The full content of this document is only available to subscribing institutions. More information can be found via www.amdigital.co.uk
If you believe you should have access to this document, click here to Login.
| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC06421 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1780 |
| Title | William Ellery's copy of Rochambeau's response to the address of the General Assembly of Rhode Island |
| Date | 17 July 1780 |
| Author | Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de (1725-1807) |
| Document Type | Military document |
| Content Description | 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. |
| Subjects | Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History France Navy Global History and Civics Foreign Affairs |
| People | Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de (1725-1807) Ellery, William (1727-1820) |
| Place written | Newport, Rhode Island |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Foreign Affairs |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | 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. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |
| Transcript | Show/hide |