Every so often we still find incredible bits of U.S. history tucked away in a corner at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. This framed note with a tiny bit of fabric is the latest. After transcribing the note and some Googling, we discovered that it is a remnant from the first British Revolutionary War flag taken from the English by American colonists. The note reads:
The included is a piece of the flag carried in the Federal procession of 1778*. Mrs. Louisa Casey from her brother, John NY 5th Regt. 1836 (?)… A remnant of the first standard taken from the English in the American Revolution. For Mrs. Louisa Casey’s museum of antiquities. Taken from the Phila —
On the back it reads:
Presented by Miss Ora Foster formerly of East Greenwich now of Anthony, RI. Miss Louise A Casey lived in the Casey House which formerly stood at the corner of Main & Division St. (East Greenwich). Later moved to Spencer Ave. (Warwick).
* The Federal Processions occurred in 1788. They were very large municipal celebrations of the ratification of the United States Constitution that took place in Philadelphia and New York City.
