de Rochambeau during the revolution, General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette both were guests at the Vernon House. After moving closer to the heart of revolutionary activity, Vernon was appointed by the Continental Congress as the president of the Continental Naval Board on May 6, 1777. This position was effectively the precursor to the Department of the Navy (effectively making Vernon the first Secretary of the Navy, before the position was officially established in the 1790s). In this position, Vernon was responsible for building and outfitting the ships of the Continental Navy for the duration of the American Revolution. Vernon was extremely dedicated to his duties; on several occasions, he actually contributed some of his own personal wealth to the cause with little chance of collecting interest or even repayment. After the Revolution, Vernon became involved in the Board of the Admiralty before returning to Newport. Cato Vernon On March 17, 1778, one of the African men William Vernon had enslaved, known as Cato Vernon, enlisted in the Rhode Island First Regiment. Post-Revolution Following the Revolution, William Vernon continued to expand his activities and influence within the Newport community. He was a president of the Redwood Library, founding member of the Newport Artillery Company in 1741 and a key figure in establishing the Newport Bank in 1803. In 1990, the remaining assets of this bank were purchased by Citizens Bank. William Vernon was an early benefactor of the College of New Jersey (now known as Princeton University). William Vernon and his family continued his Atlantic slave trade activities after the revolution and following his brother Samuel's death in 1792, until at least 1799. Death William Vernon is buried in the Vernon Cemetery on Warner Street in Newport, Rhode Island. His house, Vernon House, is a National Historic Landmark. Children Samuel Vernon Jr. (May 29, 1757 – 1834) Husband of Elizabeth Ellery, a daughter of Christopher Ellery. An eminent Newport merchant, and one time its wealthiest citizen. The first president of the Newport Bank, and the president of the Rhode Island Insurance Company. Fought as a volunteer under General John Sullivan at the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778. William H. Vernon Jr. (March 6, 1759 – 1833) Graduated from Princeton in 1776. Was for many years the Secretary of the Redwood Library. A Francophile, Vernon frequented the court of Louis XVI in Paris (where he was an aide