Eastern times., 1855-08-30


ing the mass, prepare that privileged few to
become the most vicious and arbitrary rulers,
particularly of a people who aspireto freedom
and equality. Narrow-minded in the ex-
treme, with heart which knew not the least
touch of benevolence, and calous 10 every
feeling of pity. he was far from being a fit
person to be placed in authority over the pat
riotic inhabitants of Rhode Island, who could
be more easily conquered by lenient measures
than by the use of constraining Influences
From the first day of his power, he pursued
system of the most pitiful tyranny, with view
to crush the spirit of those who had dared TO
resist the expressions heaped upon them by
the mother country.
Wrlthing under sense of wrong and injus
tice, and maddened to desperation by the mean
ness and malignity of their tyrant, the people
of the island determined to rid themselves of
the curse, no matter at what risk or sacrifice
Various plans were suggested, and even
sassination was limited at but it was reserved
for Col. Barton, of Providence, a bold and
courageous man, to mature and carry out
plan by which they were relieved of their bur-
den for time, and their tyrant was taught a
severe but well-merited lesson. 1t was a bold
and daring experiment, but its success proved
that the most hazardous enterprise, when un-
dertaken with zeal and carried out with deci-
sion and energy, may be accomplished. Its
very daring is guarantee of its success.
With few chosen men, in four whale
boats, Barton embarked in the evening, at
Warwick Point, and with muffled oars, care
fully and stealthily felt his way across to the
Rhode Island shore, passing the British ships
and guard-boats lying at anchor in the bay,
without attracting attention. Landing in a
little cove not far from Prescott's head-quar-
ters, he divided his men into squads-each
having its special duty assigned-and silently
advanced towards the house. Passing about
midway between a British guard-house and
the encampment of light horse, the colonel and
his party reached the gate where stood a SEN
try on guard. 'Who goes there = he cried,
as he became aware of the approach of the
party. 'Friends,' replied Barton. advance
friends, and give the countersign.' 'We have
no countersiGn TO give; have you seen any
deserters tonight = This threw the soldier
off his guard. thinking them friends from the
camp, and his musket was seized, and himself
gagged and bound, before he was aware that
he was in the hands of his enemies. Enter
ing the house, Barton found Mr.. Overon, The
proprietor, reading in the large open hall, the
rest of the family having retired, and inquired
of him for Prescoits room. He pointed up
ward, intimating it was Immediately above.
Hastily ascending the stairs, the colonel found
the door locked No time was 10 be lost, and
the door was burst open by blow from the
head of negro, who was one of the party,
and they rushed in to find Prescott, who took
them for robbers, on the floor in his night
clothes, with his watch and purse in his hands.
Stepping up to him, and laying his hand qui-
city upon his shoulder, Barton informed him
that he was his prisoner, and that any noise or
alarm would insure his immediate DEATH
Prescott begged time to dress, but it being a
hot July night, this was refused, and he was
hurried on board the boat, with his aid-de-
camp, who was also secured, together with
the sentinel With as little noise as they
came, the party returned TO Warwick, where
they found carriage in waiting 10 convey
the prisoners to Providence. You have made
bold push tonight, said Prescott to Barton,
as they drove hastily over the road, endeavor-
ing TO draw him into conversation. 'We have
been Fortunate replied the colonel, laconical-
ly, and there the colloquy ended.
Before morning, the prisoners and their
captors were in Providence, where Prescott
was delivered into the custody of General
Spencer, who treated him with considerations
far above his deserts.
After few days stay in Providence, Pres
colt was sent, under an escort, to the head
quarters of Washington, on the Hudson. Or
reaching Lebanon, the party stopped for din
ner at the tavern of Captain Alden, who
was an ardent wing, and hated the very name
of Prescott. Nothing could afford him higher
qualification than the opportunity to nfict con
dign punishment upon the detested tyrant, anc
the general unwittingy afforded him that op
portunity.
At the table, Mrs Alden waited upon the
general, and among the dishes presented fol
his acceptance, was some 'succotash,' or corn
and beans, favorite dish with New England
people, but which seemed to excite Prescott {
wrath and resentment. Taking the dish il
his hand, and forgetting that his position was
that of prisoner, and not master, he looked
at it for moment, and exclaimed Indignantly
whats this what's this are you going t.
treat me with the food of hogs!' As he saiC
this, he dashed the dish with force upon ths
floor, breaking it in pieces, and strewing thu
contents in all directions. Mrs. Alden was {
woman of too much spirit to brook such al
insult to her cookery and table, and left the
room to inform her husband of the circum
stance. In a few moments, Captain Alden
bearing huge cart-whip in his hand, entered
the room, and demanded of Prescott what hi
meant by such conduct in his house. The