Chevalier de la Neuville, born about 1740, came to this country with
his younger brother in the autumn of 1777, and tendered his services
to Congress. Having served with distinction in the French army for
twenty years, enjoying the favorable opinion of Lafayette, and bringing
with him the highest testimonials, he was appointed on the 14th of
May, 1778, inspector of the army under Gates, with the promise of
rank according to his merit at the end of three months. He was a good
officer and strict disciplinarian, but was not popular with the army.
Failing to obtain the promotion he expected, he applied for permission
to retire at the end of six months’ service. His request was granted
on the 4th of December, 1778, Congress instructing the president that
a certificate be given to Monsieur de la Neuville in the following
words:--
“Mr. de la Neuville having served with fidelity and reputation in
the army of the United States, in testimony of his merit a brevet
commission of brigadier has been granted to him by Congress, and on
his request he is permitted to leave the service of these States
and return to France.”
The brevet commission was to bear date the 14th of October, 1778.
Having formed a strong attachment for General Gates, they corresponded
after De la Neuville’s return to France. In one of his letters the
chevalier writes that he wishes to return to America, “not as a
general, but as a philosopher,” and to purchase a residence near that
of his best friend, General Gates. He did not return, however, and his
subsequent history is lost amid the troubles of the French Revolution.