Database: Jack Sisson, an African American raider

Jack Sisson was an enslaved African American who played a key role in Barton's plan to captured General Prescott, including acting as pilot of the leading boat. Some time after the raid, Sisson enlisted in the recently reorganized Rhode Island Regiment which had the particularity of recruiting enslaved African American and Native troops in segregated companies. While the masters received some compensation, the recruits were supposed to be granted freedom at the end of their service. Sisson fought all through the war, including the battles of Rhode Island and Yorktown. He died at age 78.