The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-07-03
RHoDE-IsLaND REPUBLICAN.
MEMOIR OF RHODE-IsLAND.
Capture of General Prescott.

Capture of General Prescott.
General Prescott was captured by Lieu
tenant Colonel Barton-wbo planned and
executed a secret and bloodless expedition,
in which he succeeded in taking the Gener-
al from his Quarters on the Island, sur
rounded by his Guard and army, ss well as
by the Men-of- War in the vicinity.
From the Prov. Gazette, July 18th, I777.
Thursday evening last a party of 80 men,
of the Troops belonging to this State, under
the command of Lieut.. Col. WILLIAM BAR
TON, of this Town, accompanied by Major
Adams, of the Train, Capt. Phillips. Lieu
tenants Potter and Babcock, and En-
signs Stanton and Wilcocks, went in five
boats from Warwick-Neck, with view to
take Major Gen'rl. PRESCOTT, Comman-
derin Chief of the British and foreign troops
on Rhode Island, whose Head Quarters
were then at House about four miles from
Newport The Colonel and his party, af-
ter passing the Enemy's Ships and Guard
Boats, landed about twelve at night, and
with infinite address and gallantry" got
to Prescott's Quarters undiscovered. A Sem
tinel at the door hailed, but was immediate
iy secured, and the party instantly breaking
the doors, and entering the House, took the
General in bed. His Aid-de- Camp Iesped
from window in his shirt, and attempted
to escape, but was taken few rods from
the House. The party soon after returned
TO their Boats, with the Prisoners, and some
time after they had put of, the enemy fred
Rockets from their several posts, as signals
for an alarm, but too late-fhe bird had
fed. The prisoners were safely landed a.
bout day break at Warwick Neck. On re-
eeiving rhe intelligence here, coach was
Immediately sent, and the General with his
Aid-de- Camp, attended by Col. Barton and
some other Officers, arrived in Town at
twelve o'clock. This bold and important
enterprise must reflect the highest honor on
Col. Barton and his little party.
On the evening of July 18th, flag ar
rived at Providence from Newport, with the
Generals baggage in charge of British
Officer, who expressed strong desire to
see the General, which request was not
granted; and on the Monday following,
Prescott, with his Aid de- Camp, were sent
in a coach to Connecticut, attended by a
strong Guard. On the capture of Prescott,
the command of the Army on the Island,
devolved on General Smith.
GIVE here present an account OF Tins
heroic and successful expedition, from the
pen of Col. Barton, who planned and exe-
cuted the enterprise.
"In the month of November, A. ID. 1776,
a detachment of British Troops took Maj.
General Lee prisoner, by surprize. Hav-
ing a very high opinion of the Generals a
bilites, was resolved, if ever an opportu-
nifty offered, to surprise Major General of
the British Army, with view to procure
. his exchange. In the month Of December,
the same year, the army took possession Of
the Islands of Rhode-Tsland, Conanicut and
Prudence. / being then in the service of
this State, was ordered to the post at liver
ton, where used the greatest endeavors to
gain intelligence of some British Officer, Of
the same rank with Maj. Gen. Lee, whom
Knight surprise, and thus effect an exchange
ofthat great man. On the Goth June, l777,
a Mr.. Coffin made his escape from the en-
emy on r. Island, and was brought to my
quarters. When asked where Maj. Gener-
al Prescott quartered, he said at the house
Of Mr.. Overing, on the West side oftbe ISL
and. and, being requested, gave description
of the house. now entered very seriously
upon the plan Of surprising Gen. Prescott in
his own quarters. A few days after this, a
deserter came off the Island, who gave the
same intelligence as Mr.. Coffin. | could
not yet enter fully on the enterprise there
were SO many obstacles presenting them
selves. The troops as well as myself. were
not long Injured to service, aad never had
attempted an enterprise Of this sort; and
was sensible If our plan should be blasted,
that my country would reprobste my con-
duct as rash and iinprudent; but after some
considerable struggle with these difficulties