AUTOGRAPH DRAFT OF THE COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU’S LETTER UPON ARRIVAL IN AMERICA TO ASSIST THE CONTINENTAL ARMY: “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…THE SINCEREST REGARD FOR THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA”

JEAN-BAPTISTE DONATIEN DE VIMEUR, COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU (1725-1807). Rochambeau was a French military leader who led the French forces aiding the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

AL. 1pg. N.d. [circa 1780]. N.p. An autograph draft letter by the Comte de Rochambeau, probably a retained copy. He wrote to an unidentified American official (perhaps General Washington) upon his arrival in America with about 5,000 French soldiers under his command to aid the Continental Army: “Sir, 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 ardour is augmented from the consideration that whatever survives 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…to accept of 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 ser”. It is in very good condition with a small hole.