Zoom Lecture – François-Jean de Chastellux and American Independence

François-Jean Chastellux, a major general in the French army, member of the Society of the Cincinnati, and cousin of the marquis de Lafayette, played a central role in the Franco-American alliance during the Revolutionary War. Recently, a collection of more than four thousand pages of Chastellux’s private papers were discovered at his estate in Burgundy, France, by historian Dr. Iris De Rode. Drawing from her discovery and other primary sources—including the first edition of his travel diary, a first edition book on the advantages of the discovery of America for Europe, a “Military order” (“George Washington, extrait de l’ordre du 20 octobre 1781”), a letter by the hand of Chastellux to “a member of a learned society,” and a letter written by George Washington to Chastellux housed in the Society of the Cincinnati’s library collections—Dr. De Rode discusses Chastellux’s important involvement during and after the Revolution through his military, intellectual, scientific, commercial, and political exchanges.

This lecture will be held in-person at Anderson House and will last approximately 45 minutes. Registration is requested. Virtual options are available.

Register to Attend this Lecture Virtually : https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lTbre8XeSfGyTo0yKVAIrw