Louis de Rigaud de Vaudreuil facts for kids
Louis de Rigaud de Vaudreuil (born in Revel, France, on October 17, 1728 – died in 1810) was an important officer in the French Navy. He played a role in the American Revolutionary War, also known as the War of American Independence. This was a big fight where the American colonies gained their freedom.
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Louis de Rigaud de Vaudreuil came from a family of naval officers. His father was Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, Marquis of Vaudreuil. His older brother was also named Louis-Philippe de Rigaud, Marquis de Vaudreuil.
Louis joined the French Navy in 1743. He started as a Garde-Marine, which was like a young officer in training. He quickly moved up the ranks:
- In 1746, he became an Ensign, a junior officer.
- In 1756, he was promoted to Lieutenant.
- By 1777, he became a Captain, meaning he could command his own ship.
In 1747, Louis de Vaudreuil served on a new ship called the Intrépide. This was a powerful ship with 74 cannons. His older brother also served on this ship with him.
Later, in 1772, he was the first officer on the ship Fier, which had 50 cannons.
Commanding Ships
By 1777, Captain Vaudreuil was in charge of the Fendant. This was another strong ship with 74 cannons, based in Brest, France. The Navy Minister, Antoine de Sartine, made sure the Fendant was always ready to sail quickly.
Between 1780 and 1781, he commanded the ship Magnanime. He sailed her on patrols along the French coast.
American Revolutionary War
In 1781, Vaudreuil became the captain of the brand-new 74-gun ship Sceptre. His ship was part of a large French fleet. This fleet was led by Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse.
Vaudreuil and the Sceptre took part in two very important battles during the American Revolutionary War:
- The Battle of the Chesapeake on September 5, 1781. This battle was key because it helped the American and French forces win the Siege of Yorktown.
- The Battle of the Saintes.
Later Promotions
After his brave service, Louis de Vaudreuil continued to rise in the Navy.
- On January 12, 1782, he was promoted to Chef d'Escadre. This meant he was in charge of a whole squadron, or group, of ships based in Rochefort.
- On January 1, 1792, he became a contre-amiral, which is like a Rear Admiral.
- On July 1, 1792, he reached the very high rank of Vice-amiral, or Vice Admiral.
Louis de Rigaud de Vaudreuil had a long and successful career serving France in its Navy.
