Joseph François Auguste Jules d'Albert de Saint-Hippolyte facts for kids
Joseph François Auguste Jules d'Albert de Saint-Hippolyte was an important officer in the French Navy. He served during the War of American Independence, which was a big conflict where France helped the American colonies. For his service, he became a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization for officers who fought in that war.
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Joseph d'Albert de Saint-Hippolyte was born into a family from Provence, a region in France. He started his naval career very early, joining the Navy as a Garde-Marine in 1741. This rank was like a cadet or a junior officer in training.
He steadily moved up the ranks:
- In 1756, he was promoted to Lieutenant.
- In 1771, he became a Captain.
Commanding Ships
Saint-Hippolyte gained experience on several ships.
- In 1773, he was the first officer on a large ship called the Hardi. This ship had 64 guns.
- By 1776, he was given command of the frigate Sultane. This ship had 32 guns and was based in Toulon, France. The Sultane was part of a special training fleet called the Escadre d'évolution, led by Admiral Du Chaffault.
Service in the American Revolutionary War
Saint-Hippolyte played a key role in the American Revolutionary War, also known as the War of American Independence.
Battles and Victories
- In 1778, he commanded the Victoire, a powerful ship with 74 guns. The Victoire was part of a squadron led by Admiral Fabry.
- The next year, in 1779, the Victoire joined a large French and Spanish fleet known as the Armada of 1779.
- Saint-Hippolyte and the Victoire took part in the Battle of Martinique on April 17, 1780. This was an important naval battle in the Caribbean.
- On May 1, 1779, the Victoire helped capture a British ship called HMS Montreal. Another French ship, the Bourgogne, also helped in this capture.
- One of his most notable actions was commanding the Victoire at the Battle of the Chesapeake on September 5, 1781. This battle was crucial because it helped the American and French forces win the Siege of Yorktown, which was the final major battle of the war.
Later Commands
In November 1781, Saint-Hippolyte was given command of a division of four ships. Their mission was to escort a large convoy of 120 ships returning to France. His division included the 80-gun ship Saint-Esprit, commanded by Chabert-Cogolin.
Saint-Hippolyte was recognized for his leadership and bravery. He was promoted to Chef d'Escadre on January 12, 1782. This was a very high rank, similar to a rear admiral.
