[Robert Bolton, Jr. (1848)] In this house General McDougal posted his advanced guard, when the British took possession of Peekskill, March, 1777. The following account of the subsequent engagement with the enerny, is extracted from the Connecticut Journal of April 2d, 1777:— " Fishkill, March 27. — Our post at Peek's-kill, since the removal of the mi-litia of the eastern states has been, in a manner, in a defenceless situation, there being only part of two regiments stationed there, under the care of Gen. McDougal, amounting to about 250 men. The enemy having received intel-ligence of this, formed an expedition thither, with a view to take or destroy the stores belonging to the continentals, that were deposited there. Accord-ingly, on Sunday last they appeared with a frigate, four transports and several other small vessels in the bay, and landed about 1000 men, with several pieces of cannon. " General McDougal not thinking it prudent to hazard a battle with such an unequal force, and not having reasonable advice of the enemy's movement, was under the necessity of destroying their stores in order to prevent their falling into their hands, and retired about two miles into the pass in the high-lands, carrying with him his baggage and military stores, his advanced guard being stationed at Cortlandt's house in the valley.