Count Deux-Ponts was Colonel of one of the French 
 Regiments which served in America under Count Rocham- 
 beau, during the Revolution, and in his Journal gives a full 
 account of the Siege of Yorktown. It contains much valu- 
 able historical information concerning the campaign which 
 ended at Yorktown, which cannot be found elsewhere. 
 

 
 ■ 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2017 with funding from 
 Duke University Libraries 
 
 https://archive.org/details/mycampaignsiname01deux 
 
IY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA: 
 
 'i 
 
 A JOURNAL KEPT BY 
 
 COUNT WILLIAM DE DEUX-PONTS, 
 
 1780 - 81 . 
 
 gitmslateiT from the Jvmft IHanu.smjit, 
 
 ©litlj ait introduction anb flolîs, 
 
 BY 
 
 SAMUEL ABBOTT GREEK 
 
 BOSTON : 
 
 J. K. WIGGIN AND WM. PARSONS LUNT. 
 
 1 8 6 8 . 
 
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, 
 
 By Samuel A. Green, 
 
 in the Clerk’s office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 
 
973 - 3 ? 
 
 M, 
 
 
 TO THE 
 
 OFFICERS AND MEN 
 
 OF THE 
 
 TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT 
 
 OF 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS, 
 
 Who were in service at some of the places mentioned in these 
 pages, this record of a Military Campaign is affectionately 
 inscribed by their Comrade and Surgeon during 
 more than three years of the Great Rebellion. 
 

INTRODUCTION. 
 
 While strolling on one of the quays in Paris, in June, 1867, 1 
 picked up this journal at a second-hand hook stall. The owner 
 knew nothing more of its previous history than that it was bought 
 a few weeks before, in the province of Lorraine. It purports to 
 have been written by “ Conte G-. de Deux Pouts,” and this is fully 
 confirmed by the evidence drawn from its pages. The volume 
 had apparently been prized, as it was handsomely bound in green 
 morocco, and ornamented with uncommon taste. A cover or cap 
 had been neatly fitted over the front of the volume, and fastened 
 with a silver lock set into the binding. The key had been lost, 
 and some one had torn off the cap, so that the hook could he 
 opened. The writing covers a hundred and fifty-two pages; and 
 in the margin, which comprises half the width of the leaf, the 
 writer has put occasional notes. At the end of the diary, three 
 letters are copied in the handwriting of the diarist, which explain 
 themselves. They bear so closely on his military history, that 
 he doubtless wanted to keep them with the record of his Amer- 
 ican campaigns. In these letters, the name is always written 
 “ C te Guillaume des Deuxponts.” 
 
 The journal is published as it was written by the author, and it 
 is meant to be a faithful copy of the manuscript in all particulars. 
 The punctuation and accents are given as they are found. What- 
 ever I have inserted is enclosed in brackets. When facts are 
 mentioned, which have been stated by other writers, their ac- 
 
Vlll 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 counts also are frequently given in foot-notes to the translation, 
 and generally in their exact words. This is done to show the 
 accuracy of the diarist’s statements, which in the main are cor- 
 roborated by these writers. 
 
 Reference to such notes, as well as to my own, is made by 
 means of figures, to distinguish them from those of Count Wil- 
 liam, which are indicated by asterisks, etc. 
 
 There is internal evidence that the journal was written at the 
 time of the events which it describes, though it was probably 
 copied into the volume at a later period. From the fact that the 
 date of one of the letters at the end of the volume (p. 157) is in- 
 correctly given as 1783, it is not improbable that the copy was 
 made at that time. 
 
 Finding that the family of Deux-Ponts was connected with 
 some of the reigning families of Central Europe, I mentioned this 
 fact to Mr. George Ticknor, who is honored on both sides of the 
 ocean for his scholarship, and he kindly offered to procure from a 
 very high source in Germany, some account of the author of the 
 diary. Having availed myself of this offer, I am enabled to give, 
 on unquestionable authority, certain facts which would not have 
 been accessible to me under any other circumstances. I am there- 
 fore under the deepest obligation to the eminent personage who 
 has furnished the account in German, from which the follow- 
 ing facts are taken. It was sent to Mr. Ticknor, and by him 
 placed at my disposal. 
 
 The Barons of Zweibrück or Deux-Ponts, who have now become 
 extinct, were descended from Duke Christian of Zweibrück, the 
 uncle of King Maximilian I., of Bavaria, and from a French 
 person named Fontenay, who had been, if only for a short time, 
 a danseuse , and who afterwards received the title of Baroness von 
 Forbach. Whether the duke entered into a morganatic mar- 
 riage with her cannot be ascertained with certainty; but the 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 IX 
 
 brothei' of the baroness is said to have declared such a marriage 
 at the death of the duke, in his name. At any rate, the sons of 
 this union were not admitted to the succession, so that Christian’s 
 nephew, Charles, the elder brother of King Maximilian, succeeded 
 to the dukedom. Christian’s two sons, Christian and William, at 
 first bore their mother’s name, and afterwards that of Barons of 
 Zweibriick. 
 
 From this it appears that they were the children of a German 
 father and of a French mother. Hence they were much connected 
 with France; and they married afterwards, ladies of the highest 
 French aristocracy; William* married a cousin of the well-known 
 Polignac, (a Polignac or a Polastron,f) and Christian, a Bethune. 
 
 After the French Revolution both brothers lived in Bavaria. 
 
 Baron Christian commanded the Bavarian Auxiliary Corps, at 
 the unfortunate battle of Hohenlinden, in 1800, with such distinc- 
 tion that, when the order of Maximilian Joseph was founded, he 
 received the Grand Cross of the order for his conduct in that bat- 
 tle. He left no son, but two daughters; Eleonore, married to 
 Count Gravenreuth, who finally became President for the Gov- 
 ernment ( Regierungs Prasidenf) at Augsburg; and Casimira, mar- 
 ried, first, to Colonel Count Wittgenstein, who fell in the battle of 
 Mohaisk (Borodino), and secondly, to General Count Anton Rech- 
 berg. 
 
 Baron William, the author of the journal, to whom King Maxi- 
 milian was especially attached, was always, as Captain of the 
 Gardes du Corps, % Commandant of the Palace Guard, the so- 
 called Hartschiere, a post of honor at the Bavarian Court. He 
 
 * In March 1780, he writes in his journal, that “ it was only two months since I was 
 married.” See page 76. 
 
 j Prince Jules de Polignac was son of the Duke de Polignac and of Yolande Martine 
 Gahrielle de Polastron, Duchess de Polignac, the friend of Queen Marie Antoinette. 
 
 I Called in the Almanach de Gotha one of the “ Grandes Charges de la Cour.” 
 
 2 
 
X 
 
 INTRODUCTION'. 
 
 had two sons, Charles and Christian, both in the Bavarian service. 
 The first, a distinguished cavalry officer, died of wounds received 
 at the battle of Mohaisk (Borodino), and lies buried in that place. 
 Christian was Adjutant to King Maximilian, and finally became, 
 like his father, Captain of the Guards. He married a Countess 
 Recliberg, but he died childless.* Besides these two sons, Baron 
 William had also two daughters, Arianne Barouess Celto, and 
 Henriette Marquise Virien. 
 
 Baron William died sixteen years before his brother. 
 
 From some manuscripts belonging to the Pennsylvania Histori- 
 cal Society, I gather a few additional facts in regard to these 
 brothers, as well as to their regiment. These manuscripts com- 
 prise the Etats de Service of the French officers, -who served in 
 this country under Rochambeau, and are copies from the original 
 documents in the War Department at Paris, made in June 1849, 
 for the Honorable Richard Rush, while Minister to France. The 
 following is a translation from this Source : 
 
 “ (Royal deux Pouts.) The regiment went to North America 
 and remained there during 1780, ’81, ’82, and ’83. It had made 
 the campaigns of 1757, ’58, ’59, ’60, ’61, and ’62, in Germany. 
 
 “ Colonel. Count de Forbach, Marquis des Deux Ponts (Chris- 
 tian) born on the 20th of October, 1752, at Deux Ponts. Rank of 
 Second Lieutenant without pay, April 20th, 1768. Colonel of the 
 regiment in 1775. Distinguished conduct at York. 
 
 “ Lieutenant-Colonel. Count de Forbach des Deux Ponts 
 (Guillaume) born on the 18th of June, 1754, atDeux Pouts. Rank 
 of Second Lieutenant in the regiment, November 12th, 1778. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel of this Regiment, October 2d, 1779. Wounded 
 at the siege of York in 1781.” 
 
 * He married, August 4th, 1818, Caroline, Countess Rechberg; was a Cavalry Gen- 
 eral in the Bavarian army, and died April 25th, 1859. She was born June 25th, 1798, 
 and is still living. Almanach de Gotha, for 1868. p. 321. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 XI 
 
 The title of Count borne by these brothers was no doubt a 
 French one, and was discarded when they returned to enter the 
 service of their German relations. The Abbé Robin, in his Nouveau 
 Voyage dans V Amérique Septentrionale , Philadelphie* [Paris], 1783, 
 p. 129, calls him “ Compte Guillaume de Deux-Ponts,” and says 
 that he was the Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment “ Royal-Deux- 
 Ponts.” Mr. Dawson, in his Battles of the United States, vol. i. p. 
 742, speaks of him as “Count William Forbach de Deux Ponts.” 
 In the official letters copied at the end of the diary, the Baron de 
 Yiomesnil recognizes the title of Count. General Richard Butler, 
 in his diary published in the Historical Magazine , Hew York, 1864, 
 vol. viii. p. Ill, speaks of the younger brother as “Miscount,” 
 and furthermore states that he was “ the brother to Count Ber- 
 nard Deux Ponts, who commands the elegant regiment Deux 
 Ponts.” This was a very natural mistake for one to make who 
 was familiar only with the English system of rank. 
 
 The name appears to be written indiscriminately de Deux-Ponts 
 and des Deux-Ponts , as well as de Deuxponts and des Deuxponts. 
 In speaking of the regiment in the translation, I have written it 
 Deuxponts, following the manuscript. 
 
 General Washington, in a letter dated Hew AVindsor, Decem- 
 ber 10th, 1780, (Sparks’s Washington , vol. vii. p. 319,) speaks of the 
 satisfaction he experienced in meeting some of the French officers 
 and says that he “ unfortunately missed seeing the Count de Deux- 
 ponts, who had left my quarters on his way to Philadelphia, be- 
 
 * It is a curious fact in bibliography that during the period of the American Revolu- 
 tion, it was not uncommon for books published in Paris to bear the imprint of Boston 
 or Philadelphia, even when there was no publishing-house in those places, mentioned 
 on the title-page. Generally such books related to America, but this was not always 
 the case. These towns had a wide reputation in Europe, from their connection with 
 the Revolution, and it may have been thought that by doing this the sale of the books 
 would be helped. 
 
XU 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 fore I arrived at them. I however flatter myself that I shall have 
 the pleasure of seeing him on his return.” General Heath, in his 
 Memoirs , p. 271, says that January 13th, 1781, “ the Marquis de la 
 Fayette and Count Deuxponts visited West Point.” These allu- 
 sions probably refer to the elder brother, of whom mention is 
 made several times in these pages, as we do not learn from the 
 diary that its writer was absent from the French army at this 
 time. 
 
 Mr. Lossing, in his Pictorial Field Book , vol. ii. p. 515, speaks of 
 “ Count William Deuxponts as one of the most distinguished 
 colonels of the French regiments, and gives a likeness of him 
 copied from a portrait in Trumbull’s picture* in the rotunda of 
 the Capitol at Washington, representing the surrender of Corn- 
 wallis. 
 
 In Renwick’s Life of Count Bumford, (Sparks’s American Biog- 
 raph 7, vol. v. 13. 62,) an allusion is made to “ Prince Maximilian of 
 Deux-Ponts, afterwards King of Bavaria,” as having just returned 
 from America, where he had served in the army of Rochambeau, 
 and had been present at the surrender of Cornwallis; and, in a 
 note, it is added that “ his portrait is to be seen in Trumbull’s 
 Picture of the Capitulation of Yorktown, in the Rotunda of the 
 Capitol.” Professor Renwick confounds Prince Maximilian de 
 Deux-Ponts with one of the brothers who served in this country. 
 He probably refers to the elder one ; and, if so, his statement about 
 the portrait is at variance with that of Mr. Lossing. 
 
 Colonel Trumbull, in his Reminiscences, gives a record of his 
 journey in 1786, from Paris to the Rhine. In speaking of St. Em- 
 bright, he says, on page 123, “ In this vicinity is the palace of the 
 Duke de Deuxponts, prince of this country, and cousin of Maxi- 
 
 * The portraits of the French officers in this picture were painted from life, in the 
 house of Mr. Jefferson at Paris, in 1787. Trambull’s Reminiscences, p. 408. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 xin 
 
 milian Deuxponts, colonel of the regiment royal Allemand, one 
 of the four superb infantry regiments who served in America, 
 under Count Rochambeau; this residence appears to be fine and 
 finely situated. The Count Maximilian was made King of Bava- 
 ria by Kapoleon; . . ” 
 
 This account is partly correct, but the name of the Colonel, as 
 officially given, was Christian only; and the assertion that the 
 Colonel of the regiment became King of Bavaria is of course a 
 mistake. It might be supposed that Colonel Trumbull would not 
 have fallen into the error, as he must have been personally ac- 
 quainted with one of the brothers Deux-Ponts, if one sat for the 
 portrait in the picture of the surrender of Cornwallis; but the 
 final sentence must obviously have been founded on an inference 
 from European news which reached America long after Colonel 
 Trumbull’s return home. 
 
 It is clear that Count William distinguished himself at the siege 
 of Yorktown, more eminently perhaps than his brother, and all 
 contemporaneous accounts speak in high terms of his conduct at 
 the capture of the redoubts on the night of the 14th of October. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, of the British Legion, in his account 
 of the siege (History of the Campaigns of 1780 and 1781. Dublin, 
 1787, p. 386,) mentions this assault, and says that Count William 
 was “ amongst the foremost of the assailants.” This, coming from 
 a British officer, would show that his bravery was conspicuous. 
 The assault was one of the most important events of the siege, and 
 it would not have been inappropriate to represent, in the histori- 
 cal painting one who took a prominent part in it, for which reason 
 I lean to Mr. Lossing’s statement. 
 
 In a codicil to his will, Dr. Franklin bequeaths a crab-tree walk- 
 ing-stick to General Washington, and says, “ If it were a sceptre, 
 he has merited it and would become it. It was a present to me 
 from that excellent woman, Madame de Forbach, the Dowager 
 
XIV 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Duchess of Deux-Ponts, connected with some verses which should 
 go with it.” Life of Benjamin Franklin. Boston, 1857, p. 609. This 
 was the mother of the diarist, though she was never the Dowager 
 Duchess of Deux-Ponts. 
 
 The town of Deux-Ponts (German Zweibrüolcen) from which the 
 family name comes, is situated on the Erbach, near its confluence 
 with the Serre, fifty miles west of Spires. Formerly it was the 
 capital of a duchy of the same name, governed by its own lords, 
 and afterwards passed successively into the power of Sweden 
 and Bavaria. The old ducal palace, formerly one of the finest 
 in Germany, was in a great measure destroyed by the French, 
 and part of it has been converted into a Roman Catholic church. 
 The town derives its name from two bridges which here cross 
 the Erbach. The well-known Bipontine edition of the classics 
 was published at Deux-Ponts. 
 
 The territory of Deux-Ponts was in the possession of the Counts 
 Palatine of the Rhine, (not identical with the Electors Palatine,) 
 as early as the fourteenth century. During the two following cen- 
 turies the Deux-Ponts line of that family became subdivided into 
 five branches, and in 1654, the head of the main branch was elect- 
 ed King of Sweden. In the eighteenth century, however, several 
 of these lines became extinct; that of Deux-Ponts-Birkenfeld 
 inherited from the rest, and, while they still remained Counts 
 Palatine, their chief was made a duke. 
 
 The father of the diarist was Christian, Count Palatine and 
 Duke of Deux-Ponts-Birkenfeld, but he died in 1775, leaving no 
 recognized children, and his dukedom passed to his two nephews 
 successively, Charles Augustus, (5. 1746, d. 1795,) and Maximilian, 
 (b. 1756, d. 1825.) 
 
 Maximilian became in 1799, Elector, and in 1805, King of Bava- 
 ria; and we then find Duke William of Bavaria, the husband of 
 the king’s sister, become Duke of Deux-Ponts, which title now 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 XV 
 
 rests with his grandson, Duke Maximilian, the father of the Em- 
 press of Austria, and of the Ex-Queen of Naples. 
 
 It was among these persons, in the last generation, that Chris- 
 tian and William de Forbach des Deux-Ponts passed their early 
 and later years, as relatives of inferior birth, but on terms of kind- 
 ness, esteem, and honor. 
 
 The accession of the Deux-Ponts family to the inheritance of 
 Bavaria was due to a rule of succession, settled at Pavia in 1329, 
 between Louis the Bavarian, Emperor of Germany — ancestor of 
 the Bavarian house which became extinct in 1777 — and his 
 nephews. Under this rule, Charles Theodore, Elector Palatine, 
 took possession of Bavaria in 1777. 
 
 In the following year he made a convention with Austria, which 
 would have alienated Bavaria again from this house, he having 
 no children; but Charles Augustus, who had already succeeded 
 his uncle Christian, as Duke of Deux-Ponts, made good, with the 
 help of the King of Prussia, his claim as heir presumptive. He 
 died before the elector, but his right passed to his brother Maxi- 
 milian, who, as we already know, became King of Bavaria, and 
 who was the father of King Louis I., of the present Queen of 
 Saxony, of the Dowager Queens of Saxony and Prussia, and of 
 the Archduchess Sophia, mother of the Emperor of Austria. 
 
 From all the different sources that I have quoted, I gather the 
 following outlines of the diarist’s life. He was born at Deux- 
 Ponts, June 18th, 1754, and entered his brother’s regiment, in the 
 French army, in 1778. At this time his father had been dead 
 three years. Early in 1780, he married a French lady of high 
 birth, and came shortly afterwards to this country in Rochambeau’s 
 army; while here, he wrote most of the journal which is now pub- 
 lished. At the siege of Yorktown, where he was wounded, he 
 distinguished himself by his bravery, and was mentioned particu- 
 larly in the official report made by the Baron de Yiomesnil to the 
 
xvi 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Count de Rochambeau. For his gallantry on tills occasion, he was 
 made by the King of France a Chevalier of the Military Order of 
 >St. Louis. 
 
 Nothing more seems to be known of him or of his brother, 
 until the French Revolution obliged them to return to Germany, 
 when they entered the service of Bavaria. 
 
 The diarist held a post of honor at the Court and near the 
 person of the king, which he retained during his life, and which 
 his son received afterwards. His brother, Christian, was his 
 senior by two years, and survived him sixteen years, though I do 
 not know the exact date of the death of either. 
 
 I offer no apology for publishing ajournai, which gives interest- 
 ing and valuable facts connected with the American Revolution. 
 Anything that throws light on the events of that period is impor- 
 tant, and ought to be preserved. History is made up of the deeds 
 of individuals, and sometimes the best insight into the motives 
 and consequences of those deeds is gained from the humblest 
 narratives. 
 
 In conclusion, I would return my thanks to many friends for 
 services rendered in many ways. By such help the work of pre- 
 paring the manuscript for the press has been in a great meas- 
 ure lessened. 
 
 S. A. G. 
 
 Boston, September 1, 1S68. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMÉRIQUE. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE 
 
 CONTE G. DE DEUX PONTS 
 
 CAMPAGNE DE L’ANNEE 1780 
 
 C’est au commencement de l’année 1780 que le Roy se 
 détermina a envoyer des troupes au secours des états unis 
 de l’Amerique Septentrionale, on n’en déclara pas le dessein, 
 on prit au contraire toutes les précautions imaginables pour 
 cacher l’objet auquel on destinoit les troupes qui alloient 
 recevoir l’ordre de s’embarquer, et les regiments de Neustrie, 
 Bourbonnois, Soisonnois, Saint Onge, Anhalt, Royal Deux- 
 ponts, un bataillon D’Artilleiie et la legion de Lauzun, des- 
 tinés a cette expedition, quittèrent les cantonnemens dans 
 les quels on les avoit placés après la fin de l’inutile campagne 
 de 1779; dans l’ignorance la plus parfaite du pays dans 
 lequel on alloit les transporter. 
 
 Le Marquis de la Fayette possedoit seul a cet egard, le 
 secret de l’etat, c’est lui qui fut chargé de notifier notre 
 arrivée en Amérique et son départ qui précédoit le notre 
 ne put nous instruire et nous faire connaitre notre sort que 
 nous croyons très indépendant du sien, parceque sa qualité 
 de Major General au service des états unis rendoit son 
 retour dans ces contrées, simple et même necessaire. 
 
 A la fin du mois de Février, émanèrent du bureau de la 
 guerre, les ordres de départ pour les regiments qui compo- 
 
 1 
 
2 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 soient notre petite armée, et je reçus clans les premiers jours 
 cle Mars, celui d’etre rendu le 15 du même mois a Lander- 
 nau ou le regiment de Royal Deuxponts hyvernoit ; il n’y a voit 
 pas deux mois que j’etois marié, que j’avois uni mon sort et 
 même mon cœur, a une femme que j’aimois tendrement. 
 J’avouerai franchement que le premier sentiment que cet 
 ordre me fit éprouver, ne fut pas celui du plaisir et 
 je ne cacherai pas ici, la peine, la peine bien réelle 
 que me causoit ma separation d’avec ma femme ; le com- 
 bat de la tendre amitié et du devoir ne fut cependant pas 
 long, le dernier l’emporta, il n’eprouva que la resistance 
 d’un coeur sensible et il n’en éprouva qu’ asséz pour lui don- 
 ner la gloire d’une victoire toujours certaine sur une ame 
 qui connoit les droits de l’honneur ; ma resolution enfin ne 
 pouvoit etre douteuse, mais ma presence n’etant pas très 
 necessaire a Landernau avant le mois D’Avril fixé pour 
 l’embarquement des troupes, je demandai la permission de 
 n’y arriver que le 31 Mars, les difficultés que le Ministre 
 opposa a mes désirs, furent vaincues par les sollicitations 
 remplies d’amitié et d’interet dé la Comtesse de Linanges 
 et elle [l’J obtint pour moi; j’embrassai ma pauvre mere 
 le 27, et je quittai ma femme le 28 du mois de Mars; 
 les adieux trop tendres deviennent dechirans et mon 
 coeur l’éprouva ; je partis. Quelques larmes, beaucoup 
 de réflexions sur ce que j’abandonnois, sur ce que j’allois 
 devenu', et sur la gloire que je pourrois peut etre acquérir, 
 occupèrent le tems de mon voyage. J’arrivai a Landernau 
 le 31, j’y trouvai l’ordre de nous embarquer le 4 D’Avril, 
 j’y appris la fâcheuse nécessité dans la quelle on etoit de 
 laisser les regiments de Ncustrie et D’Anhalt en France, 
 faute de moyens de les embarquer, et nous quittâmes Lan- 
 dernau le 4 D’Avril. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 3 
 
 le regiment de Royal Deuxponts est arrivé le même jour 
 a Brest et s’est embarqué a bord de L'Eveillé de 64 canons, 
 de la Venus de la Comtesse de Noailles, de la Loire et 
 de l'Ecureuil il a commencé l’embarquement de touts 
 les z-egiments destinés a servir sous les ordres de Monsieur 
 le Comte de Rocliambeau, il a été suivi le lendemain 5 
 Avril par la legion de Lauzun, le 6 par le regiment de Soi- 
 sonnois le 8 par le regiment de Bourbonnois, le 10 par le 
 regiment de St. Onge et l’artillerie qui devoit terminez 
 l’embarquement des troupes, est entrée le 11 Avril dans ses 
 vaisseaux. 
 
 Les Officiers Generaux, [les] aides de camp &[c] ont 
 tous été embarqués le 14 Avril; le 15 le vent [étant] asséz 
 favorable engagea M le Chevalier de Ternay, commandant 
 de zzotre escadre, a ordonner le départ du convoi qui devoit 
 précéder d’un jour celui des vaisseaux de guerre. Le con- 
 voi appareilla et alla mouiller dans la rade de Berthaume ; 
 le 16 au matin, le General ordonna a l’escadre de desaffour- 
 cher, de virer a pic, et au moment d’appareiller le vent 
 changea et nous força de rester dans la rade de Brest, le 
 vent devint même si violent que le convoi fut obligé de ren- 
 trer le lendemain dans la rade de Brest. 
 
 A compter du 1 7 Avril le vent fut constamment contraire, 
 il nous força, a l’inaction et ce n’est que le 2 Mai a cinq 
 heures du matin que nous avons pu mettre a la voile. Notre 
 flotte a cette epoque etoit camposée du Duc de Bourgogne de 
 80 canons, du Neptune de 74 du Conquérant de 74, de 
 L'Eveillé, du Jason, de la Provence et de l'ardent de 64, des 
 fregattes la Bellone l'Amazone et la Surveillante des cutters 
 la Guepe, et le Serpent et de trente six batimens de Trans- 
 port, le tout formant quarante huit voiles. 
 
 le 5 Mai a deux heures après midi, la frégatte la Bellone 
 
4 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 quitta l’escadre, pour retourner en France, notre route jus- 
 ques la, a été fort lente et entièrement dépourvue d’evene- 
 mens, et nous nous n’avions depuis trois jours et demi que 
 nous naviguions, parcouru que 50 lieues; Au moment du 
 départ de la fregatte la Bellone, le vaisseau commandant a 
 fait le signal de regler l’eau, ce signal nous fait présumer 
 une traversée longue, et augmente encore l’incertitude de 
 nos conjectures sur le lieu de notre destination; je crois 
 cependant que l’intention de Monsieur de Ternay en faisant 
 ce signal, a été de persuader la Bellone de la longueur de 
 notre route, pour que son rapport trompe de plus en plus la 
 curiosité des politiques. 
 
 Le 9 Mai a cinq heures du matin, nous avons vu et 
 reconnu le Cap Ortegal, situé dans la province de Galice, 
 nous avons été a vue de terre jusqu’ a neuf heures du matin. 
 Le Ciel s’embruma tout a coup et le vent s’éleva avec tant 
 de violence et de promptitude, que nous avons été obligés 
 de mettre a la cape avec la plus grande precipitation, La 
 Provence a eue son petit mat de hune et son grand mat du 
 Perroquet brisé [s] par le vent, plusieurs autres vaisseaux 
 ont souffert, entre autres, le Neptune, dont le Mat du Perro- 
 quet de fougue a été cassé ; la Provence a fait peu de moments 
 après son accident, le signal que son avarie* ne pouvoit pas 
 se reparer a la mer ; le vent a continué pendant toute la 
 journée avec la môme impétuosité. 
 
 Le 10. la violence du vent s’est soutenue jusqu’à cinq 
 heures du soir, un vent frais de Nord Ouest nous a permis a 
 cette heure la, de quitter la cape et de remettre a la voile. 
 
 Du 10 au 15 Mai, le vent nous a continuellement été con- 
 
 * cette même avarie fut reparée quatre jours après eu deux heures 
 de tems. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 5 
 
 traire et lions avons employé tout ce tems la, a courir des 
 bords, trop heureux de pouvoir nous maintenir dans notre 
 position et de ne pas perdre du chemin que nous avons déjà 
 tait. 
 
 Le 15 au matin, le vent nous est devenu entièrement favor- 
 able et nous a permis ce même jour de doubler le cap Finis- 
 terre. Le Cutter le Serpent a été renvoyé en Europe pour 
 y porter la nouvelle de notre décapement. Le Yent de 
 Nord Est s’est soutenu avec constance, et le 21 nous avons 
 doublé l’Isle de Madere, la laissant a peu prés a 50 lieues 
 a l’est. 
 
 Du 21 Mai au trois de Juin le tems a été constamment 
 beau et le vent favorable, mais la plupart du tems trop foible 
 pour faire une route considerable ; les airs de vent auxquels 
 on a governé pend 4 tout ce tems la, n’ont pu nous eclairer 
 sur notre destination, ils nous dirigeoient egalement vers 
 l’amerique Septentrionale et vers les Antilles, le 3, l’es- 
 cadre étant en panne et la mer belle, Le C te de Damas, 
 mon frere et moi, avons été a bord du Duc de Bourgogne, 
 faire une visite a M r le Comte de Rochambeau qui nous 
 a annoncé que nous faisions route pour l’amerique Septentri- 
 onale. 
 
 Le 8 de Juin, M r le Comte de Rochambeau, nous a fait 
 parvenir dans nos vaisseaux respectifs, nos instructions de 
 debarquement, la forme de notre service et l’ordre des rangs 
 a observer vis a vis des troupes des états unis de l’amerique. 
 
 le 11 de Juin, les fregattes la Surveillante et l’Amazone 
 ont pris après huit heures de chasse, une caiche angloise 
 •venant de Hallifax. 
 
 le 18 de Juin nous avons doublé la Bermude, Nord et Sud, 
 la laissant a peu prés soixante lieues Nord ; les fregattes la 
 Surveillante et l’Amazone ont pris le même jour un brique 
 
6 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D AMERIQUE. 
 
 anglois, moutant douze canons qui venoit du siege de Charles 
 Town, que les Anglois ont pris sur les états unis de l’ Amé- 
 rique, le 8 de Mai après un siege de six semaines, ce bati- 
 ment nous en a appris la nouvelle certaine, il avoit a son 
 bord cinq officiers du 46 ieme regiment qui venoient de 
 Charles Town et alloient a la Barbade. Il a pris notre 
 escadre pour une escadre Angloise que l’on attend a la 
 Nouvelle Angleterre et il ne s’est douté de son erreur qu’au 
 moment ou les pavillons François, l’ont forcé d’amener le 
 sien. 
 
 le 20 de Juin, on signala dans un très grand eloignement 
 six voiles au vent a nous, il etoit alors a peu prés midi et 
 demi. Les Vaisseaux, le Neptune et l’Eveillé, reçurent^ 
 aussitôt l’ordre signalé de chasser en tenant le vent, et 
 l’ordre verbal* de faire peu de voiles,* nous arborâmes 
 aussitôt pavillon Anglois, nous nous mimes en chasse, une 
 demie heure après nous vimes que les batimens chassoient sur 
 nous, et nous jugeâmes facilement que c’etoient des batimens 
 de guerre ; la distance qui nous separoit etoit trop conside- 
 rable pour pouvoir connaître leur force, mais nous jugeâmes 
 de leur nation, par la securité avec la quelle ils venoient au 
 devant du pavillon Anglois. Ils chassoient tous, mais sans 
 ordre, laissant entre eux des distances considerables, et 
 nous vimes dés lors, un de ces vaisseaux se séparer des 
 autres et porter sur notre convoi qui continuoit sa route 
 avec nos cinq autres vaisseaux, que etoient par consequent 
 
 * Nous passions a poupe du General, l’orsqu’ on nous cria cet ordre 
 verbal par un porte voix, notre Capitaine, répondit deux fois qu’ il 
 n’entendoit pas, parcequ’ il vouloit que cet ordre fut signalé ; a la 
 troisième repetition, l’Eveillé se trouvoit si prés du Duc de Bourgogne 
 que Mr de Tilli ne pouvoit plus faire la sourde oreille, et il fut obligé 
 d’obeir sans signal. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D AMERIQUE. 
 
 7 
 
 sous le vent a nous. A trois heures, l’Officier de quart vint 
 nous avertir que les voiles que nous chassions, etoient cinq 
 vaisseaux de ligne et une fregatte le Neptune que etoit un peu 
 de l’avant, en fit le signal a notre escadre et notre vaisseau le 
 répéta. Nous étions a table, cette nouvelle nous fit quitter 
 notre diner pour laisser faire le branlebas, et pour nous 
 preparer au combat ; une demie heure après, nos deux vais- 
 seaux se trouvèrent a la grande portée du canon, d’un vais- 
 seau de 74 canons et de la fregatte ennemie, qui devançoient 
 d’une demie lieue a peu prés la reste de leur escadre. La 
 fregatte hissa un pavillon espagnol qui devoit servir de signal 
 de reconnoissance, et au quel nous n’avions pas de ré- 
 ponse a faire ; le vaisseau et la fregatte jugèrent notre silence, 
 mirent en panne, et nous, nous* virâmes de bord, pour rejoin- 
 dre notre escadre qui sur le signal du Neptune, s’etoit 
 séparée du convoi, et venoit vent devant et toutes voiles 
 dehors, a notre appui. A cinq heures du soir, nos sept vais- 
 seaux se trouvèrent en ligne de bataille, les anglois avoient 
 formé la leur, a l’exception du vaisseau qui s’etoit détaché de 
 son escadre, qui avoit vivement chassé notre convoi, et etoit 
 consequemment tombé, sous le vent, non seulement de son 
 escadre, mais de la notre, de maniéré a etre certaine de le 
 couper, si M r de Tcrnay avoit voulu profitter de notre avan- 
 tageuse position. L’Escadre Françoise dont le Neptune avoit 
 la tête, le chassa, mais le Chevalier de Ternay faisoit a tous 
 
 * Nous virâmes de bord, sans que le Duc de Bourgogne nous en ait 
 fait le signal, je ne concevrai ni n’approuverai jamais cette Manoeuvre 
 de Mr Destouches, si nous avions engagé le vaisseau de 74 canons qui 
 se trouvoit a notre portée ; nous aurions a la vérité eu a combattre 
 avec nos deux vaisseaux quatre vaisseaux ennemis ; mais une demie 
 heure après ces quatre vaisseaux Anglois eussent été foundroyés par 
 sept vaisseaux François. 
 
8 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D ’AMERIQUE. 
 
 moments le signal aux vaisseaux de tête de diminuer de 
 voiles, et donna le tems au vaisseau ennemi de serrer le vent 
 et de s’y clever* L’Escadre Angloise avoit le vent sur la 
 notre et couroit sur la même paralelle, a cinq heures et 
 demi[e] nous arborâmes pavillon Francois, les ennemis his- 
 sèrent aussitôt celui de leur nation, et a six heures moins un 
 quart, notre vaisseau commandant, fit le signal au vaisseau 
 de tête de commencer le combat. Au même instant, le 
 vaisseau Anglois séparé, se trouvant asséz elevé au vent, vira 
 de bord vent devant, passa en revue devant toute l’escadre 
 Françoise, reçut toutes nos bordées, répondit a toutes celles 
 que nous lui envoyons et regagna par cette manoeuvre 
 hardie et habile la queue de sa ligne. Le combat s’enga- 
 gea et fut pendant vingt minutes vif et suivi. Le Cheva- 
 lier de Ternay pour se rapprocher de l’ennemi fit le signal a 
 notre escadre de virer vent arriéré par la contremarche, la 
 cannonade recommença une grand distance ; les Anglois 
 tinrent le vent, s’éloignèrent peu a peu de nous, et la nuit 
 tomba un quart d’heure après la fin de notre combat. 
 L’Escadre Angloise etoit composée de deux vaisseaux de 74 
 canons,, deux de 64 et un de 50, la fregatte Angloise pouvoit 
 etre de 32 canons. Tout notre convoi resta rassemblé a une 
 demie lieu[e] sous le vent a nous et etoit guardé par les 
 fregattes l’Amazone et la Surveillante. Notre Combat a duré 
 en tout, à compter du premier coup de canon jusqu’au dernier, 
 a peu prés cinq quarts d’heure. Nous avons allumé nos feux 
 et les avons conservé pendant toute la nuit; les Anglois 
 
 * La Mémoire cle Mr de Ternay ne sera jamais a l’abri du reproche 
 que mérité sa conduite dans cette circonstance, qui auroit due le 
 couvrir de gloire. S’il avoit l’crrdre de ne pas combattre, il ne devoit 
 pas commencer le combat, s’il en avoit la liberté, il devoit tirer parti 
 de ses avantages et cela n’etoit pas difficile. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 9 
 
 n’avoient pas les leurs, si c’est une preuve de notre victoire, 
 il faut avouer qu’elle est bien foible. 
 
 Le 21. La Surveillante a pris un gros bateau anglois 
 chargé de bois, venant de Savannah, il a assuré que le 8 de ' 
 ce mois il avoit encore vu l’Amiral Arbuthnot devant Charles 
 Town, mais n’ayant avec lui que des fregattes (parceque les 
 vaisseaux de ligne ne peuvent pas passer la barre de Charles 
 Town) cela nous fait croire a tous que l’escadre que nous 
 avons combattu[e] hier, est celle D’Arbuthnot venant de 
 Hallifax et allant rejoindre son General. Nous sommes 
 d’autant plus fondés a croire que l’escadre ennemie etoit 
 commandée par un simple Capitaine de vaisseau, que nous 
 n’avons point remarqué de pavillon de distinction a aucun 
 de leurs vaisseaux.* Nous jugeons que ces cinq vaisseaux 
 etoient le Robuste et le Russel de 74 canons, l’Europa et 
 le Raisonnable de 64, et le Renown de 50. 
 
 Du 2 1 Juin au 4 Juillet notre route a souvent été contra- 
 riée par des calmes ou des vents contraires, il y a eu de l’er- 
 reur dans l’estimation de la longitude, a bord de tous nos 
 vaisseaux, tous les points etoient de l’avant des navires, ce 
 qui nous a fait souvent sonder sans trouver fonds. 
 
 le 4 Juillet a dix heures et demie du matin, on signala 
 une voile, que le Chevalier de Ternay fit aussitôt chasser par 
 les fregattes l’Amazone et la Surveillante ; le Duc* de Bour- 
 gogne, fit le signal qu’il rendoit sa manoeuvre indépendante 
 et appuya lui même la chasse des deux fregattes. Le bati- 
 
 *Nous avons appris trois mois après que cette escadre étoit com- 
 mandée par le Capitaine Cornwallis, venant de la Jamaïque dont il 
 avoit debouqué un convoi, qu’ elle y retournoit, et que les cinq 
 vaisseaux qui la composoient, sont Z[e] Hector et le Sultan de 74 
 canons, le Lion et le Bubis de 64, le Bristol de 30 et la fregatte le 
 Niger de 32 canons. 
 
 2 
 
10 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 ment chassé etoit un gros bateau armé, fort bon marcheur ; 
 il n’amena pavillon qu’aprés plusieurs coups de canons a 
 boulets tirés sur lui ; il fut cependant pris et amariné a deux 
 heures, et nous jugeâmes, nous sachant prés de la côte 
 D ’Amérique, que ce navire etoit une mouche Angloise desti- 
 née a nous observer; a deux heures et demie, l’Amazone 
 signala qu’ elle avoit trouvé fonds a soixante brasses, une 
 heure après, le Conquérant signala fonds a quinze brasses 
 et a quatre heures l’Eveillé le trouva a treize brasses, il n’y 
 avoit plus a douter de notre proximité de la terre, et le 
 bateau pris affirma que nous n’etions qu’a dix lieues a l’Est 
 du cap Henri un des caps de la Baye de Chesapeack; 
 l’Escadre mit en panne et le signal de faire servir, fut suivi 
 immédiatement par celui de nous preparer a mouiller, a 
 six heures et un quart, ordre de mouiller, qui fut révoque le 
 moment d’après, a six heures et demi[e] la Surveillante sig- 
 nala deux voiles ; le General fit aussitôt le signal du branle 
 bas general, nous fumes un peu étonnés de la promptitude 
 de cet ordre mais l’instant d’après, le Duc de Burgogne sig- 
 nala neuf voiles, et un autre vaisseau [en signala] onze, 
 cela nous parut un peu plus serieux nous commençâmes mes 
 compagnons de voyage et moi a calculer les probabilités ; 
 nous nous rappellames que l’Amiral Graves avec une forte 
 escadre avoit du appareiller des ports D’Angleterre en 
 même tems que nous, ou nous suivre de prés, que cette esca- 
 dre sans convoi, marchant mieux que nous, devoit etre 
 arrivée a sa destination, qu’elle pouvoit etre jointe a Arbuth- 
 not et que ces deux escadres reunies croisoient vraisembla- 
 blement en attendant notre arrivée, le petit batiment pris, 
 ne nous parut plus alors qu’un espion, dout M r de Ternay 
 moyennant cinquante toises ou cinquante coups de bâton 
 avoit tiré la vérité du Capitaine, et le signal de virer vent 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 11 
 
 devant toutes voiles dehors, l’avertissement que le General 
 alloit indiquer des fausses routes pour la nuit,* cinq fausses 
 routes qui parurent le moment d’après et par un de nos 
 batimens légers, envoyé pour reconnaître ; nous persuad- 
 èrent a tous, que les batimens apperçus etoient Arbutlinot et 
 Graves très supérieurs et très a craindre. Le soleil baissoit 
 je ne vis que cinq des voiles signalées, la nuit se ferma nous 
 commençâmes a dix heures nos fausses routes qui furent 
 très bien exécutées, a minuit et demi cinq coups de canon, 
 firent passer cinq boulets entre les mats du Duc de Bour- 
 gogne, ils nous tirent croire que l’ennemi nous avoit joint, 
 que nous ne lui échapperions pas le lendemain matin, et 
 nous passâmes notre nuit dans les préparatifs et l’attente 
 d’un combat, dont l’issue ne nous paroissoit pas [de] couleur 
 de rose, je pris cependant le parti de me coucher, il est plus 
 sage de dormir que de réver a un combat naval ou il n’y 
 avoit rien a gagner; je me reveillai a trois heures et demi[e] 
 mon premier soin fut de demander si nous avions l’ennemi 
 sur le bras, on me répondit qu’on ne voyoit que deux bati- 
 mens etrangers, je regardai et je vis deux fregattes ennemies 
 
 * Touts ces signaux etoient bien plutôt une fuite honteuse qu’une 
 manoeuvre prudente, jamais on ne pouvoit en mer, mieux peindre la 
 peur, et j’ai vu avec douleur ce triste coup de pinceau de Monsieur de 
 Ternay ; il n’a même pas eu asséz de presence d’esprit pour envoyer a 
 la reconnoissance des batimens signalés, la Surveillante et l’Eveillé 
 marchent cependant asséz supérieurement pour avoir pu remplir cet 
 objet, sans craindre de les compromettre, on auroit vu, on lui auroit 
 rendu compte, et notre Amiral eut appris qu’il etoit le maitre de 
 s’emparer de deux vaisseaux de 44 canons, quatre fregattes et un 
 convoi qui composoient ces voiles apperçues et qui lui ont donné tant 
 de craintes, ce n’est que quatre mois après, que nous l’avons sue, il 
 eut été heureux de ne pas manquer une pareille occasion, mais, quand 
 on a peur, on n’y voit pas si bien. 
 
12 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 au milieu de notre convoi, qui mettoient toutes voiles dehors 
 pour s’éloigner; taut mieux pensois-je en moi mène. Nos 
 fregattes, et les vaisseaux qui se trouvoient a portée de M r 
 de Ternay, lui demandoient avec instance, la permission de 
 chasser, mais il n’osa pas l’accordèr avant que le soleil eut 
 asséz éclairé l’horizon pour etre sur qu’il n’y avoit pas de 
 forces supérieures a craindre, a cinq heures du matin il en 
 fut convaincu, il fit signal a nos fregattes de chasser les fre- 
 gattes ennemies, et appuya lui même la chasse qui dura jus- 
 qu’à une heure après midi, sans avoir pu joindre les fregattes 
 ennemies dont la marche etoit supérieure, et qui pour échap- 
 per plus sûrement, avoient fait le sacrifice de quelques uns 
 de leurs canons, qu’elles avoient jetés a la mer. L’Escadre 
 et le convoi ayant continué leur route au même air de vent 
 que les batimens chasseurs, nous fuines tous rejoints a trois 
 heures, nous mimes en panne ; le General ordonna a tous les 
 vaisseaux et fregattes d’envoyer a l’ordre, et déclara qu’ il 
 conduisoit l’escadre a Boston ou a Rhode Island. L’enseigne 
 du vaisseau envoyé a l’ordre raconta a son retour, a tout le 
 monde, sous le secret, que le General avoit vu la veille onze 
 voiles, et que d’après les informations prises, il etoit certain 
 qu’elles formoient une escadre Angloise composée de sept 
 vaisseaux de ligne, le London de 98 canons et six vaisseaux 
 de 74 canons. 
 
 Le grand nombre de nos malades et la fatigue que nous 
 éprouvons de 27 jours passés dans la rade de Brest et de 
 soixante six jours en mer, nous font desirer d’eviter la ren- 
 contre des forces dont nous sommes menacés ; les ennemis, 
 partis en, même tems que nous, peuvent etre déjà rafraîchis 
 et reposés de leur traversée qui debarasée d’un convoi doit 
 avoir été bien plus courte que la notre. 
 
 Dans la nuit du cinq au six Juillet nous avons perdu le 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 13 
 
 batiment pris le quatre de ce mois, son mat de beaupré cassé, 
 l’a fait rester en arriéré et sa conservation n’etoit pas asséz 
 importante pour retarder la marche de l'escadre et du 
 convoi. 
 
 Le sept de Juillet, le Chevalier de Ternay a fait venir a 
 son bord tous les capitaines des vaisseaux et [des] fregattes 
 de l’escadre et a déclaré après un court conseil de guerre 
 tenu avec eux, qu’il nous conduisoit a Rhode Island ; On a 
 réfuté la nouvelle dite le cinq sur la force de l’escadre 
 angloise, qu’on cro[yo]it avoir apperçu[e] le 4 au soir; 
 [’approuve fort cette refutation que je crois destinées a 
 encourager nos equipages, mais je n’en suis pas moins per- 
 suadé que la premiere nouvelle est- vraie, et nous nous atten- 
 dons tous a combattre avant notre arrivée a terre. 
 
 Du sept au neuf Juillet le tems a été très brumeux, l’on 
 a cependant a force de soins et de signaux conservé l’escadre 
 et le convoi, a l’exception de la gabarre l’isle de France qui 
 s’est écartés et nous manque dans ce moment ci. Le 9 a 
 six heures du matin, on a trouvé fonds a quarante brasses ; 
 l’incertitude de notre eloignement de la terre et l’impossibi- 
 lité de la voir, engagèrent le Chevalier de Ternay a faire 
 mouiller la flotte a midi, a deux heures le tems s’est éclairci 
 et a trois heures nous avons appareillé ; très peu de tems 
 après on a signalé terre, mais on ne put la reconnaître, 
 nous nous en sommes approchés jusqu’à sept heures du soir ; 
 nous vimes a cette heure la, arriver une chaloupe américaine 
 que le General fit venir a son bord, et nous apprîmes que 
 la terre decouverte etoitd’isle de Nomann une des isles des 
 bancs de Nantuket; nous mouillâmes a 9 heures du soir et 
 recommençâmes notre route le dix a quatre heures du matin. 
 
 le dix au soir nous découvrîmes encore la terre et nous 
 eûmes la certitude que c’etoit la terre de Rhode Island ; 
 
14 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 nous passâmes la nuit a l’ancre, le 1 1 a la pointe du jour 
 nous appareillâmes, la brume etoit fort épaisse, nous couri- 
 ons vers la terre, et nous allions nous perdre sans quelques 
 coups de canons de signaux que le navire l’Ecureuil tira 
 pour nous avertir du danger, la brume s’éclaircit, nous étions 
 contre la pointe Judith, nous fumes pris par un calme plat 
 et forcés de mouiller; le General nous envoya un pilote 
 Américain; (le Colonel Elliot) nous remimes a la voile dans 
 l’aprés midi et nous sommes entrés le onze Juillet au soir 
 dans la Rade de Newport. 
 
 Monsieur le Comte de Rochambeau a été débarqué le 
 même jour et s’est occupé de l’emplacement de notre camp 
 et de touts les details relatifs a sa petite armée qui ne lui 
 ont permis de faire commencer le debarquement des troupes, 
 que le 13 de Juillet, Les grenadiers et chasseurs qu’on a 
 mis les premiers a terre, ont dés le même soir été occuper le 
 camp qui nous est destiné, ils ont été suivis le 14 et le 15 
 par les troupes bien portantes et le 16, le 17 le 18 et le 19 
 ont été donnés au debarquement des malades ; les uns ont été 
 transportés aux hôpitaux préparés a Newport, et les autrés, 
 a un hôpital établi a Papisquasch a donze milles de Newport. 
 
 Le Camp occupé par l’armée Françoise a sa droite appu- 
 yée prés de Newport, un peu en avant de la ville, la gauche 
 touche a la mer, la legion de Lauzun est campée en avant de 
 l’armée, dans une presque isle appellée le Nek. 
 
 Nous sommes enfin arrivés au terme de notre navigation, 
 et de la fatigue et de l’ennui qui en sont inseparables, le 
 moment ou l’on revoit la terre après en avoir été séparé 
 pend 1 soixante et onze jours, est doux, on ne connoit jamais 
 mieux le prix du bonheur qu’aprés l’avoir acheté par des 
 privations et des peines ; mais nous avons trop a nous occu- 
 per du spectacle de l’humanité souffrante, pour jouir; le 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 15 
 
 scorbut a fait des ravages affreux parmi nos troupes, nous 
 avons perdu du monde pendant la traversée, et la grande 
 quantité de nos malades, le triste état auquel plusieurs sont 
 réduits, nous font craindre d’en perdre encore beaucoup. 
 
 Nous n’avons pas éprouvé a notre debarquement l’accueil 
 auquel nous nous attendions et auquel nous devions nous 
 attendre, le froid et la reserve me semblent jusqu’à present 
 etre le caractère distinctif de la nation américaine, elle 
 paroit peu portée a l’enthousiasme que l’on suppose a un 
 peuple qui combat pour sa liberté et peu propre a l’inspirer, 
 mais ces considerations ne changeront rien a ma resolution, 
 et m’occupent bien moins que mes reflexions sur notre posi- 
 tion militaire et politique ; nous sommes bien peu nombreux 
 et je prévois avec peine que nous ne pourrons pas etre cette 
 campagne ci, d’une grande influence, si notre seconde divi- 
 sion n’arrive pas bientôt et ne nous met pas en état de faire 
 naitre quelques evenemens. 
 
 le 21 Juillet au matin, un brique destiné a porter en France 
 la nouvelle de notre arrivée dans l’ Amérique Septentrionale, 
 est sorti du port de Rhode Island, sous l’escorte des fregattes, 
 la Surveillante, l’Amazone et l’Hermione qui doivent le con- 
 voyer jusqu’à une certaine distance ; La vue de plusieurs 
 voiles a fait rentrer cette flotille ; les voiles découvertes se 
 sont approchées et a six heures du soir, nous en avons comptés 
 de la côte, vingt ; dont au moins neuf vaisseaux a deux bat- 
 teries. Leur silence a touts les signaux faits de la côte, n’a 
 plus laissé douter qu’ils etoient Anglois. L’incertitude de 
 leurs desseins et la crainte qu’ils n’ayent celui de forcer la 
 passé de Rhode Island, a fait embosser nos sept vaisseaux 
 de ligne et Monsieur le Comte de Rochambeau a dés le 
 même soir, fait elever des batteries sur la passe du coté de 
 
16 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 Rhode Island,* tandis que la marine en a elevé du coté de 
 Conanicut. M r de La Valette Lieutenant Colonel du regi- 
 ment de Saint Onge a été détaché a Conanicut avec cent 
 cinquante hommes, et M r le C te de Custine et moi en second 
 avons été détaché avec les bataillons de grenadiers et chas- 
 seurs de nos deux brigades et nous avons pris notre position 
 au bord de la mer, pour prévenir de l’un et de l’autre coté 
 toute tentation de descente. L’Amiral Arbuthnot a conti- 
 nuellement reste en vue de la côte, jusqu’au 26 de Juillet; la 
 nuit il mouillolt a la pointe de Judith, et passoit le jour sous 
 voiles, croisant, tantôt a une lieue, d’autres fois a trois ou 
 quatre lieues de la côte, le 26 au soir le General nous a 
 ordonné de rentrer au camp de l’armée, et la legion de 
 Lauzun est venue prendre notre position. M r le C te de 
 Rochambeau ayant reçu avis le 24 que le G al Clinton faisoit 
 embarquer dix mille hommes pour venir nous attaquer et 
 qu’il alloit etre prêt a appareiller, a détaché le second 
 bataillon du regiment de Soisonnois commandé par le 
 Vicomte de Noailles et l’a porté sur Conanicut ou il a été 
 renforcé de milices Américaines ; mais la difficulté de garder 
 L’Isle de Conanicut qui est abordable de touts les cotés, a 
 engagé M r de Rochambeau a l’abandonner aux enterprises 
 de l’ennemi, et il a fait rentrer le 27 de Juillet, le Bataillon 
 détaché. 
 
 * Les batteries elevées du coté de Rhodisland, n’etoient que de 
 pieces de douze, notre gros canon et nos mortiers n’avoient point 
 encore été débarqués, et l’on peut aisément juger que ces batteries 
 n’eussent pas été d’un grand effet contre des vaisseaux de ligne, a cette 
 epoque la moitié de notre armée etoit malade il n’y avoit aucun point 
 de debarquement reconnu et aucune marche ouverte. Notre position 
 n’eut point été aisée si nous avions eu affaire a un ennemi hardi et 
 habile. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 17 
 
 Les avis donnés de l’intention du General Clinton de nous 
 attaquer, ont été confirmés par ceux que le General Wash- 
 ington a fait parvenir a M r de Rochambeau, que a en conse- 
 quence convoqué les milices de l’etat de Rhode Island a 
 fait reparer toutes les redoutes construites par les Anglois 
 (l’orsqu’ils etoient les maitres de notre Isle) il en a augmenté 
 la defense, en ajoutant de nouveaux ouvrages a ceux qui 
 etoient déjà construits, et a fait ouvrir des marches sur tous 
 les points possibles de debarquement. 
 
 Le 12 D’Aoust nous avons appris que des mouvemens que 
 le G al Washington a fait pour s’approcher de New York, ont 
 fait renoncer Clinton a ses projets sur nous. Le G al Wash- 
 ington s’est porté a Pompton a seize milles de Staten Island. 
 Le G al Clinton avoit fait embarquer ses troupes dans la baye 
 de Huntington il avoit même mis a la voile et s’etoit porté 
 jusqu’à la hauteur de New London et ce n’est qu’ alors qu’ 
 il a changé ses projets. 
 
 Dans la journée du 19 Aoust, il a paru vingt batimens 
 entre Block Island et la pointe Judith, que l’on croit etre un 
 convoi portant deux mille Anglois, destinés a faire une ex- 
 pedition sur le continent pour l’approvisionnement de New 
 York. 
 
 Le 27 Aoust nous avons appris que vingt six voiles 
 Angloises etoient devant l’Isle de Marthas Vyniard, et il 
 n’est pas douteux que ce sont les même voiles que nous 
 avons vu le 19. 
 
 Du 27 Aoust au 18 Septembre aucuns évenemens ni même 
 de nouvelles intéressantes ne nous ont tiré[s] de notre 
 inactivité. Le 18 Septembre nous avons reçu l’avis de l’ar- 
 rivée de l’Amiral Rodney a Sandy Hoock avec dix vaisseaux 
 et l’on nous a annoncé ses projets sur nous, conjointement 
 avec le General Clinton qui dit on embarque neuf mille cinq 
 3 
 
18 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 cens hommes pour operer une descente, tandis rpic l’Amiral 
 Rodney avec vingt et un vaisseaux de ligne, forcera la passe 
 et combattra nos sept vaisseaux. 
 
 Monsieur le Comte de Rochambeau est absent, une entre- 
 vue avec le General Washington, l’a fait partir le 17 de ce 
 mois de Newport pour Hartford, lieu du rendézvous des 
 deux Generaux et c’est le Baron de Yiomesnil qui commande 
 l’armée. 
 
 Il connoit le danger que nous courons et toutes ses con- 
 sequences, mais il connoit tout aussi bien les moyens que 
 nous avons de résister et les ressources que nous pouvons 
 tirer de notre position et de notre courage; il y joint de 
 plus le talent de persuader les esprits et de les ramener a 
 son opinion, et j’avouerai avec plaisir que je lui accorde tous 
 les droits a la mienne. Il a déterminé le 19 de ce mois, la 
 ligne de Bataille dans la quelle notre escadre doit combat- 
 tre, il en appuyé la droite a l’Isle de Ross Island, dans la 
 quelle il fait mettre en batterie quarante pieces de canon de 
 36, de 24 et de 12 livres de balle et la gauche de nos sept 
 vaisseaux embossés est assurée par la batterie construite a 
 Brentons point, composée de 8 pieces de 24 et de 4 mortiers 
 de 12 pouces de diamètre. Quatre autres mortiers de 8 
 pouces et 4 pieces de 24, sont destinées a porter les 1 ers 
 coups a l’ennemi l’ors qu’il sera enfourné dans la passe. 
 
 Telle est la position dans la quelle notre escadre attend 
 l’attaque des ennemis il est possible qu’elle succombe, le 
 nombre peut l’accabler, mais c’est dans les occasions les plus 
 périlleuses qu’un grand courage peut se déployer, la gloire 
 est proportionée au danger que l’on court, et quand l’on n’a 
 rien a gagner sur l’ennemi, quand on a cependant la res- 
 source d’une superbe defense, on ne doit pas balancer a 
 prendre le parti de la faire, se sacrifier même s’il le faut. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 19 
 
 On pent s’illustrer en se perdant ; les larmes que l’ennemi 
 donnera a sa victoire seront un homage qu’il nous rendra, 
 et la postérité nous les comptera peut etre pour des 
 lauriers. 
 
 Du 18 au 30 de Septembre nous avons continuellement 
 été occupés a perfectionner nos dispositions de defense; 
 nous avons vécu jusques la, dans l’esperance de voir arriver 
 la flotte de M r le Comte de Guichen que nous jugeons tous 
 devoir etre a la poursuitte de l’Amiral Rodney ; mais nous 
 avons été détrompés a cet egard par l’arrivée de la fregatte 
 la Gentille venant du cap François, elle nous a instruit du 
 départ de M r de Guichen des Antilles, escortant un convoi 
 très considerable que l’on croit qu’il conduira jusqu’en 
 France. La Gentille est arrivée le 30* et avoit a son bord 
 M r de Choisi et neuf Officiers François, dont M 1 ' de Thuil- 
 lieres Capitaine au reg 1 R al Deuxponts. 
 
 Rodney n’ayant rien entrepris dans les quinze premiers 
 jours de son arrivée, il etoit presque certain qu’il n’entre- 
 prendroit plus rien; la lenteur et les retards lui faisoient 
 perdre tous ses avantages, et vers le 4 ou le 5 Octobre, nous 
 étions persuadés que nous ne serions plus attaqués, et que 
 l’objet de l’Amiral Rodney etoit plutôt de reparer ses vais- 
 seaux, mal traités dans les combats qu’ il a eu a soutenir 
 contre M r de Guichen, que de nous combattre. Nous avons 
 desesperé alors de sortir de notre inaction, et nous avons 
 commencé a nous occuper de nos quartiers d’hyver, on a 
 travaillé a force a la reparation et a l’arrangement des mai- 
 
 * Le même jour nous avons appris la nouvelle de la trahison infâme 
 du General Arnold, et nous apprenons en même tems que le Major 
 André, aide de camp de confiance du G 11 Clinton a été arreté déguisé, 
 par des soldats de [la] milice Américaine, et que ce Major Audré 
 etoit chargé par Cliuton de sa négociation avec Arnold. 
 
20 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 sons destinées au logement des troupes, et M r de Rocharn- 
 beau a fixé la fin du mois pour l’évacuation du camp et 
 notre entrée a Newport. 
 
 Le 28 D’Octobre, les fregattes l’Amazone, la Surveillante 
 et l’Hermione ont appareillé, la premiere va en France, et 
 passe le Vicomte de Rochambeau a son bord, Les deux autres 
 fregattes vont croiser, je ne scais ou. 
 
 le 31 Octobre, la Brigade de Bourbonnois a qvxittée le 
 camp de Newport et a pris ses quartiers d’hyver dans la 
 ville, elle a été suivie le 1 er de Novembre par la Brigade de 
 Soisonnois. 
 
 Le 10 de Novembre, les deux Escadrons des Hussars, de la 
 legion de Lauzun, ont quitté Newport pour aller prendre 
 leurs quartiers, a Lebanon dans l’etat du Connecticut. 
 
 le 15 de Décembre Monsieur le Chevalier de Ternay Chef 
 D’Escadre, est mort, et n’a emporté aucuns regrets. Mon- 
 sieur Destouches, le plus ancien des Capitaines de vaisseaux 
 de l’Escadre en a pris le commandement, et toutes les 
 opinions se reunissent en sa faveur. 
 
 L’Escadre a ordre de se tenir prete a sortir, quatre vais- 
 seaux paroissent etre destinés a appareiller incessamment, 
 pour aller au devant des fregattes la Surveillante et l’Hermi- 
 one (maintenant a Boston) ou elles sont rentrées après leur 
 croisière, et qui doivent bientôt rentrer a Rhode Island. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 21 
 
 CAMPAGNE DE L’ANNÉE 1781 
 
 Le 20 de Janvier, les vaisseaux TEveillé et Tardent , et la 
 Ircgatte la Gentille ont appareillé pour assurer le retour des 
 fregattes la Surveillante et V Hermione ; ils ont essuyé du très 
 mauvais tems et sont rentrés le 21 
 
 Dans la nuit du 22 au 23 il y a eu un très fort coup de 
 vent qui a fait echouer un vaisseau de ligne anglois a la 
 pointe de Montuc, un autre vaisseau anglois a été dematé. 
 le 26 nos deux fregattes sont rentrées ici le 26 avec V lsle de 
 France, Gabarre, ces batimens out un peu souffert du mau- 
 vais tems. 
 
 Le Vaisseau anglois qui a péri dans le dernier coup de 
 vent, est le Cïdloden de 74 canons et le vaisseau dematé est 
 le Betford de même force ; les ennemis stationnés a Gard- 
 ners Bay, et instruits que nous attendions deux fregattes, ont 
 fait sortir trois vaisseaux pour intercepter leur retour et 
 c’est cette croisière qui leur a été si funeste. 
 
 le 8 de Février a sept heures du soir, le vaisseau VEveillé 
 les fregattes la Surveillante et la Gentille et le cutter la Guepe 
 ont appareillé, on ignore leur destination mais tout nous 
 porte a croire qu’ils vont a la riviere de James dans la baye 
 de Chesapeack, (ou Arnold est débarqué avec 1500 hommes) 
 pour brûler ses vaisseaux de transport, et combattre un 
 vaisseau de 50 canons et deux fregattes qui forment son 
 escorte, et qui sont embossés pour le soutenir. 
 
 Le 25 Février a trois heures après midi, l’on a signalé 
 quatre voiles et a six heures du soir, L'Eveillé la Surveillante 
 et la Gentille sont rentrés ici, amenant avec eux le Romulus 
 vaisseau Anglois de 44 canons et percé a cinquante quatre, 
 
22 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 que l ’Eveillé a pris a la hauteur du cap Henri. L’Objet de 
 la sortie de L’Eveillé etoit la destruction des batiraens 
 D’Arnold, mais l’Eveillé tire trop d’eau, et n’a pas pu s’en- 
 foncer asséz avant dans la riviere de James, pour entrer 
 dans la riviere d’Elisabeth, qui communique avec la riviere 
 de James, et dans la quelle toute la flotille Angloise est 
 mouillée ; l’Eveillé a été obligé de renoncer a atteindre le 
 Charon de 50 Canons et les deux fregattes qui y sont et qui 
 ont été obligés de s’alleger pour y parvenir ; la Surveillante 
 qui s’etoit un peu trop avancée, a même été echouée pendant 
 vingt quatre heures, et l’on a été obligé de la décharger de 
 ses canons pour la remettre a flot. L’expedition de L’Eveillé 
 dans la baye de Chesapeack, s’est bornée a la prise de trois 
 corsaires et six briques ou senaux les petits batimens ont 
 été brûlés et les corsaires conduits a York Town; L’impos- 
 sibilité de faire d’autres entreprises détermina le retour de 
 ]VT de Tilly, qui faisant route pour revenir a Rhode Island 
 découvrit un batiment et le chassa ; le batiment prenant les 
 vaisseaux chasseurs pour des navires de sa nation, ne prit 
 chasse, qu’au moment ou il fit des signaux de reconnoissance, 
 auxquels on ne répondit point. L’Eveillé l’atteignit bientôt, 
 lui présenta son travers a la portée du pistolet, la Gentille 
 le gagna par la Hanche et on lui cria dans cette position 
 d’amener son pavillon, il amena son pavillon, on lui cria 
 d’amener sa flamme ; il amena sa flamme ; enfin le Romulus 
 se rendit a l’Eveillé, sans tirer un seul coup de canon, et si 
 l’on ne peut pas vanter son courage, il est du moins permis 
 de juger sa docilité extreme. M r de Tilly amarina sa prise, 
 et fit sans perdre de tems, route pour revenir a Rhode 
 Island. Grande joye a Newport; mais nous sommes très 
 inquiets du sort du cutter la Gvepe sorti avec M r de Tilly, 
 qui s’en est séparé le lendemain de sa sortie, et dont on n’a 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 23 
 
 aucunes nouvelles, le Chevalier de Maulevrier qui commande 
 ce cutter et qui a beaucoup de qualités amiables, joint toutes 
 celles de son état ; est l’objet particulier de nos inquietudes 
 
 Le 27 Février nous avons reçu la nouvelle de l’arrivée de 
 la fregatte l’astrée a Boston, elle est partie de Brest, et a 
 fait une traversée de 63' jours. 
 
 Le 6 de Mars, le General Washington est arrivé a New- 
 port et a été reçu avec tous les honneurs dus a un Maréchal 
 de France. 
 
 Le 8 de Mars, toute notre escadre, composée du Duc de 
 Bourgogne , du Neptune du Conquérant de L : Eveillé du Jason, 
 de la Provence de V ardent, du Romulus des fregattes la Sur- 
 veillante et YHermione et du vaisseau le Fantasque armé en 
 Hutte a mis a la voile a six heures du soir, elle à a bord, quatre 
 Compagnies de Grenadiers et Chasseurs, un detachment de 
 164 hommes de chacun de nos regiments et 100 hommes 
 d’artillerie, le tout composant 1156 hommes, on a embarqué 
 des pieces de canon de 16 et de 12, des obusiers, des pieces 
 d’artillerie de campagne, tout l’attirail necessaire pour 
 attaquer des retranchemens, nous ne doutons pas de l’inten- 
 tion d’attaquer Arnold conjointement avec loOü hommes de 
 l’armée Américaine, commandés par le M is de la Fayette, et 
 toutes les milices de l’etat de la Virginie. C’est le B on de 
 Viomesnil qui commande l’expedition, le M* 5 de Laval, le 
 Vicomte de Noailles, M re D’Anselme et de Gambs, sont les 
 Officiers supérieurs employés a ses ordres. 
 
 Le 10 Mars a onze heures du matin, l’escadre Angloise a 
 appareillé de la baye de Gardner et nous ne pouvons pas 
 douter qu’elle ne soit a la poursuitte de la notre. Les cir- 
 constances du départ de l’ennemi, prouvent de l’activité. Ar- 
 butlmot instruit des préparatifs de notre escadre envoya a 
 la decouverte, un vaisseau et une fregatte qui parurent le 9, 
 
24 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D AMERIQUE. 
 
 devant le Goulet de Rhode Island s’en approchèrent de très 
 prés, mirent en panne et y restèrent asséz de tems pour voir 
 d’une maniéré certaine s’il y avoit encore dans notre rade 
 des vaisseaux de guerre ou non, convaincus de ce qu ’ils vou- 
 loient scavoir, ces deux batimens virèrent de bord, mirent 
 toutes voiles dehors, et prirent la route de Gardners Bay, ils 
 arrivèrent a la vue de leur escadre le lendemain matin, et 
 du plus loin qu ’ils purent etre apperçus, firent des signaux 
 convenus, auxquels les ennemis appareillèrent sur le champ. 
 Leur escadre est composée* de onze voiles, huit vaisseaux 
 et trois fregattes. 
 
 Le General- Washington est parti de Newport le 13 Mars, 
 on lui a rendu a son départ, les mêmes honneurs qu’ a son 
 arrivée. 
 
 Nous sommes persuadés que l’escadre Angloise, partie 
 quarante heures après la notre, ne pourra pas l’atteindre, et 
 empecher son entrée dans la baye de Chesapeack, et cette 
 supposition entraine neccessairement l’esperance que l’expe- 
 dition projettée contre Arnold, sera heureuse. Nous nous 
 attendons que l’ennemi voudra se venger sur nous, et tentera 
 d’entrer et de brûler nos batimens de transport, ce dédom- 
 magé [me] nt ne pourra cependant pas, quand même il reus- 
 siroit etre une consolation de la perte que nous lui ferons 
 éprouver en Virginie, et nous augmentons ici les retranche- 
 mens de toutes nos batteries, et particulièrement celles de 
 Goad Island, pour lui préparer une vigoureuse reception. 
 
 Le 26 Mars on est venu pendant que nous dinions, nous 
 dire, que l’on signaloit plusieurs batimens de guerre ; que M r 
 
 * Notre escadre a appareillée dans la ferme persuasion que le Bet- 
 ford, vaisseau Auglois, dematé dans le coup de veut du 22 au 23 de 
 Janvier, n’avoit pas encore pu etre mis en état de sortir, il est certain 
 cependant qu’il fait nombre dans son escadre 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 25 
 
 le C tc de Rochambeau a qui on en avoit rendu comte, mon- 
 toit a cheval pour aller a la perche des signaux que l’artil- 
 lerie avoit ordre de se porter aux batteries, que les Grenadiers 
 et detachemens destinés a la defense de Goad Island se 
 tenoient prêtes a y etre transportés, et que tout en General, 
 se preparoit a marcher aux postes désignés d’avance par le 
 General, nous avons aussitôt interrompu notre repas et nous 
 nous sommes mis a la suite du General ; nous avons effec- 
 tivement vu ces voiles, portant droit sur Rhode Island, et il 
 nous etoit impossible encore de distinguer si elles etoient 
 amies ou ennemies ; nous avons resté a peu prés une heure 
 dans l’incertitude, après la quelle nous avons reconnu notre 
 escadre, qui est éntrée le même soir dans la Rade de New- 
 port, et nous appris que contrariée par le mauvais teins, par 
 les vents contraires, et peut etre par une conoissance impar- 
 faite des vents regnans sur la côte; elle n’avoit pu, (étant 
 partie le 8 Mars) atteindre que le 14 Mars, la hauteur du 
 Cap Charles ; que le vent de Nord Ouest l’avoit forcée d’y 
 croiser pendant deux jours, que le 1 6 au matin le vent adonna ; 
 je joins ici le detail du combat donné le même jour entre les 
 deux escadres. 
 
 Vendredi 16 Mars a 12 lieues environ dans l’est de la 
 baye de Chesapeack ; l’escadre du Roy, aux ordres de Mon- 
 sieur Destouches, couroit bien rassemblée, le cap au Nord, les 
 amures a bas-bord, les vents foibles au Sud Est, la mer 
 grosse, le tems très brumeux; a six heures et demi[e] du 
 matin, la fregatte l’Hermione, signala une voile au vent, qu’ 
 elle reçut ordre d’aller reconnaître conjointement avec le 
 vaisseau L’eveillé; quelques tems après la Flutte le Fan- 
 tasque ayant découvert dix autres voiles au Sud de l’horizon, 
 en ht les signaux d’avertissement ; le vaisseau Cornuid* fit 
 aussitôt celui du branlebas du combat, et ordonna de se 
 4 
 
26 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES d’aMEEIQUE. 
 
 mettre en bataille, les amures a bas bord : pendant l’execu- 
 tion de ce mouvement, les vents passoient successivement au 
 Nord, ensuite au N.N.E. et se fixèrent au Nord Est, ce qui 
 plaça l’escadre Françoise, au vent de l’Escadre Angloise a la 
 distance de trois lieues ; elle avoit été forcée de suivre les 
 vents a mesure qu’ils changoient et l’orsque la brume fut un 
 peu dissippée, elle reparut dans la hanche de stribord, por- 
 tant ainsi que nos vaisseaux a l'Est Sud Est. A neuf heures 
 on fit le signal au Fantasque de serrer le vent et de forcer 
 de voiles, et a toute l’escadre celui de virer vent devant par 
 la contremarche, le vent commençoit a souiller avec force, la 
 voilure commune etoit la misaine et les huniers ; l’ardent et 
 l’Eveillé rompirent leurs grandes vergues et nos vaisseaux 
 avoient a peine terminé la manoeuvre ordonnée que l’escadre 
 ennemie, prit les mêmes amures, tenant le plus avec beau- 
 coup de voiles, l’inégalité de la marche des vaisseaux ennemis 
 les sépara en deux divisions, tandis que l’escadre Françoise 
 toujours eu ligne stribord s’occupoit a prendre tous les ris ; 
 les frigattes angloises et quelques uns de leurs vaisseaux de 
 tete portoient des perroquets. Vers onze heures ils ap- 
 prochaient sensiblement le serre file François, M r des 
 Touches fit alors une contremarche Lof pour Lof, courant 
 en bataille a bord opposé, la ligne Françoise fut très réguli- 
 èrement formée, et les premiers vaisseaux ennemis diminu- 
 èrent a l’instant de voile et arrivèrent de deux quarts ; Leur 
 Amiral les rallia bientôt, continua toujours la même bordée 
 en serrant le vent, et les deux lignes se prolongèrent alors, 
 a toute la volée du gros canon, a midi les ennemis qui 
 portoient beaucoup plus de voiles que les vaisseaux Fran- 
 çois, se trouvèrent a portée de virer vent devant dans les 
 eaux de l’escadre Françoise qui n’augmenta pas de voile, et 
 a une heure le chef de file Anglois n’etoit gueres qu’a la petite 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 27 
 
 portée du serrefile François ; la mer etoit grosse, il vent oit 
 très frais, plusieurs batteries basses etoient presque noyées ; 
 M r Destouches se décida a virer vent arriéré par une seconde 
 contremarche pour pouvoir attaquer sous le vent; cette 
 manoeuvre fut promptement executée, les vaisseaux de tête 
 eurent ordre d’arriver de quatre quarts, les Anglois sentirent 
 que leur supériorité devenoit inutile s’ils se battoient au vent a 
 bord opposé ; leur premier vaisseau arriva en consequence sur 
 le Conquérant aux mêmes amures ; il etoit une heure et 
 demie, et les vaisseaux des lignes respectives commencèrent 
 alors a se canonner de très prés ; le feu devint vif a mesure 
 qu’ils arrivoient dans les eaux de leurs matelots d’avant. 
 Le Conquérant vaisseau de tete qui se battoit depuis une 
 demie heure, Lorsque le dernier vaisseau François commença 
 le combat contre le 5 ieme de la ligne Angloise, avoit déjà 
 beaucoup souffert dans ses voiles et ses agrès, il tomba sous 
 le vent et fut attaqué par plusieurs gros vaisseaux contre 
 les quels il fit un feu continu; le Duc de Bourgogne et le 
 Neptune arrivèrent pour le defendre, ce mouvement doubla 
 nécessairement la ligne pendant quelques minutes, les Anglois 
 vouloient profiter de ces circonstances pour écraser le serrefil 
 François ; Le London gouverna dans la hanche du vent et 
 deux autres vaisseaux se tinrent dans sa poupe a portée de 
 mousqueterie, heureusement ils laissèrent échapper l’instant 
 de mettre en travers, le Duc de Bourgogne et le Conqué- 
 rant firent sur eux un très grand feu qui ne leur laissoit que 
 le tems de faire quelques arrivées en envoyant deux volées 
 presque sans aucun effet, quant au London, dés qu’on put 
 lui presenter le travers, il essuya a peine quelques volées et 
 se rallia au vent de son escadre degrayé de sa grande vergue 
 de hune. Les derniers coups de canon cessèrent sur les 
 trois heures, on voyoit alors distinctement deux vaisseaux 
 
28 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D ’AMERIQUE. 
 
 ennemis très maltraités ; M r Destouches fit signal de rétablir 
 la ligne, mais le Conquérant répondit qu’il' ne pouvoit pas 
 recommencer le combat, alors le General indiqua l’air de 
 vent Sud Est a petite voilure, les ennemis resteront en panne 
 pour se reparer, a 5 heures on dit qu’ils portoient a l’Ouest ; 
 Le lendemain L’escadre Françoise fit differentes routes et 
 passa l’aprés midi en panne, le Conquérant se repara, les 
 autres vaisseaux avoient peu souffert. Dimanche Dix huit 
 on chassa un gros batiment qui fut pris et amariné par 
 l’Hermione. 
 
 Le Combat a été vif, bien conduit et fait honneur a la 
 marine Françoise, mais l’objet est manqué et la gloire n’est 
 qu’une chimere quand elle n’offre point de résultats avanta- 
 geux. Le Conquérant . , l'ardent et le Jason sont les trois 
 vaisseaux qui ont donné le plus et M rs de La Grandiere de 
 Marigni et de La Clocheterie sont les trois Capitaines qui 
 ont pu montrer le plus, leur valeur et leur habilité. L’Es- 
 cadre Angloise etoit composée, de huit vaisseaux un de 98, 
 trois de 74, trois de 64 et un de 50. L’Escadre Françoise 
 etoit composée d’un vaisseau de 80, deux de 74 quatre de 
 64 et un de 44, l’ennemi etoit supérieur et ne peut se vanter 
 d’aucun avantage, mais ce ne sont que des coups donnés et 
 rendus. 
 
 le 13 D’Avril nous avons appris que le cutter La Guêpe 
 dont nous n’avions pas entendu parler depuis sa separation 
 de L’Eveillé, s’est perdu sur le cap Charles, mais que le 
 Chevalier de Maulevrier et tout son equipage s’etoient 
 sauvés. 
 
 le 18 D’Avril tous les batimens de transport frettés au 
 compte du Roy qui avoient porté nos troupes, ont mis a la 
 voile pour S 1 Dominique, sous l’escorte des fregattes la Sur- 
 veillante et l’hermionc, la derniere de ces deux fregattes, 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 29 
 
 quittera le convoi a la hauteur de la Delaware pour aller a 
 Philadelphie, mais la Surveillante le conduira jusqu’à sa 
 destination. 
 
 Le 6 Mai la fregatte la Concorde est arrivée de France a 
 Boston en quarante et quelques jours de traversée, elle 
 avoit a son bord M 1 ' le C te de Barras chef D’Escadre qui 
 remplace le Chevalier de Ternay, et le Vicomte de Rocli- 
 ambeau. 
 
 Le 18 de Mai, on a embarque a bord de nos huit vais- 
 seaux de guerre, sept cents cinquante hommes, tirés par de- 
 tachemens, de nos regiments, de l’artillerie et de la legion 
 de Lauzun, on croit que l’escadre a demandée ces troupes, 
 pour la croisière par la quelle elle doit protéger l’arrivée du 
 convoi que nous attendons de France. 
 
 Le même jour on a signalé l’escadre Angloise, qui a 
 mouillée entre Block Island et la pointe Judith, au nombre 
 de neuf voiles toutes, vaisseaux de ligne. 
 
 le 22 Mai un petit convoi de six voiles, que nous attendions 
 de Boston, a paru et a été signalé a la hauteur de Betford ; 
 M r de Barras aussitôt qu'il en reçut la nouvelle, prit la reso- 
 lution d’appareiller pour sauver ce petit convoi qu’il eut été 
 honteux de laisser prendre a notre vue, il fit le signal a l’es- 
 cadre de se tenir prete a appareiller, mais le vent étant 
 directement contraire aux Anglois tandis qu’il favorisoit les 
 nôtres, il devint inutile d’effectuer le projet de M r de Barras, 
 qui ce me semble cherchera dans tous les cas, a soutenir 
 vigoureusement l’honneur de la marine Françoise. 
 
 Les Anglois établis depuis le 18 Mai entre Block Island 
 et la pointe Judith ont quitté leur station le 23 Mai ; on 
 ignore ou ils vont. 
 
 le 5 de Juin nos troupes embarquées sur l’escadre ont été 
 débarquées. 
 
30 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 Tout le mois de Mai et le commencement de Juin, avoient 
 été occupés aux préparatifs du départ des troupes Francoises 
 de L’isle de Rhode 'Island au transport de tous les magazins 
 a Providence et Hartford, a la disposition des marches et 
 des camps a l’achat de chevaux pour l’Artillerie, et a celui 
 des Boeufs pour les Wagons, et aux dispositions pour les 
 vivres et les fourages ; 
 
 le 18 de Mai, M r le Comte de Rochambeau et M r le Che- 
 valier de Chastelux sont partis de Newport pour aller trouver 
 a Walter Fie,d (prés de Hartford) le General Washington, 
 avec lequel ils avoient un rendézvous ; nos Generaux sont 
 revenus le 26 et du moment de leur retour tous les préparatifs 
 ont redoublé d’activité, M r le C te de Rochambeau et M r de Bar- 
 ras ont eus ensemble plusieurs conferences il paroissoit décidé 
 que notre escadre quitteroit la rade de Newport, en même 
 tems que nous en abandonnerions les postes, qu’ elle iroit a 
 Boston ou elle seroit plus en sûreté contre toute entreprise, 
 qu’a Rhode Island, ou elle etoit exposée, dés qu’elle n’etoit 
 plus soutenu par des troupes de terre en nombre considerable, 
 cette resolution dont les Generaux, même paroissoient con- 
 venir, fut suivie d’un moment d’indecision. M r de Rocham- 
 beau, etoit d’avis que l’escadre devoit rester a Rhode Island, 
 M r de Barras vouloit aller a Boston, il etoit essentiel cepen- 
 dant de reunir les avis, de se concerter et de prendre une 
 resolution fixe. Pour terminer toute indecision et toute 
 discussion, on assembla le 31 Mai, un conseil de Guerre a 
 Bord du Duc de Bourgogne, composé de M r de Barras, et 
 des Capitaines de vaisseaux d’une part, et de nos Generaux, 
 Brigadiers et Commandans de Brigades de l’autre ; la 
 seance dura cinq heures, les decisions furent tenues secrettes, 
 le Duc de Lauzun fut chargé de les aller porter au General 
 Washington a New Windsor; deux jours après l’on vit que 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 Si 
 
 L’escadre ne faisoit plus de préparatifs de depart, et l’on 
 sent que le projet etoit de la laisser a Rhode Island et de 
 la faire garder du coté de terre par quatre cents hommes 
 de nos troupes tirés par detachemens de nos quatre regi- 
 mens, et d’y joindre quinze cents hommes de Milice améri- 
 caine, le tout commandé par M r de Choisi. Le Duc de 
 Lauzun revint le 8 de Juin de New Windsor avec la réponse 
 du G al Washington, et deux heures après, les mômes person- 
 nes qui avoient compose le premier Conseil de Guerre, se 
 rassemblèrent a bord du Neptune et vinrent après quatre 
 heures de seance, a bord du Duc de Bourgogne, ou M r de 
 Barras nous avoit invité a un grand diner. Le Lendemain 
 neuf de Juin, la Brigade de Bourbonnois, reçut l’ordre de 
 s’embarquer avec armes^et bagages, sur des petits batimcns 
 américains qui nous transporteroient a Providence. 
 
 le 10 de Juin a cinq heures du matin, la Brigade de 
 Bourbonnois s’est embarquée sur les petits batimens qui lui 
 etoicnt destinés, et n’est arrivée a Providence qu’a neuf 
 heures du soir; il etoit impossible ce même soir d’aller 
 marquer le camp, de camper et de recevoir la paille et le 
 bois qui lui etoient necessaires ; M r le Baron de Viomesnil 
 obtint pour ce soir la, des magistrats de la ville, quelques 
 grandes maisons vuides dans lesquelles on coucha les soldats 
 et le lendemain onze, a six heures du matin, nous avons été 
 camper sur la hauteur qui domine Providence a l’Ouest, la 
 Brigade de Soisonnois est arrivée ce même jour et campe a 
 notre gauche. 
 
 L’escadre du Roy est definitivement restée a Newport, 
 elle est gardée par quatre cents hommes de nos troupes et 
 des milices américaines qui arrivent fort lentement et qui 
 ont dit on, des engagemens très courts a remplir. Nous 
 resterons huit jours dans le camp de Providence, et ce 
 
32 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 tcms nous est necessaire pour rassembler les chevaux de 
 L’Artillerie, de l’Hôpital ambulant, les Wagons qui portent 
 nos equipages, les boeufs qui doivent les trainer et pour 
 attendre quatre cents cinquante hommes destinés pour notre 
 armée et qui viennent d’arriver a Boston sur le convoi venant 
 de France. 
 
 De Providence nous devons dit on, nous rendre en qua- 
 torze jours dont douze de marche, et deux [de] séjours a la 
 riviere D’Hudson, ou nous attendrons de nouveaux ordres; 
 les marches d’ici la, ne se faisant pas dans la proximité de 
 l’ennemi, doivent pour plus grande commodité, se faire regi- 
 ment par regiment. 
 
 le 16 de Juin, Monsieur le Baron de Yiomesnil a passé 
 notre revue d’entreé de campagne, le même jour nos recrues 
 sont arrivées de Boston. 
 
 le 18 de Juin le regiment de Bourbonnois, le 19 le reg 4 
 de R al Deuxpoints, le 20 le reg 4 de Soisonnois, et le 21 le 
 reg 4 de Saint Onge, ont successivement quitté le camp de 
 Providence et en conservant toujours entre nous la distance 
 d’une journée de marche, nous avons été camper le premier 
 jour a Wattermans Tavern le second a Plain field, le troi- 
 sième a Windham .* le quatrième a Bolton et le 5 ieme a Hart- 
 ford. Chaque regiment y séjournera pendant deux jours et 
 nous nous remettrons ensuite en marche dans le même 
 ordre dans lequel nous sommes arrivés a Hartford. 
 
 * a Windham, nous campions dans un petit vallon entouré de bois, 
 une heure après notre arrivée, le feu a pris dans le bois qui est a la 
 gauche du camp, nous avons employé trois cents hommes a l’eteindre, 
 mais nous n’y sommes pas parvenus, le feu ne ravageoit que les brous- 
 sailles et n’attaquoit pas les gros arbres ; cet accident, effrayant dans 
 tous les pays est asséz indifferent aux Américains dont le pays est 
 rempli de forets, ils en sont même quelque fois bien aise pareeque 
 cela leur épargné la peine de les couper pour défricher les terres. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D ’AMERIQUE. 
 
 33 
 
 Arrivé le 22 de Juin, le regiment de Bourbonnois a levé 
 son camp le 25, le regiment de Royal Deuxponts le 26, le 
 •reg -t de Soisonnois le 2 T et le reg 1 de Saint Onge le 28 et 
 ont été camper le premier jour de leur marche a Farming- 
 ton, le second a Barons Tavern le troisième a Breach Neck et 
 le quatrième a Newtown ; 
 
 Tous ces differens camps que nous avons pris depuis 
 notre départ de Newport n’avoient d’autre objet que celui 
 de faire du chemin, et nous étions beaucoup trop éloignés de 
 l’ennemi pour avoir d’autres precautions a prendre que 
 celles qu’ exigeoit notre discipline intérieure ; On ne s’est 
 occupé jusques la, que de notre commodité et de ce qui 
 pouvoit épargner de la fatigue aux troupes ; mais arrivés a 
 New Town on eut été coupable de negligence si on avoit 
 continué a témoigner la même confiance dans l’impossibilité 
 des tentatives de l’ennemi. M r le C te de Rochambeau 
 détacha pour la premiere fois a New Town, le bataillon de 
 Grenadiers et chasseurs de la Brigade de Bourbonnois. Le 
 General avoit en premier lieu, le projet d’y rassembler nos 
 quatre regiments, et de nous faire partir ensuite Brigade par 
 Brigade a une journée de distance, la Brigade de Bourbonnois 
 devoit se mettre en marche le 2 de Juillet et la Brigade de 
 Soisonnois le 3. Mais un courier que M r de Rochambeau 
 reçut dans la nuit du 30 de Juin au l icr Juillet du General 
 Washington hâta notre départ; on battit le premier a deux 
 heures du matin et la Brigade de Bourbonnois décampa et 
 quitta New Town le 1 er de Juillet; le reg* de Soisonnois 
 reste dans sa position pour attendre le regiment de Saint 
 Onge qui n’arrive qu’aujourd’hui, et les deux regiments 
 reunis se mettront en marche demain 2 de Juillet. 
 
 La Brigade de Bourbonnois a été camper le même jour a 
 Ridge Bury, le lendemain 2 de Juillet a Betford et le 3 a 
 5 
 
34 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 North Castle, ou nous avons été joints par la Brigade de 
 Soisonnois qui a doublé une marche et est arrivée en un jour 
 de Ridge Bury a North Castle. 
 
 Les Grenadiers et chasseurs continuent a etre détachés. 
 La Legion de Lauzun qui nous avoit joint hier deux de Juillet 
 a Betford, en est repartie le même soir renforcée par les 
 Dragons Américains de Scheldon pour aller a la poursuitte 
 de quatre cents Toris qui se sont montrés dans ces environs, 
 et qui ont enlevé des bestiaux. 
 
 Pendant la marche que nous avons fait[e] pour nous 
 rendre de Newport aux bords de la riviere D’ILudson, le 
 General Washington dont les mouvements etoient concertés 
 avec les nôtres, a quitté son quartier D’hyver pris a New 
 Windsor, et s’est porté sur Peaks Kill sur la riviere du Nord, 
 (ou Hudson) ou d’après le projet convenu, l’Armée Françoise 
 et l’armée Américaine dévoient se reunir ; arrivé a Peaks 
 Kill le G al Washington reçut la nouvelle de la sortie d’un 
 corps de troupes Angloises de l’Isle de New York, et qui 
 s’etoit porté surWest Cheaster ; il résolut de le faire attaquer, 
 il forma en consequence une avant garde aux ordres du G al 
 Lincoln de mille ou douze cents hommes, il envoya en même 
 tems un courier a M r de Rochambeau pour l’avertir de ses 
 desseins, pour lui donner un autre rendéz vous de reunion, 
 pour lui faire hâter la marche de notre armée et pour lui 
 demander la Legion de Lauzun. C’est la, la raison qui nous 
 a fait partir a l’improviste de New Town, qui a fait partir 
 la legion de Lauzun le même soir de son arrivée a Betford, 
 qui a fait doubler une marche a la Brigade de Soisonnois, et 
 qui nous a fait porter a North Castle, a portée et prêts a 
 marcher au premier ordre qui eut requis notre presence ; 
 que seroit devenue necessaire, si la demarche des Anglois, 
 celle du G aI Washington et la notre avoient engagé une 
 action serieuse et generale. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 35 
 
 L’ avant garde aux ordres du G al Lincoln, descendit la 
 riviere du Nord sur des bateaux, le G al Washington en suivit 
 les bords pour aller a l’appui de Lincoln, la legion de Lau- 
 zun, et les Dragons de Scheldon, arrivoient d’un autre coté 
 et nous, nous attendrions les evencmens a North Castle. 
 Bref, le General Lincoln attaqua le 3 de Juillet ; soit qu’il 
 s’y soit mal pris,* qu’il ait attaqué trop tôt ou qu’il ait eu 
 affaire a un ennemi trop nombreux, il fut repousé, perdit 
 quatre vingt hommes tués ou blessés et se replia sur le G al 
 Washington qui avoit pris avec sa petite armée, une posi- 
 tion propre a favoriser la retraite de Lincoln. La Legion de 
 Lauzun qui n’avoit entendue que le bruit des coups de fusil 
 sans participer au combat se retira de son coté, et c’est ainsi 
 que se termina une journée peu mémorable et peu glorieuse. 
 
 le 5 de Juillet le G al Washington dont l’armée est déjà 
 campée dans la position que nous allons occuper demain, est 
 venu nous voir a North Castle. 
 
 Le 6 de Juillet nous avons quitteé le camp de North 
 Castle et sommes venus après une marche très longue très 
 fatiguante et une chaleur affreuse; occuper le Camp de 
 Philippsburg, ou notre reunion avec l’arméet américaine s’est 
 effectuée. La droite des deux armées est appuyée a uu Vallon 
 et est placée sur une hauteur très elevée et très roidej: qui 
 domine ce vallon, au centre est un fonds dans lequel coule 
 un petit ruisseau, ce fonds qui séparé les François d’avec les 
 
 * Nous n’avons jamais pu scavoir le vrai de cette attaque, ni des 
 causes qui l’ont fait manquer, le Duc de Lauzun qui y etoit m’a affirmé 
 lui même qu’il n’en scavoit rien 
 
 f On nous disoit a Newport l’armée Américaine forte de 10000 
 hommes ; elle l’est de 2500 a 3000 hommes, et ce n’est pas mentir beau- 
 coup pour des Américains. 
 
 % a trois milles de la riviere du Nord. 
 
36 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D AMERIQUE. 
 
 Américains, a des bords très élevés et très escarpés, la gauche 
 est appuyée a un petit ruisseau, très voisin de Broukriver sur la 
 quelle nous avons des postes, le front du camp est couvert de 
 bois et nous n’avons rien a craindre pour nos derrières. La 
 Legion de Lauzun campée a White plains a quatre milles de 
 notre gauche, nous assure de ce coté la ; toutes les avenues 
 imaginables sont garnies de postes avancés tant Francois qu’ 
 américains et notre eloignement de King's Bridge n’est que 
 de dix milles. 
 
 Le 8 de Juillet le G al Washington a passé la revue 
 d’honneur de l’armée Françoise. 
 
 le 14 de Juillet a six heures du soir, la brigade de Bour- 
 bonnois, les bataillons de Grenadiers et chasseurs des deux 
 Brigades, et la legion de Lauzun reçurent l’ordre de marcher 
 et la retraite devoit tenir lieu de la generale pour fixer le mo- 
 ment du départ; notre marche devoit etre combinée avec 
 une grande partie de l’armée Américaine, mais a sept heures 
 nous reçûmes contre ordre. 
 
 le 15 de Juillet a dix heures et demie du soir nous enten- 
 dîmes plusieurs coups de canon, de la mousqueterie, et un 
 moment après, on battit la Generale,* toute l’armée courut 
 aux armes et fut formée en un instant, après avoir restés 
 en bataille pendant une demie heure ou trois quarts 
 d’heure, on nous donna l’ordre de rentrer dans nos tentes. 
 A cinq heures du matin, une méprisé pareille a celle de la 
 veille, fit tirer des coups de canon d’allarme, mais on ne 
 nous fit pas mettre sous les armes. 
 
 Dans la matinée du 16 Juillet, j’appris que les coups de 
 canon de la veille avoient été tirés a Tarri Town (petit en- 
 
 * c’est une marque de zélé très précipitée, très mal entendue et très 
 déplacée qui a fait battre la Generale 
 
MES CAMPAGNES IVAMERIQIIE. 
 
 37 
 
 droit au bord de la riviere D’Hudson, ou on avoit jusques la, 
 débarqué les farines qui nous viennent des Jerseys) par 
 deux fregattes Angloises qui avoient voulu soutenir une 
 attaque faite par trois schoners Anglois dont l'intention etoit 
 de prendre ou brûler cinq petits batimens chargés de farines ; 
 l’attaque fut infructueuse, ils parvinrent a la vérité a mettre le 
 feu a un de ces batimens, mais il fut eteint et la cargaison 
 sauvée : On apprit que cette flotille Angloise etoit encore 
 dans la même position que la veille; l’artillerie de West 
 point n’etoit point arrivée; le G aI Washington demanda deux 
 de nos pieces de douze et deux obusiers, qui partirent a 
 l’instant, je précédai leur arrivée, j’attendis celle de nos 
 pieces qui furent aussitôt mises en batterie et commencèrent 
 a tirer; nos cannoniers peu accoutumés a tirer sur l’eau 
 portèrent fort peu de leurs coups a bord des fregattes, qui 
 nous tirèrent quelques coups de canon, et se touerent ensuite 
 ■hors de notre portée. 
 
 les fregattes restèrent dans leur même position, le 1 7, et 
 le 18; le 19 en redescendant la riviere du Nord pour 
 retourner a New York elles furent saluées a leur passage a 
 Dobs Ferry par deux pieces de canon et deux obusier qui 
 y avoient été transportés, une obuse porta a bord, mit le 
 feu a la fregatte, et y répandit une telle terreur que vingt 
 sept matelots se jetterent a l’eau, quelques uns furent noyés, 
 trois furent faits prisonniers et les autres regagneront la 
 fregatte, sur la quelle le feu etoit eteint. 
 
 le 21 Juillet a six heures et demi[e] du soir, nous reçûmes 
 le même ordre que le 14 de ce mois, même quantité de 
 troupes, tant Françoises qu’ Américaines, même nombre de 
 colonnes, même train d’artillerie et même heure de départ. 
 
 Nous nous mimes en marche sur trois colonnes, a huit 
 heures du soir et nous la dirigeâmes vers l’isle de New York, 
 
38 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 par des chemins affreux qui ne nous permirent d'arriver qu’ 
 a quatre heures et demi|"e] du matin, dans la plaine prés de 
 Kings Bridge a vue des forts Anglois, nous nous mimes en 
 bataille ; l’armée Américaine dont la droite etoit appuyée a 
 la riviere qui séparé York Island du continent, avoit la 
 droite de l’ordre de bataille, la Brigade de Bourbonnois le 
 centre, et les deux bataillons de Grenadiers et Chasseurs la 
 gauche ; plusieurs corps de troupes américaines furent 
 placés en avant et s’approchèrent du fort (N° 8) que les 
 Anglois possèdent dans le continent et qui pouvoit etre de 
 nous a la distance d’un mille et demi. Il s’engagea quelques 
 petites escarmouches entre des Dragons Anglois et des 
 Dragons Américains mais qui n’etoient d’aucune consequence. 
 Monsieur le Comte de Rochambeau et le General Washing- 
 ton allèrent pendant la matinée reconnaître les forts, on leur 
 tira quelques coups de fusil et de canon ; nous allâmes tous 
 a mesure que nous en obtenions la permission faire nos re- 
 connoissances particulières; partout nous trouvâmes des 
 chasseurs Hessois qui nous tiroient des coups de fusil et des 
 que des forts, l’on voyoit un peti-t attroupement a portée, on 
 tiroit du canon. Nous n’avions ni tentes ni bagages avec 
 nous, les troupes bivouaquèrent la nuit du 22 au 23, et 
 restèrent dans leur même position pendant la journée du 23 
 que les Generaux employèrent aussi a faire leurs reconnois- 
 sances sur tous les points de l’isle D’York. 
 
 Du coté de Morissana, ils etoient couverts par le legion 
 de Lauzun et un bataillon Américain, ils s’approchèrent très 
 prés de deux pieces de canon et de deux cents hommes 
 postés qui firent un feu asséz vif de coups de canon et de 
 coups de fusil ; personne cependant ne fut ni tué ni blessé, 
 le C te de Damas seul, eut son cheval tué sous lui. 
 
 Le 23 a cinq heures du soir, toutes les reconnoisances 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 39 
 
 étant finies, le General nous [donna] l’ordre du départ ; 
 notre marche pour retourner, s’est faite dans l’ordre inverse 
 de celui que nous avions suivi dans notre marche en avant, 
 lés ennemis n’ont pas tenté de nous troubler, et a onze heures 
 du soir nous sommes rentrés dans le camp de Philippsburg. 
 
 Depuis le 23 de Juillet jusqu’ au 14 D’Aoust nous avons 
 tranquillement resté[s] dans notre même camp de Philipps- 
 burg, il n’y a eu d’operations un peu militaires que quelques 
 fourrages a Moreneck et a New Rochelle sur le bord du 
 Sound ; ils etoient asséz dans le voisinage de l’ennemi, qu’il 
 ait pu pour tirer parti et nous troubler. Nous avons pris 
 pour la force et la disposition de la chaîne qui devoit assurer 
 ces fourrages, toutes les précautions que la proximité des 
 anglois pouvoit exiger ; mais notre adversaire est peu entre- 
 prenant et peu vigilant et aucun détachement n’a paru. 
 
 le 14 D’Aoust, nous avons reçu l’importante nouvelle de 
 la prochaine arrivée de Monsieur le Comte de Grasse, dans 
 les parages de l’Amerique Septentrionale ; il a du, pour cet 
 objet, mettre a la voile du Cap François, le 4 D’Aoust; il 
 nous amene vingt huit vaisseaux de ligne, l’on annonce 
 aussi trois mille hommes de troupes de debarquement, et 
 toutes les garnisons des vaisseaux, doivent dit on, seconder 
 nos operations de terre. 
 
 Le 19 Aoust, l’armée Françoise a quittée le camp de 
 Philippsburg, nous ne connoissons pas l’objet de notre 
 marche et nous ignorons parfaitement si nous entreprendrons 
 sur New York, ou si nous allons en Virginie, attaquer le 
 Lord Cornwallis qui dans ce moment ci occupe le poste de 
 Portsmouth avec une considerable quantité de troupes. Une 
 arriéré garde etoit essentielle dans la circonstance actuelle ; 
 M r de Rochambeau, la forma des deux bataillons de Gre- 
 nadiers et Chasseurs de l’armée et .de la legion de Lauzun, 
 
40 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 le V te cle Viomesnil la commande en chef; je commande 
 le Bataillon de Grenadiers et Chasseurs de la Brigade 
 de Bourbonnois, et le Chevalier de La Valette, Lieutenant 
 Colonel du regiment de Saint Onge commande celui de la 
 Brigade de Soisonnois ; nons avons occupés les avenues 
 de New York, pendant le déblai de l’armée et de son artil- 
 lerie, les troupes se Sont mises en marche a midi, et ce 
 n’est qu’a deux heures et dcmi[e] que nous avons pu re- 
 tirer nos postes, et commencer la notre, a un mille du camp 
 les Bataillons de Grenadiers et chasseurs se sont reunis et 
 a très peu de distance de la, nous avons commencé a trouver 
 des Wagons cassés que nous ne pouvions pas laisser en 
 arriéré, et qui ont si fort retardé notre marche, qu’ a huit 
 heures du soir nous n’avions encore faits que quatre milles ; 
 une pluie affreuse qui avoit abimée et rompu tous les chemins 
 et qui nous avoit tous percé[s], engagea le Vicomte de Vio- 
 mesnil, a nous faire arrêter a la maison IV Alexander Lark , 
 nous avons fait de grands feux, nous nous sommes séchés 
 de notre mieux et nous avons bivouaqué. 
 
 Le 20 D’Aoust a une heure après midi nous nous sommes 
 remis en marche et avons été jusqu’ a Leguids Tavern ou 
 nous sommes arrivés a onze heures du soir, et ou nous avons 
 bivouaqué encore. 
 
 L’armée dont l’arriere garde avoit été séparée pendant 
 ces deux jours, avoit été [dans] celui de son départ jusqu’ a 
 North Castel ou elle n’est arrivée que le 20 D’Aoust a cinq 
 heures du matin, après dix sept heures de marche consecu- 
 tive, elle y a passé toute la journée du vingt et nous scavons 
 que nous devons la rejoindre demain. 
 
 le 21 D’Aoust, nous avons quitté Leguids Tavern, et avons 
 rejoint le corps de l’armée a Peans Bridge sur la riviere du 
 Crotton, de la, le Bataillon de Grenadiers et Chasseurs de 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 41 
 
 Bourbonnois a fait l’arriere garde immediate de l’armée, et 
 celui de Soisonnois a reçu l’ordre de rester sur le bord du 
 
 o 
 
 Crotton jusqu’à ceque tous les equipages fussent passés. 
 Nous avons marché ce jour la jusqu’à Hounds Tavern ou 
 nous avon retrouvé nos tentes et campé. Mon bataillon a 
 campé séparément sur le flanc gauche de l’armée. 
 
 Le 22 D’Aoust, j’ai fait l’avant garde immediate de l’armée, 
 jusqu’au camp de Verplanks Point sur la riviere du Nord; 
 les Grenadiers et chasseurs y reçurent l’ordre de rentrer 
 dans leur yegiments et nous nous préparons, a passer la 
 riviere avec toute la promptitude possible, la grosse artil- 
 lerie et la Legion de Lauzun, doivent passer aujourd’hui 
 encore et prendre poste de l’autre coté de la riviere D’Hud- 
 son. 
 
 La journée du 23 Aoust a été employée a embarquer et a. 
 faire passer les equipages.* 
 
 Le 24 Aoust la Brigade de Bourbonnois a passé la riviere 
 D’Hudson et a été camper a Haver strow prés de la maison 
 de Smitt dans la quelle Arnold a formé avec le Major An- 
 glois André le complot infâme de trahir sa patrie. 
 
 Yoici maintenant notre ordre de marche le G al Washing- 
 ton avec prés de trois mille hommes nous precede d’un jour, 
 la brigade de Bourbonnois et la legion de Lauzun, suivent 
 le lendemain, et la marche de l’armée combinée est terminée 
 le troisième jour par la Brigade de Soisonnois. Le General 
 Washington a laissé au camp de Werplanks point, le General 
 
 * Un ennemi un peu hardi et un peu habile eut saisi une circonstance 
 aussi favorable pour lui, et aussi embarassante pour nous, que celle de 
 notre passage de la riviere du Nord ; je ne connois pas l’indifference avec 
 la quelle le G» 1 Clinton considéré nos mouvemens, elle est pour moi une 
 enigme indéchiffrable, et j’espre que l’on n’aura jamais a me reprocher 
 d’en donner a deviner de pareilles. 
 
 6 
 
42 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D AMERIQUE. 
 
 Heates avec trois mille hommes pour defendre l’etat de New 
 York et le cours de la riviere du Nord, j’ignore si [le] corps 
 conservera sa position ou s’il remontra jusqu’à West point, 
 le 25 Aoust, nous avons été camper a Soffrin 
 le 26 Aoust nous avons marché a Pomplon .* Le corps 
 du G al Washington se séparé de nous, et a l’air de se porter 
 vers Paulus Hock ou vers Staten Island ; je ne puis fixer 
 mon opinion sur l’objet de notre marche, je suis tenté de 
 croire que les Américains agiront sur un des deux points 
 qu’ils menacent, et je suis bien certain qu’ils n’opereront 
 point sans nous. 
 
 Le 27 Aoust, nous avons été camper a Hanover ou Vibani 
 prés de Morris Town, nous devons [yj séjourner demain. 
 C’est ici que j’ai appris sous le plus grand secret d’un de 
 mes amis, bien instruit, que toutes les manoeuvres par les 
 quelles on a l’air d’en vouloir a New York ne sont qu’une 
 feinte, que Lord Cornwallis est l’objet reel de nos marches, 
 et que nous allons les diriger vers la Virginie, 
 le 29 Aoust nous avons campé a Bullions Tavern 
 le 30 Aoust a Sommerset 
 le 31 Aoust a Prince Town 
 
 le 1 er de Septembre nous avons marché a Trenton ou nous 
 passons la Delaware nous conservons nos tentes, mais les 
 equipages passent dés aujourd’hui la riviere a gué. Demain 
 matin les troupes la passeront en bateaux, 
 le 2 nous avons campé a Red Lions Tavern 
 
 * Après que les troupes etoient établies dans leur camp, j’ai profité 
 du voisinage dans lequel nous nous trouvions du Totoha Fall pour 
 l’aller voir, Quoique fatigué, je n’ai point regretté dix milles pour 
 aller et dix mille pour revenir qu’il a fallu que je fasse pour satisfaire 
 ma curiosité et j’ai trouvé le spectacle de cette cascade aussi singulier 
 qu’il est imposant 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 43 
 
 le 3 de Septembre nous avons marché a Philadelphie le 
 congrès s’est trouvé a notre passage, nous lui avons rendsu 
 les honneurs que le Roy nous ordonne de lui rendre, les 
 treize membres ont oté leur treize chapeaux a chaque salut 
 de drapeau et d'officier et c’est la, tout ce que j’en ai vu 
 d’honnete et de remarquable. Après avoir traversé Phila- 
 delphie nous avons été camper au bord de la riviere du 
 Ùclndkill, a une bonne mille du avant [devant?] de la ville. 
 Nous séjournons demain. 
 
 le 5 de Septembre nous avons été camper a Cheaster ou 
 nous avons appris la nouvelle certaine de l’arrivée du compte 
 de Grasse avec vingt huit vaissseaux de ligne et trois mille 
 cinq cents hommes de troupes aux ordres du Marquis de S £ 
 Simon qu’il a débarqué, le 27 Aoust, lendemain de son 
 arrivée, avec ordre de se joindre au corps du de la 
 Fayette. 
 
 La joye qu'une aussi heureuse nouvelle répand parmi 
 toutes nos troupes, celle dont elle pénétre le* G al Washing- 
 ton et M r le C te de Rochambeau, est plus aisée a sentir 
 qu’a exprimer. Le moment qui doit etre la recompense de 
 nos peines de nos fatigues et de notre eloignement approche, 
 et j'espere que nous la sasirons. 
 
 le 6 de Septembre nous avons campé a Wilmington 
 
 * jai été aussi surpris que j’ai été touché de la joye bien vraie et bien 
 pure du G» 1 Washington. D’un naturel froid et d’un abord grave, et 
 noble qui chez lui n’est que veritable dignité et qui sied si bien au 
 chef de toute une nation, ses traits, sa phisionomie, son maintien 
 tout a changé en un instant ; il s’est dépouillé de sa qualité d’arbitre 
 de l’amerique Septentrionale et s’est contenté pendant un moment de 
 celle du citoyen heureux, du bonheur de son pays ; un enfant dont tous 
 les voeux eussent été comblés n’eut pas prouvé une sensation plus 
 Vive, et je crois faire honneur aux sentimens de cet homme rare, en 
 cherchant a en exprimer toute la vivacité. 
 
44 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D AMERIQUE. 
 
 Le 1 de Septembre nous avons marché a Elk Town qui 
 peut etre considéré comme la source de la baye de Cliesa- 
 peack ; Elk Town est plus connu sous le nom de Head of 
 Elk pareeque c’est la que la riviere D’Elle commence a 
 devenir naviguable. 
 
 Nous espérions trouver ici,asséz de moyens pour embarquer 
 toute notre armée mais il n’y a de batimens que pour 1200 
 hommes et M r de Rochambeau les employe a embarquer les 
 Grenadiers et Chasseurs et infanterie de la légion de Lauzun, 
 le corps de 1 armée marchera par terre jusqu’à Baltimore, 
 ou j’espere que nous nous embarquerons aussi, si l’on n’en 
 trouvoit pas les moyens il faudroit marcher jusques a la 
 riviere D’York, marche longue et pénible, mais nous scaurons 
 la soutenir. Nous séjournerons demain neuf de Septembre 
 ici, et nous nous remettrons en marche après demain. 
 
 le 9 de Septembre nous nous sommes remis en marche ; 
 la collonne des equipages a été séparée de la colonne des 
 troupes a cause du peu du moyens que présente le ferri de 
 la riviere la Souskehana pour les passer en bateaux, ils 
 sont obligés de faire un détour et de chercher un gué a sept 
 milles au dessus du ferri ; le detour qu’ils font, les mauvais 
 chemins qu’ils rencontreront, nous en priveront pendant plu- 
 sieurs jours et nous faisons très gayement le troc de nos 
 lits contre la simple peau d’ours. Les troupes ont passé 
 le ferri de la Souskehana adjourd’hui 9, en bateaux, et nous 
 avon été bivouaquer a un mille de Lower Ferri, ou nous 
 avons traversé la riviere. 
 
 le 10 de Septembre nous avons été bivouaquer a Burch 
 Hartford. 
 
 le 11 de Septembre nous avons marché a Wait Marsch 
 nous y avons été joints par nos chariots de tentes, mais nous 
 n’entendons point encore parler de nos equipages. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D AMERIQUE. 
 
 45 
 
 le 12 de Septembre nous sonies arrivés a Baltimore. Le 
 B on de Viomesnil, nous a des notre arrivée fait part des mo- 
 yens d’embarqement qu’on lui avoit fourni et qu’il croyoit 
 sufBsans pour embarquer la Brigade de Bourbonnois. 11 
 nous chargea le Marquis de Laval et moi de les verifier et 
 de faire l’estimation exacte du nombre d’hommes que chaque 
 bateau pouvoit contenir, nous nous en sommes occupés avec 
 tout le soin imaginable, mais malgré tout le désir que noua 
 avons de réussir a nous embarquer ici, nous voyons qu’il 
 est impossible d’y songer. Le General a ordonné pour de- 
 main un essai d’embarquement et c’est d’après cela qu’il 
 sera décidé si nous marcherons par terre ou si nous descen- 
 drons la baye de Chesapeack. 
 
 le 13 de Septembre, l’essai d’embarquement projetté hier, 
 s’est fait ce matin, le Baron de Viomesnil a jugé impossible 
 d’exposer les troupes a la torture d’une position aussi genée 
 et aussi contrainte que celle dans la quelle elles seroient 
 obligées de se tenir pendant plusieurs jours et aux risques 
 que nous courions dans de petits bateaux indignement 
 équipés de tous points ; il s’est déterminé a nous faire 
 marcher par terre, tous les arrangemens de subsistance vont 
 etre pris, nous avons deux jours a rester ici et je vais les 
 occuper aux reparations indispensables d’habillement et de 
 chaussure; nous nous remettons en marche le 16 et ce ne 
 sera que vers la fin du mois au plutôt que nous arriverons a 
 notre destination ; la fatigue d’une route aussi considerable 
 n’est point une consideration qui m’afBige, mais il est a 
 craindre qu’a notre arrivée les operations contre Lord Corn- 
 wallis ne soient commencées peut etre même finies, le B ou 
 de Viomesnil m’a cependant certifié qu’il avoit l’assurance 
 positive de M r le C te de Rochambeau de ne rien entrepren- 
 dre avant l’arrivée du corps de notre armée. Puisse t’il 
 tenir parole. 
 
46 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 L’orsque nous avons appris la nouvelle de l’arrivée du 
 C te de Grasse, nous scavions déjà celle de L’Amiral Hood a 
 Sandy Hock, et nous sommes certains qu’il a remis a la voile 
 deux jours après son arrivée augmenté de l’escadre de l’Ami- 
 ral Graves, nous croyons que la flotte Angloisc va chercher, ou 
 a donner des secours a Cornwallis, ou croiser pour inter- 
 cepter l’escadre de M r de Barras que nous scavous partir de 
 Rhode Island pour se joindre a M r de Grasse; nous ne 
 pouvons pas etre sans inquiétudes sur le sort de M r de 
 Barras. 
 
 le 13 nos equipages nous ont joint. Un homme arrivé de. 
 la Virginie, nous a assuré que M r de Grasse a appareillée de 
 la baye de Chesapeack, et il parle d’un combat entre la flotte 
 Françoise et la flotte Angloise, je n’y ajoute pas foi. 
 
 le 15. Nous avons appris que les Grenadiers et Chas- 
 seurs embarqués a Head of Elk, ont été forcés par le mau- 
 vais te ms de relâcher a Annapolis 
 
 Le 16 de Septembre nous nous sommes remis en marche 
 et avons été camper a Spurers Tavern, le Baron de Vio- 
 mesnil a reçu la, une lettre * de M r de la Villebrune Capitaine 
 du vaisseau le Romulus qui lui annonce son arrivée a Annap- 
 olis avec tous les moyens suffisans pour nous embarquer et 
 pour descendre la Baye de Chesapeack; cette nouvelle a 
 changé les projets du General, il a fait assembler les Colonels 
 pour nous communiquer son intention de marcher a Annapolis 
 et de nous y embarquer a bord des bâti mens destinés a cet 
 objet. 
 
 le 17 Septembre nous avons pris la route D’Annapolis et 
 avons été camper a Scots Plantation. 
 
 * cette lettre nous donne aussi la certitude de la jonction de M r de 
 Barras avec M 1 ' de Grasse. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 47 
 
 le 18 de Septembre nous avons marché a Annapolis ou 
 nous avons trouvé les batimens qui nous etoient annonces, on 
 travaille a force a l’embarquement et j’espere que nous pour- 
 rons entrer demain au soir dans nos vaisseaux.* 
 
 le 19 et le 20 de Septembre ont été employés a embarquer 
 tout l’attirail de notre armée et nous ne sommes entrés 
 dans nos vaisseaux que dans la matinée du 21. Notre petite 
 escadre est composée du Romulus , des fregattes la Gentille, la 
 diligente l'aigrette, Y Iris et le Richmond, (les deux dernieres 
 viennent d’etre prises sur les Anglois) et de neuf batimens de 
 transport, le tout, formant quinze voiles ; j’ai été embarqué 
 sur la diligente ou j’ai trouvé Lord Ratvclon, le Colonel Doil 
 et le Lieutenant de vaisseau du Roy D’Angleterre Clark, 
 pris sur le paquebot la Queen Charlotte, les deux derniers 
 ont leurs femmes a bord. 
 
 A quatre heures après midi nous avons mis a la voile par 
 un vent frais qui s’est parfaitement soutenu, 
 
 le 22 a quatre heures après midi nous avons découvert 
 
 * Nous avons appris a Annapolis le combat que M r le C te de Grasse 
 a livré le 5 de Septembre a l’escadre Angloise commandée par l’Amiral 
 Graves; les Anglois ont paru a hauteur des Caps, Mr de Grasse qui 
 n’etoit point encore joint a M r de Barras et qui en etoit nécessaire- 
 ment inquiet ne balança pas un moment a appareiller pour combattre 
 l’ennemi, il coupa ses cables et fut en un instant sous voiles, les enne- 
 mis des qu’ils appercurent le dessein du General François, mirent toutes 
 voiles dehors pour s’enfuir, et ne purent etre joints que par les vais- 
 seaux François doublés en cuivre, ce combat d’avant garde a arriéré 
 garde n’en a pas été moins vif et visiblement des avantageux pour les 
 ennemis, la nuit a séparé les combattans, mais Mr de Grasse a con- 
 tinué sa chasse pendant toute la journée du 6, sept il l’a abandonné 
 par la crainte que le vent venant a changer ne donnât le moyen aux 
 Anglois d’entrer dans la baye de Chesapeack, il en reprit la route et 
 y trouva l’escadre de M r de Barras, qui s’y etoit introduite pendant 
 son absence. 
 
48 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 les vaisseaux qui bloquent l’embouchure de la riviere D’York, 
 a six heures nous avons apperçu la grande flotte et a huit 
 heures nous étions mouillé dans la baye de Lynchaven au 
 milieu de l’armée navale. 
 
 le 23 de Septembre a cinq heures du matin nous avons 
 remis a la voile et sommes entrés dans la riviere de James 
 que nous allons remonter. 
 
 le 24 au soir nous sommes parvenus a Hogs Ferry , lieu 
 de notre débarquement, la navigation de la riviere de James 
 est très pénible, nous avons continuellement été obligés d’avoir 
 la sonde a la main, et malgré toutes nos precautions, plu- 
 sieurs batimens ont échoué et n’ont été relevés que par le 
 flot. 
 
 le 25 de Septembre nos troupes ont été débarqués et 
 nous avons été camper a une demie mille de Hogs ferri 
 
 le 26 a quatre hueres du soir nous nous sommes remis en 
 marche et avons été camper a Williamsburg, nous avons 
 appris la, que le Lord Cornwallis a envoyé quelques brûlots 
 pour détruire les vaisseaux François qui le bloquent, mais 
 ils n’ont eu aucun effet que celui d’effrayer beaucoup une 
 partie des equipages. Lord Cornwallis travaille a force a 
 se retrancher et sous peu de jours, nous marcherons au lieu 
 de l’attaque. 
 
 le 28 de Septembre toute l’armée combinée s’est mise en 
 marche de Williams burg, pour aller camper sous la ville 
 D’York; pendant une partié du chemin, l’armée a marchée 
 sur une seule colonne, l’armée Américaine ayant la tete de 
 la marche, a quatre milles de notre destination a une 
 fourche formée par deux chemins qui conduisent tous deux 
 a York, la Colonne Américaine a pris le chemin de la droite 
 et la colonne Françoise composée, 1° des voluntaires aux 
 ordres du B on de S‘ Simon frere du General 2 d0 des Grena- 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 49 
 
 diers et chasseurs des sept regiments de notre armée 3° do 
 Brigades D’Agenois, Soisonnois et Bourbonnois, marchant 
 la gauche en tete, a pris celui de la gauche. Nous nous 
 sommes séparés brigade par Brigade a un mille de la place 
 et en avons formé l'investiture, a peine la Brigade de Bour- 
 bonnois etoit elle arrivée a la place qui lui est destinée, qu’ 
 on est venu nous avertir que plusieurs troupes ennemies pa- 
 roissoient. M r le C te de Rochambeau donna ordre au de 
 Laval de prendre les piquets et l’Artillerie de la Brigade 
 pour leur donner chasse ; nous nous mimes en marche et 
 après cinq ou six coups de canons, ces petites troupes prirent 
 la fuite. 
 
 Le 29 Septembre le G al Washington avança avec l’armée 
 Américaine pour serrer son investiture ; le corps Anglois 
 campé en avant se replia sur York, les Anglois tirèrent quel- 
 ques coups de canon qui n’eurent d’autre effet que de 
 blesser un seul homme. 
 
 Dans la nuit du 29 au 30. les Anglois dont les postes 
 avancés touchoient aux nôtres, abandonnèrent ces postes 
 et evacuerent deux redoutes du coté des François une 
 redoute du coté des Américains et tous les postes et 
 petites batteries qu’ils avoient construits pour la defense 
 d’un crique que j’aurois cru etre pour eux de la plus 
 grande importance. Je suivis M r le C te de Rochambeau 
 dans la journée qu’il fit pour reconnaitre ces redoutes. 
 Les endroits évacués nous permirent de voir et de juger de 
 tout le terrain qui environne la ville et des ouvrages qui 
 doivent la deffendre ; et il me semble que par cette raison, 
 l’ennemi eut du (quoique par elles mêmes ces redoutes ne 
 soient pas d’une grande importance) les conserver jusqu’à 
 cequ’il eut été forcé de les abandonner. Il nous eut réduit 
 a tâtonner il nous auroit tenu dans l’incertitude; il auroit 
 7 
 
50 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 peut etre retarde nos ouvrages, au lieu de nous laisser maî- 
 tres de tous les abords de la place jusqu’ a la distance de 
 trois a quatre ■cent toises. 11 est clair que les approches 
 sont on ne peut pas plus aisées, du convert par tout, 
 quelques petits endroits dominans, et les ouvrages peu forts 
 peu considerables par eux mêmes et a ce qu’il me semble, 
 trop étendus, formant une trop grande enceinte pour etre 
 bien deffendus. Nous avons examiné avec soin les redoutes 
 évacuées, elles sont peu solides, des parapets de peu d’epais- 
 seur, un terrain sabloneux qui oblige a les etayer de peur 
 qu’elles ne s’écoulent, mais des abbatis excellents qui n’ont 
 d’autres défauts que d’etre de bois de sapin et aisés consé- 
 quemment a mettre en feu. J’ai avancé trois cents pas plus 
 près de la ville, j’ai vu un ravin quia a peu prés 25 pieds de 
 profondeur qui entoure toute la place et donne au dessus et 
 au dessous de la ville, dans la riviere D’York, ce ravin me 
 paroit, d’une defense excellente et je ne conçois pas com- 
 ment les ennemis l’ont abandonné. Notre General fit sur 
 le champ occuper les deux redoutes évacuées, l’une par les 
 Grenadiers de Bourbonnois, l’autre par cinquaute chasseurs 
 du regiment R al Deuxponts'; le reste du Bataillon de G drs et 
 Chasseurs de la Brigade et ses piquets, ont été placés un 
 peu en arriéré, derrière un revers qui les met a l’abri de canon. 
 Cette reconnoissance et tous ces mouvements n’ont pu se faire 
 sans etre apperçus de la place et sans nous faire tirer du 
 canon, ils nous en ont ajusté huit ou dix coups, mais personne 
 n’a été ni tué ni blessé. 
 
 Dans la même matinée, le V te de Viomesnil voulant recon- 
 naître les ouvrages ennemis en avant de notre gauche, poussa 
 les volontaires de S 4 Simon en avant ; ils se rendirent maitre 
 du bois qui couvre ces ouvrages en forçant les postes An- 
 glois qui le gardoient a se replier sur une redoute qui fit 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 51 
 
 un feu asséz vif de boulets et de mitraille, et tua un Hous- 
 sard, cassa le bras a un autre et la cuisse a un Officier du 
 regiment D’Agenois. M r le C te de Rockambeau ordonna au 
 retour de cette reconnoissance que le camp de la Brigade 
 de Bourbonnois fut changé, nous le levâmes dans le courant 
 de l’aprés midi et l’avons établi dans un bois, a un demi 
 mille en avant de notre premiere position. 
 
 le 1 er D’Octobre a la pointe du jour les américains com- 
 mencèrent a travailler a une redoute intermediaire entre les 
 redoutes évacuées du coté des François et celle que l’ennemi 
 avoit abandonné du coté des Américains. Les Anglois ne 
 tardèrent pas a s’en appercevoir et ont tiré au moins trois 
 cents coups de canon dans le courant de la journée, qui n’ont 
 tué que deux hommes et n’ont point interrompu le travail. 
 
 Dans le même journée j’ai fait ma reconnoissance particu- 
 lière de la gauche de l’ennemi et je n’y ai pas trouvé les de- 
 fenses plus respectables que du coté que j’ai déjà vu, le ter- 
 rain y est un peu plus découvert et donne plus de facilité a 
 l’assiégé pour diriger des coups sur les travaux de l’as- 
 siegeant, mais c’est la le seul avantage que ce coté la, pro- 
 cure a l’ennemi ; je me suis porté jusques contre la riviere 
 D’York et j’ai vu tous les batimens des Anglois, la position 
 de Glocester et les vaisseaux François qui bloquent la 
 riviere. 
 
 le 2 D’Octobre. Les Américains continuent leur travail 
 aux redoutes, les Anglois tirent du canon, mais toute la perte 
 de la journée n’a été que d’un seul homme tué. 
 
 J’ai fait aujourd’hui ma reconnoissance de la droite des 
 ennemis et je juge qu’ elle est de toutes les parties de leur 
 ligne de defense, la meilleure. 
 
 Le feu que les ennemis ont fait ces deux derniers jours 
 sur la redoutes que les Américains construisent, a conside- 
 
52 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 rablement diminué, ils ne tirent plus que de teins en tems un 
 coup de canon. 
 
 On a entendu dans la matinée une fusilade asséz vive de 
 l’autre coté de la riviere, a prés laquelle on a vu revenir la 
 cavalerie de Tarleton grand train et en desordre, on juge 
 qu’elle sera sortie des lignes de Glocester pour attaquer la 
 legion de Lauzun, et nous espérons qu’elle aura été repous- 
 sée. 
 
 Le 4 D’Octobre, la nouvelle de l’engagement de la legion 
 de Lauzun et de celle de Tarleton est vraie, la legion de 
 Lauzun a reponssé celle de Tarleton, le Duc de Lauzun a 
 chargé a plusieurs reprises ; il etoit soutenu par M r de Choisi 
 qui venoit d’arriver avec huit cents hommes des garrisons 
 des vaisseaux. 
 
 Nous avons aussi reçu ce matin la nouvelle certaine qu’ a 
 la suitte du combat naval du 5 de Septembre ; le vaisseau 
 Anglois, le Terrible de 74 canons a été si maltraité que les 
 ennemis l’ont fait sauter ; en outre le London le Schrewsbury, 
 le Robuste et le Prudent sont en mauvais état. 
 
 Dans la nuit du 4 au 5 Octobre nous avons envoyé de 
 nos redoutes plus de patrouilles qu’a l’ordinaire et le V t0 
 de Viomesnil Officier G al de jour, leur a ordonné expressé- 
 ment de se porter jusques sous les retranchemens des enne- 
 mis : L’ordre a été parfaitement eecuté, presque toutes nos 
 patrouilles ont tiré leurs coups de fusil contre les ennemis 
 et il paroit que cela lui a donné de l’inquietude, car il a fait 
 pendant toute la nuit un feu de canon considerable et soutenu. 
 La redoute nouvelle que les Américains ont construit et 
 celle que Anglois avoient évacué qu’ils ont réparé, sont 
 toutes deux entièrement achevées. 
 
 La nuit du 5 au 6 s’est passée comme la précédente, 
 mêmes patrouilles et même feu de canon. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES d’aMEKIQUE. 
 
 53 
 
 Le 6 Octobre, tout étant préparé, les fascines, gabions, 
 claies et saucissons faits, l’artillerie de siege* presque entière- 
 ment arrivée* le lieu de la tranchée bien reconnu ; le General 
 a donné ordre de l’ouvrir ce même soir. 
 
 Les regiments de Bourbonnois et de Soisonnois ont reçu 
 ordre de la monter et deux cents cinquante hommes par 
 chacun des quatre regiments, qui ne sont pas de tranchée, 
 (le regiment de Tourraine ayant une mission particulière) 
 sont commandés pour le travail. Toutes ces troupes ont ete 
 rendues a la queue de la tranchée a cinq heures du soir, et 
 AL r le Baron de Yiomesnil Officier G al de la tranchée a des 
 le moment disposé les régiments dans les places ou ils doivent 
 la couvrir. Les Officiers du genie ont a la nuit close, placé 
 les travailleurs et a huit heures du soir le travail a commencé. 
 Les Américains qui ont la droite du travail et de l’attaque, ont 
 fait pareille disposition ; le travail a été très bien conduit 
 et dans le plus grand silence. L’ennemi a fort peu tiré. La 
 droite de l’attaque commence a la riviere D’York à 200 
 Toises de la place et la paralelle s’étend en augmentant de 
 50 a 60 Toises d’eloignement jusques près de la redoute 
 nouvellement construite par les Américains. 
 
 Le Regiment de Tourraine est détaché de l’armée et a une 
 commission particulière, il est chargé de la construction et 
 de la defense d’une batterie de huit pieces de canon et de 
 six obusiers et mortiers que l’on construit a la droite des 
 ennemis et qui sert de fausse attaque, les ennemis ont dirigé 
 cette nuit leur feu sur ce travail, un Capitaine d’artillerie a 
 eu la cuisse fracassée, un Grenadier a été tué et six autres 
 ont été blessés. 
 
 * Notre artillerie de siege etoit embarqué sur les batimens qui 
 sont venus avec l’escadre de Mr le O de Barras, ou l’a débarqué a 
 sept milles D’York. 
 
54 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 le 7 D’Octobre, le regiment D’Agenois et le regiment de 
 Saint Onge ont relevé la tranchée a Midi, elle est asséz 
 avancée pour pouvoir déjà y placer les premiers Bataillons 
 des regiments de tranchée, les seconds Bataillons sont 
 placés dans les ravins en arriéré, mais a portée de venir 
 au premier mouvement des ennemis, soutenir leurs premiers 
 Bataillons. 
 
 le 8 D’Octobre: les regiments de Gatinois et de Royal 
 Deuxponts ont monté la tranchée, on travaille a force aux bat- 
 teries, qui me paroissent parfaitement disposées et j’espere 
 qu’ incessamment nous verrons l’effet. 
 
 le 9 Octobre les regiments de Bourbonnois et de Soison- 
 nois ont relevé la tranchée ; a quatre heures du soir une bat- 
 terie américaine de deux mortiers et huit pieces de canon 
 de dix huit et vingt quatre a commencée a tirer, et la batterie 
 du regiment de Tourraine a aussi commencée son feu. 
 
 Le 10 Octobre une des batteries du notre front d’attaque 
 composée de quatre pieces de 24 huit pieces de seize quatre 
 mortiers et deux obusiers a été démasquée et on l’a fait jouer ; 
 la supériorité du feu de ces differentes batteries sur celles de 
 l’ennemi a fait taire le feu de la place ; tous nos feux ont été très 
 bien dirigés, on peut remarquer plusieurs parapets déjà écretés 
 et nous scavons par le rapport de plusieurs déserteurs que 
 les ennemis ont été fort étonnés de l’onverture de nos bat- 
 teries ; et que nos bombes surtout [les] inquiètent beaucoup. 
 A peine tirent ils a present six coups de canon par heure, 
 tandis que jusques la, ils avoient fait un feu asséz soutenu 
 et asséz bien dirigé ; nous n’avons pas cependant encore a 
 nous plaindre de la quantité d’hommes tués et blessés. La 
 tranchée a été montée aujourd’hui par les regiments D’Age- 
 nois et de Saint Onge. 
 
 L’ennemi voulant ce matin faire une tentative sur M r de 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 55 
 
 Choisi, a fait remonter la riviere a plusieurs bateaux plats 
 remplis de troupes, mais M r de Choisi instruit du projet a 
 fait amener du canon et les a forcé a s’éloigner. 
 
 Le 11 Octobre les regiments de Gatinois de Royal Deux- 
 ponts ont relevé la tranché et dans la même nuit, nous avons 
 construit notre seconde paralelle a la petite portée du fusil 
 de la place, nous attendre a une sortie vigoureuse ; on com- 
 manda en consequence quelques Compagnies auxiliaires de 
 Grenadiers et chasseurs, et Monsieur le Chevalier de Chaste- 
 lux Officier General de tranchée, disposa toutes les 
 troupes de maniéré a recevoir l’ennemi de la façon la plus 
 avantageuse. A huit heures du soir, on commença le travail 
 a dix heures nous entendimes une vingtaine de coups de 
 fusil ; tout le monde crut que c’etoit le commencement d’une 
 attaque ; mais ce n’etoit qu’ une patrouille Angloise, il 
 y eut plusieurs petites fusiliades de ce genre pendant la nuit 
 et c’est a quoi se bornèrent toutes les tentatives extérieures 
 de l’ennemi ; du reste il tira beaucoup de coups de canon, 
 de bombes et d’obusiers, mais le feu de notre artillerie garda 
 cependant sa supériorité et celui de l’ennemi eut très peu 
 d’effet. A la pointe du jour nos travailleurs etoient assés 
 profondément enterrés pour n’avoir plus de grands risques 
 a courir. 
 
 La crainte que le feu de nos batteries peu elevés au dessus 
 des tetes des travailleurs, ne causât des accidens, fit donner 
 ordre a notre Artillerie de le suspendre ; l’ennemi profita de 
 ce moment de silence pour faire le feu le plus vif sur nos 
 ouvrages ; l’on rétracta alors l’ordre et l’on rendit a nos 
 batteries la liberté de tirer. Une demie heure après que 
 notre feu fut en train, celui des ennemis diminua, et lorsque 
 nous descendîmes la tranchée, il etoit réduit a cequ’ il est 
 ordinairement. 
 
56 
 
 MBS CAMPAGNES D ’AMERIQUE. 
 
 le 12 Octobre les regiments de Bourbonnois et de Soison- 
 nois ont relevé la tranchée. 
 
 le 13. les Regiments D’Àgenois et de Saint Onge ont mouté 
 la tranchée; l’emplacement de toutes le batteries de la 
 seconde paralelle est marqué, et dans deux jours elles pour- 
 ront jouer. Deux redoutes ennemies interrompent entière- 
 ment la suitte de notre seconde paralelle, qui doit néces- 
 sairement etre continuée jusqu’à la riviere D’York, tant 
 que ces deux ouvrages appartiendront a l’ennemi, elle sera 
 imparfaite et nous espérons tous qu’ils seront incessamment 
 attaqués. 
 
 Le 14 Octobre les regiments de Gatinois et de R al Deux- 
 ponts ont relevé la tranchée ; a l’assemblée du regiment de 
 R al Deuxponts pour la monter ; le B on de Viomesnil m’or- 
 donna de venir le trouver a notre arrivée a la queue de la 
 tranchée; j’executai ses ordres; il sépara les Grenadiers 
 et chasseurs des deux regiments de tranchée et me donna 
 le Commandement du Bataillon qu’il venoit d’en formel*, en 
 me disant qu’il croyoit me donner par la, une preuve de son 
 estime et de sa confiance, ses paroles n’etoient point un enigme 
 pour moi, je ne pris point le change sur l’objet auquel il me 
 destinoit, un moment après il confirma mon opinion en me 
 distant que je ferois dans le courant de la nuit l’attaque 
 d’une des redoutes qui empechoient la continuation de notre 
 seconde paralelle, il me donna l’ordre de placer mon bataillon 
 a couvert, et d’attendre qu’il m’envoyât chercher pour faire 
 avec lui la reconnoissance de la redoute ; il m’y mena dans 
 le courant de l’aprés midi, avec M r le Baron de Lestrade, 
 lieutenant Colonel du regiment de Gatinois, qu’il m’avoit 
 donné pour second, et deux sergents des Grenadiers et chas- 
 seurs de ce regiment, hommes aussi braves qu’intelligents et 
 qui furent chargés particulièrement de reconnaitre avec la 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 57 
 
 derniere exactitude; le chemin que nous aurions a tenir pen- 
 dant la nuit. Nous examinâmes avec le plus grand soin, 
 l’objet de l’attaques et tous ses details, le G al nous expliqua 
 bien clairement ses intentions. M r de l’estrade par son 
 experience et la connoissance parfaite qu’il a, de la conduite 
 a tenir dans de pareilles circonstances, auroit d’ailleurs 
 supplée aux fautes que j’aurois pu commettre, et le General 
 m’ordonna ensuite d’aller former mon bataillon et de le 
 conduire dans le lieu de la tranchée le plus voisin de celui 
 dont nous devions en déboucher j’assemblai les Capitaines 
 de mon bataillon, et leur déclarai la comission dont on 
 nous honoroit, je n’avois point a animer leur courage ni 
 celui des troupes que je commandois mais je devois leur faire 
 connaître la volonté du General et l’ordre exact dans lequel 
 nous devions marcher a l’ennemi. 
 
 Nous nous mimes ensuite en marche pour entrer dans la 
 tranchée, nous passâmes devant beaucoup de troupes, soit de 
 tranchée, de travailleurs ou de Grenadiers et Chasseurs, 
 auxiliaires tout le monde me souhaita du succès, de la gloire, 
 et me témoigna des regrets de ne pouvoir pas m’accom- 
 pagner, ce moment me parut bien doux, bien propre a elever 
 l’ame et a animer le courage : Mon frere, Mon frere surtout 
 et je ne l’oublierai jamais, me donna des marques d’une ten- 
 dresse qui me pénétra jusqu’au fonds du coeur; j’arrivai a 
 l’endroit que le B on de Viomesnil m’avoit indiqué, j’y attendis 
 la nuit close ; et peu de tems après qu’elle fut fermée, le 
 G al me fit sortir de la tranchée et m’ordonna de ranger ma 
 colonne dans l’ordre de l’attaque, il m’instruisit du signal 
 de six bombes consecutives tirées d’une de nos batteries, au 
 quel je devois me porter en avant; et j’attendis dans cette 
 position le signal convenu. 
 
 Les chasseurs du regiment de Gatinois avoient la tête de 
 8 
 
58 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 ma colonne, ils etoient en colonne par pelotons, les cinquante 
 premiers portoient des fascines, sur les cinquante autres il y 
 en avoit huit qui portoient des echelles, venoient ensuite les 
 Grenadiers de Gatinois rangés par files puis les Grenadiers 
 et Chasseurs du reg* de R iU Deuxponts, en colonne par sec- 
 tions ; le tout etoit précédé des deux sergents de Gatinois 
 dont j’ai déjà parlé et de huit charpentiers, quatre du regi- 
 ment de Gatinois et quatre de celui de R al Deuxponts; les 
 chasseurs des regiments de Bourbonnois et D’Agenois, etoient 
 a cent pas derrière mon bataillon et destinés a me sontenir, 
 et le second Bataillon du regiment de Gatinois commandé 
 par M r le C te de Rostaing terminoit ma reserve. J’avois 
 deffendu avant de me mettre en marche que personne ne 
 tirât avant d’etre arrivé sur la crete du parapet de la redoute 
 et qu’établi sur le parapet personne ne sautat dans le re- 
 tranchement avant d’en avoir reçu l’ordre. 
 
 L’attaque des troupes Françoises etoit combinée avec 
 celle que les troupes américaines faisoient a ma droite d’une 
 redoute qui etoit appuyée a la riviere D’York, cette redoute 
 etoit de la même importance par l’obstacle qu’elle apportoit 
 a la continuation de la seconde paralelle : le M is de la 
 Fayette commandoit cette attaque qui devoit se faire a la 
 même heure et commencer au même signal que la notre. 
 
 Les six bombes furent enfin tirés et je me mis en marche 
 dans le plus grand silence ; a cent vingt ou cent trente pas, 
 nous fumes découverts et le soldat ïïessois que etoit en sen- 
 tinelle sur le parapet nous cria un Werda * auquel nous ne 
 repondimes rien et doublâmes le pas; l’ennemi commença 
 
 * Les Officiers Anglois pris dans la redoute, m'out dit depuis, que 
 le moment ou nous fumes découverts fut saisi par le Commandant 
 Anglois, nommé Makferson et par une trentaine d’hommes pour se 
 sauver honteusement 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 59 
 
 son feu l’instant d’après le Werda; nous ne perdîmes pas 
 un moment pour arriver aux abattis qui forts, bien conservés et 
 a vingt cinq pas de la redoute, nous coûtèrent du monde nous 
 arrêtèrent pendant quelques minutes, mais furent franchis 
 avec une resolution parfaite, nous nous précipitâmes ensuite 
 dans le fossé et chacun chercha a se faire jour au travers 
 des fraises et a monter sur le parapet* nous y arrivâmes 
 d'abord en petit nombre, et je fis commencer a tirer ; l’ennemi 
 faisoit un feu très vif nous chargeoit même a coups de 
 bayonette, mais ne fit reculer personne. Les Charpentiers 
 qui avoient vigoureusement travaillé de leur coté, avoient 
 fait des breches aux pallisades qui facilitoient la montée au 
 gros de nos troupes, le parapet se garnissoit a vue d’oeil, 
 notre feu augmentoit et faisoit un effet terrible sur l’ennemi 
 qui s’etoit placé derrière une espece de retranchement de ton- 
 neaux, ou il etoit bien rassemblé et ou tous nos coups por- 
 toient. Nous étions parvenus au moment ou je voulois 
 ordonner de sauter dans la redoute et de charger l’ennemi 
 a la bayonette, l’orsqu’il mit bar les armes ; et nous y sau- 
 tâmes pour lors avec plus de tranquillité et moins de risques ; 
 j’entonnai sur le champ le cri de vive le Roy qui fut répété 
 par tous les Grenadiers et Chasseurs bien portants, par 
 toutes les troupes de la tranchée et au quel l’ennemi répondit 
 par une salve Generale d’Artillerie et de coups de fusil ; 
 jamais je ne vis un spectacle plus beau et plus majestueux. Je 
 ne m’y arrêtai pas pend 1 long tems, j’avois mes soins a donner 
 aux blessés, l’ordre a faire observer parmi les prisonniers 
 
 * cela n’etoit pas chose aisée je n’ai pu y parvenir sans etre aidé ; 
 j’etois retombé dans le fossé après une premiere tentative; M> de 
 Sillegue jeune officier des chasseurs de Gatinois qui m’avoit devancé, 
 apperçut mon embarras et me donna son bras pour m’aider a monter, 
 il reçut presque au même instant un coup de fusil dans la cuisse 
 
60 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 et M r le B on de Yiomesnil vint au même instant me donner 
 celui de me préparer a faire une vigoureuse defense il eut 
 été important pour l’ennemi de chercher a reprendre ce 
 poste, un ennemi nerveux n’y eut pas manqué et le B on de 
 Yiomesnil jugeoit le General Anglois d’après lui même. Je 
 lis mes dispositions de mon mieux, l’ennemi faisoit pleuvoir 
 des boulets sur nous, je ne doutois pas que l’idée du B on de 
 Yiomesnil ne se vérifiât; enfin l’orsque tout fut fini; un sen- 
 tinelle chargé d’observer les mouvement du dehors, m’appella 
 et me dit qu’il paroissoit des ennemis ; j’avançai ma tête sur 
 le parapet et au même instant un boulet qui ricocha dans 
 le parapet et passa très prés de ma tete, me couvrit le visage 
 de sable et de petit gravier ; je souffrois beaucoup, et je fus 
 obligé de quitter la place et de me faire conduire a l'hôpital 
 ambulant. 
 
 Cinquante six Grenadiers et Chasseurs du regiment de 
 Gatinois, vingt et un Grenadiers et Chasseurs de R al Deux- 
 ponts six chasseurs d’Agenois et neuf soldats du 2 0nd Bataillon 
 de Gatinois ont été tués on blessés a cette attaque qui n’a 
 durée que sept minutes. En outre M r de Berthelot Capitaine 
 en second du reg 4 de Gatinois a été tué, M r de Sireuil Capi- 
 taine des chasseurs decereg 4 a en une jambe fracassée*; et 
 M r de Sillegue sous lieutenant de chasseurs a eu une cuisse 
 percée. Le Ch or de La Meth a reçu deux coups de fusil l’un 
 lui casse une * rotule et l’autre, lui perce l’autre cuisse ; il 
 etoit venu a cette attaque comme volontaire ainsi que le C te 
 de Damas, j’avois cherché a les en empecher, mais ils n’ecou- 
 tent ni l’un ni l’autre des representations qui les eloignent 
 de la gloire. Le C te de Yauban etoit aussi a mon attaque 
 
 * M r de Sireuil est mort quarante jours après, des suittes de sa bles- 
 
 sure. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D AMERIQUE. 
 
 61 
 
 et etoit chargé par M r le C te de Rochambeau de s’y trouver 
 pour lui rendre compte de l’evenement. 
 
 Avec des troupes aussi bonnes, aussi braves, et aussi 
 disciplinées que celles que j’ai eu l'honneur de conduire a 
 l’ennemi, on peut tout entreprendre, et etre sim de réussir 
 si l’impossibilité n’en est pas prouvée ; je leur dois le plus 
 beau jour de ma vie, et le souvenir ne s’en effacera certain- 
 ment jamais de ma mémoire ; puissai-je en pareilles circon- 
 stances me retrouver encore avec elles ; et puissai-je surtout 
 après avoir encore été heureux par elles, leur donner des 
 preuves, plus réelles et plus vraies, de mon zélé et de mon 
 ardeur a les servir. 
 
 Dans le courant de cette nuit la seconde parai elle a été 
 continuée, elle traverse la redoute prise par les François et 
 aboutit a la redoute prise par les Américains dont l’attaque 
 a eu le même succès que la notre. 
 
 La journée du 15 Octobre a été employée a perfectionner 
 la second paralelle. Dans la nuit du 15 au 16, l’ennemi a 
 fait une sortie ; la tranchée n’ etoit pas gardée avec toutes 
 les precautions desirables, beaucoup de monde dormoit, peu 
 de sentinelles, un piquet qui ne se mefioit de rien, des batteries 
 ou il n’y avoit personne ; Enfin l’ennemi est parvenu a en- 
 clouer quatre pieces de canon d’une batterie Françoise et 
 deux d’une batterie américaine, on a marché aussitôt a 
 l’ennemi mais sa retraite etoit déjà faite et on n’a pas pu 
 l’atteindre. Les pieces de canon enclouées, ont été dégor- 
 gées dans la matinée du 16; presque toutes nos batteries 
 seront établies et prêtes a jouer demain. 
 
 Le 1 7 Octobre on a commencé a tirer a ricochet avec tant 
 de succès qu’une grande partié des fraises des ouvrages 
 de la place, ont été abbatues et dans plusieurs endroits, des 
 breches ont été commencées, a Dix heures du matin Lord 
 
62 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 Cornwallis a envoyé un parlementaire au General Washing- 
 ton pour decider du sort des garnisons de York et Glocester 
 et demander une suspension d’armes ; on a dés le même 
 moment commencé a travailler a la capitulation, mais on a 
 continué a tirer jusqu’à quatre heures ; qu’a la sollicitation 
 d’un nouveau Parlementaire, le feu a cessé de part et d’autre, 
 les négociations s’entament on assure même que les princi- 
 paux articles en sont déjà réglés. 
 
 Le 18 Octobre, le travail de la capitulation a continué, il 
 est dit on suiwenu quelques petites discussions qui en ont 
 retardé la conclusion, mais elle a été definitivement terminée 
 le soir. 
 
 le 19 Octobre a neuf heures du matin la capitulation a été 
 signée et a quatre heures après midi, l’armée Angloise pris- 
 onniers de guerre composée, du 1 er Bataillon des gardes du 
 Roy D’Angleterre, du 17 ieme 23 '°™ 33 ieme et 43 ieme regiments 
 d’infanterie du 7l u “ e 76 ieme et 80 ieme regiments de Monta- 
 guards Ecossois, Des regiments Hessois, du Prince hérédi- 
 taire et de Boos, des regiment D’Anspach et Bareuth, de la 
 Light Infanterie, de la British Legion et des Queens Ranger 
 a defilée devant les armées Françoise et Américaine rangées 
 en Bataille, l’une vis a vis de l’autre ; l’armée prisonnière a 
 mi s ensuite les armes bas et est rentrée sans armes dans la 
 ville D'York. Les Regiments de Bourbonnois et de Royal 
 Deuxponts, qui montoient la tranchée l’orsque les négocia- 
 tions ont commencées, n’ont été relevées qu’aprés la cere- 
 monie. 
 
 Le nombre des ennemis prisonniers tant de troupes de 
 terre que matelots, passe 8000 ; deux cents quatorze pieces 
 de canon, dont 74 en Bronze sont tombées entre nos mains. 
 
 le 21 D’Octobre, les differens regiments prisonniers, sont 
 sortis regiments par regiments de la ville D’York pour etre 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’aMEKIQUE. 
 
 63 
 
 conduits a leurs differentes destinations, soit en Virginie 
 Maryland, ou dans la Pensilvanie. 
 
 Les Ordres ont été donnés aux Aides Maréchaux Generaux 
 des logis de l’armée, pour aller faire les logemens de l’armée 
 Françoise qui doit incessamment prendre ses quartiers 
 D’Hyver et occuper les villes de Williamsburg, Hampton, 
 York et Glocester. 
 
 M r le C te de Rochambeau a bien voulu m’annoncer qu'il me 
 destinoit a porter en France le Duplicata de la nouvelle de 
 la prise du Lord Cornwallis, et m’a donné l’ordre de me 
 tenir prêt a m’embarquer au premier jour. 
 
 le 24 Octobre, après avoir pris les ordres de M r le C te 
 de Rochambeau, et reçu les paquets qu’il me confioit, je me 
 suis embarqué a York pour aller a l’armée navale et prendre 
 les ordres de M r le Comte de Grasse, j'ai couché a bord de 
 la Ville de Paris et le 25, M rs de Damas, de Laval, de Charlus 
 et moi, nous sommes embarqués a bord de La fregatte 
 L’Andromaque sur la quelle nous devons partir pour la 
 France. 
 
 le 26 nous avons été retenus par les vents; le 27 a deux 
 heures après midi nous avons appareillé par un bon vent 
 frais. Après avoir passé les bancs de* Middle Ground, au 
 moment ou nous allions nous trouver a la hauteur du Cap 
 Henri, nous avons vus, en avant de nous la fregatte la Con- 
 corde faisant des signaux, en repetition de ceux de la fregatte 
 L’Heimione, qui croisoit entre les Caps Charles et Henri, 
 pour avertir l’armée de ce qui se passoit au dehors ; l’Her- 
 mione signala une escadre et le signal numeraire etoit de 
 
 * Mr le C te de Grasse [qui avoit] mouillé dans les commencemens 
 de sa station dans la Baye de Lincliaven, avoit quitté cette position et 
 avoit jetté l’ancre derrière les bancs de Middle Ground 
 
64 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 quarante quatre voiles, il n’j avoit pas a douter que ce ne 
 fussent les ennemis, qu’on nous avoit déjà annoncés trois 
 jours auparavant, il nous etoit impossible de continuer notre 
 route, et nous virâmes de bord pour entrer dans la riviere 
 de James. 
 
 le 28 Octobre, les ennemis continuent de croiser a notre 
 vue, et nous apprenons qu’ils amènent sis mille hommes de 
 troupes de terre au secours du Lord Cornwallis, j’imagine 
 qu’ils seront bientôt instruits de sa reddition et qu’ils 
 renonceront a attaquer avec vingt huit de leurs vais- 
 seaux trente six vaisseaux François. Notre position dans 
 la riviere de James, n’etant pas très bonne, nous avons ap- 
 pareillé aujourd’hui a midi pour retourner a la grande escadre, 
 dont nous attendrons la sortie pour nous mettre en route. 
 
 le 29 L’Escadre Angloise reste toujours a notre vue, et 
 nous attendons avec impatience que M r le C te de Grasse 
 fasse le signal d’appareiller; nous avons été aujourd’hui a 
 son bord, il est très souffrant- d’un etouffement considerable; 
 nous y avons appris que les raisons du retard qu’il met dans 
 sa sortie, sont l’embarquement des troupes de la division de 
 M r de S 1 Simon il attend en outre quatre cent boeufs pour 
 l’approvisionnement de l’armée navale, et ne voulant plus 
 rentrer dans la baye de Chesapeack, il est obligé d’attendre 
 que ses vaisseaux soient entièrement prêts. 
 
 le 30 Octobre, on n’a pas eu connoissance de l’ennemi ce 
 matin. 
 
 Le 1 er de Novembre l’ennemi n’ayant point paru depuis 
 deux jours ; M r le C te de Grasse envoya un enseigne de 
 vaisseau a bord de L’Andromaque pour nous souhaiter un 
 bon voyage, et permettre a notre Capitaine, M 1 ' de Ravenel 
 de mettre a la voile. Nous avons appareillé a onze heures, 
 nous avons doublé le Cap Henri a deux heures et avons 
 
MES CAMPAGNES d’aMEKIQUE. 
 
 65 
 
 ensuite porté le Cap a L’Est, l’Hemione nous a escorté 
 jusqu’ a la nuit. 
 
 le 2 de Novembre a sept heures et demi[e] du matin nous 
 avons apperçu une voile dans le plus grand eloignement et 
 qui sur le champ nous a donné chasse. Les ordres de M r le 
 C te de Grasse pour éviter tout combat, etoient précis et 
 clairs, aussi avons nous mis toute voile dehors pour nous en 
 aller. Le batiment chasseur marchoit mieux que nous, qui 
 ne marchons pas bien, et si le jour avoit encore duré deux 
 heures, nous étions joints ; nous avons fait fausse route pen- 
 dant la nuit, et le Lendemain nous n’avons rien apperçu. 
 
 Depuis le 2 de Novembre jusqu’au 20, jour de notre arrivée 
 en France, nous avons toujours été en bonne route, des vents 
 frais et forcés nous ont fait faire plus de chemin que nous 
 ne pouvions l’esperer de la marche de notre fregatte, la 
 traversée a été dime, nous avons essuyé des coups de vent, 
 mais ils secondoient nos voeux et remplissoient notre objet. 
 Après dix neuf jours de navigation, nous avons revu les côtes 
 de France et le 24 de Novembre j’ai joui a Versailles du 
 bonheur inexprimable d’embrasser les êtres qui me sont 
 le plus chers. 
 
 La vie de l’homme est melée de peines, mais on ne peut 
 plus s’en plaindre quand on a joui des moments délicieux 
 qui en sont le prix, un seul instant les fait oublier, et cet 
 instant bien senti en fait même desirer de nouvelles, pour 
 jouir encore une fois de leur recompense 
 
 9 
 
 FIN 
 
66 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 Lettre que M. le Baron de Yiomesnil Commandant Gen- 
 eral de l’attaque des deux redoutes, m’a écrit en m’envoyant 
 le comte qu’il rendoit des ces attaques a M. le Comte de 
 Rochambeau. 
 
 Au Camp devant York le 16 Octobre 1781 
 
 Vous avéz eu trop de part Monsieur le Comte au succès 
 qui doit accélérer le capitulation de Lord Cornwallis, pour 
 que je ne me fasse pas un devoir de vous addresser ci-joint 
 la copie du compte que j’ai rendu a M. le C te de Rochambeau 
 des événements de la tranchée du quatorze au quinze. Si je 
 me suis trompé sur quelques uns des objets que vous avéz pu 
 voir avant moi ; vous me feréz grand plaisir de me le mander, 
 afin que je puisse redresser mes erreurs ; Je desire bien 
 vivement que les grades que j’ai demandé pour vous et 
 M. de L’Estrade, votre Compagnon de gloire, soient accordés ; 
 j’y crois le bien du service intéressé, les événements de ce 
 genre sont si rares, le service que vous avéz rendu a été 
 si utile, et la distinction et la vigueur de votre conduite 
 sont si connus de toute l’armée, que je ne pense pas qu’il 
 existe un seul François qui puisse desapprouver que vous 
 soyéz fait Brigadier. 
 
 Pour moi Monsieur le Comte, je suis trop heureux d’avoir 
 pu trouver cette occasion de vous prouver mon opinion et 
 ma confiance, je désire que cela puisse vous engager a m’ac- 
 corder de l’amitié et a continuer de faire quelque cas des 
 sentimens du tendre et fidele attachement avec lequel j’ai 
 l’honneur d’etre &c. 
 
 YIOMESNIL. 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 67 
 
 Compte rendu par M. le Baron de Yiomesnil a M. le C te 
 de Rochambeau, de l’attaque des Redoutes d’York Town. 
 
 a la tranchée du 14 au 15 D’Octobre 1783 [sic] 
 Mon General — 
 
 Le General Washington ayant approuvé hier au soil’ dans 
 le tranchée, les dispositions, que j’avois faits et mes instruc- 
 tions données au M is de la Fayette au General Stubens, 
 ainsi qu’a M.M. des Deuxponts, de L’Estrade et de Rostaing 
 pour l’attaque des deux redoutes de la gauche des ennemis, 
 que vous m’aviéz prescrit d’enlever ; je revins a la colonne 
 d’attaque que je m’etois proposé de conduire moi même, et 
 après avoir donné au Comte de Custine, les renseignemens 
 et les ordres necessaires sur l’emploi des troupes qui dévoient 
 rester dans la tranchée ; nous débouchâmes au signal convenu 
 avec beaucoup d’ordre et de silence. Les deux redoutes 
 furent attaquées et enlevées presqu’en même tems. Le Mar- 
 quis de la Fayette s’est conduit a l’attaque dont il etoit 
 chargé avec autant d’intrépidité que d’intelligence. Son 
 Infanterie s’y est montrée, comme eussent faits des grenadiers 
 habitués aux choses difficiles ; tout ce qui defendoit la redoute 
 attaquée par les Américains a été tué ou fait prisonnier. 
 Un Major et un Officier sont du nombre des derniers. Le 
 C te Guillaume des Deuxponts qui commandoit 400 Grena- 
 diers ou chasseurs que j’avois destiné a l’attaque de la 
 grande redoute y a marché, ainsi que M. de L’estrade Lieute- 
 nant Colonel de Gatinois que j’avois mis a ses ordres, et a 
 son avant garde, avec tant d’ordre et d’Intrepedité, qu’ils 
 n’ont pas été six minutes a se rendre maitres de cette redoute 
 et a la couronner. Ils y sont entrés l’un et l’autre avec les 
 premiers Grenadiers après s’etre faits des passages la hache 
 a la main aux abbatis dans le fossé et a la fraise de cet 
 
68 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 ouvrage. Cent quarente hommes qui le deffendoient et qui 
 ont fait un feu de mousqueterie très vif, ont été tués ou faits 
 prisonniers. Quelques uns se sont échappés, dans le nombre 
 des quels on croit le Colonel Makferson. Le C te de Ros- 
 taing qui marchoit avec deux compagnies de chasseurs au- 
 xiliaires et le second bataillon de son regiment, a l’appui de 
 cette attaque, s’est egalement conduit avec beaucoup de 
 valeur et de distinction. 400 hommes du regiment de 
 Gatinois se sont montrés dans cette circonstance, comme si 
 Auvergne y avoit été tout entier, le detail particulier doit 
 vous plaire. Ils y ont malheureusement perdu prés de 
 soixante et dix hommes, dont cinquante Grenadiers ou 
 chasseurs. M r de Berthelot a été tué. M r de Sireuil, 
 Capitaine de chasseurs et Officier d’une grande distinction, 
 a eu la jambe fracassée, et M 1 ' de Sillegue Lieutenant de 
 chasseurs blessé très grièvement. Les Grenadiers et chas- 
 seurs des Deuxponts ont eus 22 hommes tués ou blessés, les 
 chasseurs D’Agenois six hommes tués; ceux de Bourbonnois 
 qui avoient la tête de la colonne commandée par M r de 
 Rostaing n’ont heureusement rien perdu. En tout cette * 
 attaque decisive a coûté prés de cent hommes ; mais elle 
 doit faire le plus grande honneur au Comte Guillaume des 
 Deuxponts et a M r de l’Estrade, au Comte de Rostaing et 
 aux Officiers et aux troupes qui y ont été employés. Joye 
 et bon ton avant de déboucher, silence, vigueur et difficidtés 
 vaincues pendant l’attaque, beaucoup d’ordre et d’humanité 
 après le succès, voila Mon General ce que j’ai encore vu de 
 la nation et des Grenadiers des Deuxponts; après 20 ans de 
 paix, et ce que je suis bien heureux de nous annoncer. 
 
 Je dois encore vous parler de deux sergents du regiment 
 de Gatinois que j’avois particulièrement chargé des marcher 
 a dix pas en avant des Grenadiers, pour reconnoitre et indi- 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 69 
 
 quer les passages ou les points les plus favorables pour 
 franchir les abbatis, les deux hommes qui ont été conservés 
 tous deux ont si bien justifié ce que M r le B on de L’Estrade 
 m’avoit dit de leur intelligence et de leur valeur, que je me 
 fais un devoir de les citer avec distinction et que je vous 
 prie de ne pas desapprouver que j’aye l’honneur de vous les 
 presenter demain matin. M.M. de Vauban et de la Meth, 
 chargés par vous et M r de Béville de se trouver a cette 
 attaque, et le Comte de Damas que la distinction et le pureté 
 de son zélé, y avoient seuls appellés, sont entrés dans la 
 redoute avec les premiers Grenadiers et se sont montrés 
 partout de vrais Paladins. Ils ont une fleur de courage qui 
 sera quelque jour d’un bien bon example pour les guerriers 
 qu'ils seront chargés de conduire, et certainement de la plus 
 grand utilité pour le service du Roy. Le Chevalier de La 
 Meth a été blessé très ' grièvement aux deux jambes, après 
 avoir monté sur le parapet. 
 
 M.M. de Viomesnil, de S* Amand, de Chabannes de 
 Brentano, Desoteux et de Pange, mes aides de camp, ont 
 mérité que je les cite en general et en particulier, pour la 
 distinction de leur conduite a cette attaque et leur exactitude 
 pour l’execution des ordres que je leur ai donné pendant 
 toute la nuit. 
 
 M r le Ch er de Menonville aide Major General ayant amené 
 lui même deux cent travailleurs du regiment de Soisonnois 
 qui dévoient pousser la second paralelle jusqu’à la redoute 
 enlevée par le C te Guillaume des Deuxponts, ce travail a été 
 si bien fait sous la direction de M r le Ch cr Doiré, si prés 
 des ennemis, et si promptement que j’ai cru devoir faire 
 donner dix sols de plus a chaque travailleurs M.M. de 
 Turpin et de Gouvion ont fait travailler avec le même succès 
 
70 
 
 MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 entre les redoutes prises et a la communication de la l ere 
 a la seconde paralelle des américains. 
 
 L’artillerie avoit fait des merveilles pendant tout le tems 
 qus avoit precede les deux attaques M r D’Aboville et les 
 Commandants des batteries se sont encore surpassés pour en 
 preparer le succès. 
 
 Je ne scais pas encore la perte des Américains, l’orsque 
 M r . de la Fayette et M r le Baron de Stubens m’en auront 
 remis les états, je m’empresserai de vous les adresser, 
 suivant ce qu’ils viennent de me dire, elle n’est pas con- 
 siderable. 
 
 Le C te Guillaume a été blessé au visage mais legerement, 
 sa conduite a été si brillante, et son action si distinguée et 
 si decisive, que je vous supplie Mon General de lui obtenir 
 le grade de Brigadier de la bonté du Roy. 
 
 Je vous demande de procurer le même grade a M r le B°.“ 
 de L’estrade qui sert depuis plus de quarante ans et qui a 
 donné un exemple aux Grenadiers et Chasseurs de son regi- 
 ment, digne des plus grands eloges. M r le Comte de Rostaing, 
 Colonel depuis 1770, et s’etant aussi très distingué, si vous 
 voulé bien demander pour lui le grade de Brigadier, je suis 
 persuadé qu’il ne lui sera pas refusé. 
 
 Le General Washington ayant paru satisfait du succès de 
 nos attaques, il ne me restera plus rien a desirer, si vous 
 ajoutez votre approbation a tout ce qui s’est fait, pendant la 
 durée de mon sei’vice a la tranchée. 
 
 J’ai l’honneur d’etre avec l’attachment le plus respectueux 
 Mon General 
 
 Votre très humble et très 
 
 obéissant serviteur 
 
 Signé VIOMESNIL 
 
MES CAMPAGNES D’AMERIQUE. 
 
 71 
 
 Lettre qui m’a été écrit par le Ministre de la guerre, a 
 mon retour en France. 
 
 A Versailles le 5 Décembre 1781. 
 
 Sur le Compte Monsieur que j’ai rendu au Roy de la valeur 
 et du courage avec lesquels vous vous etes conduit a la tête 
 des Grenadiers que vous commandiés a l’attaque d’une 
 redoute au siege D’York, Sa Majesté pour vous en marquer 
 toute sa satisfaction, a bien voulue vous donner une place de 
 chevalier dans l’ordre militaire de S 1 Louis, par distinction 
 particulière ; n’ayant pas le tems de service prescrit pour en 
 etre susceptible. Elle vous accorde de plus, l'assurance d’un 
 des premiers Regiments de dragons qui viendront a vaquer. 
 Je vous prie d’etre persuadé du plaisir que j’ai a vous annon- 
 cer ces graces. 
 
 J'ai l’honneur d’etre très parfaitement Monsieur, Votre 
 très humble et très obéissant serviteur 
 Signé 
 
 SEGÜR. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR 1780. 
 
 It was in the beginning of the year 1780 that the King 
 determined to send troops to the aid of the United States 
 of North America. The design was not made public; on the 
 contrary, every possible precaution was taken to conceal 
 the destination of the troops, who were about to receive the 
 order of embarkation ; and the regiments of Neustrie, Bour- 
 bonnois, Soisonnois, Saint Onge, Anhalt, Royal Dcuxponts, 
 a battalion of artillery, and the legion of Lauzun, intended 
 for this expedition, left their winter quarters where they had 
 been stationed after the futile campaign of 1779, in perfect 
 ignorance of the country whither they were going. 
 
 The Marquis de Lafayette alone knew this state secret. 1 
 It was he who was charged to make known in America our 
 coming, and his departure, which preceded ours, could give 
 us no clew as to our destination, which we considered to be 
 independent of his, because his rank as Major General in 
 the service of the United States made his return to America 
 a matter of course and even necessary. 
 
 At the end of the month of February, orders were issued 
 
 1 “ It was mainly the personal efforts and personal influence of La- 
 fayette, idol of the French people as he had made himself, which 
 caused the army of Eochambeau to be sent to America.” Everett’s 
 Orations, i. 477. 
 
 10 
 
76 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 from the war department for the departure of the regiments 
 which composed our little army ; and I received in the early 
 part of March the order to report myself on the 15th at 
 Landernau, 2 where the regiment of Royal Deuxponts was 
 in winter quarters. It was only two months since I was 
 married, — since I had united my lot and my heart to a 
 woman whom I loved tenderly. I will confess frankly that 
 the first feeling which this order caused me was not one of 
 pleasure, and I will not conceal here the pain, the real pain 
 which the separation from my wife produced. The contest 
 between affection and duty however was not long, the latter 
 carried the day; it experienced only the resistance of a 
 tender heart, and it experienced only enough to give the 
 glory of a victory always certain for a sold that appreciates 
 the claims of honor. My resolution in short could not be 
 doubtful, but as my presence was not very necessary at Lan- 
 dernau before the month of April, the time fixed for the 
 embarkation of the troops, I asked for leave of absence 
 until March 31st. The objections which the Minister [of 
 War] made to my request were overcome by the solicita- 
 tions of the Countess de Linanges, which were prompted by 
 a friendly interest in me, and she obtained it for me. I took 
 affectionate leave of my poor mother March 27th, and left 
 my wife March 28th ; the tenderest adieux become heart-rend- 
 ing and my heart experienced them. I took my departure. 
 Some tears and many reflections upon what I had left behind, 
 upon what was to become of me, and upon the glory that I 
 might perhaps achieve, — these occupied the time of my jour- 
 ney. I reached Landernau on the 31st, where I found 
 orders for our embarkation on the 4 th of April, and 1 there 
 
 2 Landernau is about twelve miles from Brest. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 77 
 
 learned the unfortunate necessity that compelled us to leave 
 behind the regiments of Neustrie and Anhalt for the want 
 of means of transportation, and we left Landernau on the 
 4th of April. 
 
 The regiment of Royal Deuxponts arrived at Brest the 
 same day and went on board of the “Eveillé ” of 64 guns, the 
 “Venus,” the “Comtesse de Noailles,” the “Loire” and the 
 “Ecureuil.” Then began the embarkation of the regiments that 
 were to serve under the Count de Rochambeau. It was fol- 
 lowed on the next day by the legion of Lauzun ; on the 6 th, 
 by the regiment of Soisonnois ; on the 8th, by the regiment 
 of Bourbonnois; on the 10th, by the regiment of St. Onge; 
 and the artillery went on board of their ships on the 11th, 
 and were the last of the troops to embark. 
 
 The general officers, aides-de-camp, &c. were all em- 
 barked on the 14th of April; on the next day, taking advan- 
 tage of a fair wind, the Chevalier de Ternay, commander 
 of our squadron, ordered the sailing of the convoy, which 
 was to precede by a day the departure of the ships of war. 
 The convoy got under way and afterwards came to anchor 
 in the roadstead of Berthaume; on the morning of the 16th, 
 the Admiral ordered the fleet to weigh anchor, to set sail ; and 
 at the moment of getting under way, the wind shifted and 
 forced us to remain in the roads of Brest. The wind even 
 became so violent that the convoy was obliged to return the 
 next day to the same roads. 
 
 Reckoning from the 17th of April, the wind was con- 
 stantly ahead. This forced us to inactivity, and it was not 
 before the 2d of May, at five o’clock in the morning, that 
 we could set sail. Our fleet at that time was composed of 
 the “Duc de Bourgogne” of 80 guns ; the “Neptune,” 74 guns ; 
 the “Conquérant,” 74; the “Eveillé”; the “Jason”; the 
 
78 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 “Provence”; and the “Ardent,” 64; the frigates “ Bellone,” 
 “ Amazone,” and “ Surveillante ” ; the cutters “ Guêpe ” and 
 “Serpent”; and thirty-six transports, — making in all forty- 
 eight vessels. 
 
 On the 5th of May, at two o’clock in the afternoon, the 
 frigate “ Bellone ” left the squadron to return to France. Our 
 passage thus far had been slow and quite destitute of adven- 
 ture, and in the three days and a half we had gone only 
 fifty leagues. When the “ Bellone ” left us, the flag-ship made 
 the signal to put the crews on an allowance of water, from 
 which we inferred that the voyage was to be a long one, and 
 it increased still more the doubts as to our destination. I 
 believe however that the intention of M. de Ternay in mak- 
 ing this signal was to deceive the “ Bellone ” as to the length 
 of our voyage, so that her report would baffle still more the 
 curiosity of politicians. 
 
 On the 9th of May, at five o’clock in the morning, we 
 made Cape Ortegal, * 3 situated in the province of Galicia, and 
 were in sight of land until nine. The iveather suddenly 
 became thick, and the wind arose with so much violence 
 that we were obliged to lie to in the greatest haste. The 
 “ Provence ” had her fore top-mast and main top-gallant-mast 
 carried away ; several other vessels suffered, among them 
 was the “ Neptune,” which lost her mizzen top-mast. Imme- 
 diately afterwards they signalized from the “ Provence” that 
 she could not be repaired at sea.* The wind continued all 
 day with the same force. 
 
 On the 10th, the violence of the gale lasted until five 
 
 * Four days afterwards, however, they repaired her in two hours. 
 
 3 Cape Ortegal is in the north-west part of Spain. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 79 
 
 o’clock in the afternoon, when a fresh breeze from the north- 
 west allowed us at that hour to get away from the land and 
 to make sail. 
 
 From the 10th to the 15th, the wind was continually ahead ; 
 and we were all this time beating to the windward, satisfied 
 with holding our own and not losing what we had made. 
 
 On the morning of the 15th, the wind became favorable 
 and allowed us on the same day to pass Cape Finistère. 4 
 The cutter “ Serpent ” was sent back to France to carry the 
 news of our passing the Cape. The wind kept up steadily 
 from the north-east ; and on the 21st we had passed the island 
 of Madeira, leaving it nearly fifty leagues to the eastward. 
 
 From the 21st of May to the 3d of June the weather was 
 continually fine, and the wind fair though for the most part 
 too light to make great progress. Our course thus far gave 
 us no clew as to our destination ; it was equally towards 
 North America and towards the West Indies. 5 On the 3d, 
 while the squadron was lying to and the sea smooth, the 
 Count de Damas, my brother, and myself went on board of 
 the “Duc de Bourgogne” to visit the Count de Rochambeau, 
 who told us that we were on our way to North America. 
 
 On the 8th of June, the Count de Rochambeau sent us in 
 our respective vessels instructions in regard to landing, the 
 natuhe of our service, and the order of rank to be observed 
 towards the troops of the United States of America. 
 
 On the 11th of June, the frigates “Surveillante” and 
 
 4 Cape Finistère ( Finis Terras, Land’s End) is in the north-west 
 part of Spain. 
 
 5 “We began to have doubts as to the real destination of the expe- 
 dition. The naval officers for the most part thought that we were 
 going to St. Domingo, and that an expedition, consisting of land and 
 naval forces, intended to attack Jamaica.” Souvenirs du lieut.-général 
 M. Dumas. Paris, 1839, i. 30. 
 
80 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 “ Amazone” took, after a chase of eight hours, a small Eng- 
 lish vessel coming from Halifax. 6 
 
 On the 1 8th of June, we passed Bermuda, north and 
 south, 7 leaving it nearly sixty leagues to the north. The 
 frigates “ Surveillante ” and “ Amazone ” took, on the same 
 day, an English brig 8 carrying twelve guns, which was com- 
 ing from the siege of Charleston, which place the English had 
 taken from the United States of America on the 8th of May, 
 after a siege of six weeks. 9 This vessel gave us positive 
 intelligence in regard to it. She had on board five officers 
 of the 46th regiment, who were on their way to Barbadoes 
 
 6 “An English brig bound from Halifax to St. Kitts got among the 
 squadron, and was taken by the Surveillante frigate.” Souvenirs 
 du lieut.-général il I. Dumas, i. 31. 
 
 7 This expression is rather obscure and I translate it literally. It 
 probably means that they had passed the meridian running north and 
 south through Bermuda; that is, they were directly south of the 
 island, leaving it sixty leagues to the north. In the Operations of the 
 French Fleet under the Count de Grasse in 1781-2, Bradford Club, New 
 York, p. 132, translated from the French by John G. Shea, Esq., a 
 similar expression is to be found, though the original text is not given. 
 “A hundred leagues north and south of the Banks of Newfoundland, 
 we fell in with an English cartel going to Boston, which we examined 
 strictly.” 
 
 H “ The Surveillante frigate chased and took a brig mounting 
 12 guns. The captain of this vessel, a major, and some other officers, 
 who were going from the army of General Cliuton to that of General 
 Vaughan in the Windward Islands, confirmed the news of the taking 
 of Charleston by General Clinton, on the 15th of May.” Souvenirs du 
 lieut.-général M. Dumas, i. 32. 
 
 9 This account was premature, as Charleston was not taken by the 
 English until the 12th of May, though on the eighth there had been a 
 cessation of hostilities to consider capitulation, which probably gave 
 rise to the above report. The Siege of Charleston by the British 
 Fleet and Army. Albany, 1867, pp. 98-103. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 81 
 
 from Charleston. She mistook onr squadron for an English 
 one, which is expected off New England ; and she never sus- 
 pected her mistake until we hoisted the French flag, which 
 forced her to haul down hers. 
 
 On the 20th of June, six vessels far to the windward of us 
 were signalized ; it was then about half-past twelve o’clock, 
 at noon. The ships of the line, “Neptune” and “Eveillé,” 
 received at once orders by signals to go in chase, keeping 
 to the windward, and verbal orders * to carry but little sail. 
 We immediately ran up the English flag and went in chase ; 
 half an hour afterwards we discovered that they were mak- 
 ing for us, and we could see distinctly that they were vessels 
 of war, though the distance was still too great for us to make 
 out their armament ; we could judge however of their nation- 
 ality by the readiness with which they came towards the 
 English flag. They were all making for us, but without 
 order and some distance apart, when one of them separated 
 from the others and made for our convoy, which continued 
 its course with the other five vessels, that were now to the 
 leeward of us. At three o’clock the officer of the deck came 
 to tell us that the vessels which we were chasing were five 
 ships of the line and one frigate. The “ Neptune ” which 
 was a little in advance, signalized this to our squadron, and 
 our vessel repeated it. We were at dinner; and- this news 
 made us leave the table, in order to stow the hammocks and 
 prepare for action. Half an hour afterwards our two ships 
 
 * We passed astern of the flag-ship, when this verbal order was 
 given to us through a speaking trumpet. Our captain replied twice 
 that he could not hear it, because he wanted the order to be signalized ; 
 on the third repetition the “ Eveillé ” was so near the “ Duc de Bour- 
 gogne ” that M. de Tilly could not turn the deaf ear on him, and was 
 obliged to obey without the signals. 
 
82 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 of the line found themselves within long range of a seventy- 
 four gun ship, and of the hostile frigate, which was about 
 half a league ahead of the rest of their squadron. The frigate 
 ran up the Spanish flag, which was to serve as a signal of 
 recognition, and to which we had no reply to make ; the line- 
 of-battle ship and the frigate interpreted our silence and lay 
 to, while we put about* to rejoin our squadron, which upon 
 the signal from the “Neptune” had left the convoy and was 
 coming up against the wind, with all sails set, to our sup- 
 port. 
 
 At five o’clock in the afternoon, our seven ships were in 
 line of battle; the English had formed theirs, with the 
 exception of the vessel which was separated from their 
 squadron, and which was chasing our convoy and had con- 
 sequently fallen to the leeward not only of its squadron 
 but of ours, so that it was sure to be cut off, if M. de Ter- 
 nay had “taken advantage of our superior position. The 
 French squadron, of which the “ Neptune” had the lead, gave 
 chase ; but the Chevalier de Ternay was continually making 
 the signal to the leading ships to take in sail, and gave time 
 to the enemy’s vessel to haul her wind and escape.f The 
 English squadron was to the windward of us and was 
 
 * We put about without receiving the signal to do so from the 
 “Duc de Bourgogne.” I neither understand, nor approve of, this 
 manœuvre on. the part of M. Destouches. If we had fought the 
 seventy-four gun ship which was within rauge, it is true our two 
 ships would have had to fight four of the enemy’s, but half an hour 
 afterwards, these four would have been blown to pieces by our seven. 
 
 f The reputation of M. de Ternay will never be free from the re- 
 proach which his conduct in this affair deserves, and which ought to 
 have covered him with glory. If he had instructions not to fight, he 
 ought not to have begun the battle ; if he was free to fight, he ought 
 to have used his advantages, and that was not difficult. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 83 
 
 running in the same direction. At half-past five we ran up 
 the French flag, and the enemy ran up his ; and at a quarter 
 to six, our flag-ship signalized to the leading vessel to begin 
 the fight. That very moment the English ship, finding her- 
 self sufficiently free on the wind, put about against the wind, 
 and passed before the French squadron, receiving whole 
 broadsides and replying to all which we sent. By this bold 
 and skilful manœuvre she regained her position in line. 
 The fight began, and for twenty minutes was hot and heavy. 
 The Chevalier de Ternay, in order to draw nearer to the 
 enemy, made the signal to our squadron to tack ship in 
 succession. Firing began again at a great distance; the 
 English held the wind, and gradually drew off from us, 
 night coming on a quarter of an hour after the end of our 
 engagement. The English squadron was composed of 
 two line-of-battle ships of 74 guns, two of 64, one of 50, 
 and the frigate might be of 32 guns. Our whole con- 
 voy remained together a half league to the leeward, and 
 was protected by the “ Amazone ” and the “Surveillante.” 
 The fight lasted in all, reckoning from the first shot to the 
 last, nearly an hour and a quarter. 10 We lighted our lights 
 
 10 Dumas in liis Souvenirs, p. 36, gives a detailed account of this 
 action, and says that “our captain, M. de la Clochetterie [of the Ja- 
 son] had during the engagement loudly blamed the fault committed 
 by M. de Ternay in causing his two foremost vessels to slacken sail, 
 and which had allowed the “Ruby,” w T hich was already cut off from 
 its line to disengage itself and rejoin the squadron.” Dumas further- 
 more states, p. 37, that when M. de Ternay learned all the facts, “ he 
 was extremely mortified, and his premature death was ascribed to that 
 cause.” On the other hand, the Count de Rochambeau by implication 
 justifies the course of the French Admiral in this affair, and says that 
 he thought more of the safety of his fleet than of any personal glory 
 he might acquire by taking one of the enemy’s ships. Mémoires 
 Militaires de Bochambeau. Paris, 1809, i. 241. 
 
 11 
 
84 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 and kept them during the whole night ; the English did not 
 have theirs. If this is any proof of victory on our part, I 
 must confess that it is slight. 
 
 On the 21st, the “Surveillante” took a large English, 
 vessel freighted with wood, coming from Savannah. They 
 told us that on the 8th they saw Admiral Arbutlmot before 
 Charleston, that he had with him only frigates, because ships 
 of the line could not pass Charleston bar. This makes us 
 all believe that the fleet which we engaged yesterday was 
 Arbuthnot’s, coming from Halifax and going to join him. We 
 have so much more the reason to believe that this hostile 
 fleet was commanded simply by a captain, as we did not see 
 on any of their vessels a pennant of distinction.* We judge 
 that these five vessels were the “ Robust ” and the “ Russel,” 
 of 74 guns, the “ Europa ” and the “ Raissonable,” 64, and 
 the “ Renown,” 50. 
 
 From the 21st of June to the 4th of July, our course 
 was often impeded by calms or head winds. A mistake 
 had been made by the whole fleet, in reckoning longitude ; 
 we were behind our computations, which made us sound often, 
 without finding bottom. 
 
 On the 4th of July, at half-past ten in the morning, a sail 
 was signalized. The Chevalier de Ternay ordered the 
 
 * We learned three months afterwards that this squadron was com- 
 manded by Captain Cornwallis, coming from Jamaica, * 11 where he 
 had left a convoy, and that the five vessels were the “Hector” and 
 the “ Snltan,” of 74 guns, the “Lion” and the “ Ruby,” 64, the 
 “ Bristol,” 30, and the frigate was the “ Niger,” 32. 
 
 11 The Count de Rochambeau says that this squadron was returning 
 to Jamaica, after having escorted fifty merchantmen as far as Ber- 
 muda. Mémoires, i. 241. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 85 
 
 frigates “ Amazone ” and “ Surveillante ” to go in chase ; the 
 “Duc de Bourgogne” made the signal that she should act in- 
 dependently of the others, and supported the two frigates in 
 their chase. She proved to be a small vessel, armed, and a 
 fast sailer. She only hauled down her colors after several 
 shots were fired at her. She was nevertheless taken and 
 manned by two o’clock. Knowing that we were near the 
 American coast, we considered her to be an English spy, 
 sent out to watch us. At half-past two, the “ Amazone ” 
 signalized that she had found bottom at sixty fathoms ; an 
 hour after, the “ Conquérant ” found bottom at fifteen fath- 
 oms, and at four o’clock, the “ Eveillé,” at thirteen fathoms. 
 We could no longer doubt our nearness to land; and the 
 vessel just taken reports us about ten leagues to the east of 
 Cape Henry, one of the capes of Chesapeake Bay. The 
 squadron lay to, and the signal to fill the sails was imme- 
 diately followed by prepare to anchor. At quarter after 
 six the order was to anchor, which was countermanded 
 immediately afterwards. At half-past six the “ Surveil- 
 lante ” signalized two sails ; the Admiral immediately made 
 the signal to clear for action ; we were a little astonished at 
 the suddenness of this order, but a moment afterwards, the 
 “Duc de Bourgogne” signalized nine sails, while another vessel 
 signalized eleven. This seemed to us a little more serious. 
 My comrades and myself began to calculate the chances. 
 We knew that Admiral Graves was to leave England with a 
 large squadron at the same time with us, or soon after ; that 
 this squadron without convoy, sailing faster than we did, 
 ought to have arrived at its destination ; that it could have 
 joined Arbuthnot ; and it was very probable that these two 
 squadrons having joined were cruising, awaiting our arrival. 
 The little vessel we took seemed to us more than ever a spy. 
 
86 
 
 MY CAMPAIGN'S IN AMERICA. 
 
 M. de Ter nay, by means of fifty lashes, or a severe cudgel- 
 ling, had extorted the truth from the captain ; and the signal 
 to tack ship, all sails set, the intelligence that the Admiral 
 was going to give false courses for .the night,* five of which 
 appeared the moment after, and one of our small vessels, sent 
 to reconnoitre, — these made us all think that the vessels 12 
 we discovered were those of Arbuthnot and Graves, of much 
 superior force and much to be feared. As the sun went 
 down, I saw only five of the vessels signalized. Darkness 
 came on. We began our false courses at ten o’clock, which 
 
 * All these signals indicated rather a shameful flight than a skilful 
 manœuvre. Never has one seen fear better depicted at sea. I saw 
 with mortification this sketch of fear of M. de Ternay ; he had not 
 even sufficient presence of mind to send out vessels to reconnoitre. 
 The “ Surveillante ” and the “ Eveillé ” are good sailers enough to 
 have been able to accomplish this in safety. They could have seen 
 and reported, -and our Admiral might have known that it was in his 
 power to capture two ships of the line, of 44 guns, four frigates and 
 a convoy which composed the sails which he had seen, and which had 
 given him so much fear. It was not till four months afterwards that 
 he knew it. It would have been happy for us if we had not lost an 
 opportunity like this, but when one is in fear, he does not see so well. 
 
 12 According to Rochambeau, this proved to be a convoy coming 
 from Charleston to New York, under the escort of some frigates. 
 Admiral de Ternay, intent on taking his fleet in safety to its destina- 
 tion, endeavored to shun every encounter with the enemy, which 
 would tend only to his own reputation. Mémoires, 252. “ It 
 
 was then we learned that the eleven sails before which we had changed 
 our course at the entrance of the Chesapeake, were for the most part 
 only frigates and large vessels, which were carrying to New York the 
 English troops from Charleston. Thus fortune had twice offered us 
 easy and most important success. I have said above that the French 
 Admiral, M. de Ternay, regretted the prudence of his conduct, not- 
 withstanding the good motives which had dictated it.” Souvenirs du 
 lieut.-yénéral Dumas, i. 42. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 87 
 
 were very well made. At half-past twelve at night, five 
 cannon balls were fired between the masts of the “Duc de 
 Bourgogne.” These made us believe that the enemy had 
 come up with us, and that we could not escape him by 
 morning ; and we passed the night in the preparation and 
 expectation of an attack, of which the issue did not seem to 
 be favorable. I nevertheless turned in. It is the part of 
 wisdom to sleep rather than to dream of a naval fight where 
 there is nothing to gain. I awoke at half-past three, and 
 my first care was to ask if the enemy was upon us. The 
 reply was that only two foreign vessels could be seen. I 
 looked and saw two frigates 13 of the enemy in the middle of 
 our convoy, which was setting all sails to get away ; so much 
 the better, thought I. Our frigates and the ship of the line 
 which were near M. de Ternay, with eagerness asked him 
 for permission to give chase ; but he did not think it prudent 
 to grant it, before it was sufficiently light to see whether 
 there was a superior force. At five o’clock in the morning, 
 he was satisfied, and made the signal to our frigates to give 
 chase, and joined in it himself. It was kept up until one 
 o’clock in the afternoon, without our being able to come up 
 with the hostile frigates, which outsailed us ; and in order 
 to make their escape more sure, however, they had sacri- 
 ficed some of their guns, which they had thrown overboard. 
 The squadron and convoy held on the same course as the 
 chasing vessels ; we were all together again at three o’clock 
 and lay to. The Admiral ordered all the ships of the line 
 and frigates to send for orders, and declared that he was 
 
 13 “ At daybreak we saw two English frigates ; they were ahead, and 
 we could not suppose that they belonged to the squadron which we 
 had avoided.” Souvenirs du lieut.- général M. Dumas, i. 38. 
 
88 
 
 MT CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 taking the squadron to Boston or Rhode Island. The En- 
 sign 14 who had been sent for orders told everybody on 
 his return, as a secret, that the Admiral had seen the day 
 before eleven sails, and from information he had, he was sure 
 that they formed an English squadron of seven ships of the 
 line, the “ London ” of 98 guns, and six ships, of 74. 
 
 The great number of our sick and the hardships we had 
 experienced from lying twenty-seven days in the roads of 
 Brest, and from being sixty-six days at sea, made us wish to 
 avoid the meeting of the forces with which we were threat- 
 ened. The enemy, who left at the same time we did, could 
 already have been rested from his voyage, which must have 
 been shorter than ours, as he had no convoy. 
 
 In the night of the 5th-6th of July, we lost the little 
 vessel, taken on the 4th. She had had her bowsprit carried 
 away, which made her lag behind ; and she was not of suf- 
 ficient importance to keep back the whole squadron and 
 convoy. 
 
 On the 7th of July, the Chevalier de Ternay ordered on 
 board of his ship all the captains of our ships of the line 
 and frigates of the squadron, and told them, after a short 
 council of war held with them, that he was taking us to 
 Rhode Island. The reports which were circulated on the 
 5th, about the English squadron, which was supposed to 
 have been discovered on the evening of the 4th, were denied. 
 I approve strongly of this denial, which is bound to have a 
 good effect among the crew ; but still I am nevertheless per- 
 suaded that the first accounts were true, and we all expect 
 to fight before we reach land. 
 
 14 “In the French navy the ensign ranks next to the lieutenant.” 
 Operations of the French Fleet, p. 62. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 89 
 
 Prom the 7th to the 9th of July, the weather was very 
 foggy ; nevertheless, with care and signals, the squadron 
 and convoy had been kept together, with the exception of 
 the transport, the “ Isle de France,” which had been sepa- 
 rated from us and which is missing at this time. On the 
 9th, at six o’clock in the morning, we found bottom at forty 
 fathoms ; the uncertainty of our distance from land and the 
 impossibility of seeing it, induced the Chevalier de Ternay 
 to come to anchor at noon. At two o’clock the weather 
 cleared up, and at three we set sail ; a short time after we 
 made land, but could not identify it. We approached it 
 until seven o’clock in the evening, when we saw a small 
 American boat, the captain of which the Admiral ordered 
 aboard his ship, and we learned that the land we had seen 
 was No Man’s Island, one of the islands of Nantucket Banks. 
 We came to anchor at nine o’clock in the evening, and sailed 
 again the next day at four in the morning. 
 
 On the 10th, in the evening, we made land again, and 
 were sure that it was Rhode Island ; we passed the night at 
 anchor, and sailed at daybreak on the next day. The fog 
 was very thick, and we ran in towards land, where we should 
 have been lost if the “ Ecureuil ” had not fired some guns 
 to warn us of our danger. The fog lifted, and we were off 
 Point Judith, where we were becalmed and forced to anchor. 
 The Admiral sent us an American pilot 15 (Colonel Elliot), 
 
 is “Directions were also given to several pilots to be in readiness 
 to go on board the French fleet as soon as it should arrive on the 
 coast.” — Sparks’s Washington, vii. 105. “Pilots from the island 
 of Martha’s Vineyard conducted the squadron to the anchorage of 
 Rhode Island.” Souvenirs du lieut.- général M. Dumas, i. 39. 
 Probably Colonel Elliot was one of those taken by the Admiral from 
 Martha's Vineyard, and sent by him on board of the “Eveillé.” 
 
90 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 when we set sail again in the afternoon, and entered the 
 channel of Newport in the evening of the 11th of July. 
 
 The Count de Rochambeau went ashore the same day 
 and was engaged in selecting a camping ground, and in all 
 the details relative to his little army, which prevented him 
 from beginning the disembarkation of his troops till the 
 13th of July. The grenadiers and chasseurs were the first 
 to land, and the same evening occupied the camp which is 
 intended for us. They were followed on the 14th and 15th 
 by the well troops, and the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th were 
 given up to landing the sick. Some of these were carried 
 to hospitals in readiness for them at Newport, while others 
 were taken to a hospital established at Pappasquash, 16 
 twelve miles from Newport. 
 
 The camp of the French army has its right wing resting 
 near Newport, a little in front of the town, and the left 
 touches the sea. The legion of Lauzun is encamped in 
 fi'ont of the army, on a peninsula called the Neck. 
 
 We have at last reached the end of our voyage, and of 
 our fatigue and tedium which are inseparable from it. That 
 moment is sweet, when one sees land after having been sev- 
 enty-one days at sea. One never appreciates the price of 
 happiness better than after having bought it by privations 
 and discomforts ; but we have too much to do with suffering 
 humanity to enjoy it. Scurvy has made frightful ravages 
 
 16 Pappasquash is the neck of land in front, or to the west, of the 
 harbor of Bristol, about fifteen miles from Newport, and seven or 
 eight miles north of Portsmouth Grove. I am indebted to Dr. David 
 King, of Newport, for many facts in regard to the places in this 
 vicinity. An interesting article on the derivation of the name Pap- 
 pasquash, by the Hon. J. Hammond Trumbull, of Hartford, is found in 
 Church’s History of King Philip's War. Boston, 1865, p. 156. 
 
MY CAMPAIGN’S IN AMERICA. 
 
 91 
 
 with the troops, some of whom have died on the passage. 
 The great number of the sick , 17 as well as the feeble condi- 
 tion of others, make us fear that we shall lose many more. 
 
 We did not meet with that reception on landing, which 
 we expected and which we ought to have had . 18 A coldness 
 and a reserve appear to me to be characteristic of the 
 American nation. They appear to have little of that en- 
 thusiasm which one supposes would belong to a people 
 fighting for its liberties, and to be little suited to inspire it in 
 others. But these considerations shall not at all change my 
 resolution, and they occupy my thoughts less than my reflec- 
 tions upon our military and political position. We are not 
 numerous ; and I foresee with anxiety that we cannot make 
 a campaign of great importance, if our second division does 
 not arrive soon, and put us in a condition to go to work . 19 
 
 17 “ A large third of the army and navy was attacked with scurvy, 
 and was sent to hospitals, established in the interior of the country.” 
 Rochambeau’s Mémoires, i. 244. 
 
 13 This statement does not accord with that made by others. Gen- 
 eral Heath writes to General Washington from Newport, July 12th, 
 1780, that “ the inhabitants appear disposed to treat our allies with 
 much respect. The town is to be illuminated this evening, by a vote 
 of the inhabitants. Tor myself, I am charmed with the officers.” 
 Sparks’s Correspondence of the devolution. Boston, 1853, iii. 12. 
 
 Furthermore, General Dumas says that “ we were welcomed with 
 the acclamations of a small number of patriots that remained in this 
 island [of Rhode Island] lately occupied by the English, who had 
 been forced to abandon it. Scarcely had the arrival of the French 
 squadron been signalized, when the authorities and principal inhabi- 
 tants of the neighboring towns hastened to welcome us.” Souvenirs, 
 i. 40. 
 
 19 “The frigate Alliance arrived in Boston from L’Orient, on the 
 16th of August, and brought the intelligence that the French squad- 
 ron, and troops which were to constitute the second division of Count 
 de Rochambeau’s army, were blockaded iu the harbor of Brest by 
 12 
 
92 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 On the morning of the 21st of July, a brig, intended to 
 take back to France the news of our arrival in North 
 America, sailed from Rhode Island, under escort of the 
 frigates “ Surveillante,” “ Amazone,” and “ Hermione,” which 
 were going to convoy it a certain distance. The sight of 
 some sails made this flotilla return. The sails we discov- 
 ered approached ; and at six o’clock in the evening we counted 
 twenty of them from land, of which at least nine had two 
 decks. Their silence to all of our signals made from land, 
 left no doubt that they were English. The uncertainty of 
 their designs, and the fear that they were going to force a 
 passage through the channel of Rhode Island, made us bring 
 the broadsides of seven ships of the line to bear upon them ; 
 and the Count de Rochambeau the same evening threw up 
 some batteries, which commanded the channel on the side of 
 Rhode Island,* while the navy erected some on the side of 
 
 * The works thrown up on the side of Rhode Island were mounted 
 only with twelve pounders. Our large guns and mortars had not yet 
 been landed, and one can easily see that such batteries could not have 
 been of much service against ships of the line. At this time, one half 
 of our army was sick. No landing place had been sought out, and no 
 road open. Our position would not have been easy if we had had to 
 do with a bold and skilful enemy. 
 
 an English fleet of thirty-two sail.” Sparks’s Washington, vii. 176. 
 
 “ The second division of the French troops destined for America, 
 which had been blockaded in the harbor of Brest, was expected daily 
 on the coast. Count de Rochambeair had visited New London, Nor- 
 wich, Lebanon, and Windham, and other towns, and ascertained that 
 the troops might be well provided for in those places. As this divi- 
 sion never arrived, there was no occasion for further preparation.” 
 Sparks’s Washington, vii. 319. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 93 
 
 Connonicut. 20 M. de la Valette, lieutenant-colonel of the 
 regiment of Saint Onge, had been detached with one hun- 
 dred and fifty men to Connonicut; and the Count de Cus- 
 tine 21 and myself, second in command, had been detached 
 with the battalions of grenadiers and chasseurs of our two 
 brigades ; and we have taken our position on the sea-shore to 
 prevent any attempt at landing from the one side or the 
 other. Admiral Arbutlmot remained continually in sight of 
 land until the 26th of July. That night, he anchored off 
 Point Judith, and passed the day under sail, cruising some- 
 times at one league, at other times three or four leagues, from 
 the coast. In the evening of the 26th, the General ordered us 
 to return to the camp of the army, and the legion of Lauzun 
 took our position. The Count de Rochambeau, having been 
 informed on the 24th, that General Clinton was embarking 
 ten thousand men who were coming to attack us, and that 
 he was about ready to sail, detached the second battalion of 
 the regiment of Soisonnois, commanded by the Viscount de 
 Noailles, and placed it on Connonicut, where he was rein- 
 forced by the American militia ; but the difficulty of holding 
 the island of Connonicut, which is accessible on all sides, 
 induced the Count de Rochambeau to abandon it to the 
 enemy, and on the 27th of July he ordered back the 
 battalion. 
 
 The reports of the intention of General Clinton to attack 
 
 20 Connonicut is an island west of Rhode Island. There is an old 
 fort on it, at a place called the Dumplings, opposite Fort Adams. 
 
 21 “Adam Philip, Count de Custine, born at Metz, in 1710. He served 
 under Frederick the Great in the Seven Years’ War. In 1792, he was 
 summoned from the command of the army of the Rhine, to Paris, 
 and beheaded in August, 1793.” Operations of the French Fleet, 
 p. 75. 
 
94 
 
 MT CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 us were confirmed by those which General Washington sent 
 to the Count de Rochambeau, who, in consequence, called 
 together the Rhode Island militia, and repaired all the works 
 thrown up by the English, when they held the island. He 
 has increased the defence by adding new works to those 
 already built, and has opened roads to all the landing 
 places. 
 
 On the 12th of August, we learned that the movements 
 with which General Washington threatened New York have 
 caused Clinton to give up his operations against us. General 
 Washington went to Pompton, sixteen miles from Staten 
 Island. General Clinton had embarked his troops in Hun- 
 tington Bay ; he had even set sail and gone as far as New 
 London, and it was not until then that he changed his plans. 
 
 On the 19th of August, twenty vessels could be seen 
 between Block Island and Point Judith, which are supposed 
 to be an expedition of two thousand English troops to the 
 main-land to forage for New York. 
 
 On the 27th of August, we learned that there were twenty- 
 six English vessels off Martha’s Vineyard, and without doubt 
 they are the same that we saw on the 19 th. 
 
 From the 27th of August to the 18th of September, no 
 events nor news of any interest relieved our inactivity. On 
 the 18th we had news of the arrival of Admiral Rodney 
 with ten ships off Sandy Hook. We were told of his plans 
 against us, conjointly with General Clinton, who they say 
 has embarked nine thousand five hundred men to make a 
 descent, while Admiral Rodney with twenty-one ships of the 
 line will force the channel and engage our seven ships. 
 
 The Count de Rochambeau is absent. An interview with 
 General Washington made him leave Newport on the 17th 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 95 
 
 for Hartford, the place where the two Generals are to meet ; 
 and the Baron de Yiomesnil is in command of the army. 
 
 He knows the danger we are running and all the conse- 
 quences, but he knows as well the means of resistance we 
 have, and the resources which we can draw from our posi- 
 tion and courage. He has moreover the talent for per- 
 suading men and drawing them to his opinion, and I confess 
 with pleasure that I give him all the rights to mine. On 
 the 19th of this month, he had decided upon the line of bat- 
 tle on which our squadron should fight. He rests his right 
 on Rose Island, 22 where he has thrown up a battery of 
 forty pieces of artillery, thirty-six twenty-four and twelve 
 pounders ; and the left of our seven ships, with broadsides 
 on, is protected by the battery built at Brenton’s Point, 23 
 and composed of eight twenty-four pounders and four 
 twelve-inch mortars. Four other eight-inch mortars and 
 four twenty-four pounders are intended to open on the 
 enemy when he is fairly in the channel. 
 
 Such is the position in which our vessels await the attack 
 of the enemy. It is possible that they will be defeated; 
 numbers can overpower them ; but it is on the most perilous 
 occasions that great courage shows itself. Glory is in pro- 
 portion to the danger which is run ; and when there is nothing 
 to be gained over an enemy, when there is nevertheless 
 the resource of a noble defence, there should be no hesi- 
 tation to decide to make it, — to sacrifice one’s self even, if it 
 is necessary. One can gain glory by defeat ; the tears that 
 
 22 Rose Island is in the outer hay, between Newport and Connoni- 
 cut. 
 
 23 Brenton’s Point is the south- west point of Rhode Island, in New- 
 port. 
 
96 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 the enemy will shed over his victory will be homage rendered 
 to us, and which posterity will count perhaps for laurels. 
 
 From the 1 8th to the 30th of September, we have con- 
 tinually been employed in perfecting our defences ; thus far 
 we have been living in the hope of seeing the arrival of the 
 fleet of the Count de Guichcn, which, as we all think, ought 
 to be pursuing Admiral Rodney. We have been disabused 
 of this idea by the arrival- of the frigate “ Gentille,” coming 
 from Cape François. She has informed us of the departure 
 of M. de Guichen from the West Indies, escorting a large 
 convoy which they think he will take to France. The “ Gen- 
 tille ” arrived on the 30th* and had on board M. de Choisy 
 and nine French officers, among whom was Captain de 
 Tlmillières, of the regiment of Royal Deuxponts. 
 
 Rodney having undertaken nothing during the first fort- 
 night since his arrival, it was almost certain that he would 
 undertake nothing more. He has lost every advantage by 
 delays ; and about the 4th or 5th of October, we were con- 
 vinced that we should not be attacked, and that the object of 
 Admiral Rodney was rather to repair his ships, which had been 
 considerably damaged by the fights that he had had to main- 
 tain against M. de Guichen, than to attack us. We then de- 
 spaired of giving up our inactivity, and began to be busy about 
 
 * On the same day we learned the news of the infamous treason of 
 General Arnold, and we learn at the same time that Major André, con- 
 fidential aide-de-camp to General Clinton, was arrested in disguise by 
 some soldiers 24 of the American militia, and that he had been en- 
 trusted by Clinton to treat with Arnold. 
 
 24 The captors of André were John Paulding, David Williams, and 
 Isaac Van Wart, each of whom afterwards received a handsome pen- 
 sion and a silver medal from Congress. It will be remembered that 
 large sums of money were offered to them by André for his release, 
 but they remained true to their country. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 97 
 
 our winter quarters. Men worked in numbers on repairing 
 and fitting up houses intended to be used as barracks ; and 
 the Count de Rochambeau has fixed upon the end of the 
 month for breaking up the camp and going into Newport. 
 
 On the 2 8th of October, the frigates “ Amazone,” “ Surveil- 
 lante” and “Hermione” sailed; the first goes to France, 
 and takes on board Viscount Rochambeau; 25 and the other 
 two are going to cruise I know not where. 
 
 On the 31st of October, the brigade of Bourbonnois left 
 its camp and took up its winter quarters in the town of New- 
 port; it was followed on the 1st of November by the brigade 
 of Soisonnois. 
 
 On the 10th of November, two squadrons of hussars of 
 the legion of Lauzun left Newport to take up their quarters 
 at Lebanon in the State of Connecticut. 26 
 
 25 This was a son of the Count de Rochambeau, at this time a Colonel 
 in the French army, who was sent to France with despatches con- 
 taining the residt of the conference at Hartford (alluded to p. 95), 
 and particularly a memoir setting forth the wants of the Amer- 
 icans in men, ships, and money. In case the vessel should be in dan- 
 ger of capture, Colonel Rochambeau was instructed to sink his papers, 
 and make a verbal communication of their contents to the ministers. 
 M. de Le Peyrouse commanded the “ Amazone,” and in order to escape 
 the British fleet then blockading the harbor of Newport, he put to sea 
 in a violent gale of wind. He was chased by English cruisers, and 
 his vessel dismasted, but luckily not until he was out of the reach of 
 the enemy. The other two frigates, that passed with the “ Amazone ” 
 through the British squadron, were bound to Boston. Rochambeau’s 
 Mémoires, p. 256. Colonel Rochambeau returned from France in 
 the frigate “ Concorde,” which arrived at Boston on the 6th of May, 
 of the succeeding year. See p. 108. 
 
 26 The Duke de Lauzun’s legion was cantoned at Lebanon, not far 
 from the residence of Governor Trumbull, where a supply of forage 
 could be easily obtained. Sparks’s Washington , vii. 319. Barber, in 
 his Connecticut Historical Collections, says that the encampment was 
 a little west of the church. The Count de Rochambeau speaks of this 
 
- 
 
 98 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 On the 15th of December, the Chevalier de Ternay, com- 
 mander of the squadron, died, and his loss occasioned no 
 regrets. M. Destouches, the senior captain of the squadron, 
 took command, and has the confidence of all in his favor. 
 
 The squadron has orders to hold itself in readiness to 
 sail. Four ships of the line apparently are going to sail at 
 once, to go before the frigates “ Surveillante ” and “ Her? 
 mione,” now at Boston, whither they went after their 
 cruise, and which are going to return soon to Rhode Island. 
 
 town as la Banora, where the State of Connecticut had put up some 
 barracks for its militia. Mémoires, i. 259. 
 
 27 He was buried in Trinity church-yard at Newport, with distin- 
 guished honors. 
 
CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR 1781. 
 
 On the 20th of January, the ships of the line “Eveillé” 
 and “ Ardent,” and the frigate “ Gentille ” sailed to insure 
 the safe return of the frigates “ Surveillante ” and “ Her- 
 mione ” ; they experienced very bad weather and came back 
 the next day, on the 21st. 
 
 On the night of the 22d-23d, there was quite a gale, 
 and an English man-of-war was driven ashore at Montauk 
 Point. Another ship was dismasted. On the 26th, our two 
 frigates came in with the transport “'Isle de France.” 
 These vessels have suffered somewhat from the bad 
 weather. 
 
 The English man-of-war lost in the last gale was the 
 “ Culloden,” of 74 guns, and the ship of the line dismasted 
 was the “ Bedford,” of the same force. The enemy stationed 
 at Gardner’s Bay, and knowing that we expected two fri- 
 gates, sent out three ships of the line to intercept their re- 
 turn, and it was this cruise which was so disastrous. 
 
 On the 8th of February, at seven o’clock in the evening, 
 the ship of the line “ Eveillé,” the frigates “ Surveillante ” 
 and “ Gentille,” and the cutter “ Guêpe ” set sail. No one 
 knows their destination, but every one thinks that they are 
 going to the James River in Chesapeake Bay, to destroy 
 the transports of Arnold, who has landed fifteen hundred 
 men, and to fight a ship of the line of 50 guns and two 
 frigates which form his escort, and which are in position 
 to support him. 
 
 On the 25th of February, at three o’clock in the after- 
 noon, four sails were signalized, and at six o’clock in the 
 13 
 
100 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 evening, the “ Eveillé,” the “ Surveillante,” and the “ Gen- 
 tille” came in, bringing with them the “Romulus,” an Eng- 
 lish ship of 44 guns, and pierced for 54, which the “ Eveillé ” 
 took off Cape Henry. 98 The object that the “ Eveillé ” had 
 was the destruction of Arnold’s ships, but she drew too much 
 water, and could not get up the James River far enough to 
 enter the Elizabeth River, which runs into the James, and 
 where the whole English fleet is anchored. The “ Eveillé ” 
 was obliged to give up the attack on the “ Charon” ", of 50 
 guns, and on the two frigates that are there, and which 
 had to lighten themselves to get in. 
 
 The “ Surveillante,” which was a little too far in advance, 
 was aground for twenty-four hours, and was obliged to be 
 lightened of her cannon in order to get afloat. The expe- 
 dition of the “ Eveillé ” to Chesapeake Bay was limited to 
 taking three privateers and six brigs or snows. The small 
 vessels were burnt and the privateers taken to Yorktown. 
 From the impossibility of beginning other enterprises, M. 
 de Tilly 30 determined to return, and, while heading for 
 
 2S “ Iu 1781, the Chevalier Destouches sent a part of his fleet from 
 Boston to the Chesapeake, under M. de Tilly, who captured the Ro- 
 mulus, 44 guns, and several transports, but most of the enemy’s 
 vessels ran up to Portsmouth.” Operations of the French Fleet, 
 
 p. 17. 
 
 29 This vessel was afterwards burned at the siege of Yorktown.” 
 “ In the evening the Charon frigate of forty-four guns was set on lire 
 by a hot shot fired from the French battery on the left, and entirely 
 consumed.” Sparks’s Washington, viii. 177. 
 
 30 “ Chevalier Le Gardeur de Tilly was apparently a Canadian of the 
 Tilly branch of the family of Le Gardeur. The M. de St. Pierre, whom 
 Washington met on the Ohio in 1753, was of the other branch, the Le 
 Gardeur de Eepentigny. Le Gardeur de Tilly had, in 1781, pursued 
 Arnold in the Chesapeake, taken the Romulus, 44, and several trans- 
 ports. In 1789, he was commandant of the eighth squadron, at Roche- 
 fort, and commodore.” Operations of the French Fleet, p. 112. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 101 
 
 Rhode Island, discovered a vessel and gave chase. " The vessel, 
 taking' the pursuing ships for some of her own nation, did not 
 attempt to escape until the moment when she made reconnoi- 
 tring signals, to which no reply was made. The “ Eveillé ” 
 soon came up with her and presented to her a broadside 
 within pistol shot. The “ Gentille ” came up on the quarter, 
 and in that position it was shouted to her to haul down her 
 flag : she hauled down her flag ; and it was shouted to her to 
 haul down her pennant ; and she hauled down her pennant. 
 In short, the “ Romulus ” surrendered to the “ Eveillé,” 
 without firing a single shot. If one cannot commend her 
 courage, he can at least consider her docility extreme. M. 
 de Tilly manned his prize, and without losing time sailed 
 for Rhode Island. Great rejoicings at Newport, — but we 
 are very anxious about the cutter “ Guêpe,” which left at 
 the same time with M. de Tilly, but got separated the day 
 after his departure, and of whicli we have no news. The 
 Chevalier de Maulevrier, who commands this cntter and who 
 joins to many amiable qualities all those of his profession, 
 is the special object of our anxieties. 
 
 On the 27th of February, we received the news of the 
 arrival of the frigate “ Astrée ” at Boston. She sailed from 
 Brest and made a passage of sixty-three days. 
 
 On the 6th of March, General Washington arrived at 
 Newport, and was received with all the honors due to a 
 Marshal of France. 31 
 
 On the 8th of March, the whole of our squadron, com- 
 posed of the “ Duc de Bourgogne,” the “ Neptune,” the “Con- 
 
 31 While this statement proves nothing in regard to the fact, it is 
 interesting in connection with the question often raised, whether 
 Washington was a Marshal of France. See Historical Magazine, iii. 
 83, 126, 159, 280; also new series, iii. 171. 
 
102 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 querant,” the “ Eveillé/’ the “ Jason/’ the “ Provence/’ the 
 “ Ardent/’ the “ Romulus/’ the frigates “ Surveillante ” and 
 “ Hermione,” and of the “ Fantasque ” 32 armed in flute, 
 set sail at six o’clock in the evening. There were on board 
 four companies of grenadiers and chasseurs, a detachment 
 of a hundred and sixty-four men from each of our regiments, 
 and a hundred artillerymen, — making in all 1,156 men. 
 There were put on board some pieces of artillery — sixteen- 
 pounders and twelve-pounders, some howitzers, some field 
 pieces — and everything necessary to attack intrenchments. 
 We think it is the intention to attack Arnold, conjointly 
 with 1,500 men of the American army, commanded by the 
 Marquis de Lafayette, and with all the militia of Virginia. 
 The Baron Viomesnil commands the expedition, and the 
 Marquis de Laval, the Viscount de Noailles, and MM. d’An- 
 selme and de Gambs, are the higher officers under his 
 orders. 
 
 On the 10th of March, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon, 
 the English squadron set sail from Gardner’s Bay, and we 
 can have no doubt that it is to pursue ours. The circum- 
 stances of their departure prove their activity. Arbuthnot 
 knowing our preparations, sent a ship of the line and a 
 frigate to reconnoitre; these appeared on the 9th off the 
 entrance to the harbor of Rhode Island, approached quite 
 near, lay to, and remained there long enough to find out 
 certainly whether or not there were in our roads any vessels 
 of war. Convinced of what they wanted to know, these 
 two vessels tacked ship, set all sails, and steered for Gard- 
 
 32 “La Fantasque serving as an hospital ship.” — Bliode Island 
 Colonial Becords, ix. 159. An armed ship, with her guns in part taken 
 out, is said to be armed in flute. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 103 
 
 ner’s Bay. They arrived within sight of their squadron the 
 next day morning, and as far off as they could be seen 
 they made the signals agreed upon, at which the enemy im- 
 mediately set sail. Their squadron is composed * of eleven 
 sails, — eight ships of the line and three frigates. 
 
 General Washington left Newport on the 13th of March, 
 and they gave him the same honors on leaving that he had 
 on his arrival. 
 
 We feel sure that the English squadron, sailing forty hours 
 after ours, cannot overtake it and prevent its entrance into 
 Chesapeake Bay, and this supposition necessarily carries 
 with it the hope that the expedition planned against Arnold 
 Avili be successful. We expect that the enemy will want to 
 avenge himself on us and will try to enter, and to burn our 
 transports. Even if this succeeded, the damage to us will 
 be but little consolation for the losses which we liave in- 
 flicted on him in Virginia. We are increasing the entrench- 
 ments of all our batteries, and particularly those of Goat 
 Island, 33 in order to make a determined resistance. 
 
 On the 26th of March, they came while Ave were at dinner 
 to tell us that several vessels of war were signalized, that 
 the Count de Rochambeau, to whom this had been reported, 
 was getting on his horse to go to the signal station, that the 
 artillery had been ordered to the batteries, that the gren- 
 adiers and detachments detailed for the defence of Goat 
 
 * Our fleet set sail in tlie firm conviction that the English ship 
 “Bedford,” dismasted in the gale of the 22d-23d of January, Avas 
 not in condition to sail ; it is certain however that she is now one of 
 their squadron. 
 
 33 Goat Island is in front of the town of Newport, and divides the 
 inner from the outer harbor. 
 
104 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 Island were holding themselves in readiness to he taken 
 there, and that everything in general was preparing to go to 
 the posts assigned in advance by the General. We imme- 
 diately jumped up from our dinner, and followed the Gen- 
 eral ; we did sec in fact the sails making straight for Rhode 
 Island, but it was impossible to make out whether they were 
 friends or foes. We remained nearly an hour in uncertainty 
 when we recognized our own squadron, which entered New- 
 port harbor the same evening, and informed us that, kept 
 back by bad weather, head winds, and perhaps by an im- 
 perfect knowledge of the prevailing winds along the coast, 
 they could not reach Cape Charles before the 14th of March 
 (having left Newport on the 8th), that a north-west wind 
 compelled them to cruise for two days, and that on the 16th, 
 in the morning, the wind shifted. I give here the details of 
 the fight of the same day between the two squadrons. 
 
 On Friday, the 16th of March, about twelve leagues to the 
 east of Chesapeake Bay, the King’s fleet under the orders 
 of M. Destouches was sailing in close order, the Cape bearing 
 north, on port tack, the wind inclined to the south-east, the 
 sea heavy and the weather very foggy. At half-past six in 
 the morning, the frigate “ Ilermione ” signalized a sail to the 
 windward, which she received orders to go and reconnoitre 
 with the “ Eveillé.” Some time afterwards the flute “ Fan- 
 tasque,” having discovered ten other sails far to the south- 
 ward, signalized the information. The flag-ship at once gave 
 orders to stow hammocks and to take the line of battle on 
 port tack. During the execution of this order the wind 
 gradually shifted to the north, then to the north-north-east, 
 and then steadied to the north-east. This put the French 
 squadron to the windward of the English, at a distance of three 
 leagues. It had been forced to follow the wind as it kept 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 105 
 
 shifting, and when the fog had lifted a little it reappeared 
 on the starboard quarter, bearing, as well as our ships, east 
 to south-east. 
 
 At nine o’clock they made signals to the “ Fantasque ” to 
 hug the wind and to cany sail, and to the whole squadron 
 to tack ship in succession. The wind began to blow strong 
 and the general sails carried were foresails and topsails. 
 The “ Ardent ” and “ Eveillé ” carried away their main- 
 yards, and our ships had scarcely ended the commanded 
 manœuvre when the enemy’s squadron took the same tack, 
 keeping as close to the wind as possible, with a good deal 
 of sail. The inequality of the speed in the enemy’s ships 
 separated them into two divisions, while the French squad- 
 ron always in starboard line was close reefing. The Eng- 
 lish frigates and some of their leading ships were carrying 
 their fore and main top-gallant sails. Towards eleven 
 o’clock they gained sensibly upon the rear ship of the French 
 fleet. M. Destouches then tacked ship, running in battle array 
 on the other tack. The French line was very regularly 
 formed, and the first ships of the enemy at once took in sail 
 and bore up two points. Their Admiral soon rallied them, 
 continuing always on the same tack, in hugging the wind ; 
 and the two lines stretched themselves out to the range of 
 the great guns. At half-past twelve, the enemy who were 
 carrying much more sail than the French ships, found them- 
 selves able to tack ship in the waters of the French squadron, 
 which did not increase its sail ; and at one o’clock the lead- 
 ing ship of the English line was within short range of the 
 rear French ship. The sea was heavy, it blew quite fresh, 
 and some of the leeward batteries were almost under water. 
 M. Destouches decided to wear ship in succession in order to 
 attack to the leeward. This movement ivas promptly ese- 
 
106 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 cuted ; the leading ships had orders to come up four points. 
 The English saw that their superiority was useless, if they 
 fought with the wind abeam. Their leading ship bore up 
 consequently for the “ Conquérant ” on the same tack. It 
 was half-past one o’clock, and the respective ships of the line 
 began then to fire very near. The cannonading became hot 
 in proportion as they came into the waters of their leaders. 
 The “ Conquérant,” the leading vessel which had fought for 
 half an hour when the last French ship began to fight against 
 the fifth in the English line, had already suffered much in 
 her sails and rigging. She fell to the leeward and was at- 
 tacked by several large ships, against which she kept up a 
 continuous fire. The ‘‘Duc de Bourgogne” and the “Nep- 
 tune ” came up to defend her. This movement necessarily 
 doubled the line for some minutes. The English wished to 
 take advantage of these circumstances to crush the rear 
 French ship. The “ London ” steered with the wind on the 
 quarter, and two other ships held themselves astern within 
 reach of musketry; happily they let slip the moment of 
 dividing us. The “ Duc de Bourgogne ” and the “ Conqué- 
 rant ” kept up a very severe fire upon them, which only left 
 them time to fall off in sending two broadsides with scarcely 
 any effect; in regard to the “ London,” as soon as she could 
 come abreast, she received scarcely some broadsides and 
 rallied to the windward of her squadron, having lost her 
 main-top yard. The last firing stopped about three o’clock. 
 It was then distinctly seen that two of the enemy’s ships of 
 the line had been very roughly handled. M. Destouches made 
 a signal to re-establish the line, but the “ Conquérant” replied 
 that she could not begin a fight again; then the Admiral 
 indicated the course to the south-east under little sail. The 
 enemy lay to in order to make repairs ; at five o’clock 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 107 
 
 he was seen bearing off to the west. The next day the ves- 
 sels of the French squadron took different directions and 
 passed the afternoon in lying to. The “ Conquérant ” made 
 repairs ; the other ships had suffered but little. On Sun- 
 day the 18th we chased a large vessel, which was taken 
 and manned by the “ Hermione.” The fight was a sharp 
 one, well-conducted, and reflected credit on the French 
 navy, but the object failed, and glory is only a chimera when 
 it does not offer practical results. The “ Conquérant,” the 
 “Ardent,” and the “Jason” are the three ships of the line 
 that fought the hardest, and MM. de la Grandière, 34 do 
 Marigny, and de la Clocheterie, 35 the three captains 36 who 
 were able to show the most their bravery and skill. . The 
 English squadron was composed of eight ships of the line — 
 one of 98 guns, three of 74, three of 64, and one of 50. 
 The French squadron was composed of a ship of the line 
 of 80 guns, two of 74, four of 64, and one of 44. The 
 
 34 “ Charles Marie, Count de la Grandière, was born at Brest in 
 1729. After 43 years’ service, 28 at sea, he was made Commodore, 
 August 20, 1784. He had then been present in eleven naval engage- 
 ments. He became rear-admiral in 1792, and died at Bennes in 1812.” 
 Operations of the French Fleet, p. 113. 
 
 35 “ Chadeau de la Clocheterie, killed in this last'action [April 12th, 
 1782] of the war, was a highly distinguished officer, and opened the 
 war in the Belle Poule by his brilliant action with the Arethusa, 
 Marshall, in the face of an English fleet. He commanded the Jason, 
 64, in the fleet of De Ternay, which brought out Rochambeau ; and iu 
 the skirmish with Commodore Cornwallis would have taken the 
 Ruby, but for De Ternay’s excessive prudence.” Operations of the 
 French Fleet, p. 113. 
 
 36 “ The ‘Conquérant,’ commanded by M. de la Grandière, the 
 ‘Jason,’ and the ‘Ardent,’ by MM. de Marigny and la Clocheterie 
 were the vessels that distinguished themselves.” Rochambeau’s Mé- 
 moires, i. 265. 
 
 14 
 
108 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 enemy was superior, but can boast of no advantage ; but 
 the parties gave as good as they took. 
 
 On the 13th of April, we learned that the cutter “ Guêpe,” 
 from which we had not heard since she parted with the 
 “ Eveillé,” was lost off Cape Charles, but that the Chevalier de 
 Maulevrier [her commander] and all her crew were saved. 
 
 On the 18th of April, all the transports, chartered at the 
 expense of the King, which had carried our troops, set 
 sail for St. Domingo, under the escort of the frigates “Sur- 
 veillante ” and “ Hermione.” The latter is to leave the con- 
 voy off the mouth of the Delaware to go to Philadelphia, but 
 the “ Surveillante ” will accompany it to its destination. 
 
 On the 6th of May, the frigate “ Concorde ” arrived from 
 France at Boston, after a passage of forty odd days. She 
 had on board the Count de Barras, 37 commander of the squad- 
 ron, who is to take the place of the Chevalier de Ternay, 
 and the Viscount de Rochambeau. 
 
 On the 1 8th of May, seven hundred and fifty men, drawn 
 by detachments from the regiments, from the artillery, and 
 from the legion of Lauzun, were embarked on our eight 
 vessels of war. It is thought that the squadron has asked 
 for these troops, for the cruise which it is going to make, 
 to protect the arrival of the convoy which we expect from 
 France. 
 
 On the same day, an English fleet was signalized, which 
 anchored between Block Island and Point Judith. There 
 were nine vessels, all ships of the line. 
 
 37 “Louis, Count de Barras St. Laurent, born in Provence, had 
 served long in the French navy, but his chief services were those in 
 America. He was a particular friend of the Count d’Estaing, and 
 commanded his vanguard when he forced the entrance of Newport.’ 
 Operations of the French Fleet , p. 67. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 109 
 
 On the 22 d of May, a small convoy of sis vessels, which we 
 were expecting from Boston, appeared and was signalized off 
 Bedford. M. de Barras, as soon as he heard the news, deter- 
 mined to get under way and save this small convoy, which 
 it would have been shameful to allow to be taken within 
 sight. He made the signal to the squadron to hold itself in 
 readiness to sail ; but the wind being directly ahead for the 
 English, while it favored us, it became useless to carry out 
 the project of M. de Barras, who, it seems to me, will en- 
 deavor in all cases, to uphold vigorously the honor of the 
 French navy. 
 
 The English, stationed since the 1 8th of May between 
 Block Island and Point Judith, left their position on the 
 23d of May, and it is not known where they are going. 
 
 On the 5th of June, our troops who embarked on board 
 of the squadron [on the 18th ult.] were debarked. 
 
 The whole month of May and the beginning of June had 
 been occupied in preparations for the departure of the 
 French troops from the island of Rhode Island, for carrying 
 all the magazines to Providence and Hartford, in the dispo- 
 sition of the marches and camps, in buying horses for the 
 artillery and oxen for the wagons, and in the disposition for 
 commissary stores and forage. 
 
 On the 18th of May, the Count de Rochambeau and the 
 Chevalier de Chastellux set out from Newport to go to 
 Wethersfield, near Hartford, to see General Washington, 
 with whom they had a rendezvous. 
 
 Our generals came back on the 26th, and from the mo- 
 ment of their return, all the preparations were redoubled 
 in activity; the Count de Rochambeau and M. de Barras 
 held several conferences together. It seemed decided that 
 
no 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 our squadron should leave Newport harbor at the same 
 time that we abandoned the ports there, that it should go 
 to Boston, where it would be in greater safety from any 
 attack than at Rhode Island, where it would be exposed as 
 soon as it should no longer be supported by land forces in 
 considerable number. This resolution, with which the gen- 
 erals even seemed to agree, was followed by a moment of 
 indecision. M. de Rochambeau was of the opinion that the 
 squadron ought to remain at Rhode Island, while M. de 
 Barras thought that it ought to go to Boston. It was essen- 
 tial, however, to unite opinions, to act in concert, and to 
 follow a fixed purpose. To end this indecision and discus- 
 sion, there assembled on the 31st of May, on board of the 
 “ Duc de Bourgogne,” a council of war, 38 made up of M. de 
 Barras and the captains of the ships of the line on the one 
 part, and of our generals, brigadiers, and brigade commanders 
 on the other. The session lasted five hours, and the de- 
 cisions were kept secret. The Duke de Lauzun was charged 
 with taking them to General Washington, at New Windsor. ■ 
 Two days after, it was remarked that the squadron was no 
 longer making preparations to leave, and it was felt that the 
 intention was to remain at Rhode Island, and to have it pro- 
 
 aa “ I proposed to Admiral Barras to hold a council of war, com- 
 posed of the general and superior officers of the army and navy, a 
 plan which was indicated in our instructions whenever circumstances 
 should require. M. de Barras having accepted the proposition, it 
 was discussed, whether, considering the weakness of the garrison 
 in New York from the different detachments sent to the South, the 
 French squadron could remain in the harbor of Rhode Island after 
 the departure of the French army, with a detachment of five hun- 
 dred [French] men, under M. c Choisy, and a thousand of American 
 militia, to occupy the forts, 'ch would protect its anchorage.” 
 Rochambeau’s Mémoires, i. 27.' 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 Ill 
 
 tected from the land side by four hundred men, taken by 
 detachments from our four regiments, and to join with them 
 fifteen hundred of the American militia, the whole under the 
 command of M. de Choisy. 39 The Duc de Lauzun returned 
 from New Windsor on the 8th of June, with the answer of 
 General Washington; and two hours after, the same persons 
 who had made up the first council of war assembled again on 
 board of the “Neptune,” and came, after a session of four 
 hours, on board of the “ Duc de Bourgogne,” whei'e M. de 
 Barras had invited us to a grand dinner. On the next day, 
 the 9th of June, the brigade of Bourbonnois 40 received 
 orders to embark with arms and baggage upon small Ameri- 
 can boats, which took us to Providence. 
 
 On the 10th of June, at five o’clock in the morning, the 
 brigade of Bourbonnois embarked upon the little boats that 
 were awaiting them, and only reached Providence at nine 
 o’clock in the evening. It was impossible the same evening 
 to lay out the camp, to pitch the tents, and to get the neces- 
 sary straw and wood. The Baron de Tiomesnil got for 
 that night, from the town authorities, some large empty 
 houses, where he lodged the soldiers ; and the next day, 
 the 11th, at six o’clock in the morning, we encamped upon 
 
 39 “M. de Choisy, brigadier of the forces, an officer distinguished for 
 his great valor, was appointed to protect the anchorage of the squad- 
 ron with a detachment of only five hundred men and one hundred 
 American militia.” Souvenirs du lieut-.général M. Dumas, i. 67. 
 
 40 1 infer that the brigade of Bourbonnois was made up of the 
 regiments of Bourbonnois, and of Royal Deuxponts, from the fact that 
 these regiments generally kept together ; and at the siege of York- 
 town, according to contemporaneous mapSj they encamped side by 
 side ; and, for the same reasons, it may be inferred that the brigade 
 of Soisonnois was made up of the regiments of Soisonnois and of 
 St. Onge. 
 
112 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 the height which commands Providence on the west. The 
 brigade of Soisonnois arrived the same day and encamped 
 on our left. 
 
 The King’s squadron remains definitely at Newport. It 
 is guarded by four hundred men of our troops, and the 
 American militia , 41 who come in very slowly, and whose 
 term of enlistment, so they say, is very short. We shall 
 remain eight days in camp at Providence ; and this time is 
 necessary for us to collect horses for the artillery and the 
 ambulances, wagons to carry our baggage, oxen to draw 
 them, and to await four hundred and fifty men for our army, 
 who have just arrived at Boston upon the convoy coming 
 from France . 42 
 
 From Providence they tell us that we ought to go in four- 
 teen days to the Hudson River, of which twelve will be of 
 march and two of rest, where we shall await new orders. 
 The march thither, as it is not near the enemy, for 
 greater convenience will be made regiment by regiment. 
 
 41 “General Washington seeing the great diminution of our little 
 army, and of the squadron enfeebled by sickness, authorized me to 
 make a requisition for the militia of the State of Boston [!] and of 
 Rhode Island, to aid me in the works and the defence of the island.” 
 Rochambeau’s Mémoires , i. 245. It is a curious fact that “ the name 
 of Bostonian, which belongs only to the inhabitants of the Province 
 of Massachusetts, one of the four which form New England proper, 
 has nevertheless become the general and common name of the in- 
 habitants of the thirteen Provinces.” Abrégé de la Révolution de 
 l'Amérique Angloise. Paris, 1778, p. 3. 
 
 42 This convoy brought six hundred and sixty recruits for Rocham- 
 beau’s army, of whom only four hundred were fit for duty on their 
 arrival. The Abbé Robin, author of a volume quoted in these pages, 
 came as chaplain, with this body. Operations of the French Fleet, 
 p. 34. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA, 
 
 113 
 
 On the 16th of June, the Baron cle Yiomesnil reviewed 
 us on beginning our campaign ; on the same day our recruits 
 arrived from Boston. 
 
 Qn the 18th of June the regiment of Bourbonnois, on 
 the 19th the regiment of Royal Deuxponts, on the 20th the 
 regiment of Soisonnois, and on the 21st the regiment of 
 Saint Onge, left successively the camp at Providence, 
 keeping always between each other the distance of a day’s 
 march. We encamped the first day at Waterman’s Tavern, 
 the second, at Plainfield, the third, at Windham,* the fourth, 
 at Bolton, and the fifth, at Hartford. Each regiment will 
 stay there two days, and we shall take up our march in the 
 same order in which we came to Hartford. 
 
 Having arrived on the 22d of June, the regiment of Bour- 
 bonnois broke up its camp on the 25th, the regiment of Royal 
 Deuxponts on the 26th, the regiment of Soisonnois on the 
 27th, and the regiment of Saint Onge on the 28th; and they 
 encamped on the first day of the march at Farmington, the 
 second at Baron’s Tavern, the third at Break Neck, and the 
 fourth at Newtown. All the different camps which we have 
 had since leaving Newport, have been selected only for the 
 object of making progress, and we were much too far from 
 the enemy to take any other precautions than those which 
 our own discipline required. Thus far the only thing that 
 
 * At Windham we encamped in a little valley, surrounded by woods. 
 An hour after our arrival, a fire broke out in the woods on the left of 
 the camp. We employed three hundred men, in trying to put it out, 
 but did not succeed. The fire burnt only the brush and did not attack 
 the large trees. This accident, appalling in every [other] country, 
 caused no excitement among the Americans, whose country is full of 
 forests. Sometimes even they are very glad, because it saves them 
 the trouble of cutting down the trees to clear the land. 
 
114 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 has occupied us lias been oui' convenience, and what would 
 spare the troops from fatigue ; but after reaching Newtown 
 we should have been guilty of neglect, if we had continued 
 to show the same confidence in the impossibility of attacks 
 on the part of the enemy. 
 
 The Count de Rochambeau detached for the first time at 
 Newtown the battalion of grenadiers and chasseurs from the 
 brigade of Bourbonnois. The General had in the first place 
 the plan of joining there our four regiments, and of making 
 us leave then, brigade by brigade, separated by one day’s 
 march. 
 
 The brigade of Bourbonnois was going to march on the 
 2d of July, and the brigade of Soisonnois on the 3d. But 
 a courier, whom M. de Rochambeau received from General 
 Washington on the night of the 30th of June — 1st of July, 
 hastened our march. They beat the reveille at two o’clock in 
 the morning, and the brigade of Bourbonnois broke camp and 
 left Newtown on the 1st of July. The regiment of Soison- 
 nois remained in its position to await the regiment of Saint 
 Onge, which did not arrive until to-day ; and the two reg- 
 iments will leave together to-morrow, the 2d of July. 
 
 The brigade of Bourbonnois encamped the same day at 
 Ridgebury, the next day, the 2d of July, at Bedford, and 
 on the 3d, at North Castle, where we were joined by the 
 brigade of Soisonnois, which doubled one march, and arrived 
 in one day at North Castle from Ridgebury. 
 
 The grenadiers and chasseurs continue to be detached. 
 The legion of Lauzun, which joined us yesterday, the 2d of 
 July, at Bedford, left the same evening, re-enforced by Shel- 
 don’s American Dragoons, to go after four hundred tories 
 who had shown themselves in this neighborhood, and driven 
 off cattle. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 115 
 
 During our march from Newport to the Hudson River, 
 General W ashington, whose movements were in concert with 
 ours, left his winter quarters near New Windsor and went 
 to Peekskill on the North River (or Hudson) where, accord- 
 ing to the plan agreed upon, the French army and the Amer- 
 ican were going to unite. On his arrival at Peekskill, Gen- 
 eral Washington heard the news of a sortie of English troops 
 from the island of New York, who had moved on West- 
 chester. He resolved to attack them and formed in conse- 
 quence an advance-guard of a thousand or twelve hundred 
 men under General Lincoln. 43 He sent at the same time a 
 courier to the Count de Rochambeau to inform him of his de- 
 signs, to make arrangements to appoint him another rendez- 
 vous for meeting, to make him hasten the march of our army, 
 and to ask for the legion of Lauzun. This was the reason, 
 which made us leave Newtown so suddenly; which made the 
 legion of Lauzun leave the same evening of its arrival at 
 Bedford ; which made the brigade of Soisonnois make a 
 double march; and which made us push forward to North 
 Castle, within reach, and ready to march on the first 
 order that should require our presence, which would have 
 become necessary, if the course of the English, that of Gen- 
 
 43 As lie [General Washington] had perceived that Genei-al Clinton 
 had dispersed his troops in several camps, and sent large detachments 
 into the Jerseys, he endeavored to surprise Fort Washington at the 
 entrance of the island of New York; he gave the execution of the 
 coup de main to General Lincoln, who commanded the vanguard, and 
 marched with the remainder of the army to support him. At the 
 same time he asked General Rochambeau to hasten the march of the 
 first brigade and of the corps of Lauzun, in order to second him, if 
 he should be seriously engaged with the main body of the English 
 Army.” Souvenirs du lieut. -général M. Dumas, i. 68. 
 
 15 
 
116 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 eral Washington and ours had brought on a serious and 
 general action. 
 
 The advance guard under General Lincoln went down the 
 North River in boats. General Washington followed the 
 banks to support Lincoln ; the legion of Lauzun and Shel- 
 don’s 44 Dragoons arrived from another direction ; and we for 
 our part awaited events at North Castle. In short, General 
 Lincoln attacked on the 3d of July ; whether he set about it 
 wrong,* whether he attacked too soon, or whether the enemy 
 was too many for him, he was driven back, losing eighty 
 men, killed or wounded, and fell back upon General Wash- 
 ington, who had taken with his little army a position proper 
 to cover Lincoln’s retreat. The legion of Lauzun, which had 
 only heard the musketry without taking part in the fight, 
 retired, and thus the day ended little memorable and little 
 glorious. 
 
 On the 5th of July, General Washington, whose army had 
 already encamped on the spot that we shall occupy to-mor- 
 row, came to see us at North Castle. 
 
 On the 6th of July, we left the camp at North Castle, and 
 came, after a very long and fatiguing march and excessive 
 heat, to occupy the camp at Phillipsburg, where our union 
 
 * We never could find out the truth of this attack, nor the reasons 
 of its failure. The Duke de Lauzun who was there told me himself 
 that he knew nothing about it. 
 
 44 This was Colonel Elisha Sheldon, who commanded a regiment of 
 cavalry. He had some connection with the correspondence between 
 Arnold and André, though was in no way privy to the treason that 
 prompted it. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 117 
 
 with the American army * was accomplished. 45 The right 
 of the two armies rests on a valley, and is placed on a very 
 high and very steep elevation f which commands the valley ; 
 in the centre of the line is low ground through which runs a 
 little brook, and which has banks high and very steep, and 
 separates the French from the Americans : the left rests on a 
 small brook very near Brookriver, on which we have some 
 posts ; the front- of the camp is protected by woods and we 
 have nothing to fear in our rear. 46 The legion of Lauzun, 
 encamped at White Plains four miles to our left, protects 
 us from that side ; every possible approach is guarded by 
 French and American pickets, and our distance from King’s 
 Bridge is only ten miles. 
 
 On the 8th of July, General Washington had a review of 
 honor of the French army. 47 
 
 On the 14th of July, at six o’clock in the evening, the 
 
 * They told us at Newport that the American army had 10,000 men. 
 It has however only 2,500 or 3,000 men, but this is not a very big lie 
 for the Americans. 
 
 f Three miles from the North River. 
 
 45 “ The two armies joined in the camp of Phillipsburg three leagues 
 from Kingsbridge, the most advanced post of the enemy on the Island 
 of New York.” Souvenirs du liêut.- général M. Dumas , i. 69. 
 
 46 u The effective force of the two armies united was barely 10,000 
 men. We were encamped on one line only. The right, formed by 
 the Americans, rested on the Hudson. It was covered by batteries 
 to protect it from the fire of the English frigates, w r hich were able to 
 come up the river in this part, called Tappan Sea. The two French 
 brigades formed the left of the line, leaning on a wood, and covering 
 some small eminences. ” Souvenirs du lieut. -général M. Dumas, 
 i. 69-70. 
 
 47 On the preceding day, the Count de Rochambeau had reviewed 
 the American army. Dr. Thacher’s Military Journal, 2d ed., p. 258. 
 
118 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 brigade of Bourbonnois, the battalions of grenadiers and 
 chasseurs of the two brigades, and the legion of Lauzun 
 received orders to march, and the retreat was to take the 
 place of the general to fix the moment of departure. Our 
 march was to be combined with that of a large part of the 
 American army, but at seven o’clock we received counter 
 orders. 
 
 On the 15 th of July, at half-past ten o’clock in the evening, 
 we heard several reports of cannon and musketry, and a 
 moment afterwards they beat the general ;* the whole army 
 rushed to arms and was formed in an instant ; after having- 
 remained in line of battle a half or three quarters of an 
 hour we received orders to return to our tents. At five 
 o’clock in the morning, a mistake like that of yesterday 
 caused some alarm-guns to be fired, but did not make us get 
 under arms. 
 
 On the morning of the 16th of July, I learned that the 
 guns heard yesterday had been fired at Tarrytown, (a small 
 place on the banks of the Hudson River, where they had been 
 in the habit of unloading flour, which comes to us from the 
 Jerseys) by two English frigates, 48 which wanted to support 
 the attack made by three English schooners with the inten- 
 tion of seizing and burning five small vessels, laden with 
 
 * It was a mark of zeal, very liasty, very badly understood, and 
 very much misplaced, which made them beat the general. 
 
 48 “Two of the British frigates, and several smaller vessels, passed 
 up the North River as far as Tarrytown, in defiance of our cannon, which 
 were continually playing on them. Their object appears to be to seize 
 some of our small vessels which are passing down the river with sup- 
 plies for our army. One small sloop, loaded with bread for the French 
 army, has fallen into their hands.” Dr. Thacher’s Militari/ Journal , 
 2d ed., pp. 258-9. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 119 
 
 flour. The attack was unsuccessful ; indeed they succeeded 
 in setting fire to one of these vessels, but it was put out and 
 the cargo saved. We learn that this English flotilla was 
 still in the same position as on the preceding day ; the artil- 
 lery from West Point had not as yet arrived ; General Wash- 
 ington asked for two of our twelve-pounders and two howit- 
 zers, which left at once. I preceded them and awaited the 
 arrival of our pieces, which were immediately placed in posi- 
 tion, and began to fire. Our artillery-men, unaccustomed to 
 fire over water, sent but few shots into the frigates, which 
 fired some guns at us and then warped themselves out 
 of our range. 
 
 The frigates remained in the same position on the 17th 
 and the 18tli; on the 19 th, in going down the North River 
 to return to New York, they were saluted on their passage 
 at Dobbs’ Ferry by two cannons, and two howitzers which 
 had been brought there. One of the howitzers hit the 
 frigate and set her on fire, and it caused such a panic that 
 twenty - seven sailors jumped overboard. 49 Some were 
 drowned, three were captured, and the others got on board 
 of the frigate again, upon which the fire had been put out. 
 
 On the 21st of July, at half-past six in the evening, we 
 received the same order as on the 14th of the month, for the 
 
 49 “The British frigates that passed up the North River a few days 
 since, took the advantage of wind and tide to return to New York. 
 A severe cannonade commenced from our battery at Dobbs’ Ferry, 
 where the river is about three miles wide, they were compelled liter- 
 ally to run the gauntlet. They returned the Are as they passed, but 
 without effect. On board the Savage, ship of war, a box of powder 
 took fire, and such was their consternation, that twenty people jumped 
 into the river, among whom was a prisoner on board, who informs us 
 that he was the only man who got on shore, all the others being 
 drowned.” Dr. Thacher’s Military Journal, 2d ed., p. 259. 
 
120 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 same number of troops, as many French as Americans, the 
 same number of columns, the same artillery train, and the 
 same hour of leaving;. 
 
 We set out in three columns at eight o’clock in the even- 
 ing, in the direction of the island of New York, by horrible 
 roads, which only allowed us to arrive at half-past four in 
 the morning at the plain near King’s Bridge, within sight of 
 the English forts. We drew ourselves up in line of battle; 
 the American army, whose right flank rested on the river 
 which separates York Island from the main-land, had the 
 right in line of battle, the brigade of Bourbonnois had the 
 centre, and the two battalions of grenadiers and chasseurs 
 the left; several bodies of American troops were placed in 
 front and approached the fort, No. 8, which the English hold 
 on the main-land, and which might have been a mile and a 
 half from us. There were some slight skirmishes between 
 the English dragoons and the American dragoons, but they 
 were of no consequence. The Count de Rochambeau and 
 General Washington went during the morning to reconnoitre 
 the forts. Some musketry and cannon were fired at them. 
 We all went, as we could get permission, to make our private 
 reconnoissances ; everywhere we found Hessian troops who 
 fired some musketry at us, and as soon as they could see 
 from the fort little groups within range, they fired cannon. 
 We had neither tents nor baggage with us. The troops 
 bivouacked the night of the 22d-23d, and remained in the 
 same position during the day of the 23d, which the generals 
 employed in making their reconnoissances of all the points 
 of the island of New York. 
 
 From the side of Morrisania they were protected by the 
 legion of Lauzun and an American battalion. They ap- 
 proached very near two pieces of artillery and two hundred 
 
MY CAMPAIGN'S IN AMERICA. 
 
 121 
 
 men, who opened a sharp fire of artillery and musketry. 
 No one however was killed or wounded, only the Count de 
 Damas had his horse shot under him. 
 
 On the 23d, at five o’clock in the evening, all the recon- 
 noissances being ended, the General gave us the order for 
 leaving ; our return march was made in the inverse order of 
 that which we followed on the advance. The enemy did not 
 attempt to trouble us, and at eleven o’clock in the evening 
 we entered our camp again at Phillipsburg. 
 
 From the 23d of July to the 14th of August, we have re- 
 mained quiet at our camp in Phillipsburg. There were no 
 other military operations but some foraging at Mamaro- 
 neck 50 and at New Rochelle on the Sound. They were near 
 enough to the enemy for him to have taken advantage of it 
 and to have troubled us. We took, as to the force and 
 arrangements of the chain which was to insure the foraging, 
 every precaution which the proximity of the English seems 
 to demand, but our adversary is little enterprising and little 
 vigilant, and no force has appeared. 
 
 On the 14th of August, we received the important news 
 of the near arrival of the Count de Grasse in the waters 
 of North America. He set sail from Cape François on the 
 4th of August, and brings with him twenty-eight ships of 
 the line. They tell us also that there are three thousand 
 troops to be debarked, and that all the marines will assist 
 our operations on land. 
 
 On the 19th of August, the French army left the camp at 
 Phillipsburg.. We do not know the object of our march, and 
 
 50 General Heath, in liis Memoirs, p. lit, speaks of this place as 
 “ Maroneck,” which is very much like Moreneck, the word used in 
 the French text. 
 
122 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 are in perfect ignorance whether we are going against 
 New York, or whether we are going to Virginia to attack 
 Lord Cornwallis, who now occupies Portsmouth with a con- 
 siderable force. 51 A rear-guard is essential under the pres- 
 ent circumstances. The Count de Rochambeau formed it of 
 the two battalions of grenadiers and chasseurs of the army 
 and of the legion of Lauzun. The Viscount Viomesnil is 
 commander-in-chief of it ; I command the battalion of the 
 grenadiers and chasseurs of the brigade of Bourbonnois, and 
 the Chevalier de la Valette, lieutenant-colonel of the regi- 
 ment of Saint Onge, commands that of the brigade of Soi- 
 sonnois. We occupied the avenues to New York during the 
 removal of the army and the artillery. The troops began 
 to march at noon, and it was not till half-past two that we 
 could draw in our pickets and begin our march. At a mile 
 from the camp the battalions of grenadiers and chasseurs 
 were united ; and at a little distance further on, we began to 
 find broken wagons, which we could not leave behind, and 
 which so retarded our march that at eight o’clock in the 
 evening we had made only four miles. A severe rain, which 
 had spoiled and broken up all the roads and wet us all 
 through, caused the Viscount Viomesnil to order a halt at 
 the house of Alexander Lark, where we made great fires 
 and dried ourselves as well as we could, and then bivou- 
 acked. 
 
 On the 20th of August, at one o’clock in the afternoon, we 
 
 51 “ Our destination lias been for some time matter of perplexing 
 doubt and uncertainty ; bets have run high on one side, that we were 
 to occupy the ground, marked out on the Jersey shore, to aid in the 
 siege of New York, and on the other, that we are stealing a march 
 on the enemy, and are actually destined to Virginia, in pursuit of 
 the army under Lord Cornwallis.” Dr. Tliacher’s Military Journal, 
 2d ed., p. 262. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 123 
 
 started again, and got as far as Leguid’s Tavern at eleven 
 o’clock in the evening, where we passed the night. 
 
 The army, whose rear-guard had been separated during 
 these two days, had been on the day of its departure as far 
 as North Castle, where it arrived only on the 20th of Au- 
 gust, at five o’clock in the morning, after marching seventeen 
 consecutive hours. It remained there the whole day, the 
 20th, and we know that we must join it to-morrow. 
 
 On the 21st of August, we left Leguid’s Tavern, and joined 
 the main army at Pines’ Bridge upon the Croton River; 
 thence the battalion of grenadiers and chasseurs of Bourbon- 
 nois formed the immediate rear-guard of the army; and the 
 battalion of Soisonnois received the order to remain on the 
 banks of the Croton until all the trains had passed. We 
 marched that day as far as Hounds Tavern, where we found 
 our tents again and encamped. My battalion encamped 
 separately upon the left flank of the army. 
 
 On the 22d of August, I formed the immediate advance- 
 guard of the army, as far as the camp at Verplanck’s Point 
 on the North River. The grenadiers and chasseurs then 
 received orders to return to their regiments, and we prepare 
 to pass the river with all possible despatch. The heavy 
 artillery and the legion of Lauzun were to pass to-day, and 
 take position on the other side of the Hudson River. 
 
 The day of the 23d of August has been employed in em- 
 barking and taking across all the trains.* 
 
 * An enemy of any boldness or any skill would have seized an 
 opportunity so favorable for him and so embarrassing for us, as that 
 of our crossing the North River. I do not understand the indifference 
 with which General Clinton considers our movements. It is to me 
 an obscure enigma, and I hope that they never will reproach me with 
 giving similar ones to be solved. 
 
 16 
 
124 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 On the 24th of August, the brigade of Bourbonnois crossed 
 the Hudson River, and went to encamp at Haverstraw, near 
 Smith’s 52 house, in which Arnold formed with the English 
 Major André the infamous plot of betraying his country. 
 
 Here now is the order of our march: General Washing- 
 ton, with nearly three thousand men, precedes us by a day ; 
 the brigade of Bourbonnois and the legion of Lauzun follow 
 on the next day, and the march of the combined army is 
 ended on the third day by the brigade of Soisonnois. Gen- 
 eral Washington left General Heath at the camp, at Ver- 
 planck’s Point, with three thousand men to defend the State 
 of New York and the North River valley. I do not know 
 whether his command will keep its position or go up the 
 river to West Point. 
 
 On the 25th of August, we encamped at Suffcrns. 
 
 On the 26th of August, we marched to Pompton.* The 
 
 * After the troops were established in their camp, I took advan- 
 tage of being in the neighborhood of Totoha Falls, 53 and went to 
 see them. Although fatigued, I have never regretted the ten miles 
 going and the ten miles coming back, which it was necessary that I 
 should undertake, in order to satisfy my curiosity ; and I found the 
 spectacle of this cascade as singular as it was imposing. 
 
 52 This was Joshua Hett Smith, a brother of the Tory Chief Justice 
 Smith, and a man of considerable influence. He was arrested at Fish- 
 kill for his connection with Arnold in his infamous treason, and after- 
 wards tried and acquitted. His house is near Haverstraw, and stands 
 upon the brow of an eminence, known, for obvious reasons, as Trea- 
 son Hill, and commands an extensive view of the Hudson, and the 
 country beyond. Smith died in New York in 1818. Lossing’s Picto- 
 rial Field Book of the Bevolution, ii. 181. — The Marquis de Chastellux 
 speaks of seeing his house in November 1780, and says that “it is 
 punished by solitude, and is in fact, so deserted, that there is not a 
 single person to take care of it, although it is the mansion of a large 
 farm.” Voyages de M. le Marquis de Chastellux. Paris, 1786, i. 8. 
 
 63 “ At Patterson [New Jersey], the Passaic has a fall of seventy -two 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 125 
 
 army of General Washington is separated from us, and has 
 the appearance of going towards Paulus Hook 54 or towards 
 Staten Island. I cannot make up my mind as to the object 
 of our march. Iam inclined to believe that the Americans 
 will attack one of the two points which they are threaten- 
 ing, and I am quite certain that they will not act without 
 us. 
 
 On the 27th of August, we encamped at Hanover or 
 Whippany, near Morristown. We are going to remain 
 to-morrow. It was here that I learned, under the strictest 
 secrecy from one of my friends, well informed, that all the 
 manoeuvres by which we threaten New York are only a feint, 
 that Lord Cornwallis is the real object of our marches, and 
 that we are going to direct them towards Virginia. 
 
 On the 29th of August, we encamped at Bullions’ Tavern. 
 
 On the 30th of August, at Somerset. 
 
 On the 31st of August, at Princeton. 
 
 On the 1st of September, we marched to Trenton, where 
 we cross the Delaware. We keep our tents, but to-day the 
 trains ford the river. To-morrow morning the troops go 
 over in boats. 
 
 On the 2d, we encamped at Red Lion Tavern. 55 
 
 feet (or fifty feet perpendicular), affording immense water power, 
 which has been improved by dams and canals. It is much visited by 
 tourists.” New American Cyclopaedia , xiii. 23. A description of 
 these falls, now known as the Passaic, is given in Dr. Thacher’s Mili- 
 tary Journal , 2d ed., p. 198. 
 
 54 Now Jersey City. 
 
 55 Red Lion Tavern was two miles from Bristol, and sixteen or sev- 
 enteen from Philadelphia. 
 
126 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 On the 3d of September, we marched to Philadelphia. 56 
 Congress was in session as we went through the city. We 
 paid it the honors which the King ordered us to pay. The 
 thirteen members took off their thirteen hats at each salute 
 of the flags and of the offlcers, and that is all that I have seen 
 that was respectful or remarkable. After going through 
 Philadelphia, we encamped on the banks of the Schuylkill 
 River, a good mile in front of the city. We remain to- 
 morrow. 
 
 On the 5th of September, we encamped at Chester, where 
 we learned the authentic news of the arrival of the Count 
 de Grasse with twenty-eight ships of the line, and three thou- 
 sand five hundred troops under the Marquis de St. Simon, 
 who landed them on the 27th of August, the day after his 
 arrival, with orders to join the corps of the Marquis de La- 
 fayette. 
 
 The joy which this welcome news produces among all the 
 troops, which penetrates General Washington* and the 
 
 * I have been equally surprised and touched at the true and pure 
 joy of General Washington. Of a natural coldness and of a serious 
 and noble approach, which in him is only true dignity, and which 
 adorns so well the chief of a whole nation, his featux-es, his physiog- 
 nomy, his deportment — all were changed in an instant. He put aside 
 his character as arbiter of North America and contented himself for 
 the moment with that of a citizen, happy at the good fortune of his 
 country. A child, whose every wish had been gratified, would not 
 have experienced a sensation more lively, and I believe that I am do- 
 
 56 “Philadelphia was at one time gratified with the imposing spec- 
 tacle of a French army in fine style of military array, consisting of 
 six thousand men. They came down Front street; passed up Vine 
 street, and encamped on the Commons at the Centre square. They 
 were fine-looking soldiers, all in white uniform. They were under 
 command of General Rochambeau, on their way to Yorktown.” Wat- 
 son's Annals of Philadelphia, ii. 328. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 127 
 
 Count de Rochambeau, is more easy to feel than to express. 
 The moment which is to be the recompense of our hard- 
 ships, of our fatigues, and of our absence draws near, and I 
 hope that we shall enjoy it. 
 
 On the 6th of September, we encamped at Wilmington. 
 
 On the 7th of September, we marched to Elkton, which 
 may be considered as the head of Chesapeake Bay. Elkton 
 is better known by the name of Head of Elk, since it is 
 there that the river Elk begins to be navigable. 
 
 We hoped to find here sufficient means to embark our 
 whole army, but there are boats for only twelve hundred 
 men, and M. de Rochambeau employs them for embarking 
 the grenadiers and chasseurs and the infantry of the legion 
 of Lauzun. 58 The main body of the army will march by 
 land as far as Baltimore, where I hope we shall go aboard 
 ships. If we cannot find means of transportation, it will be 
 necessary to march as far as the York River, a long and 
 
 ing honor to the feelings of this rare man, in endeavoring to express 
 all their ardor. 57 
 
 57 The impressions which W ashington made on the French officers 
 were deep and decided. General Dumas, in his Souvenirs, i. 44, 
 says, that “ General Washington went in person to the French head- 
 quarters, accompanied by the Marquis de Lafayette. This interview 
 between the two generals was to us a beautiful sight. We had been 
 impatient to see the hero of liberty. His dignified address, the sim- 
 plicity of his manners and mild gravity, surpassed our expectation, 
 and won every heart.” The Abbé Robin, in his Nouveau Voyage, 
 pp. 62-3, is equally enthusiastic. See also Voyages de M. le Marquis 
 de Chastellux dans l'Amérique Septentrionale. Paris, 1786, pp. 
 118-20. 
 
 58 “ M. de Custine, colonel of the regiment of Saint Onge, commanded 
 the van of Washington’s army, composed of a thousand French gren- 
 adiers, and as many American volunteers.” Operations of the French 
 Fleet, p. 75. 
 
128 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 painful march; but we shall know how to endure it. We 
 shall remain here to-morrow, the 9th [8th?] of September, 
 and shall start again on our march the day after to-morrow. 
 
 On the 9th of September, we resumed our march. The 
 trains were separated from the columns of troops, on ac- 
 count of the slender means which the ferry over the Susque- 
 hanna River affords for passing in boats ; they were obliged 
 to make a detour and to seek a ford seven miles above the 
 ferry ; the detour which they are making, the bad roads which 
 they will meet with, will deprive us for several days of them ; 
 and we gaily make an exchange of our beds for simple bear- 
 skins. The troops passed over the Susquehanna ferry to- 
 day, the 9th, in boats, and we went into bivouac a mile from 
 the lower ferry, where we crossed the river. 
 
 On the 10th of September, we bivouacked at Bush, 59 Har- 
 ford [county]. 
 
 On the 11th of September, we marched to White Marsh. 60 
 We were there joined by our tent wagons, but we hear 
 nothing yet of our baggage-trains. 
 
 On the 12th of September, we arrived at Baltimore. The 
 Baron de Yiomesnil, as soon as we arrived, informed us of 
 the means of transportation which had been furnished him, 
 and which he thought sufficient to take the brigade of Bour- 
 bonnois. He charged the Marquis de Laval and myself to 
 examine this matter and to make an exact estimate of the 
 number of men that each boat would hold. We have taken 
 
 69 By the kindness of Colonel Brantz Mayer, of Baltimore, I am 
 enabled to identify some of these places. “ Burch Hartford” is Bush, 
 at Bush River, sixteen miles east of Baltimore, in Harford County, on 
 the Philadelphia turnpike. 
 
 6u u \\r a ite Marsch” is White Marsh, eleven miles east of Baltimore, 
 on the Philadelphia turnpike. 
 
MT CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 129 
 
 every possible care, but notwithstanding our desire to suc- 
 ceed in embarking here, we see that it is impossible to think 
 of it. The General has ordered for to-morrow a trial of 
 embarking, and from that it will be decided whether we go 
 by land or down Chesapeake Bay. 61 
 
 On the 13th of September, in the morning, the trial of 
 embarking was made according to the plan of yesterday. 
 The Baron de Viomesnil considered it impossible to think 
 of exposing the troops to the torture of one position, so 
 uncomfortable and so restrained as that which they would 
 be obliged to take for several days, and at great risks in the 
 small boats, shamefully equipped in every respect. He 
 determined to make us go by land, and all the arrangements 
 for subsistence are going to be made. We have two days 
 to remain here, and I shall occupy them with the indispensa- 
 ble repairs of clothes and shoes. We shall march again on 
 the 16th, and it will be the end of the month at the earliest, 
 before we reach our destination. The fatigue of so long a 
 march is not the consideration which troubles me, but it is 
 the fear that on our arrival, the operations against Lord 
 Cornwallis will be begun, perhaps finished. The Baron de 
 Viomesnil nevertheless assured me, that he had the positive 
 statement of the Count de Rochambeau that he would un- 
 dertake nothing before the arrival of our army. May he 
 keep his word ! 
 
 When we learned the news of the arrival of the Count de 
 Grasse, we already knew of the arrival of Admiral Hood at 
 Sandy Hook ; and we are certain that he set sail two days 
 
 61 Means for transportation at this time in Chesapeake Bay were 
 very limited, as the English had destroyed everything upon which 
 they could lay then - hands, that could be used for this purpose. 
 
130 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 after his arrival, with the addition of the squadron of Ad- 
 miral Graves. We think that the English fleet will endeavor 
 either to aid Cornwallis, or to cruise for the sake of cutting 
 off the squadron of M. de Barras, which we know left Rhode 
 Island to join M. de Grasse. We cannot be without anxiety 
 as to the fate of M. de Barras. 
 
 On the 13th, our baggage reached us. A man, arriving 
 from Virginia, assures us that M. de Grasse has sailed from 
 Chesapeake Bay, and he speaks of a fight between the 
 French fleet and the English fleet. I do not give much faith 
 to it. 
 
 On the 15th, we have learned that the grenadiers and the 
 chasseurs, who embarked at Head of Elk, have been obliged 
 to put into Annapolis on account of bad weather. 
 
 On the 16th of September, we resumed our march, and 
 encamped at Spurrier’s Tavern. 62 The Baron de Viomesnil 
 received, while there, a letter * from M. de la Villebrune, 
 captain of the ship “ Romulus,” which announced to him his 
 arrival at Annapolis, with sufficient means to take us 
 down Chesapeake Bay. This news changed the plan of the 
 General. He called the colonels together, to tell us his in- 
 tention of marching to Annapolis, and there embarking us 
 on boats intended for that purpose. 
 
 * This letter also assures us of the union of M. de Barras with M. 
 de Grasse. 
 
 62 “ ‘ Spurrer’s Tavern’ was Spurrier’s Tavern, twelve miles on the 
 Washington road, now the Waterloo Tavern. It was built by one of 
 the Spurriers of Annapolis, and known by his name. This road (viz. 
 the Elk Ridge) was used by people who dreaded the fords and ferries 
 to Annapolis. Of Scott’s Plantation I can get no information.” Letter 
 of Colonel Brantz Mayer. 
 
MT CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 131 
 
 On the 17th of September, we took the route for Annap- 
 olis, and encamped at Scott’s Plantation. 
 
 On the 18th of September, we marched to Annapolis, 
 where we found the boats which they had spoken of. They 
 are working with all their might for the embarkment, and I 
 hope that we shall be able to go on board to-morrow even- 
 ing.* 
 
 * We learned at Annapolis of the fight which the Count de Grasse 
 had on the 5th of September with the English squadron, under Admi- 
 ral Graves. 63 The English appeared off the capes : M. de Grasse, 
 who had not formed a junction with M. de Barras, and who was 
 necessarily anxious, did not hesitate a moment about going out to 
 fight the enemy. He cut his cables, and was at once under sail ; as 
 soon as the enemy discovered the intention of the French admiral, he 
 set all sail to escape, and could be reached only by those French ships 
 which were sheathed with copper. 64 This fight of the leading ships 
 
 63 “The squadron of Admiral Graves had appeared on the 5th of 
 September off Chesapeake Bay. The Count de Grasse, though he had 
 already detached fifteen hundred sailors for landing the troops of 
 M. St. Simon in the James River, did not hesitate to cut his cables, and 
 go to meet the English fleet with twenty-four ships of the line. The 
 English admiral got to the windward ; the vanguard, commanded by 
 M. de Bougainville, overtook the enemy, who was very roughly han- 
 dled. The Count de Grasse pursued him to a distance, and on re-en- 
 tering the bay, found the squadron of M. de Barras, who had profited 
 by the action to reach the anchorage, after having ably convoyed the 
 ten vessels which had our heavy artillery on board.” Souvenirs du 
 lieut.- général M. Dumas, i. 176. 
 
 This victory of the Count de Grasse was of great importance to the 
 allied army. If the French had been defeated in this action, it would 
 have left the British in the possession of Chesapeake Bay, and 
 would have thwarted the plans of General Washington for the cap- 
 ture of Yorktown, and of the British army. 
 
 64 “France began this war with the great disadvantage of fighting 
 the swift, copper-fastened men-of-war of her rival with her own 
 old-fashioned wooden bottoms.” Operations of the French Fleet, 
 p. 14. 
 
132 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 On the 19th and 20th of September, we were engaged in 
 embarking all the material of our army, but we did not go 
 aboard until the morning of the 21st. Our little squadron 
 is composed of the “ Romulus,” the frigates “ Gentille,” 
 “ Diligente,” “ Aigrette,” “Iris,” and the “ Kichmond 66 (the 
 last two have just been taken from the English), and nine 
 transports, — in all fifteen vessels. 67 I was embarked on the 
 “ Diligente,” where I met Lord Rawdon, 68 Colonel Doyle, 
 and Lieutenant Clark of the English Royal Navy, taken on 
 
 with the rear ships was not less brisk on that account, and visibly 
 disadvantageous for the enemy. Night separated the combatants; 
 but M. de Grasse kept up the chase during the whole day of the 6th, 
 but gave it up the next day, lest the wind changing, should give the 
 English an opportunity of getting into Chesapeake Bay; he re- 
 traced his route, and found the squadron of M. de Barras, which 
 had entered during his absence. 65 
 
 65 << we ma de the Count de Barras, who had been at anchor in the 
 roads for two days, start out two vessels of his division, as he could 
 not make out which nation we belonged to. He had witnessed the 
 affair of the 5th, but being unable to distinguish the French fleet, he 
 had anchored in the roads, where we found him.” Operations of the 
 French Fleet, p. 75. 
 
 66 The “Iris” and “Richmond” were frigates, each of forty guns, 
 taken on the 11th of September, near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. 
 
 67 “When Washington arrived at Williamsburg, and found both the 
 French fleets in Chesapeake Bay, he sent ten transports of De Bar- 
 ras’s squadron to bring on the allied forces from Maryland.” Recol- 
 lections and Private Memoirs of Washington, p. 237. 
 
 68 “Lord Rawdon, retiring to England in ill health, after his bar- 
 barous and unjustifiable execution of Haines. He had now the morti- 
 fication to witness, as a prisoner, the defeat of Cornwallis on land, and 
 Graves on the ocean.” Operations of the French Fleet, etc. p. 61, note. 
 
 “ The fleet, on their passage, took a packet from Charleston, with 
 Lord Rawdon on board, bound to Europe.” Letter of W. Gist to Gen- 
 eral Washington, in Boston Independent Ledger, Sept. 24th, 1781. 
 
MT CAMPAIGNS DT AMERICA. 
 
 133 
 
 the packet “ Queen Charlotte.” 69 The last two had their 
 wives with them. 
 
 At four o’clock in the afternoon, we set sail with a steady, 
 fresh wind. 
 
 On the 22d, at four o’clock in the afternoon, we discov- 
 ered the ships which blockaded the mouth of the York River ; 
 at six o’clock, we perceived the main fleet, and at eight 
 o’clock we anchored in Lynn Haven Bay, in the midst of 
 the French fleet. 
 
 On the 23d of September, at five o’clock in the morning, 
 we set sail again, and entered the James River, which we 
 intend to go up. 
 
 In the evening of the 24th, we reached Hogs Ferry, the 
 place of our landing. The navigation of the James River is 
 very difficult ; we were continually obliged to heave the lead ; 
 and, notwithstanding all our precautions, several vessels got 
 aground, and were floated off only by the tide. 
 
 On the 25th of September, our troops landed and en- 
 camped half a mile from Hogs Ferry. 
 
 On the 26th, at four o’clock in the afternoon, we marched 
 and encamped at Williamsburg. We learned there that 
 
 69 “ On the 24th [of August, 1781], we took three English vessels ; 
 one of which, commanded by a lieutenant in the navy, carried 16 
 six-pounders and 8 eighteen-pound howitzers. She had on board four 
 officers and several young women, who, on passing into our hands, 
 were greatly rejoiced at their adversity, and said that the French, 
 even on the sea, were better than their countrymen. There is one 
 style in which they surely would not prove it — being very knowing. 
 I would willingly rely on their judgment, so far as their experience 
 goes. The smaller of the other two was carrying to England a gen- 
 eral officer, who had commanded at Savannah and Charleston, which 
 he had left a week before, and who enjoyed the highest reputation.” 
 Operations of the French Fleet, p. 64. 
 
134 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis had sent some fire-ships to destroy the 
 French vessels which were blockading him, but they have 
 had no effect except to frighten badly some of the crews. 
 Lord Cornwallis is at work briskly in entrenching himself, 
 and shortly we shall march to the place of attack. 
 
 On the 28th, the whole combined army was put in march 
 from Williamsburg to encamp near Yorktown. During a 
 part of the way the army marched in one column, the 
 Americans having the lead. Four miles from our desti- 
 nation, at a fork of two roads, both of which led to York- 
 town, the Americans took the right road, and the French, 
 composed, first, of the volunteers under the Baron St. 
 Simon, brother of the general; second, of the grenadiers 
 and chasseurs of the seven regiments of our army; third, 
 of the brigades of Agenois, Soisonnois, and Bourbonnois, 
 marching left in front, — took the left road. 
 
 We separated, brigade by brigade, a mile from the town 
 and began to invest it. The brigade of Bourbonnois had 
 scarcely reached the position it was to take, when we were 
 informed that some troops of the enemy were appearing. 
 The Count de Bochambeau gave orders to the Marquis de 
 Laval to take the pickets and the artillery of the brigade and 
 follow them up ; we started, and after five or six cannon 
 shots, the small detachment took flight. 
 
 On the 29th of September, General Washington advanced 
 the American army lines in order to tighten the investment. 
 The English troops, encamped in front, fell back on York- 
 town and fired some cannon, which had no other effect than 
 to wound one man. 
 
 In the night of the 29th-30th, the English, whose ad- 
 vanced posts touched ours, abandoned them, and evacuated 
 two redoubts on the side of the French, and one on the side 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 135 
 
 of the Americans, and all the posts and small batteries 
 which they had built to defend a creek, which I should con- 
 sider of the utmost importance to them . 70 I followed the 
 ..Count de Eochambeau in his rounds reconnoitring these 
 redoubts. The places evacuated allowed us to sec and to 
 judge of all the land which surrounds the town and the 
 works which are to defend it ; and it seems to me for this 
 reason that the enemy ought to have kept these redoubts 
 until they were forced to abandon them, although in them- 
 selves, these works were of no great importance . 71 It 
 would have compelled us to feel our way, and would have 
 held us in doubt ; it would have retarded our works, per- 
 haps, instead of leaving us masters of all the approaches 
 to the place, to the distance of six or eight hundred yards. 
 It is clear that the approaches are as easy as possible; 
 means of shelter everywhere ; some small, commanding 
 places ; and the works, neither strong nor considerable in 
 themselves, are, it seems to me, too extended, forming too 
 large an enclosure to be defended easily. We examined 
 carefully the redoubts evacuated ; they are not solid ; the par- 
 apets are not thick, and are made of sandy soil which obliges 
 
 70 Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, whose name is several times men- 
 tioned in these pages, and who took an active part in the defence of 
 Gloucester, wrote a History of the Campaign of 1780 and 1781, 
 Dublin, 1787, in which he severely criticises, on pp. 374-5, the course 
 of Lord Cornwallis, in giving up these positions, so necessary for 
 prolonging the siege until reinforcements should come. 
 
 71 “-vVe were agreeably surprised this morning [Sept. 30] to find 
 that the enemy had, during the preceding night, abandoned three or 
 four of their redoubts, and retired within the town, leaving a consid- 
 erable extent of commanding ground which might have cost us much 
 labor and many lives to obtain by force.” Dr. Thacher’s Military 
 Journal, 2d ed., p. 271. 
 
136 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 them to be propped up lest they fall down ; but the abatis 
 are excellent, having no other fault but being made of pine, 
 and, in consequence, easy to set on fire. I advanced three 
 hundred paces nearer the town, and sa\y a ravine, nearly 
 twenty-five feet deep, which surrounds the whole place, and 
 enters York River above and below the town. This ravine 
 seems to me to be an excellent defence, and I do not under- 
 stand why the enemy left it. Our General at once occupied 
 these two abandoned redoubts ; the one by the grenadiers of 
 Bourbonnois, the other by fifty chasseurs of the regiment of 
 Royal Deuxponts. The rest of the battalion of grenadiers 
 and chasseurs of the brigade and its pickets were placed a 
 little in the rear, behind a slope which shelters them from 
 the guns. This reconnoissance and all these movements 
 could not be made without being discovered from the town, 
 and without causing some guns to be fired at us. They 
 have aimed eight or ten shots at us, but no one has been 
 killed or wounded. 
 
 On the same morning, the Viscount de Viomesnil wishing 
 to reconnoitre the enemy’s works in advance of our left, 
 pushed out in front the volunteers of St. Simon. They took 
 possession of the woods which cover these works, by forcing 
 the English pickets who defended them to fall back on a 
 redoubt, which kept up a sharp volley of bullets and grape, 
 and killed a hussar, broke the arm of another, and the thigh 
 of an officer of the regiment of Agenois. The Count de 
 Rochambeau ordered, on the return of this reconnoissance, 
 the camp of the brigade of Bourbonnois to be changed. 
 We withdrew it in the course of the afternoon, and 
 established ourselves in a wood, a half mile in advance of 
 our first position. 
 
 On the 1st of October, at daybreak, the Americans began 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 137 
 
 to work on an intermediate redoubt, between those evacu- 
 ated on the side of the French and that one evacuated on 
 the side of the Americans. The English were not slow in 
 finding it out, and fired at least three hundred cannon-shots 
 in the course of the day, which killed only two men, and have 
 not interrupted the work. 
 
 On the same day, I made a special reconnoissance on the 
 enemy’s left, and I did not find the defences better than on 
 the side that I have already seen. The land is a little more 
 open, and gives greater facility to the enemy to direct his 
 shots at our works ; but that is the only advantage which 
 this side has for the enemy. I went as far as the York 
 Eiver, and I saw all the English vessels, the position of 
 Gloucester, and the French ships which blockade the river. 
 
 On the 2d of October, the Americans keep up their work 
 on the redoubts ; the English fire at them, but the whole 
 loss of the day has been only one man killed. 
 
 I have made to-day my reconnoissance of the enemy’s 
 right, and I consider that it is the best of all the parts of his 
 line of defence. 
 
 The fire that the enemy has kept up for the last two days 
 on the redoubts which the Americans are building, has con- 
 siderably slackened. They fire no more than a cannon shot 
 from time to time. 
 
 Rather sharp firing was heard in the morning from the 
 other side of the river, after which Tarleton’s cavalry was 
 seen returning in a hurry and in disorder. We think that 
 it has made a sortie from the lines of Gloucester to attack 
 the legion of Lauzun, and we hope that it has been driven 
 back. 72 
 
 72 “ The British are in possession of a place called Gloucester, on 
 the north side of the river, nearly opposite Yorktown; their force 
 
138 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 On the 4th of October, the news of the engagement be- 
 tween the legion of Lauzun and Tarleton’s cavalry is con- 
 firmed ; the legion of Lauzun has repulsed Tarleton. The 
 Duke de Lauzun has charged several times; he was sup- 
 ported by M. de Choisy, who had just arrived with eight 
 hundred marines. 
 
 We have also received this morning the authentic news 
 that after the naval fight of the 5th of September, the En- 
 glish ship of the line “ Terrible,” of 74 guns, was so badly 
 used that they blew her up ; moreover, the “ London,” the 
 “ Shrewsbury,” the “ Robust,” and the “ Prudent,” were in 
 bad condition. 
 
 In the night of the 4th-5th of October, we sent out from 
 our redoubts more patrols than ordinarily, and the Vis- 
 count de Viomesnil, general officer of the day, expressly 
 ordered them to go as far as the intrenchments of the 
 enemy. This order has been perfectly executed; almost 
 all our patrols have fired at the enemy, and it seems that 
 this has caused him some anxiety, for he kept up during the 
 whole night considerable and sustained cannonading. The 
 new redoubt which the Americans have built, and the one 
 
 consists of a British regiment, and Colonel Tarleton’s legion of horse 
 and infantry. In opposition to this force the French legion, under 
 the command of the Duke de Lauzuu, and a detachment of French 
 infantry and militia are posted in that vicinity. Tarleton is a bold 
 and impetuous leader, and has spread terror through the Carolinas 
 and Virginia for some time past. In making a sally from Gloucester 
 yesterday, they were attacked by the French, and defeated with the 
 loss of the commanding officer of their infantry, and about fifty men 
 killed and wounded, among the latter is Tarleton himself. The Duke 
 lost three men killed, and two officers and eleven men wounded.” 
 Dr. Thacker’s Military Journal. 2d ed., p. 272. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 139 
 
 which the English evacuated, and they repaired, are both of 
 them completely finished. 
 
 The night of the 5th-6th was passed like the preceding, 
 with the same patrols and the same cannonading. 
 
 On the 6th of October, everything being in readiness ; the 
 fascines, the gabions, the hurdles, and the saucissons being 
 made ; almost all the siege-guns * having arrived ; the place 
 of the trenches being settled upon, — the General has given 
 the order to open them this very evening. 
 
 The regiments of Bourbonnois and of Soisonnois have 
 received orders for duty in the trenches, and two hundred 
 and fifty men from each of the four regiments which are not 
 in the trenches (the regiment of Touraine being on special 
 duty) have been ordered for the work. All these troops 
 were assembled at the beginning of the trenches at five 
 o’clock in the afternoon ; and the Baron de Yiomesnil, gen- 
 eral officer of the trenches, immediately disposed the regi- 
 ments in the places where they were to cover them. The 
 engineer officers, after night-fall, placed the workmen, and at 
 eight o’clock in the evening the work began. The Ameri- 
 cans, who have the right of the works and of the attack, 
 have made a similar disposition ; the work has been very 
 well conducted, and in the greatest silence. The enemy 
 has fired very little. The right of the attack begins at the 
 York River, about four hundred yards from the town; and 
 the parallel extends, increasing from one hundred to one 
 hundred and twenty yards’ distance, near the redoubt newly 
 built by the Americans. 
 
 * Our siege-guns were put aboard the ships that came with the 
 squadron of the Count de Barras. They were landed seven miles 
 from Yorktown. 
 
 18 
 
140 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 The regiment of Touraine is detached from the army, and 
 has a special duty. It is charged with the construction of 
 the defence of a battery of eight pieces of artillery, and of 
 six howitzers and mortars, which is building on the enemy’s 
 right, and which serves as a false attack. The enemy has 
 directed his fire to-night upon this work. A captain of 
 artillery has had his thigh broken, a grenadier has been 
 killed, and six others have been wounded. 
 
 On the 7th of October, the regiment of Agenois and the 
 regiment of Saint Onge relieved the trenches at noon. 
 They are now sufficiently advanced to be occupied by the 
 first battalions of the regiments of the trenches ; the second 
 battalions are placed in the ravines to the rear, but within 
 supporting distance of the first battalions, at the first move- 
 ment of the enemy. 
 
 On the 8th of October, the regiments of Gatinois and of 
 Royal Deuxponts were detailed for duty in the trenches ; we 
 worked hard on the batteries, which seem to me to be placed 
 perfectly ; and I hope that we shall very soon see the effect 
 of them. 
 
 On the 9th of October, the regiments of Bourbonnois and 
 of Soisonnois relieved the trenches ; at four o’clock in the 
 afternoon, an American battery of two mortars and eighteen 
 pieces of artillery, eighteen pounders and twenty-four pound- 
 ers, began to fire, and the battery of the regiment of Tou- 
 raine also began. 
 
 On the 10th of October, one of the batteries of our front 
 of attack, composed of four twenty-four-pounders, eight six- 
 teen-pounders, four mortars, and two howitzers, has been 
 unmasked, and we have begun to make it play. The superi- 
 ority of the fire of these different batteries over those of the 
 enemy, silenced the firing from the town. All our guns 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 141 
 
 have been well aimed ; several parapets can already be seen 
 with their tops damaged ; and we know, from the reports 
 of several deserters, that the enemy has been much aston- 
 ished at the firing of our batteries, and that our shells, 
 especially, disturb him much. He fires now scarcely, six 
 guns an hour, while heretofore he has kept up rather a 
 steady fire, and well directed ; nevertheless, we have had no 
 reason to complain of the number of men killed and wounded. 
 The trenches have been filled to-day by the regiments of 
 Agenois and of Saint Onge. The enemy wishing this morn- 
 ing to make an attempt on M. de Choisy, sent up the river 
 several flat-boats full of troops ; but M. de Choisy, knowing 
 his design, brought some guns and forced him to retire. 
 
 On the 11th of October, the regiments of Gatinois and 
 of Royal Deuxponts relieved the trenches, and the same night 
 we constructed our second parallel within short musket 
 range of the town, to be ready against a vigorous sortie. 
 Several companies were ordered in consequence as auxiliary 
 grenadiers and chasseurs ; and the Chevalier de Chastellux, 
 general officer of the trenches, made such disposition of the 
 troops as to receive the enemy in the most advantageous 
 manner. At eight o’clock in the evening we began the 
 work ; at ten o’clock we heard a score of musket shots ; 
 everybody thought that it was the beginning of an attack, 
 but it was only an English patrol. There were several 
 small volleys of this kind during the night, and it is to this 
 all the outside attempts of the enemy are confined. Never- 
 theless, they fire many cannon, bombs, and howitzers ; but 
 the fire of our artillery preserves its superiority, and the 
 fire of the enemy has very little effect. At daybreak, our 
 men were sufficiently covered to be safe from running any 
 more great risks. 
 
142 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 The fear lest the fire of our batteries, but slightly ele- 
 vated over the heads of the workmen, should produce some 
 accident, caused the order to our artillery to be suspended. 
 The enemy took advantage of this moment of silence to 
 direct a very brisk fire against our works. The order to 
 the artillery was then countermanded, and they gave again 
 our batteries liberty to fire. Half an hour after our fire 
 began, that of the enemy diminished ; and when we went 
 into the trenches, it was reduced to what it was ordinarily. 
 
 On the 12th of October, the regiments of Bourbonnois and 
 of Soisonnois relieved the trenches. 
 
 On the 13th, the regiments of Agenois and of Saint Onge 
 were detailed for duty in the trenches ; the position of all 
 the batteries of the second parallel is masked, and in two 
 days they will be able to open. Two redoubts of the enemy 
 interrupt completely the continuation of our second parallel, 
 which ought of necessity to be continued to the York River. 
 As long as these two works belong to the enemy, our parallel 
 will be imperfect ; and we all hope that they will be attacked 
 at once. 
 
 On the 14th of October, the regiments of Gatinois and 
 of Royal Deuxponts relieved the trenches ; at the assembly 
 of the regiment of Royal Deuxponts for duty in the trenches, 
 the Baron de Yiomesnil ordered me to come to him on our 
 arrival at the beginning of the trenches. I carried out his 
 orders; he separated the grenadiers and chasseurs of the 
 two regiments of the trenches, and gave me the command 
 of the battalion that he had just formed, telling me that he 
 thought he gave me by that a proof of his esteem and con- 
 fidence. His words were not enigmatical to me ; I was not 
 mistaken as to the object for which he intended me. A 
 moment afterwards he confirmed my opinion, telling me that 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 143 
 
 I should make the attack on one of the redoubts which 
 obstructed the continuation of our second parallel. He 
 gave me orders to place my battalion under cover, and to 
 wait until he should send for me to make with him a recon- 
 noissance of the redoubt. In the course of the afternoon, he 
 took me, with the Baron de L’Estrade, lieutenant-colonel of 
 the regiment of Gatinois, whom he had given to me as 
 second in command, and two sergeants from the grenadiers 
 and chasseurs of this regiment, men as brave as they were 
 intelligent, and who were charged particularly to reconnoitre 
 with the strictest exactitude the road which we should have 
 to follow during the night. We examined with the greatest 
 care the object of the attack, and all the details. The Gen- 
 eral explained very clearly to us his plans. M. de L'Estrade, 
 on account of his experience, and the perfect knowledge 
 which he has of the course to take under like circumstances, 
 would, moreover, make up for the blunders which I might 
 commit. The General ordered me at once to form my bat- 
 talion, and to lead it to that part of the trenches nearest to 
 which we ought to come out. I called together the cap- 
 tains of my battalion, and told them the duty with which we 
 were honored. I had no occasion to excite their courage, 
 nor that of the troops whom I commanded ; but it was my 
 duty to let them know the wishes of the General, and the 
 exact order in which we were to attack the enemy. 
 
 We then started to go into the trenches; we passed by 
 many troops, either of the trenches, of workmen, or of the 
 auxiliary grenadiers and chasseurs. Everybody wished me 
 success and glory, and expressed regrets at not being 
 able to go with me. That moment seemed to me very sweet, 
 and was very elevating to the soul and animating to the 
 courage. My brother, — especially, my brother, and I never 
 
144 
 
 MY CAMPAIGN'S IN AMERICA. 
 
 shall forget it, — gave me marks of a tenderness which pen- 
 etrated to the bottom of my heart. I reached the place 
 that the Baron de Viomesnil had indicated to me ; I there 
 awaited nightfall ; and shortly after dark, the General ordered 
 me to leave the trenches, and to draw up my column in the 
 order of attack. He informed me of the signal of six con- 
 secutive shells, fired from one of our batteries, at which I 
 was to advance ; and in this position I awaited the signal 
 agreed upon. 
 
 The chasseurs of the regiment of Gatinois had the head 
 of my column. They were in column by platoons ; the first 
 fifty carried fascines ; of the other fifty there were only eight 
 who carried ladders ; after them came the grenadiers of 
 Gatinois, ranged by files, then the grenadiers and chasseurs 
 of the regiment of Royal Deuxponts, in column by sections. 
 The whole was preceded by the two sergeants of the regi- 
 ment of Gatinois, of whom I have already spoken, and by 
 eight carpenters, four from the regiment of Gatinois, and 
 four from the regiment of Royal Deuxponts. The chas- 
 seurs of the regiments of Bourbonnois and of Agenois, were 
 a hundred paces to the rear of my battalion, and were in- 
 tended to support me ; and the second battalion of the regi- 
 ment of Gatinois, commanded by the Count de Rostaing, 
 completed my reserve. Before starting, I had ordered that 
 no one should fire before reaching the crest of the parapet 
 of the redoubt ; and when established upon the parapet, that 
 no one should jump into the works before receiving the 
 orders to do so. 
 
 The attack of the French troops was combined with that 
 which the American troops were making on my right, upon 
 a redoubt which rested on the York River. This redoubt 
 was of equal importance on account of the obstacle which it 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 145 
 
 interposed to the continuation of the second parallel. The 
 Marquis de Lafayette commanded this attack, which was 
 to be made at the same time, and was to begin at the same 
 signal as our attack. 
 
 The six shells were fired at last; and I advanced in the 
 greatest silence ; at a hundred and twenty or thirty paces, we 
 were discovered ; and the Hessian soldier who was stationed 
 as a sentinel on the parapet, cried out “Werda”? [Who 
 comes there?]* to which we did not reply, but hastened 
 our steps. The enemy opened fire the instant after the 
 “Werda.” We lost not a moment in reaching the abatis, 
 which being strong and well preserved, at about twenty-five 
 paces from the redoubt, cost us many men, and stopped us 
 for some minutes, but was cleared away with brave deter- 
 mination; we threw ourselves into the ditch at once, and 
 each one sought to break through the fraises, and to mount 
 the parapet.f We reached there at first in small numbers, 
 and I gave the order to fire ; the ênerny kept up a sharp 
 fire, and charged us at the point of the bayonet; but 
 no one was driven back. The carpenters, who had 
 worked hard on their part, had made some breaches in the 
 palisades, which helped the main body of the troops in 
 mounting. The parapet was becoming manned visibly. 
 
 * The English officers taken in the redoubt have told me since, that 
 the moment we were discovered was seized by the English com- 
 mander, named MacPherson, and by thirty men, to save themselves 
 ignominiously. 
 
 t That was not an easy thing to do. I could not have succeeded 
 without aid. I had fallen back into the ditch after a first attempt. 
 M. de Sillegue, a young officer of the chasseurs of Gatinois, who was 
 ahead of me, saw my difficulty, and gave me his arm to assist me in 
 getting up. He received at nearly the same time a musket shot in the 
 thigh. 
 
146 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 Our fire was increasing, and making terrible havoc among 
 the enemy, who had placed themselves behind a kind of 
 intrenchment of barrels, where they were well massed, and 
 where all our shots told. We succeeded at the moment 
 when 1 wished to give the order to leap into the redoubt 
 and charge upon the enemy with the bayonet ; then they laid 
 down their arms, and we leaped in with more tranquillity 
 and less risk. I shouted immediately the cry of Vive 
 le Roi , which was repeated by all the grenadiers and chas- 
 seurs who were in good condition, by all the troops in the 
 trenches, and to which the enemy replied by a general 
 discharge of artillery and musketry. 73 I never saw a sight 
 more beautiful or more majestic. I did not stop to look at 
 it ; I had to give attention to the wounded, and directions 
 to be observed towards the prisoners. At the same time, 
 the Baron de Yiomesnil came to give me orders to be pre- 
 pared for a vigorous defence, as it would be important for 
 the enemy to attempt to "retake this work. An active enemy 
 would not have failed, and the Baron de Yiomesnil judged 
 the English general by himself. I made my dispositions to 
 the best of my ability ; the enemy showered bullets upon 
 us. I did not doubt that the idea of the Baron de Yiomesnil 
 would be fulfilled. Finally, when all was over, a sentinel, 
 charged with observing the movements without, called me, 
 and said that some of the enemy were appearing. I raised 
 my head above the parapet, and at the same time a ball, 
 
 73 “ The French chasseurs and grenadiers met with more difficulties 
 and greater loss ; but they entered with fixed bayonets, and made 
 themselves masters of the redoubt. The Count de Deuxponts, the 
 Count Charles de Damas, and several other French officers of distinc- 
 tion were amongst the foremost of the assailants.” History of the 
 Campaigns o/1780 and 1781, p. 386. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 147 
 
 which ricochetted in the parapet, and passed very near my 
 head, covered my face with sand and gravel. I suffered 
 much, and was obliged to leave the place, and to be con- 
 ducted to the ambulance. 
 
 Fifty-six grenadiers and chasseurs of the regiment of 
 Gatinois, twenty-one grenadiers and chasseurs of the Royal 
 Deuxponts , 74 six chasseurs of the Agenois, and nine soldiers 
 of the second battalion of the Gatinois, have been killed or 
 wounded, in this attack, which lasted only seven minutes. 
 Moreover, M. de Barthelot, captain of the regiment of Gati- 
 nois, was killed ; M. de Sireuil, captain of the chasseurs of 
 this regiment,* had his leg broken, and M. de Sillegue, 
 second lieutenant of chasseurs, was shot through his thigh. 
 The Chevalier de La Meth received two musket balls, one 
 of which broke his knee-pan, and the other pierced his 
 thigh . 75 He volunteered for this attack, as also did the 
 Count de Hamas ; I endeavored to prevent their doing so ; 
 but neither of them listened to the representations that would 
 
 * M. de Sireuil died forty days after, from the effects of his wound. 
 
 74 General Washington gave “to the regiments of Agenois [Gati- 
 nois?] and Deuxponts the two pieces of brass ordnance captured 
 by them, as a testimony of their gallantry in storming the enemy’s 
 redoubt on the night of the 14th instant,” which gift was afterwards 
 confirmed by a resolve of Congress. Memoir of General John Lamb. 
 Albany, 1850, p. 387. 
 
 75 “ I had just been relieved by the Chevalier de Lameth. He marched 
 at the head of the column, leading the sappers, who cleared away the 
 abatis, and cut down the palisades. He was the first to mount the 
 parapet of the redoubt, and received point blank the first discharge 
 of the Hessian infantry which occupied it. Balls passed through both 
 his knees, and he fell into the ditch.” Souvenirs du lieut. -général M. 
 Dumas , i. 85. 
 
 19 
 
148 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 have kept them from glory. The Count de Yauban was also 
 at my attack, and was charged by the Count de Rochambeau 
 to be present in order to give him an account of the affair . 76 
 
 76 The following account of this affair is taken from the Boston 
 Evening Post , November 17, 1781. 
 
 “ Copy of the report of his Excellency the Count de Rochambeau : 
 
 “On the night between the 14th and 15th instant, the trench was 
 mounted by the regiments of Gatinois and Royal Deuxponts, com- 
 manded by the Baron de Viomesnil, to which were added our com- 
 panies of auxiliary grenadiers. We had resolved to attack as soon 
 as dark, the two redoubts on the left of the enemy, that were de- 
 tached from their other works. The Marquis de la Fayette undertook 
 that on our right, with the American troops ; the Baron de Yiomesnil 
 that on the left, with the French. Four hundred grenadiers, com- 
 manded by the Count William Deuxponts and M. de L’Estrade, lieut. 
 colonel of Gatinois, opened the attack ; they were supported by the 
 regiment of Gatinois. The Marquis de la Fayette, and the Baron 
 Yiomesnil made so vigorous and strong disposition of their troops, 
 that they carried two redoubts sword in hand, and killed, wounded, 
 or took the greater part of those who defended them. The number 
 of prisoners amounts to seventy-three, one major and live other 
 officers included. 
 
 “ The troops, both American and French, have shown the most dis- 
 tinguished courage. The Count William Deuxponts was slightly 
 wounded by a cannon ball ; he is not in the least danger. The Chev- 
 alier de la Methe, Adjutant Quarter-Master-General, has been severely 
 wounded in both knees by two different musket balls. M. de Sireuil, 
 captain of the chasseurs of the regiment of Aginois, and two other 
 officers of the same regiment have been wounded. ’Tis the third 
 time that M. de Sireuil, though very young, has been wounded ; un- 
 luckily, this time, the wound is very dangerous. We have had ten 
 men killed or wounded. The troops are full of the highest praises 
 of the Baron de Viomesnil, w'ho likewise is exceedingly pleased with 
 their courage and firmness. 
 
 “ I have ordered two days’ pay to be distributed to the four compa- 
 nies of grenadiers and chasseurs of the regiment of Gatinois and 
 Royal Deuxponts, besides a considerable reward to the ax-bearers 
 and carpenters, who open the way for the troops through the abattis 
 and pallisadoes.” 
 
MT CAMPAIGXS IX AMERICA. 
 
 149 
 
 With troops so good, so brave, and so disciplined as those 
 that I have the honor to lead against the enemy, one can 
 undertake anything, and be sure of succeeding, if the im- 
 possibility of it has not been proved. I owe them the hap- 
 piest day of my life, and certainly the recollection of it will 
 never be effaced from my mind. Would that I were able to 
 find myself, under like circumstances, again with them ; and 
 would that I were able, especially after having again been 
 happy through their means, to give them proofs, more real 
 and more fit, of my zeal and my ardor to serve them. 
 
 In the course of that night, the second parallel was con- 
 tinued. It crosses the redoubt taken by the French and 
 ends at the redoubt taken by the Americans, whose attack 
 was equally successful with ours. 
 
 The day of the loth of October was employed in per- 
 fecting the second parallel. In the night of the 15th— 16th, 
 the enemy made an assault ; the trenches were not guarded 
 with all desirable precaution; many slept; there were few 
 sentinels ; a picket that distrusted nothing ; some batteries, 
 where there was nobody. In short, the enemy succeeded in 
 spiking four guns of a French battery, and two of an Amer- 
 ican battery. 77 We marched out forthwith against the ene- 
 
 77 General Washington, in a letter, dated Oct. 16th, 1781, says : 
 
 “ The works which we have carried, are of vast importance to us. 
 From them we shall enfilade the enemy’s whole line ; and I am in 
 hopes we shall be able to command the communication from York to 
 Gloucester. I think the batteries of the second parallel will be in 
 sufficient forwardness to begin to play in the course of this day. The 
 enemy last night made a sortie for the first time. They entered one 
 of the French and one of the American batteries on the second par- 
 allel, which were unfinished. They had only time to thrust the points 
 of their bayonets into the touch-holes of four pieces of the French 
 and two of the American artillery, and break them off; but the spikes 
 
150 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 my ; but his retreat was already begun, and we could not 
 overtake him. The guns that were spiked were rendered 
 serviceable on the morning of the 16th; almost all our bat- 
 teries will be established and ready to open to-morrow. 
 
 On the 17th of October, we began at ricochet with so 
 much success, that a large part of the fraises of the works 
 of the place were knocked down, and in several places 
 breaches were begun. At ten o’clock in the morning, Lord 
 Cornwallis sent a flag of truce to General Washington, to 
 decide the fate of the garrisons of Yorktown and Gloucester, 
 and to demand a suspension of hostilities. From that 
 moment they began to make arrangements for capitulation ; 
 but they continued to fire until four o’clock, when by means 
 of a new flag of truce, the firing stopped on both sides. 
 Negotiations are entered upon, and we are assured that 
 even the principal articles are already agreed upon. 
 
 On the 18th of October, the arrangements for capitulation 
 have been continued. Some little discussion, they say, came 
 up which delayed the conclusion ; but this evening arrange- 
 ments have been definitively settled. 
 
 On the 19th of October, at nine o’clock in the morning, 
 
 were easily extracted. They were repulsed the moment the support- 
 ing troops came up, leaving behind them seven or eight dead, and six 
 prisoners. The French had four officers and twelve privates killed 
 and wounded, and we had one sergeant mortally wounded.” Sparks’s 
 Washington, viii. 180. 
 
 “In the night of the 15th, the enemy made a sortie with six hun- 
 dred chosen troops, and finding all our redoubts well manned, 
 attacked a battery of the second parallel, where he spiked four pieces. 
 The Chevalier de Chatelus with his reserve, repulsed this sortie of 
 the enemy. The four pieces, badly spiked, were in good condition 
 six hours afterwards, through the care of General d’ Aboville, com- 
 mander of our artillery.” Hochambeau’s Mémoires , i. 291-5. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 151 
 
 the articles were signed; and at four o’clock in the after- 
 noon, the English army, as prisoners of war, composed of 
 the First Battalion of the Guards of the King of England ; 
 of the Seventeenth, Twenty-Third, Thirty-Third, and Forty- 
 Third Regiments of Infantry ; of the Seventy -First, Seventy- 
 Sixth, and Eightieth Regiments of Scotch Highlanders ; 
 of the Hessian Regiments of the Hereditary Prince and of 
 Bose, of the Anspach and Baireuth Regiments ; of the Light 
 Infantry, of the British Legion, and of the Queen’s Rangers , 78 
 have filed between the French and American armies, drawn 
 up in line of battle, the one opposite the other. The cap- 
 tured army immediately laid down their arms, and returned 
 without arms to Yorktown . 79 The regiments of Bourbonnois 
 and of Royal Deuxponts, which were in the trenches when the 
 negotiations began, were not relieved until after the cere- 
 mony. 
 
 78 A partisan corps, made up for the most part of tories and desert- 
 ers from the Americans. 
 
 79 It was only a year and a half before this time, that Lord Corn- 
 wallis had received the sword of General Lincoln, at the surrender of 
 Charleston ; and the same rigid conditions which he required at that 
 time were now exacted from him. “We learn that General Lincoln 
 received the captured Lord Cornwallis, and that the army played up 
 Yankey doodle when the British army marched to lay down their 
 arms.” Boston Independent Ledger, Nov. 12, 1781. 
 
 Until recently the custom has prevailed in some parts of Massachu- 
 setts, and perhaps elsewhere, of celebrating occasionally the anni- 
 versary of the surrender of Yorktown. Such a celebration was called 
 a “ Cornwallis ” ; and it was intended to represent, in a burlesque 
 manner, the siege of the town, as well as the ceremony of the sur- 
 render. The most prominent generals on each side would be person- 
 ated, while the men of the two armies would wear what was supposed 
 to be their peculiar uniform. In 10 Cushing, 252, is to be found a 
 decision of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, enjoining a 
 town treasurer from paying money that had been appropriated by the 
 town for such a celebration. 
 
152 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 The number of the enemy captured, as many soldiers as 
 sailors, is more than eight thousand ; two hundred and four- 
 teen guns, of which seventy-four are brass, fell into our 
 hands. 
 
 On the 21st of October, the different captured regiments 
 came out regiment by regiment from Yorktown, to be con- 
 ducted to their different destinations, either in Virginia, 
 Maryland, or Pennsylvania. 
 
 Orders were given to the assistant quartermasters of the 
 army to establish lodgings for the French army, which was 
 immediately to take winter quarters, and to occupy the 
 towns of Williamsburg, Hampton, Yorktown, and Glouces- 
 ter. 80 
 
 The Count de Rochambeau was pleased to tell me that 
 lie had detailed me to take to France the duplicate of the 
 news of the capture of Lord Cornwallis ; and he ordered 
 me to hold myself in readiness to embark at the earliest 
 date. 81 
 
 On the 24th of October, after having taken orders from 
 the Count de Rochambeau, and having received the packages 
 
 80 “The French army went into winter quarters in the country 
 between James and York Rivers, Hampton, York, Gloucester, Wil- 
 liamsburg, etc., an intermediate position betwen the Northern anct 
 Southern States, from which M. de Rochambeau was able to send 
 succor to the provinces which might be the most seriously threat- 
 ened by the enemy.” Souvenirs du lieut.- général M. Dumas , i. 91-2. 
 
 81 The Count de Rochambeau sent the Duke de Lauzun to France to 
 take the news of the surrender of Cornwallis by one frigate, and the 
 Count des Deuxponts by another [the Andromaque,'] taking a dupli- 
 cate account. Mémoires, i. 296. On page 301, he speaks of hear- 
 ing in the beginning of 1782, of their safe arrival in France. The 
 news of the surrender of Yorktown first reached London, Nov. 25th, 
 by the way of France. Jesse’s Life of George the Third. London, 
 1867, ii. 333, note. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 153 
 
 which he had intrusted to me, I embarked at Yorktown to 
 go to the fleet, and to take orders from the Count de G-rasse. 
 I slept on board of the “Tille de Paris,” 8 - and on the 25th, 
 M. de Dumas, de Laval, de Charlus, and myself, embarked 
 on board of the frigate “ Andromaque,” upon which we are 
 going to leave for France. 
 
 On the 26th, we were kept back by the winds; on the 
 27th, at two o’clock in the afternoon, we set sail with a fair 
 fresh wind. After having passed the Middle Ground Banks,* 
 the moment we found ourselves off Cape Henry, we saw the 
 frigate “ Concorde ” making signals to us, repeating those of 
 the frigate “ Hermione,” which was cruising between Cape 
 Charles and Cape Henry, to inform the army of whatever 
 went on outside. The “ Hermione ” signalized a squadron 
 of forty-four sails. 83 There was no reason to doubt that 
 
 * The Count de Grasse, who had been lying moored since the be- 
 ginning of his station in Lynn Haven Bay, had left that position, and 
 had anchored behind the Middle Ground Banks. 84 
 
 88 This was a noted ship in the French navy. She was a present 
 from the City of Paris to the King, and carried 110 guns. She was 
 captured by the English, April 12th, 1782, and afterwards foundered 
 at sea. 
 
 83 “The Andromache was about to hoist sail on the 28th, to carry 
 duplicates of the same despatches ; but returned into the bay ; the 
 frigates on the watch having signalled the English fleet; on the 
 morning of the 29th, thirty-one sails could be already made out oflf 
 Cape Charles ; by evening, forty -four were signalled ; the 30th, they 
 made various manœuvres, sometimes on one tack, sometimes on the 
 other; at last, at three, they stood on the larboard tack, with the 
 wind on the quarter, and we saw no more of them.” Operations of 
 the French Fleet, p. 164. 
 
 84 “ The Count de Grasse then left the anchorage of Lynn Haven, 
 where ships are not safe, and occupied that beyond Middle Ground 
 
154 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 they were the enemy, of whom we had been informed three 
 days before. It was now impossible for us to continue our 
 course, and we put about, to return to the James River. 
 
 On the 28th of October, the enemy continued to cruise 
 within sight, and we learn that they bring six thousand 
 infantry to the aid of Lord Cornwallis. I imagine that they 
 will soon learn of his surrender, and that they will give up 
 the idea of attacking thirty-six French vessels with their 
 twenty-eight vessels. Our position in the James River not 
 being very good, we set sail to-day to return to the main 
 squadron, of which we shall await the departure before we 
 leave ourselves. 
 
 On the 29th, the English squadron is continually in sight, 
 and we wait with impatience for the Count de Grasse to 
 make the signal to set sail. We went to-day on board of 
 his ship ; he is suffering considerably from a severe oppres- 
 sion in breathing [asthma?]. We there learned that the 
 reasons of the delay in his leaving, are the embarkation 
 of the troops of the division of M. de St. Simon. He is 
 expecting, moreover, four hundred oxen to provision the 
 fleet; and not wishing to return to Chesapeake Bay, he 
 is obliged to wait until his vessels are all ready. 
 
 On the 30th of October, there was no knowledge of the 
 enemy this morning. 
 
 On the 1st of November, as the enemy had not appeared 
 for two days, the Count de Grasse sent an ensign on board 
 of the “ Andromaque,” to wish us a pleasant voyage, and to 
 
 and Horseshoe Bank.” Supplement à la Gazette de France, 20 Nov. 
 1781. Translated by Henry B. Dawson, Esq., and found on page 37 
 of Two Letters respecting the Conduct of Bear Admiral Graves. Mor- 
 risania, N. Y., 1866. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 155 
 
 permit our captain, M. de Ravanel, to set sail. We got 
 under way at eleven o’clock, passed Cape Henry at two 
 o’clock, and afterwards brought it to bear east. The “ Her- 
 mione ” escorted us until night. 
 
 On the 2d of November, at half-past seven in the morn- 
 ing, we discovered a sail at a great distance, which immedi- 
 ately gave us chase. The orders of the Count de Grasse to 
 avoid every action, were precise and clear; and for that 
 reason we set all sail to escape. This vessel sailed better 
 than ours, which did not sail well ; and if the day had lasted 
 two hours longer, she would have come up with us. We 
 took a false course during the night, and the next day we 
 could discover nothing. 
 
 From the 2d to the 20th of November, the day of our 
 arrival in France, we made a good run. The fresh and 
 strong winds drove us along better than we could expect 
 from the speed of our frigate. The passage was rough ; we 
 experienced some gales, but they favored our wishes, and 
 accomplished our object. After a passage of nineteen days, 
 we made the coast of France ; and on the 24th of November, 
 I enjoyed the inexpressible pleasure of embracing, at Ver- 
 sailles, those persons who are to me the dearest. 
 
 The life of man is mingled with pain ; but one ought not 
 to complain when he has enjoyed those delicious moments 
 which are its compensations. A single instant makes him 
 forget them ; and that instant deeply felt makes him even 
 desire new pains, in order to enjoy again their recompense. 
 
 20 
 
 END. 
 
156 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 [LETTERS.] 
 
 Letter which the Baron de Yiomesnil, commanding gen- 
 eral of the attack on the two redoubts, wrote, in sending me 
 the account he gave of these attacks to the Count de Ro- 
 chambeau : 
 
 In Camp front of Yorktown, 16 October, 1181. 
 
 You have done so much, Count, for the success, which is 
 going to hasten the capitulation of Lord Cornwallis, that I 
 must make it my duty to address you herewith a copy of 
 the account which I gave to the Count de Rochambeau of 
 the events in the trenches on the 14th— 15th. If I was mis- 
 taken in regard to certain things which you could see before, 
 you will do me great pleasure in giving me notice of it, so 
 that I can correct my errors. I have a strong desire that 
 the promotion I asked for you and for M. de L’Estrade, your 
 comrade in glory, should be accorded. I believe the good 
 of the service is interested in it. Events of this kind are so 
 rare, the service which you have rendered has been so use- 
 ful, and the distinction and the energy of your conduct are 
 so well known throughout the whole army, that I do not 
 think there exists a single Frenchman who could disapprove 
 of your being made brigadier. 
 
 As for myself, Count, I am too happy in being able to 
 find this occasion of proving to you my opinion and my con- 
 fidence ; I desire that this should prompt you to accord to 
 me your friendship, and to continue to make some account 
 of the sentiments of the tender and faithful attachment with 
 which I have the honor to be, etc., 
 
 [Signed] 
 
 Viomesnil. 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 157 
 
 Account rendered by the Baron de Yiomesnil to the Count 
 de Rochambeau, of the attack on the two redoubts at York- 
 town: 
 
 In the Trenches, 14th-15th October, 1783. [sic.] 
 
 General: — General Washington having approved, last 
 evening in the trenches, of the disposition which I had made, 
 and of my instructions given to the Marquis de Lafayette, 
 to General Steuben, as well as to MM. des Deusponts, de 
 L’Estrade, and de Rostaing for the attack on the two re- 
 doubts on the left of the enemy, which you have prescribed 
 for me to carry, I came back to the column of attack which 
 I had proposed to lead in person, and after having given to 
 the Count de Custine the directions and necessary orders 
 about the troops which were to remain in the trenches, we 
 debouched at the signal agreed upon, in good order and in 
 silence. The two redoubts were attacked and carried 
 nearly at the same time. The Marquis de Lafayette be- 
 haved at the attack, with which he was charged, with as 
 much intrepidity as intelligence. His infantry showed them- 
 selves there as if they were grenadiers accustomed to 
 difficult things ; all those who defended the redoubt attacked 
 by the Americans were killed or captured. A major and 
 an officer were among the latter. The Count William des 
 Deuxponts, who commanded four hundred grenadiers or 
 chasseurs, whom I had intended for the attack on the grand 
 redoubt, marched there, as well as M. de L’Estrade, lieuten- 
 ant-colonel of the Gatinois, whom I had placed under his 
 orders and in his advance guard, with so much order 
 and firmness, that they were not six minutes in making 
 themselves masters of this redoubt, and in manning it. 
 They went in, both of them, with the first grenadiers, after 
 
158 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 they had cut a passage, with axe in hand, through the abatis 
 in the ditch, and through the fraises of this work. A hun- 
 dred and forty men who defended it, and who kept up a 
 very sharp fire of musketry, were killed or captured. Some 
 of them escaped, among whom Colonel MacPherson is sup- 
 posed to be. The Count de Rostaing, who marched with 
 two companies of auxiliary chasseurs, and the second 
 battalion of his regiment, to the support of this attack, 
 equally conducted himself with much courage and dis- 
 tinction. Four hundred men of the regiment of Gati- 
 nois showed themselves, under these circumstances, as if 
 Auvergne 85 had been there altogether. The particular 
 details must please you. Unfortunately, they have lost 
 nearly seventy men, of whom fifty were grenadiers or chas- 
 seurs. M. de Berthelot was killed ; M. de Sireuil, captain 
 of chasseurs, and an officer of great distincton, had his leg 
 shattered, and M. de Sillegue, lieutenant of chasseurs was 
 very severely wounded. The grenadiers and chasseurs of 
 Deuxponts have had twenty-two men killed or wounded; 
 the chasseurs of Agenois six men killed; those of Bour- 
 bonnois, who had the head of the column, commanded 
 by M. de Rostaing, fortunately lost no one. This decisive 
 
 as << The regiment of Gatinois was made up from the regiment of 
 Auvergne, and was to lead the attack. The Count de Rochambeau 
 said to the grenadiers : My boys, if I have need of you to-night, I 
 hope you will not forget Auvergne sans tache, an honorable epithet of 
 this regiment, which it has merited on all occasions. They replied 
 that they would be killed to a man ; and at the same time asked to 
 have their old name restored. They behaved in a manner worthy of 
 the highest praise ; and the king has since by an ordinance, given this 
 regiment the name of Royal Auvergne. M. de Sireuil, captain of 
 chasseurs, was wounded, and died of his wounds.” Histoire des 
 Troubles de l'Amérique Anglaise. Paris, 1787, iii. 395. 
 
MT CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 159 
 
 attack lias cost in all nearly one hundred men ; but it will 
 reflect the greatest honor on the Count William des Deux- 
 ponts, M. de L’Estrade, the Count de Rostaing, and the 
 officers and troops who have been engaged in it. There 
 were joy and confidence before sallying out, silence, energy, 
 and difficulties overcome during the attack, much order and 
 humanity after the success. 
 
 General, this is what I have seen of the nation, and of the 
 grenadiers of Deuxponts, after twenty years of peace ; and 
 this is what I am happy to announce to you. 
 
 I ought also to speak to you of two sergeants of the regi- 
 ment of Gatinois, whom I had particularly charged to march 
 at ten paces in front of the grenadiers, to reconnoitre and 
 to show the ways or the points the most favorable to clear 
 the abatis, — the two men who have both been preserved j 
 have so well justified that which the Baron de L’Estrade 
 had told me of their intelligence and of their bravery, that 
 I consider it a duty to mention them with distinction ; and 
 I pray you not to refuse that I should have the honor of 
 presenting them to you to-morrow morning. MM. de Vau- 
 ban and de La Meth, commissioned by you and M. de Béville 
 to be at this attack, and the Count de Damas, whose repu- 
 tation, pure and well-known zeal, had alone prompted him 
 to be there, entered the redoubt with the first grenadiers, 
 and everywhere showed themselves to be true paladins. 
 They have the essence of courage, which will some day be 
 a fine example for the soldiers whom they will be charged to 
 lead, and certainly of the greatest utility for the service of 
 the King. The Chevalier de La Meth was wounded very 
 seriously in both legs, after having mounted the parapet. 
 
 MM. de Yiomesnil, de St. Amand, de Chabannes, de 
 Brentano, Desoteux, and de Pange, my aides-de-camp, have 
 
160 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 deserved to be mentioned in general and in particular, for 
 their distinguished conduct at that attack, and their prompt- 
 ness in the execution of the orders I gave them during 
 the night. 
 
 The Chevalier de Menonville, aide-major-general, having 
 himself led two hundred workmen of the regiment of Soison- 
 nois, who were going to push the second parallel as far as 
 the redoubt carried by the Count William des Deuxponts. 
 This work has been so well performed, under the direction 
 of the Chevalier Doiré, so near the enemy, and so promptly, 
 that I consider it just to give ten sous extra to each of the 
 workmen. MM. de Turpin , 86 and de Gouvion , 87 worked with 
 the same success between the captured redoubts, and at the 
 communication of the first and second parallel of the Ameri- 
 cans. 
 
 The artillery had done wonders during the whole time 
 which preceded the two attacks. M. d’Aboville and the 
 commanders of batteries have even surpassed themselves in 
 preparing for the success. 
 
 I do not yet know the loss of the Americans ; when the 
 Marquis de Lafayette and the Baron de Steuben shall have 
 sent me the particulars, I shall hasten to address you; 
 according to what they tell me, their loss is not much . 88 
 
 80 A captain of engineers, who made the drawings of the Natural 
 Bridge in Virginia, for the second volume of Chastellux’s Travels. 
 
 87 Brevetted colonel by Congress, Nov. 16, 1781, for distinguished 
 conduct at the siege of Yorktown. 
 
 88 “ The cause of the great loss sustained by the French troops, in 
 comparison with that of the Americans, in storming their respective 
 redoubts, was that the American troops, when they came to the abattis, 
 removed a part of it with their hands, and leaped over the remainder. 
 The French troops, on coming up to theirs, waited till their pioneers 
 had cut away the abattis, secundum artem, which exposed them longer 
 
MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 161 
 
 The Count William has been wounded in the face, though 
 slightly ; his conduct has been so brilliant, and his bravery 
 so distinguished and so decisive, that I pray you, General, to 
 obtain from the favor of the King for him the rank of brig- 
 adier. 
 
 I ask you to procure the same rank for the Baron de 
 L’Estrade, who has served for more than forty years, and 
 who has given an example to the grenadiers and chasseurs 
 of his regiment, worthy of the highest eulogy. The Count 
 de Rostaing, colonel since the year 1770, being also very 
 distinguished, if you would ask for him the rank of briga- 
 dier, I am persuaded that it will not be refused. 
 
 General Washington having appeared satisfied at the 
 success of our attacks, there will remain to me nothing more 
 to desire, if you will add your approbation of all that was 
 done, during the time of my service in the trenches. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with the most respectful attach- 
 ment, general, 
 
 Your very humble and very obedient servant, 
 
 [Signed] Yiomesnil. 
 
 Letter which was written to me by the Minister of War, 
 on my return to France. 
 
 Versailles, 5 December, 1781. 
 
 Upon the account, Monsieur, which I have given to the 
 King, of the valor and courage with which you have con- 
 ducted yourself at the head of the grenadiers, which you 
 commanded at the attack on a redoubt at Yorktown, his 
 Majesty, to show you his full satisfaction, has deigned to 
 
 to the galling fire of the enemy.” Dr. Thacher’s Military Journal. 
 2d ed., p. 276. 
 
162 
 
 MY CAMPAIGNS IN AMERICA. 
 
 give you a place of chevalier in the military order of St. 
 Louis, by special distinction, as you have not served the • 
 requisite time to be eligible. He accords to you, besides 
 the assurance of one of the first regiments of dragoons, as 
 soon as there is a vacancy. I pray you to be persuaded of 
 the pleasure I take in announcing to you these favors. 
 
 I have the honor to be, sir, your very humble and very 
 obedient servant, 
 
 [Signed] 
 
 Ségur. 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 
 We give below the places of encampment, occupied by 
 the French army on its way from Newport to Yorktown. 
 It marched by regiments from Providence to Newtown, 
 Conn., and thence by brigades. The dates refer to the 
 encampments of the regiment, or of the brigade, to which 
 Count William de Deux-Ponts belonged. The table does 
 not differ materially from the route laid down by the Abbé 
 Robin, in his Nouveau Voyage, pp. 222—4. According to 
 his dates, the Abbé must have accompanied the regiment of 
 Soisonnois. 
 
 June 10-18, 
 
 Providence. 
 
 Aug. 25, 
 
 Sufferns. 
 
 
 BY 
 
 REGIMENTS. 
 
 “ 26, 
 
 Pompton. 
 
 it 
 
 19, 
 
 Waterman’s Tavern. 
 
 “ 27, 28 
 
 Hanover or Whippany. 
 
 a 
 
 20, 
 
 Plainfield. 
 
 “ 29, 
 
 Bullions’ Tavern. 
 
 a 
 
 21, 
 
 Windham. 
 
 “ 30, 
 
 Somerset. 
 
 ct 
 
 22, 
 
 Bolton. 
 
 “ 31, 
 
 Princeton. 
 
 a 
 
 23-25, 
 
 Hartford. 
 
 Sept. 1, 
 
 Trenton. 
 
 ii 
 
 26, 
 
 Farmington. 
 
 “ 2, 
 
 Red Lion Tavern. 
 
 a 
 
 27, 
 
 Baron’s Tavern. 
 
 “ 3, 4, 
 
 Philadelphia. 
 
 “ 
 
 28, 
 
 Break Neck. 
 
 “ 5, 
 
 Chester. 
 
 ii 
 
 29, 30, 
 
 Newtown. 
 
 “ 6, 
 
 Wilmington. 
 
 
 BY 
 
 BRIGADES. 
 
 “ 7, 8, 
 
 Elkton. 
 
 July 
 
 1, 
 
 Ridgebury. 
 
 “ 9, 
 
 near the Ferry over the 
 
 2 , 
 
 Bedford. 
 
 a 
 
 3-5, 
 
 North Castle. 
 
 ii 
 
 10, 
 
 a 
 
 6-20, 
 
 Phillipsburg. 
 
 it 
 
 n, 
 
 a 
 
 21, 
 
 on the march. 
 
 (( 
 
 12-15, 
 
 a 
 
 22, 
 
 near King’s Bridge. 
 
 it 
 
 16, 
 
 a 
 
 23 to Aug. 18, Phillipsburg. 
 
 a 
 
 17, 
 
 Aug. 
 
 19, 
 
 near Alexander Lark’s. 
 
 a 
 
 18-21, 
 
 a 
 
 o 
 
 <M 
 
 Leguid’s Tavern. 
 
 a 
 
 22-24, 
 
 a 
 
 21, 
 
 Hound’s Tavern. 
 
 a 
 
 25, 
 
 a 
 
 22, 23 
 
 , Yerplanck’s Point. 
 
 a 
 
 26, 27 
 
 a 
 
 24, 
 
 Haverstraw. 
 
 a 
 
 CO 
 
 CM 
 
 Susquehanna. 
 
 Bush, Harford County. 
 White Marsh. 
 Baltimore. 
 Spurrier’s Tavern. 
 Scott’s Plantation. 
 Annapolis, 
 on board ships. 
 ' near Hogs Ferry. 
 
 Williamsburg, 
 front of Yorktown. 
 
INDEX 
 
 A 
 
 Aboville, M. cle, 70, ICO. 
 
 “ Abrégé de la Révolution de V Amé- 
 rique Angloise,” cited, 112 n. 
 
 Arjenois, brigade of, at Yorktown, 
 49, 50, 134, 136; regiment of, in 
 the trenches, 54, 56, 140, 141, 
 142; supports Deux-Ponts in 
 his attack on the enemj r ’s re- 
 doubts, 58, 144; its loss in the 
 capture of the redoubts, 60, 68, 
 147, 158. 
 
 “ Aigrette,” frigate, at Annapolis, 
 47, 132. 
 
 “Alliance,” frigate, arrival of, at 
 Boston, 91 n. 
 
 “ Almanach de Gotha,” cited, x n. 
 
 “ Amazone,” frigate, 3, 5, 8, 15, 
 78, 80, 83, 85, 92; sails for 
 Prance, 20, 97 ; chased by Eng- 
 lish cruisers and dismasted, 97 
 n. 
 
 American army, union of, with the 
 French forces at Phillipsburg, 
 85, 116; force of the, ih. n. 
 
 André, Major John, capture of, 
 19 n, 96 a; his connection with 
 Arnold in his treason, 41, 124. 
 
 “ Andromaque,” frigate, Count 
 William de Deux-Ponts sails in 
 the, for France, 63, 154 ; returns 
 to James Eiver, 64, 154; sails 
 again, 64, 155; chased, 65, 155; 
 arrives in France, ih. 
 
 Anhalt, regiment of, embarks for 
 America, 1, 75. 
 
 Annapolis, the grenadiers and 
 chasseurs at, 46, 130 ; arrival of 
 the “ Romulus ” at, 46, 130 ; 
 
 march of the army to, 47, 131, 
 163; embarkation at, 47, 132, 
 163. 
 
 Anselme, M. d’, 23, 102. 
 
 Anspach regiment, surrenders at 
 Y'orktown, 62, 151. 
 
 Arbutiinot, Admiral Marriot, be- 
 fore Charleston, 9, 10, 11, 84, 85, 
 86 ; threatened attack by, on 
 Newport, 16, 92, 93. 
 
 “ Ardent,” the, 64-gun ship, 3, 23, 
 28, 78, 102, 107 ; sails from 
 Newport, 21. 99. 
 
 Arnold, Benedict, treason of, 
 19 n, 41, 96 m, 124; expedition 
 against, 23, 24, 102, 103. 
 
 “ Astrée,” frigate, arrival of the, 
 at Boston, 23, 101. 
 
 Auvergne, regiment of, 68, 158; 
 address of the Count de Ro- 
 chambeau to the grenadiers of 
 the, 158 n. 
 
 B 
 
 Baireuth regiment, surrenders at 
 Yorktown, 62, 151. 
 
 Baltimore, Md., 44, 127 ; arrival of 
 the army at, 45, 128, 163. 
 
 Barber’s “ Historical Collections 
 of Connecticut,” cited, 97 n. 
 
 Baron’s Tavern, Kochambeau’s 
 army at, 33, 113, 163. 
 
 Barras, Count Louis de, arrival 
 of, at Boston, 29, 108 ; at New- 
 port, 30, 109; joins the Count 
 de Grasse, 46, 130; in York 
 River, 53 n, 159 n. 
 
 “ Bedford ” 74-gun ship, dismasted, 
 21, 99. 
 
1G6 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Bedford (New Bedford), 29, 109. 
 
 Bedford, the brigade of Bourbon- 
 nois at, 33, 114, 1G3. 
 
 “ Bellone,” frigate, 3,78; returns 
 to France, ib. 
 
 Bermuda passed by the French 
 squadron, 5, 80. 
 
 Bernard (?) Count Deux-Ponts, 
 xi. 
 
 Berthelot, Capt. de, killed in the 
 assault upon the redoubts at 
 Yorktown, GO, 68, 147, 158. 
 
 Betiiune, ix. 
 
 Bévili/e, M. de, 69, 159. 
 
 Block Island, 17, 29, 94, 108. 
 
 Bolton, Conn., Rochambeau’s 
 troops at, 32, 113, 163. 
 
 Borodino, battle of, ix, x. 
 
 Bose, Hessian regiment of, sur- 
 renders at Yorktown, 62, 151. 
 
 “ Boston Independent Ledger,” 
 cited, 132 n, 151 n. 
 
 Boston, 12, 30, 88, 110. 
 
 Bougainville, M. de, 131 n. 
 
 Bourbonnois, brigade of, embarks 
 at Newport for Providence, 31, 
 111; grenadiers and chasseurs 
 detached from the, 33, 114; 
 leaves Newtown, ib. ; at Ridge- 
 bury, Bedford and North Castle, 
 33, 114; near King’s Bridge, 38, 
 120; crosses the Hudson, 41, 
 124; at Haverstraw, ib. ; leaves 
 the encampment, ib. ; crosses 
 the Delaware at Princeton, 42, 
 125; at Philadelphia, 43, 126; at 
 Annapolis, 47, 131; at York- 
 town, 49, 134; their place of 
 encampment changed, 51, 136. 
 
 Bourbonnois regiment, under or- 
 ders for America, 1, 75; em- 
 barks, 3, 77 ; goes into winter 
 quarters at Newport, 20, 97; 
 embarks for Providence, 31, 
 111; leaves the camp at Provi- 
 dence, 32, 113; breaks camp at 
 Hartford, 33, 113; the battalion 
 of grenadiers and chasseurs of 
 the, forms the rear guard of the 
 army, 41, 123; ordered on duty 
 in the trenches before York- 
 town, 53, 139; supports the at- 
 tack on the enemy’s redoubts, 
 
 58, 68, 144, 158; in the trenches 
 at the time of the capitulation 
 of Cornwallis, 62, 151. 
 
 Break Neck, Rochambeau’s army 
 at, 33, 113, 163. 
 
 Brentano, M. de, 69, 159. 
 
 Brenton’s Point, R. I., 18, 95. 
 
 Brest, French squadron blockaded 
 in the harbor of, 91 n, 92 n. 
 
 Brig, capture of an English, by 
 the French squadron, 5, 80. 
 
 “ Bristol,” 30-gun ship, 9 n, 84 n. 
 
 Bristol, R. I., 90 n. 
 
 British Legion surrenders at York- 
 town, 62, 151. 
 
 Brook River, 36, 117. 
 
 Bullions’ Tavern, encampment 
 at, 42, 125, 163. 
 
 Bush, Harford Co., Md., the army 
 at, 44, 128, 163. 
 
 Butler, Gen. Richard, his diary 
 cited, xi. 
 
 C 
 
 Campaign of 1780, 1, 75; of 1781, 
 21, 99. 
 
 “ Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, 
 History of the”, cited, 146 n. 
 
 Canonicut Island. See Connonicut. 
 
 Cape Charles, 25, G3, 104, 153. 
 
 Cape François, 39, 121. 
 
 Cape Henry, 63, 153 ; arrival of the 
 French squadron at, 10, 85 ; 
 passed by the “ Andromaque” 
 on her way to France, 64, 155. 
 
 Casimira, daughter of Baron 
 Christian of JZweibriick, ix. 
 
 Celto, Arianne, Baroness, x. 
 
 ChabanneS, M. de, 69, 159. 
 
 Charles Augustus, duke of Deux- 
 Ponts-Birkenfeld, xiv, xv. 
 
 Charles, Duke, of Zweibriick, ix. 
 
 Charles, son of Count William de 
 Deux-Ponts, x. 
 
 Charles (Gust a vus) X, elected 
 King of Sweden in 1654, xiv. 
 
 Charles Theodore, Elector Pal- 
 atine, xv. 
 
 Charleston, S. C., siege and cap- 
 ture of, 6, 80; “ Siege of, by the 
 British fleet and army cited, 
 80 n. 
 
 “ Charon," the, 50-gun ship, 22, 
 100 ; burnt, 100 n. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 167 
 
 Chastellux, Marquis de, 55, 141, 
 160 n ; liis “Voyages”, cited, 
 124 n, 127 n. 
 
 Choisy, M. de, arrival of at New- 
 port, 19, 96; appointed to pro- 
 tect tlie anchorage of the squad- 
 ron, 31, 111; at Yorktown, 52, 
 138; attack upon, 55, 141. 
 
 Christian, Baron of Zweibriick, 
 is ; see Deux-Ponts. 
 
 Christian, Duke, of Zweibriick, 
 Count Palatine and Duke of 
 Deus-Pouts-Berkenfeld, viii, 
 siv, xv. 
 
 Christian, son of Count William 
 de Deux-Ponts, x. 
 
 Chesapeake Bay, 10, 21, 22, 64, 85, 
 86 n, 99, 100, 154; limited means 
 of transportation in, 45, 129 ; 
 engagement of the Count de 
 Grasse with Admiral Graves, 
 oil', 47 ii, 131 n, 132, ib. n. 
 
 Chester, encampment at, 43, 126, 
 163. 
 
 Church’s History of Philip’s War, 
 90 n. 
 
 Clark, Lieut., R. N., a prisoner on 
 board the “ Diligente”, 47, 132. 
 
 Clinton, General Sir Henry, 19 
 n, 41 n, 80 n, 96 n, 123 n\ 
 threatened attack on Rocham- 
 beau at Newport by, 16, 17, 93 ; 
 the design relinquished, 17, 94; 
 embarks his troops in Hunting- 
 ton Bay, ib. 
 
 Clochetterie, M. de la, 83 n; 
 commander of the “Jason”, 28, 
 107 ; killed, 107 n ; notice of, ib. 
 
 “ Comtesse de Noailles”, the. 3, 77. 
 
 “ Concorde”, frigate, arrives at 
 Boston, 29, 97 n, 108; off Cape 
 Henry, 63, 153. 
 
 Congress, honors to, by thePrench 
 army, 43, 126. 
 
 Connonicnt Island, batteries erect- 
 ed on, 16. 92, 93 ; abandoned by 
 Rochambeau, 16, 93. 
 
 “ Conquérant,” 74-gun ship, 8, 10, 
 23, 27, 28, 77, 85, 101, 106, 107. 
 
 Council of war on board the “ Due 
 de Burgogne,” 30, 110. 
 
 Cornwallis, Capt., R. N., 9 n, 84 
 n. 
 
 Cornwallis, Charles, Marquis, 
 at Portsmouth, Va., 39, 122; 
 his position the object of at- 
 tack, 42, 125 ; his preparations 
 for defence, 48, 134; his course 
 during the siege criticised, 135 
 n ; flag of truce from, 62, 150 ; ar- 
 ticles of capitulation signed, 62, 
 151 ; surrenders his sword to 
 General Lincoln, 151 n ; rein- 
 forcements for, 64, 154. 
 
 “ Cornwallis," a, celebration of the 
 surrender at Yorktown, 151 n. 
 
 “ Culloden,” 74-gun ship, loss of 
 the, 21, 99. 
 
 Cushing’s Beports, cited, 151 n. 
 
 Custine, Adam Philippe, Count 
 de, 16, 67, 93, 157 ; notice of, 
 93 n, 127 n. 
 
 D 
 
 Damas, Count Charles de, 146 n, 
 a volunteer in the attack on the 
 redoubts at Y'orktown, 60, 147 ; 
 his gallant conduct, 69, 159. 
 
 Dawson, Henry B., 154 n, his 
 “ Battles of the United States,” 
 cited, xi. 
 
 Desoteux, M., 69, 159. 
 
 Destouches, M., 7 n, 27, 82 n, 105 : 
 takes command of the French 
 squadron, 20, 98 ; sends an expe- 
 dition to the Chesapeake, under 
 M. de Tilley, 22, 100 n; return of 
 the expedition, 25, 104; engage- 
 ment with the English fleet near 
 Cape Charles, 25 — 28, 104 — 108. 
 
 Deux-Ponts, Baron Christian 
 de, ix, xv, xvi, 5, 79 ; visits 
 West Point in company with 
 Lafayette, xii ; distinguished 
 at Yorktown, x, xiii; his af- 
 fection for his brother, 57, 143. 
 
 Deux-Ponts, Count William de 
 vii, ix, x, xi, xv ; distin- 
 guished at Yorktown, x, xiii, 
 xv ; wounded at Yorktown, x; 
 his early life, xv ; his marriage, 
 ib. ; made a chevalier of the or- 
 der of St. Louis, xvi, 71, 162 ; 
 ordered to report at Landernau, 
 2, 76; arrives at Brest, 3, 77; 
 embarks for America, ib., his de- 
 
168 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 parture from Brest, ib ; incidents 
 of the voyage, 4—14, 78 — 90 ; ar- 
 rival at Newport, 14, 90; recep- 
 tion at Newport, 15, 91 ; on de- 
 tached service, 16, 93; embarks 
 for Providence, 31, 111 ; in camp 
 at Providence, 31, 112; leaves 
 Providence, 32, 113; at Hart- 
 ford, 32, 113; at North Castle, 
 34, 114; joins the American 
 army at Phillipsburg, 35, 116; 
 marches to King’s Bridge, 37, 
 120 ; commands the battalion 
 of grenadiers and chasseurs of 
 the brigade of Bourbonuois, 40, 
 122; at Lark’s house, ib. ; at 
 Leguid’s tavern, 40, 123; his 
 battalion forms the rearguard of 
 the army, 41, 123; at Hound’s 
 Tavern, ib. ; in the advance 
 guard of the army, ib. ; at Ha- 
 verstraw, 41, 124; at Sufferns, 
 42, 124; at Pompton, ib.; at 
 Hanover, Bullions’ Tavern, 
 Somerset and Princeton, 42, 125 ; 
 crosses the Delaware at Prince- 
 ton, ib. ; at Bed Lion Tavern, 
 ib. ; enters Philadelphia, 43, 
 126 ; at Chester, ib. ; his impres- 
 sions of Washington, ib. n. ; 
 crosses the Susquehanna, 44 
 128 ; at Bush and White Marsh, 
 ib. ; arrives at Baltimore, 45, 
 128 ; marches to Spurrier’s Tav- 
 ern, 46, 130 ; arrives at Annapo- 
 lis, 47, 131; embarks at An- 
 napolis, 47, 132; on board 
 the “ Diligente,” ib. ; arrives 
 at Lynn Haven Bay, 48, 
 133 ; enters James Kiver, ib. ; 
 lands at Hog’s Ferry, ib. ; en- 
 camps at Williamsburg, ib. ; en- 
 camps near Yorktown, 48, 134; 
 on a reconnoissance with Eo- 
 cliambeau, 49, 135 ; makes a 
 special reconnoissance to York 
 Biver, 51, 137 ; in the trenches 
 before Yorktown, 54, 140 ; com- 
 mands the attack on the ene- 
 my’s redoubts, 56, 143; the at- 
 tack, 57, 144; the work carried, 
 59, 145; his personal gallantry 
 in the action, 146 n; slightly 
 
 wounded, 60, 70, 147, 148 n, 161; 
 detailed to carry the duplicate 
 despatch announcing the surren- 
 der of Cornwallis, to France, 63, 
 152; embarks at Yorktown, 63, 
 153; sails in the “Andromaque” 
 for France, ib. ; returns to the 
 James Biver, 64, 154; sets sail 
 again, 64, 155 ; incidents of the 
 voyage, 65, 155 ; arrives in 
 
 France, ib. ; letter from the 
 Baron de Viomesnil to, accom- 
 panying his account of the at- 
 tack on the redoubts at York- 
 town, 66, 156; commendation 
 of his conduct by Viomesnil, 68, 
 159 ; recommended for promo- 
 tion, 70, 161 ; letter to, from the 
 Count de Ségur, announcing his 
 elevation to the rank of Cheva- 
 lier of the military order of St. 
 Louis, 71, 162. 
 
 Deux-Ponts, Town of, xiv. 
 
 “ Diligente,'” frigate, at Annapolis, 
 47, 132 ; Count William de Deux- 
 Ponts embarks on the, ib. 
 
 Doiiîé, Chevalier, 69, 160. 
 
 Doyle, Col., a prisoner on board 
 the “ Diligente,” 47, 132. 
 
 “Duc de Burgogne,” 80-gun ship, 
 3, 5, 6 n, 7 n, 9, 23, 27, 77, 79, 
 81 n , 82 n, 85, 101, 106; council 
 of war on board the, 30, 110. 
 
 Dumas, Lieut. Gen. Mathieu, 
 Count de, 5, 79 ; “ Souvenirs 
 de,” cited, 79 n, 80 n, 83 n, 86 
 n, 87 n, 89 n, 91 n, 111 n, 117 n, 
 131 n, 147 n, 152 n. 
 
 E 
 
 “ Ecureuil," the, ship of war, 3, 
 14,77, 89. 
 
 Eightieth regiment of Highlanders 
 surrenders at Yorktown, 62, 151. 
 
 Eleonore, daughter of Baron 
 Christian of Zweibriick, ix. 
 
 Elizabeth river, 22, 100. 
 
 Elk ridge, 130 n. 
 
 Elkton, the army at, 44, 127, 163. 
 
 Elliot, Col., 14, 89. 
 
 “ Europa,” 64-gun ship, 9, 84. 
 
 “ Eveille,” 64-gun ship, 3, 6, 10, 11 
 n, 21, 23, 25, 77, 81, 85, 86 n, 89 
 
INDEX. 
 
 169 
 
 n, 99, 102, 104; captures the 
 “ Romulus” and other prizes, 22, 
 100 . 
 
 Everett, Edward, his “ Orations” 
 cited, 75 n. 
 
 F 
 
 “ Fantasque ,” hospital ship, 23, 
 25, 26, 102, 104, 105. 
 
 Farmington, Conn., Rochambeau’s 
 army at, 33, 113, 163. 
 
 Finistère, Cape, passed by the 
 French squadron, 5, 79. 
 
 Fire in the woods near the camp 
 at Windham, 32 n, 113 n. 
 
 Fontenay, Mlle, de, viii. 
 
 Foraging at Mamaroneck and New 
 Rochelle, 39, 121. 
 
 Forbach, Baroness von, viii. 
 
 Forbach, Christian, Count de, x, 
 xv. See Deux-Ponts. 
 
 Forbach, Guillaume, Count de, 
 x, xv. See Deux-Ponts. 
 
 Forbacii, Madame de, xiii, xiv. 
 
 “ Fort No. 8,” 38, 120. 
 
 Forty-third regiment of the British 
 army surrenders at Yorktown, 
 62, 151. 
 
 Franklin, Benjamin, LL. D., his 
 will cited, xiii. 
 
 French troops sent to America, 1, 
 75. 
 
 G 
 
 Gambs, M. de, 23, 102. 
 
 Gardner’s Bay, 21, 99; the Eng- 
 lish squadron sails from, 23, 102. 
 
 Gatinois, regiment of, detailed for 
 duty in the trenches before 
 Yorktown, 54, 55, 140, 141; in 
 the attack led by Deux-Ponts 
 on the enemy’s redoubts, 57, 
 67, 68, 144, 148 n, 157, 158; loss 
 in the capture of the redoubts, 
 60, 147. 
 
 Gazette de France, supplement à la, 
 cited, 154 n, 155 n. 
 
 “ Gentille,” frigate, arrival of, at 
 Newport, 19, 96; sails from 
 Newport, 21, 99; returns, in 
 company with the “ Eveille ” 
 and her prize, 21, 100; at An- 
 napolis, 47, 132. 
 
 Gist, W., letter from, to General 
 Washington, cited, 132 n. 
 
 Gloucester, Va., sortie from, 52, 
 137 ; occupied by the French 
 troops, 63, 152. 
 
 Goat Island, Newport Harbor, 24, 
 25, 103. 
 
 Gouvion, M. de, 69, 160 ; notice 
 of, 160 n. 
 
 Grandière, Charles Marie, Count 
 de la, 28, 107 ; notice of, 107 n. 
 
 Grasse, François Joseph Paul, 
 Count de, 80 n-, arrival of, in 
 America, 39, 121 ; intelligence 
 of his arrival received by the 
 allied army, 43, 46, 126, 129 ; his 
 action with Admiral Graves’s 
 squadron, 47 n, 131 n ; his fleet 
 in James River, 64, 154. 
 
 Gravenreuth, Count, ix. 
 
 Graves, Thomas, Admiral, 10, 11, 
 46, 85, 8G, 130; his engagement 
 with the squadron of the Count 
 de Grasse, 47 n, 131 n. 
 
 Guards, 1st battalion of, surren- 
 der at Yorktown, 62, 151. 
 
 “ Guepe,” The, cutter, 3, 78; sails 
 from Newport, 21, 99; loss of 
 the, 28, 108. 
 
 Guichen, Count de, departure of 
 his fleet from the West Indies, 
 19, 96. 
 
 H 
 
 Hampton, Va., occupied by French 
 troops, 63, 152. 
 
 Hanover, encampment at, 42, 125, 
 163. 
 
 Hartford, Conn., Rochambeau’s 
 army at, 32, 113, 163. 
 
 Haverstraw, the brigade of Bour- 
 bonuois at, 41, 124, 163. 
 
 “ Head of Elk,” 44, 127. 
 
 Heath, Gen. William, his “ Me- 
 moirs ” cited, xii, 121 n ; letter 
 from, to Gen. Washington, 
 cited, 91 n ; at Yerplanck’s 
 Point, 41, 124. 
 
 “ Hector,” 74-gun ship, 9 n, 84 n. 
 
 “ Hermione,” frigate, 15, 28, 92, 
 108; sails from Newport on a 
 cruise, 20, 97 ; at Boston, 20, 
 98; in the expedition to the 
 
170 
 
 INDES, 
 
 Chesapeake, 25, 28, 104, 107 ; off 
 Cape Henry, 63, 152. 
 
 Hessian regiments surrender at 
 Yorktown, 62, 151. 
 
 Hessians at King’s Bridge, 38, 120. 
 
 “ Historical Magazine,” cited, xi, 
 101 n. 
 
 “History of the Campaigns of 1780 
 and 1781,” cited, 146 n. 
 
 Hog's Ferry, landing and encamp- 
 ment at, 48, 133, 163. 
 
 Hoiienlinden, Baron Christian, 
 of Zweibrück, at the battle of, 
 ix. 
 
 Hood, Admiral Sir Samuel, arri- 
 val of, at Sandy Hook, 46, 129. 
 
 Hound's Tavern, encampment at, 
 41, 123, 163. 
 
 Hudson Fiver, 32, 34, 35, 41, 112, 
 116, 117 n, 123; crossed by the 
 army, 41, 123. 
 
 Huntington Bay, L. I., embarka- 
 tion of Clinton in, 17, 94. 
 
 I 
 
 “ Iris,” frigate, captured from the 
 English, 47, 132. 
 
 “Isle de France,” transport, 13, 
 21, 89, 99. 
 
 J 
 
 James Fiver, Arnold on the, 21, 
 99; troops of M. St. Simon land 
 at the, 131 n ; troops from An- 
 napolis enter the, 48, 133 ; diffi- 
 culties of navigating the, ib. 
 
 “ Jason,” the, ship-of-war, 3, 23, 
 28, 77, 102, 107. 
 
 Jefferson, Thomas, xii, n. 
 
 Jesse’s “ Life of George the 
 Third," cited, 152 n. 
 
 K 
 
 King, Dr. David, 90 n. 
 
 King's Bridge, 36, 117 ; the Ameri- 
 can and French forces near, 38, 
 120, 163. 
 
 L 
 
 Lafayette, Maj.-Gen. Gilbert Mo- 
 tier de, 70, 160; visits West 
 Point, xi ; his influence in send- 
 ing the army of Rochambeau to 
 
 America, 1, 75 ; commands the 
 laud forces in an expedition 
 against Arnold, 23, 102 ; joined 
 by the troops under the Marquis 
 de St. Simon, 43, 126; com- 
 mands an attack on a redoubt 
 near York River, 58, 67, 145 ; suc- 
 cess of the attack, 148 n, 157. 
 
 “ Lamb, Gen. John, Memoir of,” 
 cited, 147 n. 
 
 La Meth, Chevalier de, wounded 
 in the assault on the redoubts 
 at Yorktown, 60, 69, 147, 148 n, 
 159; his gallant conduct, 69, 
 159. 
 
 Lark, Alexander, halt of the rear 
 guard at his house, 40, 122, 
 163. 
 
 Landernau, the royal regiment of 
 Deuxponts at, 2, 76. 
 
 Lauzun, Duke de, bearer of de- 
 spatches to Washington, 30, 110 ; 
 his return, 31, 111; in the un- 
 successful attack of Lincoln, 
 July 3, 1781, 35 n, 116 n ; his re- 
 pulse of Tarleton’s cavalry, 52, 
 138. 
 
 Lauzun, Legion of, under orders 
 for America, 1, 75 ; embarks for 
 America, 3, 77 ; encampment of, 
 at Newport, 14, 16, 90, 93; can- 
 toned at Lebanon, Conn., 20, 97 ; 
 a detachment from, embarked, 
 29, 108 ; at Bedford, 34, 114 ; en- 
 gaged in an expedition under 
 Gen. Lincoln, ib. ; failure of the 
 expedition, 35, 116; encamped 
 at White Plains, 36, 117; at 
 Morrisania, 38, 120 ; crosses the 
 Hudson, 41, 123; marches from 
 Haverstraw, 41, 124; embarks 
 at Elkton, 44, 127 ; attacked by 
 Tarleton, 52, 137. 
 
 Laval, Marquis de, 23, 45, 102, 
 128; at Yorktown, 49, 134. 
 
 Lebanon, Conn., the legion of 
 Lauzun cantoned at, 20, 97. 
 
 Le Gardeur de Tilly, 100 n. 
 
 Leguid’s Tavern, halt of the rear 
 guard at, 40, 123, 163. 
 
 L’Estrade, Baron de, second in 
 command in the attack on the 
 redoubts at Yorktown, 56, 66, 
 
INDEX. 
 
 171 
 
 67, 68, 69, 70, 143, 148 n, 156, 
 157, 159, 161 ; recommended for 
 promotion, 70, 161. 
 
 Light infantry regiment surren- 
 ders at York town-, 62, 151. 
 
 Linanges, Countess of, 2, 76. 
 
 Lincoln, Maj.-Gen. Benjamin, 
 commands an expedition against 
 Fort Washington, 34, 115; his 
 uusuccessful attack on the Brit- 
 ish, July 3, 1781, 35, 116; re- 
 ceives the sword of Cornwallis, 
 at Yorktown, 151 n. 
 
 “ Lion," the, 64-gun ship, 9 n, 84 n. 
 
 “Loire,” the, ship-of-war, 3, 77. 
 
 “London,” the, 98-gun ship, 12, 
 27, 52, 88, 106, 138. 
 
 Lossixg, Benson J., his “Pictor- 
 ial held book of the American 
 Revolution,” cited, xii, xiii, 
 124 n. 
 
 Louis, of Bavaria, Emperor of 
 Germany, xv. 
 
 Louis L, King of Bavaria, xv. 
 
 M 
 
 Macpherson, commander of the 
 redoubt near Yorktown, 58 n, 
 145 n; his escape, 68, 158. 
 
 Mamaroneck, 39, 121. 
 
 Marie Axtoixette, Queen of 
 France, ix, n. 
 
 Marigxy, M. de, commander of 
 the “ Ardent,” 28, 107. 
 
 Martha’s Vineyard, 17, 89 n, 94. 
 
 Massachusetts , requisition for the 
 militia of, 31, 112. 
 
 Maulevrier, Chevalier de, 23, 28, 
 101, 108. 
 
 Maximilian, Prince, of Deux- 
 Ponts, afterwards Maximilian 
 I, King of Bavaria, viii, ix, x, 
 xii, xiv, xv. 
 
 Maxluiliax, present Duke of Ba- 
 varia and Deux-Ponts, xv. 
 
 Maximilian - Joseph, order of 
 knighthood of, ix. 
 
 Mayer, Brantz, 128 n, extract 
 from a letter of, 130 n. 
 
 Mexoxville, Chevalier de, 69, 160. 
 
 Middle Ground Banks, 63, 153. 
 
 Mohaisk (Borodino), battle of, ix, 
 x. 
 
 Moreneck, see Mamaroneck. 
 
 Morrisania, 38, 120. 
 
 N 
 
 Nantucket shoals, 13, 89. 
 
 Napoleon I., emperor, xiii. 
 
 Natural Bridge in Virginia, 160 
 n. 
 
 “ Neptune ,” the, 74 gun-ship, 3, 6, 
 7, 23, 27, 77, 81, 82, 101, 106; 
 partly dismasted, 4, 78 ; council 
 of war on board the, 31, 111. 
 
 Neustrie, regiment of, embarks 
 for America, 1, 75. 
 
 “ New American Cyclopaedia,” 
 cited, 125 n. 
 
 New Bedford (Bedford), 29, 109. 
 
 New London, Conn., 17, 94. 
 
 Newport, B. I., arrival of the 
 French squadron at, 14, 90 ; en- 
 campment at, ib. ; preparations 
 for departure from. 30, 109 ; em- 
 barkation of the army for Prov- 
 idence, 31, 111; march of the 
 army from, to Yorktown, 163. 
 
 New Bochelle, 39, 121. 
 
 Neictown, Rochambeau’s army at, 
 33, 113, 163. 
 
 New Windsor, Washington leaves 
 his winter quarters at, 34, 115. 
 
 New York, threatened movement 
 against, by Washington, 17, 42, 
 94, 125. 
 
 “ Niger,” frigate, 9 n, 84 n. 
 
 Noailles, Viscount de, in com- 
 mand of the second battalion of 
 the regiment of Soisonnois, on 
 Connonicut, 16, 93; reinforced 
 by American militia, ib. ; attach- 
 ed to Viomesnil’s expedition, 
 23, 102. 
 
 No Man’s Island, 13, 89. 
 
 North Castle, the Bourbonnois 
 brigade at, 34, 115; Gen. Wash- 
 ington at, 35, 116; departure of 
 the brigade from, ib. ; the army 
 at, 40, 123, 163. 
 
 North Priver, 35, 42, 116, 124. See 
 Hudson River. 
 
 O 
 
 “ Operations of the French fleet un- 
 der the Count de Grasse in 1781- 
 
172 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 2,” cited, 80 n, 88 n, 100 n, 107 n, 
 112 n, 127 n, 131 n, 132 n, 133 n, 
 153 n. 
 
 Ortegal, Cape, the French squad- 
 ron off, 4, 78. 
 
 P 
 
 Pange, M. de, G9, 159. 
 
 Pappasquash, hospital established 
 at, 14, 90 ; notice of the place, 
 90 n. 
 
 Passaic, Falls of the, 124 n. 
 
 Patterson, N. J., 124 n. 
 
 Paulding, John, one of the cap- 
 tors of André, 96 n. 
 
 Paulus Hook (now Jersey city), 
 42, 125. 
 
 Pennsylvania Historical Society, x. 
 
 Peykouse, M. de la, 97 n. 
 
 Philadelphia, arrival of the French 
 army at, 43, 126, 163. 
 
 Phillipsbury, union of the French 
 and American armies at, 35, 116, 
 163; the French army leaves, 
 39, 121. 
 
 Pilots from Martha’s Vineyard 
 conduct the French squadron to 
 Rhode Island, 89 n. 
 
 Pines’ Bridge, the army at, 40, 
 123. 
 
 Plainfield, Conn., Rochambeau’s 
 troops at, 32, 113, 163. 
 
 Point Judith, 14, 16, 17, 29, 89, 93, 
 94, 108, 109. 
 
 Polastron, Yolande Martine Ga- 
 brielle de, Duchess de Polignac, 
 ix n. 
 
 Polignac, Melchior de, ix. 
 
 Polignac, Prince Jules de, ix n. 
 
 Pompton, Washington at, 17,94; 
 the French army at, 42, 124, 
 163. 
 
 Princeton, N. J., encampment at, 
 42, 125, 163. 
 
 “ Provence,” the, 64-gun-ship, 3, 
 23, 78, 102 ; partially dismasted, 
 4, 78. 
 
 Providence, P. I-, the brigade of 
 Bourbonnois embarks at New- 
 port for, 31, 111, 163. 
 
 “ Prudent," English man-of-war, 
 injured in the action with the 
 French fleet, 52, 138. 
 
 Q 
 
 “ Queen Charlotte,” packet, cap- 
 tured by the French squadron, 
 47, 133. 
 
 Queen’s Bangers, surrender of, at 
 Yorktown, 62, 151. 
 
 R 
 
 “ Baisonnable,” 64-gun ship, 9, 
 84. 
 
 Ravknel, M. de, 64, 155. 
 
 Rawdon, Lord, a prisoner on 
 board the “ Diligente,” 47, 132. 
 
 Reciiberg, Count Anton, ix. 
 
 Rechberg, Caroline, Countess, x. 
 
 “ Becollections and private memoirs 
 of Washington,” cited, 132 n. 
 
 Becruits, arrival of, from Boston, 
 32, 113. 
 
 Bed Lion Tavern, encampment at, 
 42, 125, 163. 
 
 “ Benown,” 50-gun ship, 9, 84. 
 
 Renwick, Prof. James, his “Life 
 of Count Rumford,” cited, xii. 
 
 Bhode Island, the destination of 
 the French fleet, 12, 88 ; arrival 
 of the squadron at, 13, 89 ; re- 
 quisition for the militia of, 31, 
 112 . 
 
 “ Bliode Island Colonial Beconls,” 
 cited, 102 n. 
 
 “ Bichmond,” frigate, captured 
 from the English, 47, 132. 
 
 Bidgebury, the brigade of Bour- 
 bonnois at, 33, 114, 163. 
 
 Robin, Abbé C. C., 163; his arri- 
 val at Boston, 112 n; his “Nou- 
 veau Voyage,” etc., cited, xi, 
 127 n, 163. 
 
 “ Bobust,” 74-gun ship, 9, 84; in- 
 jured in action, 52, 138. 
 
 Rociiambe,\u, Jean Baptiste Don- 
 atien de Vimeur, Count de, x, 
 xii, xiii, xvi, 1, 5, 17, 29, 39, 43, 
 44, 45, 61, 66, 75 n, 79, 94, 108, 
 112, 127, 129, 148, 156; embark- 
 ation of his forces, 3, 77 ; “ Mé- 
 moires,” etc., cited, 84 n, 86 n, 
 .91 n, 97 n, 107 n, 112 n, 150 n, 
 152 n-, lands and encamps at 
 Newport, 14, 90; the second di- 
 vision of his army blockaded at 
 Brest, 91 n; anticipated attack 
 
INDEX. 
 
 173 
 
 on his position at Newport, 15, 
 92 ; abandonsConnonicut Island, 
 16,93; his interview with AYash- 
 ington at Hartford, 18, 94; goes 
 into winter quarters, at New- 
 port, 20, 97 ; leaves Newport for 
 an interview with Washington 
 at Wethersfield, 30, 109 ; re- 
 cruits for, arrive at Boston, 32, 
 112; embarkation of his army 
 for Providence, 31, 111; the 
 march to Hartford, 32, 113; 
 union with the American army, 
 under Washington, at Phillips- 
 burg, 35, 116; reviews the 
 
 American army, 117 n ; recon- 
 noissance by, 38, 120; at York- 
 town, 49, 134; reconnoitres the 
 enemy’s works, 49, 135 ; his re- 
 port of the capture of the re- 
 doubts, 148 n ; his army ordered 
 into winter quarters in Vir- 
 ginia, 63, 152; details Count 
 William de Deux-Ponts to carry 
 the duplicate of the news of the 
 capture of Cornwallis to France, 
 ib. 
 
 Rochambeau, Viscount, leaves 
 America for France, 20, 97 ; no- 
 tice of, ib., n; relieved by the 
 Count de Barras, 29, 108. 
 
 Rodney, Admiral Sir George 
 Brydges, arrival of, at Sandy 
 Hook. 17, 94; his movements, 
 19, 96. 
 
 “Romulus," 44-gun ship; capture 
 of the. 21, 22, 100, 101 ; attached 
 to the French squadron, 23, 47, 
 102. 132. 
 
 Rose Island, 18, 95. 
 
 Rostaing, Count de, at Yorktown, 
 58, 67, 144, 157 ; his gallant con- 
 duct at the attack on the re- 
 doubts, 68, 158, 159 ; recom- 
 mended for promotion, 70, 161. 
 
 Royal Deuxponts, regiment, x, xi, 
 xiii, 19, 96 ; ordered to embark 
 for America, 1, 75; at Lander- 
 nau, 2, 76; at Brest, 3, 77; em- 
 barkation of, ib. ; leaves Newport 
 for Providence, 31, 111; leaves 
 Providence, 32, 113; breaks 
 camp at Hartford, 33, 113 ; ade- 
 
 | tachment from, occupies the re- 
 doubts abandoned by the Eng- 
 lish at Yorktown, 50, 136; on 
 duty in the trenches, 54, 55, 56, 
 140, 141, 142; detailed for the 
 attack on the enemy’s redoubts, 
 56, 57, 142, 144, 148 n; loss in 
 the capture of the redoubts, 60, 
 68, 147, 158 ; in the trenches at 
 the time of the capitulation, 62, 
 151. 
 
 “Ruby,” 64-gun ship, 9 n, 83 ?i, 
 84 n. 
 
 Rush, Hon. Richard, x. 
 
 “Russel,” 74-gun ship, 9, 84. 
 
 S 
 
 Saint Onge, regiment of, embarks 
 for America, 1, 75; at Newport, 
 16, 93; leaves Providence, 32, 
 113; breaks camp at Hartford, 
 33, 113; in the trenches before 
 Yorktown, 54, 56, 140, 141, 142. 
 
 St. Pierre, M. de, 100 n. 
 
 St. Simon, Baron de, at York- 
 town, 48, 50, 134, 136. 
 
 St. Simon, Marquis de, landing of 
 his troops, 43, 126, 131 ti; em- 
 barkation of his division, 64,154. 
 
 Sandy Rook, arrival of Admiral 
 Rodney at, 17, 94; arrival of 
 Admiral Hood at, 46, 129. 
 
 “ Savage ,” British frigate, 119 n. 
 
 Saxony, Queen of, xv. 
 
 Schuylkill River, 43, 126. 
 
 Scott's Plantation, encampment at, 
 46, 130 n, 131, 163. 
 
 Scurvy, ravages of, among the 
 French troops, 15, 91. 
 
 Ségur, Philip Henry, Marquis de, 
 letter to Count William de Deux- 
 Ponts, announcing his being 
 made a chevalier of the military 
 order of St. Louis, 71, 162. 
 
 “ Serpent,” cutter, 3, 78, returns 
 to France, 5, 79. 
 
 Seventeenth regiment of the Brit- 
 ish army surrenders at York- 
 town, 62, 151. 
 
 Seventy-first Highlanders surren- 
 ders at Yorktown, 62, 151. 
 
 Seventy-sixth Highlanders surren- 
 ders at Yorktown, 62, 151. 
 
174 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Shea, John G., 80 n. 
 
 Sheldon, Col. Elisha, his regi- 
 ment of dragoons, 35, 116; no- 
 tice of, 116 n. 
 
 “ Shrewsbury,” English ship of 
 war, 52, 138. 
 
 Sickness in the French squadron, 
 12, 15, 88, 91. 
 
 Sillegue, M. de, 59 n, 145 n; 
 wounded, 60, 68, 147, 158. 
 
 Sireuil, Capt. de, mortally 
 wounded in the attack upon the 
 redoubts at Yorktown, 60, 68, 
 147, 148 re, 158. 
 
 Smith, Joshua Hett, his connec- 
 tion with Arnold’s treason, 41, 
 124 ; notice of, 124 n. 
 
 Soissonnois, brigade of, 111 n; 
 encamps at Providence, 31, 112. 
 
 Soissonnois regiment, 163; under 
 orders for America, 1, 75 ; em- 
 barks, 3, 77 ; second battalion 
 of the, on Connonicut, 16, 93 ; 
 goes into winter quarters at 
 Newport, 20, 97 ; at Providence, 
 31, 112; leaves Providence, 32, 
 113; breaks camp at Hartford, 
 33, 113; at North Castle, 34, 
 114; on the banks of the Cro- 
 ton, 41, 123; marches from Ha- 
 verstraw, 41, 124; at Yorktown, 
 49, 134; on duty in the trenches, 
 53, 54, 69, 139, 140, 160. 
 
 Somerset, encampment at, 42, 125, 
 163. 
 
 Sophia, Archduchess, of Austria, 
 xv. 
 
 Sparks, Jared, LL.D., his 
 “ American Biography” cited, 
 xii ; his “ Life of Franklin” cited, 
 xii, xiii; his “Washington” 
 cited, 89 n, 91 n, 92 n, 97 n, 100 
 n, 149 n, 150 n ; his “Corre- 
 spondence of the Revolution,” 
 cited, 91 n. 
 
 Spurrier’s Tavern, encampment 
 at, 46, 130, 163 ; notice of, 130 n. 
 
 Staten Island, 17, 42, 94, 125. 
 
 Steuben, Frederic, Baron, 67, 70, 
 157, 160. 
 
 Suferns, encampment at, 42, 124, 
 i.63. 
 
 “ Sultan,” 74-gun ship, 9 n, 84 n. 
 
 “ Surveillante," the, frigate, 3, 5, 8, 
 9, 11 n, 15, 20, 23, 28, 78, 79, 83, 
 84, 85, 86 n, 92, 97, 108 ; at Bos- 
 ton, 20, 98; sails from Newport, 
 21,99, 102; return of, 21. 100. 
 
 Susquehanna, the army crosses 
 the, 44, 128, 163. 
 
 T 
 
 Tappan Sea, 117 n. 
 
 Tarleton, Lt.-Col. Banastre, his 
 “History of the Campaigns of 
 1780 and 1781” cited, xiii, 135 
 n ; sortie by his cavalry, 52, 137 ; 
 repulsed, 52, 138 ; wounded, 
 138 ii. 
 
 Tarrytown, expedition of British 
 frigates to, 37, 118; return of 
 the expedition to New York, 37, 
 119; attack upon, at Dobbs’ 
 Ferry, ib. 
 
 Ternay, Chevalier de, commander 
 of the French squadron, 3, 4, 8, 
 9, 13, 29, 77, 78, 84, 88, 89, 108; 
 his eugagementwith an English 
 fleet under Capt. Cornwallis, 7,9, 
 82, 84; his extreme caution, 11, 
 86; death of, 20, 98; burial of, 
 98 n. 
 
 “ Terrible,” 74-gun ship; blown 
 up, 52, 138. 
 
 Thacher’s “Military Journal,” 
 cited, 117 n, 118 n, 119 n, 122 n, 
 125 n, 135 n, 136 n, 137 n, 160 n. 
 
 Thirty-third regiment of the British 
 army surrenders at Yorktown, 
 62, 151. 
 
 Thompson, Benjamin, Count Bum- 
 ford, Reuwick’s life of, cited, xii. 
 
 Tiiuillières, Capt. de, arrival of, 
 at Newport, 19, 96. 
 
 Ticknor, George, viii. 
 
 Tilly, M. le Gardeur de, 81 n; 
 expedition to the Chesapeake 
 under, 22, 100; his return to 
 Rhode Island, 22, 101 ; notice of, 
 100 n ; engagement with the 
 English squadron, 25, 104. 
 
 Totolia Falls, 42 n, 124 n. 
 
 Touraine, regiment of, on special 
 duty at Yorktown, 53, 139. 
 
 Trenton, the army crosses the 
 Delaware at, 42, 125, 163. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 175 
 
 Trumbull, Col. John, his picture 
 of the surrender of Cornwallis, 
 xii, xiii; his “Reminiscences” 
 cited, xii n, xiii. 
 
 Trumbull, Gov. Jonathan, of 
 Connecticut, 97 n. 
 
 Trumbull, J. Hammond, 90 n. 
 
 Turpin, M. de, 69, 160; notice of, 
 160 n. 
 
 Twenty-third regiment of the Brit- 
 ish army surrenders at York- 
 town, 62, 151. 
 
 “ Two letters respecting the conduct 
 of Bear Admiral Graves,” cited, 
 154 n, 155 n. 
 
 Y 
 
 Valette, Lt.-Col. de la, 16, 93; 
 commands the brigade of Soi- 
 sonnois, 40, 122. 
 
 Vax Wart, Isaac, one of the cap- 
 tors of André, 96 n. 
 
 Vauban, Count de, at the capture 
 of the redoubts before York- 
 town, 60, 148 ; his gallant con- 
 duct, 69, 159. 
 
 Vaughan, General, 80 n. 
 
 “ Venus,” the, French ship of war, 
 3. 77. 
 
 Verplaxck’s Point, camp at, 41, 
 
 123, 163; Gen. Heath at, 42, 
 
 124. 
 
 “ Ville de Paris,” the, 1 10-gun ship, 
 63, 153; notice of, 153 n. 
 
 Villebrune, Capt. de la, arrives 
 at Annapolis, 46, 130. 
 
 Viomesnil, Baron de, xi, 148 n; 
 report by, to the Count de 
 Rochambeau, xv ; in temporary 
 command of the army at New- 
 port, 18, 95 ; his preparation for 
 defence, ib. ; expedition under, 
 sails from Newport, 23, 102; 
 proceeds to Providence, 31, 111; 
 review of the troops by, 32, 
 113; in command of the rear 
 guard of the army, 40, 122 ; halt 
 at Lark’s house, ib. ; his limited 
 means of transportation at Bal- 
 timore, 45, 128; he determines 
 to march his troops to Virginia, 
 
 45, 129 ; marches to Annapolis, 
 
 46, 131 ; reconnoissance by, 50, 
 
 136; advances his patrols, 52, 
 138 ; orders au attack on the 
 enemy’s redoubts, 56, 142; his 
 measures for the defence of the 
 captured redoubts, 60, 146 ; let- 
 ter from, to Count William de 
 Deux-Ponts, 16 October, 1781, 
 66, 156 ; account rendered to the 
 Count de Rochambeau of the 
 attack on the redoubts at York- 
 town, 67, 157. 
 
 Viomesnil, M. de, aide-de-camp, 
 69, 159. 
 
 Virien, Henriette, Marquise, x. 
 
 W 
 
 Washington, Gen. George, 33, 42, 
 114, 124; letter from, cited, xi; 
 bequest to, in Dr. Franklin’s will, 
 xiii ; his threatened movement 
 against New York, 17, 94; his 
 interview with Rochambeau at 
 Hartford, 18, 94 ; his arrival at 
 Newport, 23, 101; received with 
 the honors of a Marshal of 
 France, ib. ; leaves Newport, 
 24, 103; interview with Rocham- 
 beau at Wethersfield, 30, 109; 
 at New Windsor, 30, 31, 110, 
 111 ; makes a requisition for the 
 militia of Massachusetts and 
 Rhode Island, 31, 112; leaves 
 New Windsor for Peekskill, 34, 
 115; plans an attack upon Clin- 
 ton, ib. ; covers the retreat of 
 Lincoln’s forces, 35, 116; union 
 of the French and American 
 armies at Plnllipsburg, ib. ; re- 
 views the French troops, 36, 
 117 ; reconnoissance by, 38, 120; 
 leaves Verplanck’s Point, 41, 
 124 ; impression of his charac- 
 ter, as received by Count Wil- 
 liam de Deux- Ponts, 43 n, 126 n ; 
 letter from W. Gist to, cited, 
 132 n ; at Williamsburg, ib. ; 
 advances the American lines at 
 Yorktown, 49, 134; gives to the 
 regiments of Agenois and Deux- 
 ponts two pieces of captured 
 ordnance, in testimony of their 
 gallantry, 147 n ; extract from a 
 letter of, 149 n, 150 n ; his sat- 
 
176 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 isfaction at the success of the 
 attacks, 70, 161. 
 
 Washington, Gen. George. “Re- 
 collections and Private Memoirs 
 of, cited, 132 n. 
 
 Waterman’s Tavern, the army at, 
 32, 113, 163. 
 
 Watson’s “ Annals of Philadel- 
 phia ,” cited, 126 n. 
 
 West Point, 42, 124. 
 
 Whippany, 42, 125, 163. 
 
 White Marsh, Md., the army at, 
 44, 128, 163. 
 
 William, Baron of Zweibrück, ix. 
 
 William, Count de Deux-Ponts, 
 vii, ix ; see Deux-Ponts. 
 
 William, Duke of Bavaria and 
 Deux-Ponts, xiv. 
 
 Williams, David, one of the cap- 
 tors of André, 96 n. 
 
 Williamsburg, Washington at, 132 
 n; the army encamped at, 48, 
 133, 163; march of the army 
 from to Yorktown, 48, 134, 163; 
 occupied by French troops, 63, 
 152. 
 
 Wilmington, Del., encampment at, 
 43, 127, 163. 
 
 Windham, Conn., Bochambeau’s 
 troops at, 32, 113, 163; lire in 
 the woods near the camp, ib. n. 
 
 Wittgenstein, Count, ix. 
 
 Y 
 
 Yankee Doodle, played at the sur- 
 render of Cornwallis, 151 n. 
 
 York Island, 38, 120. 
 
 York River, 44, 53, 127, 139 ; at- 
 tack on a redoubt near, 58, 144. 
 
 Yorktown, Trumbull’s painting of 
 the capitulation at, xii, xiii ; 
 Count William de Deux-Ponts 
 distinguished at, xiii ; captured 
 privateers taken to, 22, 100 ; the 
 “Charon,” frigate, burned at, 100 
 
 ii ; siege of, 111 to, 131 to; encamp- 
 ment of the allied army near, 48, 
 134, 163; advance of the Ameri- 
 can lines, 49, 134 ; evacuation of 
 the English advanced posts, ib. ; 
 reconnoissance by Bochambeau, 
 49, 135; by Yiomesnil, 50, 136; 
 occupation of the abandoned 
 redoubts, ib. ; the enemy’s fire 
 slackened, 51, 137; sortie by 
 Tarleton, repulsed by Lauzun, 
 52, 138; advance of the patrols, 
 ib. ; opening of the trenches, 53, 
 139; details for duty in the 
 trenches, 54, 140 ; opening of 
 the batteries, ib. ; construction 
 of the second parallel, 55, 141 ; 
 attack on a redoubt, 58, 145 ; 
 the work carried, 59, 146 ; casu- 
 alties in the assault, 60, 147 ; 
 the second parallel completed, 
 
 61, 149; sortie by the enemy, 
 ib. ; a flag of truce from Lord 
 Cornwallis, 62, 150; articles of 
 capitulation signed, ib. ; the 
 English army prisoners of war, 
 
 62, 151; the anniversary of the 
 surrender celebrated, 151 «; 
 number of prisoners captured, 
 62, 152 ; the French army goes 
 into winter quarters near, ib. ; 
 letter from the Baron de Yio- 
 mesnil to Count William de 
 Deux-Ponts, written from, 66, 
 156 ; account by the Baron de 
 Viomesnil of the attack on the 
 redoubts at, 67, 157 ; route of 
 march of the army from New- 
 port to, 163. 
 
 Z 
 
 Zweibrück, Barons of, viii. See 
 Deux-Ponts. 
 
 Zweibrücken, town of, xiv.