Jean-Baptiste-Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, commanded the French army sent to assist the United States. He brought decades of experience, but his ability to work with Washington was just as important as his military knowledge.
Rochambeau Almost Became a Priest Rochambeau was born in Vendôme, France, on July 1, 1725. As the third son of a noble family, he studied for a career in the church. When his older brother died, 15-year-old Rochambeau entered the military instead. [1] He Became a Colonel at Age 22 Rochambeau quickly advanced through the French army. He became a colonel at age 22 and was wounded by grapeshot while leading a cavalry charge. [1] He Had Served for 37 Years Rochambeau was 55 years old when he arrived in Rhode Island in 1780. He had already completed approximately 37 years of military service. [2] His American Mission Had a Secret Name The French government called the mission to send Rochambeau’s army to America the expédition particulière, meaning “special expedition.” Approximately 5,500 French troops traveled with him. [3] He Was More Experienced Than Washington Rochambeau had more professional military experience than Washington. However, the French government instructed him to place his army under Washington’s overall command. Rochambeau respected that arrangement and helped strengthen the alliance. [3] Language Created an Early Problem Washington relied on Lafayette to communicate with Rochambeau in French. Rochambeau asked Washington to correspond with him directly instead, helping the two commanders build their own working relationship. [1] Not Everyone in His Army Was French Rochambeau commanded a multilingual army. In a roster of 1,193 soldiers from the Royal Deux-Ponts Regiment, only seven were listed as coming from France. Most came from German-speaking regions of Europe. [4] Indigenous Representatives Visited Him Representatives of the Oneida and Tuscarora nations visited Rochambeau in Newport and offered assistance. Abenaki and Mi’kmaq representatives visited later in 1780. [5] His Money Helped Pay American Soldiers Before continuing toward Virginia, Washington’s soldiers needed to be paid. Rochambeau lent the Americans 26,600 Spanish dollars. For some soldiers, it was the first hard money they had received in years. [2] He Wrote His Own Story Later in life, Rochambeau wrote a 350-page memoir by hand. His original manuscript, which includes his account of the American campaign, still survives. [1] He Nearly Died During the French Revolution Rochambeau was arrested during the French Revolution and scheduled for execution. His illness delayed the sentence, and the Reign of Terror ended only days before he was expected to face the guillotine. [3] Sources and Further Reading
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Last updated: August 10, 2026