Shannon Stirnweis (Arizona, New York, New Hampshire Oregon, B. 1931) "Rochambeau's Landing" Signed lower right. Original Oil on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 10c Rochambeau Landing stamp issued July 11, 1980. On July 11, 1780, the Comte Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau landed at Newport Rhode Island, with an expeditionary force of almost six thousand French troops. Including such famous regiments as the Royal Deux-Ponts, the Saintonge, the Bourbonnais, the Soissonnais and the calvary legion of the Duc de Lauzun, these troops were obviously disciplined, experienced fighting men sent by Louis XVI to aid the American fight for independence. In one of his first dispatches, Rochambeau wrote to General Washington, "The commands of the King place me under the orders of Your Excellency," meaning that he and his troops were at Washington's disposal and that French military power was at last wholeheartedly committed to the noble American cause. Rochambeau and his forces remained at Newport for nearly a year awaiting French naval reinforcements. Finally, in June of 1781, they joined the American army near White Plains, New York, and the united, armies marched to the south to join the army of the Marquis de Lafayette at Williamsburg, Virginia, on September 14. On October 2, the combined forces, reinforced by four thousand troops brought from Haiti by the French fleet under de Grasse, laid seige to British forces at Yorktown under Major General Charles Cornwallis. The presence of a second French fleet from Newport prevented a British escape by sea. On October 19, Cornwallis surrendered, virtually ending America's war for independence. Image Size: 18.5 x 15.5 in. Overall Size: 23.75 x 20 in. Unframed. (B06594) See More