Washington & Rochambeau
In seventeen and eighty-one, Rochambeau met Washington.
In Wethersfield, so it's been said, they conferred at Joseph Webb's.
A concert and some tavern-fare was what they afterwards did share.
At Stillman's, hopeful was the mood, as the bitter tea of war was brewed.
REFRAIN: But everybody wants to know why Washington and Rochambeau,
Chose Yorktown as the place to go to give the "Brits" the old "heave-ho"!
While Washington spoke of New York, the wine decanters were uncorked.
Translations may have broken down; "New York" may have been heard "Yorktown".
Then Washington went on his way, while Rochambeau in Hartford stayed,
Where he was fêted supra-fine on toddy, punch, grog, and wine.
REFRAIN
Another good scenario involves the note from Rochambeau:
DeGrasse's Aide drops some frois grois on the dispatch, "Excuse moi."
And so the orders to New York were smeared of every word but "York".
Thinking Yorktown was the place, DeGrasse set sail with all due haste.
REFRAIN
Was it Bacchus or some goose patté, that helped to make the U.S.A.?
This accident of history is shrouded-well in mystery.
Scholars search exhaustively so they might say conclusively,
Why Yorktown, not New York was where King George was beaten fair and square.
REFRAIN - (then … )
But who can really tell today, and does it matter anyway?
Cornwallis fell, and that was swell; and we told King George to go to Hell!