Call No. M//1021 has the title: Ordres militaires, hospitaliers, Universités, collèges
Table of Contents
The wrapper of Folder IV has the title :
Lettres des diverses officiers prenant part a guerre d’Amérique, adressées au comte de Chastellux, mestre de camp dans le régiment de Beaujolais, à Versailles (1779-1782)
The next sheet reads :
Marine. Colonies Correspondance sur la Guerre d’Amérique
Lettres des Chevaliers de Chastellux de Ternay et autres au comte de Chastellux de 2 janvier 1779 au mois de Mar[s]. 1783
The comte de Chastellux is Philippe Louis, comte de Chastellux (1726-1784), colonel of the Régiment de Beaujolais and older brother of the chevalier François Jean de Chastellux (1734-1788) who served under Rochambeau in America. François Jean inherited the title marquis upon the death of his older brother Charles-François de Beauvoir in 1784.
There are a total of 43 letters. The letters were written by French officers, some of them serving in the army of the comte de Rochambeau, but the majority served the Beaujolais regiment. The letters report on the stay in Rhode Island and the Yorktown Campaign, including the siege of Yorktown, the march back to Boston in 1782, and embarkation to the West Indies. The officers of the Beaujolais regiment served as garrison, i.e., supplementary infantry, on Le Citoyen and the St. Esprit, two SOLs in the fleet of Admiral de Grasse. They report to their colonel on the Yorktown Campaign and the subsequent campaign in the West Indies in 1782, esp. the capture of Brimstone Hill and the Battle of the Saintes in April 1782. Of particular interest are the reports by Jacomel to Chastellux on the internal administration of the regiment, equipment, losses, replacements &c.
The letters are not in chronological order in the file.
Photographs of the French originals are here. The correct citation for these letters is: Archives Nationales de France, Cote M//1021, Paris, 1780-1783.
Envelopes with addresses are missing; many of the letters, esp. those addressed to “my nephew” are not signed.
Only the letters containing information relevant for the Butts Hill project have been transcribed and translated in toto. For all others an overview is provided.
English translations are in cursive under each paragraph.
Letter No. 1
A Newport le 4 7bre 1780.
Monsieur le Comte
M. le cher de Chastellux m’a dit quil vous renvoyoit à moi pour les détails de notre position icy : je l’ay remercié de me fournir cette occasion de me rappeler á votre Souvenir, et de vous marquer ma reconnaissance de la maniere obligeante dont vous m’avez annoncé á lui j’imagine, Monsieur le comte, que vous avez la carte angloise de Rhode-island ou celle de le rouge,[1] Sur la quelle on peut Se reconnoitre ; je vais donc tâcher de vous mettre à même de suivre notre dispositif.
M. le chevalier de Chastellux told me that he was referring you to me for the details of our position here: I thanked him for giving me this opportunity to recall me to your memory, and to mark my gratitude to you for the obliging manner in which you reminded him of me. I imagine, Monsieur le Comte, that you have the English map of Rhode Island or that of le rouge on which one can orient oneself; I will therefore try to put you in a position to follow our system.
L’armée est campée au Sud de la ville, l’artillerie qui couvre le quartier général, appuyée a la rade, Et le régiment de Saintonge, formant la gauche, En avant de la baye d’Easton. Les volontaires de Lauzun faisant l’avant-garde, à la tête de l’isle.
The army is encamped to the south of the town, the artillery which covers headquarters, supported by [resting on] the roadstead, and the regiment of Saintonge, forming the left, in front of Easton Bay. The volunteers of Lauzun form the vanguard at the head of the island.
Depuis la gauche du camp jusqu’à la rade, la côte est bordée de rochers elevés et à pie, dont la base forme des récifs, á quelques autres pris, ou l’on ne peut pas tenter de débarquer sans compter Sur un grand manque de vigilance. on s’est donc contenté de garder cette partie par ses patrouilles, qui correspondent avec l’armée, et par de petits ouvrages de campagne, dont la Situation a été indiquée par le terrein.
From the left of the camp to the roadstead the coast is bordered by high rocks, the base of which forms reefs, and some others where one cannot attempt to land without counting on a great lack of vigilance [unless one is very careless]. One is therefore content to guard this part by patrols which correspond with/report to the army, and by small field works, the situation of which was indicated by/determined the ground.
Les trois passes qui Entrent dans la baye de Rhode-island, celle de l’Est est la Seule qui ne puisse pas être tournée par des vaisseaux de guerre.
Of the three passes/channels which enter the bay of Rhode Island, the eastern one is the only one that cannot be used by warships.
Il n’étoit pas probable que l’ennemi tenteroit de forcer telle du Sud, Sous le feu de notre Escadre, mouillée a son ouvert, et sous celui des batteries de la côte. Il n’y avoit donc à craindre que pour la passe qui Sépare l’isle de cononicut du continent à l’ouest Son entrée est hors de toute vue de Rhode-island l’ennemi pouvoit faire descendre à couvert dans cononicut des troupes et de l’artillerie, et y établir des batteries, Surtout de bombes, contre nos vaisseaux, dont l’embossement en cas d’attaque, est marqué en avant de la ville le meilleur moyen de parer à cet inconvénient auroit peut-etre été de Sortir, quois qu’avec des forces inferieurs, il seroit trop long de vous répêter tous ce qui a été dit Sur céla.
It was not probable that the enemy would attempt to force that channel from the south, under the fire of our squadron, anchored at its entrance, and under that of the batteries on the coast. There was therefore nothing to fear except from the channel which separates the island of Conanicut from the continent to the west. Its entrance is out of sight of Rhode Island, the enemy could bring troops and artillery into Conanicut under cover, and establish batteries, especially/mostly mortars, against our ships, whose mooring in case of attack is marked in front of the city. The best way to avoid this inconvenience would perhaps have been to sail out, although with inferior forces; it would take too long to repeat to you all that has been said on this subject.
Quoiquil en Soit, l’ennemi, ayant paru au large au nombre de 19. voiles, Et le général étant informé qu’on embarquoit dans Long-island 10. mille hommes destinés á nous attaquer fit travailler á réparer les ouvrages construits par les anglois, et á ouvrir des marches pour aller à leur rencontre.
Be that as it may, the enemy, having appeared at sea to the number of 19 sail, and the general [Rochambeau] being informed that they were embarking on Long Island ten thousand men destined to attack us, set to work repairing the works built by the English, and to get ready/prepare to meet them.
On avoit d’abord pensé à occuper Cononicut et le 26. on y avoit fait camper 500. hommes, et tracé des redoutes contre les débouchés de l’Ennemi pour venir S’établir Sur les hauteurs à l’Ést ; mais M. de Rochambeau ne voulant pas Séparer son armée, et jugeant que ces ouvrages ne pouvroient pas être en état de défense avant l’arrivée de l’Ennemi, qu’on annonçoit comme très prochaine, fit rentrer ce corps le lendemain, et ne laissa dans l’Isle qu’un poste pour éclairer les movemens de l’ennemi.
One had at first thought of occupying Conanicut and the on 26th 500 men had camped there and traced redoubts against the possibilities of how/where the enemy could come and establish itself on the heights to the east; but M. de Rochambeau, not wishing to separate his army, and judging that these works could not be in a state of defense before the arrival of the enemy, which was announced as very near, ordered this corps to return the next day, and left only a post on the island to observe/reconnoitre the enemy’s movements.
La position des anglois dans Rhode-island borderoit le penchant d’un rideau qui s’etend depuis la Baye d’Easton (à la gauche de notre camp) passant a deux ou trois cent toises au Nord de la ville, et se terminant à un marais très praticable (au moins dans la belle Saison). Ce développement etoit occupé par un fort médiocre retranchement et les hauteurs en avant par des redoutes trop Espacées pour pouvoir Se protéger par la mousqueterie, retirés par des communications.
The position of the English in Rhode Island bordered the slope of a canal which extends from Easton Bay (to the left of our camp) passing two or three hundred toises[2] to the north of the town and ending in a very passable marsh (at least in the fine season). This position was occupied by a very mediocre entrenchment, and the heights in front by redoubts too far apart to be protected by/to protect each other by musketry or to have communication with each other.
Plusieurs de ces ouvrages etoient mal disposés et la plupart imparfaits le premier Soin a été de les réparer et de leurs donner une meilleure forme, autour que le tems et les moyens l’ont permis.
Several of these works were badly arranged and most of them imperfect, the first task was to repair them and give them a better shape, as much as time and means permitted.
Le ligne intérieure des anglois a eté entierement négligée la notre s’étend depuis la Baye d’Easton, longeant l’Étang en arrière de cette Baye, et Suivant Successivement les Sommités du terrein, qui est occupée par les anciens ouvrages des anglois.
The interior line of the English had been entirely neglected, ours extends from Easton Bay, skirting the pond behind this bay, and following successively the tops of the ground/high ground, which is occupied by the old works of the English.
La droite a En avant d’Elle un Etang, et un vallon coupe par des dignes, pour y faire refluer les Eaux d’un ruisseau au centre Et un fort à quatre bastions, et al gauche un autre fort sur un plateau Elevé et isolé ; En avant du quel est un autre plateau, que M. de Rochambeau a fait fortifier. De lá, jusqu’à la mer, il n’y avoit d’autre deffense (Sur une Etendu de prés de 400 toises) qu’en espece de marais, qui, jusqu’à présent n’en mérite pas le nom. toute defectueuse qu’etoit cette gauche, le general Sulivan avoit préferé d’attaquer pour la droite ou il a Echoue. M. de Rochambeau En a bientôt juge la faiblesse, & un de ses premiers Soins a été de la protéger par une batterie dans cloaster-island, qui prend des revers Sur le terrein entre les deux plateaux et la Baye de Codington les anglois avoient construit Sur la longue qui ferme la gauche de cette baye, une batterie, que nous releverons aussi, vraisemblablement, par la Suite. Telle Etoit notre dispositif de deffense, lorsqu’on recut de nouveaux avis que l’Ennemi avoit change le projet, au grand regret de notre petite armée, qui avoit le plus vif desire de le voir arriver. Nous profitons de ce repos pour rendre la position plus forte, par une ligne de redoutes avancees, sur les penchants, et qui découvre tous les revers. Plusieurs se deffendent a la portee du mousquet, et sont vues dans leur interieur par les anciens ouvrages, il Seroit a désirer qu’elles fussent palissadies ; mais l’isle ne fournit point de bois, Et les Secours du continent ne sont nu prompts ni abondans, moyennant quoi, j’imagine que nous en resterons la pour notre Hyver ; Et c’est en effet plus que Suffisant pour ce que nous avons à craindre.
The right has in front of it a pond, and a valley cut by dikes to make the waters of a stream flow back into the center and a fort with four bastions, and on the left another fort on a high and isolated plateau; in front of which is another plateau, which M. de Rochambeau had fortified. From thence to the sea there was no other defense (over an area of nearly 400 toises) than a kind of marsh, which has not yet deserved the name. Defective as this left was, General Sullivan had preferred to attack from the right where he had failed. M. de Rochambeau soon judged its weakness, and one of his first cares was to protect it by a battery on Closter Island, which has in its back (?) the ground between the two plateaus and the Bay of Codington. The English had built on the long line which closes the left of this bay a battery which we will also, in all likelihood, raise/rebuild later. Such was our defense system when we received news that the enemy had changed the project to the great regret of our little army, which had most ardently desired to see it arrive. We took advantage of this rest to make the position stronger, by a line of advanced redoubts, on the inclines, and which covers all the rears. (?) Several defend themselves within musket range, and are look in their interiors like the old works, it would be desirable that they were palisaded; but the island does not furnish wood, and the Supplies of the continent are neither prompt nor abundant, in return for which, I imagine that we shall remain here for our winter quarters; And it is indeed more than enough for what we have to fear.
Quand a la passe de l’Est, qui peut Etre tournée par des frégates, son débouché dans la rade Est déffendu par des batteries des deux côtés d’Hollands ferry, Et par un grand ouvrage placé Sur une hauteur Entre ce passage et celui de Bristol. Ce point est intéressant pour conserver la communication de Rhode-island avec le continent.
As for the eastern channel, which can be sailed by frigates, its outlet on the eastern roadstead is defended by batteries on both sides of Hollands Ferry, and by a large work placed on a height between this passage and that of Bristol. This point is of import for preserving the communication of Rhode Island with the continent.
Dans le premier moment de la crainte de l’arrivée de l’Ennemi la marine a demandé qu’on construisit une redoute Et des batteries dans la petite isle de Rose, vis á vis la passe du Sud, pour Empêcher l’ennemi de l’occuper, on En a Etabli de même sur la côte de long de cette passe.
In the first moment of the fear of the arrival of the Enemy, the navy asked that a redoubt and batteries be built in the small Isle of Rose, opposite the South Channel, to prevent the enemy and occupy it, and the same was established on the coast along this pass.
Telle Est, Monsieur le comte, notre position, qui vous paroitra peut être bien Etendue pour aussi peu de monde, mais il faut vous observer que ne pouvant pas Etre attaqué a la fois Sur tout ce développement on ne placeroit des troupes dans les ouvrages, qu’un moment ou elles Seroient nécessaires pour Empêcher l’Ennemi de cheminer par leurs intervalles d’ailleurs nous avons la ressource des garnisons des vaisseaux nous avons des canoniers Et des canons des transports, et des milices, qui arrivent a volonté. L’espace Entre La Ligne et la ville renferme plussieurs Emplacemens à mettre hors de toute vue de canon quatre fois plus de monde que nous n’en avons, les Bestiaux, &c.
Such, Monsieur le Comte, is our position, which may seem to you to be very extensive for so few people, but you need to observe that not being able to be attacked at the same time, on all these works, troops would not be posted in the works until the moment when they would be necessary to prevent the enemy from advancing through the gaps in-between the works, moreover we have the resources of the garrisons, the ships, we have cannoneers and cannons of the transport ships, and militia, which arrive voluntarily (or: whenever they feel like it ?). The space between the line and the city contains several places to put the cannon out of sight [and] of four times as many people as we have, the cattle, &c.
M. le Cher de Chastelus auroit été bien a même de vous faire un détail plus Exact, et mieux Siere que celui cy Si Ses occupations lui En avoient laisse le tems. il jouit d’une fort bonne Santé ; j’au a me louer des bontés qu’il me témoigne, et j’y suis Sautent plus Sensible, que je les doit au Souvenir dont vous m’avez honoré auprès de lui recevez En ma reconnoissance avec lesquels je Suis
M. le Chevalier de Chastelus would have been well able to give you a more exact and better detail than this if his occupations had left him the time. He enjoys very good health; I have to congratulate myself for the kindness he shows me, and I am more sensible of it as I owe them to the remembrance with him with which you have honored me in my gratitude, with whom I am
Monsieur le Comte
Votre trés humble et
Très obeissens Serviteur
D’Oyré
Letter No. 2
Newport le 12 Oct. 1780
No salutatory line
Je ne vous remercierai pas Monsieur des Bontés que Vous avez eue pour moi. mes expressions Seroient fort au dessous de ma reconoissance. Vous m’avez mis à même de connoitre le plus aimable, et le plus honnête de touts les hommes. Il me traite on ne peut pas mieux, et loin d’avoir le moindre regret d’etre parti pour l’amerique je me felicite touts les jours d’avoir fait ce que bien des gens appelent une folie. Si le genre de guerre que l’on fait ici n’est pas aussi actif que je l’eusse cru, Si nous bornons nos operations a fortifier, at a garder Rhode island, je serais fort content encor, d’avoir fait un voyage qui ma mis a portee de voir et d’apprecier, les coutes que l’on fait sur toutes les choses éloignées. Rien jusqu’à present n’a diminué le dégout que m’inspire le merveilleux. il est sans doute facile de faire une description séduisante d’un pais ou tout est tracé en grand, ou la nature Semble être encore dans l’enfance, ou les mœurs ont conservé un air de Simplicité, ou la liberté et la deffense dune cause juste devrait faire eclaire les vertus et les grandes actions. Mais il faut bien Se deffier de les apparances trompeuses. Les hommes sont ici comme partout ailleurs, enclins aux mêmes vices. Je les croirois Seulement Susceptibles d’etre un peu meilleurs que le reste des habitans de l’ancien monde. Si la liberté, la paix, et de bonnes Loix Soutiennent leur Vertu chancelants il ne faut pas croire ici Monsieur a la tolerance, quoque l’on y souffre différentes Sectes. Chacune de ces Sectes est plus ou moins intolerante : plus ou moins Susceptible. Chanter le Dimanche (même dans Sa Chambre) est par exemple une chose Scandaleuse, dans une petite ville remplie de lieux de debauche : ou les mœurs Sont également corrompues au phisique et au moral, et ou l’on exerce un Empire absolu. Les quakers ces hommes Si Vertueux et Si honetes Sont legerment enclins a l’hypocrisie. Il faut les voir pour apprendre a les connoitre. Il n’est pas etonant que les querelles de religion que ont peuplé les colonies angloises y aient porté une parties des vices et des erreurs quelles ont fomenté Si longtems en Europe. On ma assuré que l’intérieur du pais etoit habité par des hommmes plus honetes. Je le croirois volontiers la corruption fuit la vie champetre, et ne s’y developpe pas aussitôt.
I will not thank you, sir, for the kindness you have shown me, my expressions would be far below my gratitude. You have enabled me to get to know the most amiable and honest of all men. He treats me very well, and far from having the slightest regret at having left for America, I congratulate myself every day on having done what many people call folly. If the kind of warfare that is being waged here is not as active as I would have thought, if we limit our operations to fortifying and guarding Rhode Island, I should be very glad to have made a journey which will enable me to see and appreciate the costs that one incurs on all things distant. (?) Nothing has hitherto lessened the disgust with which the marvelous inspires in me. [the sentence makes no sense to me] It is no doubt easy to make a seductive/appealing description of a country where everything is traced on a grand scale, where nature seems to be still in infancy, where manners have preserved an air of simplicity, where freedom and the defense of a just cause should enlighten virtues and great actions. But we must be careful of deceptive appearances. Men are here as everywhere else, inclined to the same vices. I should only believe them likely to be a little better than the rest of the inhabitants of the old world. If liberty, peace, and good laws sustain their shaky virtue, we must not believe Monsieur, in toleration here, although they suffer different sects there. Each of these sects is more or less intolerant: more or less easily influenced. Singing on Sundays (even in one’s room) is, for example, a scandalous thing, in a small town full of places of debauchery: where manners (moeurs) are equally corrupt physically and morally, and where an absolute power is exercised [over everybody]. The Quakers, those men so virtuous and so honest, are slightly inclined to hypocrisy. We must see them to get to know them. It is not surprising that the religious quarrels which have peopled the English colonies [brought settlers] have brought to them some of the vices and errors which have so long fomented in Europe. I was assured that the interior of the country was inhabited by more honest men. I would readily believe that corruption flees from country life and does not develop there immediately.
Newport fesoit avant la guerre un grand commerce avec l’affrique. La traite des Negres et la peche de la Baleine y apportoient l’aisance et mem la richesse. Si l’amerique devient libre ce port deviendra intéressant, par les ouvrages que nous y avons fait, qui le rendent susceptible d’une vigoureuse deffense. la trahison du géneral Arnold heureusement decouverte avant quelle neut pu eclore fit beaucoup de Bruit ici. Mr le Cte de Rochambeau et Mr le Chev. De Ternai s’etoient rendus a Hartford pour conférer avec le géneral Wasingthon qui etoit parti de son coté pour Sy rendre. apres que les affaires qui donoient lieu a leur entrevue furent terminees le General Wasingthon prit pour S’en retourner a son camp une routte toute differente de celle qui avoit prise en venant. Son voyage ainsi que celui de Mr le Cte de Rochambeau avoient été faites Secret. Il navoient mené lun et lautre que deux aides de camp. Ceux du General Wasingthon en passant par West point accendirent chez le géneral Arnold, et prenoient du thé avec lui, en attendant l’arrivée du géneral Wasington, lorsquils vivent tout d’un coup Arnold Changer de Couleur, en lisant un billet qu’on venoit de lui apporter. Arnold dit un mot tout bas a Sa femme qui Se trouve mal aussi tot, monte a Cheval et disparoit. La nouvelle de la prise du Colonel André Major géneral de l’armee angloise qu’on avoit arréte deguisé a Westpoint et qui traitoit Secrettement avec le general Arnold de la reddition de ce poste, dans le moment ou Wasingthon qu’on nattendoit pas, et qu’on croyoit a Son armee, entroit dans la ville, furent la cause de la fuitte precipitee d’arnold ; qui se preparoit a donner a diné a Wasingthon, et qui eut traité apres son depart de la reddition de ce poste. Il avoit déjà disperse les troupes quil avoit a Ses ordres, sous diverses prétextes. Les milices venoient d’être congediees depuis pas et le reste etoit en detachement. Si Wasingthon au lieu de passer par West point se fut rendu tout de Suitte a Son armee la trahison avoit tout le Succes que les anglois en attendoient. Il depécha Sur le champ les Aides de Camp pour faire rentrer les detachements et rassembler les Milices. On poursuivit arnold qui Se Sauva Sur une fregatte angloise mouillee dans la riviere du nort. Wasingthon apres avoir retabli l’ordre et mis un autre Commandant a West-point, alla rejoindre Son armée ce fut précisément dans le même tems que nous apprimes a Newport larrivee de lamiral Rodney a Sandy hook. Le bruit Se repandit quil venoit avec Vingt deux vaisseaux bruler lescadre du Roy dans la rade de Newport. En moins de quatre jours deux petites isles qui convient le port furent mises en etat de deffense. Nos vaisseaux Sembosserent entre les deux isles. La droite et la gauche de la ligne qu’ils formaient, etoient appuice a deux forts dont les feux se croissient lun garni denviron quarante pieces de canon dont dix de trente Six et le reste de vingt quatre et de dix huit. Ces bateries formidables enfiloient le goulet : elle devoit être Servie a Boulets rouges ainsi que celle du fort, qui flanquoit la gauche de la ligne, Composee de douze pieces de vingt quatre, défilees de manière à ne pouvoir jamais être vues. on avoit aussi etabli une baterie de mortiers Sur chacune des forts. notre position formoit devant le port une courtine de deux cent cinquante pieces de canon flanquee par deux Bastions dont le feu neut pas été moins formidable Cest la (illeg) que nous desirames et que nous attendimes avec ardeur larrivee de Rodney. Son caractere entreprenant, Ses Succes a Gibraltar, nous firent espérer quil viendroit nous attaquer. Ceut été a coup Sur une époque memorable dans les annales de lamerique et en même tems le plus beau jour de notre vie.
Newport carried on a great trade with Africa before the war. The slave trade and the whale fishery brought ease and even wealth. If America becomes free, this port will become interesting through the works we have done/erected there, which enables it to a vigorous defense. The treachery of General Arnold happily discovered before it could hatch made a great deal of noise here. Mr. le comte de Rochambeau and Mr. Chevalier De Ternay had gone to Hartford to confer with General Washington, who on his part betook himself there. After the business which gave rise to their interview was concluded, General Washington took a route to return to his camp quite different from that which had taken on his way there. His journey, as well as that of the Count de Rochambeau, had been made in secret. They each had only two aides-de-camp. General Washington’s men, passing through West Point, went to General Arnold’s house, and were taking tea with him while waiting for the arrival of General Washington, when they suddenly saw Arnold change color as he was reading a note which had just been brought to him. Arnold whispered a word to his wife, who immediately fell ill, mounted her horse and disappeared. The news of the capture of Colonel André, Major-General of the English army, who had been arrested in disguise at Westpoint, and who was secretly negotiating with General Arnold for the surrender of that post, at the moment when Washington, who was not expected and believed to be in his army, entered the town, was the cause of Arnold’s precipitate flight. He was preparing to give dinner to Washington, and who would have negotiated after his [Washington’s] departure the surrender of that post. He had already dispersed the troops he had at his command, under various pretexts. The militia had just been dismissed, and the rest were deployed. If Washington, instead of passing through West Point, had gone directly to his army, the treachery would have had all the success that the English expected. He immediately dispatched the aides-de-camp to bring in the detachments and assemble the militia. Arnold was pursued, and he escaped on/to an English frigate anchored in the river of the north. Washington, after restoring order and placing another commander at Westpoint, went to join his army, and it was precisely at the same time that we learned at Newport of the arrival of Admiral Rodney at Sandy Hook. The rumor spread that he had come with twenty-two ships to burn the King’s squadron in the roadstead of Newport. In less than four days two small islands which covered the port were put in a state of defense. Our ships moved between the two islands. The right and left of the line which they formed were supported by two forts, the fire of which crossed over each other, one furnished with about forty pieces of cannon, ten of which were thirty-six, and the rest of twenty-four and eighteen. These formidable batteries covered the narrows: it was to be hit/subjected to red-hot cannonballs, as well as those from the fort, which flanked the left of the line, composed of twelve pieces of twenty-four, posted in such a way as never to be seen. A mortar batterie had also been established in each of the forts. Our position formed in front of the port a curtain of two hundred and fifty pieces of cannon, flanked by two bastions, the fire of which would have been no less formidable. It is here that we desired and that we waited anxiously for the arrival of Rodney. His enterprising character, his successes at Gibraltar, made us hope that he would come to attack us. It would certainly have been a memorable period in the annals of America and at the same time the happiest day of our lives.
Voila Monsieur a quoi les operations de la Campagne Se Sont bornées ; cette espece dinaction me fait croire que la guerre pourroit trainer en longueur, et je vous prierois d’engager Mad la Duchesse de Civrac à demander pour moi le Brevet de mestre de Camp a la Suitte. Je me croirois très heureux de le recevoir en Amérique. Ce seroit toujours autant dassuré a mon retour en France et un moyen de plus pour demander a être en activite lorsquil y auroit quelque place Vacante de Mestre de Camp en Second. Ce seroit dautant plus agréable pour moi quil y a lieu de croire que nous ne resterons pas dans linaction la Campagne prochaine Si lon nous envoye un renfort et que nous rejoignions larmee de Wasington je proffiterai j’espère de la tranquillité de lhiver pour voir philadelphie Boston et une partie de linterieure du pais. je noublierai pas la promesse que je vous ai faite de vous donner des nouvelles de Mr le Chevalier de Chastellux. Adieu Monsieur daignez je vous prie présenter Mon respectueux hommage a Mad la Comtesse de Chastellux a Mad la marquise de Doninan et a toute votre famille je noublierais jamais les bontes que vous avez eue pour moi et surtout la chaleur avec la quelle vous avez daigne vous intéresser à mon depart pour lamerique. Permettes moi Monsieur de finir Sans Ceremonie et de Vous assurer encore une fois de ma vive reconoissance.
This, Monsieur, is what the operations of the campaign have been limited to; this kind of inaction makes me believe that the war could drag on, and I would beg you to persuade the Duchesse de Civrac to ask for the brevet of mestre de camp a la Suite. I should think myself very happy to receive it in America. It would still be as secure/valid on my return to France, and one more means of asking to be considered when/if there was some vacant place for a Mestre de Camp en Second. It would be all the more agreeable to me, as there is reason to believe that we shall not remain inactive next season. If reinforcements are sent to us and we join Washington’s army, I hope I shall take advantage of the tranquility of winter to see Philadelphia, Boston, and part of the interior of the country. I will not forget the promise I made to give you news of the Chevalier de Chastellux. Farewell, Monsieur, please deign to present my respectful homage to Madame la Comtesse de Chastellux, to Madame la Marquise de Doninan and to all your family. I will never forget the kindness you have shown me and especially the warmth with which you have deigned to take an interest in my departure for America. Allow me, Sir, to end without ceremony and to assure you once again of my deep gratitude.
M …..
P.S. le Colonel andré arreté a West-point vient d’être pendu comme espion.
P.S. Colonel André, arrested at Westpoint, has just been hanged as a spy.
Note: André was hanged on 2 October 1780
“M …. “ stands for “Montesquieu”. Charles Louis de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu (1749-1824) served as an aide-de-camp to the chevalier de Chastellux in America. All his letters are filled with the urgent request for assistance in finding a position as mestre-de-camp en second, i.e., a Second Colonel/second in command of a regiment, the request was fulfilled when he became mestre-de-camp en second of the Bourbonnois Regiment on 11 November 1782. He was a grandson of Charles Louis de Secondat baron de Montesquieu, author of L’esprit des Lois. (1748)
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-34-02-0247
The reference is to Angélique-Victoire de Durfort-Civrac (2 décembre 1752 – 14 novembre 1816), comtesse de Chastellux, dame d’honneur of Madame Victoire (1733-1799), the daughter of Louis XV, from 1786 to 1799. Daughter of the duc de Durfort-Civrac, she married comte Henri Georges César de Chastellux (1746-1814) in 1773.
One of his brothers was Guillaume Antoine de Chastellux (1683 – 1742), the father of François Jean (1734-1788), chevalier de Chastellux, who served under Rochambeau.
Letter No. 3
Newport le 3 avril 1781
No salutatory line
The writer informs the comte de Chastellux that the chevalier had been sick but is now recovered, mentions de return of the fleet that had been to Virginia in a failed attempt to capture Arnold and Nathanael Greene’s campaign in the Carolinas.
Je vous prie Monsieur de présenter Mon respectueux hommage a Madame de Chastellux a Mesdames de Lorges et de Donissan ainsi qua vos beaux frères. Permettez moi de finir sans ceremonie et de vous assurer encore une fois de ma vive reconoissance.
I beg you, Sir, to present my respectful homage to Madame de Chastellux, to Mesdames de Lorges and de Donissan, as well as to your brothers-in-law. Allow me to end without ceremony and to assure you once again of my deep gratitude.
———-
No signature, just a line
je nai pas besoin de vous prier dappuyer le demande que mon general fait pour moi – je connois vos Sentiments et lenvie que vous avez dobliger ainsi Monsieur je ne vous ennuyerai pas par des Sollicitations nouvelles.
I need not ask you to support the request that my general makes for me – I know your sentiments and the desire you have to oblige you in this way, sir, I will not bore you with new solicitations.
The letter was most likely written by Montesquieu since it has the same handwriting as Letter No. 2 and an almost identical salutatory line at the end. The request is most likely his solicitation to receive an appointment as colonel-en-second, which he repeats in every letter.
On Madame de Lorges, wife of (1773) Henri Georges César, comte de Chastellux, see here.
Anne-Marie de La Faurie de Monbadan, Marquise de Donnissan was a lady-in-waiting (dame d’honneur and later dame d’atour) was the daughter of Guy Joseph de Donnissan and the lady-in-waiting Marie-Françoise de Durfort-Civrac.
Letter No. 4
12 juin 1781
Monsieur le Comte,
Cest avec …
Je suis avec une très profond Respect
Monsieur Le Comte
Votre très humble et très
obéissent Serviteur Le
chevalier de L’hommedieu
Intendant
De la grenade ce 12 juin 1781. nous allons aller à St domingue
The letter recounts military activities in the West Indies of French land and naval forces under the comte de Grasse.
The Chevalier de L’Hommedieu has not been identified.
Letter No. 5
A Providence le 15 juin 1781
Monsieur le Comte
M. le cher de Chastellux qui profite du sejour de l’armee icy pour faire un voyage a Boston me charge de vous instruire du depart de notre petite armee et de la marche ; et vous pensez Sûrement que je Scusis avec plaisir cette occasion de un rappelle à votre Souvenir.
Cest à la Suite d’un conseil de guerre compose des capitaines de Vaisseux et des généraux et Brigadiers quil a eted decide, d’une voie unanime, que nous nous porterons Sur la riviere du nord (ou l’husson) entre larmee de Whasington et New=york, dans le dessein d’entreprendre Sur cette place. Si les anglois continuent de S’y dégarnir ou au moins de les y resserer et de leur intercepter toute communication avec cette partie du continent.
La ville de New York, l’une des plus belles et des plus considérables de l’amérique, est situe a l’extremité …
M. le chevalier de Chastellux, who is taking advantage of the army’s stay here to make a trip to Boston, asks me to inform you of the departure of our little army and the march; and you may surely think that I am pleased to take this opportunity to recall myself to your memory.
It is following a council of war composed of the captains of the Ships of the Line and the generals and brigadiers that it has been decided unanimously that we will betake ourselves to the North River (or the Hudson) placed between the army of Washington and New York, with the intention of an undertaking against this place. If the English continue to fortify themselves [and an assault should become impossible?] then to at least to tighten the ring around them and to intercept all communication with this part of the continent.
New York City, one of the most beautiful and considerable in America, is located at the extreme end of the …
Now follows a description of New York and Long Island, news from Virginia. Then he mentions that the chevalier de Chastellux, who could have given a better account of New York and environs has been traveling throughout the winter.
Next comes a single sentence about preparations for march to New York and departure for New York:
Bourbonnois part le 18. Et le reste Suivra par regiments, la nature des chemins et les difficultés pour les Subsistances ne permettant pas de marcher en plus grandes masses
Bourbonnois leaves on the 18th and the rest will follow in regiments, the state of the roads and the difficulties for the subsistence not allowing them to march in larger groups.
Rochambeau received a Thank You note from the town of Newport and then follow a few sentences about Providence.
Recevez, Monsieur le comte, les assurances bien Sinceres de mon respect et de mon attachement.
Receive, Monsieur le Comte, the most sincere assurances of my respect and attachment.
—————–
Unsigned; based on the style and handwriting the writer is most likely Montesquieu.
Letter No. 6
De Newport le 5 aout 1780
No salutatory line
Je vous ai ecrit, M. je ne scai plus au scute sous quelle datte pas un navire qui devoit partis par Boston.
I have written to you, sir, I no longer know under what date a ship was to leave from Boston.
Describes landing and danger from British attack during the first few days, disposition of artillery, support from American militia, Lafayette had been there but departed “hier matin” yesterday morning, i.e. 4 August 1780. Concerning the sick he writes
il n’en reste gueres que 500 a lhopital don’t une partie ne tardera pas a se rétablir, et de pres de 700 que nous avons dans le commencement, il n’en est mort presque icy que 20 ou 25
There are barely 500 left in the hospital, some of whom will soon recover, and of the nearly 700 that we had at the beginning, only 20 or 25 have died
Unsigned
Based on handwriting the writer could be Montesquieu; it is the same handwriting as letter from Newport of 12 October 1780 and 3 April 1781 and the following letter of 17 August 1781.
Letter No. 7
No salutatory line
17 aout 1781
Vous avez pu croire Madame que j’avois oublie le promesse que je vous avoit faite, de vous donner des nouvelles de mon general ; mais le manque d’occasion me justifiera, et vous apprenderai avec plaisir qu’en dépit de lennemy, du chaud, et des Diners américaines il jouit dune bonne Santé. Il ne S’est rien passé dinteressant depuis la jonction des armées françaises et américaines. On attend Monsieur Le Cte de Grasse pour fraper de grands Coups : il s’est fait annoncer a Newport par une frégatte, et il paroit que son Arrivée décidera de Lactivité de la Campagne. Mr de Lafayette apres avoir eu quelques Succes en Virginie eut un petit échec dans une affaire d’arriere Garde. il attaqua Le Lord Cornwallis qui se retirait il croyoit nattaquer qu’un petit corps mail il Se trouva plus considerée quil ne croyoit il y perdit deux pieces de Canon. la perte fut égale de part et d’autre. les anglois Se Sont fortifiés a Portmouth ou ils ‘ont laisse qu’un petit Corps de troupes. le reste est embarqué depuis quelques jours on en ignore la destination. Il paroit que le General Greene a fait quelques progres dans le Sud et que les anglois apres avoir Brulé Ninety Six Se Sont retires Sur Charlestown ou ils prenderont leurs quartiers d’été. Voila Madame toutes nos nouvelles elles n’anoncent pas une paix prochaine il parvi que les états unis agissent motement et que l’esprit d’enthousiasme que les animoit au commencement de la revolution les a un peu abandonné. J’espere Madame que vous D’aigneray me rappeler au Souvenir de Madame la Duchesse de Civrac. Je crains qu’une aussi longue absence ne me fasse entièrement oublier de ceux qui prenoient quelqu’interet à moi oserais je Madame vous prier de présenter mon respectueux hommage a touts vos parents vous ne douties pas du profond respect que je conserverai toute ma vie pour vous.
You may have thought, Madame, that I had forgotten the promise I had made to you, to give you news of my general; but the lack of opportunity will justify me, and I will tell you with pleasure that in spite of the weather, the heat, and the American dinners, he enjoys good health. Nothing interesting has happened since the junction of the French and American armies. We are waiting for Monsieur Le Comte de Grasse to strike great blows: he has been announced in Newport by a frigate, and it seems that his arrival will decide the activity of the campaign. M. de Lafayette, after having had some successes in Virginia, had a small failure in a rearguard affair. He attacked the Lord Cornwallis, who was retiring, he thought he was attacking only a small body, but he found it much larger than he thought, he lost two pieces of cannon. The loss was equal on both sides. The English fortified themselves at Portsmouth where they left only a small body of troops. The rest has been on board for a few days, the destination is unknown. It appears that General Greene has made some progress in the South, and that the English, after burning Ninety Six, have retreated to Charlestown, where they will take up their summer quarters. There you have it, Madame, all our news, it does not announce an imminent peace, it has come to pass that the United States are acting in moderation, and that the spirit of enthusiasm which animated them at the beginning of the revolution has somewhat deserted them. I hope, Madame, that you deign to remember me to Madame la Duchesse de Civrac. I fear that such a long absence will make me entirely forgotten by those who take any interest in me, I dare to ask you, Madame, to present my respectful homage to all your relatives, you do not doubt the deep respect that I will retain all my life for you.
Montesquieu
Au Camp de Philipsburg le 17 aout 1781
Letter No. 8
A la mer dans le Canal de Bahama le 20 aout 1781
Monsieur Le Comte
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire au mois de mai et de juin et de vous donner les nouvelles de l’armée jusqu’à la Prise de Tobago [2 June 1781] …
I had the honor to write to you in the months of May and June, and to give you news of the army up to the Capture of Tobago [2 June 1781] …
This is a long account of naval actions beginning in early July 1781, the loss of L’Intrepide of 74 guns and L’Inconstante to fire, mentions l’Aigrette bringing funds from Havanna.
Le 23 aout on Prend les lettres dans la (illeg)
Terssac
The author is Guillaume comte de Tersac, captaine commandant of a company of fusiliers in the Beaujolais regiment.
All biographical data from Etat Militaire de France pour l’Année 1781. Vingt-Troisieme Édition. Par M. de Roussel (Paris : Chez Onfroy, 1781), pp. 308/09.
Letter No. 9
27 Juillet 1781
Monsieur Le Comte
Depuis mes dernier nous avons bien eu des nouveaux jusque a notre arrivée ici qui a eté le 17 du Courant, nous sommes parties le cinq du fort Royal de la Martinique …
Since my last [letter] we had a lot of news until our arrival here which was on the 17th of the current month, we left on the fifth from the Fort Royal of Martinique …
Then he describes how a soldier named Coffre died after having eaten from a barracuda, a poisonous fish they had caught off Puerto Rico. Then he describes the fire and explosion of the frigate L’Inconstante.
L’on embarque beaucoup de troupes nous ignorons ou L’on veut porter nos forces, nous Croyons que c’est pour nouvelle Angleterre.
Many troops are embarked, we do not know where they want to take our forces, we believe that it is for New England.
… avec un très profond respect
Monsieur le Comte
Votre très humble
Et très obeissant Serviteur
Le cl ….. ( ?)
A bord de veuisseau le St. esprit au Cap ce 27 juillet 1781.
The author is most likely Premier Lieutenant Leclerc of the grenadier company of the Beaujolais regiment.
Letter No. 10
First page missing
Votre très humble et très
obeisent Serviteur
Le chr DeFabre
A la Beye de chesapic Le 6e 8bre 1781 ./.
Fabre reports that his ship anchored in the Chesapeake Bay on 30 August and goes on to describe the Battle of the Capes of 5 September 1781. There were ten killed on the St. Esprit and another 30 were wounded who later died of their wounds. Describes how the soldiers of his company fought bravely in the battle, taking the place of killed gunners.
Mr de grace a fourny 800 hommes de garnison des veseau : j’ay rescu l’ordre de me tenir pret tout Comme tous les autres a desendre.
Monsieur de Grasse has provided 800 men of the ship garrisons: I received the order to be ready just like all the others to disembark.
The chevalier de Fabre is the longest-serving capitaine commandant of a company of fusiliers in the Beaujolais regiment.
De Grasse had about 2,800 men Line Infantry as garrisons on his 28 SOLs and four frigates. 113 men of the Beaujolais were on St. Esprit, 100 on the Citoyen. His fleet provided 600 of the 800 men sent to Gloucester, vessels that had come with admiral Barras from Newport provided the remaining 200 men. None of them came from the Beaujolais.
For details on the landing of the 800 men ship garrisons see
‘“No Regular Corps could have maintained its Ground more firmly.” Site Documentation and Preservation Plan for the Battle of the Hook, October 3, 1781. American Battlefield Protection Program Grant prepared for Gloucester Parks, Recreation and Tourism by Wade P. Catts, RPA, Robert A. Selig, Ph.D., Lt. Col. Lewis H. Burruss (ret.), and Kevin Bradley, RPA (Newark, DE: South River Heritage Consulting LLC, 2021)
The report is available on-line here.
Letter No. 11
A la nouvelle Angleterre le 20 oct 1781
Monsieur
Je suis charge de la part de monsieur Le Chevalier de Chastellux de vous mander Les nouvelles De La guerre.
I am instructed by Monsieur Le Chevalier de Chastellux to send you the news of the war.
The letter contains a lengthy account of the campaign beginning with the departure from Cap François on 5 August 1781, the naval Battle of the Capes of 5 September and the siege of Yorktown, which had ended the day previous.
Monsieur
Votre très humble et
Très obeissante Serviteur
Le Maire
Though the date line says “nouvelle Angleterre”, i.e., New England, letter was written from a vessel in the Chesapeake Bay.
There is a sous lieutenant Le Maire in the Beaujolais Regiment in 1781.
Letter No. 12
20 8br 1781
(no salutatory line)
Vous Serai peut etre bien aise Monsieur de Savoir quelques details de la Campagne que nous avons faite.
You may be very pleased, Monsieur, to know some details of the campaign we have made.
Then follows an account of the march from “Philipsburg” i.e., Greenburgh to Yorktown and the siege (five pages)
Jai l’honneur detre Votre tres humble et tres obeisant Serviteur Montesquieu
York le 20 octobre 1781
J’ecris a Madame la Duchesse de Civrac pour la prier de demander pour moi une place de Mestre de Camp en Second daigne Monsieur joindre votre voix a la Sienne je crois que le moment est favorable.
I am writing to Madame la Duchesse de Civrac to beg her to ask for a place for me as Mestre de Camp en Second, deign Sir, to add your voice to his, I believe that the moment is favorable.
The signature is in a different handwriting than the letter.
Letter No. 13
Du 20 bre 1781 au camp d’york
(no salutatory line)
This letter is an overview of the march of French forces from Newport to Yorktown and the siege of Yorktown. (six pages)
Unsigned
Letter No. 14
Au camp d’york le 20 8bre 1781
(no salutatory line)
Le duc de Lauzun qui (illeg. ; covered in part by stamp) partir cet apres midi …
The duc de Lauzun who (illeg.) depart this afternoon …. (for France with news of the surrender of Cornwallis.)
This letter is an overview of the march of French forces from Newport to Yorktown and the siege of Yorktown. (seven pages)
Unsigned
The letter appears to be incomplete
Letter No. 15
20 8bre 1781
Monsieur Le Comte
Cest avec bien de l’impressement que j saisis l’occasion pour vous informer de l’heureuse reusiste, …
It is with great eagerness that I take the opportunity to inform you of the happy success …
Monsieur le Comte
Votre tres humble et tres
Obeisant Serviteur Le che.
Dutranchant
De la baye de Chesapeake le 20. 8bre 1781
This letter describes the siege of Yorktown. Dutranchant served as a premier lieutenant in the Beaujolois Regiment. In a postscript he tells Chastellux that he enclosed a copy of the instrument of surrender (three pages)
Letter No. 16
22 8bre 1781
Monsieur Le Comte
J’ai eu l’honneur de vous écrire au debarquement de Bahama au mois d’aout — I had the honor of writing to you at the landing on the Bahamas in August
but has not had time to write another letter. Since departure from Brest he lost 12 men to sickness. He also left four men in the hospital in Martinique and nine in Port au Prince and has 18 sick with him right now, of whom four or five will probably die. They are about to return to the West Indies. He needs to return to France to take care of his properties and interests, the war is getting too expensive for him. Asks for the Order of St. Louis. He must have debarked at some point from the 74-gun ship Le Citoyen because he writes: “je me presentai a la Tente du M Le chr de Chastellux qui etoit absent, je me retire sans le voir … I presented myself at the tent of M le chevalier de Chastellux, who was absent, and I withdrew without seeing him.” (three pages)
Monsieur le Comte
Votre très humble et très
Obeissant Serviteur
Terssac
Dans la Baye de Chesapeak
Le 22 8br 1781
The author is the Guillaume comte de Tersac, captaine commandant of a company of fusiliers in the Beaujolois regiment.
Letter No. 17
Monsieur
Les deux combats de mer ou je me suis trouvé aussi que la circonstance heureuse de La prise d’york par le Blocus de l’armée navale me donnant des pretensions aux grâces du Roy, i.e. the claim to a captaincy.
The two sea battles in which I found myself also the fortunate circumstance of the capture of York by the blockade of the naval army give me pretensions on the King’s favours, i.e. the claim to a captaincy.
About the surrender at Yorktown and Gloucester he writes:
On estime que La prise de ces places avec Leurs fortes garnisons doivent nécessairement opérer Le liberté des états unis.
It is considered that the capture of these places with their strong garrisons must necessarily bring about the freedom of the United States.
Monsieur
Votre très humble et très
obeissant Serviteur
De Jacomel
A Bord du citoyen dans la
Baye de Chesapeak en
Virginie le 22 octobre 1781 ./.
The letter provides an overview of de Grasse’ campaign from the departure from Brest, incl. the Battle of the Capes of 5 September 1781. The writer asks again for a commission as captain; he had asked already at departure from Brest. He has 24 years of service. In 1781 there is a Lieutenant en premier Jacomel in the Beaujolais; but in 1783 there is a capitaine en second Jacomel de Chauvigny (1755-1812) in the Beaujolais as well as a sous-lieutenant Chevalier de Jacomel in 1781 as well as in 1783. (two pages)
The lieutenant en premier is the author of the complete account of de Grasse’ campaign by an officer in the Beaujolais: Journal de la campagne d’Amérique (1781-1783) de Joseph François Louis de Jacomel de Cauvigny, officier du régiment de Beaujolais-Infanterie embarque sur le vaisseau Le Citoyen. Mémoire de maîtrise présente par Jean-Pascal Gay sous la direction de M le Recteur Yves Durand. Année universitaire 1995-1996, Session Juin 1996.
Letter No. 18
A Williamsburg le 12 janvier 1782
No salutatory line
This is an 11-page letter which he encourages the recipient to take a look at the map as he explains the locations of winter quarters in and around Williamsburg (Lauzun in Hampton), the location of batteries on both sides of the river. He goes all the way back to winter-quarters in Newport 1780/81 tell the story of the row between the comte de Custine and an officer in his regiment (Saintonge) which ended in the officer committing suicide. (five pages)
Unsigned
Most of the next letters are written from the West Indies and include accounts of the campaign of Admiral de Grasse, the capture of St. Kitts on 25/26 January 1782, and the defeat of Admiral de Grasse in the Battle of the Saintes on 12 April 1782.
The account by Destouches is here.
Here is a British source with images.
St. Kitts is also known as St. Christopher, esp. in the Franco-phone world
Letter No. 19
16 fevrier 1782
Monsieur le Comte
J’avois commence depuis le premier du mois une relation de ce qu’il fut passé de plus intéressant a cette armée depuis le Départ de Chesapeack ; …
I have begun since the first of the month an account of the most interesting things that happened to this army since the departure of Chesapeack; …
J’ai L’honneur d’etre avec respect
Monsieur le Comte
Votre très humble et très
obeissant Serviteur
Terssac
A la mer Prés St Christophe le 16 fevr 1782
Depuis un mois je n’ai vu nos Mrs du St Esprit qu’avec
la Lunette d’approche il n’a paru qu’ils se portoient
bien ainsi que ceux d’ici.
For a month I have seen our gentlemen [fellow officers] on the St. Esprit with the Telescope only, it did not appear that they were doing as well as those here.
The letter gives a brief account of the capture of St. Christoph and Brimstone Hill. (two pages)
Next comes as an enclosure dated:
16 fevrier 1782
Precis des operations de l’armée navale depuis son départ de la Virginie [eight pages of text]
Summary of the operations of the navy since its departure from Virginia [eight pages of text]
At the end : A la Pointe de sable isle de St Christophe le 16 fevr 1782.
Letter No. 20
17 fevrier 1782
Monsieur
J’avois eu L’honneur de Reclamer votre protection apres la prise d’york pour obtenire La Comission de Capne …
I had the honor of claiming your protection after the capture of York to obtain the Commission of Captain … Jacomel writes that he entered military service in July 1761.
Signed De Jacomel
A St. Christophe a Bord du citoyen le 17 fevrier 1782
Je prends La Liberté de joindre ici un précis de nos operations depuis 9bre [three pages]
I take the liberty of enclosing here a summary of our operations since November
The letter includes a sketch of the islands and the disposition of forces.
Letter No. 21 [first page missing]
The letter ends with the line
Il y tout Lieu de croyre que Lon va fere Le Siege de la Jamaïque
There is every reason to believe that the Siege of Jamaica will be made
jay lHonneur D’etre avec respect
Monsieur
Votre très humble
et très obeisaent serviteur
Le chev De fabre
a La Beye de St cristofle le 18 fevrier 1782
De Fabre provides an overview of the actions of his company during the siege of Brimstone Hill and very brief but vivid account of the naval battle of St. Kitts, 25 February 1782.
Letter No. 22
19 fevrier 1782
numero 6.
Monsieur Le Comte
J’ai recu l’honneur de La votre en date du 15 xbre …
Votre très humble et très obeissant
Serviteur Le ch. Du tranchant
A bord du vaisseaux le St esprit Rade de St Cristophe. a 19. Février 1782
The letter provides an account of the naval campaign since 5 January 1782 and the capture of St. Christophe. (four pages)
Letter No. 23 (Last page missing)
26 fevrier 1782
Monsieur le Comte
By an officer in Chastellux’s regt de Beaujolais
Departs from Brest with fleet of comte de Guichen on 12 February 1782. 5 SOLs and the frigate l’Amphitrite. Talks about equipping his men prior to departure.
Letter No. 24
25 March 1782
Monsieur
J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer cy joint en etat des caporox qui sont dans mon detachment
I have the honor to send you the enclosed list of the corporals who are in my detachment
Le chev De fabre
Au ford royal Le 25 mars 1782
Letter No. 25
No date
Monsieur le Comte
J’ai L’honneur d’etre [no signature; cut out during opening of letter]
Talks about attack on Brimstone Hill
No place or date on page 1.
Letter No. 26
26 March 1782
Monsieur le Comte
J’ai Eu l’honneur de vous écrire le 17 et 19 du mois dernier apres la conquette de St. Chistophe …
I had the honor of writing to you on the 17th and 19th of last month after the conquest of St. Chistophe …
Four-page account of naval operations since departure from Chesapeake Bay
J’ai L’honneur d’etre avec respect
Monsieur le Comte
Votre trés humble et
Obeisant Serviteur
Terssac
A Bord du citoyen au fort Royal le 26. Mars 1782
L’armée a eu peu de lettres par le convoi on croit que’une partie aura été mise sur les vaisseaux qui ont eté dans l‘inde j’ai reçu la votre du 13 Xbre
The army has had few letters by the convoy, it is believed that some of them will have been put on the ships that have been to India, I received yours on the 13th of September.
Letter No. 27
27 mars 1782
No salutatory line
Le 11 Janvier L’armée aux ordres du Mr de Grasse a mouille dans la rade de la basse terre a St Christophe …
On January 11 the army under the command of Mr. de Grasse anchored in the roadstead of the Basse Terre at St Christophe …
Account of siege of Brimstone Hill; the letter ends in middle of page 2.
Letter No. 28
A Newport Le 2 avril 1782
No salutatory line
J’ai recu, mon cher neveu, par l’astree et par l’Ariel quantite de paquets …
Talks about internal affairs of army
Incomplete letter; one sheet/last page missing. The Astree and Ariel are two French frigates.
No signature.
None of the letters addressed to mon cher neveu are signed and the nephew has not been identified
Letter No. 29
24 avril 1782
Monsieur le Comte
J’ai recu La Lettre que vous m’avez fait L’honneur de m’ecrire dans Le mois de février dernier,
Nous sommes rentre à brest Le 15 avril …
I have received the letter that you did me the honor of writing to me in the month of February last,
We returned to Brest on April 15th…
Lebé
à St nazaire au bac de La Riviere de Nante, et abord de La tourterelle ce 24 avril 1782
There is a Premier Lieutenant en second Le Bé in the Beaujolais in 1781. Talks about journey back to France and uniforms/equipment of the regiment
La Tourterelle was French frigate of 32 guns laid down in December 1766 and commissioned in November 1770. She was condemned in March 1783 and broken up.
Letter No. 30
A Williamsburg le 25 may 1782
No salutatory line
To “mon cher neveu”
Last page missing. Same handwriting as the letter from Newport 2 April 1782.
Letter No. 31
Devant Le Cap français le 25 avril 1782
Account of Battle of the Saints of 12 April 1781
La Victoire de L’Ennemi est complette – the enemy’s victory is complete
Signed T[ressac]
Enclosed is the
Précis de La Campagne de L’armée Navalle aux ordres du Comte de Grasse [5 pages]
Summary of the Campaign of the navy under the orders of the Comte de Grasse
Begins with departure from Brest on 22 March 1781 and ends with surrender at Yorktown.
Letter No. 32
Au Cap français le 19 mai 1782
Monsieur le Comte
Account of Battle of the Saintes of 12 April 1782, beginning with departure from Fort Royal on 8 April.
Les Blesses du régt vont bien et n’y en a pas que le sont dangereuses il n’y a D’amputations que celle d’un doit je vous ai dit que j’en avois eu 15 tué et un mort de sa blessures bientôt après.
The wounded of the regiment are doing well and there are none dangerously ill, there are no amputations other than a finger [or toe], I told you that I had 15 killed and one dead from his wounds soon after.
Same signature as Letter No. 30, i.e., Tressac
Letter No. 33
A bord du Citoyen au Cap français Le 28e mai 1782
Monsieur
Informs Chastellux that Tersac returned to France on the St. Esprit which was conducting a convoy. Asks Chastellux’ support to gain the Order of St. Louis for all his sacrifices. Now that the Battle of the Saintes has been fought and lost he feels that “je fais une guerre obscure et sans object puisqu’il n’y a ni gloire ni advancement acquerir pour moi – I am waging an obscure and objectless war, since there is no glory or advancement to be acquired for me.”
Votre très humble et très obeisant serviteur
De Jaconel
The letter includes a two-page account of the Battle of the Saintes.
Letter No. 34
22 June 1782
Monsieur le Comte
Nous sommes arrives ici Le 9 du courant, avec deux fregatte de Notre force, et nous i avons Convoyés 207 Batiment, chargés de toute aspece de munitions de guerre ,,,
We arrived here on the 9th of the current month, with two frigates of our force, and we convoyed 207 vessel, loaded with all kinds of munitions of war ,,,
Complains about the poor quality of replacement uniforms.
LeBé
A bord de la Tourterelle en rade de Brest en 22 juin 1782
Letter No. 35
28 juillet 1782.
Monsieur
Le Fabre provides an account of the state of his company upon arrival in Brest and a brief account of the journey back to France, departing 31 May. He arrived in Brest on 27 July.
Le Chr De fabre
Sur Le veseau Le St esprit Le 28 juilet 1782
Je joins icy Le plan du Combat du 12 avril que j’ay peu avoir Secretement que personne n’en set rien
I enclose here the plan of the battle of the 12th of April, which I could have/acquired secretly so that no one knows anything about it.
The map is not in the file.
Letter No. 36
First page missing
Recounts his journey to Boston and the wreck of Le Magnifique in the harbor. Asks Chastellux’ support to get the Order of St. Louis and wonders about his promotion to Captain. Chastellux had told him nine months ago that he would be promoted but no award letter yet.
J’ai L’honneur d’etre avec un profonde Respect
Monsieur
Votre très humble et très
Obeissant Serviteur
De Jacomel
en Rade a Boston a Bord du citoyen Le 1er Septembre 1782./[3]
Mr Le comte de Chastellux
Letter No. 37
Au camp de Crompond le 3 8bre 1782
No salutatory line
J’ai bien des remerciemens a vous faire, mon cher neveu, … he received many letters and apologizes for not having responded. The letter is basically a long excuse.
Montesquieu
Letter No. 38
Au Camp de Crompon dans l’Etat de New-york le 4 8bre 1782
No salutatory line
Votre lettre du 8 avril, Monsieur le Comte, m’est parvenue … Your letter of April 8, Monsieur le Comte, has reached me …
Reports the story of capture of l’Aigle in Delaware[4]
L’arme américaine ne ressemble point a ce que nous l’avons vue l’année dernière Elle Est plus complete, mieux disciplinée, et très bien vêtue
The American army does not resemble what we saw last year. It is more complete, better disciplined, and very well dressed
The letter is unsigned
Letter No. 39
A Providence le 24 novembre 1781
No salutatory line
Unsigned, to “mon cher neveu”. Concerns mostly his affairs in France.
Last page missing
Letter No. 40
A Bord du vaisseau Le citoyen a Boston le 21 decembre 1782./
Monsieur
Reports on deaths and replacements of dead NCOs, re-engagements in the regiment, need to replace uniforms &c. They are ready to set sail for the West Indies but “Mr votre oncle” returns to France. That’s the chevalier de Chastellux.
Monsieur
Votre très humble et très
Obeissant Serviteur
De Jacomel
Letter No. 41
Mars 1783
Monsieur –
Is happy to report reception of the letter of 12 August 1782 with the news that he has been promoted to captain. They arrived in Porto Cabello on 15 February 1783 after a passage of 55 days.
Tell story of shipwreck of 74-gun ship La Bourgogne during the night of 4-5 February 1783 off Curaçao. Three companies of the Bourbonnois on the ship lost their equipment and he handed over 35 muskets with bayonets. Je n’ai pas pu Leur donners des gibernes Les Rats ne m’ayant Laissé que les coffres – I couldn’t give them gibernes, the rats having left me only the chests.
Also gives a brief description of Porto Cabello.
Nous sommes dans un tres Bon port mais dans un très mauvais pays, il n’y a point de culture aux encirons de ce petit Bourg, peu de Ressources, aucuns plaisirs, la vue et La promenade y sont Bornées par de très hautes montagnes couvertes de Bois Remplis de Betes feroces, mais L’air y est très Bon dans cette Saison et les premières moyens de la vie y sont faciles. Nos colonels peu satisfaites de ce Bourg sont allés chercher des plaisirs a caracas colonie plus considerable, mais distante de 40 lieues par des montagnes affreuses.
We are in a very good harbor but in a very bad country, there is no cultivation in the surroundings of this little village, few resources, no pleasures, the view and the promenade are bounded by very high mountains covered with woods filled with wild beasts, but the air is very good in this season and the first means of life are easy. Our colonels, not satisfied with this village, went to seek pleasures in Caracas, a larger colony but 40 leagues distant across frightful mountains.
Monsieur
Votre très humble et très
Obeissant Serviteur
De Jacomel
A porto cabelo terre ferme de L’amerique espagnole
A Bord du citoyen Le mars 1783./.
Letter No. 42
A Newport le 3 fevrier 1780 [sic; corrected to 1781 by a different hand]
No salutatory line
J’ai mande de ma soeur, mon cher neveu …
I have asked of my sister, my dear nephew…
Talks about Arnold in Virginia &c, nothing about Newport or RI
The letter is unsigned
Letter No. 43
A Brest le 31 mars 1781
No salutatory line
Il est bien vrai, mon cher neveu, que ….
The letter is unsigned, last page missing.
Notes:
[1] Georges-Louis Le Rouge (between 107 and 1712- early 1780s) was a German-born French military engineer, surveyor, cartographer, and publisher during the eighteenth century. In 1741, Le Rouge moved permanently to Paris and became a commercial cartographer. In 1777, he published Theatre de la guerre en Amerique. https://www.argomaps.org/people/georges-louis-le-rouge/
[2] 1 toise = 6.4 feet. 400 toises = 2500 feet or 850 yards
[3] There are contemporary accounts and maps in my The Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1781 – 1783. An Historical and Architectural Survey. (Boston: Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association of Massachusetts, 2017)
[4] For an account of the capture see my The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route in the State of Delaware, 1781- 1783. An Historical and Architectural Survey. (Dover: State of Delaware, 2003)
