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You are here: Home / Museum Exhibits / [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Transcript of George Washington’s Letter to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Transcript of George Washington’s Letter to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum

September 20, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

Here’s a transcription of our newer exhibits at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: George Washington’s letter to General James Mitchell Varnum (written on the eve of the Battle of Red Bank, NJ). This item is currently available for viewing.  Just click here to book a tour of the Armory! 

IMAGE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON’S LETTER:

George Washington’s letter to General James Mitchell Varnum before the Battle at Red Bank, NJ.
George Washington’s letter to General James Mitchell Varnum before the Battle at Red Bank, NJ.

TRANSCRIPTION:

Sir

This Evening received your favor of this date.  The regiments under Cols Greene + Angel are to proceed to Red Bank according to orders.  I desire to be in formed of their precise arrival by this head quarters at day light tomorrow, and that you + Genl Huntington will join me with the remainder, as early as you can.

I am forever your most obed servt
G Washington

Head Quarters
Frederick Wampole
October 8 : 1777

RESEARCH NOTES:

  • “Col Greene” was RI Christopher Greene.  He was later awarded a special sword in 1780 for his bravery and valor at Red Bank.  The Varnum Continentals have a copy of his written award in the Commander’s Office at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.
  • “Frederick Wampole” was a resident of Dotwiler Road, Towamencin Township, PA.  His house served as Washington’s headquarters from Oct 8th through the 16th, 1777.  His house was demolished in 1881.  The Continental Army paid him “28.5.4 pounds for expenses”.  The correct spelling of his name is Friedrick Wamboldt.
  • The big question is this: did Washington himself write the whole letter or did he just sign it?  Via looking at a other Washington letters, it appears to be his hand writing, but this would require expert verification.  The signature’s penmanship looks different than the letter itself … but a wide discrepancy between prose penmanship and signature penmanship is not unusual.  The pen ink might be different, though; this would also require expert verification.

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Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: George Washington, james mitchell varnum, Red Bank, revolutionary war, varnum memorial armory

[MAY 8 VARNUM MEMBER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on “El Salvador: US participation in a Central American Civil War

May 4, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

In 1991, Greg Banner (a US Army Major at the time) was assigned as an advisor in El Salvador. The US had established an advisory team approximately 10 years prior to help that country fight a communist insurgency. Major Banner spent 15 months as the team leader for one of the several district teams living with and helping Salvadoran units fight their war. This presentation will provide some background to the war and then an overview of one soldier’s experiences there, up to and including the peace treaty which was signed at the end of his tour.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

Recent Posts

  • [MAY 8 VARNUM MEMBER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on “El Salvador: US participation in a Central American Civil War
  • [APR. 10 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Blake Ruehrwein on Monuments Officers of the 21st Century
  • [MAR. 20 DINNER MEETING] Maria Vazquez on Conservation of the USS Constellation Anchor

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