78 HISTORY OP demanding admission. Harper^ who had only lain down, and who had not been asleep, arose, and with pistol in hand opened the door, and presenting himself in an attitude of defence before his unwelcome and intruding guests, demanded of them their business, but at the same time cautioned them against entering his room, as the first man who stepped over the thresh- old should pay for it with his life^ After a little conversa- tion the party withdrew, and did not again molest him. The next day he rode into Albany, when he informed the commandant of the exposed situation of Harpersfield. A small body of cavalry was granted him, which left Albany the same evening, and continuing to ride all night, at the break of day arrived at the tavern where he had spent the preceding night. They soon came up with the forces of McDonald, who made but a slight stand and then dispersed and fled, the moment the impetuous troopers charged amongst them. This daring and well-executed feat again restored confidence to the droop- ing spirits of the Schoharie patriots, and redounded double credit upon the head of this brave commander ; who thus recapitulates his success in a letter to the Provincial Congress : " Schoharie, August 28th, m. ^< G-ENTLEMEN, — Since we put Captain McDonald and his army to flight, I proceeded with some volunteers to Harpers- field, where we met many who had been forced by McDonald, and some of them much abused. Many others were in the woods, who were volunteers ; and as we could not get hands on those who were active in the matter, I gave orders for all to make their appearance when called on, at Schoharie, in order to give satisfaction to the authority for what they had done; and if they do not, that they are to be proclaimed traitors to the United States of America ; which they readily agreed to, and further declare that they will use their best endeavors to bring in those who have been the cause of the
