William Barton Nabs a General
William Barton is another one of those Founders that I’ve written about before and generally would not have given a second article (yet) if it were not for my learning more about a certain event he was involved in.
Today, we will dive into Barton’s capture of British Major General Richard Prescott.
To read more about other parts of Barton’s life, check out this article:
William Barton Delivers News of Rhode Island’s Ratification
William Barton
William Barton signed up to fight with the Patriots as soon as word arrived of Lexington and Concord.
Barton participated in the Battle of Bunker Hill and quickly began ascending up the ranks of Rhode Island’s forces.
Like most other colonies, Rhode Island had an important militia. Unlike most other colonies (and later, States) Rhode Island also had its own small army.
Barton spent the first few years of the Revolutionary War associated with these troops.
Richard Prescott
By 1777, British Major General Richard Prescott had already been captured by the Continental Army once before, securing his release in an exchange for John Sullivan.
Prescott was then sent to oversee the fleet at Newport, RI.
Richard decided to take up residence in a house on an island between the ships in port and his small army camped outside the city.
By all accounts, this should have been a secure place for a General to stay.
William Barton had other ideas.
The Kidnapping
William Barton selected an elite group of men who were known to be good rowers from his small selection of soldiers.
To keep everything secret, this unit was not even told of the plans until they arrived at the boats.
They rowed about ten miles in the middle of the night with no lights and soundproofed oars to get to Prescott’s island.
Barton’s detachment arrived at the house and subdued the on guard at the door. They then continued into the house and arrested Prescott and his number two who knew they did not have a chance at escape.
By the time an alarm was raised, Barton and his boys were already back across the harbor with their prize.
Travels
William was hailed as a hero and offered commission as an officer in the Continental Army, though he decided to remain with Rhode Island’s military.
The following year, he was wounded in a small skirmish with the Redcoats. He would never fully heal from the injury but did live a long life afterward.
When Rhode Island FINALLY ratified the US Constitution, Barton was the one chosen to ride to New York City and announce the decision.
Unfortunately, William invested in land in Vermont but was sued for selling two people the same property. He was kept on a quasi house arrest, being told to remain within the confines of town until he could pay his fine.
He stayed in town (which was curiously named Barton in his honor) from the ages of 64 to 77 until the Marquis de Lafayette came through on his Farewell Tour and paid the fee for a fellow war hero to return to Rhode Island.
Want to learn about other RHODE ISLAND FOUNDERS?
OK, here you go:
John Collins and the Sacrifice of Popularity for Union
Samuel Ward Sets Petty Issues Aside
Peleg Arnold - The Rare Rhode Island Federalist
For a fairly obscure Founder, you might be surprised to learn that Barton has a biography.
Check out ‘America’s Forgotten Hero’ to learn more about his fascinating life.
If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).
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