Major Samuel Lawrence “at one time commanded a company whose rank and file were all Negroes, of whose courage, military discipline, and fidelity he always spoke with respect.  On one occasion, being out reconnoitring with this company, he got so far in advance of his command, that he was surrounded, and on the point of being made prisoner by the enemy.  The men, soon discovering his peril, rushed to his rescue, and fought with the most determined bravery till that rescue was effectually secured.  He never forgot this circumstance, and ever after took especial pains to show kindness and hospitality to any individual of the colored race who came near his dwelling."[583]

Gen. Lee, of the American army, was captured by Col.  Harcourt of the British army.  It was regarded as a very distressing event; and preparations were made to capture a British officer of the same rank, so an exchange could be effected.  Col.  Barton of the Rhode-Island militia, a brave and cautious officer, was charged with the capture of Major-Gen. Prescott, commanding the royal army at Newport.  On the night of the 9th of July, 1777, Col.  Barton, with forty men, in two boats with muffled oars, evaded the enemy’s boats, and, being taken for the sentries at Prescott’s head-quarters, effected that officer’s capture—­a Negro taking him.  The exploit was bold and successful.

“They landed about five miles from Newport, and three-quarters of a mile from the house, which they approached cautiously, avoiding the main guard, which was at some distance. The Colonel went foremost, with a stout, active negro close behind him, and another at a small distance; the rest followed so as to be near, but not seen.

“A single sentinel at the door saw and hailed the Colonel; he answered by exclaiming against, and inquiring for, rebel prisoners, but kept slowly advancing.  The sentinel again challenged him, and required the countersign.  He said he had not the countersign, but amused the sentry by talking about rebel prisoners, and still advancing till he came within reach of the bayonet, which, he presenting, the Colonel suddenly struck aside and seized him.  He was immediately secured, and ordered to be silent, on pain of instant death. Meanwhile, the rest of the men surrounding the house, the negro, with his head, at the second stroke forced a passage into it, and then into the landlord’s apartment.  The landlord at first refused to give the necessary intelligence; but, on the prospect of present death he pointed to the General’s chamber, which being instantly opened by the negro’s head, the Colonel calling the General by name, told him he was a prisoner."[584]

Another account was published by a surgeon of the army, and is given here:—­