Ebenezer Erskine was the nephew of Robert Erskine, surveyor-general of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He traveled from Scotland to British occupied New York City in early 1778, and became a crew member of a British privateer bound for East Florida. Off of South Carolina, the ship captured a French vessel. After a brief stop in Florida, Erskine joined another privateer bound for New York, then defected to the colonial side, escaping from New York to join his uncle in New Jersey, where he met George Washington. Erskine then took up residence at his uncle's estate, Ringwood, where in November 1778 the house was raided by Loyalists. Erskine was still at the estate in July, 1780, feuding with a neighbor.
From the description of Ebenezer Erskine narrative and letters, 1778-1780. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86093623
