Rochefontaine A.L.S., New London, April 10, 1794 : to [George Washington]

Rochefontaine A.L.S., New London, April 10, 1794 : to [George Washington]

New London 1794

[2] p. ; 25 cm. (4to)

MSS L1970.14 M

I have the honor to inform your Excellency that I am at last arrived at N. London, after meeting in the way a number of unforseen difficulties, and a spell of sickness .... I will be able as soon as your Excellency will be here, or after receiving your orders, proceed to reconnoitre the harbours and lay before your Excellency the plan I will have thought best adopted to the defence of this maritime plan."
In 1778, Etienne Nicolas Marie Bechet, Chevalier de Rochefontaine, having failed to gain a position with the French corps of engineers, came to America, where he was to distinguish himself for his engineering services at Yorktown. After the war, he returned to France.
In 1792, he returned to America and anglicized his name to Stephen. For further information, see: A. B. Gardiner. The Order of the Cincinnati in France, p. 163-164.
In 1794, Washington appointed Rochefontaine a civilian engineer to fortify the New England coast, probably "the plan" referred to in this letter.
His plans were instrumental in the creation of West Point Military Academy.
Rochefontaine was an original member of the French Society of the Cincinnati.
This letter is not included in the Papers of George Washington, Presidential Series, vol. 15.
Page [2] is blank except for docket notation: M. Rochefontaine / April 10 - 94
Partial watermark at left margin.
Gift of Stephen Millett, New York State Society of the Cincinnati

Library Catalog > Manuscripts
All Cataloged Material
All records