a company of infantry, numbering about 50 men, commanded by Capt. White, who had been out through the night on some special service. At this moment, two scouts that had covered the rear of the light horse, came dashing in among them, one of which, was covered with blood, his hand hanging by the skin, having been lopped off at the wrist by a British dragoon; and reported that a squadron of British cavalry were close upon them. Capt. White exclaimed, I am lost, my infantry cannot escape. Capt. Hillyer said no, that must not be; follow my directions, we will make a stand, and fare alike; divide your men and throw them over the stone wall on each side of the road, in a quartering direction, that the fire of one party may not injure the other; be deliberate, and when you have the word "charge," do what you can. The light horse were formed across the road, out of the fire of the infantry, and displayed as large a front as their numbers would warrant. The arrange. ment was barely completed, when the British cavalry in large force, was discovered sweeping along with great speed, apparently intending to ride down the small troop of continentals, who, with swords loosened, and pistols cocked, were drawn up to receive them. When the British had reached the mark, about four rods from the light horse, and against the spot where the infantry were posted, and who had not been discovered, Capt. Hillyer gave the signal "charge them, my lads." The troopers discharged their pistols, drew their swords, and spurred against the enemy; at the same time, the infantry rose from behind the wall and poured in such a deadly and well directed fire, that a considerable number of the enemy were killed, while the ranks of the light horse were much embarrassed by the rush of horses, without riders, among them. The British were completely surprised, and immediately faced about and retired beyond the reach of the infantry, when they again formed, and advanced to the attack, but before they were within reach of shot, the infantry could not be restrained, and commenced firing. The British then wheeled, and retreated in good order; the light horse highly excited, urged their commander to allow them to follow and cut the red coats in pieces. The Americans kept their ground until the British had crossed Byram river. Capt. White then made for the woods. The light horse, after securing what was valuable on the field, and the horses that had lost their riders, with all speed made their own head quarters. The plunder taken from Bearmore and the British on that occasion, was sold for more than $20,000 continental money. Capt. Hillyer was presented with a beautiful Yager's Rifle, as testimony of his gallant conduct. Bearmore soon after received his deserts; while robbing a dwelling house, in Bloomsbury, New Jersey, he attempted to take a string of gold beads from the neck of a lady, (Mrs. Eunice Die,) who had at her side, a pair of long, sharp pointed scissors, which she plunged into his body, and killed him instantly. THE END. 183 Baylor, George 49 36 Articles of war Arms prohibited by the King Arnold, Moses 129 Beers, Isaac 469, 611 223, 276 Beers, Elias 611 Beever, Col. Samuel 509 131, 166, 511 Belding, Benjamin 267 274 Belding, Thomas 149, 159, 163, 184 Beach, Joseph 524 303 278, 279 124 Chester, Jonathan 357, 369, Chew, Capt. 134 Cook, P. 529, 532 Chew, Joseph Child, Elisha 228 Cooper, Thomas, commissary 412 80 5 Church, James 277, 331, 387, 448, 473. Cornwall, town of Clark, Jabez Clark, Alexander 477 Council of Safety of New York 399 Coventry, town of 14 23, 75, 78, 277, 230 Coe, Ebenezer 288 Coit, Capt. 46, 88 Coit, Capt. Oliver 406, 407 Coit, Col. Coit, Capt. William 371, 376, 377, 388, Colchester 14, 23, 78, 279, 304, 354, Crane, galley 368, 369, 372, 399 23 260, 269, 469 464, 492, 578, 579 Curtis, Matthew 399 437, 604, 606 D Dearing, Thomas 456 Dyer, Col. Thomas 390 418 290 E Death for destroying stores, &c. 15 Delegates to Congress 189, 197, 215, Delegates to meet at Providence 260 East Haddam 14, 20. 23, 78, 92, 129, 478, 514, 529 184 397 500 Easton, Col. James Deserters from the ship Oliver Deserters from the brig Defence Deserters 196, 211, 218, 237, 240, 251, 563 585 Ellis, Dr. Benjamin 477 Ellison, Jemima Deshon, Daniel 270 441 274 493 208 406 517 385 167 Elizabeth & Hannah, schooner |