1781 Siege of Yorktown

— Colonial National Historical Park —

I hasten to impart to you the happiness I feel at the welcome news of your arrival; and as well in the name of the American army as my own name to present you with an assurance of our warmest sentiments for allies who have so generously come to our aid. As a citizen of the United States and as soldier in the cause of liberty, I thankfully acknowledge this new mark of friendship from His Most Christian Majesty ?
General George Washington to the Comte de Rochambeau, July 16, 1780

In July 1780, a French army of 5,500 professional soldiers was welcomed onto American soil. Jean-Baptiste-Donatien de Vimeur, Comte de Rochambeau, a veteran of two wars, with almost 40 years of military experience, commanded the expeditionary force. Two months later, Rochambeau and General George Washington met for the first time, establishing a military spirit of cooperation towards defeating the British.

A year later, in the Yorktown campaign, Rochambeau provided expert military counsel to Washington, Rochambeau's troops comprised the left wing of Washington's Allied Army, while American forces made up the right. Setting up camp, Rochambeau's headquarters were located here, near Washington's headquarters, enabling the two men to easily meet and confer on siege operations.

One day after the victory, General Washington put out in his General Orders: "The General upon this occasion entreats his Excellency Count de Rochambeau to accept his most grateful acknowledgements for his Counsels and assistance at all times."

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