560 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY WESTCHESTER. 



prised ; himself, Major Flagg, and other officers were killed ; and a great part of 

 the men were either killed or taken prisoners. Yet these officers had the full 

 benefit of Col. Burr's system. 



Having perused what I have written, it does not appear to me that I have 

 conveyed any adequate idea of Burr's military character. It may be aided a 

 little by reviewing the effects it produced. 



The troops of which he took command were undisciplined, negligent and dis- 

 contented. Desertions were frequent. In a few days, these very men were 

 transformed into brave, honest defenders — orderly, contented and cheerful ; con- 

 fident in their own courage ; and loving to adoration their commander, whom 

 every man considered as his personal friend. It was thought a severe punish- 

 ment, as well as a disgrace, to be sent up to the camp, where they had nothing 

 to do but to lounge and eat their rations. During the whole of his command, 

 there was not a single desertion — not a single death by sickness — not one made 

 prisoner by the enemy — for Col. Burr had taught us that a soldier, with arms in 

 his hands, ought never, in any circumstances, to surrender ; no matter if he was 

 opposed by thousands, it was his duty to fight. 



After the first ten days there was not a single instance of robbery. The whole 

 country under his command enjoyed security. The inhabitants, to express their 

 gratitude, frequently brought presents of such articles as the country afforded ; 

 but Col. Burr would accept no presents. He fixed reasonable prices, and paid in 

 cash for everything that was received ; and, sometimes I knew that these pay- 

 ments were made with his own money ; whether these advances were ever re- 

 paid I knew not. 



Col. Simcoe, one of the most daring and active partizans in the British army, 

 was, with Col. Emerich and De Lancy, opposed to Burr, on the lines; yet, they 

 were completely held in check. 



But, perhaps the. highest eulogy of Col. Burr is, that no man could be found 

 capable of executing his plans, though the example was before them. 



When Burr left the lines, a sadness overspread the country ; and the most 

 gloomy forebodings were too soon fulfilled, as you have seen above. The period 

 of Col. Burr's command was so full of activity that every day afforded some les- 

 son of instruction. 



But you will expect only a general outline ; and this faint one, is the best in 

 my power to give. I am, with real esteem, 



Your obedient servant, 

 To K. V, Mokris, Esq., SAMUEL YOUNGS. 



Mem. of Assembly. 



In the summer of 1820, a stranger was observed loitering around the 

 residence of Mr. Van Wart. Upon being questioned, this person stated 

 that he had taken an active part in the above engagement, and well 

 remembered the spot where he stood (pointing to a stone) when the 

 British guard was first seen advancing from the west. He had just dis- 

 charged his piece, and was engaged in loading it, when he received a 

 bullet in his breast, which passed through his body. Fortunately lie 

 happened to be leaning a little to the right, otherwise the vitals could 



