Mrs. Daniel EdwardsAugt. 13. 1844.

DeLancey lingered about West Farms till April 1783, when he took leave of Theophilus Hunt who was much older than he, but having been brought up with him, a near neighbor, was on very intimate terms. Hunt said "nothing now remains of all my property but naked fields," &c — 104 head of cattle in 76. The negroes who were set to guard them ran away and joined the British. DeLancey made a great deal of money by fatting cattle for the New Market. When the Cowboys and Refuges brought in cattle and other plunder it was sold at auction for the captors. DeLancey, therefore, bought almost at his own price such animals as he wanted to fat for the market and such horses as were fit for Cavalry service. -

Beef at New York two & three shillings apound. Permits were obtained from Governor Tryon to cut wood from the Morris's estates who were Whigs!

The Refugee settlements were in or near Madam and Colonel L. Morris's woods, on both sides of Mill Brook - but mostly

[marg: The preceding page should follow this one] Mrs. D. Edwards contd

in Madam Morris's woods or such contiguous spots as were mostly convenient. The Morris woods were original forests of which the Refugees made their log huts extending from near the Post road along distance towards Kingsbridge. Here the Refugees lived with their families, some of which (women and children) had been expelled from the Upper Counties by the Whigs, and here joined their relations and families. Richard Morris's house which was burnt when Col. Hatfield was taken stood a quarter of a mile or more from Robert Morris's new house.(?)

The Kipps were humane and gentlemanly, but Captain Knapp cruel and severe. Knapp married a sister of Col. Hatfield.

Sir Wm. Erskine's division after the battle of White Plains encamped on the high ground west of Theophilus Hunt's, from where it marched at 2. a.m. to ascend the Haerlem river and assist in taking Fort Washington. They had [inter: six] sworn guides Emery one of them, confused and frightened at

[marg: Mrs Edwards contd.] the house. General Oliver DeLancey during the war occupied Willetts place on the neck who was absent in the British service. DeLancey's corps got no pay or compensation except the plunder they procured.

DeLancey was very stern and savage - Knocked a countryman down (before me) who asking for a permit to take some (a bushel?) [some salt] up in the country because he wore his hat in DeLancey's presence. Turned black, as he always did, in a passion.

When DeLancey's horse was taken he offered one hundred guineas to any one who would bring in the thief. Tim Knapp was captured by Robert Emery and Nathaniel Taylor and Charles Merritt who brought him in. At 9. a.m. DeLancey came to Head Quarters according to custom - walked two or three times across the floor, looked very black and exclaimed: "Tim Knapp, prepare to die (meet death?)

Mrs. Edwards cont'd.

You shall be hung before 12 oclock, by the living God!” Knapp was young and good looking from Horseneck. He was first taken to Theophs. Hunts barn, but that (the frame of that) was double girted and consequently unfit. They then took him to Thomas Leggett's, on the Gore Lot Farm, north of the village of West Farms. Theophilus Hunt pitying so young and handsome a man &c, intended to intercede &c, but when the hour of execution came DeLancey drew his sword, and swore by G-d, he would cut off the first damned rascal's head that dared to intercede.

A black man (Lunnon), a fidler, was the executioner, and received Knapp's suit of clothes which was very fine as compensation.

[marg: Tim Knapp had deserted from him as well as stolen his horse] Captain Totten was a handsome officer middle sized and a humane man.

Major Huggeford was a large fleshy middle aged man, active and

Mrs. Edwards continued

humane. Thinks he was from Horse -neck_

Sam Knapp was large and fleshy - James small.

Emmerick was fat and short, thick set, fierce and warlike in appearance - face powder stained.

Refugee settlements on both sides of Mill Brook mostly in Madame Morris's woods. Madame Morris lived at Morris -ania all the war.

DeLancey had distressed Theophilus Hunt his old acquaintance (his school mate) _ took his house. &c. _ When peace came DeLancey came to take leave. Hunt observed: "I am a poor old man - fences destroyed, farm barns and houses in ruins - cattle and stock gone. I dont know how I shall get along!" "Peace, Hunt! You are better off than I am, for you can stay while I must leave my native country forever!" He then bid God bless (prosper) him, while the tears rolled

Mrs. Edwards contd [marg: ///]

down his cheeks.

Countrymen came down in homespun but after enlisting, appeared dressed like officers in buckskin breeches, elegant uniforms and feathers, &c. Col. Hatfield when not on duty attended to DeLancey's Mills.

Mrs. Edwards and Andrew Corsa: The Refugee Cavalry were drilled with care by Regular officers from New York — Several squadrons of Regulars horse also came out and lay in the neighborhood to show them how to manouvre