A Kidnapping Plan

Before retiring, Barton took his four officers to Hog Island, just off the mainland. And there, in full view of the British ships, they could see the British tent encampments on Aquidneck and the men-of-war anchored in the bay. Only then did Barton assemble his little party around him and, in a short but spirited address, disclosed to them his plan to kidnap General Prescott from his own quarters, his reasons for attempting it and the part each was to perform. To avoid the British, they would row to Warwick Neck, on the mainland opposite the northern tip of Prudence Island. From there they would head through the narrow passage between Prudence and a small island called Patience, and then hug the Prudence shore to its southern end. Finally, they would cut across the channel to Aquidneck Island, landing at the cove below the Overing house.

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,” he said, ”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.”

The men, “who knew nothing of my intentions,” Barton later wrote, “seemed somewhat surprised.” They were astonished at its boldness, but were not deterred by the evident risk which it involved. A shout went around the circle: “We will go!”

They then returned to Bristol, after a solemn pledge to reveal nothing respecting the purpose of the expedition. Col. Barton pr...

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...he chilling thought that he had been decoyed into a trap. But the sound died away; it was apparently nothing more sinister than a few horses frolicking in a pasture.

Unobserved, the brave patriots ran the gauntlet, and reached the head of Coddington’s Cove in safety at the mouth of a small stream which passed by the quarters of Prescott. It was midnight when the party scampered ashore for the three-quarter mile hike to the Overing House where General Prescott was staying. The first critical point in their journey had now come. Apprehensive that if discovered, the enemy might attempt to cut off his retreat, he ordered one man to remain in each boat, and be prepared to depart at a moment's warning. Barton divided his men into several squads, assigning to each its duty and station, and then, with the strictest order and profound silence, they advanced toward the house.