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You are here: Home / Speaking Program / [APR. 10 DINNER MEETING] “My Poor Boys…ALL Are Gone!”: The First Rhode Island Cavalry in the Gettysburg Campaign

[APR. 10 DINNER MEETING] “My Poor Boys…ALL Are Gone!”: The First Rhode Island Cavalry in the Gettysburg Campaign

April 3, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

Armory Vice President & Museum Curator Patrick DonovanAt the Varnum Members’ Meeting (on Monday, April 10, 2017), Varnum Memorial Armory Museum Curator Patrick Donovan tells the story of the First Rhode Island Cavalry and their important role in the Gettysburg Campaign of June 1863.

As Confederate General Robert E. Lee began to execute his daring plan to invade the North with his confident, battle-hardened Army of Northern Virginia, the First Rhode Island Cavalry were tasked with finding Lee’s 78,000 men to determine Lee’s intentions and ultimate objective.  Accomplishing this mission meant dueling with the legendary troopers of the famed Confederate Cavalry Chief, General J.E.B Stuart.  On June 17th, alone and behind enemy lines, 280 Rhode Islanders rode into Middleburg, VA led by their unique and controversial French Colonel only to face their final destiny.

Patrick Donovan will tell their harrowing story along with providing a brief history of the regiment and background of the Battle of Gettysburg. Original First RI Cavalry artifacts and items from this campaign will also be shared.

Reservations must be received by 5:00 PM Friday, April 7.  Call Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or email him at scott@ritemps.com.

TIME: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
MENU: “Steak Fry” including a premium steak with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, salad, rolls & butter, coffee, and dessert.
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20/person

Our restored and newly-framed Company L guidon flag
Our restored and newly-framed Company L guidon flag
Our restored and newly-framed Company L guidon flag
1st Rhode Island Cavalry guidon flag being professionally framed at Crestar Picture Framing
1st Rhode Island Cavalry guidon flag being professionally framed at Crestar Picture Framing
1st Rhode Island Cavalry Company L guidon flag
1st Rhode Island Cavalry Regiment (Company L) guidon flag

Join the Varnum Continentals for $50!

At only $50 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



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Filed Under: Speaking Program, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, civil war, Patrick Donovan, speaker program, varnum memorial armory

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

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.

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