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You are here: Home / Archives for Christian McBurney

[MAY 8 DINNER MEETING] Abductions in the American Revolution: Christian McBurney speaks about his latest book

May 2, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

Abductions in the American Revolution: Attempts to Kidnap George Washington, Benedict Arnold and Other Military and Civilian Leaders
“Abductions in the American Revolution” by Christian M. McBurney

At the Monday, May 8 Varnum Continentals Members’ Meeting, respected historian and author Christian McBurney will talk about his latest book, “Abductions in the American Revolution: Attempts to Kidnap George Washington, Benedict Arnold and Other Military and Civilian Leaders” (McFarland, 2016).

This book covers more than thirty major attempted and successful abductions of military and civilian leaders from 1775 to 1783, from Maine to Georgia, and including two in Great Britain. George Washington supported attempts to kidnap the British commander-in-chief (twice), Benedict Arnold (after he turned traitor), and Prince William Henry (a future king of Great Britain).  Washington in turn was targeted at his Morristown, New Jersey, winter headquarters in an attempt that could have succeeded. Other targets included Thomas Jefferson, Philip Schuyler, Charles Lee, and Richard Prescott.

Christian McBurney, independent historian
Christian M. McBurney, independent historian

Christian McBurney is an independent historian who has written several Revolutionary War books, three of them focusing on Rhode Island. He is an attorney in a Washington, D.C. law firm and resides in Kensington, Maryland. This will be Christian’s fourth presentation at the Varnum  Memorial Armory Museum.

Reservations must be received by 5:00 PM Friday, May 5.  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: Steamship round and ham carving stations, twice-baked potatoes, vegetables,
salad, rolls & butter, dessert & coffee.
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main St, East Greenwich, RI, 02818.
FEE: $20/person

Books by Christian M. McBurney

Christian M. McBurney is an independent historian who has written several books about the American Revolutionary War (several focusing on Rhode Island). He is an attorney in a Washington, D.C. law firm and resides in Kensington, Maryland. In addition, he is is the editor and publisher of the website “Small State, Big History,” the online review of Rhode Island History.

CoverTitle
The Rhode Island Campaign McBurney"The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War" by Christian M. McBurney
Abductions in the American Revolution Attempts to Kidnap George Washington, Benedict Arnold and Other Military and Civilian Leaders by Christian M McBurney"Kidnapping the Enemy: The Special Operations to Capture Generals Charles Lee and Richard Prescott" by Christian M. McBurney
"World War II Rhode Island" by Christian M. McBurney, Brian L Wallin, Patrick T Conley
"Abductions in the American Revolution: Attempts to Kidnap George Washington, Benedict Arnold and Other Military and Civilian Leaders" by Christian M. McBurney
"Untold Stories from World War II Rhode Island" by Christian M. McBurney, Norman Desmarais, Varoujan Karentz
"George Washington's Nemesis: The Outrageous Treason and Unfair Court-Martial of Major General Charles Lee during the Revolutionary War" by Christian M. McBurney
"Spies in Revolutionary Rhode Island" by Christian M McBurney

Filed Under: Speaking Program, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: Benedict Arnold, Christian McBurney, George Washington, revolutionary war, speaker program, thomas jefferson, Varnum Membership

[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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