674 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 



nearly thirty men. About 130 light infantry of the enemy at the same 

 time came out from Verplank's Point, blade an excursion round and 

 then returned." Upon another occasion the Continental troops having 

 stacked their arms in the church, then used as an Arsenal, were engaged 

 at breakfast -when the enemy made a sudden and furious onset, captur- 

 ing and killing some and compelling others to seek safety in flight. 

 Among the latter was Bot Lent who tied down King street, closely 

 pursued by two of the British light horse. After following the road some 

 distance J ,ent took to the woods, when his enemies gave up the pursuit. 

 They had scarcely, however, turned their backs, than he raised his rifle 

 and fired at the nearest. The shot must have taken effect, for his com. 

 rade was afterwards seen dragging him down the road covered with 

 blood. Major Strang, who happened to be miserably mounted, was 

 pursued down the same street, and narrowly escaped by jumping from 

 his horse. 



It seems from the following letter, that timely notice was occasionally 

 given of the enemy's approach : — 



Hanover, Saturday Morning, one o'clock. 



Sir. — Captain Buckhout and Mr. Hunt are sent by Colonel Putnam to inform 



you that the light-horse are to be in this place about day-light. He is at Solomon 



Hunt's with his detachment ; any of the inhabitants who shall join hiin, will be 



gratefully received. I am yours, 



Joseph Strang. 



N. B — I am desired to let you know that it is expected that you will acquaint 

 your neighbors up the street, and Mr. Carmans. 



The subjoined account of this place is given by Thacher, in his mili- 

 tary journal : — 



"Crompond, March, 1781. 



" The advanced guard of our army, consisting of about two hundred men, is 

 posted at Crompond, about twenty miles below West Point, and is relieved eveiy 

 two or three weeks. A surgeon constantly attends, and I am now ordered to re- 

 pair to that post, to relieve Dr. Thomas. 



''I have taken my quarters at Crompond, in a house with Major Trescott, who 

 commands at this post. This vicinity is constantly harrassed by small parties of 

 volunteers on our side, and parties of royalists and tories on the other, who are 

 making every effort to effect mutual destruction ; seeking every opportunity to 

 beat up each other's quarters, and to kill or capture all who are found in arms. 

 This is to be considered a very hazardous situation ; it requires the utmost vigi- 

 lance to guard against a surprise. Major Trescott is an excellent disciplinarian, an 

 active vigilant officer, and well acquainted with his duty. A party of volunteers 

 collected here on horseback, for a secret expedition, and by their earnest request, 

 Major Trescott marched in the night with a party to cover their retreat, and to 

 a ll>-ath's Hem. 206. 



