Matthias Alexis Roche de Fermoy facts for kids

Matthias Alexis Roche de Fermoy was a French soldier who became a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He was born around 1737 in the West Indies and died sometime after 1778. Fermoy was one of several foreign officers who joined the American army in 1776. Famous figures like the Marquis de Lafayette also came from other countries to help.

Early Life and Military Service

Matthias Alexis Roche de Fermoy was born in the West Indies around 1737. Not much is known about his early life before he joined the American cause. He was a volunteer soldier from France. Many Europeans with military experience offered their help to the American colonists. They wanted to support the fight for independence from Great Britain.

Serving in the Continental Army

Fermoy joined the Continental Army in 1776. He was given the rank of brigadier general. This meant he was a high-ranking officer in charge of a group of soldiers called a brigade. His time as a general had both good and difficult moments.

The Battle of Trenton

In December 1776, Fermoy led his brigade during the Battle of Trenton. This was a very important victory for the Americans. General George Washington led a surprise attack on Hessian soldiers (German soldiers fighting for the British). Fermoy and his troops fought well in this battle. They helped the Americans win a much-needed victory.

Challenges and Retreats

After the Battle of Trenton, Fermoy's actions became more controversial. Before the Battle of the Assunpink Creek, he left his soldiers. They were holding a defensive position against the British advance. This action put his brigade in a difficult spot.

Later, in July 1777, Fermoy's troops were at Mount Independence. This was part of the defenses around Fort Ticonderoga in northern New York. British General John Burgoyne was advancing on the fort. The American leaders decided to secretly leave the fort and Mount Independence. This was a strategic retreat to save their army.

However, on the morning of July 6, Fermoy set fire to his living quarters. This happened at 2 AM, during the secret retreat. His actions risked giving away the American plan. The fire could have alerted the British to the American withdrawal.

Resignation and Later Life

After these events, Fermoy was considered for a promotion to major general. However, he was not chosen for the higher rank. Because of this, he resigned from the Continental Army in January 1778. After leaving the army, he returned to the West Indies. His exact date of death is not known, but it was sometime after 1778.