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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.05105 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0101] July-August 1791 |
| Title | Request for admission into Society of the Cincinnati |
| Date | 6 August 1791 |
| Author | Chamillard de Varville, Paul de (fl. 1779-1791) |
| Document Type | Non-governmental organization document |
| Content Description | Writes that French Lieutenant Colonel Chamillard has the honor to represent to the members of the Society of the Cincinnati that he was the commander of 200 volunteers on board the frigate Bonhomme Richard. In the battle with the HMS Serapis "his conduct was such that the most flattering elogiun [sic] were given to him, in consequence the favours of his court were bestow'd on him." Says that of the 25 volunteers on the poop deck under his command, 22 were disabled. Has heard that Captains Stark and [Maurty] of the Irish Brigade were admitted into the Society of the Cincinnati by a decision of Commodore John Paul Jones and Colonel David Humphreys. Hopes that the distinction to these men, "whose titles are less than his, shall be equally granted to him." Note in French on the left margin is signed by the French consul at New York who affirms Chamillard's story. The consul also says Lafayette backs up the story. Contains a wax seal covered with paper in the upper left corner. |
| Subjects | Society of the Cincinnati Navy France Global History and Civics Revolutionary War Fraternal Organization Battle Military History Injury or Wound Diplomacy |
| Place written | New York, New York |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Naval & Maritime; Foreign Affairs |
| Sub-collection | The Henry Knox Papers |
| Additional Information | The battle with the HMS Serapis refers to the Battle of Flamborough Head on 23 September 1779, where John Paul Jones led a naval battle on board the Bonhomme Richard against the HMS Serapis off the coast of the north-eastern coast of England in the North Sea. Jones emerged from the battle victorious after locking the Bonhomme Richard with the Serapis and boarding the enemy ship. Unfortunately, the Bonhomme Richard, as a result of the encounter, suffered too much damage and was allowed to sink after the entire crew transferred to the now captured Serapis. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |