The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-12-23
GEN. W. BARTON.
From the Hndsor, Yert. Journal.


From the Hidsor, Yert. Journal.
The circumstances which have brought
the name of General Barton before the pub
lie, at this time, and the appeal which is
made in his behalf, will render the following
narrative peculiarly interesting. 1t is the de-
tail only Off single act of the hero Of the tale
but it is sufficient to establish his just claim
upon the benevolence of his country, with
out bringing to the account an ample share
OF other dangers which thicken around the
soldiers OF the revolution. The facts were
sometime since communicated by Gen. b.
himself, and, as reduced to form by another,
constitute the only minute and correct ac-
count of transaction which is without
parallel in the history of that war and for
which he received vote of thanks and the
presentation of sword from congress "a tri-
butte which most hatters the soldiers pride"
But where now is the heros Venerable
with years, his locks white with the frosts of
age, far from "wife, children and friends"
for twelve years has the hard hand Of mis-
fortune heldihim the tenant Of jail-yard. His
spirits sunk within him, and despairing OF re-
lief, what must be his reflections, what his
anticipationss
NARRATIVE
Ofthe SURPRISE and cahfare IF My2r Gen
eral Richard Prescott, ofthe British army
together gcHh his ai-de-camh, Major Bar
rington, 6y a harty of american soldiers,
unaer Major Wilam Barton, Jaiy 9,
1777.
In the month of November, 1777, major
gen. Lee was surprised and taken prisoner
by detachment of British troops. With a
view to procure the exchange of that yalua-
sble officer, William Barton, then maier in
the Rhode Island line, in the service Of the
continental congress, and one of the most
daring and patriotic soldiers of the reyoh,-
ton, projected the bold and adventurous cx-
petition, which is the subject Of the follow
ing narrative
Some months elapsed, after the capture
of General Lee, before all opportunity Offer
ed of effecting the object which Major Bar
ton had in view. In the month following
that of the capture of Gen. Lee, the enemy
took possession of the islands of Rhode Isl
and, Canoncut and Prudence. Major Bar
ton was then stationed at Tiverton and for
some months anxiously wathed the motions
of the enemy, with but feeble prospects ofob-
tanning the opportunity he desired. At length
on the goth June, 1777, a man by the name
of Coffin, who made his escape from the
British, was seized by some OF the american
troops, and carried to Major Barton's quar-
tiers. Major Barton availed himself of the
opportunity to inquire respecting the dispo-
sition of the British forces. Coffin, on cx-
animation, stated that General Prescott had
established his head quaters on the west side
Of Rhode Island, and described infinitely the
situation Of the house in which he resided,
which he said was owned by Mr.. Pering. His
account was few davs afterwards colrobo-
rated BY a deserter from the ranks of the
enemy, Major Barton was now confirmed
in his belief Of the practcibility of effect
ing his favorite obiect--but serious obstacles
were first to be encountered and removed
Neither his troops nor their commander had
been long enured to service and the intend
ed enterprise was of a nature as novel as it
was hazardous. Besides, Major Barton was
aware that the undertaking, should it prove
unsuccessful, would be pronounced rash and
unadvsed, and in its consequences, though
his life might be preserved, would be follow
ed BY degradation and disgrace. Moreover
to involve in the consequences Of an enter
prize, devised an undertaking without previ-
GUS consultation with his superiors in rank
the interest and perhaps the lives OF A por-
ton of his brave conntrymen, was subject
that excited reflections calculated to damn
the artor and appal the courage Of the bra
vest minds. Still however upon mature re-
Election, aided by a consciousness that his On
~ motive was the interest Of his country, he
resolved to hazard his reputation and HI.
life in the attempt.
The regiment to which Major Barton wa,
attached, was commanded by Col. Stanton
respectable and wealthy farmer in Rhode
Island, who, in the spirit oftimes, had abtn-
doned the culture of his farm, and the care
of his family, and put at hazard his property
and his life in defence of his country, II
this gentleman Major Barton communicated
his plan, and solicited permission to carry i
into execution. Col. Stanton readily author
lied him "to attack the enemy when ant
where he pleased" Several officers in tn,
confidence Of Major Barton, were then Sc
lected from the regiment, for the intended
expedition, on whose abilities and bravery h
could rely these were Captain Samue
Phillips, 1t. James Potter, 1t. Joshua Bah
cock, ensign Andrew Stanton, and John Vii
cocks. (Capt.-Adams subsequently vol
unteered his services, and took an actv
part in the enterprize.) These gentlemen
were informed by Major Barton, that he hat
in contemplation an enterprise which wonlc
be attended with great personal hazard t
himself and his associates; but which if sue
cess attended it, would be productive q