The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-10-24
RHODE -IsLAND REPUBLICAN.
MEMOIR OF RHODE-IsLAND.
1880.

The town of Newport, from the first arri-
val of the French, assumed an active and
important station. The eyes of the whole
country were turned towards her. 1t was
about the darkest days of the Revolution
for America, and the arrival of this arma-
ment of powerful allies, and the anticipated
arrival of n second squadron, to join the
first, excited in the hearts Of the American
people the highest hopes and expectations.
The war, which had in a great degree Ian
guished, assumed IA renovated character ;
the spirit, which had in some degree abated,
aroused from its letharey under confident
expectation that the time had arrived when
one grand effort would rid the country of
its invaders. The market at Newport of
tered great prices and prompt pay, in hard
money, for all the productions of the sur
rounding country; such an accession of
numbers, indeed, required more than could
be furnished, and the coasiing craft were all
put IN requsltion to avail themselves them
selves of this enyable market. The town
was ,hronged with sailors, soldiers, and 9TH
er strangers, drawn by patriotism, duly, Gu
rlosty, or the pursuit of gain. All the
buildings were again filled with inhabitants,
and all the old stil-houses, bake-houses,
stores and outbuiIdings, were temporarily
repaired for the use of the French soldiers.
The Meeting houses, which still remained
IN the dilapidated state in which the En-
gilsh had left them, now were used by the
French for the same, or similar purposes.
The French officers were received by tie
inhabitants of Newport with the most hearty
welcome, and the latter maintained the char
acter of refined, polite & hospitable people
The frcemen met in Town Meeting while
the English feet were blockadiug the har-
bor, and provided for raising 81 men for
the Continental arny-and divided the
town into four military districts, each Of
which was required to furnish a company
of Infantry for local defence. They also
determined that all such as would not do
military duty, (who were eligibe) should be
treated as enemies of the country, so far as
to he compelled to leave the town. Arms
and accoutrements, on loan, were asked by
the town authorities Of the French General,
sufficient to furnish 300 volunteers which
request was granted.
at was voted that copy Of the list of dis
affected persons ordered to be forwarded to
Heath, that if the British fleet aud army ar
rive before any return is received from the
council Of war, he may know what persons
the town requests should be removed from
the Island. The list sent to the council Of
war, was called the /" Black list" embracing
the vote of the town, that such persons be
sent Immediately from the Island, as mimi
cal to the United States. The militia from
Connecticut aud Massachusetts were order
ed to the defence of Rhode-lsland."
General Greene's Continental regiment
was on the Island, besides large numbers ot
Militia from the neighborhood.
The French General, Count de Rochdm-
beau, took for his head quarters the
Vernon House, on the corner Of Clarke and
Mary streets on The north side Of which,
and on the same lot, temporary building
was erected for Dancing Hall.
The French Admiral, Cherdlier de Ter
may took up his quarters in the house Tow
belonging to the Hon. William Hunter, on
the ives, side Of Washington street, on the
point.
Angus, 25,h, the birth day Of the French
King, was celebrated at Newport gen.
eral review Of the troops took place the day
before " preceded by alternate discharges Of
cannun from the Batteries in aud near the
town, from the fleet, and Fea de joie from
the troops Nothing could exceed the fine
appearance Of the French forces-vhich
ioined to the universal satisfaction that was
diffused through great concourse Of spec
tntors," was truly imposing.
The next day /" the ships DIVA were orna-
menied by display Of the colors Of the DIFF
fereni mnraiime powers, and fred salute
on the occnsion.-The French Transports
IN The harbor were also decorated With col
r-s. nud fired salute IN hot,or 20 tho J,v -