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A historical collection from official records, files, &c., of the part sustained by Connecticut, during the war of the revolution : with an appendix, containing important letters, depositions, &c., written during the war / compiled by R. Hinman
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APPENDIX.

a company of infantry, numbering about 50 men, commanded by Cap. 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 n amongthem, 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 repored that asquadron of British cavalry were close upon them. Capt. White exdaimed, Iam lost, my infantry cannot escape. Capt. Hillyer said no, that muit not be ;follow my directions,'we will make a stand, and fare alike; divide jour menand throw them over the stone wall on each side of the road, in a quarteringdirection, that the fire of one party may not injure the other ; be dclibtrate, andwhen you have the wordcharge, 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, wis discov-ered sweeping along with great speed, apparently intending to ride down thesmall troop of continentals, who, with swords loosened, and pistol* 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 beendiscovered, Capt. Hillyer gave the signal charge them, my lads. The troopersdischarged their pistols, drew their swords, and spurred against the enemy ; attho same time, the infantry rose from behind the wall and poured ia such adeadly and well directed fire, that a considerable number of the enemy werekilled, while the ranks of the light horse were much embarrassed by tl.e rush ofhorses, without riders, among them. The British were completely mrprised,and immediately faced about and retired beyond the reach of the infantry, whenthey again formed, and advanced to the attack, but before they were withinreach of shot, the infantry could not bo restrained, and commenced firing.The British then wheeled, and retreated in good order; the light horse highlyexcited, urged their commander to allow them to follow and cut the red coatsin pieces.

The Americans kept their ground until the British had crossed Byram river.Capt. White then made for the woods. Tho light horse, after securing whatwas valuable on the field, and the horses that had lost their riders, with all speedmade their own head quarters. The plunder taken from Bearmore and theBritish on that occasion, was sold for more than $20,000 continental money.Capt. Hillyer was presented with a beautiful Yagers Rifle , as testimony of hisgallant conduct.

Bearmore soon after received his deserts ; while robbing a dwelling house, inBloomsbury, New Jersey , he attempted to take a string of gold beads from theneck of a lady, (Mrs. Eunice Die,) who had at her side, a pair of long, sharppointed scissors, which she plunged into his body, and killed him instantly.

THE END.