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Recognizing this important, albeit forgotten, part of American history, the Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) in Washington will pay homage to these brave men and women in "Native American Patriots," a small exhibit in July and August honoring Native Americans who fought for the United States. It will also host "Locally Grown History: American Indians and the Revolutionary War," an illustrated talk presented by artist, historian and writer David R. Wagner tomorrow at 1 p.m.
"Oh, what a tangled web history is," Mr. Wagner said. "Once you start to unravel history, it's amazing what you discover. People with well-known names got all of the credit when, in fact, it wasn't deserving. If you look at history really closely and dig, some really interesting stuff emerges."
According to IAIS assistant director Lisa Piastuch Temmen, "Native American and black slaves ... fought alongside caucasian soldiers in a war they barely understood, but knew [it] might offer them a chance at freedom. David R. Wagner will discuss this story of courage, sacrifice and pride, [a story] that is often overlooked as the glories of the American Revolution are remembered."
Mr. Wagner, a lifelong Nutmegger and a self-taught artist, creates illustrations of Native American scenes and representations of historical events-most notably the activities of the French and Continental Armies during the American Revolution-although subjects also include portraits, still lifes and landscapes. The finished series of historic paintings will cover all eight states traversed by Washington and Rochambeau during their campaigns, and will number well over 100 illustrations.
History plays a tremendous role in his art, evidenced by the murals and painting he has completed for the Mohegan Tribe, for the Black Heritage Society in Providence, R.I., and others, including a series of 16 paintings of the Tribal Elders in the collection at the IAIS. The paintings he will bring to the IAIS will be used to illustrate some little-known American history.
"The talk will focus on Native Americans and blacks during the American Revolution, both of which played quite a significant role," Mr. Wagner said. "The problem is deciphering the various ethnic groups. Slaves went by their master's name and Native Americans and mulatto soldiers were usually buried ... in unmarked graves. It is hard to cross reference the various ethnic groups, especially when you take into consideration the fact that British offered freedom to slaves if they fought for the British cause."
Mr. Wagner, a historian by profession, stumbled upon this chapter of history while conducting research for his other paintings. Among his findings was a letter from Gen. George Washington in 1778 that noted, "I think [Indians] can be made of excellent use, as scouts and light troops."
"The inspiration for these paintings was completely incidental. I never knew about Native Americans and black slaves fighting in the American Revolution until I was conducting research about the French troop movement in Connecticut," he said. "One thing led to another."
He discovered the First Rhode Island Regiment, which he depicted in a painting called "The Grand Parade in Providence." He recalls the historical circumstances surrounding the piece.
"A day before departing south, the French and American forces held a parade through the streets of Providence ... [where] the American unit of the First Rhode Island [was] being reviewed by General Rochambeau atop his horse," Mr. Wagner said. "His aide-de-camp, the Baron Ludwig Von Closen, ... recorded in his journal that none of the American units could compare to the spit and polish of the French army except the First Rhode Island, and that regiment, 'which is three-quarters negro and the rest Native American, is the best dressed, the best under arms, and the most precise in its maneuvers.'"
He said the First Rhode Island was involved in every major battle of the war.
"Native American tribes in the West that were fearful of American expansion into their traditional tribal grounds tended to become British loyalists and joined in fighting against the colonists," Ms. Temmen said. "Tribes along the East Coast who had become part of American-English society viewed the Revolution as an opportunity to prove themselves worthy of political and social equality by exhibiting loyalty to their patriot neighbors."
This is evident in Mr. Wagner's "Desperate Valor," which shows the newly-formed First Rhode Island regiment in action against the Anspach Regiment at Newport-Portsmouth on Aug. 28, 1778. Mr. Wagner noted that "This regiment turned back three attempts by the British to break their line. The delay allowed General Sullivan to escape to the mainland while these troops defended and held off the British advance.
The biographer for General Sullivan recorded their action with this entry: "The black troops under Col. Christopher Green displayed desperate valor by holding off three attempts by Hessian troops to break their line."
There are nearly 190,000 Native American military veterans, the highest record of service per capita when compared to other ethnic groups. Ms. Temmen attributes this to their culture.
"Native American warriors are devoted to the survival of their people and their homeland. Native Americans believe their spirits live on eternally; warriors do not fear death, but rather regard it as the ultimate sacrifice for their people's continued survival," she said. "Those words often associated with military service-strength, bravery, pride and wisdom-are the very same words used to describe an Indian warrior."
The display, Ms. Temmen said, focuses not only on the Revolutionary War, but every war since then. As do other cultures, Native Americans have demonstrated tremendous gratitude for the men and women who serve in the armed forces, and as such, the IAIS annually honors these brave souls on Veteran's Day.
"They are frequently honored for their service and sacrifice. At powwows and other such gatherings, the day's events begin with the honor guard proudly displaying the colors; the United States flag and the POW-MIA flag," she wrote for the exhibition. "Veterans are recognized, thanked and invited to enter the circle for a dance in their honor. They move clockwise around the circle, while those among them who have been wounded dance in the opposite direction so that everyone present may acknowledge their extra measure of sacrifice."
"This is a part of American history that is missing from the books," Mr. Wagner concluded about his upcoming lecture. "It is an important part of history I am dedicated to capturing."
"Locally Grown History: American Indians and the Revolutionary War" will be held tomorrow at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies, located at 38 Curtis Road. For more information, call 860-868-0518, or visit www.birdstone.org.
