He desired, however, a personal interview with Washington—­a request which from some reason the commander-in-chief did not seem anxious to grant.  There was at times a coolness in the relations between Rochambeau and Washington, arising perhaps from a different estimate of La Fayette; but the cloud, if there was any, was never very perceptible or of any long duration.  On the 21st of August a committee of the General Assembly of the State, at that time in session at Newport, presented Rochambeau and De Ternay with a formal address of welcome.  De Rochambeau’s reply was full of manliness and good-will.  He said, “The French troops are restrained by the strictest discipline, and, acting under General Washington, will live with the Americans as their brethren.  I assure the General Assembly that as brethren not only my life, but the lives of the troops under my command, are entirely devoted to their service.”  This frank avowal dissipated a fear felt by some that the French might have some ulterior motive in coming to the assistance of the colonies.

It is not to be supposed that the belles of Newport were indifferent to the advent of these fascinating French paladins, or that the gallant Gauls were unmoved by the beauty and grace of the Newport women.  With one accord they joined in admiration of their fair hostesses, not only for their charms of face and figure, but for the purity and innocence of their characters, which made a deep impression on these Sybarites, accustomed as they were to the atmosphere of intrigue and vice peculiar to the French court of the day.  We find the record of this enthusiasm in the letters and journals of the officers, but for a picture of the special belles of the time there is none more correct than that furnished by the prince de Broglie and the comte de Segur, who visited Newport the following year.  They note particularly Miss Champlin, the daughter of a rich merchant who lived at No. 119 Thames street.  Mr. Champlin had large shipping interests, which he managed with great enterprise.  At his house De Broglie was introduced by De Vauban, who as aide to De Rochambeau had met all the Newport notables, and the prince writes:  “Mr. Champlin was known for his wealth, but more for the lovely face of his daughter.  She was not in the room when we entered, but appeared a moment after.  She had beautiful eyes, an agreeable mouth, a lovely face, a fine figure, a pretty foot, and the general effect was attractive.  She added to these advantages that of being charmingly coiffee in the Paris style, besides which she spoke and understood our language.”  Of the Hunters, Lauzun’s hostesses, De Broglie says:  “The elder, without being regularly handsome, had a noble appearance and an aristocratic air.  She was graceful, intellectual and refined.  Her toilette was as finished as Miss Champlin’s, but she was not as fresh, in spite of what De Fersen said.  The younger, Nancy Hunter, is not so modish, but a perfect rosebud.