2022-01 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/28/2022
JEAN BAPTISTE DONATIEN de VIMEUR, COMTE de ROCHAMBEAU.(1725-1807). French general who assisted the American revolutionaries in defeating the British at Yorktown. Autograph Letter, np; nd, c1780, one page, 6" x 8", Unsigned, retained copy, apparently after he had arrived to fight in the American cause of the Revolution: "I received the letter which you were pleased to honor me with from Richmond, at the moment when I was about to inform you of my arrival in your Government ... The troops under my command are filled with the utmost Zeal & the most ardent desire to contribute to the Glory & success of the American Arms ... Our ardor is augmented from the consideration that whatever services we may have the happiness of rendering the American cause will be agreeable to his most Christian Majesty Our Master, who entertains the greatest Affection, and the sincerest regard for the people of America. Be pleased Sir to accept my Assurances of the desire I have of cultivating your Friendship, which I earnestly solicit, and be convinced of these sentiments of respect with which I am, Your Excellency's Most Obedt. & hble Serv." In July 1780, a French fleet arrived at Newport, Rhode Island with some 5,000 French infantry and a number of marines under the command of Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, le Comte de Rochambeau. In early July 1781, Rochambeau led his 5,500 soldiers to join General Washington's forces at White Plains, New York. Washington and Rochambeau led a combined force of about 10,000 south to Yorktown, Virginia, where they joined other Continental forces and the French troops led by Lafayette. The force of allies attacked Yorktown on September 28th, and on October 19, 1781, Lord Cornwallis surrendered and the Revolutionary War was, in effect, over. One pinhole, else Fine.
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