Claudius Smith; or The Orange County Tories
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Under such conditions, Claudius Smith, who, had circumstances been otherwise, might have developed into a respected citizen, speedily acquired a local reputation as unenviable as that of Robin Hood. His name is first met with in public records as being in jail at Kingston, “charged with stealing oxen belonging to the continent.” From Kingston he was transferred to the jail at Goshen, where he soon found means to escape. He had sons old enough to join him in his plundering expeditions, and one of them, after the death of Claudius, assumed command of the gang.
The active and influential Whigs of the vicinity were the especial objects against which the Tory bandits directed their attacks. Claudius had made public threats against Col. Jesse Woodhull, Samuel Strong, Cole Curtis and others. From some act of personal kindness shown him by Col. Woodhull he revoked his threat against that gentleman, but carried it out against Major Strong. The Colonel was in such continual dread of his enemy that he did not sleep in his own house for months before the threat was revoked.
Cole Curtis and others. From some act of personal kindness shown him by Col. Woodhull he revoked his threat against that gentleman, but carried it out against Major Strong. The Colonel was in such continual dread of his enemy that he did not sleep in his own house for months before the threat was revoked. The Colonel had a valuable blooded mare which the freebooting Tory had set envious eyes upon, and had given out that he would steal it. For better security Woodhull had the animal placed in the cellar of his dwelling. One evening Claudius, having secreted himself in a straw barrack near the house for the purpose, seized a favorable opportunity to dart into the cellar of his dwelling. One evening Claudius, having secreted himself in a straw barrack near the house for the purpose, seized a favorable opportunity to dart into the cellar while the family were at tea, and took the animal out. He had not left the yard with his stolen property before he was discovered by the inmates of the house. A gentleman at the table sprang up with his gun, and was about to fire upon the retreating robber when the Colonel stopped him, observing, "Don't shoot, he'll kill me if you miss him."
On another occasion Claudius made a forcible entry into the Colonel's house during the absence of the latter from home. Mrs. Woodhull possessed a valuable set of silver, and it was that which excited the cupidity of the Tory chief and his gang. While the robbers were engaged in breaking down the door, the heroic lady had hurriedly secreted the silver in the cradle, and placing her child into it was apparently endeavoring to calm the little one to sleep. Claudius searched thoroughly for the missing plate; not finding it, he was content to leave, taking with him some articles of minor value only. Mrs. Woodhull had some difficulty in quieting the child, who was old enough to talk a little, and who inquired of her mother if she thought they would steal her calico frock.
It was that same night that the gang attacked the house of Major Strong. They came to the Major's house about midnight when the gentleman was in bed. They broke open and entered the outer door of the house; they next removed a panel from the door leading to another room out of which opened a bedroom, where the Major lodged. The latter had come out of his sleeping apartment with a pistol and a gun; he was fired at by the miscreants, who held the muzzles of their guns through the broken panel, but was unhurt by the discharge. He was preparing to return their fire when his assailants called upon him to deliver up his arms, when he should have quarter. Setting down his gun against the wall, he approached the door to open it; but as he advanced they perfidiously fired upon him a second time, killing him instantly, two balls entering his body.
Other incidents are given of Claudius Smith`s career which would disprove the accepted opinion that he was lost to the common dictates of humanity. It is claimed in his behalf that the poor man found in him a friend; that he was ever ready to share his meal and purse with any who stood in need; and furthermore, that what he stole from the affluent he frequently bestowed upon the indigent.
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