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Rochambeau
Step back in time and travel with Rochambeau as he rides through the night to the Palace of Versailles, answering a summons from King Louis XVI. Sail with Rochambeau as he and his 42-ship convoy cross the Atlantic on an exhausting 70-day voyage to America. Sit by his side as his carriage travels to meet with George Washington for their first face-to-face conference in Hartford, Connecticut. Enjoy the tension between the two generals as their strategy emerges. Stand beside Rochambeau as he proudly watches his handsome French troops depart from Newport, Rhode Island, to begin their two hundred mile march to join forces with Washington’s army above the Hudson. Stand near him in Chester, Pennsylvania, as he watches an overjoyed Washington twirl his hat in the air on hearing that the long-awaited French navy under Admiral De Grasse had arrived in the Chesapeake. Ride at his side in the sweltering sun during the grueling trek from New York to Williamsburg, Virginia. Listen in as he rallies his troops at the Battle of Yorktown. And observe how Cornwallis grudgingly surrenders his sword at the final battle of the American Revolution.
404 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 1, 2023
A fine, well-paced, and instructive biography of General Rochambeau's time spent in the New World during the Revolutionary War. Not too much fluff or filler-content is used when chronicling the French officer's life, although Vail does have a tendency to overstate Rochambeau's overall importance to the Continental cause, as well as repeat certain major events that have been brought to the reader's attention previously. Insight on the French government's early role and crafty behind-the-scenes involvement during the embers of the American Revolution are keenly observed and presented, along with specific detail regarding uniforms, provisions, arms, etc. used by France's army. While at times vague and broadly-stated, the relationship between Washington and Rochambeau is given apt attention upon the French general's landing in America until his inevitable embarkment for home:
Mathieu Dumas, one of Rochambeau's aides, made an astute journal entry regarding "his commander's 'perfect subordination' to General Washington." Rochambeau's ability to bend was critical to working with George Washington. Rochambeau listened well, offered his suggestions, and followed orders even if he did not agree all the time, as a good lieutenant should; the best example was after the Hartford meeting when the two generals agreed that New York would be their prime objective. It is well known that Rochambeau did not agree but did acquiesce.
As with most biography and history that covers the American Revolution, there is quite a bit of special treatment paid to the Siege (and eventual victory) of Yorktown—an expected yet rather dull part of the book given the fact that Rochambeau gets little spotlight for this part of the War's conclusion. Vail welcomingly fills each chapter with distinct subchapters, each neatly sectioned off with an appropriate title for what will be covered next in the text. With the final years of Rochambeau’s life feeling rushed during his experience under the Reign of Terror, this is the one point where Vail could have expanded upon her research and given the Frenchman a fitting and justified end to his steadfast love to both liberty and his never-ending devotion to France. Overall, this is a favorable read for those looking to shed light on the French general's time and expeditions during the War for Independence.
Mathieu Dumas, one of Rochambeau's aides, made an astute journal entry regarding "his commander's 'perfect subordination' to General Washington." Rochambeau's ability to bend was critical to working with George Washington. Rochambeau listened well, offered his suggestions, and followed orders even if he did not agree all the time, as a good lieutenant should; the best example was after the Hartford meeting when the two generals agreed that New York would be their prime objective. It is well known that Rochambeau did not agree but did acquiesce.
As with most biography and history that covers the American Revolution, there is quite a bit of special treatment paid to the Siege (and eventual victory) of Yorktown—an expected yet rather dull part of the book given the fact that Rochambeau gets little spotlight for this part of the War's conclusion. Vail welcomingly fills each chapter with distinct subchapters, each neatly sectioned off with an appropriate title for what will be covered next in the text. With the final years of Rochambeau’s life feeling rushed during his experience under the Reign of Terror, this is the one point where Vail could have expanded upon her research and given the Frenchman a fitting and justified end to his steadfast love to both liberty and his never-ending devotion to France. Overall, this is a favorable read for those looking to shed light on the French general's time and expeditions during the War for Independence.
July 5, 2020
A solid and detailed history of Rochambeau's support of the American Revolution and his character in working with General George Washington. Not exactly light reading, but interesting all the same.
May 27, 2017
The first two-thirds of this book are great - very informative and with a pleasant, albeit wandering, narrative. Once we begin the march south towards Yorktown, Vail seems to lose focus. Notable moments are distracted by repetition and a lack of narrative focus.
June 14, 2012
Enjoyed reading the book, though a little repetitive at times. This information certainly enhanced our tour of the area.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews