Holmes, Patty
John M. McDonald interview — 1848-11-02
Patty Holmes, 94, gives her recollections of the Revolutionary War in Bedford. She recalls that Andrew Mills was taken prisoner by DeLancey’s Refugees during the Battle of Pound Ridge on July 2, 1779, for having a gun, and was confined at the Sugar House prison in Manhattan. His daughter secured his release. That same day, the British burned the home of Benjamin Hays, which was owned by Colonel James Holmes. Patty Holmes believes that this fire was set by Loyalists commanded by Gilbert Totten, and states that the Bedford Meeting House was burned the same day. Nine days later, the British returned and burned a number of structures in Bedford. Patty Holmes notes that the French army under General Rochambeau spent one night in Bedford, and concludes by giving her recollections of Colonel James Holmes.
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Transcription
He could not forget his treatment when he advanced money to pay his men which was not repaid or not paid without great difficulty.
[Mem. Book 1/56. 57. Ezra Lockwood of Poundridge: "I have been preparing a Memoir for you respecting the attack of Poundridge, in July 1779, and will complete and forward it to you at Flushing with such particulars as I can get in relation to Lieutenant Bouton's affair near Samuel Smith's, &c &c. — Buckout — Hoyt — Kennicut — I took his affidavit for pension, when he says he went to Poundridge to inform of the contemplated attack, &c — Gave Mr. J my address at Flushing. J. M. M.]