Vermillya, Isaac
John M. McDonald interview — 1844
“Vermille” is likely Isaac Vermillya (1769-1854). He begins the interview by mentioning Loyalist Colonel James Holmes and his encounter with American Lieutenant William Mosier at Mosier’s Fight on December 2, 1781. He notes that American Captain Israel Honeywell was from the Town of Westchester in present-day Bronx County, and describes the engagement that took place on March 4, 1782, when Honeywell and his men were retreating through present-day Mount Vernon after conducting a raid. Westchester Guide Abraham “Brom” Dyckman was killed during this skirmish. Vermillya then describes the engagement that took place in January 1783 at Orser’s along the frozen Hudson River in present-day Ossining. Vermillya also recounts the raid led by American Daniel Williams into Morrisania in December 1778, and the raid conducted by Loyalist Mansfield Bearmore against Youngs’ House the following day. During the latter skirmish, John Champenois, a Loyalist soldier who had been captured the previous day, was killed by a Refugee said by some to have been a man with whom he had a quarrel. Vermillya concludes the interview by recounting two anecdotes regarding Lieutenant Colonel Andreas Emmerich of Emmerich’s Chasseurs.
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Transcription
because his pursuers, some of them, broke through and feared to venture further.
The night before Williams was taken at Youngs house he had been below and taken several (?) prisoners These were recaptured by Barmore — Champenois one of them was [sitting] by the fire tied fast when Barmore's party entered. Champenois was killed in the melee by a Refugee. Some say by a Refugee, a man with whom he had a quarrel. Emmerick once surprised at Philipse Manor house (Philipsburg) and forced to escape along the banks of the river. At Youngs house he cried out: "Rouse! rouse! Come [to me,] home my Yagers!"