Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island Military History to Inpire and Educate the Public.

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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.
Rhode Island's "boy governor" William Sprague IV
Rhode Island’s “boy governor” William Sprague IV
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.

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

Colonial Yuletide Event at the Varnum House Museum Returns!

November 28, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

Celebrate General James Mitchel Varnum’s 275th Birthday at the Varnum House Museum’s Colonial Yuletide Open House (Sunday, December 17, 2023)

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

Preserving and sharing Rhode Island military history to inspire and educate the public.

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