Rivington’s paper, the Royal Gazette, No. 662, published on January 29th, 1783, the following account:
“On Saturday last (Jan. 25,) a party of militia, thirty-three in number, commanded by a Captain Williams, generally known by the name of Skinner’s Party, made an attempt to carry off, from his house at West-chester, Colonel DeLancey, of the Royal Refugees, but missing their aim, they plundered the house of wearing apparel. &c. and retreated with precipitation to Croton Hill, near Croton Bridge, where, thinking themselves safe, they exposed their plunder for sale; but a party of Loyal Refugees soon surprized them, killed one man on the spot, wounded several, and took seven prisoners. The prisoners were brought to town on Sunday; one badly wounded was sent to the General Hospital to be taken care of, and the rest safely lodged in the provost. John Paulding, one of the persons who took Major André prisoner, is among the number, and slightly wounded. This design on the person of Colonel DeLancey is said to have been planned by Colonel Drake and Mr. Vantassel, who were sure of success, as they kept it a secret from all but Captain Williams, and he only informed the party of it when they came near to the Colonel’s house.”
A few days later from headquarters of General Washington came instructions to Colonel W. S. Smith to secure their exchange. In full this document reads:
Head Quarters 6th Feby, 1783.
Sir. In a late excursion of the militia on the other side under a captain Williams, John Paulding, one of the persons who took Major André, was made prisoner with some others. His friends, apprehensive for his safety have made intercession with the Commander in Chief on his behalf, and, tho His Excellency does not approve the excursions of these people, yet, in consideration of the former services of Mr. Paulding and as we have in the Provost Guard four Prisoners taken by them some time since, he has been pleased to consent that those four Prisoners be sent in on Parol with a request to send out Paulding and the others mentioned hereon. The prisoners to be sent in will go from hence tomorrow morning.
I have the honor to be Sir, Your very obedt. Servant, Ben Walker, Aid DeCamp.
Addressed to Lieut. Coll. W. S. Smith,
commanding at Dobbs Ferry.
John Paulding
Pero Faller
Richd. Dusenberry
James Mandeville
On the 24th of the same month Colonel Smith advised Headquarters saying: “I have brought with me the paroles of Paulding, and those taken with him at Croton.”
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