 One of the many stories told about this raid involved a young girl from neighboring New York State, Sybil Ludington. The Ludington family lived 15 miles to the west of Danbury in rural farm country. As messengers were dispatched to tell supporters far and wide about Danbury's plight and encourage them to ride to her aid, one reached the Ludington house. Colonel Henry Ludington was the commander of the Dutchess County Militia.