This Day in History: October 14

TRENTON, October 14 [1778.]

Since our last several British deserters came to town from the enemy at Hackinsack.

Among the Officers who fell into the hands of the enemy in Col. Baylor’s late disaster, at Old Tapan, were Captain Swan, Doctor Evans, junior surgeon, Lieut. Randolph, and three Cornets. Captain Stith being suddenly surrounded by the enemy’s horse and foot, and seeing no probable way of getting off, called out for quarter; but they, contrary to the rules of war and to every sentiment of humanity, refused his request, called him a damn’d rebel, and struck him over the head, with a sword—which fired him with such indignation, that he bravely fought his way thro’ them, leaped over a fence, and escaped into a morass. Lieut. Barret got off on horseback; and Lieut. Morrow with a number of others badly wounded and left on the field as dead, were next morning brought off by a party of the regiment, the remaining part of which is now commanded by Captain Stith. Several of those his party brought off are since dead of their wounds. [More]