[Robert Bolton, Jr. (1848)] The first property south of the Croton in this town is that of Col. Joseph Hunt, whose family purchased of the commissioners in 1784. The next place in succession is the old McChain estate, now owned by Thomas Oliver, Esq. The house is prettily situated on a finely wooded point, at the extremity of which lies a great rock, commonly called Frank's rock, near a gigantic tree where a white or bald headed eagle has for a long series of years built her nest. Adjoining the above on the south is the Albert Orser property, at present belonging to Mr. Benjamin Moore. It was in the old Orser residence that a body of continental troops, under the com-mand of Capt. Daniel Williams, were surprised by a superior force of British cavalry, led by Capt. Bearmore; the circum-stances attending the event are thus related by an eye-witness. During the winter of 1782 Capt. Daniel Williams (who had been for some lime stationed at Croton in command of the American guard upon the lines.) undertook, with a small party of dragoons, a foraging expedition into the neighorhood of Morrisania. Suc-cess had attended the enterprise, and they were thus far on their way homeward when they halted to refresh themselves. Not apprehending pursuit, they neglected to post guards, and the road leading from the highway being hidden by a small knoll which rose directly in front of the windows, they were not aware of an enemy's approach until nearly surrounded by Capt. Bear-more and his dragoons.