(1755-1813) French military commander and the son of Jean-Baptiste Rochambeau, hero of the American Revolution, for whom he served as aide-de-camp in 1781-1782. Participated in the failed attempt to re-establish French authority during the Haitian Revolution after the death of Leclerc. Despite the tactics of terror that he practiced, Rochambeau capitulated to Jacques Dessalines and the insurgent troops in November, 1803. Killed in action during the German campaign of 1813. Scarce, fine association manuscript L.S. signed twice ‘D. M. Rochambeau’ and ‘D. M. RB’. 1p. legal folio, Cap, ‘le trois Thermidor an 11’ [July 22, 1803], on his official letterhead to John Lorring, the British officer who oversaw the evacuation and surrender of the French garrison in Haiti. In part: ‘…I learn from the Officer who commands the parliamentary…that you have passed by. Please permit me to ask you if [John] Ducksworth has arrived in Jamaica, as I have some affairs I need to communicate. I hope you will be willing to accept a few cases of Bordeaux. As they have come from a blockaded town, they have some added merit…’. With a holograph postscript: ‘…my aide-de-camp, has the honor to send my letter’. John Lorring (d. 1808) was an officer in the British Royal Navy who served during the American Revolution, but is best remembered for his service as Commodore of the British fleet which blockaded and defeated the French and the troops under Rochambeau. Sir John Ducksworth (1748-1817) was also an officer in the British Royal Navy, commanding at the Battle of Sainte-Domingue on Feb. 6, 1806, the last great naval battle of the Napoleonic Wars. At the time of this letter, Ducksworth was commander-in-chief at the Jamaica Station, whence he directed operations which led to the defeat of Rochambeau. Given Rochambeau’s surrender some five months after this letter, it can be assumed his bribe of Bordeaux was just as unsuccessful as the French stab at Haiti! Light toning and a bit of soiling at margins, overall very good condition, with a fine, bold signature.