“To illustrate how even the gentler members of the family were made to feel the rudeness, or as Colonel Simcoe afterwards wrote in his Valentine to one of them, ‘the Iron Spear of War,’ when the Troopers noticed that Miss Townsend rode a fine animal—they insultingly enquired of her how she dared to appear thus, without the Tory badge or escutcheon upon its ear—she replied, she preferred riding her own petted filly as it was.
“The kindness of Mr. Buchanan was returned to him by the continuance of business prosperity, and finally when a boat lay at the foot of Wall St. with all his moveable worldly goods ready to take his family to Nova Scotia—and the property of those of his own political associates was being daily confiscated or attached by the New York Legislature, then in session at the head of Wall St., none rose to move the seizure of that of the noble hearted merchant, Thomas Buchanan, Tory, as he might be called.”
[26] After the date below Samuel Townsend carried an Oath of Allegiance, in form as follows:
Certificate from Judge Hicks
This is to certify that Samuel Townsend hath submitted to government and taken the oath of allegiance to his Majesty King George this 10th Sept. 1776 before me.
Whitehead Hicks,
One of the Judges of the Supr. Court.
New York, July 12, 1776.
Gentlemen:—We have conferred with the General concerning the removal of stock back again to the pastures from whence they were driven; he was much chagrinned at the proposal and absolutely refused to consent, mentioning the unhappy consequences of not seasonably removing the stock from Staten Island. He is of opinion that all means should be used with the utmost expedition to remove the stock from Long Island, for which he promises to give all necessary assistance. We are of the same opinion, and hope your House will not lose a moment in giving peremptory orders concerning a matter of such vast importance. We are just informed by General Putnam, that one of Lord Howe’s fleet arrived yesterday: the utmost dispatch is necessary. We need use no arguments: the affairs at Staten Island being fresh in your minds. We are gentlemen, your humble servants,
Abrm. Ketaltas,
Saml. Townsend,
John Broom.