[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ``CHASSEURS VOLONTAIRES''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of 
several hundred ``Chasseurs Volontaires,'' or volunteer soldiers from 
Haiti who courageously fought for our independence during the Battle of 
Savannah in 1779.
  The ``Corps de Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue'' was 
organized in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, now Haiti, to support 
French troops on their way to fight in the American Revolution. They 
later joined forces with American colonists and French troops to take 
part in the campaign to drive the British out of Savannah, Georgia.
  During the siege that lasted for more than two weeks and ultimately 
ended in defeat, the Chasseurs Volontaires fought alongside their 
American and French counterparts and many bravely laid down their 
lives. As the siege ended and American forces retreated, it was the 
Chasseurs Volontaires who fought off British counterattacks, thus 
ensuring the safe evacuation of our troops from the area.
  The Chasseurs Volontaires were the largest individual unit to serve 
during the Siege of Savannah, making up almost a third of the French 
force that fought in the battle. Their valiant efforts saved many 
American lives and contributed to our overall victory and independence. 
Upon their return to Haiti, the Chasseurs Volontaires played an 
important role in their own war for independence.
  Mr. Speaker, we owe the Chasseurs Volontaires a great deal of 
respect. I join the many Haitian-Americans in my Congressional district 
in thanking the Chasseurs Volontaires for their courage and sacrifice, 
and I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing these unsung heroes.

                          ____________________