The Warrenton History Mystery Club

09/17/2025

September 17, 1775
The siege of Boston continues with both armies entrenched and within sight—American lines are just 600 yards from the British. Washington notes that “the Enemy and we are very near Neighbours.”

In the same letter, to Thomas Everard, Washington requests legal help to retain his western land holdings. His efforts to develop these lands near the Ohio and Kanawha rivers have failed twice—laborers deserted, provisions were scarce, and hostile territory blocked progress. He fears losing the land under Virginia law unless a petition is filed in time.

Credit Mount Vernon

09/17/2025

September 16, 1775
Washington reviews and approves two court-martial sentences. One concerns Sergeant James Finley, of Captain Price’s rifle company, who was convicted for “expressing himself disrespectfully of the Continental Association, and drinking Genl Gage’s health,” a blatant sign of Loyalist sentiment in a time of war.

The court orders Finley to be publicly humiliated. He will be stripped of his arms and accoutrements, put in a horse cart with a rope around his neck, and drummed out of the army, permanently barred from future service.

09/17/2025

September 15, 1775
Rhode Island’s deputy governor Nicholas Cooke urgently writes to Washington. A report has surfaced, published yesterday in the Cambridge Chronicle, claiming that over 100 barrels of gunpowder have been stolen from a British magazine in Bermuda, possibly by American ships.

Cooke, fearing the mission to seize powder might now be redundant, asks Washington whether he should recall Captain Abraham Whipple, who has been sent to Bermuda to secure more powder for the American cause.

credit to Mount Vernon

09/17/2025

September 14, 1775
Washington issues two letters to Colonel Benedict Arnold, who leads a bold expedition through the Maine wilderness toward Quebec. In his personal letter, Washington reminds Arnold that he marches not through enemy territory, but among “Friends and Brethren,” and urges his men to show discipline and respect for civilians.

Washington also provides a formal set of 14 detailed orders. These guide Arnold’s movements, his coordination with General Philip Schuyler, and his conduct toward Canadian civilians and Indigenous nations.

09/17/2025

September 14, 1775
"You are intrusted with a Command of the utmost Consequence to the Interest & Liberties of America: Upon your Conduct & Courage … the Safety and Welfare of the whole Continent may depend."

- George Washington to Benedict Arnold

Hmmm, wonder how that went...

09/13/2025

250 Year Ago Today...September 13, 1775
The actions of September 10 bring consequences: Thirty-three riflemen from Colonel William Thompson’s battalion, Pennsylvania men known for their skill and fierce independence, were tried by court-martial yesterday and found guilty of “disobedient and mutinous behaviour.” Washington orders each man to pay a fine of 20 shillings, to be deducted from next month’s pay.

Though their punishment may seem mild for mutiny, Washington likely recognizes that these are raw troops, many far from home, and this is their first offense.

09/12/2025

250 Years Ago Today.....
September 12, 1775
At 4 p.m., Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin, stationed in Chelsea, Massachusetts, sends Washington a short but focused dispatch.

He reports unusual activity at Charlestown Ferry: heavily loaded British boats moving from Boston to Charlestown last night and this morning. The boats returning from Charlestown are empty, hinting at troop movements or supply logistics.

credit mountVernon.org

09/12/2025

Starting today we are going to post historic events pertaining to the birth of our nation. "250 years ago today," but first let's introduce General George Washington.

George Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army in 1775. Despite having little experience in commanding large, conventional military forces, his leadership presence and fortitude held the American military together long enough to secure victory at Yorktown and independence for his....

01/24/2025

Success! Sort of...

01/24/2025

Searching for a Turtle

03/25/2024

March 25 - 26, 1825: Lafayette leaves Augusta, Georgia for the journey to Milledgeville. Reception at Warrenton and Sparta. Spends the night at Warrenton.

⚜️He left Augusta in a carriage and four, escorted by a detachment of cavalry, which accompanied him to Warrenton. Preparations were made there and in Sparta, for his reception.

" The Eagle Tavern, built in the late 18th century, once stood on the site of the present Lafayette Hotel. A state coach stop on the Augusta to Macon line, the tavern owned by a Mr. A. Abercrombie was the scene of a great ball held for the Marquis de LaFayette in 1825. Burned in the late 1830s, the Tavern was replaced by the present structure in 1840 when it was known as the Edwards´ House. Renamed the Drummer´s Home in 1897 it was, in 1900, voted by traveling men the most popular hotel in Georgia and received a silver wine dispenser from the Georgia Hotel ."

03/24/2024

We have been finding out quite a bit about ol' Warren-town. The Keep the stories coming in!