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CHS has just received
a very interesting donation which conjures up images of our past
military presence here
in Charlestown. A childhood resident of Charlestown, Charles Dauray, recently
donated a 'mystery sword' which was "found
on the Quonochontaug Beach close to the remains of an old
wooden vessel and to the south of a single residence thereon two days
after Hurricane Carol in 1954.
The ship was buried with sand the following day."
After networking with our contacts at RI
Historic Preservation and the West Point Military Museum, we believe we
have an accurate assessment of the sword.
The sword was that of
a military infantry officer, circa 1830 to 1850, and displays an Indian
Princess Head Pommel. It is a great example of the design motif of the
Jacksonian period in our US history. The State of Rhode Island has a
rich history of uniformed militia organizations and it was most
likely used by an officer in one of our militia groups. We plan to
work with a local expert on shipwrecks in South County for input on a
possible identification at the named location. The land was owned
by the Stantons, and the waterfront in that area was very active
during colonial times. More to come ....
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