Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1855-04-13


Almost every one is acquainted with the
circumstances Of the taking Of General Pres
cott the then commanding officer Of the
British forces on Rhode Island, by Capt.
Barton, of Providence. lie was exchanged
for Gen. Lec who was previously captured
by the British.
Shortly after his exchange he returned to
Rhode Island, and was invited to dine on
board the Adniral's ship, with many other
officers Of the highest grade. Con. Prescott
was naturally Il naughty impcrous man, and
a commander, very unpopular with
his officers and soldiers, and with the citizens
Of Newport, but WAS brave and skiiul Off
Ger.
1t was often the case that boys as we'll as
men were sent from the town on board the
Admral's ship for any offence, and confined
there for some time by the arbtary author
ity of those in power. Martial Law was the
law Of the place, \ small ladabout l3 years
Of age was placed in this situation, prev,ous
to General Prcsco,t's return. and was on
board, with many others. at the time the
General Gined there lie did not know
General Prescott.
After dinner the wine circulated freely,
and a toast and a song were repeatedly called
for. In the course Of the evening the first
Lieutenant observed to the Admiral, who
was real Jolly son Of Neptune, that there
was "A yankee lad on board who would shame
all their singing
Bring him up helc,' says Prescott
The boy was accordingly brought into the
cabin. The Admiral called on him to give
them q song. The little follow being some
what intimidatcd by gold-lacod coats, cpau-
lets, &c, replied - can't sing any songs
but yankee songs" The Admiral pcrcciy-
ing that lie was embarrassed, ordered the
steward to give him glass of wine, saying,
- come, my little fellow, don't be frightened,
give Us Que OF your yankee songs General
Prescott spoke in his usual naughty impe-
rious manner " you .-- young rebel, give
us Il song, or I'll give you Dozen The
Admiral interlercd and assured the lad that
he should be set at liberty the next day. 80 if
he would give them song, any one he could
! rccollect'
The following doggcrel, written by a sailor
Of Newport was then given, to the great
amusement of the company
Twas on a dark and stormy night
The winds and waves did roar,
Bold Barton then with twenty men
Went down unto the shore.
And in a whalc-boat they set OF
To Rhodes Island fair,
To catch a red-coat General
Who then resided there.
Through British fleets, ard guard boats strong,
They held their dangerous way,
Till they arrived unto the port
! And then did not delay.
A tawny Of Afric's race
Them through the rcyine- led
And entering then the Oycring- g-hcuse+
They found him in his bed.
But to get in they had no means,
Except poor Cudoc's head,
Who beat the door down, then rush'd in,
And sei1'd him in his bed.
Stop, lot put my brooches on,
The Central then did pray,
Your broechcs, Massn, will take,
For dress we cannot stay.
Then through rye stubbc him they led
With shoes and bruechcs none,
And placed him in their boat quite snug
And from the shore were gone.
Soon the alarm was sounded loud
The Yankees they have come,
And st1lon Prescott from his bed
And him they've carried home.
The drums were beat, sky rockets flew,
The soldiers shouldcrcd arms
And marched around the grounds they knew,
Fili'd with most dire alarms.
But through the feet, with muiflcd oars,
They held their devious way,
Aud landed him on Gansct shores,t
Where British held no sway.
When unto the land they came,
There rescue there was none
"a I'D b3id pu,h,' the Central said
" "UW~'ao,', / an ono"
There was Il general shout of all the com
pany during the whole song, and at the close
one who was prisoner on board at the time
observed, he A" thought the deck would come
through with the stamping and cheering.
General Prescott joined most heartily in
the merriment. Thrusting his hand into hi,
pocket he handed the boy guinea, saying
- here you young dog is guinea for you
The boy was set Mt liberty the next morning
/, Thisanecloto is olccn related by an pstC
gentleman now living in Newport.
~Ihere is deep rcyinc leading from the shore tc
tho house which was occupied by General Prescott.
t.ir. Overing was Tory and owuci the nous,
in which General Prcscstt resided.
! io was landed On NArrasansett shore near War
wick.
DEAD HoRsrs. The Turks in tho Crnncf