Downtown in Boston in Suffolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Chevalier de Saint Sauveur
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 17, 2021
1. The Chevalier de Saint Sauveur Marker
The Chevalier de Saint Sauveur
first Chamberlain of his Royal Highness, Count d'Artois, brother of his Majesty the King of France
Cette inscription a été préparée par le Comte d’Estaing l’Amiral commandant de la
this page online
"This officer, aide-major of the French squadron and lieutenant de vaisseau [on the Tonnant] after having had the pleasure of risking his life for the service of the United States, was fulfilling his duty when he was the victim of a riot caused by malicious people: his death came [on September 15, 1778] with the same attachment to America, the bonds of duty and inclination that attach his compatriots to the city of Boston were only more tightened. May it be so unsuccessful as ever to make every effort one might try to separate France and America. This is the prayer that will be made in the centuries to come to God almighty, every Frenchman and every American who will cast their eyes on the mausoleum of a young man, taken from friends who can only comfort themselves from the loss by seeing such funerary flowers spread on his tomb."
This inscription was prepared by the Comte d'Estaing, the Admiral commanding the first French squadron sent to the United States of America.
Erected 1917.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant day of the year for for this entry is September 15.
Location. 42° 21.489′ N, 71° 3.612′ W. Memorial is in
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, June 17, 2021
2. The Chevalier de Saint Sauveur Marker
The marker is attached to an obelisk directly to the left of the front of the King's Chapel.
Regionally, this memorial is in Massachusetts’ Historic Boston. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Life and Death in Colonial Boston (here, next to this marker); King's Chapel (a few steps from this marker); King’s Chapel Burial Ground (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to King’s Chapel Burying Ground (a few steps from this marker); King's Chapel and Beyond (within shouting distance of this marker); Pilgrims and Patriots (within shouting distance of this marker); William Dawes Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named King's Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boston.
Regarding The Chevalier de Saint Sauveur. This is one of the most intriguing monuments in Boston. The Chevalier was killed by an anti-Catholic mob in 1778, which potentially could have derailed the Franco-American alliance that would be so crucial to American independence. Although a monument was promised to the French, it was not placed until 1917 as Boston leaders attempted to show that support for the French during World War I did not necessarily mean support for the British, which many Bostonians of Irish heritage strongly opposed. In the end, the monument, with its inscription almost entirely in French, is mostly ignored.
Also see . . . A thesis on the Chevalier de Saint Sauveur Monument and its backstory. (Submitted on July 11, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,826 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 11, 2021, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
