The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-12-23

advanced.-MaJor Barton, alter bestWln5
upon the troops the applause they merlted,
and stating that he required the aid OF but
small portion of their number, commenced
upon the right and passing along the lines,
selected from the regiment to the number OF
thirty-six, those who united to bravery and
discipline competent knowledge OF seaman
ship for the management OF the boats. fiaV-
ing thus obtained an adequate number OF
officers and men, and every thing being rea-
DIV, the party on the 18th july, 1777, embark
ed from Tiverton for Bristol While cross
ing Mount Hope Bav, there arose a severe
storm of thunder and rain, which separated
three boats from that Of their commander.
The boat containing Major Barton, and one
other arrived at Bristol soon after midnight.
Major Barton proceeded to the quartersot the
commanding officer, where he found de
serter who had Just made his escape from the
enemy at Rhode Island. From this man he
learned that there had been no alteration
\ for the last few days in the position OF the
I British. On the morning Of sthe fifth, tho
remaining boats having arrived, Major Bar
ton with his officers went to Hog-Island, not
far distant from Bristol, and within view Of
the British encampmcnt and shipping,-lt
was at this place that he disclosed to his Of
| ficers the particular object OF the enterprise,
his reasons for attempting it, and the part
each was to perform. Upon reconoterlng
the position ofthe enemy, it was thought i'm
practicable, without great hazard Of capture,
to proceed directly from Bristol to the head
quarters Of the British general. il was de-
! termined, therefore, 70 make jlart3itH .Nte6',
place opposite to the British cncampmcnt,
but at a greater distance than Bristol, the
point from which they should depart imme-
diatcly for Rhodelsland The most invio-
I liable secrecy was enj0inea upon hi, officers
by N 4ior Barton, and the party returned to
| Bristol.
On the evening Of the 9th, about nine
! O'Clock, the little squadron again sailed, and
crossing Naraganset Bay, landed en- War
wick Neck. On the It'll, the wind changed to
! f. n. l.. brought on a storm, and retarded
their plan. On the 9Th. the weather being
!, pleasant, it was determined 70 embark tor
the Island.-1he boats were now numbered
and the place of every officer and soldier as
signed.-At O'Clock ii the evening, Major
Barton assembled his little party around
him, and in an address, in which were min
ged the feelings Of the soldier and the man,
he disclosed to them the object Of the enter
prise. He did not attempt to conceal tho
danger and difficulties that would inevitably
attend the undertaking nor dill he forget TO
remind them, that should their efforts be
! followed bv success, they would be entitled
to, and would receive tilc great!ul acknnwi-
cdgcmcnts of their country. tits possible, =
siad he, 'that some Of us may not survive
the daring attempt; but ask YOU to hazard
no dangers that will not be stirred with you
hV Your commander; and pledge to- ou my
honor that in every difficulty and danger ]
viii take the lead" He received the imme-
1 diatc and unanimous assurance Of the whole
party, that they would follow, wherever
i, their beloved commander lead them. Ma
ior Barton then reminding them how much
the success OF the enterpriae depended upon
their strict attention to orders, directed that
each individual should coatine himself TO his
particular seat in the boat assigned him, and
that not syllable should be uttered by anv
ono. He instructed them, as they regarded
their character as patriots and soldiers, chat
in the hour ofdanger they should be firm, col
lectcd and resolved fcarlesslY to encounter
the dangers and difficulties that might as
sail them. He concluded bg offering his fer
vent petition TO the Great King of Armies,
, that he would smile upon their intended
enterprise, and crown it with success. The
whole party nov proceeded to the shore
Major Barton had reason to apprchcnd
that he might be discovered in lis passagc
from the main to Rhode-I Island, bv some
Of the ships Of war that lay at n small dis
: tance from the shore. He therelorc directed
) the commanding officer Of the port at Wan
wick Neck, that if he heard the report Of
three distinct lnuskets, to send boats to tho
, north end of Piudcncc-I Island to his aid. Tie
whole party now took possession ot the boats
in tho manner directed. That which con
: tanned Major Barton was posted in front