Varnum Continentals

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

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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.

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] 1889 George Washington bronze inaugural centennial commemorative medal

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Here’s a neat little thing we found while cleaning in the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum. This very large medallion is an 1889 George Washington bronze inaugural centennial commemorative medal! A Skinner Auctions catalog described another example of this same medal:

George Washington Bronze Inaugural Centennial Medal, Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848–1907), modeled by Philip Martiny (1858-1927), 1889, cast mold bronze medallion, the obverse depicting a profile bust of Washington wearing a Continental Army uniform, under the inscription ‘GEORGE WASHINGTON’ with the fasces of magistracy on the right, and center inscription ‘PATER PAT/ RIAE/MDCCL/XX/XIX’, surrounded by a border of thirteen stars; signed under the bust ‘PHILIP MARTINY MODELER DESIGN AND/COPYRIGHT BY AVGVSTVS SAINT GAVDENS’; the reverse depicting a spread wing American eagle with the inscription ‘TO COMMEMORATE THE INAUGURATION OF GEORGE WASHINGTON AS FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AT NEW YORK APRIL XXX (30th), MDCCLXXXIX (1789), BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMITTEE ON CELEBRATION NEW YORK, APRIL XXX (30th), MDCCCLXXXIX (1889).,’ the lower left depicting the New York State coat of arms, bordered with thirty-eight stars, diameter is 4 1/2 inches.

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

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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

Varnum House Museum Announces Tour Hours for 2017 Season!

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Varnum House Docents prepared for a school tour.
Varnum House Docents

We’re pleased to announce that the Varnum House Museum will be open for the 2017 tour season in June, July, and August on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Tours include a dynamic program featuring costumed interpreters leading our guests through this house museum’s rich history.  Contact the Varnum House Museum by calling 401-884-1776 or email house@varnumcontinentals.org.

A Mansion Built by General James Mitchell Varnum

The Varnum House Museum in East Greenwich, RI.

It was 1773 when James Mitchell Varnum purchased a large plot of land overlooking Greenwich Bay in East Greenwich, RI, for the sum of $90. Varnum, a gifted 24 year-old lawyer, did not buy the property solely for the view, but also because it sat behind the Kent County Courthouse (now East Greenwich Town Hall) where the most powerful and influential colonial leaders frequently met. As a prominent figure in the Revolutionary War and early-American politics, Varnum attracted a “who’s who” of guests to his mansion including George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, Rochambeau, John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene, and many others.

Pianoforte made by William Frecker of London
18th-century pianoforte by William Frecker of London

Varnum House Museum Architecture

Constructed by master builder John Reynolds, the house was built in keeping with the best architectural standards of the late 18th century. This Georgian-styled mansion has a hipped roof, modillioned cornices, heavily-moulded caps, and a central pedimented doorway with columned porch. The Varnum House Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

 

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] 1839 Lithograph of General George Washington

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1839 lithograph of General George Washington
1839 lithograph of General George Washington

Here’s another great exhibit at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: a large 1839 lithograph of General George Washington (the frame looks very old as well). You’ll be able to see it in our main display room.  Here’s the description:

Originally painted by Parisian artist Leon Cogniet, engraved by Jean Nicolas Laugier, and sold by James Herring of New York, this is a handsome print of Washington from the first half of the nineteenth century. It highlights the fashion in American culture for images of George Washington. During his life and following his death, Washington was elevated to national symbol, and his image graced every possible object from water jugs to neckerchiefs. Prints showing Washington were issued during his life-time and pretty much continuously throughout the nineteenth century. This is one of the most impressive full-figure engravings produced. This portrait is especially fine, taken from Gilbert Stuart’s work from the neck up, but realistically portraying Washington’s stature. As his adopted son, George Washington Parke Custis, noted, Cogniet’s representation was one of only two extant to capture Washington’s ‘matchless limbs.’

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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