Chesapeake Bay Virginia

Where are you on this August 14th?

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I am raising my flag in thanks for the day of decision that happened at Hartsdale, NY, 233 years ago!

Let us never forget.

Original painting of the Odell House by David R. Wagner, used as illustration in my book: Rochambeau, Washington's Ideal Lieutenant

Original painting of the Odell House by David R. Wagner, used as illustration in my book: Rochambeau, Washington’s Ideal Lieutenant

 

It was the big day of decision for Generals Washington and Rochambeau! We know where they were on August 14, 1781 – at Rochambeau’s headquarters in Hartsdale, NY.  The courier brought the long-awaited message that French Admiral de Grasse was indeed en route for the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, bringing hard cash, thousands of soldiers and marines, plus a fleet of 29 French ships!

All coming to help America win her independence!!

Therefore, our two fine generals, French and American, were free to decide their strategy.  All deterrents were swept away. Washington took the lead as was his duty and gave the appropriate command to his elder strategist, Rochambeau, that the combined Franco-American Armies don their marching boots and head out in the fierce August heat for Yorktown, Virginia.

A day such as this should be proclaimed in the history books as one of the most important in shared French/American history! The world was turning upside down for the British. Washington, with the help of Rochambeau and de Grasse were about to chart a new course toward freedom and liberty in America! En avant!

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French Navy to the Rescue!

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Today is a day to celebrate American and French history!

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On this pivotal day, August 14, 1781, General Rochambeau received the long-awaited message that French Admiral De Grasse was on his way to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. This event was to alter the course of our shared history.

Washington joined Rochambeau at the Odell House, seen here, French Army headquarters in Hartsdale, New York, to discuss this good news and the plan to march south together to Yorktown, Virginia.

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Events finally lined up to the advantage of the Franco-American allies. Washington’s long fight against the formidable British might well come to a successful end in his state of Virginia. The allies would have the all-important support of the French Navy!