Peterson, John
John M. McDonald interview — 1845-10-30
John Patterson (1746-1850), an African American soldier of the Revolutionary War, is usually referred to as John Peterson. Peterson discusses his own military service during this interview, and notes that General Philip Van Cortlandt helped secure him a pension. The interview focuses mostly on Mosier’s Fight, which took place in present-day Rye Brook on December 2, 1781. During this skirmish, a force of American militia commanded by Lieutenant William Mosier successfully repulsed attacks by British and Loyalist cavalry. Peterson notes that Mosier was surprised while shaving, and that he himself was recognized by Loyalist officer Samuel Kipp, who had seen him previously while he had been imprisoned in Manhattan.
Manuscript page facsimiles
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Transcription
Went out with twenty, and two were taken prisoners — that is, Sacket and his broker. Christian Voight, one of Mosier's men —
Mosier shaving one half of beard off — retreated through the fields — fight near the road — Mosier and Slater fit to command an army. —
(Mosier of [?descent]) Kipp insulted me. "There's another black rascal who has been a prisoner." I then left my ranks and bayoneted him for which I [was] much blamed.
I got back to the ranks safe. — I was taken prisoner with Job Sherwood (below Sing Sing) and two others taken at the same time above — One of them Abraham Orser — André took breakfast at John Barratts. — I was under Captain Pell, at Saratoga, where we were much cut up
General Van Cortlandt got me a pension. Mosier carried a musquet and bayonet. We were not encamped but scouting about the country and living in the woods. Mosier harangued and told us not to fire without his orders.