|
Back To Digby Co.
Barton
The circumstances attending demise of Joseph Barton, Lieutenant Colonel of a New Jersey Volunteer Regiment in the British
service during the American Revolution, as described to the Author, were peculiarly distressing. Amidst the convivalities
surrounding the bar-room of Reid's Hotel in Digby during a winter evening, the guests were discussing their work and
prospects. The social glass had increased their self-confidence and ardour, while removing temporarily the caution so
necessary in clearing forests. Lt.-Col. Barton though never having felled a tree, bravely insisted he could do so unaided,
as expediously and successfully as the most experienced. Dr. Joseph Marvin expostulated, but Col. Barton eagerly laid a high
wager to that effect. Not to be outdone the Doctor complied. On following day, the Colonel coolly chopped a lofty birch on
premises adjoining "Birch Place,"--which, alas, levelled him to the ground, mortally wounded! He was buried February
19th, 1788, according to records evidence,"from the fall of a tree." This speaks in thunder tones to the rash
and thoughtless!!
Isaiah W. Wilson.Geography and History of the County of Digby. Cha.24, p.370.
Back To Digby Co.
|