1779 An express rider had brought the news three days before they came, but it helped little. I sometimes believe that it was worse knowing before. I had been though into a near manic fright when I had heard. Papa had told me, and I knew that it was because of his pledge. He said that it would come to pass and that nothing would come of it, but now we were asked to make quarters for new troops that would be coming to Oyster Bay. They said that at most there would be five soldiers, all officers for they were all British. It was an American regiment, but there were British officers. They said that there were one or perhaps two officers that were from the colonies, but they were not high ranking, and they had bought their commissions. I hoped for the sake of our innocence that we would receive one of these officers, an American, for they could be trusted. In ten years time they would not have four thousand miles of water to cross before they reached their women, while the women would be stuck with the children that were given to them by the British for all of time, trying to fend for themselves. I would not leave my room once I had heard the word of the British. Papa tried nearly everything to get me out, but I would not budge. Finally Nathaniel came to the door, knocked and asked me if I wanted to go and taunt the British as they was a happy choice rather than spending the afternoon in the dark cold room. We made our way to high street, many were out to watch them come in. We did not have to go far to see the whole of the Queen's American Rangers, in their illustrious green coats, marching, full dress on. They surely wished to win the hearts and minds of the people of Oyster Bay. I saw their commander was no where to be found, as I had expected, and their officers, I was assured, were trying to find rightful headquarters. The lonely American soldiers that were left marched under littler supervision, with a few, every once and a while pulling out to greet a girl. I saw more than a few pull out to see Sally Coles, who stood just down the street from us. Sally gave them their hand and allowed them to kiss it, happily dropping a curtsy and giving a laugh as she did. She was use to this. I hoped and prayed that one might step out to take my hand, but as the rank and file marched passed, I found none. Sally I counted had no less than twenty men pull out and vow their never ending love and loyalty to her. My sister Audrey, who stood with Sally, had near ten. Even Phebe had two or three, but not one cared for me. Nathaniel told me it was because I was making rude comments on them, which may be true, but it surely not the only reason. Nathaniel mentioned that perhaps he was to blame, and that no man would stop, thinking that he was my intended, but again I don't believe this was the case, for Nathaniel and I gave no romantic inclination toward any part of this. Nor did this make sense for Robert Stoddard stood next to Sally Coles, and this did not prevent any of them. No rational answer could be found. Nor a good one for either party. Perhaps they were blinded by the smoke from battle, perhaps they were afraid, but then of what. I though gave little second thought to this, as future actions would take principal. I don't remember how long we stood their, admiring the bright green coats, but it could not have been more than an hour, before I heard David's yells and screams over take the scene. 'They've come to our house Sally! They've come! They're taking the orchard!' As quickly as I heard those words my heart flew and my mind raced. I cared not now for the parade of soldiers, and now only cared about our home.