Muster Roll of Capn. Wm. Allen's Compy 2d Rhode Island Regt. Commanded by Colo. Israel Angell in the Servis of the United States of America for the Month of August & September 1778. Camp Warren [Rhode Island], September 1778. 2pp, 16 1/16 x 11 7/8 in. Signed ("F. Green") by Francis Green, D.M.M. [Deputy Muster Master]. Verso charting "Proof of the Eeffectives [sic]" then signed and attested to on 10 October 1778 by Brigadier General J.M. Varnum. Docketed to verso "Muster Roll of Cap / Allen's Comp'y Col'd / Angell's Regt Sep'r 1778 / for the months of / August & September / 6th Company."  A scarce Revolutionary War muster roll identifying eight officers and 42 privates serving in the 2nd Rhode Island, one of the earliest integrated regiments. Additional details include name, rank, enlistment term, and "remarks."

The 2nd Rhode Island Regiment, also known as "Hitchcock's Regiment," the "Providence County Regiment," and the 11th Continental Infantry, was a Continental Army infantry unit originally organized in May 1775. The regiment was heavily engaged throughout the war, participating in the Siege of Boston, and the Battles of Long Island, Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, Red Bank, Monmouth, and Rhode Island. The regiment was not only recognized for its important role in numerous campaigns, but also for its early inclusion of soldiers of color starting in 1777. The men were free men, as at that time no enslaved men we allowed to enlist.

The integrated 2nd Rhode Island spent the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge, enduring hardships alongside other Continental troops. Brigadier General James Varnum was encamped at Valley Forge with the 1st Rhode Island regiment at the same time. It was Varnum who would write to General Washington advocating for freed African Americans to enlist in the Continental Army soon resulting in the reorganization of the 1st Rhode Island. In February 1778, Rhode Island's two Continental regiments were reorganized, and the rank-and-file men of color in the 2nd RI were transferred to the 1st RI creating the "Black Regiment," while the White rank-and-file in the 1st RI were transferred to the 2nd RI. At the time of this muster roll in September 1778, the 2nd RI was regrouping after engagements at the Battle of Monmouth (June 1778) and the Battle of Rhode Island (August 1778). The 2nd RI would go on to serve with Stark's Brigade based in Morristown, New Jersey, and fight its last major engagement at the Battle of Springfield in June 1780. The 2nd was consolidated with the remnants of the 1st RI in February 1781 to form the Rhode Island Regiment (1781-1783). The regiment was disbanded in December 1783.

[Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs] [American Revolutionary War, American Revolution, Founding Fathers, Declaration of Independence, Colonial America, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe]

Expected creasing and toning given age. Several small losses minimally affecting text. Adhesive repair on center fold at verso affecting some text.