Original Documents Relating to Stonington During the American Revolution

Archive

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Historic Stonington

Name/Title

Original Documents Relating to Stonington During the American Revolution

Entry/Object ID

2008.0906.0003

Scope and Content

Newport, RI, 1775 Sept 6 Deposition by Samuel and William Vernon seeking restitution of their Brigantine "Royal Charlotte", seized by Capt. James Wallace, 1775, the British naval officer, commander of the "HMS Rose" who led the attack on Stonington. It is of great interest that on June 14, 1775 Governor Nicholas Cooke wrote to Captain Wallace demanding that he return "the packets which he detains," vessels that Wallace had previously confiscated. Wallace responded, "are you not in open rebellion to your lawful sovereign, and the acts of the British legislature!" Only 4 days after this letter, Wallace seized the Vernon vessel, "Royal Charlotte." Channing and the Vernons were patriots in the American Revolution. The Vernons supplied the army with cannons and armaments. Also, copies of the Colonial Records of the State of Rhode Island relating to this subject.

Collection

American Revolution Collection