Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 June 1904 — Countermanding Orders. [ARTICLE]

Countermanding Orders.

During the years of the Revolutionary war the Rev. Samuel Buell was pastor of the Eastbampton church, on Long Island. He had been pastor there a great many years and had gained wide influence. While the English occupied the Island Sir William Erskine was in command. Between the parson and the military authorities a good understanding was kept up in spite of the political hostility. There is yet told a story of the worthy parson to the effect that Sir William once ordered a number of the farmers of Easthampton to go over to Southampton to do a certain piece of work on the Sabbath. Before that day came around, however, the commander happened to meet the parson and told him frankly that he had ordered out his parishioners on Sunday. “I know it, I know it,” said the parson; “but, as it happens, I am myself commander in chief on that day, and I hare countermanded the order.” Sir William yielded the point with a good natured laugh.