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You are here: Home / Archives for Bull Run

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Civil War Enlistment Document from the First New England Cavalry

February 11, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.
Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.

The First New England Cavalry was the brain child of Rhode Island Governor William Sprague IV, who wanted all New England states to contribute to a new cavalry regiment in the Fall of 1861. The unit ended up being comprised of only two states: two Rhode Island battalions and one battalion from New Hampshire.

After just a few months, the federal government made them change their name to the First Rhode Island Cavalry, as only state units were allowed at the time (much to the outrage of the New Hampshire men in the unit).  Documents having the cavalry’s original name are extremely rare. And here we have an enlistment document for a man who went on to become the First Rhode Island Cavalry’s regimental quartermaster.

Also in this gallery is a carte de visite (photograph) of Rhode Island’s “boy governor” William Sprague IV (circa 1861) when acting as Aide de Camp of General Ambrose Burnside, head of the Rhode Island Brigade. Sprague was the only acting Rhode Island governor to fight and lead men in battle, and had his horse shot out from under him at the First Battle of Bull Run (July 21, 1861).

Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.
Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.
Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.
Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.
Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.
Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.
Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.
Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.
Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.
Enlistment document for he First Rhode Island Cavalry.
Rhode Island's "boy governor" William Sprague IV
Rhode Island’s “boy governor” William Sprague IV

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, Bull Run, cavalry, civil war, historic documents, varnum memorial armory, William Sprague

[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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