Charles-Louis d'Arsac,
Chevalier de Ternay
b. Angers, France [January 27, 1723?]
d. Newport, RI, December 15, 1780
French Fleet arrives in Rhode Island waters first half of July 1780. Considered
the second occupation of Newport; a friendly one compared with the destructive
British occupation. French departed Newport in June of 1781.
Admiral de Ternay, in command of the French Navy, transported the army
of Lieutenant General Rochambeau, commander of the French expeditionary
forces in America. Although not liked by his men, was considered a skillful
navigator.
Before becoming gravely ill, the Admiral accompanied General Rochambeau
to Hartford, Connecticut for a conference with General George Washington.
This marked the first time that these leaders had ever met (September 1780).
The Admiral passed away at the French Naval Headquarters, the confiscated
home of Colonel Joseph Wanton (Hunter House) on December 15,1780. Cause
of death: an attack of malignant fever.
The Hunter House, now owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County,
still stands on Washington Street.
Although his death caused little emotion for some people, his funeral procession
the next day was considered very impressive. His remains were removed from
the house by sailors from his own flagship. The procession to Trinity Church
was accompanied by mournful music and chanting priests. Even though the
church was Protestant, the customary rites of the Roman Catholic Church
were performed.
To quote Margaret La Farge from Scribner's Magazine of November
1917 - "Chevalier de Ternay sleeps in the churchyard, an alien in a foreign
land, Newport, with reverence and gratitude, having laid him among their
honored dead." |
Bibliography
© 1997-2004 Redwood Library
This material may not be reproduced or distributed without permission.
|
