regiment, meeting their first test at the battle of rhode island, a desperate clash in the aftermath of the failed attempt with france to force the british from newport. a large american land force would move south into newport, and then a french fleet would arrive in newport and then basically contain the british and hessian troops. but as the french fleet were arriving, there was a great gale, and it damaged significantly a number of the ships. the american army were outmatched and outnumbered, so they decided to retreat off of the island. don t fire! the rhode island regiment was asked to cover that retreat. don t fire yet! sisson, stay firm! here they come! fire!
the 1st rhode island regiment had to prove themselves to the white society that they could be brave soldiers, and they were. starting with the battle of rhode island, there was recognition from the members of congress that these people were right in letting blacks in. they re really proving washington wrong. george washington s true feelings toward african-american soldiers are unclear. but the valiant service of men like peter salem, jack sisson, and salem poor show washington that black patriots are more than equal to the challenge of battle. eventually, these unsung heroes inspire george washington to allow all able men, no matter what their race, to serve in the continental army. the 1st rhode island s success isn t celebrated by
a crucial part of the victory that secures american independence, just as african-american patriots play vital roles throughout the revolution. there is a very famous watercolor from a hessian artist that includes an image of an actual african rhode island participant. it very much characterizes the fact that africans were not sideline participants. they were actively involved in nearly every aspect of building this great country. by understanding the story of jack sisson, we have a better understanding of the story of america. by taking the redoubt number 10, the rhode island regiment allows washington to launch a devastating artillery attack on the main british fortifications. five days later, general cornwallis surrenders. where is lord cornwallis? he is. under the weather, sir.