The New Hampshire Gazette

MISCELLANY.

From the National Advocate.

If the facts contained in the following article from the Hartford Times, be correct, and we can imagine no cause for misrepresentation on such a subject, we are surprised that they never have been given to the world before. -- That one of the heroes of our revolution should have languished in a prison for 12 long years, because he had not the ability to pay his debts, however incurred, or however great the amount, is bordering on the incredible. We should humbly conceive that it would only be necessary for the community in the vicinity of this imprisoned veteran to be made acquainted with the truth of the following statement, in order to spare us the shame of La Fayette's knowledge of the matter, as well as the necessity of his interference in it; if not, an appeal to the community generally, would receive prompt and efficient attention. The ladies of New-York, would be zealous in the glorious work of restoring this aged hero to liberty and home.

Another Revolutionary General alive, but in distress. -- After noticing the paragraph which announces that Gen. Sumpter, one of the general officers of the revolution, is still alive, as it has been often said that La Fayette was the only one, a writer in the Hartford Conn. Times, remarks :

"In addition to the above, permit me to declare, that editors of newspapers, the people and government itself, seem also to have forgotten Gen. William Barton, of Providence, R. I.; who instead of being surrounded by his grandchildren, is to this day, and has been for twelve successive years past, imprisoned for heavy bills of costs, in the town of Danville, in the State of Vermont. This revolutionary hero, now about 78 years of age, in the year 1777, at the risk of his reputation and life, planned and carried into effect the bold enterprise of capturing Maj. Gen. Prescott of the British army, whose head quarters at that time, were on the island of Rhode-Island. The chief object of this undertaking was to obtain a British officer of equal rank with the American Gen. Green, and ultimately with a view to effect the exchange of that valuable soldier, who had been taken the preceding year. For this heroic act he was presented with a sword, and received the thanks of Congress.* But is this enough? How many thousands would have been paid for the redemption of Green? Shall the venerable old patriot be suffered to linger out the remainder of his days, deprived of that liberty and those privileges, to obtain which, he performed so much, and risked his all. Forbid it our country! Forbid it La Fayette! For one word from thee to our national government in his behalf, would restore this hoary veteran to the bosom of an anxious family -- to the bosom of an affectionate wife, who still, at the age of 72, resides at Providence, indulging a faint hope that she may yet, before death, see the face of that beloved husband, from whom she has now been separated for twelve long and tedious years. Is there no redeeming spirit, to intercede for the unfortunate prisoner? La Fayette listen to my feeble voice, and to the invaluable services which you have heretofore rendered to our country, add this one more, of restoring one of your brother officers of '77, to liberty and his family."

*See Marshall's Life of Washington.