Marquis de Choisy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marquis de Choisy
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| Born | 27 January 1723 Moulins, Kingdom of France |
| Died | 1800 Montfermeil |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of France |
| Service/ |
 French Army |
| Years of service | 1741–1793 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | |
Claude Gabriel, Marquis de Choissey was a French general. He served in Poland in the 1770s. Later, he fought in North America during the American Revolutionary War.
De Choissey was a key commander at the Siege of Yorktown. He led Lauzun's Legion and General George Weedon's Virginia militia. He also fought at Gloucester, Virginia, under General Rochambeau. He was honored with the Libertas Americana medal for his service. He returned to France in 1783 and retired in 1793.
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Early Military Adventures
De Choissey had an exciting early career. France was allied with Poland against Russia. This was during a conflict called the Bar Confederation.
Taking Kraków Castle
On February 2, 1772, Choisy led 270 men in a daring attack. They captured Kraków, a city in Poland, from 1,500 Russian soldiers. A small group of his men entered through a sewer. They surprised the guards and opened a secret gate.
However, they did not get help in time. They had to retreat to the citadel, Wawel Castle. They held the castle for several weeks. They faced 18,000 Russian soldiers. The castle finally fell on April 28, 1772. This was after a long siege by General Suvorov.
On March 24, 1772, Choisy was promoted. He became a Brigadier General of Infantry. In 1779, he was made Mestre of the Camp. This was for the Fourth Regiment Chasseurs a Cheval.
Fighting in the American Revolution
Many French officers wanted to join the fight in America. They hoped to gain fame and promotions. Marquis de Choisy tried to join the main French army. But he was turned away at first.
Journey to America
He then sailed with ten other officers on a ship called the Sybille. They went to Santo Domingo. From there, he changed ships to La Gentille. He finally arrived in Newport, America, on September 29, 1780.
There were some disagreements among officers in the camp. Choisy tried to help them get along. He even helped officers who had fought a duel.
On October 29, General Rochambeau sent Choisy on a mission. He marched with Lauzun's Legion from Rhode Island. They traveled to Head of Elk, Maryland. Then they went by water to Alexandria, Virginia. Finally, they marched to Gloucester Courthouse.
The Battle of Gloucester
Gloucester Point was an important escape route for the British from Yorktown. Marquis de Choisy was given command of several forces. These included the Virginia militia, Lauzun's Legion, and 800 French Marines.
Facing British Forces
Opposite them were British forces. These included Tarleton's Legion and Simcoe's Rangers. Also present were the 80th Foot regiment and the Hessian Erb Prinz regiment.
On October 4, 1781, Choisy marched towards Gloucester. He took the Severn road (Route 17). Meanwhile, John Francis Mercer led the Virginia militia on the York River road. Tarleton, a British commander, had crossed the river the night before. He was leading a group to gather supplies.
Cavalry Clash
Lauzun and Tarleton's cavalry units charged each other. Tarleton was even knocked off his horse. Lauzun's Legion fought well. This allowed the French infantry to fire upon the British. Tarleton's forces retreated behind their lines. The French pursued them for a short time. Marquis de Choisy then ordered his men to withdraw.
This fight between Tarleton and Lauzun was the largest cavalry battle of the American Revolution. The British lost one officer and eleven men killed or wounded. The French lost two officers and fourteen hussars.
After the American Revolution
After the battle, Choisy talked with George Washington. They discussed things like captured horses.
Choisy returned to France with the Comte de Rochambeau. They sailed from Annapolis in January 1783.
Awards and Promotions
Benjamin Franklin presented him with the Libertas Americana medal. Choisy was promoted to Maréchal de Camp (major general) on December 5, 1781. He later became commander of the Armee du Nord in 1791. He also received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Louis. On May 20, 1791, he was promoted to Lieutenant General. He honorably retired from military service on February 4, 1793.
Role in the French Revolution
During the French Revolution, Choisy continued to serve. He commanded troops for the new government. These troops helped keep order in certain areas. He retired from active duty in 1793.
