The War With The Jerseymen
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Major Swartwout was a large, portly man, possessed of a fine military bearing; and, when arrayed in the rich and gaudy equipments of war, appeared to a good advantage on parade. Many a time has the drill-ground at Goshen resounded to his word of command. Notwithstanding all the precautionary measures of the Major, some Jerseymen effected an entrance into his abode during his temporary absence in 1730, drove out his family, removed his goods, and assumed possession of the premises. His wife was confined to her bed at the time by the birth of a child, and the removal was the occasion of her death.
Measures were at once determined on to reinstate the Major in his domicile. Some reinforcements having arrived from Goshen, his party ambushed on a hill in a piece of woods near the Major's home. It was arranged that Peter Guimaer should go to the house, and at a convenient opportunity enter and ascertain the situation of affairs. If he judged the circumstances favorable for an attempt at recapture, Peter was to go into the orchard and throw up an apple as a signal. The party on the hill soon had the satisfaction of seeing Peter make the signal agreed upon. They rushed out of the woods and into the house with such impetuosity as to overpower all opposition. The usurpers were expelled, and the Major reinstated his possessions.
Peter Guimaer should go to the house, and at a convenient opportunity enter and ascertain the situation of affairs. If he judged the circumstances favorable for an attempt at recapture, Peter was to go into the orchard and throw up an apple as a signal. The party on the hill soon had the satisfaction of seeing Peter make the signal agreed upon. They rushed out of the woods and into the house with such impetuosity as to overpower all opposition. The usurpers were expelled, and the Major reinstated his possessions. The people of Orange county employed a spy to act in their interest, who was to circulate among the Jersey claimants, acquaint himself with their plans, and send back reports of their proceedings. The spy soon sent them word that on a certain day the Jerseymen intended to raid the disputed territory with a strong party, with the view of dispossessing the occupants generally.
The day came at last; and with it came the sturdy yeomanry of Orange county-fathers, brothers, sons, all-to the home of Hermanus Van Inwegen, armed, equipped, and caparisoned for war. The preparations were barely completed when the van of the Jersey company came in sight:
Major Swartwout gallantly led his little army out into the road, and formed the men in line of battle.
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