Joshua Huddy & Lucretia Emmons Outwit Colonel Tye

This painting was commissioned by Monmouth Timeline and acquired by the Monmouth County Historical Association. In this real historic event, Joshua Huddy and Lucretia Emmons held off a large group of Loyalists, by firing out of multiple windows, to give the impression of a larger force. While they were eventually taken, the time they won by this ruse arguably led to Huddy’s later escape. As a woman in the 18th century, Emmons is remarkable for being directly involved in combat, let alone with such cleverness and success. Their opponent, Colonel Tye, was an escaped slave leading a multiracial military group, 80 years before the American Civil War. In fighting for the British, he fought against his captors and tormentors, for his continued freedom. It is rare to find an historic event with such relatable motivations and individuals on both sides.