by contrast, william barton would live for many years. he gained tremendous reputation for planning and leading the capture of general prescott. after the war, barton became a member of the federalist party. rhode islanders preferred to remain virtually independent and were the last holdout of the original 13 colonies adopting the constitution. 1790, when the state convention narrowly voted to ratify the constitution, william barton was given the distinct honor of bringing the news to president washington himself. here is a portrait of william barton at the rhode island historical society made about that time. it is a painting of the one at brown university. after the war, many continental army officers returned to former positions as successful lawyers, merchants, and lawyers. barton had been a hatter prior to the war. now that he was a war hero, he had too much pride to return to that role. he always struggled with money. he was appointed to the top federal post in the state, collector of taxes at providence work. he had trouble supporti