Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Transcript of George Washington’s Letter to Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum

September 20, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

Here’s a transcription of our newer exhibits at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: George Washington’s letter to General James Mitchell Varnum (written on the eve of the Battle of Red Bank, NJ). This item is currently available for viewing.  Just click here to book a tour of the Armory! 

IMAGE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON’S LETTER:

George Washington’s letter to General James Mitchell Varnum before the Battle at Red Bank, NJ.
George Washington’s letter to General James Mitchell Varnum before the Battle at Red Bank, NJ.

TRANSCRIPTION:

Sir

This Evening received your favor of this date.  The regiments under Cols Greene + Angel are to proceed to Red Bank according to orders.  I desire to be in formed of their precise arrival by this head quarters at day light tomorrow, and that you + Genl Huntington will join me with the remainder, as early as you can.

I am forever your most obed servt
G Washington

Head Quarters
Frederick Wampole
October 8 : 1777

RESEARCH NOTES:

  • “Col Greene” was RI Christopher Greene.  He was later awarded a special sword in 1780 for his bravery and valor at Red Bank.  The Varnum Continentals have a copy of his written award in the Commander’s Office at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum.
  • “Frederick Wampole” was a resident of Dotwiler Road, Towamencin Township, PA.  His house served as Washington’s headquarters from Oct 8th through the 16th, 1777.  His house was demolished in 1881.  The Continental Army paid him “28.5.4 pounds for expenses”.  The correct spelling of his name is Friedrick Wamboldt.
  • The big question is this: did Washington himself write the whole letter or did he just sign it?  Via looking at a other Washington letters, it appears to be his hand writing, but this would require expert verification.  The signature’s penmanship looks different than the letter itself … but a wide discrepancy between prose penmanship and signature penmanship is not unusual.  The pen ink might be different, though; this would also require expert verification.

Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: George Washington, james mitchell varnum, Red Bank, revolutionary war, varnum memorial armory

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] George Washington’s Letter to James Mitchell Varnum (Battle of Red Bank, NJ)

August 15, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

We just completed a custom frame using high-quality museum glass to display George Washington’s letter to General James Mitchell Varnum (written on the eve of the Battle of Red Bank, NJ). We will proudly display this original letter in our museum for the public to see.

BOOK A TOUR HERE:
http://varnumcontinentals.org/book-a-tour/

George Washington's letter to General James Mitchell Varnum before the Battle at Red Bank, NJ.
George Washington’s letter to General James Mitchell Varnum before the Battle at Red Bank, NJ.

Filed Under: Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: George Washington, historic document, James Varnum, Red Bank

[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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