vandine, Mat. Vandyke, Cort Van Brunt, Jan Van Duyn, Cor's Van Duyn, 3, Jan Van Dyne, John Vandyck,


Isaac Vangelder, Jacobus Vandeventer, Burger Vandewater, Peter Vandewater,


Albert Stoothoff, And. Stockholm,


John Van Cleef, 2, David Van Cott, 2, Aert Van Pelt, Wynant Van Pelt, Johannes Van Pelt, Peter Van Pelt, 2,


Jacob Van Nuys, Wilhelmus Van Nuys, Stephen Voorhees,


Vernant Van Sickel, Fernandes Van Siclen,


Roeloff Terhune,


171


SUBMISSION OF KINGS COUNTY.


Wm. Williamson, Barent Wyckoff,


Cor's Wykoff,


Jeremiah Williamson,


Nich's Wyckoff,


Joost Wykoff,


John Williamson,


Peter Wyckoff, 2,


Gerret Wyckoff,


Peter Williamson,


Hend'k Wykoff, 2,


John Youngs,


David Wortman,


Johannes Wyckoff,


Sam'l Zeller.


To His Excellency Wm. Tryon, Esq., Gov. F.c.


830. We, the members of the Provincial Congress, the County Committee and the Committees of the different townships elected for and by the inhabitants of Kings Co., feel the highest satisfaction in having it in our power to dissolve ourselves without danger of the County being desolated, as it was by repeated threats, some short time ago. We do hereby accordingly dissolve ourselves, rejecting and disclaiming all power of Congress and Committees, totally re- fusing obedience thereto, and revoking all proceedings under them whatsoever, as being repugnant to the laws and constitution of the British Empire, and undutiful to our sovereign, and ruinous to the welfare and prosperity of this County. We beg leave to assure your Excellency we shall be exceeding happy in obeying the legal authority of government, whenever your Excellency shall be pleased to call us forth, being from long experience well assured of your Excellency's mild and upright administration.


Signed, 3d and 4th Dec., 1776.


Philip Nagel,


John Suydam,


Ab'm Laquere,


Wm. Johnson,


Wilh's Stoothoff,


Derick Remsen,


Evert Suydam,


Casper Crisper,


Ab'm Voorhies,


Rich'd Stillwell, Isaac Cortelyou, Isaac Denyce,


Johannes E. Lott, Petrus Lott,


Johannes Bergen,


Rem Cowvenhoven,


Denyse Denyse,


John Vanderbelt,


Nich's Cowvenhoven,


Engelbert Lott,


Theodo's Polhemus,


Joost Duryea,


J. Hubbard,


Wm. Vanbrunt,


Jerem'h Vanderbilt, Garret Wykoff,


Jacobus Vandeventer,


Stephen Voorhees,


Rich'd Stillwell, jr. John Titus,


Adrian Voorhies, Rutgert Vanbrunt,


Cor's Wykoff,


Petrus Van Pelt, Adrian Hegeman,


Johannes Debevoice,


Leffert Lefferts,


*Ab'm Van Ranst,


*Wilhelmus Van Nuys,


*Nich's Grudendyck, *Albert Vanbrunt,


*Jeremias Remsen,


[Those to whose names a star is prefixed were either sick, or out of the County.]


PART IV.


ARMED OCCUPATION OF KINGS COUNTY.


831. His Majesty has observed with great satisfaction the effu- sions of loyalty and affection which break forth in the addresses of his faithful subjects upon their deliverance from the tyranny and op- pression of the rebel Committees : and the proof given by the inhabi- tants of Kings Co. of their zeal for the success of His Majesty's measures, by so generously contributing toward the expense of rais- ing Col. Fanning's battalion, cannot fail of recommending them to His Majesty's favor. Lord Geo. Germaine.


832. Jan. 27, '77, Gaine. The corps of militia in Kings Co., from motives of loyalty to their sovereign, and zeal to the consti- tution, have voluntarily deposited in the hands of the Hon. Wm. Axtell, £310. 8. as an addition to the noble provision made to the battalion now raising under the command of Col. Fanning, to be ap- pointed according to the direction of His Excellency Gov. Tryon.


Gen. Edmond Fanning died in London, 1818, at an advanced age. The world contained no better man in all the relations of life, as friend, landlord and master. He lost a large property by raising a regiment in the Revolution. He was appointed Lt. Gov. of Nova Scotia, next he was Gov. of Prince Edward's Island 19 years. He resigned from ill health, and to attend to his private affairs, to the grief of all. He left a widow and 3 accomplished daughters. Gent. Mag.


833. The wounded prisoners taken, Aug. 27, were put in the churches of Flatbush and N. Utrecht, but being neglected and unat- tended, were wallowing in their own filth, and breathed an infected air. Ten days after, Dr. Richard Bailey, from the hospital on Staten Island, was appointed to superintend the sick, aided by Dr. Silas


173


ARMED OCCUPATION OF KINGS COUNTY.


Holmes, of Norwich, Conn., a prisoner, Holmes represents Bailey as humane, and dressing the wounded daily. He got a sack-bed, sheet and blanket for each prisoner, distributed the patients into the adjacent barns, without consent of the owners, and allowed them to go to the neighboring houses to buy milk. One tried to escape, when Campbell, Capt. of the guard, opposed their going, but gave way to the Doctor's request. When the wounded were sent to N. Y., Dr. B. accompanied them. N. Y. Indep. Gaz., Dec. 20, '83.


834. [In Jan. '77, the American prisoners in N. Y. were paroled and billeted on the inhabitants of Kings Co. Congress agreeing to pay $2 per week for their board. Col. Graydon thus describes his sojourn there .- Ed.]


Flatbush was the place assigned for the officers of our regiment, Col. Shee's and Col. Magaw's. Here also were stationed Cols. Miles, Atlee, Rawlins, and Maj. Williams. The indulgence of ar- ranging ourselves agreeably to our respective circles of acquaintance was granted us by Mr. Loring. Lt. Forrest and myself were billeted on Mr. Jacob Suydam, whose house was pretty large, consisting of buildings which appeared to have been erected at different times. The front and better part was occupied by Mr. Theophylact Bache and family, from N. Y. Though we were in general civilly enough received, it cannot be supposed we were very welcome to our Low Dutch hosts, whose habits were extremely parsimonious, and whose winter provision was barely sufficient for themselves. Had they been sure of receiving the $2 per week, it might have reconciled them, Congress or ourselves being looked on as paymasters. They were, however, a people who seemed thoroughly disposed to submit to any power that might be imposed on them: and whatever might have been their propensities at an earlier stage of the contest, they were now the dutiful and loyal subjects of His Majesty King George III. Their houses and beds we found clean ; but their living extremely poor. A sorry wash made up of a sprinkling of bohea, and the darkest sugar on the verge of fluidity, with half-baked bread (fuel being among the scarcest articles at Flatbush) and a little stale butter, constituted our breakfast. At our first coming, a small piece of pickled beef was occasionally boiled for dinner, but to the beef which was soon consumed, there succeeded clippers or clams ; and our unvaried supper was supon or mush, sometimes with


174


ARMED OCCUPATION OF


skimmed milk, but more generally with buttermilk, blended with molasses, which was kept for weeks in a churn, as swill is saved for hogs. I found it, however, after a little use, very eatable ; and sup- per soon became my best meal. The table company consisted of the master of the house, Mr. Jacob Suydam, an old bachelor ; a young man, a shoemaker, of the name of Rem Hegeman, married to Jacob's niece, who with a mewling infant in her arms, never failed to ap- pear. A black boy too, was generally in the room ; not as a waiter, but a sort of enfant de maison, who walked about or took post in the chimney corner with his hat on, and occasionally joined in the con- versation. Rem Hegeman, and Yonichy his wife, gave themselves no airs ; nor was harmony with uncle Jacob ever interrupted ; but once, when soured a little, he made a show of knocking down Mr. Forrest, with a pair of yarn stockings he had just drawn from his legs, as he sat in the chimney corner one evening preparing for bed ; but moments of peevishness were allowable to our host, for we had been consuming his provisions, while he had never seen a penny of our money. The religion of the Dutch, like their other habits, was unostentatious and plain ; and a simple, silent grace before meat prevailed at the table of Jacob Suydam. When we were all seated, he suddenly clapped his hands together, threw his head on one side, closed his eyes, and remained mute and motionless for about a mi- nute. His niece and nephew followed his example, but with such an eager solicitude that the copied attitude should be prompt and simultaneous, as to give an air of absurdity to what might otherwise have been very decent. Although little of the vernacular accent remained on the tongues of these people, they had some peculiarities in their phraseology. Instead of asking you to sit down to table, they invited you to sit by.


The morning after our arrival at Flatbush, we encountered Mr. Bache in the piazza, which extended the whole length of the build- ing on the South side. His being an Englishman, and a determined loyalist, did not prevent him from accosting us very civilly. He knew that opposition to the mother country was not confined to a low and desperate faction, as it was the fashion among loyalists to represent us. His brother was a Whig, and had married Dr. Frank- lin's daughter. In addition to frequent invitations to tea, and to par- take of his Maderia, "to help us along a little," as he expressed it,


175


KINGS COUNTY.


in allusion to the meagre fare of Jacob's table, I was indebted to him for the offer of his purse, though he did not know me. I declined it, as I had no need of it. I availed myself of his services in exe- cuting small commissions for me when he went to N. Y., which was almost daily.


There were several New-Yorkers with their families residing in Flatbush. Of these Col. Axtell was apparently the first in wealth and importance. He was neatly seated at a country house, at the en- trance of the village [since Dr. Robinson's] and I had once the honor of supping with him, together with 8 or 10 of my fellow-prisoners. In this family was a Mr. Frederick Depeyster, a young man, better known by the fondling appellation of " Feady," and two young ladies, all relations of Col. Axtell. One of these, a Miss Shipton, had so much toleration for our cause, as to marry a Col. Giles, of our army. Next in consequence to Col. Axtell, might be placed Mayor Matthews, of N. Y., who divided his time between the village and city, in each of which he had a house. There were also here Miles Sherbrook, and Mr. Jauncey. Major Moncrieffe, of the British army, a relation of Mr. Bache, also spent much time liere, where he had a daughter, [the beautiful Mrs. Coglan.]


835. The principal person in a Low Dutch village appears to be the Domine or minister ; and Flatbush, at this time, revered her do- mine, Rubel, a rotund, jolly-looking man, a follower of Luther, and a Tory, on whom were billeted Cols. Atlee and Miles. At Flatlands, there was also a domine, Van Zinder, a disciple of Calvin, and a Whig. He was in person and principle a perfect contrast to Mr. Rubel, being a lean and shrivelled little man, with a triangular sharp- pointed hat, and silver locks which " streamed like a meteor flowing to the troubled air," as he whisked along with great velocity in his chaise through Flatbush. He was distinguished by a species of pulpit eloquence, which might be truly said to " bring matters home to men's business and bosoms." Mr. Bache assured me that in once descanting on the wily arts of the devil, he likened him to my land- lord, sneaking and skulking about to get a shot at a flock of snipes, in shooting of which, it seems, Jacob was eminently skilful.


[Van Sinderin and Rubel were both ministers of the Reformed Dutch Church. An account of them may be found in Strong's Flatbush. The


1


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ARMED OCCUPATION OF


following inscriptions are taken from their tomb-stones, which I have translated from Dutch into English.


Hier leyt het Liechaem van den Wel-Eerwaerde Heer Ulpianus Van Sinderen in zyn leeven Predicant in Kings County, Overleeden den 23 July, 1796, oud Zynde 88 Jaeren, 7 Maanden en 12 daegen.


Here lies the body of the very worthy Mr. Ulpianus Van Sinderen, in his lifetime preacher in Kings County, died July 23, 1796, aged 88 years, 7 months and 12 days.


Tot gedachtenis van Joh's Casp's Rubel V. D. M .- Geboren den 6de March, O. S., 1719 .- Overleden den 19de Maii 1797.


To the memory of John Caspar Rubel, minister of God's Word, born March 6th, 1719, O. S., died May, 19th, 1797 .- Ed.]


Some fellows, one morning, on the road to N. Y. market with fish, were stopped by Capt. Lenox, Lt. Wright, of Maryland, and Lt. Stewart, of Delaware, who wished to buy some : but were told by the fishmongers, that they would not sell to rebels. This pro- duced reproachful language on both sides, when the officers laying hold of the fish, began to bandy them about the jaws of the raga- muffins who had insulted them. A complaint was immediately lodged with Gen. Robertson : the accused were escorted by a guard to N. Y., and on the statement of the fishmongers, being found in aggression were required to make acknowledgments ; which refusing to do, they were forthwith consigned to the custody of the Provost Marshal. With him they remained 2 or 3 weeks, but at length were released without the apology. Cunningham had used them well, partly owing, perhaps, to Gen. Robertson's instructions, and partly to Mr. Lenox's being well supplied with money.


There were five of the Misses Van Hornes (avowed Whigs, notwitstanding their civility to British officers), all handsome and well bred, who with their mother, a widow lady, had removed from New Jersey to Flatbush. Mr. Clarkson, a connection of theirs, at whose house they staid in Brunswick, had a house also at Flatbush. Being a Whig, he had left it on the approach of the enemy, and it had been a good deal injured by the Germans. He was now per- mitted to return to it; and Mrs. Van Horne and her daughters came along with him. Perhaps the way to his return was smoothed by the ladies' influence with the British officers. Miss Susan Van Horne used to walk the streets of Flatbush with a British Baronet, Sir John Wrottesley, whose demeanor was gentlemanly and worthy of his rank.


1


177


KINGS COUNTY.


Col. Magaw,* to beguile the tedious hours of captivity had taken to him a wife (Martha, daughter of Col. R. Van Brunt) as had one or two others. There was a fatiguing sameness in our oc- cupations, for which we had no cure. During a residence of 5 months on L. I., I was but once beyond our limits-and that was to dine at Jamaica. [See Queen's Co. p. 155]. At length my mother came from Penn. and boldly waited on Sir Wm. Howe. On request- ing to speak with him she was shown into a parlor, where taking a seat, she was meditating upon the manner of addressing him, when Sir William entered the room. Rising she said, "Sir Wm. Howe, I presume !" He answered by a bow. She then begged permission for her son to go home on parole. "And then to take up arms against us again, I suppose," said Sir William. " By no means, sir, I solicit his release on parole; that will restrain him till exchanged, and if I have any influence over him, he shall never take up arms again." The General seemed to hesitate, but gave no answer. On the renewal of her suit, he appeared by his manner (for he was spar- ing of words) to assent. She asked, "Have I your excellency's permission for my son to go home ? Bowing, he answered, " Yes." " May Col. Miles and Maj. West," added she, “ be permitted to go also ?" " Now madam," observed the General, " you are making two requests instead of one." The boon was, however, extended to Miles and West, who left Flatbush, July, '77, escorted to the end of the village by their less lucky fellow prisoners. The boarding had first to be paid, however, and old Jacob's heart was gladdened by the sight of a sum of money he had despaired of. The prisoners re- paired to the office of Mr. Loring, and signed a parole, and then em- barked in a sloop for Elizabethtown Point .- Graydon's Memoirs.


Col. Robt. Magaw, an eminent Attorney, died at Carlisle, Penn., 1795.


836. Stephen Rapalje is taken at New Rochelle with a large quantity of cash, locked in saddle-bags, brought from L. I., and pa- roled. Jan. 23, '77. Jour. 784.


837. Rem Cowenhoven offers $15 reward for Jaff, a runaway negro a pretty forward chap, had on a claret-colored coat and breeches, scarlet jacket, supposed to be at Brunswick or Amboy.


Gaine, Feb. 10, '77.



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ARMED OCCUPATION OF


838. Gaine, March 3, '77. A few days ago, S. Bergen was accidentally shot in the leg by a musket he was buying of a sailor, and died from loss of blood.


839. May 17, '77. 200 wagons have lately been sent from L. I. to the enemy's head-quarters at Brunswick, to assist in remov- ing their baggage thence.


840. Col. Ethan Allen, at N. Lots, has recovered his health, but will need money. July 27, '77.


[Allen was billeted at Daniel Rapalje's. On hearing the news of the battle of Bennington, he mounted on the roof of Howard's Inn, and gave three cheers, which so exasperated the British officers present, that he was thrown in the Provost. See his Life .- Ed.]


841. £3 reward. Taken by force from Isaac Selover, Flat- lands, a negro woman, Bet. Gaine, Sep. 22, "77.


842. Died at New Lots, Oct. 23, Elbert Hegeman, Esq., in the 91st year of his age. · Few men ever possessed a more humane and compassionate heart. He was no less remarkable for his piety than his benevolence, and exhibited to us a remarkable instance of his at- tention to the divine laws of his Creator, having read the Bible through no less than 365 times. His remains were interred at New Lots on Sunday. Gaine, Nov. 8, "77,


843. "On Sunday morning, April 5, 1778, to the great satisfac- tion of the inhabitants, the Church at Brooklyn was opened, and divine service, according to the ritual of the Church of England, performed by the Rev. Mr. Jas. Sayre, who preached an excellent sermon and baptized a child, which was the first infant admitted to that sacrament within said church, where there will be prayers and a sermon next Sunday and on Good Friday, also on the three Sun- days following ; every fourth Sunday afterwards the church will be occupied by the Dutch congregation."


844. N. J. Gaz., June 17, "78. Wm. Marrener, a volunteer, with 11 men, and Lt. John Schenck, of our militia, went last Sat. evening from Middletown Point, and returned by 6 next morning, (having travelled by land and water above 50 miles) with Major Moncrieffe, T. Bache, with 4 slaves, and brought them to Princeton, to be delivered to the Governor. The worshipful Mayor and Tor-


179


KINGS COUNTY.


mentor General Matthews, who has inflicted on our prisoners un- heard of cruelties, and was the principal object of the expedition, was unfortunately in the city.


845. "I chose," says Marrener, to Gen. Johnson, " a fine after- noon about midsummer, and prepared to visit New Utrecht about 10 in the evening. This season was chosen, because there was then no fishing on the beach at night. I arrived at the beach near the house of my old landlord, Mr. Vanpelt, unmolested. 24 of us land- ed, and two were left with the boat to keep her from the beach. We marched up the road, and I stopped at the house of Mr. Vanpelt, and rapped at his bedroom window, and told him I was there, was well, and intended to pay Col. Axtell a visit that night. With his good wishes I started along the road to Flatbush. We arrived at the church unobserved, and divided into 4 parties, determined to take Col. Axtell, Mayor Matthews, and Messrs. Sherbrook and Bache. Each party was provided with a heavy post for breaking in the doors. It was agreed, that when the party detached for Col. Axtell struck his door, each party should do the same at the other houses. This was done to admiration, and every door yielded at the first stroke. Col. Axtell and Matthews were in N. Y., but Sherbrook and Bache were taken. Sherbrook had often insulted me, and I took his lodgings for my share of the capture. He resided at Geo. Martense's, and one stroke at the door alarmed him, and he fled to the garret. I entered his room, found his bed warm, and ordered aunt Jannetie to get a candle. We ran to the garret, and found our prize shivering behind the large Dutch chimney, with his breeches in hand. We took him to the church, our place of ren- dezvous, where he put on his clothes, and when our men mustered, we marched uninterruptedly along the road to our boat, where we arrived about break of day, and returned in safety to N. Brunswick. Domine Rubell rang the bell before we were half a mile from the church. Dr. Von Samper, who lived at Mr. Martense's, sung out, ' Goedt luck ! Goedt luck ! not me, not me.'"


L. I. Star, June, 1827.


Marrener, a shoemaker, of N. Y., in revenge for some ill-treat- ment from Matthews (he had been confined and cruelly used by him) crossed from the Jersey shore to Flatbush, with 20 militiamen in two flat-bottom boats. At his landing he left his boats under guard


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ARMED OCCUPATION OF


of 5 men, while he visited the interior ; but these 5 hearing a firing, which was kept up on Marrener by the Flatbush guards while he was taking his prisoners, concluded he was defeated and taken, so without ceremony, they took one of the boats and made their escape. The other boat as Marrener reached the shore, was just going adrift. The party was much crowded in her, but it was fortunately very calm, otherwise the boat could not have weathered it. Marrener's party staid near two hours at Flatbush, for they were there some time before the alarm was taken, and there was after- wards time to dispatch an express to Brooklyn, and the reinforce- ment which came, was pretty close on them, as it could be seen on shore, when the party had left about 15 minutes. M. had wished to liberate Capt. John Flahaven, of N. J., billeted on Jacob Suydam, but as he had changed his quarters, Lt. Forrest was carried off in his stead. Mr. Bache was overwhelmed with his disaster, on ac- count of the consternation in which his wife and daughter had been thrown by the attack on his house, and his being forcibly borne away in the dead of night. He interceded with Lt. Forrest to use his good offices with Gov. Livingston. Major Moncrieffe, like an old soldier, submitted with more equal mind, reminding Bache, however, that he had often told him they were not safe at Flatbush. Matthews was on the top of the house at the time of the search. The men were taken from the landing to Princeton in wagons, Bache and Mon- crieffe were shortly sent home as prisoners on parole. A general exchange soon after took place.




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