Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1835-07-16
MISCELLANY.
[Erom the Plvmonih Memorin


ANECDoTE OF TIE REvoLUTIoN.-Al-
most every one is acquainted with the
circumstances Of the taking of General
Prescott, the then commanding officer
Of the British forces on Rhode Island
by Capt. Barton, Of Providence. He
was exchanged for General Lee, who
was previously captured by the British.
Shortly after his exchange, he return
cd to Rhode Island, and was invited to
dine on board the Admiral's ship, with
many other officers of the highest grade.
General Prescott was naturally haugh-
ty, imperious man, and as commander,
was very unpopular with his officers and
soldiers, and with the citizens Of New
port, but was brave and shillul officer.
Ii was often the case that the boys as
well as men were sent from the town on
board the Admira's ship for any Of
fence, and confined there for some time,
by the arbitrary authority Of those in
power. Martial Law, was the law Of
the place. A small lad about thirteen
years Of age, was placed in this situa-
,ion, previous to General Prescott's re-
turn, and was on board, with many 9th :
ers, at the time the General dned there.
He did not know Gen. Prescott.
After dinner the wine circulated free
ly, and toast and song were repeated
ly called for. In the course oft eve
ming, the first Lieutenant observed to
the Admiral, who was real jolly son Of
Neptune, "ttat there ,cas yankee tad
on board ,gho would shame all their sing
ing" "Bring him up here" says Pres
colt. The boy was accordingly brought
into the cabin. The A Admiral called on
him to give them song. The little fel-
low being somewhat intimidated by gold
laced coats, epauletts, SC. replied, Il
can't sing any songs bit yankee songs"
The Admiral perceiving that he was
embarrassed, ordered the steward ia
give him glass Of wine, saying "come
my lille telio,O, don't be frightened, gire
us one Of your yankee songs" General
Prescott spoke in his usual naughty, i'm
perious manner, 'you d--d young rebel,
give us song, or III give you a dozen" "
The Admiral interfered and assured the
lad that he should be set at liberty the
next day, eff he would give them song,
any one he could recollect"
The following doggorel, written by a
sailor Of Newport, was then given, to the
great amusement Of the company:
"'Twas on dark and stormy night,
The winds and waves did roar,
Bold Barton then, with twenty men,
Went down unto the shore.
And in a whale-boat they set of,
10 Rhodes Island fair.
To catch a red-coat Genera,
Who then resided there.
Through British fleets, and guard boats strong
They held their dam rous way,
Till they arrived unto their port,
And then did not delay.
A tawny son Of Aries race,
Them through the ravines led,
And entering then the Overing- house,t
They found him in his bed.
But TO get in. they had no means,
Except poor Cunee's head,
Who beat the door down, then rush'd in,
And seized him in his bed.
Stop, let me put my breeches on,
The Gen'ra then dId pray,
Your breaches, Massa, I viii take,
For dress we cannot stay.
Then through rye siubble him they led,
with shoes and breeches none,
And placed him in their boat quite snug,
And from the shore were gone.