Newport Mercury from Newport, Rhode Island • Page 6

Newport Mwcwy, Friday, May 7,1974 Monument record about role of blacks rriirinA lift antaiful Itl CANNON DELIVER THREE-GUN SALUTE to commemorate First Rhode Island Black Regiment that fought in Battle of Bloody Run Brook Aug. 29, 1778, and helped deliver Rhode Island from British during Revolutionary War. Cannon belong to Artillery Company of Newport. Ceremony yesterday dedicated Black Regiment Park in Portsmouth. (Daily News) Monday, May 3 PORTSMOUTH A monument was unveiled yesterday at R.I.

Black Regiment Park at Routes and 114, commemorating black patriots, former slaves, who repelled a sizeable force of Hessians at the Battle of Bloody Run Brook and helped to save Rhode Island from British occupation during the Revolutionary War. On Oct. 14, 1781, this same Black Regiment from Rhode Island was in the front ranks as French and American troops stormed British redoubts at Yorktown and captured vital fortifications that forced Lord Cornwallis to surrender, and the Revolutionary War effectively to end. Ironically, these and other black soldiers fought for the freedom and birth of a new nation that refused to recognize their citizenship until almost 90 years later. Walter J.

Leonard, assistant to the president of Harvard University, recounted the black man's struggle for freedom and recognition as he attempted to "set the record straight." "We fought with them. Yet, we were excluded from those magnificent words of Thomas Jefferson that 'all men are created equal," said "Some day this country must mature enough to realize the full value of our skills, talents and more particularly our humanity." The monument was unveiled by Mrs. Oliver Burton, widow of the man who had long dreamed of erecting a memorial to Rhode Island's unsung black heroes. Carved into the face of the huge granite stone is the insignia of Rhode Island's First Regiment and the inscription, "In honor of the first black slaves and freemen who fought in the Battle of Rhode Island as members of the first Rhode Island Black Wreaths laid at the foot of the monument proclaimed, "At rest at last," and "R.I. Black Heritage." William Trezvant, president of the Newport Branch of the NAACP, presented plaques to State Sen.

Erich A. O'D. Taylor of Newport and Dennis J. Munbv director nf CROWD of nearly 400 watches colors being trooped yesterday at Black Regiment Park, Portsmouth, national monument dedicated to Black Regiment that fought in Battle of Bloody Run Brook Aug. 29, 1778.

Monday, May 3 Tiny brig was built sturdily By WALTER C.HADLEY Of all the square rigged ships arriving in Newport, the little brig Unicorn, all 98 feet of her, has the earliest look. It will be easy to imagine that her crew will be dressed in Elizabethan doublets, if not in armor. Actually, the Unicorn was built in 1948, but a good deal has happened to her in the intervening years. Originally named Lyra, she was built in northern Finland as a freight schooner at a time when that country was just beginning to recover from the war. Built on a beach out of local wood, her construction is extremely heavy.

For example, the keel is a foot square, the frames are 6 8 set in pairs, with only six inches between each pair. The planking is over three inches thick. As the Lyra, she carried sand between Finnish ports, first as a schooner and then as motor- ship, until about six years ago, when she was purchased by her present captain, Jack Thiry, who had been searching a suitable ship to convert to a square-rigger and use for carrying cargo. The conversion process began in Sweden in 1971 and two years later the Unicorn had been re- rigged as a brig with new masts, yards and sails and sailed to New York via the Canary Islands and Barbadoes. later, she carried cargoes from Honduras to the West Indies.

still, in Florida, she was purchased by Unicorn, a company devoted to ship preservation and sail training, and since then has undergone a third conversion, which consisted of a major rebuilding, provision of accommodations for 20 or more where the cargo hold used to and the installation of a larger engine and modern navigating equipment. From the outside, the Unicorn looks like a ship of the early 1800s, but below decks she is as modern as a destroyer, even including air conditioning. In the rebuilding process, the Unicorn acquired a new suit of sails, but these are a reversion to old practice, in that they are not made of modern synthetics. Instead, they are made of flax canvas, weighing nearly two pounds per square foot. The photograph shows some details of a spectacle clew (one of the corners) of one of these sails while it was being sewn -just under the sailmaker's fingers are seven layers of flax canvas with a total thickness of about three-eights of an inch.

The sails were made by Yardarm Sailmakers under the direction of G. Colin Ratsey, who sailed at Newport on Endeavour and Sceptre, and whose family made the sails for Lord Nelson's Victory. Though smaller than most of the square-riggers, the Unicorn is going to attract a good deal of attention. She will not race trans-Atlantic but only from Bermuda, and after that will be involved with the training program of the Florida Ocean Science Institute. Six women honored for 500 years PORTSMOUTH Six members of St.

Paul's Episcopal Church Women of Portsmouth, whose combined ages add up to more than 500 years, were feted Tuesday at a birthday party dinner at the Mt. Hope Marina. The women, whose birthdays ranged from 81 to 88, each received a town tile presented by Mrs. Barbara Warren, town councilman. A large birthday cake and ice cream topped the dinner party.

The honored guests were Mrs. Lillian Boone, Mrs. Anna Anthony, Miss Ixmsie Chase, Mrs. Agnes Hall, Mrs. Agnes Lindleyand Mrs.

Betty Russell. Also receiving tiles, but not in the birthday group, were Mrs. Kathryn Phillips and George W.II. Wood. Mrs.

Ruth Barton headed the party committee. Mrs. Jeannette Ferris was a guest. All these women have worked diligently for St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Mrs. Boone, 88 known town-wide as still drives the other women to church and guild meetings. Mrs. Anthony and Miss Chase, 86, twins, have attended the alter of the church for many years. Noted for their dinners, all these women cook, serve, clean and otherwise work long hours.

Department of Natural Resources for their efforts in making the park a reality. Music was by the combined choirs of the Community Baptist Church, and Mt. Zlon AME Zion Church directed by Mrs. Joan Minor. Trezvant, president of the Newport Branch of the NAACP, gave the welcoming address.

Arthur Burton Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, presented the colors. Invocation was by the Rev. Robert Williams of the Community Baptist Church and benediction by the Rev. Errol Hunt of the R.I. Urban League.

The story of the Black Regiment at the Battle of Rhode Island is told here by Virginia Hatch, research associate of the R.I. Black Heritage Society: It all started in February, 1778, when half of Rhode Island and her largest town, Newport, were in the possession of the British enemy and there was a need to raise more fighting men. General John Sullivan had just been appointed by General Washington as commander of the continental forces in Rhode Island. Acting on the suggestion of Brigadier General Varnum and the advice of his Excellency General George Washington, the Rhode Island General Assembly passed the following resolution: "It is voted and resolved, that every able-bodied negro, mulatto or Indian man-slave, in this state, may enlist into either of the two battalions to serve during the continuance of the present war with Great Britain. "That every slave so enlisting shall be entitled to and shall receive all the bounties, wages, and encouragements, allowed by the Continental Congress, to any soldier enlisting into their service.

"It is further voted and resolved, that every slave, so enlisting, shall, upon his passing muster before Col. Christopher Greene, be immediately discharged from the service of his master or mistress, and be absolutely FREE, as theou he had never been encumbered with any kind of servitude or As a result a black regiment was formed under Col. Greene. During the summer of its formation, a great French fleet came to America under Count D'Estaing and the British no longer controlled the sea. Ten British shops of war in the harbor were destroyed on the appearance of the French ships in the middle and west passages.

August 9th D'Estaing ran the batteries, entering Newport Harbor. The next day General Sullivan transferred his army of 10,000 mer the mainland to the Islanu D'Estaing's marines landed on Conanicut, ready to move to Sullivan's support. The British seemed to be trapped, their rear menaced by the French fleet and the front and flank by Sullivan's army and marines. Lord Howe, with a fleet of 21 ships appeared off Pt. Judith and D'Estaing put to sea to give battle to Howe.

Then a violent storm arose and although there were several sharp engagements, there was no victory for anyone except the sea. On August 20th both fleets put to harbor, the British at New York, the French at Newport but so damaged that D'Estaing was adamant in his intention of sailing immediately to Boston for repairs. The American commander protested but failed to change his mind and, with no one to harass the British rear a council of war was held and retreat was advised. This began on August 21th. Thi British took advantage ofthis state of affairs, decided to pursue the Americans and they marched out from Newport by two main roads.

The morning of August 29th found Sullivan's retreating army encamped on Butts' Hill, the right wing under General Nathaniel Green rested on the west road, the left wing on the east road under Col. Livingston. The black regiment under Varnum and Greene was 3 miles south of Butt Hill. The British forces under Col. Campbell came by the east road towards the center of the field.

However, conctaled behind stone walls were the Americans and they poured a deadly fire of bullets into this advancing column, leaving a fourth of them dead. By 9 o'clock the hated Hessian mercenaries arrived to re-inforce the British and took their stand almost opposite Col. Greene's black regiment. Three times the Hessians charged and each time they were driven back with terrible slaughter. The courage displayed by these newly trained black soldiers before these experienced veterans of many a European battle was unsurpassed during the Revolutionary War.

They fought for four hours without giving up their stand. Toe British and the Heatfans did not get through, suffering great losses of their men. Finally, by nightfall, the cannonading creased and the British withdrew to their fortifications on Quaker Hill, exhausted by their tosses. The American Army lost in killed, wounded and missing 657, the British 1023. In the spring of 1711 Col.

Greene's black regiment left Rhode Island for the first time. They joined Washington's army in New York and fought Cornwallis in Yorktown, then were stationed at Point Bridge, New York. On May 13, 1781, they were all but wiped out when 260 British cavalry made a surprise attack it night on the regiment. BRIG UNICORN makes brave appearance In New York Harbor, abo Square rig gives look of substantial size to little Norway-made ship, although ike feet long. Photo by Jacques R.

Thiry, captain and owner of Unicorn. Wednesday, April 28 Immigration skills hiring The manager of the Newport Jai Alai Sports Theater, which is scheduled to open May 27, says the immigration status of jai alai players has delayed hiring at the arena. Manager Authur W. Silvester Jr. said Sunday he was planning to hire between 300 and 400 persons for seasonal jobs but before that can begin the players must pass immigration.

Silvester explained that the regional immigration office in Burlington, has balked at classifying the players as athletes of exceptional ability. An immigration official, meanwhile, said the Vermont office considers the players as athletes of "some ability" but the lower classification would put more restrictions on their employment. Clubs join together to fight litter JAMESTOWN The town Beautification Committee will conduct its anti-litter campaign Saturday. Organizations will assist in picking up litter along the roads and highways in an effort to have the island free of litter for the Bicentennial celebrations. Mrs.

Jerry L. Mclntyre, chairman, said today that additional adults are needed to drive cars, and children over 12 years of age are needed to assist in picking up litter. Volunteers are to meet Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at East Ferry for assignments to areas. Among organizations participating will be Quononoquott Garden Club, Jamestown Women's Club, Jamestown Junior Women's Club, Lions i Association, Rotary Club, Boy Scouts, Jamestown Shores A i a i Taxpayers Association and John Cullen of the C.

Y.O. will organize a group of young people to take part. Highway department trucks will pick up litter gathered by the volunteers along roads, and the town will provide the plastic COLORS ARE SALUTED daring ceremonies dedicating national monument yesterday in Portsmouth in honor of First Rhode Island Black Regiment that fought In Battle of Bloody Run Brook Aug. 29, 1778. Gun detail is from Newport Artillery Company.

May 3 Visitors bureau publishes events in Heritage Month A listing of special events for May, Newport Heritage Month, prepared by the Newport County Chamber of Commerce, is published in the Bicentennial issue of the Visitors Guide of the County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The listing is: May 1-4 200th anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, by the Rhode Island Independence Commemorative of Newport. May 1 Re-enactment of the Stamp Act Riot at the Colony House, 1 p.m. Lighting of Liberty Tree, 5 p.m., parade from Storer Park on Washington Street to I Jberty Tree, corner of Farewell and Thames Sts. public invited to join parade, in colonial costumes if possible.

Exhibition of drawings and paintings by Ron Lester, Kastborune Gallery, 250 Thames St. May 2 Special church service, 11 a.m., parade from Washington Square, militia and military units, to begin at 10 a.m., to Trinity Church reception at noon in Honyman Hall. Carmola, penny social, Corpus Christ! Convent, 21 Battery 2 p.m.; $1.25 entitles purchasers to chances on more than 200 prizes. May 3 State Supreme Court in session at Colony House, 10 a.m. sponsored by RIICAN.

Independence Ball at Rosecliff, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. sponsored by RIICAN; admission charge. May 4 Convening of General Assembly to pass Act of Renunciation, Colony House, 10 a.m.; Governor's proclamation to follow at 11 a.m. May 5, 6, 7 Exhibits, lectures, drama, block party, includes flower show at Colony i i a arrangements by Island garden clubs.

May 7,8 Swanhurst Choral Concert, American Music, 8:15 p.m. Art Association, $2.50. May 15 5th annual Earth Fair, Touro Park, 10 a.m. 5 p.m. admission free, exhibits, fun, health foods.

Armed Forces Day Open House Naval Education Training Center, sponsored by COMNETC. Programs at various Naval Commands, open free to public. Band Concert, Cardines Field, 7 p.m. benefit National Police Week parade at Newport. Featuring the Avante- Garde, Philadelphia Mummers, New York City Emerald Society Bagpipe Band and several others.

Admission, adults $2, children. May 16 Opening Day Ceremonies, Fort Adams State Park. 1976 State of Rhode Island National Police Week Parade, begins 1 p.m. at Two-Mile Corner, south along Broadway, east on Powell south on Kay to Bellevue to A Shopping Center. May 21 Fun with Ballet, Helen O'Neill School of Ballet, Rogers High School, 7:30 p.m.

admission $1.50. May 23 Music at Trinity series illustrated bicentennial lecture by Historian John Millar, Honyman Hall, 4 p.m. May 29 Cluny Auction, De La Salle Hall, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 'Sully' named to jai alai post Francis J.P.

Sullivan, local radio personality, had been named press director for the Newport Jai alai fronton, it was announed today. Sullivan, former Newport nightclub owner, is host of a talk show on radio station WADK. The fronton, scheduled to open May 27 is about 85 per cent completed, according to Donald Brown, advertising and publicity director. Sullivan was one of the early proponents of jai alai parimutuel gambling in Newport WedBMday, April SAILMAKER'S NEEDLE pulls heavy thread throagh tevea layers of flax canvas, three-eighths of an Inch thick, at spectacle clew It attacked to ote coner brig Unicorn's sail. Hands are those of master sallmaker Fred Bcaco of Needaaa, I.