The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1842-05-24
CAPTURE OF GEN. PRESCOTT.

In the month of November, 1776, Maj. Gen.
Lee was surprised aud taken prisoner by de-
tachment of British troops. With view to
procure the exchange of that valuable officer,
VIM Barton, then Major in the Rhode Island
line in the service of the Continental Congress
and one of the most daring soldiers of the revo-
luton, projected the bold and adventurous ex-
;edition which is the subject Ofthe present mar
Tatiye.
Some months elapsed after the capture of
Gen. Lee, before an opportunity offered of eff
fectng the object which Major Barton had in
view. In the month following that of the cap
ture of Gen. Lee, the enemy took possession
of the island of Rhode Island, Canoncut, and
Prudence. Major Barton was then stationed
at Tiverton, aud and for some months anxious
ly watched the motions of the enemy, with but
feeble prospect Of obtaining The opportunity he
desired.
At length, on the 10th of June, I777, n man
10y the name of Coffin, who made his escape
from the British, was seized by some of the A.
;nerican troops and carried to Major Barton's
quarters. Major Barton ayaIled himself of the
opportunity to inquire respecting the DISPOSE
zion of the British forces.-Coffn on examina-
ton, stated that Major General Richard Pres
cert had established his head quarters on the
west side of Rhode Island, and described min
utely the situation of the house, which he
said was owned by Mr.. Peerng. His account
was few days after corroborated by deserter
from the ranks of the enemy. Maj. Barton
was now confirmed in his belief of the practi-
cabilty of effecting his favorite object: but Sc
rous obstacles were first to be encountered and
removed. Neither his troops nor their COM
mandcr had been long Injured to the service;
and the intended 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 unadvised, and in its consequences
though his life mi ght be preserved, be followed
by degradation and disgrace. Moreover, to
involve in the consequences of enterprise,
devised and undertaken without previous con-
sutation with his superors in rank, the inter-
est and perhaps the lives of portion of his
brave countrymen, was a subject that excited
reflections calculated to damp the ardor and
appal the courage of the bravest minds. Still,
however, upon mature reflection, aided by a
consciousness that his only motive was the hon.
or of his country, he resolved to hazard his re-
putation and his life in the attempt.
The regiment to which Maj. Barton was at
tached, was commanded by Col. Stanton, q
Respectable and wealthy farmer in Rhode Is
land, who, in the spirit of the times. had aban.
doned the culture of his farm and the care OF
Lis family, and put at hazard his pronertv and
his life in defence of his country. To this
gentleman Major Barton Communicated his
plan, and solicited his PERMISSION to carry i,
into execution. Col. Stanton readily authoriz.
ed him 'to attack the enemy where and wher
he pleased Several officers in the confidence
of Major Barton were then selected from tn,
regiment for the intended expedition, on who's
abilities and bravery he could ely:-thes
were CaptSamuel Philips, Lieut. Joshua Bah
cock, Ensign Andrew Stanton, and John VIII
cock Capt. - Adams subsequently volun
teered his services, and took an active part il
the enterprise.-These gentlemen were inform
ell by Major Barton, that he had in contempla
ton an enterprise which would be ATTENDED
with great personal hazard to himself and hi
associates; but which, ifsuccessful, would b,
productive of much advantage to the country
It's particular object, he stated, would be seas
ohaDly disclosed to them. 1t was at their CD
uon to accept or decline his invitation to shar
With him in the dangers, and, as he trusted, il
me glory that would attend the undertaking