Raid on Nathanael Greene's Spell Hall
Raid on Nathanael Greene's Spell Hall
Raid on Nathanael Greene's Spell Hall
Raid on Nathanael Greene's Spell Hall
Raid on Nathanael Greene's Spell Hall
Raid on Nathanael Greene's Spell Hall
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Raid on Nathanael Greene's Spell Hall
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See story in center column.
Rare 18th Century Glass Bottle Recovered
Carr’s Fort Find Shines Light on American Revolution's Southern Campaign
Researchers Discover Evidence of Jamestown Cannibalism
Paul Revere's Account of His Midnight Ride
From the Diary of Lieutenant Frederick Mackenzie on the Events of April 19th, 1775
Nameplate Hints at More Treasure for Pirate Shipwreck Whydah
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag Takes on the Golden Age of Piracy
Declaratory Act
An Account of the Boston Massacre
Help Wanted: War Department
Naval Stores in Philadelphia to be Reported to the Quarter-Master General
Curfew in Philadelphia
Thomas Jefferson's Original Tombstone Undergoing Repair and Preservation Work By Smithsonian
Gunpowder and Cannonball Found in Cannon on Display in Central Park
Replica of 1756 Sawmill Proposed at Ticonderoga
American Revolution Era Cheval De Frise Recovered From Delaware River
Providence Preservation Society Acquires Historic School
Blackbeard Killed Off North Carolina Coast
George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation
NBC Developing Series on George Washington
Eighth Virginia Regiment Flag From American Revolution Sold At Auction By Muhlenberg Descendant
Dugout Canoe Discovered at Turtle Island, SC
Collection of Autographs Featuring 56 Singers of the Declaration of Independence to be Auctioned
Benjamin Franklin on Daylight Savings Time
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Raid on Nathanael Greene's Spell Hall
Revolutionary War re-enactors from Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut came to the General Nathanael Greene Homestead in Coventry, RI over the weekend of May 11-12th to bring to life an intriguing alternative historical scenario, “Raid on Spell Hall”, where Greene’s home would be raided by British soldiers during the Spring of 1777.
Under the scenario, the British, occupying Aquidneck Island (including Newport), would launch an amphibious operation in an attempt to seize critical intelligence from the Greene homestead, noting that Greene had an increasingly influential role in Washington’s inner circle. At the same time, the raid would destroy the Greene ironworks foundry, a manufacturer of chains, anchors and other goods that were indirectly supporting the the war. (The Greene family’s Quaker religion disallowed its involvement in promoting the use of weapons. With Greene's involvement in the war, contrary to his family's religion, he came to be known as the "fighting Quaker".)
Greene constructed Spell Hall on the Pawtuxet River in 1770 when he moved from Warwick to Coventry to manage the foundry. Just a few years later, in 1774, he began acquiring and studying books on military tactics and also joined the Kentish Guards, a local “elite” militia in which members had to be voted in. Because he lacked military experience and had a noticeable limp, Greene was not voted in as an officer but did join as a private. Remarkably, by the last years of the American Revolution, he would become Washington’s most trusted general and widely praised for his military skills. General Charles Cornwallis, Greene’s British adversary during his command of the Southern army, remarked: “Greene is as dangerous as Washington. I never feel secure when encamped in his neighborhood. He is vigilant, enterprising, and full of resources."
Units participating in the scenario on the American side included Tew’s and Olney’s Co. of 2nd RI, the Artillery Co. of Newport, Le Regiment Bourbonias, the 6th Connecticut and Lincoln and Wilmington and elements of Sudbury Minutemen. On the Crown side were the 54th Regiment of Foot, 10th Regiment of Foot and 4th Regiment Kings Own.
For additional information on topics relating to this article click on any of the links below:
- Nathanael Greene, Maj. Gen., Continental Army (Map the Area!)
- Nathanael Greene Monument (Map the Area!)
- Nathanael Greene Homestead (Map the Area!)
- Nathanael Greene Monument Foundation
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The Ship, The fast sailing brig Upton, Samuel Pemberton, Master, |
| A letter of Marque carrying 17 Carriage Guns, Six and Four pounders and 4 Cohorns which will throw 6 pound shot, now lying in Briton's Bay will take in TOBACCO at Ten Pounds Sterling per Ton, consigned to James Gildart, Esq.; Merchant in Liverpool.
Any Gentleman inclining to ship Tobacco may, for further particulars, enquire of the subscriber in Leonard-town, or the said Master on board of the said Vessel. Also to be sold by the subscriber, a large quantity of white SALT.
Thomas Mason |
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TWENTY DOLLAR REWARD Ran away from Dumfries on the 11th instant, a likely stout Negro fellow, named FRANK, between 30 and 35 years of age, and about 5 feet 8 inches high; he had on a took with him when he went away a short blue coat with a red cape and a double row of plated buttons, a pair of black velvet breeches, and a coat and waistcoat; is supposed to have gone to Baltimore, Philadelphia or New-York. Whoever apprehends said Negro, and delivers him to the subscriber or to Hugh Ferguson in Dumfries (with whom he lived with before he went off) shall receive the above reward, or ten dollars if secured in any gaol so that I may get him again.
William Wilson |
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