The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-07-30

now Hope street. Inc encampment oc-
cupied the eastern half of the territory
included within these boundaries The
main camp street extended north and
south from Rochambeau avenue toward
Chace's lane and was lined on each side
with tents. The officers quarters were
on its west side. A few huts were also
located west OF the main street, but the
greater portion OF these structures were
built on the east side OF the camp high :
way. A number of frepits, three feet
square by Is inches deep. were also
placed In regular alignment, with the
first row Of huts a short distance east
OF the camp thoroughfare. Several ba =
sins were dug In different parts of the
camp ground, and two mounds are rep
resented on the map. among the trees
then existing on the eastern side OF the
encampment This site furnished a fair
ly level territory and a supply Of water.
II was sufficiently far from the town to
prevent too intimate intercourse with
the townspeopfe and not TOO distant for
the delivery Of supplies.
The property at that time was owned
by jeremiah and Joseph Dexter The old
Dexter homestead is still in existence at
the southwest corner OF the territory.
at the junction OF Pawtucket and Ro-
chambeau avenues. II is now occupied
by the descendants of jeremiah Dexter.
The old web, with its ancient arrange
ment for drawing water. will be remem-
bered by many Providence people as a
landmark on tLe highway between Paw
tucket and Providence.
"One hundred and twenty-nine years
ago today Comfe d'Estaing. with the
French fleet. arrived at Narragansett
bay. The main portion anchored In the
middle passage. The west passage be-
piC nj
Rhode Island and the main land. were
carefully guarded with few vessels TO
prevent the escape OF the English The
British were then In controi OF New
port, with a much smaller naval force
than the French. The prospect of GER
tain capture. in view of the superiority
Of the French forces. induced the English
to burn the frigates Grand Duke OF 40
guns; Orpheus. Lake. June and Flora OF
32; the Cerebus OF rs; the Corvettes.
King Fisher. Falcon and some smaller
vessels. carrying more than 200 guns.
This expedition OF the French was to eff
feet. in connection with the American
army under Gen. Sullivan, the capture
OF the English forces at Newport. Be
fore this object could be accomplished,
the appearance Of a large English fleet
off Point Judith caused d 'EStaing 10
leave the bay, in anticipation OF gaining
a brilliant victory. Upon the appearance
OF the French the English Immediately
put to sea- Before the pursuit was over
the contending forces were overtaken by
one of the terrific August storms that
occasionally occur off Rhode Island. Both
fleets were scattered. many vessels badly
damaged and all prospects OF an action
prevented. The storm was equally dis
astrous ON land. Tents and houses were
blown down, trees uprooted, animals
killed and In the exposed situation of the
American army. before the intrenchments
OF Newport, IL Is claimed that even men
perished from the severity OF the gale
The damages sustained by the French
fleet compelled them TO repair at Bos-
ton. This unfortunate circumstance
forced the evacuation OF Rhode Island
by Sullivan and his army, after the bril-
liant battle OF Rhode Island. The first
effort toward joint action between the
French navy and army and the Conti-
mental forces ended in disappointment.
Early in julie, 1876, NJ. de Coste. hav-
ing been appointed chief physician of the
French forces. arrived in Providence.
Suitable accommodations for him were
provided by the government, and at his
own suggestion University hall. the old
building then connected with Brown uni
versity, was assigned for hospital
Notice that de Ternays feet, conveying
Rochambeau's army, had left France on
the 10Th OF May. had already been re-
veiced by Gen. Heath. and the possibility
and expectation was prevalent That II
would land at Newport This expedition
finally succeeded In Guiding the English.
and. after a long voyage of 69 days, APP
peared off Rhode Island. Preparations TO
receive II had been actively undertaken.
French flags were displayed AZ the south
ern end of the island of Rhode Island. and
also at Point Judith. and were at once
recognized by the French as indicating
their favorable reception. The fleet ar
rived I'm Newport Harbor. July ~. 17S9.
The Decentralization OF the troops began
the following day.
July 23 Comte dc Rcchambeau at
tended mass and visited the sick. Al that
time there were 200 at Newport. 20 at
Papisquash. and a 100 more at Boston.
making approximately 800 sick out OF n
body Of troops amounting 10 5000 men.
June 10. 1881. the French army broke
camp at Newport. where they had re-
mained for II months and were taken by
boats TO Providence. The first contingent
left Newport at s o'clock In the morning.
and did not reach Providence until or
10 o'clock at night The Inconvenience or
forming camp at that hour, induced the
town authorities to grant 10 Baron Nio-
menil several large empty houses for the
use OF the troops during the night. The
next day camps were formed near the
West burial ground, on Windmill Hil,