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You are here: Home / Historic Preservation / [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Letter from General George Washington to General James Mitchell Varnum Finds a Home at the Varnum Memorial Armory

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Letter from General George Washington to General James Mitchell Varnum Finds a Home at the Varnum Memorial Armory

December 29, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

By Reed Tremblay, State President
Rhode Island Children of the American Revolution

The Rhode Island State Society Children of the American Revolution and the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum partnered to research and transcribe a letter from General George Washington to General James Mitchell Varnum in October of 1777.

General Varnum was a prominent East Greenwich, Rhode Island resident at the time, a graduate of Brown University, a legislator and lawyer, an early pioneer to the Ohio country, and of course, a key contributor to America’s fight for independence during the Revolutionary War. General Varnum will be remembered for advocating for allowing freed African American slaves to enlist in the Continental Army, which resulted in the reorganization of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment as a racially integrated unit in 1778.

Letter from General George Washington to General James Mitchell Varnum (Oct. 1777)

The letter has been preserved and is on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. The letter transcription is below:

Sir,

I this evening received your favour of this date. The Regiments under Cols. Greene & Angell are to proceed to Red Bank according to orders. I desire to be informed of their precise arrival by this express at daylight tomorrow, and that you and Gen’l Huntington will join me with the remainder as early as you can.

I am sir

Your most obedient servant

Head Q’rs at Fred’k Wamboldt G. Washington

October 8, 1777

Visit the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum to see the letter and to read the history associated with it. For more information on the Rhode Island Children of the American Revolution, visit www.risscar.org.


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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: Historic Preservation, Museum Exhibits Tagged With: George Washington

[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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