for the management of the boats.  Having thus obtained an adequate number of officers and men, and everything being ready, the party, on the 4th of July, 1777, embarked from Tiverton for Bristol.  While crossing Mount Hope Bay, there arose a severe storm of thunder and rain, which separated three boats from that of their commander.  The boat containing Major Barton, and one other, arrived at Bristol soon after midnight.  Major Barton proceeded to the quarters of the commanding officer, where he found a deserter who had just made his escape from the enemy at Rhode-Island.  From this man he learned that there had been no alteration for the last few days in the position of the British.  On the morning of the fifth, the remaining boats having arrived, Major Barton, with his officers, went to Hog Island, not far distant from Bristol, and within view of the British encampment and shipping.  It was at this place that he disclosed to his officers the particular object of the enterprise, his reasons for attempting it, and the part each was to perform.  Upon reconnoitring the position of the enemy, it was thought impracticable, without great hazard of capture, to proceed directly from Bristol to the head-quarters of the British general.  It was determined, therefore, to make Warwick Neck, a place opposite to the British encampment, but at a greater distance than Bristol, the point from which they should depart immediately for Rhode-Island.  The closest secrecy was enjoined upon his officers by Major Barton, and they returned to Bristol.

“On the evening of the sixth, about nine o’clock, the little squadron again sailed, and crossing Narragansett Bay, landed on Warwick Neck.  On the seventh, the wind changing to E.N.E. brought on a storm, and retarded their plan.  On the ninth, the weather being pleasant, it was determined to embark for the island.  The boats were now numbered, and the place of every officer and soldier assigned.  About nine o’clock in the evening, Major Barton assembled his little party around him, and in a short but spirited address, in which were mingled the feelings of the soldier and the man, he disclosed to them the object of the enterprise.  He did not attempt to conceal the danger and difficulties that would inevitably attend the undertaking; nor did he forget to remind them, that should their efforts be followed by success, they would be entitled to, and would receive, the grateful acknowledgments of their country.  ‘It is probable,’ said he, ’that some of us may not survive the daring attempt; but I ask you to hazard no dangers which will not be shared with you by your commander; and I pledge to you my honor, that in every difficulty and danger I will take the lead.’  He received the immediate and unanimous assurance of the whole party, that they would follow wherever their commander should lead them.  Major Barton then, reminding them how much the success of the enterprise depended upon their strict attention to orders, directed that each individual should confine