The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1877-07-19

up his share on condition that the Off
GERS would agree to share with the sol>
diers equally, which they did. Congress
also voted the Colonel a sword in appre-
citation of his address and gallantry,
which he received in 1886, through Gems
eral Knox, Secretary of War. The
sword is now in possession OF a grand
son.
Colonel Barton, whose exploit is here
briefly chronicled, was son OF Benja-
min Barton, and was born in Warren,
r. l., May GO, I748. He served an ap-
premiership at hating, and early set up
the business in Providence. He lived
at one time on South Main street, but at
the time of his decease his home stood
on the site occupied by the Blackstone
Block on Weybosset street. The aspect
of public affairs preceding the outburst
of the revolution interested him much,
and the spirit of the times doubtless did
not little to shape his military life. A
visit to Cambridge, Lexington and Con-
cord in season to witness the sad results
of the 10Th of April. may have still furth-
er stimulated his patriotism.
early in I775 young Barton entered
the army with the rank Of corporal, and
shortly after the battle OF Bunker Hill
Joined the Provincial forces near Boston.
His military advancement may be thus
summed up:
First, adiutant Of the first regiment
for Providence county, then captain
lieutenant, then major Of brigade for
Providence county, then major OF the
coIony's brigade, then lieutenant colo
mel, then colonel Of the State militia and
then colonel in the Continental army.
after the close of the war he was elected
State Adjutant General, and IN 1902 was
commissioned major general of the mi
litia of Rhode Island.
"In 1871 Colonel Barton obtained
charter of township of land in Yer.
mont, to which his name was given.
His subsequent transactions in this prop
erty involved him in an unjust law suit,
by which in 1872 and 1873 he was
thrown upon prison limits until 1924,
when he was released by his old COM
panion in arms, General Lafayette,
who was then making his memorable
and triumphal tour through the United
States. fnexpressibly panied by the
thought that he should not be permitted
the pleasure of taking him once more
by the hand--a pain Unexpectedly re-
lieved by subsequent event-the Colo
mel addressed TO the General the follow
ing letter; ,m
o. b. "DANvILLE GAoL LIMITS, |
June 26, 1926. !
"MY DEAR GENERAL; Ishould have
considered it the greatest pleasure |
could possibly have had this side heav-
en- to have had the opportunity of seeing
and embracing you in your tour through
New England, and more particularly
through this State; but the unfortunate
circumstances in which am and have
been for the last twelve years, must
plead my excuse. The privations and
sorrows have experienced in this long
and as | think unjust Imprisonment,
have been great, but far the greatest of
them have been the reflection that can |
not Join my countrymen and friends in
testimonials Of gratitude to my countrys
friend and benefactor. In any ordinary |
case | should not hesitate for moment.
/ would see you at any risk, but mine
consider more than common case; in |
fact, consider it so extraordinary, that |
have long pledged my honor, the
honor Of an old soldier, that never will
depart from these limits until | have
some satisfaction for the injustice done
me. This is one reason why ! cannot
consent to pay the amount for which |
am here in prison. If no other reason
existed this need not say to you, would
be sufficient to detain me here. | have
requested my friend, General Cushman,
to see you, and to make my excuse for
not being at Bunker's hill on the 18TH
inst, where it would have been my
greatest pleasure to have joined my old
on that great and joyous oc-
;asion.
Farewell, my dear General; it is the
asst time, probably, ! shall have the
opportunity of saying so until we meet
n better and happier world.
"In his long imprisonment referred
o. and from which as already men
ioned, he was released and restored to
lis family by the generosity Of Lafayette,
he Colonel was not without warm and
friends, though his deter
nination not to leave the prison limits
lntil he had obtained governmental re.
lress, prevented their doing, with his
what Lafayette accomplished
Without consulting him. The following
extracts from letters received by the
colonel, express the feelings of all who
we're familiar with the merits of the
ase. S. B. Barrell, an eminent lawyer
n Boston. while preparing a history of
he law suit to be laid before Congress,
yrote: You may rely upon my best
xertions in aid of the unfortunate and
neritorious officer Of the revolution.
hink your country has most shamefully
neglected you, but | do not despair of
interesting Congress in your behalf, and
btaining for you at least a liberation
rom confinement, And Royal Tyler,
prominent counselor of Brattleboro,
It., wrote under date of September 6,
8I6. 1t is needless to add that do
most sincerely sympathize with you in
our unmerited troubles. But it is the
ommon lot of life, and you will not
e the first or the last revolutionary
atriot which history will present to pos
Gritty as equally remarkable for his
ravery and misfortune. Colonel Bar
On departed this life in Providence,
october %, 1891, aged IS years, having
eld many positions of honor and
'ust."
THE BATTLE OF The BOYNE,