658 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 



an incursion into Morrisania — when they were suddenly surrounded by 

 the enemy under Captain Totten, who fired upon the house killing one 

 of the patriots and making prisoners of nine. These, however, finally 

 rose upon the guard and escaped. 



Near the vicinity of the school-house, Benjamin Hunt of the conti- 

 nental army, captured thirty of the enemy by stratagem, with a force of 

 half that number. Availing himself of the darkness of the night, he 

 called out as if in command of a large detachment, " Lieutenant Such- 

 a-one to the right;'' "Captain to the left;" in this manner he de- 

 ceived his enemy, who laid down their arms and surrendered at discre- 

 tion. 



On the east side of the Tuckahoe hill is the property of Charles R- 

 Dusenberry. Esq., one of the most active members of the Croton water 

 commissioners. The house occupies an elevated position, overlooking a 

 picturesque vale to the south-east. 



The Methodist church is prettily situated at the foot of the hill, sur- 

 rounded by a fine locust grove, and near the margin of a small stream 

 that washes the eastern side of the hills. The edifice is a handsome 

 stone structure. This society was first organized in 1797, and called 

 "the first Methodist Episcopal Church of the town of Yonkers." 



The small settlement of Tuckahoe is situated upon the western margin 

 of the Bronx. Here is a convenient depot of the Harlem railroad, 

 post office, stores, and India rubber manufactory. 



The Tuckahoe bridge which crosses the Bronx at this place, appears 

 to have been erected at a very early period, as we find it recorded by 

 that name, A IX i;2S. a 



During the encampment of the American army upon the hills to the 

 the British horse stationed above at ^Vood's house, (afterwards 

 called Marble Hall), now the residence of S. D. Gifford, County Judge, 

 were in the constant habit of coming down to water their horses at the 

 foot of this bridge. On one occasion a small party of Continentals con- 

 cealed themselves in ambush on the margin of the river, and lay waiting 

 for the usual approach of the horse. A long interval elapsed, but at last 

 the well known tramp declared the enemy near at hand. Every gun 

 was cocked, and a death-like stillness prevailed ; but whether the enemy 

 suspected their designs, or obtained information, was never ascertained; 

 for, at that time, they came with nearly their whole force. To have fired 

 upon them, would have been but the prelude to a massacre; the patriots, 

 therefore, lay snugly concealed until their departure. 



The following extracts from the town records, relate to the first elec- 

 a H -cords of Roads, Co. Records. 



