From Lemuel Trescott to Benjamin Walker, 26 January 1783
Crompond 26th Jany 1783
Your letter of yesterday arived the last evening, I have seen nothing of the person the Contractors promissd to send us.
Inclosed is a letter I received yesterday afternoon from Capt. Allen commanding two Companies at the Mouth of Croton—Capt. Williams Design was to have taken Colo. Delancy & some of his Officers, but their being not at home saved them, The Captain had taken a number prisoners & would have retird without loss, had he continued without haulting, the prisoners how ever were retaken & six of Williams’ Party & by the best information I am able to obtain, severely cut.
This bearer has under his charge four prisoners of war, they were taken in West Chester by a party, under Mr Jno. Archer. They belong to Delancys Corps.
If you think the inclosed worth communicating to the General I wish you to make it Known to him. I am Sir your most Obd. Servt
Lem. Trescott Major
7 M. Rg.
P.S. As it is a matter of Doubt with me wheather I should send prisoners of war immediately to Head Quarters or West Point, & only report them to Hd Quarters I have directed the latter.
L.T.
DLC: Papers of George Washington.
Enclosure
Cortland House half past eleven A.M. 25 January 1783
Dear Sir,
Agreeably to your note of yesterday, Capt. Williams made application to me yesterday morning to go down with a party of horse about thirty two, which was gran’td the party on their return halted about seven OClock at [Orcuns] House two miles from this who where compleatly Supprised by Dallencie’s Horse, by the best information and their appearance on the River were upwards of a Hundred, they pursued Williams half way across the mouth of the Croten, on their Approch I Immedeately formed my men on the bank below the House, the Enemy Came up within two gun that formed and immedeately retired. I crosed the river and went as low as [Orcuns]—The people there say there are a body of foot out.
As Williams party returnd in a Scatterd manner Six or Seven of them are taken. I am Sir yr
N.C. Allen Capt.
Williams halted at [Orcuns] two hours with out any guard advancd or Centr[y] at the door
N.C.Allen