rrows.

"A negro belonging to one Strickler, at Gravesend, was taken
prisoner (as he says) last Sunday at Coney Island. Yesterday
he made his escape, and was taken prisoner by the rifle
guard. He reports eight hundred negroes collected on Staten
Island, this day to be formed into a regiment.

I am your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,
N. GREENE.
"To His Excellency Gen. Washington, Headquarters, New York."

Occasionally the public would be startled by the daring and bravery of
some negro in the American army, and then the true lovers of liberty,
North and South, would again urge that negroes be admitted into the
ranks of the army. When Lt.-Col. Barton planned for the capture of the
British Maj.-Gen. Prescott, who commanded the British army at Newport R.
I., and whose capture was necessary in order to effect the release of
Gen. Lee, who was then in the hands of the British, and of the same rank
as that of Gen. Prescott, Col. Barton's plan was made a success through
the aid of Prince, a negro in Col. Barton's command. The daring of the
exploit excited the highest patriotic commendations of the Americans,
and revived the urgent appeals that had been made for a place in the
armed ranks for all men, irrespective of color. The Pennsylvania Evening
_Post_ of Aug. 7th, 1777, gives the following account of the capture:

"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
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 se