DELAWARE COUNTY. 269 duress at Andes, a village about ten miles from this place, will explain itself : — " " Andes, March 11. To THE Sheriff : Sir, — We left Andes yesterday about five o'clock, for Delhi, but were stopped on the road, and, compelled to return to. this place. We are now at Hunt- ing's. The house is now surrounded by men in disguise, about one hundred strong. They intend, as near as I can ascertain, to take my papers, tar and feather me, and pass me over to the Middletown tribe. I shall never be able to reach home unless you come over with all the force you can raise. Let every man come armed, and determined to do his duty or die on the spot. Lose no time, but get here as soon as possible.'^ Yours, 0. W. STEELE." " 9 o'clock, A.M." The messenger whom Steele fortunately obtained to bring his letter with all possible speed, informed me that he left Steele, with Charles Parker, another officer whom the anti- renters have taken, in a small garret in the house, into which they had been driven, retaining possession of the pistols with which they were armed. This outrage is in consequence of Steele's having lately arrested Squires on a bench warrant. The sheriff, immediately on the receipt of the letter, commenced summoning a party to go in pursuit of the rioters. Every man in the village who can procure arms, will leave within half an hour. I have no time to describe the outrages that are daily committed. The country is in a state of actual rebellion." Yours &c." The receipt of this intelligence completely electrified the entire village, and although the travelling under foot was exceedingly muddy, in an incredibly short time the posse 28*
