Jacques-Melchior Saint-Laurent, Comte de Barras facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacques-Melchior Saint-Laurent, Comte de Barras
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| Rank | Gardes de la Marine (1734–), lieutenant de vaisseau (1754–), capitaine de vaisseau (1762–), Chef d'escadre (1778–), lieutenant général des Armées navales (1782–), vice admiral (1792–)  |
Jacques-Melchior Saint-Laurent, Comte de Barras (1719–1793) was a brave French Navy officer. He lived in the 1700s and played an important part in the American Revolutionary War. This war helped the United States become an independent country.
Contents
Barras started his career in the French Navy in 1734. He slowly moved up in rank. From late 1761 to early 1762, he was a Lieutenant. During this time, he commanded the frigate Oiseau. He led his ship on a mission in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Role in the American Revolutionary War
Helping at Yorktown
In early 1781, Barras and his French ships were based in Newport, Rhode Island. His original orders were to sail north to Newfoundland. However, a French general named the Comte de Rochambeau convinced him to change his plans. Rochambeau wanted Barras to sail south instead. He was to meet up with another French fleet led by Admiral De Grasse. This meeting of French fleets was very important. It helped lead to the surrender of a British Army at Yorktown. This was a major victory for the Americans and their French allies.
Battles in the West Indies
The next year, in 1782, Barras served under Admiral De Grasse again. This time, they were in the West Indies. Barras led a French mission to capture the island of Montserrat in February 1782. Later, he took part in the Battle of the Saintes in the Caribbean Sea. In this battle, British ships led by Admiral Rodney managed to break through the French battle line. The British won this battle. Their victory stopped a plan by France and Spain to invade Jamaica.
See also
In Spanish: Jacques Melchior de Barras para niños
