house and take some refreshment; but I declined his invitation, being glad to find myself safe and in my own
hands. I went on and accomplished my business, but took care to return on a safer road.
We lay at Dobb's ferry till the latter part of the month of October, when we marched to West point for winter-quarters. I left this place with regret, more so than any other during my continuance in the army. It was upon an account which I need not mention. Many young men have, doubtless, felt the same upon similar occasions. If they have, they know my feelings at the time I speak of. But that time has long since gone by and my affections with it, both "gone with the years beyond the flood," never more to return.
We marched for West point.—At the Peekskill we procured batteaux to convey ourselves and baggage up the river to the point, where we arrived in safety and went into the old barracks, until new ones could be built for us, which we immediately commenced. We had to go six miles down the river, and there hew the timber, then carry it on our shoulders to the river, and then raft it to West point. We, however, soon completed this part of the business ourselves, when the carpenters took it in hand, and by newyear's day they were ready to receive us; till then, we had been living in the old barracks, where there were rats enough, had they been men, to garrison twenty West points.
Our barracks being completed, and we safely stowed away in them, I shall here conclude the campaign of 1780.
