The Washington times., 1902-05-04
N. JULES CAMBON,
The Ambassador of France.

thies which happily exist between our
sister republics
| There is great deal of interest mani
tested in France in the project in relation
to which you have labored so zealously
| and successfully.
with renewed thanks. am. ycurs
truly, HORACE PORTER"
Pulaski and Kosciusko.
In connection with the erection of the
Rochambeau statue in the southwest cor
ner of Lafayette Park. there is now a
! movement on foot that is being fostered
by the Sons Of the Revolution to secure
| an appropriation from Congress to adorn
the two northern corners of the same
square with handsome monuments to
Count Casimer Pulaski and General Ia
deusz Kosciusko. Pulaski was the first
cavalry commander in the American army.
and was distinguished as leader for his
valor and ability in the battle Of Brandy
wine and numerous other engagements.
kosciusko was the greatest engineering
officer Of the Continental army.
Already bill has been introduced in
the House OF Representatives and favor
ably received which provides for an ap-
preparation CT $4,000 for the purpose OF
erecting the Pulaski statue.
Count de Rochambcau was educated for
the priesthood. but the death of his elder
brother made him heir to the title and
estates of his father. and he laid aside
the life of prayer for the glamour Of war
and followed the traditions of his family.
And his subsequent success as a military
genius proved the choice wise one.
Father of the French Army.
Having entered the army in 1I42 as a
mere lad seventeen years of age, Rooh-
ambeau applied himself diligently to the
arts of warfare, and to such good pur-
pose that in 174I he was made a colonel
lie reached the grade Of field marshal in
III, and served with distinction as the
commander-in-chief of the French forces
in America during the war of independ-
ence. So conspicuous was his valor and
ability as leader that he was commonly
called the Father of the French Army
by Emperor Napoleon. who held him in
high esteem.
There are some facts in connection with
Rochambeau's service in America that are
not generally known. Among Americans
Lafayette is customarily regarded as the
representative of Frances assistance to
the United States during the dark days of
the Revolution. But while France and its
people hold the fullest admiration for the
gallantry OF Lafayette. it is agreed that
Rochambeau was the official representa-
tive of French military authority in
America at that time. As a field marshal
in the French service in him was vested
the leadership Of the large French con-
tngent which lent such stout aid to the
side of the American cause.
Lafayette's Independent Course
Lafayette at that time was pursuing
independent course Instead OF
coming to this country by official designa-
tion from the French government, fol-
lowed by a French army. he came as an
to tender his ability as mill
tary genius in the services of the Ameri-
can forces in whatever capacity the lead
ers OF the army might see lt to place him.
II was this act that brought about such
lose union between Washington and La
fayette, for the latter at all times served
under Washington.
But so far as the French government
was concerned in the issues of the Ameri-
an Revolution the great field marshal,
Count de Rochambeau. was at all times IL
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