Evening star., 1932-04-03
Monument Planned
in WaShington to
Paul de Grasse,
Who Turned the
Tide iu the Mar
Of the Colonies.

self to the routine o. the school room. The
open life for him II the gorgss and upon
the craggy slopes su rounding the family cas-
tie he was daily to be seen ranging alb Ut at
the head of groups CT youngsters unruly as
himself in scarch of such adventure might
be found
Such evidence Of willfulne3s called for effec-
tive discipline. buC well dire ted discipline
such as would MT laes2n the Sir ngth OF spirit
underlying it, but would rather enc-u age it
to develop in the best way for proper chg rae
tsr building. So the boy. at the age Of IL
years, was sent to the school of the Gardes
Maritime at Touon. Here was offered won-
derful opportunity for training combined with
high adventure: the end in view, military
service on the sea for the conquest of the
Mussulman pirates and chance looming just
ahead of winning kn' ghthood in the great
ancient order of the Knights of Malta de-
scendants of the illustrious crussding Tempiars.
What a glorious prospect for any mettle-
some youth The all-powerful lure of a life
at sea; the chance to fight the pirate amid
the cannons roar So splendidly Gid the boy
De Graese respond to this stimulus that he
became Knight of Malta at the astonishing
age of IL years, and duly enrolled
member of the ships company aboard the
stanch frigate Ecole of his order. Thus be-
gan a career that was to lead to the highest
rank in his profession, and to make him the
one great outstanding admiral of the French
Navy.
DE GRASSE might have become a page at
- the French court. where every door would
have been gladly opened to one of his ancient
lineage and great personal qualifications. And
beyond a question of doubt he would have
played an important role among those sur
rounding the monarch, recipients Of the royal
favor But this youth was not of the stuff
that would delight to dance attendance upon
throne. In his heart the love of the
sea. It's pertls offered him a challenge that
would not be denied
In combating them and submitting him
self to the rigorous school of the seaman, he
speedily developed his naturally sturdy ply
sique and trained his mind to a state of calm
self-reliance that to attend him in good
stead on many a storm-Swept and blood
stained deck His rise to command was rapid,
and he took prominent part In many of the
sea combats of his country. Distinctions and
titles in profusion were conferred upon him,
and finally came recognition as Frances out
standing sailor.
In February, 1778, Louis XVI entered into
q treaty of offensive and defensive alliance
with the American Colonies and finally owing
to the persuasiveness of Col. Laurens specially
accredited american representative to the
French court, plan to send to our shores
great ueeC COOK QeIlnlCe form. AlCnOugn mere
tofore active only in subordinate commands,
De Grasse had, time after time, acquitted him.
self in battle with such courage, address and
skill as to leave no doubt that he possessed
the highest qualifications for naval leadership.
The fame of his achievements had become
general knowledge. The King had specially
marked his record and welcomed him to YER
sailles, with particular consideration. The
Queen was gracious to him. So when it came
tn Ia
about to sail for relief Of the oppressed Amer
ican Colonists De Grasse stood forth as the
only logical man for the job. He was there
fore appointed lieutenant general Of the naval
forces admiral, as We would call is nowadays) :,
and set out for the New World at the head of
his feet, ready to uphold the glory of France,
and carrying with him the destiny OF the
great new republic across the sea-
It was on March %, 1881, that anchor was
hove up and the majestic feet of 81 war ships
and $50 transports got under way. It was the
greatest assembly of ships that had ever been
gathered together at one time in the harbor
of Brest. and night was far advanced before
the last vessel put to sea.
Five weeks later, record Of speed for those
days, the first destination, Martinique in the
West Indies, was reached. One of the ships,
the swift frigate La Concorde soon parted
company and sped away to the North carrying
news to Gen. Washington and Count Rocham-
beau of the sailing of the feet, and these two
leaders thereupon laid their plans as to how
the God-given succor for the cause of liberty
could best be used
English fleets, under Admirals Hood and
Rodney, were at the time the West Indian
station and with these De Grasse had incon-
elusive skirmShes. He was also occupied with
some other minor offensives against the
British before finally coming to anchor at
San Domingo, his base of action, but the main
issue, the operation on the coast of the Amer
ican continent. was kept constantly in mind.
According to Washington's plan, the feet was