Richard Varick

Richard Varick was an American lawyer and politician. He was born on March 15, 1753 at Hackensack in Bergen County, New Jersey, and he died on July 30, 1831 at Jersey City in Hudson County, New Jersey.

Biography

American Revolutionary War

At the outset of the American Revolution, he was studying law at King's College (the former name of Columbia University) in New York City. He suspended his studies and became a captain in the militia. On June 28, 1775, he was appointed captain of the 1st New York Regiment. He served under General Philip Schuyler in various posts until after the Battle of Saratoga when he was appointed inspector-general of West Point.

At West Point, he became an aide to General Benedict Arnold. Although he was no longer serving in this capacity when Arnold defected to the British, Varick, along with David Franks, was arrested. The two were subsequently cleared by a court of inquiry. After the West Point incident, Varick served under General George Washington as private secretary until the end of the war.