“The Americans maintained absolute control of the battlefield. Colonel Campbell of the Twenty-Second British Regiment sent to General Sullivan the day after the battle and asked permission to search among the dead for the body of his nephew, who had been killed the day before by his side, but whose body he could not remove they were so closely pursued. “The Battle of Rhode Island was a gratifying success for the Americans. Victory was due to the skill, the intelligence, the courage and the audacity of General Sullivan, and to his brave officers and men. Lafayette characterized it as ‘the best fought action of the war,’ and the statement accords the highest compliment to the military skill of General John Sullivan. “It is a great pleasure to participate with so many friends in expressing our high appreciation of the services of Sullivan that have been so adequately and happily recognized by the American Irish Historical Society. It is an intense gratification to contemplate the success of these ceremonies and to sincerely join in congratulation and in commendation of efforts that have resulted in adorning this noble State House with this beautiful, substantial and enduring tablet to our heroic dead.” President-General Quinlan of the Society was then introduced by the Chairman, as follows: “I have the pleasure now to call upon the President-General of the American Irish Historical Society, under whose careful and enthusiastic administration it has been possible to erect and dedicate this tablet. There never has been a time when his efforts, his energy, and all his powers were not at our disposal. There never has been a time when we have called on him for anything since the memorial has been under way that he has not promptly and vigorously responded. I have the great honor of introducing to you, ladies and gentlemen, our President-General, Francis J. Quinlan, M. D., L. L. D., of New York City.” President-General Quinlan said: “Mr. Chairman, your Excellency, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen: Before I attempt to say a few words in honor of the auspicious event of this day, I will take occasion to render the tribute of my personal thanks and of the collective thanks of our Society to the distinguished assemblage gathered here to do honor to our illustrious hero by the loyal support of their presence.