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Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste-Donatien de Vimeur, comte de (1725-1807) [William Ellery's copy of Rochambeau's response to the address of the General Assembly of Rhode Island].

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06421 Author/Creator: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste-Donatien de Vimeur, comte de (1725-1807) Place Written: Newport, Rhode Island Type: Manuscript document signed Date: 17 July 1780 Pagination: 1 p. 32 x 20 cm + docket Order a Copy

Expresses France's dedication to providing military aid to the American Revolution, and the deference of French troops to George Washington's command. Rochambeau arrived in Rhode Island on July 10. Written on a faded, pale greenish paper. The version published in the Pennsylvania Gazette of 30 August 1780 has a number of textual differences.

Notes: Dating from Records from the State of Rhode Island (Providence, 1864) 9: 152-159. Printed with variations, probably caused by translation, in the Pennsylvania Gazette of 30 August 1780, and in John R. Bartlett, Ed., Records of the State of Rhode Island (Providence, 1864) 9: 158-59. On 10 July 1780, Rochambeau arrived in Newport with four regiments of French troops under orders to help the Americans. The troops gave weight to the Franco-American alliance and reinvigorated the American cause. Rochambeau always deferred to General Washington to issue orders and gave precedence to the Americans. After a year stationed at Newport, waiting for an opportune moment to attack the British in New York, Rochambeau marched with Washington to Yorktown, Virginia. After a siege coordinated by Washington, the British tried to surrender to Rochambeau, but the Frenchman deferred to the American Commander-in-Chief. As suggested by the docket, this document was probably forwarded to Rhode Island's representative in Congress, William Ellery.

Gentlemen,
The king my master sends me to help his good and Faithful Allies, the United States of America. I only bring with me for the moment the van-guard of a much greater force that is to be sent for that purpose, and the king has ordered me to tell them that he intends to help them with all his might. The French troops will live here as their brothers and in the severest Discipline. We will all be at General Washington's orders, and I will be extreamly happy to contribute to his successes. I am very Sensible for the friendship that you, Gentlemen of the General Assembly show to me, and I pray you to rely on me, and the Troops under my command till death, and to look on us as your brothers and best friends.
Le c[om]te de Rochambeau

[2 docket:]
Mr Ellerys Letters

Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste-Donatien de Vimeur, comte de, 1725-1807
Ellery, William, 1727-1820

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