ton's head-quarters in New Jersey.

In the spring of 1778 Prescott was exchanged for General Charles Lee,
and returned to Rhode Island. Soon afterward the British Admiral invited
the General to dine with him and his officers on board his ship, then
lying in front of Newport. Martial law yet prevailed on the Island, and
men and boys were frequently sent by the authorities on shore to be
confined in the ship as a punishment for slight offenses. There were
several on board at that time.

After dinner the free use of wine made the company hilarious, and toasts
and songs were frequently called for. A lieutenant remarked to the
Admiral, "There is a Yankee lad confined below who can shame any of us
in singing."

"Bring him up," said the Admiral.

"Yes, bring him up," said Prescott.

The boy was brought into the cabin. He was pale and slender, and about
thirteen years of age. Abashed by the presence of great officers, with
their glittering uniforms, he timidly approached, when the Admiral,
seeing his embarrassment, spoke kindly to him, and asked him to sing a
song.

"I can't sing any but Yankee songs," said the trembling boy.

"Come, my little fellow, don't be afraid," said the Admiral. "Sing one
of your Yankee songs--any one you can recollect."

The boy still hesitated, when the brutal Prescott, who was a stranger to
the lad, roared out,

"Give us a song, you little rebel, or I'll give you a dozen lashes."

This cruel salutation was innocently met most severely by the child,
when, encouraged by kind words from the Admiral, he sang, with a sweet
voice and modest manner, the following ballad, composed by a sailor of
Newport:

"Twas on a dark and stormy night--
The wind and waves did roar--
Bold Barton then, with twenty men,
Went down upon the shore.

"And in a whale-boat they set off
To Rhode Island fair,
To catch a redcoat General
Who then resided there.

"Through British fleets and guard-boats strong
They held their dangerous way,
Till they arrived unto their port,
And then did not delay.

"A tawny son of Afric's race
Them through the ravine led,
And entering then the Overing house,
They found him in his bed.

"But to get in they had no means
Except poor Cuffee's head,
Who beat the door down, then rushed in,
And seized him in his bed.

"Stop! let me put my clothing on!"
The General then did pray;
'Your clothing, massa, I will take