Charles Henri Hector d'Estaing

Jean Baptiste Charles Henri Hector, comte d'Estaing (November 24, 1729 – April 28, 1794) is a French general and admiral.

He begins his service as a soldier in the War of the Austrian Succession, briefly spending time as a prisoner of war of the British during the Seven Years' War.

Naval exploits during the latter war prompt him to change branches of service, and he transfers to the French Navy.

Following France's entry into the American War of Independence in 1778, he leads a fleet to aid the American rebels.

He participates in a failed Franco-American siege of Newport, Rhode Island in 1778 and the equally unsuccessful 1779 Siege of Savannah before returning to France in 1780.

His difficulties working with American counterparts are cited among the reasons these operations failed.

Although he sympathizes with revolutionaries during the French Revolution, he holds a personal loyalty to the French royal family.

Because of this he comes under suspicion, and is executed by guillotine in the Reign of Terror.

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