The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-14

ems. The oars were mufIled TO pre-
vent noise, and scarcely any thing
could be heard but the deep hurried
breathing OF the men. 1t would be
impossible to describe my feelings
while gazing on these noble fellows,
thus willing to expose their lives to
unknown danger for the purpose OF at
tanning that liberty, the love of which
showed itself in all their actions. But
we moved swiftly over the water, and
the eighteen miles that lay between
us and the scene of action was soon
passed. After landing formed the
men in three divisions, and then en-
deavored to animate them by telling
them that the enterprise depended on
their promptess and valor. Placing
myself at the head of the centre divls-
ion. started forward ordering the men
to follow which they promptly obyed.
In few minutes we reached General
Prescott's quarters, uuperceived by the
sentinel who stood before the door ap-
parently in drowsy state. | walked
up to him and laying one had upon his
shoulder and presenting pistol to his
breast with the other, said, you are
my prisoner; Make no noise or you are
dead man. ! then tod him he must
show me where Gen. P. lodged, he led
me to door which found to be well
secured. While endeavoring to open
it, negro who came with us stepped
up confidently and said; 81 can open
that door," He stepped back some
distance drew his head down like a
sheep when going into combat, and
came against It full force, and threw it
open. The pilot then took us into the
second Eoft and showed the door that
led into the Generals room; this was
opened in the same manner, and in a
moment stood before the bed where
Prescott was sleeping. After slap
ping him twice on the shoulder he
awoke and started up. Presenting a
pistol to his breast said. "You are
my prisoner!' "Who are you?" ask
cd the surprised general. "My name
is Barton, sir, first Major to certain
Regiment of Rhode Island troops, and
you must be out of bed Immediately"
He then got out of bed and attempted
to put on his breeches. Stop Gen. said
| you can't have time to do that, our
situation is too dangerous. then or
dered the men to take him and his
clothes on board one of the boats,
which was speedily done, notwithstand-
ing the old fellow grumbled much that
he should be taken prisoner without
having time to dress himself.
All remained still until few mo-
ments after we left the shore when a
tremendous uproar was heard in the
direction of the British Camp. We
piled the oars with all possible speed,
supposing that we would be pursued.
Nor were we mistaken; in a few m o.
ments great numbers of the British
came running to the shore. and dis
charged tremendous volley ofmusket-
ry at the boats but without effect
When we returned great numbers of
persons thronged the shore, anxious to
know for what purpose we had left the
camp in such a singular manner. And
great indeed was the rejoicing when
they were told that General Prescott
was our prisoner"
This circumstance, trifing as it may
seem was productive of beneficial re-
suits. At that time dark cloud seem
ed gathering over America. And ma
ny feared that she would be obliged to
wear the CALLING yoke OF British tyran-
ny. Andit need not be thought strange
that this exploit served greatly to raise
the depressed spirits Of the Americans.
1t proved that their foes were invincl-
BILE, the reverse of which they had been
more than a little inclined to believe.
AN OLD REVOLUTlONER.
Homer. Licking co., O.