July, 2000 issue

In July of 1780, 5,000 magnificently equipped French troops landed at Newport fully prepared to come to the aid of the stalled American resistance. At the head of this army was Jean Baptist Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau, a fifty year veteran of the French army and a man who had been preparing for his retirement when he was given this important command.

The difficulty and complexity of his task was incredible. He was to march his troops from Newport to Westchester on the Hudson River, where he was to join the American commander, George Washington, and his forces. It would be necessary for him to work, live, and fight beside Americans and to coordinate army movements with the American commander.

Not only would he have to familiarize himself and soldiers with totally alien territory but also acclimate and adjust to the non-European battle techniques that the Colonials employed.

All this was essential for the success of relations between the two allies and would be the determining factor in the outcome of the war. Although the French occupation of Westchester was only a prelude to their major involvement in the allied victory in Yorktown, t was here that it would first become apparent whether or not Rochambeau had the qualities necessary to create an effective liaison with the Americans and successfully carry out his task in all its facets.

In order to evaluate properly Rochambeau's leadership capabilities, it is first necessary to examine several important topics. Firstly, for what reason was Rochambeau's army sent to Westchester and more importantly, was Rochambeau's presence in the county helpful in the way in which it was intended?

Secondly, Rochambeau's character and personality must be scrutinized. What type of man does it take to complete an assignment of this magnitude successfully? Finally, how did Rochambeau surmount problems and impediments which decreased the effectiveness of the army? This is the most difficult test of a leader. Under difficult circumstances did Rochambeau make the correct decisions?

When it was decided in France that indeed an army was to be sent to America, it was imperative that a suitable commander be chosen, one who could turn this gamble into a profitable enterprise. Rochambeau was selected by Prince de Montbarey, the Secretary of the Army, who based his decision on Rochambeau's brilliant military career. Entering the army at an early age, Rochambeau quickly proved his worth in tight situations. Possessing a keen mind and an earnest wish to excel on the battlefield, he quickly rose in the ranks. In 1747 at the age of twenty-one he had been made a colonel of the Regiment de la March. His life was almost taken in the battle of Laufeldt against the Dutch and Austrians when he sustained a serious thigh wound which would plague him for the rest of his life. He fought admirably in the Minorcan campaign and in 1756 at the age of 31 he was made a brigadier general. His military career continued with many other major successes and to the time he was posted to America at the age of fifty-five, Rochambeau was preparing to retire.

Certainly not lacking in experience or achievement and still in good physical health, Rochambeau was made Commander of all the land forces to be sent to America. Even before his departure from Brest in May, 1980, he made a prudent decision. Realizing that the number of soldiers allotted to him was not sufficient, he urged the king to grant him more troops. Appreciating the logic of his wish, the king quickly increased his force. His army was to serve as an individual unit, but was to accommodate General Washington. The purpose of his stay in Westchester was to meet General Washington and plan future action, while at the same time threatening the British in New York.

For the most part, Rochambeau was admired and respected by his men, especially those in his close personal staff. As Whitridge comments in Rochambeau: America's Neglected Founding Father, "He never quarreled with anybody, he was not an intriguer, he was firm without being truculent, and above all he was a man in whom the army had the greatest confidence." Clearly, from this description, Rochambeau had combined within himself the strength of the oak with the bending qualities of the willow. This personality would prove itself invaluable in his dealings with Washington during joint planning sessions.

The two generals for much of their stay in Westchester were quartered very near each other, so they met almost daily. They disagreed on several basic points, the most obvious being Washington's insistence that an attack on New York be attempted. Rochambeau was not very happy with this since the heavy French warships could not get over Sandy Hook and therefore could not be counted on for assistance. However, Rochambeau agreed with Washington and as Whitridge put it, "Rochambeau bowed to Washington's decision. This was no grudging surrender. Rochambeau was the ideal lieutenant. He had spoken his mind and now he would carry out the commander in chief's plans to the best of his ability." An underling of Rochambeau's, Dumas, mentioned in his journal his commander's "perfect subordination to General Washington." This quality of Rochambeau's was indispensable.

It is interesting to speculate that had Rochambeau been more flamboyant and haughty as so many of the classic leaders were (the Duc de Lauzan, Rochambeau's cavalry commander, was a perfect example) the two generals might not have agreed on anything and the allied cooperation might have terminated here in Westchester.

In order to complete his mission successfully, Rochambeau had several problems to overcome. The first task, of course, was to get his army from place to place without losing a section of it. He had extensive and very concise descriptions of the route of march compiled which noted local landmarks and made comments about local conditions. The following example was taken from the twelfth march itinerary from North Castle to Philipsburg during the army's trip from Newport:
"Leaving from the left of camp, that is, from the meetinghouse, you take the first road from the left. You go up and down hill, cross a brook, continue along the side of a hill, with a pond on the right. You cross a brook, with a little alley on the left, and continuing along the side of the hill you ascend, with a house on the right and another on the left. Cross a brook and leave some mountains on the left." Despite the great care taken in preparing such itineraries, which continued for pages, it would seem logical to assume that landmarks could be missed or somehow changed before a division reached a certain area. However, none of Rochambeau's army ever got lost.

Rochambeau divided his army into five divisions before each march with the first division being preceded by thirty pioneers, equipped to clear trails, build bridges, etc. The divisions were spaced so that the first constructed camps and the following divisions occupied them as they were reached.

Rochambeau also had to arrange for his men to be fed. Unlike European battles where the army was usually connected in some way to the mother country by a supply line, Rochambeau had no contact with France, and had only the supplies he had brought with him. He and his officers, of course, were treated royally by the residents of each area and his men were provided for. Rochambeau's army never had the chance to complain about hunger as did Washington's army.

To help him through the countryside and to aid in communicating with local residents and obtaining supplies, Rochambeau employed several American guides. A favorite guide of the General's during his stay in Westchester was Cornelius Oakley. Oakley enjoyed this favor by dining with him and in fact living in close proximity to him. Oakley participated in all the marches and reconnaissance that Rochambeau conducted in the Westchester area. He aided the General by giving accurate advice and making correct observations.

The General said to him, "Oakley, nature designed you for the leader of an army." Because of the assistance of men like Oakley, Rochambeau had little problem with troop movement, supplies and camp locations.

Certainly it can be said that the great success of the allied stay in Westchester (July-August 1781) was due in large part to the Comte de Rochambeau. The unique leadership qualities he possessed and the zeal with which he undertook the tasks set for him made his dealings with Washington extremely beneficial to the American cause. His experienced command of the French forces made them not only impressive but effective.

In August of 1781, Rochambeau's army began its march from the Hudson to Virginia. On September 4, the American Congress in Philadelphia sent greetings to Rochambeau which contained this: "The brilliant appearance and exact discipline of the several corps, do the highest honor to their officers..." Evidently, the Americans were both impressed by and thankful for the contributions made by the French army.

From September to October, Rochambeau's forces participated in the siege of Yorktown and their services in this battle were of inestimable value. After this pivotal battle, Rochambeau's army returned to Westchester. Here they stayed until the close of the war, at which time they marched to Boston, from thence they sailed for home.

It is unfortunate that Rochambeau's critical contribution to the American revolution has for so long been ignored or forgotten.

Thaddeus F. Heitmann, Ossining High School student, won first prize for the above article in Westchester County Historical Society's Rochambeau Essay contest.