Aaron Briggs’ testimony & other Commission of Inquiry documents
Read the handwritten transcription of Aaron Briggs’ depositions and other depositions that are part of the volume “Copy of Official Documents Relating to the Destruction of the Gaspee June 10th 1772” from the RIHS Manuscripts collection: MSS 454 Gaspee Papers
Click on one of the images below to see a high resolution image.
John Waterman’s diary entry for 10 June 1772 describing what he had heard about the Gaspee affair. Manuscripts Collection: MSS 787Ezra Stiles diary entry for January 20th 1773 mentioning the Gaspee Affair. Printed Collection: BX 260 .S8 .A3Printed lyrics to “A New Song Called the Gaspee” printed in Providence “for the purchasers” by an anonymous printer, [1772?]. Graphics Collection: G1157 Broadsides 1772 No.2Stemmed liquor goblet with round gadrooned base and plain bowl, inscribed “Captured by Comm. Whipple of R.I. From the British Sloop “Gaspee” Jun 17, 1772” around the outside lip of the bowl. Museum Collection: 1921.1.36Another view of the inscription on the stemmed liquor goblet. Museum Collection: 1921.1.36British proclamation to apprehend Gaspee suspects, August, 1772. Graphics Collection: G1157 Broadsides 1772 No.1Governor Wanton’s warrant for the arrest of Gaspee participants, 1772. Graphics Collection: G1157 Broadsides 1772 No.3 Ezra Stiles diary entry for February 15th 1773, regarding a letter from Rev. Elihu Spencer of Trenton [New Jersey] asking about the Commission of Inquiry. Printed Collection: BX 260 .S8 .A3Gavel said to be made from the wood of one of the floor joists of the room in Sabin Tavern on Planet St. where the party which burned the H.M.S. Gaspee assembled and cast bullets for the attack. Museum Collection: 1946.1.1Inscribed: The wood of which this gavel is made / composed part of the room / wherein was formed the plot / to burn the British Schooner / Gaspee / 1792[sic]” on handle and “Presented / to Gaspee Chapter / DAR / Providence, R.I. / By Mrs. Wilbour / State Regent for / Rhode Island / 1891-1893” on the barrel. Museum Collection: 1990.23.1Detail of gavel handle inscription. Museum Collection: 1990.23.1Detail of gavel barrel. Museum Collection: 1990.23.1Painted silk banner created for the Daughters of the American Revolution, Gaspee Chapter, for their exhibit in 1892. Museum Collection: 1977.23.184Ephraim Bowen’s account of the capture and burning of the Gaspee, printed in 1839. Graphics Collection: G1157 Broadsides 1839 No.1
Further resources
Interested in learning more about the complexities of the Gaspee Affair? Here are some resources to explore!
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