“On Saturday morning, about three o’clock, an express from Fairfield brought advice, that a large body, three or four thousand British troops, had landed from upwards of twenty transports, under cover of some ships of war near that place, and that it was probable their design was against the provision and other stores collected in this town; another express soon after sunrise informed us of their being on the march.  The militia were mustered, and a few Continental troops that were here on their way to Peekskill prepared to receive them; but their number was so inconsiderable, and that of the enemy so large, with a formidable train of artillery, I had no hope of the place being saved.

“I had, upon the first alarm, ordered all the stores in my charge to be packed up, ready for removal at a minute’s warning.  Upon the second express, I persuaded Polly, with what money was in my hands, to quit the town:  she was unwilling, but I insisted on it.  We were so much put to it for teams to remove the medicines and bedding, that I determined rather to lose my own baggage than put it on any cart intended for that purpose; and had not a gentleman’s team, already loaded with his own goods, taken it up, I must have lost it.  As the enemy entered the room at one end, after our troops had retreated to the heights, I went out at the other, not without some apprehension (as I was to cross the route of their flank-guard) of being intercepted by the light horse.

“After having seen the medicines, all of them that were worth moving, safe at New Milford, I returned to town the next morning, and went with our forces in pursuit of the enemy.  About noon the action began in their rear, and continued with some intermission until night; the running fight was renewed next morning, and lasted until the enemy got under cover of their ships.  We have lost some brave officers and men.  Their loss is unknown, as they buried some of their dead, and carried off others; but, from the dead bodies they were forced to leave on the field, it must have greatly exceeded ours.  General Wooster was wounded early in the action; he is in the same house with me, and I fear will not live till morning.

“Our loss in provisions, &c., is between two and three thousand barrels of pork, a quantity of flour, some wheat, and some bedding.”

* * * * *

In this bundle are many letters from Mrs. Foster.  They are interesting for their true-hearted patriotism and domestic love; but there is room for only a brief extract from a letter referring to this same expedition.

“Danbury, May 13, 1777.

“DEAR MADAM,

“I received yours and father’s by Messrs. Russell and Gorham.  Doctor had not the pleasure of seeing either of the gentlemen, as he was gone to Fishkill to oversee the inoculation of the troops, which was a very great disappointment.