Do you have an ancestor who served in Rhode Island during the War for Independence? As a local historian I relish information on those who fought right here in Rhode Island. It is good to have lists of what militia companies or regiments fought, but the individual stories of the soldiers can bring to light pieces of history we otherwise would not find. For example, military records of individual soldiers led me to stories about militia support for the French engineers at Butts Hill Fort and the experience of prisoners of war imprisoned in England.

I am starting a database of soldiers who served some time in Rhode Island during the Revolutionary War. A few people have already given me some information on their ancestors. Yes, I am interested in those who fought in the Battle of Rhode Island, but I am also interested in those who were here with militias to help the French complete Butts Hill Fort. Each piece of information helps us complete the puzzle of what went on during these war years.

Julia Ward Howe had a famous ancestor who “served in Rhode Island.” She always felt at home in Rhode Island. She summered in Portsmouth until her death in 1910. We always include her maiden name “Ward” when we refer to her. Julia was a descendent of Governor Samuel Ward (he was also a delegate to the Continental Congress). Samuel Ward Jr, her grandfather, was one of our great heroes in the Battle of Rhode Island. That day he commanded the 1st Rhode Island Regiment (known as the Black Regiment). We have a short glimpse of what happened that day from his diary.

August 30, 1778 “The army retreated the evening of the 28th. Early yesterday morning, the enemy moved out after us, expecting that we were leaving the island, and took possession of the Heights in our front. They sent out parties in their front, and we made detachments to drive them back again. After a skirmish of three or four hours, with various success, in which each party gave way three or four times, and were reinforced, we drove them quite back to the ground they first took in the morning, and have continued there ever since. Two ships and a couple of small vessels beat up opposite our lines, and fired several shots, but being pretty briskly fired upon from our heavy pieces, they fell down, and now lay opposite the enemy’s lines. Our loss was not very great, it has not been ascertained yet; and I can hardly make a tolerable conjecture. Several officers fell, and several are badly wounded. I am so happy to have only one captain slightly wounded in the hand. I believe that a couple of the blacks were killed and four or five wounded, but none badly. Previous to this, I should have told you our picquets and light corps engaged their advance, and found them with bravery.”

If you have an ancestor who served in the Rhode Island Campaign (August 1778) or served during the period after the English left Aquidneck (Nov. 1779-1781)- let me know about them. gloriaschmidt@battleofrhodeisland.org.