Rochambeau told his men that
they must not be the theft of a bit of wood, or of any
vegetables, or of even a sheaf of straw. He threatened the vice
which he called "sonorous drunkenness," and even lack of
cleanliness, with sharp punishment. The result was that a month
after landing he could say that not a cabbage had been stolen.
Our credulity is strained when we are told that apple trees with
their fruit overhung the tents of his soldiers and remained
untouched. Thousands flocked to see the French camp. The bands
played and Puritan maidens of all grades of society danced with
the young French officers and we are told, whether we believe it
or not, that there was the simple innocence of the Garden of
Eden. The zeal of the French officers and the friendly
disposition of the men never failed. There had been bitter
quarrels in 1778 and 1779 and now the French were careful to be
on their good behavior in America. Rochambeau had been instructed
to place himself under the command of Washington, to whom were
given the honors of a Marshal of France. The French admiral, had,
however, been given no such instructions and Washington had no
authority over the fleet.
Meanwhile events were happening which might have brought a
British triumph.
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