Tousard, Louis de, 1749-1817

Louis de Tousard (1749-1817) was a French military officer who served in the American Revolution with Marquis de Lafayette. He was involved in the ill-fated Canadian campaign and in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown. After being wounded on August 28, 1778, he returned to France. In 1784 he was commissioned lieutenant colonel and went to Santo Domingo where he became involved in an effort to put down the 1791 slave insurrection led by Toussaint L'Ouverture. The French government arrested him on October 19, 1792, and accused him of being a counter-revolutionary and corresponding with the rebellious slaves. He was confined to the infamous L'Abbaye prison where he remained until February 4, 1793, when he was released through the intercession of the American minister. He was then reinstated in the American army and promoted to inspector of artillery. Between 1800 and 1802 he helped organize the military academy at West Point. He returned to France in 1802, where he died fifteen years later.

From the description of Letter book, 1796-1802 [microform]. (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 122405620

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