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Biographical Sketches of the Generals of the Continental Army of the Revolution cover

Biographical Sketches of the Generals of the Continental Army of the Revolution

Chapter 73: CHEVALIER DE LA NEUVILLE.
By Mary Theresa Leiter
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About This Book

The work compiles concise biographical sketches of the senior officers who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, arranged with lists of major and brigadier generals and summaries of each officer's commissions, service, and notable engagements. It pairs these entries with an index of dates and a collection of portraits assembled for display, and includes a preface explaining the provenance of the engravings and the editorial methods and sources consulted. Intended as a compact reference for visitors and readers, the volume emphasizes factual data—appointments, service conclusions, and commemoration—while providing bibliographic notes and acknowledgments of contributors.

CHEVALIER DE LA NEUVILLE.

Chevalier de la Neuville, born about 1740, came to this country with his younger brother in the autumn of 1777, and tendered his services to Congress. Having served with distinction in the French army for twenty years, enjoying the favorable opinion of Lafayette, and bringing with him the highest testimonials, he was appointed on the 14th of May, 1778, inspector of the army under Gates, with the promise of rank according to his merit at the end of three months. He was a good officer and strict disciplinarian, but was not popular with the army. Failing to obtain the promotion he expected, he applied for permission to retire at the end of six months’ service. His request was granted on the 4th of December, 1778, Congress instructing the president that a certificate be given to Monsieur de la Neuville in the following words:—

“Mr. de la Neuville having served with fidelity and reputation in the army of the United States, in testimony of his merit a brevet commission of brigadier has been granted to him by Congress, and on his request he is permitted to leave the service of these States and return to France.”

The brevet commission was to bear date the 14th of October, 1778. Having formed a strong attachment for General Gates, they corresponded after De la Neuville’s return to France. In one of his letters the chevalier writes that he wishes to return to America, “not as a general, but as a philosopher,” and to purchase a residence near that of his best friend, General Gates. He did not return, however, and his subsequent history is lost amid the troubles of the French Revolution.