The arrival of Rochambeau in Newport was initially met with little enthusiasm.  Rumor had
        been spread that  the French army was stopping in Newport for just a few days to re-supply.  Few Americans knew that
        the French had been secretly supporting the American cause with money and munitions.  Their memory of the French
        was of Admiral d'Estaing's  failed attempt to drive the British our of Newport in 1778, and Savannah in 1780, sailing back
        to France having accomplished nothing.

        Rochambeau puzzled the people of Newport.  His air of self-possession, friendly blue eyes and unmistakable competence soon
        melted their prejudices.  He let it be known contrary to Tory rumors he was not merely passing through. His Majesty King
        Louis XVI has cast his fortunes with the Americans.  Within 48 hours the propaganda was silenced. Flags wee hung out and
        the church steeples illuminated. The Town Council of Newport did its best to welcome the French army in style.

        It announced hat houses in the main streets were to be illuminated until ten o'clock at night, and it further resolved "that the
        Treasurer shall furnish a box of candles at the expense of the town, and that he same be distributed to such of the inhabitants
        who reside in the streets heretofore ordered to be illuminated, and who are not of the ability to furnish the same."

                                                                             Rochambeau: America's Neglected Founding Father by Arnold Whitridge pgs 87-88

 

       Our History

       To celebrate the arrival of Rochambeau and the French troops on July 9, 2005 ceremonies were held at
       Colony House in the beautiful historic area of Newport.  The arrival at the shore was canceled due to heavy
       rains on Friday but by Saturday all fair for the Regiments to gather and escort the Admiral to a ceremonial
       event with General Washington and General Lafayette. In actuality Rochambeau and Washington would not
       meet until later in Hartford. 
       

 

  
                                     
     
      The event was covered well by news reporters and camera crews.  You'd think Washington, Rochambeau, and Lafayette had
actually arrived.

Upon entering Colony House the Generals with their Aid de Camp were greeted the towns people with speeches
and an audience before escorting them to the House of a fine lunch.		  
               
       
                                     
   

The Comte de Rochambeau
played by
John Welsh of Olympia, Washington

  

The Marquis de Lafayette
played by
Mark Schneider of Colonial Williamsburg

  

His Excellency George Washington
played by
Kevin Grantz of Virginia Patriots

  
                                     
      The Generals met for the first time on the 20th of September at the home of Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth
in Hartford.

May 20-21 2006 will see the recreation of this meeting  in Wethersfield, CT

 The Town of Wethersfield
will commemorate the
225th anniversary of
George Washington's
pivotal conference with
the commander of the
French expeditionary
forces that led to the
British defeat at
Yorktown.		  
                                     
    The meeting allowed the two Generals and their staffs to meet. "Washington was accompanied by General Knox, his  chief of artillery, Lafayette and M. de Gouvion, his chief of engineers, a French officer who had joined the American Army early in the war, six aides including Alexander Hamilton and an escort of dragoons."  Rochambeau traveled with Admiral Ternay, Major-General Chastellux, his aides Fersen and Dumas and his son the Vicome de Rochambeau.   Chastellux would say of Washington that he was "the greatest and the best of men" Count Axel de Fersen, more critical of Americans would describe him as "illustrious, if not unique in our century. He is handsome and majestic, while at the same time mild and open countenance perfectly reflects his moral qualities; he looks the hero; he is very cold; speaks little, but is courteous and frank."
                                      Rochambeau by Arnold Whitridge pg. 101		  
                                     
  Washington would have to reveal upon meeting with Rochambeau to discuss the plans for the next campaign that the American Army was in desperate straits for food, ammunition and clothing, and that he did not know at any given moment what his effectives would be. (pg 99)  Rochambeau had no difficulty in winning over Washington that no effective operation could be undertaken against the British without assured and continuous naval superiority. The American need for aid was drawn up in a document written in French in which points of action determined by Rochambeau and Ternay were written in one column and Washington's in the other.  After two days of discussions Rochambeau's son would be charged with memorizing this important document in the event of his ship being captured and the need for its destruction before reaching Versailles where he would plead for the assistance of  generous and speedly aid if the American cause was to succeed.
                   Rochambeau by Arnold Whitridge pg 102		    
                                     
 
 
    Rain or shine we're there to enlighten the public about our country's history.
     Even if it means standing on street corners and responding to passing motorists???
     Perhaps  "Vive  la Froggies"
    

     
                                     
       
      The sun would shine and with it's warmth we would continue with our more ceremonies.   See The Pomp  and Ceremony at
       Queen Anne's Park 

      Before leaving Colony House everyone would look at the paintings of .David Wagner and recognize this event of from
      many years ago that he depicted in one of his paintings.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

   
     
                                     
 


        Another website of the event at xenophongroup.com:

CELEBRATION of the 225th ANNIVERSARY
of the 1780 arrival of the Comte de ROCHAMBEAU

 

                  
                           
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