554 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 



Heath,) the enemy made an attack on Lieut.-Colonel Thompson, who 

 commanded the troops on the lines ; the colonel's force consisted of 

 two hundred and fifty men, in five companies, properly officered; 

 they were instructed to move between Croton River and the White 

 Plains, Hudson's River and Bedford ; never to remain long at any one 

 place, that the enemy might not be able to learn their manner of doing 

 duty, or form a plan for striking them in any particular situation. The 

 colonel had for some days taken post himself at Young's, not far from 

 the White Plains. Capt. Watson, with his company, was with the Lieut- 

 Colonel, Capt. Roberts and Capt. Stoddard, with their companies, were 

 on the right ; Capt. Lieutenant Farley, and Capt. Cooper, on the left. 

 The force of the enemy consisted of four flank companies of the first 

 and second British regiments of guards, detachments from two Hessian 

 battalions, some mounted yaugers, and mounted refugees — the whole 

 under the command of Colonel Norton, of the guards. The roads were 

 so filled with snow, that the enemy advanced but slowly, and were obliged 

 to leave their field-pieces behind on the road. They were discovered at 

 a distance by Mr. Campbell, one of our guides, who, from the goodness 

 of his horse, reconnoitred them pretty near. He gave the lieutenant- 

 colonel notice of their advancing, and that their force was considerable, 

 and advised him to take a stronger position a little in his rear. But the 

 lieutenant-colonel was very confident that the enemy were only a body 

 of horse, and that he could easily disperse them, and would not quit 

 his ground. They first attacked a small advanced guard, consisting of a 

 sergeant and eight men, who behaved well, and meant to reach the 

 main body in season ; but were prevented by the horse, and all taken 

 prisoners. The enemy's horse soon appeared in sight of the Americans, 

 and discharged their rifles at long shot, and waited the coming up of the 

 infantry, when a warm action commenced; the enemy scattered, taking 

 advantage of the ground and trees in the orchard, and closing up on all 

 sides. The three companies of the detachment which had joined, fought 

 well. After about fifteen minutes sharp conflict, our troops broke ; 

 some took into the house, and others made off; the enemy's horse rush- 

 ing on at the same instant, and the whole shouting. At this time, the 

 two flank companies came up, but, finding how matters stood, judged it 

 best to retreat ; Capt. Stoddard's company giving a fire or two at long 

 shot. Capt. Cooper's, from their distance, not firing at all. Some who 

 were engaged effected their escape, others were overtaken by the horse. 

 The enemy collected what prisoners they could, set Mr. Young's house 

 and buildings on fire, and returned. 



Of the Americans, thirteen were killed on the spot ; and Captain 



