troops, receiving his parole from Mr. Beaty, and living under it till he was taken from it by a party of militia, and by Mr. Boudinot's orders confined in Burlington jail.

"He claims the protection that was first extended to him by the first Continental Commissary of pri

soners.

"I hope, sir, you will make use of the power that I conceive enabled you to transfer Col. Billop to the State of New Jersey, in extending to me the rights allowed by civilized nations, and which, without a given reason, I have been deprived of.

"If, by any law I am acquainted with, I am in the power and disposal of Governor Livingston, I think myself entitled to appeal to you, sir, from the injustice used toward me, as I cannot suppose there is no application for redress in a case which, if drawn into a precedent, must confound every distinction of rank, and will operate in a wider circle than that of the State of New Jersey.

"Governor Livingston has offered, as he has written to me, to exchange me for Lieut.-Col. Reynolds and Col. Billop for as many privates as made up his rank, naming among them the people for whom Col. Billop is avowedly retaliating. This proposition, I conceive, it never was supposed General Sir Henry Clinton could comply with.

"I hope, sir, you will do me the favour of early attending to this letter; if Col. Billop only should be claimed by those whose prisoner he unquestionably appears to be, I should look upon it as a fortunate event, though I should be doomed to wear his ignominious chains.

"I am your obedient and humble servant,

"J. G. SIMCOE."

General Washington never answered this letter, but in a very few days Colonels Billop and Simcoe were exchanged. The exchange being effected on the last day of December, Lieut.-Col. Simcoe returned to Staten Island. He was mortified to find that the expedition, which was continued under the Commander-inChief, after his being taken prisoner, had failed. Upon his landing at Staten Island he received a letter from Major André, Adjutant-General, saying:-"If this meets you a free man prepare your regiment for embarkation, and hasten to New York yourself."

He immediately joined his corps at Richmond. Thus ended the campaign of 1779.

W

CHAPTER IV.

CAMPAIGN OF 1780.

E are now in 1780-the Queen's Rangers stationed on Staten Island, Richmond, at about the centre of the Island, being the head-quarters of the regiment. Major Armstrong, before the arrival of Lieut.-Col. Simcoe, had well fortified the place. By the 10th of January the communication between Staten Island and New York was totally shut off by floating ice. The Sound, which divides Staten Island from the Jerseys, was completely frozen over, and the ice was thick, and strong enough to bear cannon. Information was

received that several of the rebel Generals had been openly measuring the thickness of the ice, and it was universally rumoured that the Continentals were soon to make an attack on Staten Island. On the 15th January, early in the morning, the rebel detachment of nearly three thousand men, under the command of a person styled Lord Stirling, crossed on the ice and entered Staten Island.

Lord Stirling marched immediately towards the landing-place, and by his position cut off the British General's communication with the Volunteers of Ireland and the Queen's Rangers. Lieut.-Col. Simcoe occupied the high ground near Richmond, (Staten Island,) with small parties of cavalry, while the infantry were sedulously employed in strengthening the post. Lieut.-Col. Simcoe had every reason to believe that the post would be attacked by the American force which had landed on the Island, and had made every preparation for the defence of Richmond. To his surprise many deserters came in from the rebel army, and through them a perfect knowledge of the enemy's force was gained. One of them affirmed that he overheard some of their principal officers say "that it was not worth while to attack Richmond, where they were sure of obstinate resistance, and which must fall of itself whenever the main body was taken."

Lieut.-Col. Simcoe, knowing that the enemy had much the superior force, and that if an attack were made the post might be captured, had determined never to surrender himself or his force, but that, if driven to straits, the Queen's Rangers would disband, individually make their way from the island, and join the army stationed in Carolina. When Simcoe learned that the enemy had abandoned the idea of making an attack and were retreating from the island, he immediately

pursued them with the flank companies and Hussars, and was overtaken by an order from General Stirling to effect the same purpose; but the enemy had passed to the Jersey shore before he could come up with them. The frost still continuing, there were many reports and a general expectation that the enemy would again adventure upon the island, with superior force and sufficient provision to attempt some greater purpose than the previous abortive effort to surprise the British troops, and at least to capture Richmond, and patrols were constantly made of all the roads by which they could possibly approach.

The Queen's Rangers had formerly experienced how ready General Stirling, in command on Staten Island, was to represent their services favourably, and they now, in common with the other troops, had a further proof of his inclinations in the general orders of the 21st January, when it was stated that, "BrigadierGeneral Stirling is happy to inform the troops on this island of His Excellency General Kniphausen's fullest approbation of their behaviour, and the good countenance they showed when the rebels were upon this island, which the Brigadier had reported to the Commanderin-Chief; and His Excellency desires his thanks may be given to them."

On the 25th January Lieut.-Col. Simcoe gave out the following order, "That he expects the order