"Cheyney's Ride"

Original Oil 18"x24" -price on request

Squire Thomas Cheyney was one of the few Whigs in the area- supporters of the rebel cause. When he arose the morning ot do a quick scout about the area the first thing he saw was Cornwallis's army led by light bobs (Light Infantry) and Jaeger's, German mercenarys. He turned his horse immediatley and galloped off to where he knew Washington's headquarters were. This was critical information seeing the flanking movement starting. Upon arrival, he had first to convince the staff that he was a worthy man...when he started out the day, he had not put on a coat, or a hat, or even his stockings! How could such a dissheveled individual be given creedence? Finally gaining an audience with Washington himself, he was still doubted. Washington had heard no reports from his own scouts, and this man was just a local farmer. Most of the locals here were either Tories, who gave allegiance to the Crown, or Quakers, who for the most part would not be involved in warfare. Cheyney cried out," My life for it...put me under guard 'til you can find out it is so!". Fortuitously, a messenger arrived just at that time from Colonel Bland, on reconnaisence on the right flank. He verified Cheyney's information, and Washington took immediate action.