Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste-Donatien de Vimeur, comte de (1725-1807) to Benjamin Harrison
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06632 Author/Creator: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste-Donatien de Vimeur, comte de (1725-1807) Place Written: Williamsburg, Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: 24 June 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 23.3 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy
Informs Harrison that the French troops will soon be marching North out of Virginia. After aiding in the American victory at Yorktown, French forces had wintered in Virginia. Plans to leave behind a small French force under "Mr. De La Valette, Brigadier General" until American forces can replace them and defend York and Hampton. Suggests Colonel Charles Dabney's forces be assigned this task. Thanks Harrison for his hospitality. Says he has enclosed a letter from George Washington on these subjects. Docket reads "Count Rochambeau June 24 1782. See Gen Washington May 4 1782." The remaining French forces later became a source of friction with Virginians.
Benjamin Harrison was the Governor of Virginia.
Williamsburgh, the 24th June 1782
Sir
The circumstances requiring that the corps of Troops under my command should march towards the North, I have the honor to acquaint your excellency that in three days the army will begin to move. Your Excellency is too sensible of the consequences that must result from the french navy and american artillery that stay behind at York, and the french artillery at West point being protected by some troops not to make the state furnish a corps of 1,000. men to defend hamton and york. I shall [2] leave a small corps of convalescents and french artillery, commanded by Mr. De La Valette, Brigadier General, and I beg of your Excellency to give orders for the most speedy march of the Troops that are to take our place. Colonel Dabney's corps which lies at Portsmouth could come directly over to hampton, if your excellency gives orders for that. I inclose the letter which General Washington had sent me for you in case of the French army's moving.
If the events of the war do not send again [3] the french corps in Virginia it shall never forget the good reception it has met with from the inhabitants in General and your Excellency in particular.
I am with a respectful attachment.
Sir,
Your Excellency's
Most obedient &
Humble servant
C cte de Rochambeau
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.