Brown, Merritt
John M. McDonald interview — 1848-12-05
Merritt Brown (1768-1851) starts his interview by mentioning the burning of Bedford in 1779 and describing Loyalists Thomas Merritt and Major Mansfield Bearmore. He then recounts the combat that took place between Bearmore and Erasmus Gill of the 4th Continental Light Dragoons during a skirmish in Rye. Brown discusses a quarrel between two American officers, James Dole and Thomas Thomas. He concludes by commenting on Brom Barrett, and indicates that Dole was promoted to lieutenant following his combat with Loyalist Shubael Merritt.
Original findings from this interview
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
[marg: Mrs Sarah Olmsted at John Olmsted's, Wilton, Conn!]
Decr. 5th Merritt Brown: "I was born in 1768, being two years younger than my brother Nehemiah. I don't know who commanded the place party that burnt Bedford, but Thomas Merritt was along as I have understood, so that I think the Queens Rangers must have been there. Thomas Merritt served under Emmerick, but left him and joined the Queens Rangers He was here about sixteen years since.
Bearmore surprised the picket guard at Byram a number of times. He was a good officer but a severe man.
When Lieutenant Gill challenged Major Bearmore to combat he offered to fight him singly or three against three, having two men with him picked from the regiment, and the three having the best horses of the regiment_ he himself riding a horse that belonged to Colonel White_ his main object was to draw Bearmore into an ambuscade.
Dole had a quarrel with Colonel Thomas, and who had threatened &c and Dole told him he was willing to fight him, but the Colonel showed no alacrity to come forward in the matter I don't know whether Brom Barrett was an Irishman or not.
Dole was a sergeant at the time of his fight with Shube Merritt and Ackerly and was promoted to a Lieutenancy in consequence