The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-06-17
FROM THE PLYMOUTH MEMORIAL,

- FROM THE PLYMOUTH MEMORIAL,
ANEcDoTE OF THE RevLUTIoN.-Aimost every
one is acquainted with the circumstances OF the
taking of General Prescott the then commanding
officer of the British forces on Khode-is'and' ny
Captain Barton of Providence. lie was exchanged
for General Lee, who was previously captured by
the British.
Shortly after his exchange he returned to Rhode
Island. and was invited to dine on board the Ad-
miral's ship with many other officers OF the highest
GRADE General Prescott was naturally naughty
imperious man. and as a commander, was very
unpopular with his officers and soldiers and with
the citizens of Newport, but was brave, and skill
ful officer.
It was often that boys as well sent
from the town on board the Admiral's ship for any
offence, and confined there for some time, by the
arbitrary authority of those in power. Martial law
was the law of the place. small lad about I3
wears of age was placed in this situation, previous to
General Prescott's Return, and was on board with
many Others at the time the General dined there.
He did not know General Prescott.
After dinner the wine circulated freely, and toast
and song were repeatedly called for In the course
of the evening the first Lieutenant observed to the
Admiral who was a real Jolly son Nf Neptune, &. that
there ,ons yankee lad on board aoho would shame
all their singing I" Bring him up here" says
Prescott The boy was accordingly brought into
the cabin. The Admiral called on him to give them
a song. The little fellow being somewhat intmlda-
ted kby god-laced coats, epauletts, &C., replied,
81 can't sing any songs bit yankee songs" The
Admiral perceving that he embarrassed, or
dered the steward to give him glass of wine, say
ing "come my little tettow, don't be frightened, gre
as one of your yankee soags." General Prescott
spoke i'm his usual naughty impcrous manner, p" you
id voung rebel giue us a song, TN gioe you
Dozen" The Admiral nerfcred aud assured the
lad that he should be set at liberty the next day,
he woull give them a song any one he eouM reccot-
Ieet."
The following doggerel, written by sailor Of
Newport, was then given, to the great amusement
Of the company.
"'Twas a dark and stormy night
The winds and did roar,
Bold Barton lbcn with twenty
Went down the shore.
And in a whae-boal they set OF
To Rhodes Islands fair,
To catch rcdcoltGeneral
Who then resided there.
Through British fleets, and guar boats strong,
They held their dangerous way
Till aley arrived unto their port;
And then did not tnlay.
A tavyney, son ofArcs race
Them through the rayne lcd,
And entering then the Oteriug hotsot
They found him in hs bed
But TO get in they had no mcaps,
Except poor Cutlee's head
Who beat the door down, ,hcn r,sh'd iu
And seized him in his bed.
Stop lef put my brceches orr,
The Central then did pray,
Your breeches, Massa, ltak,,
For dress we cannot stay.
Then through ryc-stubblc bimhey leG, y
With shoes and breechcs none,
And placed him in their boot.lmesnug Il
And from the shore gone,
Soon the alarm was sounded loud
The Yankees they have come
And stolen Prescott from his bed, II
And him the I've carried home. -
The drums were beat sl<y-rccket5 lew, 9
The soldiers shouldered IS
Aud moreh'd around the grounds they knew,
Fild with din alarms
But through the feet, with muflgd oars
They held their devious way,
Aud landed him on Ganseu shoro,S !,
Where Brton held sway
When unto the land they came
Where there none
"9d-d bold pnSh," The. Gen raj said II
"Ofprs ners am one
There a general shout of all the company u
during the whole song, and at the close, one who /
prisoner on board at the time, observed, he |
"thought the deck would come through with the
stamping and cheering"
General Prescott joined most heartily the mcr-
rment. Thrustng his hand into his pocket, he
handed the boy guinea, saying, here you young
dog is guinea for you The boy was set liberty
the next morning.
This anecdote is often related by aged gentle .
man living in Newport. *'s*s@
There is deep ravine leading from the shore to |
the house which was occupied by General Prescott.
/ Mr.. Overing Tory and owned the house in (
which General Prescott resided.