Database: Muffled oars

In July 1777, Major William Barton, along with some 40 men packed into 5 whaleboats, led a raid to capture British General Richard Prescott in his own headquarters on Aquidneck Island, near Newport. Sailing at night in absolute silence, it took 6 days to cross Narragansett Bay stealthily and to round the island in order to approach their target. Silence was key and the oars were allegedly covered with sheepskin to deaden their sound. On the last segment, on the night of the 10-11 of July, the expedition also benefited from a cloudy night. The plan perfectly worked as Barton and his troop passed by several British ships and landed unnoticed.