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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoirs, Correspondence and Manuscripts of
+General Lafayette, by Lafayette
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Memoirs, Correspondence and Manuscripts of General Lafayette
+
+Author: Lafayette
+
+
+Release Date: June, 2005 [EBook #8376]
+This file was first posted on July 4, 2003
+Last Updated: June 4, 2013
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CORRESPONDENCE OF LAFAYETTE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Stan Goodman, Marvin A. Hodges and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MEMOIRS
+
+CORRESPONDENCE AND MANUSCRIPTS
+
+OF
+
+GENERAL LAFAYETTE
+
+By Lafayette
+
+Published By His Family.
+
+
+Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1837,
+
+by William A. Duer,
+
+In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New-York.
+
+
+
+Respectfully to collect and scrupulously to arrange the manuscripts of
+which an irreparable misfortune has rendered them depositaries, have
+been for the Family of General Lafayette the accomplishment of a sacred
+duty.
+
+To publish those manuscripts without any commentary, and place them,
+unaltered, in the hands of the friends of Liberty, is a pious and solemn
+homage which his children now offer with confidence to his memory.
+
+GEORGE WASHINGTON LAFAYETTE.
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENT
+
+OF THE AMERICAN EDITOR.
+
+
+It was the desire of the late General Lafayette, that this edition of
+his Memoirs and Correspondence should be considered as a legacy of the
+American people. His representatives have accordingly pursued a course
+which they conceived the best adapted to give effect to his wishes, by
+furnishing a separate edition for this country, without any reservation
+for their own advantage, beyond the transfer of the copyright as an
+indemnity for the expense and risk of publication.
+
+In this edition are inserted some letters which will not appear in the
+editions published in Paris and London. They contain details relating to
+the American Revolution, and render the present edition more complete,
+or, at least, more interesting to Americans. Although written during
+the first residence of General Lafayette in America--when he was little
+accustomed to write in the English language--the letters in question are
+given exactly as they came from his pen--and as well as the others in
+the collection written by him in that language are distinguished from
+those translated from the French by having the word "Original" prefixed
+to them.
+
+It was intended that these letters should have been arranged among those
+in the body of the work; in the order of their respective dates; but as
+the latter have been stereotyped before the former had been transmitted
+to the American editor, this design was rendered impracticable. They
+have therefore from necessity been added in a supplemental form with the
+marginal notes which seemed requisite for their explanation.
+
+Columbia College, N. Y., July, 1837.
+
+
+
+CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME.
+
+
+
+AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
+
+
+ Notice by the Editors
+
+ FIRST VOYAGE AND FIRST CAMPAIGN IN AMERICA--1777, 1778.
+
+ Memoirs written by myself, until the year 1780
+
+ FRAGMENTS EXTRACTED FROM VARIOUS MANUSCRIPTS
+
+ A.--Departure for America in 1777
+
+ B.--First Interview between General Washington
+ and General Lafayette
+
+ C.--On the Military commands during the Winter of 1778
+
+ D.--Retreat of Barren Hill
+
+ E.--Arrival of the French Fleet
+
+ F.--Dissensions between the French Fleet
+ and the American Army
+
+ CORRESPONDENCE--1777, 1778:
+
+ To the Duke d'Ayen. London, March 9, 1777
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. On board the Victory, May 30
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. Charlestown, June 19
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. Petersburg, July 17
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette.--July 23
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. Philadelphia, Sept. 12
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette.--Oct. 1
+
+ To M. de Vergennes, Minister of Foreign affairs.
+ Whitemarsh Camp, Oct. 24
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. Whitemarsh Camp, Oct. 29, and Nov. 6
+
+ To General Washington. Haddonfeld, Nov. 26
+
+ To the Duke d'Ayen. Camp Gulph, Pennsylvania, Dec. 16
+
+ To General Washington. Camp, Dec. 30
+
+ To General Washington. Head Quarters, Dec. 31
+
+ To General Washington. Valley Forge, Dec. 31
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. Camp, near Valley Forge, Jan. 6, 1778
+
+ To General Washington
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. York. Feb 3
+
+ To General Washington. Hermingtown, Feb. 9
+
+ To General Washington. Albany, Feb. 19
+
+ To General Washington.--Feb. 23
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ Head Quarters, March 10
+
+ To Baron de Steuben. Albany, March 12
+
+ Fragment of a Letter to the President of Congress.
+ Albany, March 20
+
+ To General Washington. Albany, March 25
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. Valley Forge Camp,
+ in Pennsylvania, April 14
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. Germantown, April 28
+
+ To General Washington. Valley Forge Camp, May 19
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ Camp, May 17
+
+ To the Marquis de Lafayette. (Instructions.)
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. Valley Forge Camp, June 16
+
+ To the Marquis de Lafayette. (Instructions.)
+
+ To General Washington. Ice Town, June 26
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ Cranberry, June 26
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ White Plains, July 22
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ Head Quarters, White Plains, July 27
+
+ To General Washington. Providence, Aug. 6
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ White Plains, Aug. 10
+
+ To General Washington. Camp before Newport, Aug. 25
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ White Plains, Sept.
+
+ From General Washington to Major-General Sullivan.
+ Head Quarters, White Plains, Sept. 1
+
+ From General Washington to Major-General Greene.
+ Head Quarters, White Plains, Sept. 1
+
+ To General Washington. Tyverton, Sept. I
+
+ To General Washington. Camp, near Bristol, Sept. 7
+
+ To the Duke d'Ayen. Bristol, near Rhode Island, Sept. 11
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. Bristol, near Rhode Island, Sept. 13
+
+ President Laurens to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ Philadelphia, Sept. 13
+
+ Marquis de Lafayette to President Laurens. Camp, Sept. 23
+
+ To General Washington. Warren, Sept. 24
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ Fredericksburg, Sept. 25
+
+ To General Washington. Camp near Warren, Sept. 24
+
+ To General Washington. Boston, Sept. 28
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ Fishkill, Oct. 4
+
+ Marquis de Lafayette to President Laurens.
+ Philadelphia, Oct. 13
+
+ President Laurens to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ Philadelphia, Oct. 24
+
+ To General Washington. Philadelphia, Oct. 24
+
+ Lord Carlisle to M. de Lafayette Marquis de Lafayette
+
+ To President Laurens. Philadelphia, Oct. 26
+
+ Fragment of a Letter from the French Minister, M. Gerard,
+ to Count de Vergennes.--October
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ Philadelphia, Dec. 29
+
+ From General Washington to General Franklin,
+ American Minister in France. Philadelphia, Dec. 28
+
+ To General Washington. Boston, January 5, 1779
+
+ To General Washington. On board the Alliance,
+ off Boston, January 11, 1779
+
+ SECOND VOYAGE TO AMERICA, AND CAMPAIGNS OF 1780, 1781.
+
+ HISTORICAL MEMOIRS OF 1779, 1780, and 1781.
+
+ CORRESPONDENCE--1779-1781
+
+ To Count de Vergennes. Paris, February 24, 1779
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ Camp at Middlebrook, March 8
+
+ To M. de Vergennes, Paris, April 1, and April 26
+
+ To the President of Congress. St. Jean de Angeli,
+ near Rochefort, June 12
+
+ To General Washington. St. Jean de Angeli,
+ near Rochefort harbor, June 12
+
+ To the Count de Vergennes. Havre, July 30
+
+ To M. de Vergennes. Paris, August--
+
+ Dr. Franklin to the Marquis de Lafayette. Fassy, August 24
+
+ To Dr. Franklin. Havre, August 29
+
+ Page From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ West Point, December 30
+
+ To General Washington. Havre, October 7
+
+ To M. de Vergennes. Versailles, Feb. 22, 1780
+
+ To his Excellency General Washington.
+ At the entrance of Boston harbor, April 27
+
+ To M. de Vergennes. Waterburg, on the Boston road,
+ from the Camp, May 6
+
+ From General Washington. Morris Town, May--
+
+ To the Count de Rochambeau. Philadelphia, May 19
+
+ To General Washington. Camp at Preakness, July 4
+
+ To MM. le Comte de Rochambeau and le Chevalier de Ternay.
+ Camp before Dobb's Ferry, August 9
+
+ From Count de Rochambeau to M. de Lafayette. Newport, August 12
+
+ To MM. de Rochambeau and de Ternay. Camp, August 18
+
+ To M. de Rochambeau. Camp, August 18
+
+ From M. de Rochambeau. Newport, August 27
+
+ To the Chevalier de la Luzerne. Robinson House,
+ opposite West Point, Sept. 26
+
+ To Madame de Tesse. Camp, on the right side of North River,
+ near the Island of New York, October 4
+
+ To General Washington. Light Camp, October 30
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ Head Quarters, October 30
+
+ To General Washington. Light Camp, November 13
+
+ To General Washington, Paramus, November 28
+
+ To his Excellency General Washington. Philadelphia, Dec. 5
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ New Windsor, December 14
+
+ To M. de Vergennes. New Windsor, on the North River,
+ January 30, 1781
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. New Windsor, on the North River,
+ February 2
+
+ To General Washington. Elk, March 8
+
+ To General Washington. On board the Dolphin, March 9
+
+ To General Washington. Williamsburg, March 23
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ New Windsor, April 6
+
+ To General Washington. Elk, April 8
+
+ To Colonel Hamilton. Susquehannah Ferry, April 18
+
+ To General Washington. Baltimore, April 18
+
+ To General Washington. Alexandria, April 23
+
+ From General Washington to the Marquis de Lafayette
+ New Windsor, May 4
+
+ From General Washington to Lund Washington.
+ New Windsor, April 30
+
+ To General Washington. Camp Wilton, on James River, May 17
+
+ From General Phillips to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ British Camp at Osborn, April 28
+
+ From General Phillips to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+ Camp at Osborn, April 29
+
+ To Major General Phillips. American Camp, April 30
+
+ To Major-General Phillips.--May 3
+
+ Note for Captain Emyne.--May 15
+
+ Note from General Arnold to Captain Ragedale
+
+ To General Washington. Richmond, May 24
+
+ To General Washington. Camp, June 28
+
+ Extracts of several Letters to General Washington
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. Camp, between the branches
+ of York River, August 24
+
+ To M. de Vergennes. Camp between the branches
+ of York River, August 24
+
+ To M de Maurepas. Camp, between the branches
+ of York River, August 24
+
+ To General Washington. Holt's Forge, September 1
+
+ To General Washington. Williamsburg, September 8
+
+ To General Washington. Camp before York, October 16
+
+ To M. de Maurepas. Camp near York, October 20
+
+ To M. de Vergennes. Camp near York, October 20
+
+ To Madame de Lafayette. On board La Ville de Paris,
+ Chesapeake Bay, October 22
+
+ The Marquis de Segur to M. de Lafayette.--Dec. 5
+
+ To General Washington. Alliance, off Boston, December 21
+
+ ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+ To General Washington. Robins' Tavern, June 26, 1778
+
+ To General Washington. Cranbarry, June--
+
+ To General Washington.--June 28
+
+ To General Washington. Cranbarry, June 29
+
+ To the Count de Vergennes. St. Jean de Angeli, June, 1779
+
+ To the Count de Vergennes. Havre, July 9
+
+ To the President of Congress. Havre, October 7
+
+ To General Washington. Peekskill, July 20, 1780
+
+ To General Washington. Danbury, July 21
+
+ To General Washington. Hartford, July 22
+
+ To General Washington. Lebanon, July 23
+
+ To General Washington. Newport, July 26
+
+ To General Washington. Newport, July 26
+
+ To General Washington. Newport, July 29
+
+ To General Washington. Newport, July 31
+
+ To General Washington. Newport, August 1
+
+ To General Washington. Elizabethtown, October 27
+
+ To General Washington. Light Camp, October 27
+
+ To General Washington. Philadelphia, December 4
+
+ To General Washington.--December 5
+
+ To General Washington. Philadelphia, December 16
+
+ To General Washington. Philadelphia, March 2, 1781
+
+ To General Washington. Head of Elk, March 7
+
+ To General Washington. Off Turkey Point, March 9
+
+ To General Washington. York, March 15
+
+ To General Washington. Elk, April 10
+
+ To General Washington. Susquehannah Ferry, April 13
+
+ To General Washington. Susquehannah Ferry, April 13
+
+ To General Washington. Susquehannah Ferry, April 14
+
+ To Major-General Greene. Hanover Court House, April 28
+
+ To General Greene. Camp on Pamunkey River, May 3
+
+ To General Washington. Camp near Bottom's Creek, May 4
+
+ To General Washington. Richmond, May 8
+
+ To General Washington. Welton, north side of James River, May 18
+
+ To Colonel Hamilton. Richmond, May 23
+
+ To General Washington. Richmond, May 24
+
+ To General Washington. Camp between Rappanannock
+ and North Anna, June 3
+
+ To General Greene. Camp between Rappahannock
+ and North Anna, June 3
+
+ To General Greene. Allen's Creek, June 18
+
+ To General Greene. Mr. Tyter's Plantation, June 27
+
+ To General Greene. Ambler's Plantation, July 8
+
+ To General Washington. Mrs. Ruffin's, August 29
+
+ To General Washington. Holt's Forge, September 1
+
+ To General Washington. Camp Williamsburg, September 8
+
+ To General Washington. Williamsburg, September 10
+
+ To General Washington. Camp before York, Sept. 30
+
+ To General Washington.--November 29
+
+ APPENDIX.
+
+ I.--A Summary of the Campaign of 1781, explanatory of the Map
+
+ II.--Letter from M. de Lafayette to M. de Vergennes
+
+
+
+
+NOTICE BY THE EDITORS.
+
+
+Under the title of _Revolution of America_, are comprised eight years of
+M. de Lafayette's life, from the commencement of 1771 until the end of
+1784. His three voyages to the United States divide those eight years
+into three periods: 1777, 1778; 1779-1781; and 1782-1784.~[1]
+
+1st. Circumstantial Memoirs, written for his friends after the peace
+of Versailles, and which were to have extended to 1780, open this
+collection.
+
+2nd. These are continued and completed by two detached relations,
+composed between 1800 and 1814; the first, which has no title, and might
+be called _Notice of the American Life of General Lafayette_, appears to
+have been written for a person intending to publish the history of the
+war, or of General Washington; the second is entitled, _Observations on
+some portion of American History, by a friend of General Lafayette_.
+
+As these two relations, both written by M. de Lafayette, and which we
+designate under the names of Manuscript, No. 1, and manuscript, No. 2,
+contain a second, and occasionally a third, account of events already
+mentioned in the Memoirs, we have only inserted quotations from them.
+
+3rd. A relation of the campaign in Virginia, in 1781, shall be inserted
+in its complete state.
+
+4th. Extracts from the collection of the general's speeches, begun
+by him in 1829, will give some details of his third voyage to America
+(1784).
+
+5th. With the account of each particular period that portion of the
+correspondence which may relate to it will be inserted. From a great
+number of letters, written from America, and addressed either to
+France or to America, or from France to America, those only have been
+suppressed whose repetitions or details, purely military, would render
+them uninteresting to the public.
+
+6th. In the Correspondence, some letters have been inserted from General
+Washington, and other contemporaries, and also some historical records,
+of which M. de Lafayette had taken copies, or which have been extracted
+from various collections published in the United States.
+
+
+Footnote
+
+1. M. de Lafayette (Marie-Paul-Joseph-Roch-Yves-Gilbert Motier) born at
+Chavaniae, in Auvergne, the 6th of September, 1757; married the 11th
+of April, 1774; set out for America the 26th of April, 1777. The other
+dates will be mentioned in proper order, with each particular event. All
+the notes which are not followed by the name of M. de Lafayette, may be
+attributed to the members of his family, sole editors of this work.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+
+
+
+TO THE READER.~[1]
+
+
+When, devoted from early youth to the ambition of liberty, I beheld no
+limit to the path that I had opened for myself, it appeared to me that
+I was sufficiently fulfilling my destiny, and satisfying my glory,
+by rushing incessantly forward, and leaving to others the care of
+collecting the recollections, as well as the fruits, of my labour.
+
+After having enjoyed an uninterrupted course of good fortune for fifteen
+years, I presented myself, with a favourable prospect of success, before
+the coalition of kings, and the aristocracy of Europe: I was overthrown
+by the simultaneous fury of French jacobinism. My person was then given
+up to the vengeance of my natural enemies, and my reputation to the
+calumnies of those self-styled patriots who had so lately violated every
+sworn and national guarantee. It is well known that the regimen of my
+five years' imprisonment was not favourable to literary occupations,
+and when, on my deliverance from prison, I was advised to write an
+explanation of my conduct, I was disgusted with all works of the
+kind, by the numerous memoirs or notices by which so many persons had
+trespassed upon the attention of the public. Events had also spoken for
+us; and many accusers, and many accusations, had fallen into oblivion.
+
+As soon as I returned to France, my friends requested me to write
+memoirs: I found excuses for not doing so in my reluctance to judge
+with severity the first jacobin chiefs who have shared since in my
+proscription,--the _Girondins_, who have died for those very principles
+they had opposed and persecuted in me,--the king and queen, whose
+lamentable fate only allows me to pride myself upon some services I
+have rendered them,--and the vanquished royalists, who are at present
+deprived of fortune, and exposed to every arbitrary measure. I ought to
+add, likewise that, happy in my retreat, in the bosom of my family
+and occupied with agricultural pursuits, I know not how to purloin one
+moment from the enjoyments of my domestic life.
+
+But my friends have renewed their request, and to comply in some degree
+with it, I have consented to place in order the few papers that I still
+possess and assemble together some relations which have been already
+published, and unite, by notes, the whole collection, in which my
+children and friends may one day find materials for a less insignificant
+work. As to myself, I acknowledge that my indolence in this respect
+is owing to the intimate conviction which I feel, that liberty will
+ultimately be established in the old as well as in the new world, and
+that then the history of our revolutions will put all things and all
+persons in their proper places.
+
+
+Footnote
+
+1. Although this notice, written a short time after the 18th _Brumaire_,
+be anterior to a great number of events, in the midst of which General
+Lafayette continued his public life, we have placed it in this part of
+the work, as a sort of general introduction to the various materials it
+contains.
+
+
+
+
+
+FIRST VOYAGE
+
+AND
+
+FIRST CAMPAIGN IN AMERICA 1777-1778.
+
+
+
+
+MEMOIRS WRITTEN BY MYSELF,~[1]
+
+UNTIL THE YEAR 1780.
+
+
+TO MY FRIENDS.
+
+If I were to confound, as is too often done, obstinacy with firmness, I
+should blush at beginning these memoirs, after having so long refused
+to do so, and at even increasing their apparent egotism by my style,
+instead of sheltering myself under cover of the third person; but I will
+not yield a half compliance to the request of that tender friendship
+which is far more valuable to me than the ephemeral success which
+a journal might obtain. It is sufficient for me to know that this
+relation, intended for a few friends only, will never extend beyond
+their circle: it even possesses two very great advantages over many
+celebrated books: these are, that the public not being concerned in
+this work it cannot need a preface, and that the dedication of affection
+cannot require an epistle.
+
+It would be too poetical to place myself at once in another hemisphere,
+and too minute to dwell upon the particulars of my birth, which soon
+followed the death of my father at Minden;~[2] of my education in
+Auvergne, with tender and revered relations; of my removal, at twelve
+years of age to a college at Paris,~[3] where I soon lost my virtuous
+mother,~[4] and where the death of her father rendered me rich, although
+I had been born, comparatively speaking, poor; of some schoolboy
+successes, inspired by the love of glory and somewhat disturbed by that
+of liberty; of my entrance into the regiment of the black musketeers,
+which only interrupted my studies on review days; and finally, of my
+marriage, at the age of sixteen, preceded by a residence at the academy
+of Versailles.~[5] I have still less to say relating to my entrance into
+the world; to the short favour I enjoyed as constituting one member of
+a youthful society; to some promises to the regiment de Noailles; and to
+the unfavourable opinion entertained of me owing to my habitual silence
+when I did not think the subjects discussing worthy of being canvassed.
+The bad effects produced by disguised self-love and an observing
+disposition, were not softened by a natural simplicity of manner, which,
+without being improper on any great occasion, rendered it impossible for
+me to bend to the graces of the court, or to the charms of a supper in
+the capital.
+
+You ask me at what period I first experienced my ardent love of liberty
+and glory? I recollect no time of my life anterior to my enthusiasm for
+anecdotes of glorious deeds, and to my projects of travelling over the
+world to acquire fame. At eight years of age, my heart beat when I heard
+of a hyena that had done some injury, and caused still more alarm, in
+our neighbourhood, and the hope of meeting it was the object of all my
+walks. When I arrived at college, nothing ever interrupted my studies,
+except my ardent wish of studying without restraint. I never deserved to
+be chastised; but, in spite of my usual gentleness, it would have been
+dangerous to have attempted to do so; and I recollect with pleasure
+that, when I was to described in rhetoric a perfect courser, I
+sacrificed the hope of obtaining a premium, and described the one who,
+on perceiving the whip, threw down his rider. Republican anecdotes
+always delighted me, and when my new connexions wished to obtain for
+me a place at court, I did not hesitate displeasing them to preserve my
+independence.~[6] I was in that frame of mind when I first learnt the
+troubles in America; they only became thoroughly known in Europe in
+1776, and the memorable declaration of the 4th of July reached France at
+the close of that same year.
+
+After having crowned herself with laurels and enriched herself with
+conquests; after having become mistress of all seas; and after having
+insulted all nations, England had turned her pride against her own
+colonies. North America had long been displeasing to her; she wished
+to add new vexations to former injuries, and to destroy the most sacred
+privileges. The Americans, attached to the mother country, contented
+themselves at first with merely uttering complaints; they only accused
+the ministry, and the whole nation rose up against them; they were
+termed insolent and rebellious, and at length declared the enemies of
+their country: thus did the obstinacy of the king, the violence of the
+ministers, and the arrogance of the English nation, oblige thirteen of
+their colonies to render themselves independent. Such a glorious cause
+had never before attracted the attention of mankind; it was the last
+struggle of Liberty; and had she then been vanquished, neither hope nor
+asylum would have remained for her. The oppressors and oppressed were to
+receive a powerful lesson; the great work was to be accomplished, or the
+rights of humanity were to fall beneath its ruin. The destiny of France
+and that of her rival were to be decided at the same moment; England
+was to lose, with the new states, an important commerce, of which she
+derived the sole advantage,--one quarter of her subjects, who were
+constantly augmenting by a rapid increase of population, and by
+emigration from all parts of Europe,--in a word, more than half of the
+most beautiful portion of the British territory. But if she retained
+possession of her thirteen colonies, all was ended for our West
+Indies, our possessions in Asia and Africa, our maritime commerce, and
+consequently our navy and our political existence.
+
+
+(1776.) When I first learnt the subject of the quarrel, my heart
+espoused warmly the cause of liberty, and I thought of nothing but of
+adding also the aid of my banner.~[7] Some circumstances, which it would
+be needless to relate, had taught me to expect only obstacles in this
+case from my own family; I depended, therefore, solely upon myself, and
+I ventured to adopt for a device on my arms these words--"_Cur non?_"
+that they might equally serve as an encouragement to my-self, and as a
+reply to others. Silas Deane was then at Paris; but the ministers feared
+to receive him, and his voice was overpowered by the louder accents of
+Lord Stormont. He despatched privately to America some old arms, which
+were of little use, and some young officers, who did but little
+good, the whole directed by M. de Beaumarchais; and when the English
+ambassador spoke to our court, it denied having sent any cargoes,
+ordered those that were preparing to be discharged, and dismissed from
+our ports all American privateers. Whilst wishing to address myself in a
+direct manner to Mr. Deane, I became the friend of Kalb, a German in
+our employ, who was applying for service with the _insurgents_, (the
+expression in use at that time,) and who became my interpreter. He was
+the person sent by M. de Choiseul to examine the English colonies; and
+on his return he received some money, but never succeeded in obtaining
+an audience, so little did that minister in reality think of the
+revolution whose retrograde movements some persons have inscribed to
+him! When I presented to Mr. Deane my boyish face, (for I was scarcely
+nineteen years of age,) I spoke more of my ardour in the cause than
+of my experience; but I dwelt much upon the effect my departure would
+excite in France, and he signed our mutual agreement. The secrecy with
+which this negotiation and my preparations were made appears almost a
+miracle; family, friends, ministers; French spies and English spies,
+all were kept completely in the dark as to my intentions. Amongst my
+discreet confidants, I owe much to M. du Boismartin,~[8] secretary
+of the Count de Broglie, and to the Count de Broglie himself, whose
+affectionate heart, when all his efforts to turn me from this project
+had proved in vain, entered into my views with even paternal tenderness.
+
+Preparations were making to send a vessel to America, when very bad
+tidings arrived from thence. New York, Long Island, White Plains, Fort
+Washington, and the Jerseys, had seen the American forces successively
+destroyed by thirty-three thousand Englishmen or Germans. Three thousand
+Americans alone remained in arms, and these were closely pursued
+by General Howe. From that moment all the credit of the insurgents
+vanished; to obtain a vessel for them was impossible: the envoys
+themselves thought it right to express to me their own discouragement,
+and persuade me to abandon my project. I called upon Mr. Deane, and I
+thanked him for his frankness.
+
+"Until now, sir," said I, "you have only seen my ardour in your cause,
+and that may not prove at present wholly useless. I shall purchase a
+ship to carry out your officers; we must feel confidence in the future,
+and it is especially in the hour of danger that I wish to share your
+fortune."~[9] My project was received with approbation; but it was
+necessary afterwards to find money, and to purchase and arm a vessel
+secretly: all this was accomplished with the greatest despatch.
+
+The period was, however, approaching, which had been long fixed for
+my taking a journey to England;~[10] I could not refuse to go without
+risking the discovery of my secret, and by consenting to take this
+journey I knew I could better conceal my preparations for a greater one.
+This last measure was also thought most expedient by MM. Franklin and
+Deane; for the doctor himself was then in France; and although I did not
+venture to go to his house, for fear of being seen, I corresponded with
+him through M. Carmichael, an American less generally known. I arrived
+in London with M. de Poix; and I first paid my respects to Bancroft, the
+American, and afterwards to his British Majesty. A youth of nineteen may
+be, perhaps, too fond of playing a trick upon the king he is going to
+fight with,--of dancing at the house of Lord Germaine minister for the
+English colonies, and at the house of Lord Rawdon, who had just returned
+from New York,--and of seeing at the opera that Clinton, whom he was
+afterwards to meet at Monmouth. But whilst I concealed my intentions, I
+openly avowed my sentiments; I often defended the Americans; I rejoiced
+at their success at Trenton; and my spirit of opposition obtained for
+me an invitation to breakfast with Lord Shelbourne. I refused the offers
+made me to visit the sea ports, the vessels fitting out against the
+_rebels_, and everything that might be construed into an abuse of
+confidence. At the end of three weeks, when it became necessary for
+me to return home, whilst refusing my uncle,~[11] the ambassador, to
+accompany him to court, I confided to him my strong desire to take a
+trip to Paris. He proposed saying that I was ill during my absence. I
+should not have made use of this stratagem myself, but I did not object
+to his doing so.
+
+After having suffered dreadfully in the channel, and being reminded, as
+a consolation, how very short the voyage would be, I arrived at M. de
+Kalb's house in Paris, concealed myself three days at Chaillot, saw a
+few of my friends and some Americans, and set out for Bordeaux, where
+I was for some time unexpectedly delayed.~[12] I took advantage of that
+delay to send to Paris, from whence the intelligence I received was by
+no means encouraging; but as my messenger was followed on his road by
+one from the government, I lost not a moment in setting sail, and the
+orders of my sovereign were only able to overtake me at Passage, a
+Spanish port, at which we stopped on our way. The letters from my
+own family were extremely violent, and those from the government were
+peremptory. I was forbidden to proceed to the American continent under
+the penalty of disobedience; I was enjoined to repair instantly to
+Marseilles, and await there further orders. A sufficient number of
+commentaries were not wanting upon the consequences of such an anathema,
+the laws of the state, and the power and displeasure of the government:
+but the grief of his wife, who was pregnant, and the thoughts of his
+family and friends, had far more effect upon M. de Lafayette.~[13] As
+his vessel could no longer be stopped, he returned to Bordeaux to enter
+into a justification of his own conduct; and, in a declaration to M. de
+Fumel, he took upon himself all the consequences of his present evasion.
+As the court did not deign to relax in its determination, he wrote to M.
+de Maurepas that that silence was a tacit consent, and his own departure
+took place soon after that joking despatch. After having set out on the
+road to Marseilles, he retraced his steps, and, disguised as a courier,
+he had almost escaped all danger, when, at Saint Jean de Luz, a young
+girl recognised him; but a sign from him silenced her, and her adroit
+fidelity turned away all suspicion. It was thus that M. de Lafayette
+rejoined his ship, the 26th of April 1777; and on that same day,
+after six months anxiety and labour, he set sail for the American
+continent.~[14]
+
+ * * * * *
+
+(1777.) As soon as M. de Lafayette had recovered from the effects of
+sea sickness, he studied the language and trade he was adopting. A heavy
+ship, two bad cannons, and some guns, could not have escaped from the
+smallest privateer. In his present situation, he resolved rather to blow
+up the vessel than to surrender; he concerted measures to achieve this
+end with a brave Dutchman named Bedaulx, whose sole alternative, if
+taken, would have been the gibbet. The captain insisted upon stopping at
+the islands; but government and orders would have been found there, and
+he followed a direct course, less from choice than from compulsion.~[15]
+At forty leagues from shore, they were met by a small vessel: the
+captain turned pale, but the crew were attached to M. de Lafatette, and
+the officers were numerous: they made a show of resistance. It turned
+out, fortunately, to be an American ship, whom they vainly endeavoured
+to keep up with; but scarcely had the former lost sight of M. de
+Lafayette's vessel, when it fell in with two English frigates,--and this
+is not the only time when the elements seemed bent on opposing M.
+de Lafayette, as if with the intention of saving him. After having
+encountered for seven weeks various perils and chances, he arrived
+at Georgetown, in Carolina. Ascending the river in a canoe, his foot
+touched at length the American soil, and he swore that he would
+conquer or perish in that cause. Landing at midnight at Major Huger's
+house,~[16] he found a vessel sailing for France, which appeared only
+waiting for his letters. Several of the officers landed, others remained
+on board, and all hastened to proceed to Charleston:
+
+This beautiful city is worthy of its inhabitants and everything there
+announced not only comfort but even luxury. Without knowing much of M.
+de Lafayette, the generals Howe,~[17] Moultrie, and Gulden, received him
+with the utmost kindness and attention. The new works were shown him,
+and also that battery which Moultrie afterwards defended so extremely
+well, and which the English appear, we must acknowledge, to have seized
+the only possible means of destroying. Several adventurers, the
+refuse of the islands, endeavoured vainly to unite themselves to M.
+de Lafayette, and to infuse into his mind their own feelings and
+prejudices. Having procured horses, he set out with six officers for
+Philadelphia. His vessel had arrived, but it was no longer protected by
+fortune, and on its return home it was lost on the bar of Charlestown To
+repair to the congress of the United States, M. de Lafayette rode
+nearly nine hundred miles on horseback; before reaching the capital
+of Pennsylvania, he was obliged to travel through the two Carolinas,
+Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Whilst studying the language and
+customs of the inhabitants, he observed also new productions of nature,
+and new methods of cultivation: vast forests and immense rivers combine
+to give to that country an appearance of youth and majesty. After a
+fatiguing journey of one month, he beheld at length that Philadelphia,
+so well known in the present day, and whose future grandeur Penn
+appeared to designate when he laid the first stone of its foundation.
+
+After having accomplished his noble manoeuvres at Trenton and
+Princetown, General Washington had remained in his camp at Middlebrook.
+The English, finding themselves frustrated in their first hopes,
+combined to make a decisive campaign. Burgoyne was already advancing
+with ten thousand men, preceded by his proclamations and his savages.
+Ticonderoga, a famous stand of arms, was abandoned by Saint-Clair; he
+drew upon himself much public odium by this deed, but he saved the
+only corps whom the militia could rally round. Whilst the generals were
+busied assembling the militia, the congress recalled them, sent Gates
+their place, and used all possible means to support him. At that same
+time the great English army, of about eighteen thousand men, had sailed
+from New York, and the two Howes were uniting their forces for a secret
+enterprise; Rhode Island was occupied by a hostile corps, and General
+Clinton who had remained at New York, was there preparing for an
+expedition. To be able to withstand many various blows, General
+Washington, leaving Putnam on the north river, crossed over the
+Delaware, and encamped, with eleven thousand men, within reach of
+Philadelphia.
+
+It was under these circumstances that M. de Lafayette first arrived in
+America; but the moment, although important to the common cause, was
+peculiarly unfavourable to strangers. The Americans were displeased with
+the pretensions, and disgusted with the conduct, of many Frenchmen; the
+imprudent selections they had in some cases made, the extreme boldness
+of some foreign adventurers, the jealousy of the army, and strong
+national prejudices, all contributed to confound disinterested zeal with
+private ambition, and talents with quackery. Supported by the promises
+which had been given by Mr. Deane, a numerous band of foreigners
+besieged the congress; their chief was a clever but very imprudent man,
+and although a good officer, his excessive vanity amounted almost
+to madness. With M. de Lafayette, Mr. Deane had sent out a fresh
+detachment, and every day such crowds arrived, that the congress had
+finally adopted the plan of not listening to any stranger. The coldness
+with which M. de Lafayette was received, might have been taken as a
+dismissal; but, without appearing disconcerted by the manner in
+which the deputies addressed him,~[18] he entreated them to return to
+congress, and read the following note:--
+
+"After the sacrifices I have made, I have the right to exact two
+favours: one is, to serve at my own expense,--the other is, to serve at
+first as volunteer."
+
+This style, to which they were so little accustomed, awakened their
+attention; the despatches from the envoys were read over, and, in a very
+flattering resolution, the rank of major-general was granted to M. de
+Lafayette. Amongst the various officers who accompanied him, several
+were strangers to him; he was interested, however, for them all, and to
+those whose services were not accepted an indemnity for their trouble
+was granted. Some months afterwards, M.----- drowned himself in the
+Schuylkill, and the loss of that impetuous and imprudent man was perhaps
+a fortunate circumstance.
+
+The two Howes having appeared before the capes of the Delaware, General
+Washington came to Philadelphia, and M. de Lafayette beheld for the
+first time that great man.~[19] Although he was surrounded by officers
+and citizens, it was impossible to mistake for a moment his majestic
+figure and deportment; nor was he less distinguished by the noble
+affability of his manner. M. de Lafayette accompanied him in his
+examination of the fortifications. Invited by the General to establish
+himself in his house, he looked upon it from that moment as his own:
+with this perfect ease and simplicity, was formed the tie that united
+two friends, whose confidence and attachment were to be cemented by the
+strongest interests of humanity.~[20]
+
+The American army, stationed some miles from Philadelphia, was waiting
+until the movements the hostile army should be decided: the General
+himself reviewed the troops; M. de Lafayette arrived there the same day.
+About eleven thousand men, ill armed, and still worse clothed, presented
+a strange spectacle to the eye of the young Frenchman: their clothes
+were parti-coloured, and many of them were almost naked; the best clad
+wore _hunting shirts_, large grey linen coats which were much used in
+Carolina. As to their military tactics, it will be sufficient to say
+that, for a regiment ranged in order of battle to move forward on the
+right of its line, it was necessary for the left to make a continued
+counter march. They were always arranged in two lines, the smallest men
+in the first line; no other distinction as to height was ever observed.
+In spite of these disadvantages, the soldiers were fine, and the
+officers zealous; virtue stood in place of science, and each day added
+both to experience and discipline. Lord Stirling, more courageous than
+judicious, another general, who was often intoxicated, and Greene, whose
+talents were only then known to his immediate friends, commanded
+as majors-general. General Knox, who had changed the profession of
+bookseller to that of artillery officer, was there also, and had
+himself formed other officers, and created an artillery. "We must feel
+embarrassed," said General Washington, on his arrival, "to exhibit
+ourselves before an officer who has just quitted French troops." "It
+is to learn, and not to teach, that I come hither," replied M. de
+Lafayette; and that modest tone, which was not common in Europeans,
+produced a very good effect.
+
+After having menaced the Delaware, the English fleet again disappeared,
+and during some days the Americans amused themselves by making jokes
+at its expense. These jokes, however, ceased when it reappeared in
+the Chesapeak; and, in order to approach it more closely during the
+disembarkation, the patriot army crossed through the town. Their heads
+covered with green branches, and marching to the sound of drums and
+fifes, these soldiers, in spite of their state of nudity, offered an
+agreeable spectacle to the eyes of all the citizens. General Washington
+was marching at their head, and M. de Lafayette was by his side. The
+army stationed itself upon the heights of Wilmington, and that of the
+enemy landed in the Elk river, at the bottom of Chesapeak bay. The very
+day they landed, General Washington exposed himself to danger in the
+most imprudent manner; after having reconnoitred for a long time the
+enemy's position, he was overtaken by a storm during a very dark night,
+entered a farm house close to the hostile army, and, from a reluctance
+to change his own opinion, remained there with General Greene, M. de
+Lafayette, and their aide-de-camp; but when at day break he quitted the
+farm, he acknowledged that any one traitor might have caused his ruin.
+Some days later, Sullivan's division joined the army, which augmented it
+in all to thirteen thousand men. This Major-General Sullivan made a good
+beginning, but a bad ending, in an intended surprise on Staten Island.
+
+If, by making too extensive a plan of attack, the English committed a
+great error, it must also be acknowledged that the Americans were not
+irreproachable in their manner of defence. Burgoyne, leading his army,
+with their heads bent upon the ground, into woods from whence he could
+not extricate them, dragged on, upon a single road, his numerous cannons
+and rich military equipages. Certain of not being attacked from behind,
+the Americans could dispute every step they took: this kind of warfare
+attracted the militia, and Gates improved each day in strength. Every
+tree sheltered a skilful rifleman, and the resources offered by military
+tactics, and the talents even of their chiefs, had become useless to
+the English. The corps left in New York could, it is true, laugh at the
+corps of Putnam, but it was too feeble to succour Burgoyne; and instead
+of being able to secure his triumph, its own fate was even dependent
+upon his. During that time, Howe was only thinking of Philadelphia, and
+it was at the expense of the northern expedition that he was repairing
+thither by an enormous circuit. But, on the other side, why were the
+English permitted to land so tranquilly? Why was the moment allowed to
+pass when their army was divided by the river Elk? Why in the south were
+so many false movements and so much hesitation displayed? Because the
+Americans had hitherto had combats but not battles; because, instead of
+harassing an army and disputing hollows, they were obliged to protect
+an open city, and manoeuvre in a plain, close to a hostile army, who,
+by attacking them from behind, might completely ruin them. General
+Washington, had he followed the advice of the people, would have
+enclosed his army in a city, and thus have entrusted to one hazard the
+fate of America; but, whilst refusing to commit such an act of folly, he
+was obliged to make some sacrifice, and gratify the nation by a battle.
+Europe even expected it; and although he had been created a dictator
+for six months, the General thought he ought to submit everything to the
+orders of congress, and to the deliberations of a council of war.
+
+After having advanced as far as Wilmington, the general had detached a
+thousand men under Maxwell, the most ancient brigadier in the army. At
+the first march of the English, he was beaten by their advance
+guard near Christiana Bridge. During that time the army took but an
+indifferent station at Newport; they then removed a little south, waited
+two days for the enemy, and, at the moment when these were marching upon
+their right wing, a nocturnal council of war decided that the army was
+to proceed to the Brandywine. The stream bearing that name covered its
+front; the ford called Chad's Ford, placed nearly in the centre, was
+defended by batteries. It was in that scarcely examined station that, in
+obedience to a letter from congress, the Americans awaited the battle.
+The evening of the 10th of September, Howe advanced in two columns,
+and, by a very fine movement, the left column (about 8000 men under Lord
+Cornwallis, with grenadiers and guards) directed themselves towards
+the fords of Birmingham, three miles on our right; the other column
+continued its road, and at about nine o'clock in the morning it appeared
+on the other side of the stream. The enemy was so near the skirts of the
+wood that it was impossible to judge of his force some time was lost in
+a mutual cannonading. General Washington walked along his two lines, and
+was received with acclamations which seemed to promise him success. The
+intelligence that was received of the movements of Cornwallis was both
+confused and contradictory; owing to the conformity of name betwixt two
+roads that were of equal length and parallel to each other, the best
+officers were mistaken in their reports. The only musket shots that had
+been fired were from Maxwell, who killed several of the enemy, but was
+driven back upon the left of the American army, across a ford by which
+he had before advanced. Three thousand militia had been added to the
+army, but they were placed in the rear to guard some still more distant
+militia, and took no part themselves in the action. Such was the
+situation of the troops when they learnt the march of Lord Cornwallis
+towards the scarcely known fords of Birmingham: they then detached three
+divisions, forming about five thousand men, under the generals Sullivan,
+Stirling, and Stephen. M. de Lafayette, as volunteer, had always
+accompanied the general. The left wing remaining in a state of
+tranquillity, and the right appearing fated to receive all the heavy
+blows, he obtained permission to join Sullivan. At his arrival, which
+seemed to inspirit the troops, he found that, the enemy having crossed
+the ford, the corps of Sullivan had scarcely had time to form itself
+on a line in front of a thinly-wooded forest. A few moments after, Lord
+Cornwallis formed in the finest order: advancing across the plain, his
+first line opened a brisk fire of musketry and artillery; the Americans
+returned the fire, and did much injury to the enemy; but their right and
+left wings having given way, the generals and several officers joined
+the central division, in which were M. de Lafayette and Stirling, and
+of which eight hundred men were commanded in a most brilliant manner
+by Conway, an Irishman, in the service of France. By separating that
+division from its two wings, and advancing through an open plain, in
+which they lost many men, the enemy united all their fire upon the
+centre: the confusion became extreme; and it was whilst M. de Lafayette
+was rallying the troops that a ball passed through his leg;--at that
+moment all those remaining on the field gave way. M. de Lafayette was
+indebted to Gimat, his aide-de-camp, for the happiness of getting upon
+his horse. General Washington arrived from a distance with fresh troops;
+M. de Lafayette was preparing to join him, when loss of blood obliged
+him to stop and have his wound bandaged; he was even very near being
+taken. Fugitives, cannon, and baggage now crowded without order into the
+road leading to Chester. The general employed the remaining daylight
+in checking the enemy: some regiments behaved extremely well but the
+disorder was complete. During that time the ford of Chad was forced, the
+cannon taken and the Chester road became the common retreat of the whole
+army. In the midst of that dreadful confusion, and during the darkness
+of the night, it was impossible to recover; but at Chester, twelve miles
+from the field of battle, they met with a bridge which it was necessary
+to cross; M. de Lafayette occupied himself in arresting the fugitives;
+some degree of order was re-established; the generals and the
+commander-in-chief arrived; and he had leisure to have his wound
+dressed.
+
+It was thus, at twenty-six miles from Philadelphia, that the fate of
+that town was decided, (11th September, 1777.) The inhabitants had heard
+every cannon that was fired there; the two parties, assembled in two
+distinct bands in all the squares and public places, had awaited the
+event in silence. The last courier at length arrived, and the friends of
+Liberty were thrown into consternation. The Americans had lost from 1000
+to 1200 men. Howe's army was composed of about 12,000 men; their losses
+had been so considerable that their surgeons and those in the country,
+were found insufficient, and they requested the American army to supply
+them with some for their prisoners. If the enemy had marched to
+Derby, the army would have been cut up and destroyed: they lost an
+all-important night; and this was perhaps their greatest fault, during a
+war in which they committed so many errors.
+
+M. de Lafayette, having been conveyed by water to Philadelphia, was
+carefully attended to by the citizens, who were all interested in his
+situation and extreme youth. That same evening the congress determined
+to quit the city: a vast number of the inhabitants deserted their own
+hearths--whole families, abandoning their possessions, and uncertain of
+the future, took refuge in the mountains. M. de Lafayette was carried
+to Bristol in a boat; he there saw the fugitive congress, who only
+assembled again on the other side of the Susquehannah; he was himself
+conducted to Bethlehem, a Moravian establishment, where the mild
+religion of the brotherhood, the community of fortune, education, and
+interests, amongst that large and simple family, formed a striking
+contrast to scenes of blood, and the convulsions occasioned by a civil
+war.
+
+After the Brandywine defeat, the two armies maneouvered along the banks
+of the Schuylkill. General Washington still remained on a height above
+the enemy, and completely out of his reach; nor had they again an
+opportunity of cutting him off. Waine, an American brigadier, was
+detached to observe the English; but, being surprised during the night,
+near the White-Horse, by General Grey, he lost there the greatest part
+of his corps. At length Howe crossed the Schuylkill at Swede's Ford, and
+Lord Cornwallis entered Philadelphia.
+
+In spite of the declaration of independence of the New States,
+everything there bore the appearance of a civil war. The names of Whig
+and Tory distinguished the republicans and royalists; the English army
+was still called the _regular troops_; the British sovereign was always
+designated by the name of the king. Provinces, towns, and families were
+divided by the violence of party spirit: brothers, officers in the two
+opposing armies, meeting by chance in their father's house, have seized
+their arms to fight with each other. Whilst, in the rancour of
+their pride, the English committed horrible acts of licence and
+cruelty,--whilst discipline dragged in her train those venal Germans
+who knew only how to kill, burn, and pillage, in the same army were
+seen regiments of Americans, who, trampling under foot their brethren,
+assisted in enslaving their wasted country. Each canton contained a
+still greater number whose sole object was to injure the friends of
+liberty, and give information to those of despotism. To these inveterate
+Tories must be added the number of those whom fear, private interest, or
+religion, rendered adverse to war. If the Presbyterians, the children
+of Cromwell and Fairfax, detested royalty, the Lutherans, who had sprung
+from it, were divided among themselves: the Quakers hated slaughter, but
+served willingly as guides to the royal troops. Insurrections were by
+no means uncommon: near the enemy's stations, farmers often shot each
+other; robbers were even encouraged. The republican chiefs were exposed
+to great dangers when they travelled through the country; it was always
+necessary for them to declare that they should pass the night in one
+house, then take possession of another, barricade themselves in it,
+and only sleep with their arms by their side. In the midst of these
+troubles, M. de Lafayette was no longer considered as a stranger; never
+was any adoption more complete than his own: and whilst, in the councils
+of war, he trembled when he considered that his voice (at twenty years
+of age) might decide the fate of two worlds, he was also initiated in
+those deliberations in which, by reassuring the Whigs, intimidating the
+Tories, supporting an ideal money, and redoubling their firmness in the
+hour of adversity, the American chiefs conducted that revolution through
+so many obstacles.
+
+Confined to his bed for six weeks, M. de Lafayette suffered from his
+wound, but still more severely from his inactivity. The good Moravian
+brothers loved him, and deplored his warlike folly. Whilst listening to
+their sermons, he planned setting Europe and Asia in a flame. As he was
+no longer able to do anything but write, he wrote to the commander of
+la Martinique, and proposed to him to make a descent upon the English
+islands under American colours. He wrote also to M. de Maurepas, and
+offered to conduct some Americans to the Isle of France, concerting
+previously with individuals an attack upon the English factories.~[21]
+From the particulars which have since become known, that project in
+India would have succeeded; but it was rejected at Versailles, where no
+answers were yet vouchsafed to M. de Lafayette's letters. Bouille more
+ardent in temper, would have adopted the whole plan, but he could not
+act without permission; and these delays led to the period of the war
+which M. de Lafayette was so desirous of bringing on.
+
+During his residence at Bethlehem, the English entrenched themselves at
+Philadelphia. The two rivers which encompassed the town were united by
+a chain of wooden palisades and good redoubts, partly covered by an
+inundation. A portion of their army was encamped at Germantown, five
+miles in advance of those lines; these were attacked, the 4th of
+October, by Washington, and although his left column was retarded by an
+absurd precedence of divisions, and misled by a thick fog,--although
+the advance guard of the right, under Conway, attacked in front what
+it ought to have attacked in flank, the enemy was not less taken by
+surprise and beaten, and the general, with his victorious wing, passed
+through the whole extent of the enemy's encampment. All things went on
+well until then; but a false movement of the left column, and still
+more the attack of a stone house which they should have turned, gave
+the enemy time to rally. Howe was thinking of a retreat, but Cornwallis
+arrived in haste with a reinforcement. The Americans repassed through
+the English encampment, and the action ended by a complete defeat. Many
+men were lost on both sides. General Agnew, an Englishman, and General
+Nash, an American, were killed. The Americans had some dragoons under
+Pulaski, the only one of the confederated Poles who had refused to
+accept a pardon. He was an intrepid knight, a libertine and devotee,
+and a better captain than general; he insisted on being a Pole on
+all occasions, and M. de Lafayette, after having contributed to his
+reception in the army, often exerted himself to effect a reconciliation
+betwixt him and the other officers. Without waiting for his wound to
+be closed, M. de Lafayette returned to head-quarters, twenty-five miles
+from Philadelphia. The enemy, who had fallen back upon their lines,
+attacked Fort Mifflin, upon an island, and Fort Red-Bank, on the left
+side of the Delaware. Some _chevaux de frise_, protected by the forts,
+and some galleys, stopped the fleet, magazines, and detachments which
+had been sent from the Chesapeak. Amongst the skirmishes which took
+place betwixt small parties of soldiers, the most remarkable one was
+the surprise of a corps of militia at Cevoked-Billet,~[22] in which the
+English burnt their wounded prisoners in a barn. Such was the situation
+of the south, when news was received of the capitulation of Burgoyne.
+That general, when he quitted Canada, had made a diversion on his right;
+but Saint Leger had failed in an operation against Fort Schuyler; and he
+himself, by advancing towards Albany, appeared to have lost much time.
+Gates was constantly adding numerous militia to his continental troops.
+All the citizens being armed militia, a signal of alarm assembled them,
+or an order of state summoned them to march. But if that crusade were
+rather a voluntary one, their residence at the camp was still more
+dependent on their own inclination: the discipline was suitable to the
+formation of the corps. The continentalists, on the contrary, belonged
+to the thirteen states, of which each one supplied some regiments;
+the soldiers were either engaged for the war or for three years, which
+improper alternative was occasioned by republican jealousy. These
+regular troops had military regulations, a severe discipline, and the
+officers of each state vied with each other for promotion. Gates,
+placed in an entrenched position, in the centre of woods, on the road
+to Albany, and with the North river on his right, had assembled sixteen
+thousand men; and this invasion of the enemy, by threatening New
+England, had served as an instant summons to the brave militia. They had
+already proved their strength at Bennington, where Stark had surrounded
+and destroyed a detachment belonging to Burgoyne. The enemy, having
+arrived within three miles of Gates, and not being able to make
+a circuit round him without abandoning their cannon and military
+accoutrements, attempted twice to force him; but they had scarcely
+commenced their march when Arnold fell upon them with his division, and
+in those woods, lined with sharpshooters, it was only possible for them
+to reach the entrenchments. Arnold had his leg broken at the second
+affair; Lincoln, the other major-general, was wounded also. Four
+thousand men, who embarked at New York, had, it is true, ascended the
+Hudson. Whilst Vaughan was needlessly burning Esopus, Clinton had taken
+all the forts that defended the river. They were but little annoyed by
+Putnam, who, in the first breaking out of the troubles, had thrown aside
+his plough to bear to the army far more zeal than talent. But still that
+diversion was too weak; and by a note which a spy who had been taken
+swallowed, but which was recovered by an emetic, it was seen that
+Clinton was aware of his own weakness. Burgoyne, abandoned by the
+savages, regretting his best soldiers, and Frazer, his best general,
+reduced to five thousand men, who were in want of provisions, wished
+to retreat; but it was then too late: his communications were no longer
+open; and it was at Saratoga, some miles in the rear of his army, that
+he signed the celebrated convention. A brilliant troop, covered with
+gold, filed out with Burgoyne: they encountered Gates and his officers,
+all clothed in plain grey cloth. After a frugal repast, the two generals
+beheld the conquered army filing out; and, as a member of parliament
+said, "_five thousand men crossed the rebel country to take up their
+winter quarters near Boston_." Clinton then redescended to New York,
+and the militia returned to their domestic hearths. Gates' chief merit
+consisted in his skilful choice of a position; Burgoyne's misfortune was
+owing to the nature of the country, which was impracticable and almost
+a desert. If the enemies of the former criticised the terms of the
+convention, M. de Lafayette loudly proclaimed how glorious he thought
+it; but he blamed Gates afterwards for rendering himself independent of
+his general, and for retaining the troops which he ought to have sent
+him. To obtain them, it was necessary to despatch Hamilton, a young man
+of great talents, whose counsels had justly acquired much credit.~[23]
+
+The forts of the Delaware had not yet yielded: that of Red-Bank,
+defended by four hundred men, was attacked, sword in hand, by sixteen
+hundred Hessians. The work having been reduced by Mauduit, a young
+Frenchman, the enemy engaged betwixt the old and new entrenchments. They
+were driven back with the loss of seven hundred men and Count Donop,
+their chief, whose last words were--"_I die the victim of my own
+ambition, and the avarice of my sovereign_." That fort was commanded
+by an old and respected colonel, Greene, who, three years after, was
+massacred by the English to whom he had surrendered, whilst, covering
+him with his own body, an old negro perished heroically by his side.
+Fort Mifflin, although attacked by land and water, did not defend itself
+less valiantly; the _Augusta_, an English ship of the line, had been
+already blown up; a frigate also perished; and Colonel Smith did not
+even think of surrendering: but the island being attacked from an
+unknown passage, the works were assaulted from the rear, and were
+obliged to be evacuated. Lord Cornwallis and five thousand men having
+fallen upon the Jerseys, it became also necessary to quit Red-Bank which
+the Americans blew up before leaving it: General Greene, crossing the
+river at Trenton opposed, with a precisely equal force, the detachment
+of Cornwallis.
+
+Although M. de Lafayette's wound was not yet sufficiently closed for him
+to put on a boot, he accompanied Greene to Mount Holly; and detaching
+himself in order to reconnoitre, he found the enemy, November 25th,
+at Gloucester, opposite Philadelphia. The booty they had collected was
+crossing the river. To assure himself more fully on this point M. de
+Lafayette advanced upon the strip of land called Sandy Point, and for
+this imprudence he would have paid dearly if those who had the power
+of killing him had not depended too much on those who had the power of
+taking him prisoner. After having succeeded in somewhat appeasing the
+terror of his guides, he found himself, about four o'clock, two miles
+from the English camp, before a post of four hundred Hessians with their
+cannon. Having only three hundred and fifty men, most of them militia,
+he suddenly attacked the enemy, who gave way before him. Lord Cornwallis
+came up with his grenadiers; but, supposing himself to be engaged with
+the corps of General Greene, he allowed himself to be driven back to
+the neighbourhood of Gloucester, with a loss of about sixty men. Greene
+arrived in the night, but would not attack the enemy. Lord Cornwallis
+passed over the river, and the American detachment rejoined the army
+at its station at Whitemarsh, twelve miles from Philadelphia. It had
+occupied, since the last month, some excellent heights; the general's
+accurate glance had discerned the situation of the encampment through an
+almost impenetrable wood.
+
+The slight success of Gloucester gratified the army, and especially the
+militia. The congress resolved, that "it would be extremely agreeable to
+them to see the Marquis de Lafayette at the head of a division."~[24] He
+quitted, therefore, his situation of volunteer, and succeeded Stephen
+in the command of the Virginians. The junction of Cornwallis having been
+the work of some hours, and that of Greene requiring several marches,
+it is difficult to imagine why Howe gave him time to arrive, and only
+proceeded with his army on the 5th of December to Chesnut Hill, three
+miles from Whitemarsh. After having felt his way with the right wing,
+of which he stood in some awe, he threatened to attack the extreme left;
+and that wing, following his own movements, stationed itself on the
+declivity of the heights. Some shots were exchanged betwixt the English
+light horsemen and the American riflemen, very skilful carabineers, who
+inhabit the frontiers of the savage tribes. Not being able to attack
+that position, and not wishing to make the circuit of it, Howe
+returned, on the fourth day, to Philadelphia. In spite of the northern
+reinforcements, the Americans were reduced to nine thousand, and the
+advanced season diminished their numbers rapidly. The protection of the
+country had cost the army dear. The 15th of December they marched toward
+Swedes' Ford, where Lord Cornwallis was accidentally foraging on the
+other side of the river. M. de Lafayette, being upon duty, was examining
+a position, when his escort and the enemy fired upon each other.
+The uncertainty being mutual, Lord Cornwallis and General Washington
+suspended their march; the former having retired during the night, the
+army crossed over the Schuylkill, and entrenched itself in the station
+of Valley-Forge, twenty-two miles from Philadelphia. Having skillfully
+erected there, in a few days, a city of wooden huts the army established
+itself in its melancholy winter quarters. A small corps was detached to
+Wilmington, and fortified itself, under the command of Brigadier-General
+Smallwood.
+
+Notwithstanding the success in the north, the situation of the Americans
+had never been more critical than at the present moment. A paper money,
+without out any certain foundation, and unmixed with any specie, was
+both counterfeited by the enemy and discredited by their partizans. They
+feared to establish taxes, and had still less the power of levying
+them. The people, who had risen against the taxation of England, were
+astonished at paying still heavier taxes now; and the government was
+without any power to enforce them. On the other side, New York and
+Philadelphia were overstocked with gold and various merchandizes; the
+threatened penalty of death could not stop a communication that was
+but too easy. To refuse the payment of taxes, to depreciate the paper
+currency, and feed the enemy, was a certain method of attaining wealth;
+privations and misery were only experienced by good citizens. Each
+proclamation of the English was supported by their seductions, their
+riches, and the intrigues of the Tories. Whilst a numerous garrison
+lived sumptuously at New York, some hundreds of men, ill-clothed
+and ill-fed, wandered upon the shores of the Hudson. The army of
+Philadelphia, freshly recruited from Europe, abundantly supplied with
+everything they could require, consisted of eighteen thousand men: that
+of Valley-Forge was successively reduced to five thousand men; and two
+marches on the fine Lancaster road, (on which road also was a chain
+of magazines,) by establishing the English in the rear of their right
+flank, would have rendered their position untenable; from which,
+however, they had no means of retiring. The unfortunate soldiers were
+in want of everything; they had no coats, hats, shirts, or shoes; their
+feet and legs froze till they became black, and it was often necessary
+to amputate them. From want of money, they could neither obtain
+provisions nor any means of transport; the colonels were often reduced
+to two rations, and sometimes even to one. The army frequently remained
+whole days without provisions, and the patient endurance of both
+soldiers and officers was a miracle which each moment served to renew.
+But the sight of their misery prevented new engagements; it was almost
+impossible to levy recruits; it was easy to desert into the interior of
+the country. The sacred liberty was not extinguished, it is true, and
+the majority of the citizens detested British tyranny; but the triumph
+of the north, and the tranquillity of the south, had lulled to sleep
+two-thirds of the continent. The remaining part was harassed by two
+armies; and, throughout this revolution, the great difficulty was, that,
+in order to conceal misfortunes from the enemy, it was necessary
+to conceal them from the nation also; that by awakening the one,
+information was likewise given to the other; and that fatal blows would
+have been struck upon the weakest points before democratic tardiness
+could have been roused to support them. It was from this cause that,
+during the whole war, the real force of the army was always kept a
+profound secret; even congress was not apprised of it, and the generals
+were often themselves deceived. General Washington never placed
+unlimited confidence in any person, except in M. de Lafayette; because
+for him alone, perhaps, confidence sprung from warm affection. As the
+situation grew more critical, discipline became more necessary. In
+the course of his nocturnal rounds, in the midst of heavy snows, de
+Lafayette was obliged to break some negligent officers. He adopted in
+every respect the American dress, habits, and food. He wished to be more
+simple, frugal, and austere than the Americans themselves. Brought up in
+the lap of luxury, he suddenly changed his whole manner of living, and
+his constitution bent itself to privation as well as to fatigue. He
+always took the liberty of freely writing his ideas to congress; or, in
+imitation of the prudence of the general, he gave his opinion to some
+members of a corps or state assembly, that, being adopted by them, it
+might be brought forward in the deliberations of congress.
+
+In addition to the difficulties which lasted during the whole of the
+war, the winter of Valley-Forge recals others still more painful.
+At Yorktown, behind the Susquehannah, congress was divided into two
+factions, which, in spite of their distinction of south and east, did
+not the less occasion a separation between members of the same state.
+The deputies substituted their private intrigues for the wishes of the
+nation. Several impartial men had retired; several states had but one
+representative, and in some cases not even one. Party spirit was so
+strong, that three years afterwards congress still felt the effects of
+it. Any great event, however, would awaken their patriotism; and when
+Burgoyne declared that his treaty had been broken, means were found
+to stop the departure of his troops, which everything, even the few
+provisions for the transports, had foolishly betrayed. But all these
+divisions failed to produce the greatest of calamities--the loss of the
+only man capable of conducting the revolution.
+
+Gates was at Yorktown, where he inspired respect by his manners,
+promises, and European acquirements. Amongst the deputies who united
+themselves to him, may be numbered the Lees, Virginians, enemies of
+Washington, and the two Adams. Mifflin, quarter-master-general, aided
+him with his talents and brilliant eloquence. They required a name to
+bring forward in the plot, and they selected Conway, who fancied himself
+the chief of a party. To praise Gates, with a certain portion of the
+continent and the troops, was a pretext for speaking of themselves.
+The people attach themselves to prosperous generals, and the
+commander-in-chief had been unsuccessful. His own character inspired
+respect and affection; but Greene, Hamilton, Knox, his best friends,
+were sadly defamed. The Tories fomented these dissensions. The
+presidency of the war-office, which had been created for Gates,
+restricted the power of the general. This was not the only
+inconvenience; a committee from congress arrived at the camp, and the
+attack of Philadelphia was daringly proposed. The most shrewd people did
+not believe that Gates was the real object of this intrigue. Though a
+good officer he had not the power to assert himself. He would have given
+place to the famous General Lee, then a prisoner of the English, whose
+first care would have been to have made over to them his friends and all
+America.
+
+Attached to the general, and still more so to the cause, M. de Lafayette
+did not hesitate for a moment; and, in spite of the caresses of one
+party, he remained faithful to the other, whose ruin seemed then
+impending. He saw and corresponded frequently with the general, and
+often discused with him his own private situation, and the effect that
+various meliorations in the army might produce. Having sent for his wife
+to the camp, the general preserved in his deportment the noble composure
+which belongs to a strong and virtuous mind. "I have not sought for this
+place," said he to M. de Lafayette; "if I am displeasing to the nation I
+will retire; but until then I will oppose all intrigues."
+
+
+(1778.) The 22nd of January, congress resolved that Canada should be
+entered, and the choice fell upon M. de Lafayette. The Generals Conway
+and Stark were placed under him. Hoping to intoxicate and govern
+so young a commander, the war-office, without consulting the
+commander-in-chief, wrote to him to go and await his further
+instructions at Albany.~[25] But after having won over by his arguments
+the committee which congress had sent to the camp, M. de Lafayette
+hastened to Yorktown, and declared there "that he required
+circumstantial orders, a statement of the means to be employed, the
+certainty of not deceiving the Canadians, an augmentation of generals,
+and rank for several Frenchmen, fully impressed," he added, "with the
+various duties and advantages they derived from their name; but the
+first condition he demanded was, not to be made, like Gates, independent
+of General Washington." At Gates' own house he braved the whole party,
+and threw them into confusion by making them drink the health of their
+general.~[26] In congress he was supported by President Laurens, and
+he obtained all that he demanded. His instructions from the war-office
+promised that 2500 men should be assembled at Albany, and a large corps
+of militia at Coos; that he should have two millions in paper money,
+some hard specie, and, all means supplied for crossing lake Champlain
+upon the ice, whence, after having burnt the English flotilla, he was to
+proceed to Montreal, and act there as circumstances might require.
+
+Repassing then, not without some danger, the Susquehannah, which was
+filled with floating masses of ice, M. de Lafayette set out for
+Albany, and, in spite of the obstacles offered by ice and snow, rapidly
+traversed an extent of four hundred miles. Whilst travelling thus on
+horseback, he became thoroughly acquainted with the simplicity and
+purity of the inhabitants, their patriarchal mode of life, and their
+republican ideas. Devoted to their household cares, the women are
+happy, and afford to their husbands the calmest and truest felicity. The
+unmarried women alone is love spoken of, and their modesty enhances the
+charm of their innocent coquetry. In the chance marriages which take
+place in Paris, the fidelity of the wife is often repugnant to the
+voice of nature and of reason, one might almost say to the principles
+of justice. In America, a girl marries her lover, and it would be like
+having two lovers at the same time if she were to break that valid
+agreement; because both parties know equally how and in what manner they
+are bound to each other. In the bosom of their own families, the men
+occupy themselves with their private affairs, or assemble together to
+regulate those of the state. They talk politics over their glasses,
+and become animated by patriotism rather than strong liquor. Whilst the
+children shed tears at the name of Tory, the old men sent up prayers to
+Heaven that they might be permitted to see the end of that war. During
+his repeated and rapid journeys, M. de Lafayette, mixing with all
+classes of society, was not wholly useless to the good cause, to the
+interest of the French, and to the party of General Washington.
+
+M. de Lafayette, on arriving at Albany, experienced some
+disappointments. Instead of 2500 men, there were not 1200. Stark's
+militia had not even received a summons. Clothes, provisions, magazines,
+sledges, all were insufficient for that glacial expedition. By making
+better preparations and appointing the general earlier, success would
+probably have been secured. Several Canadians began to make a movement,
+and from that moment they testified great interest in M. de Lafayette;
+but two months were requisite to collect all that was necessary, and
+towards the middle of March the lakes begin to thaw. M. de Lafayette,
+general, at twenty years of age, of a small army, charged with an
+important and very difficult operation, authorized by the orders of
+congress, animated by the expectations now felt in America, and which,
+he knew, would ere long be felt likewise in Europe, had many motives
+for becoming adventurous; but, on the other hand, his resources were
+slender, the time allowed him was short, the enemy was in a good
+position, and Lieutenant-General Carleton was preparing for him another
+Saratoga. Forced to take a decisive step immediately, he wrote a calm
+letter to congress, and with a heavy sigh abandoned the enterprise. At
+the same period, congress, becoming a little less confident, despatched
+to him some wavering counsels, which, arriving too late, only served to
+compromise the general and justify the government. But the prudence of
+M. de Lafayette was at length rewarded by the approbation of congress
+and of the nation; and, until the opening of the campaign, he continued
+to command that department.~[27] He found there that intrepid Arnold,
+who was still detained by his wound, and who since ...... ; he became
+intimately acquainted with Schuyler, the predecessor of Gates, in
+disgrace as well as Saint-Clair, but who continued useful to the cause
+from the superiority of his talents, his importance in that part of the
+country, and the confidence he enjoyed in New York, of which state he
+was a citizen.
+
+If Canada did not herself send an offensive army, all the savages
+were paid and protected by the English party: the Hurons and Iroquois
+committed their devastations on that whole frontier. Some baubles or a
+barrel of rum were sufficient to make them seize the tomahawk; they then
+rushed upon villages, burnt houses, destroyed harvests, massacred all,
+without regard to age or sex, and received on their return the price of
+each bloody scalp they could exhibit. A young American girl, whom her
+lover, an English, was expecting, that their marriage might take place,
+was killed by the very savages he had sent to escort her. Two Americans
+were actually eaten up by the Senecas, and a colonel of the English army
+was a guest at that horrible repast. "It is thus," was often said to the
+savages, whilst drinking with them at the councils, "it is thus we must
+drink the blood of rebels." M. de Lafayette, conscious that he could not
+protect such an immense extent of frontier, prepared quarters in
+every direction, and announced the speedy arrival of troops in all the
+counties; and this stratagem stopped the depredations of the savages,
+who do not usually attack those places in which they expect to find much
+resistance. But he kept the Albany troops close together, satisfied them
+a little as to payment, provisioned the forts, which had been hitherto
+neglected, and arrested a plot of which any particulars have never been
+precisely known. He found in George Clinton, governor of the state of
+New York, a firm and an enlightened co-operator.
+
+Soon after, Schuyler and Duane, who were charged with the management of
+the affairs of the savages, appointed a general assembly at Johnson's
+Town, upon the Mohawk river. Recalling to them their former attachment
+to the French, M. de Lafayette repaired thither in a sledge to shew
+himself in person to those nations whom the English had endeavoured to
+prejudice against him. Five hundred men, women, and children, covered
+with various coloured paints and feathers, with their ears cut open,
+their noses ornamented with rings, and their half-naked bodies marked
+with different figures, were present at the councils. Their old men,
+whilst smoking, talked politics extremely well. Their object seemed to
+be to promote a balance of power; if the intoxication of rum, as that
+of ambition in Europe, had not often turned them aside from it. M.
+de Lafayette, adopted by them, received the name of _Kayewla_, which
+belonged formerly to one of their warriors; and under this name he is
+well known to all the savage tribes. Some louis which he distributed
+under the form of medals, and some stuffs from the state of New York,
+produced but little effect when compared to the presents they had
+received from England. A treaty was entered into, which some of them
+rigidly observed; and the course of the evil was at least arrested
+for the present. The Oneidas and Tuscaroras, the only real friends the
+Americans possessed, requested to have a fort; and M. de Lafayette left
+them M. de Gouvion, a French officer, whose talents and virtues rendered
+him of great value to the cause. Whenever savages were required at the
+army, whenever there was any dealings with these tribes, recourse was
+always had to the credit of M. de Lafayette, whose _necklaces_ and
+_words_ were equally respected.
+
+On his return, he found that the form of a new oath had been
+established, which each civil and military officer was to take,
+according to his own religious belief. _An acknowledgment of the
+independence, liberty, and sovereignty of the United States; an eternal
+renunciation of George III., his successors, and heirs, and every King
+of England; a promise to defend the said states against the said George
+III_.; this was the purport of the oath administered by him to the whole
+northern department.~[28] At the approach of spring, M. de Lafayette was
+recalled to the south. The affairs of General Washington were already in
+a more flourishing condition. Several of the states recommended him
+to their deputies; and from only suspecting one of them of being
+unfavourable to him, the New York assembly wished to recal one of their
+delegates. Congress had been a little recruited, and they were thinking
+of recruiting the army. At Valley-Forge, M. de Lafayette found some
+difficulty not from the substance, but merely from the form of the oath;
+but that difficulty was easily obviated. A short time after, Simeon
+Deane arrived with the treaty of commerce between France and the United
+States.
+
+By quitting France in so public a manner, M. de Lafayette had served
+the cause of the revolution. One portion of society was anxious for his
+success and the attention of the other had become, to say the least,
+somewhat occupied in the struggle. If a spirit of emulation made
+those connected with the court desirous of war, the rest of the nation
+supported the young rebel, and followed with interest all his movements;
+and it is well known that the rupture that ensued was truly a national
+one. Some circumstances relating to his departure having displeased the
+court of London, M. de Lafayette omitted nothing that could draw more
+closely together the nations whose union he so ardently desired. The
+incredible prejudices of the Americans had been, augmented by the
+conduct of the first Frenchmen who had joined them. These men gradually
+disappeared, and all those who remained were remarkable for talents, or
+at least for probity. They became the friends of M. de Lafayette,
+who sincerely sought out all the national prejudices of the Americans
+against his countrymen for the purpose of overcoming them. Love and
+respect for the name of Frenchman animated his letters and speeches, and
+he wished the affection that was granted to him individually to become
+completely national. On the other side, when writing to Europe, he
+denied the reports made by discontented adventurers, by good officers
+who were piqued at not having been employed, and by those men who,
+serving themselves in the army, wished to be witty or amusing by the
+political contrasts they described in their letters. But, without giving
+a circumstantial account of what private influence achieved, it is
+certain that enthusiasm for the cause, and esteem for its defenders,
+had electrified all France, and that the affair of Saratoga decided the
+ministerial commotion. Bills of conciliation passed in the English house
+of parliament, and five commissioners were sent to offer far more than
+have been demanded until then. No longer waiting to see _how things
+would turn out_, M. de Maurepas yielded to the public wish, and what his
+luminous mind had projected, the more unchanging disposition of M. de
+Vergennes put in execution. A treaty was generously entered into with
+Franklin, Deane, and Arthur Lee, and that treaty was announced with more
+confidence than had been for some time displayed. But the war was not
+sufficiently foreseen, or at least sufficient preparations were not
+made. The most singular fact is, that at the very period when the firm
+resistance of the court of France had guided the conduct of two courts,
+America had fallen herself into such a state of weakness, that she was
+on the very brink of ruin. The 2nd of May, the army made a bonfire, and
+M. de Lafayette, ornamented with a white scarf, proceeded to the spot,
+accompanied by all the French. Since the arrival of the conciliatory
+bills, he had never ceased writing against the commission, and against
+every commissioner. The advances of these men were ill-received by
+congress; and, foreseeing a French co-operation, the enemy began to
+think of quitting Philadelphia.
+
+General Washington sent two thousand chosen men across the Schuylkill
+to collect intelligence. M. de Lafayette, their commander, repaired, the
+18th of May, to Barren Hill, eleven miles from the two armies. On a good
+elevation, his right resting upon some rocks and the river, on his left
+some excellent stone houses and a small wood, his front sustained by
+five pieces of cannon, and with roads in his rear, such was the position
+of M. de Lafayette. An hundred dragoons whom he was expecting did not
+arrive in sufficient time; but he stationed six hundred militia on his
+left at Whitemarsh, and their general, Porter, made himself answerable
+for those roads. On the evening of the 19th, Howe, who had just been
+recalled, and Clinton, who replaced him, sent out a detachment of seven
+thousand men, with fourteen pieces of cannon, under General Grant.
+Passing behind the inundation, that corps proceeded on the road to
+Francfort, and, by a circuitous movement, fell into that of Whitemarsh,
+from which the militia had just thought proper to retire. On the morning
+of the 20th, M. de Lafayette was conversing with a young lady, who, on
+pretence of seeing her relations, to oblige him had consented to go
+to Philadelphia, when he was informed that the red dragoons were at
+Whitemarsh. It was the uniform of those he was expecting; he had placed
+Porter there; he had promised to pay him a visit, and intended that very
+evening to carry thither his detachment. But, for greater security, he
+examined carefully into the truth of the report; and, ascertaining that
+a column was marching on the left, he changed his front, and covered
+it with the houses, the wood, and a small churchyard. Scarcely was that
+movement ended, when he found himself cut off by Grant on the Swedes'
+Ford road in his rear. It was in the presence of the troops that he
+first heard the cry that he was surrounded, and he was forced to smile
+at the unpleasant intelligence. Several officers, whom he had despatched
+to Valley-Forge, declared that they had been unable to find a passage.
+Every moment was precious, and M. de Lafayette proceeded on the road of
+Matson Ford, to which the enemy was nearer than himself. General
+Poor commanded his advance guard; and to him he sent Gimat, his own
+confidential aide-de-camp. He placed himself as the rear guard,
+and marched on with rapidity, but without precipitation. Grant had
+possession of the heights, and M. de Lafayette's road lay immediately
+beneath them. His apparent composure deceived his adversary; and
+perceiving that he was reconnoitring him, he presented to him, from
+among the trees and behind curtains, false heads of columns. The time
+that Grant occupied in reconnoitring, and discovering an imaginary
+ambuscade, M. de Lafayette employed in regaining the foreground; at
+length he passed by Grant's column. He managed to impose likewise on
+Grey's column, which followed him; and when the third division, under
+Howe and Clinton, reached Barren Hill, the Americans had already passed
+over Matson Ford. Forming themselves on the opposite shore, they awaited
+the enemy, who dared not attack them. Advancing on the ground, Howe was
+astonished at finding only one red line: the generals quarrelled; and
+although the commander in chief had invited some ladies to sup with M.
+de Lafayette, although the admiral, (Howe's brother,) knowing him to be
+surrounded, had prepared a frigate for him, the whole army, (of which
+half had made a march of forty miles,) returned, much fatigued, without
+having taken a single man. It was then that fifty savages, friends of
+the Americans, encountered fifty English dragoons; and the cries of war
+on one side, and the appearance of the cavalry on the other, surprised
+the parties so much that they both fled, with equal speed. The alarm had
+been likewise great at Valley Forge; and the report of three pieces of
+cannon that were there fired appeared an additional mystery to Grant.
+The aim of the general being attained, the detachment returned to its
+quarters, and M. de Lafayette was well received by the general and
+army.~[29]
+
+An exchange of prisoners had long been talked of, and the cruelty of the
+English rendered this measure more necessary. Cooped up in a vessel
+at New York, and breathing a most noxious atmosphere, the American
+prisoners suffered all that gross insolence could add to famine,
+dirt, disease, and complete neglect. Their food was, to say the least,
+unwholesome. The officers, often confounded with their soldiers,
+appealed to former capitulations and to the right of nations; but they
+were only answered by fresh outrages. When one victim sunk beneath such
+treatment, "Tis well," was said to the survivors; "there is one
+rebel less." Acts of retaliation had been but rarely practised by the
+Americans; and the English, like other tyrants, mistook their mildness
+and generosity for timidity. Five hundred Americans, in a half-dying
+state, had been carried to the sea-shore, where the greatest number of
+them soon expired, and the general very properly refused to reckon them
+in exchange for his own prisoners of war. Another obstacle to the
+cartel was the capture of Lee, who had been taken prisoner in 1776; the
+congress insisted on his liberation, and, after much debating on both
+sides, he was at length exchanged for General Prescot. Lee, who had been
+formerly a colonel in the English service, a general in Poland, and a
+fellow-soldier of the Russians and Portuguese, was well acquainted with
+all countries, all services, and several languages. His features were
+plain, his turn of mind caustic, his feelings ambitious and avaricious,
+his temper uncomplying, and his whole appearance singular and
+unprepossessing. A temporary fit of generosity had induced him to quit
+the English service, and the Americans, at that period, listened to
+him as to an oracle. In his heart he detested the general, and felt
+a sincere affection for himself alone; but, in 1776, his advice had
+undoubtedly saved both the general and the army. He made many advances
+to M. de Lafayette, but the one was a violent Englishman, and the other
+an enthusiastic Frenchman, and their intimacy was often interrupted
+by their differences of opinion. Gates, whose great projects had been
+frustrated, was at that time commanding a corps at White Plains, upon
+the left side of the Hudson, opposite to the island of New York. Conway
+had retired from service, and the place of inspector, which had been
+created for him, was given to Steuben, an old Prussian, with moderate
+talents, but methodical habits, who organized the army and perfected
+their tactics. The congress received at that time some conciliatory
+epistles, and the sentiments their answers breathed, like all the other
+deliberations of that assembly, were nobly felt, and nobly expressed.
+Lord Carlisle was president of the commission, and Lord Howe, Sir Henry
+Clinton, Mr. Eden, and Governor Johnstone were its members. The last
+named person wrote to some friends, who published his letters.
+
+On the 17th of June, Philadelphia was evacuated. The invalids,
+magazines, and heavy ammunition of the British were embarked with
+the general; the commissioners of conciliation alone remained behind.
+Passing over to Gloucester, the army marched in two columns, each
+consisting of seven thousand men, commanded by Clinton and Knyphausen,
+towards New York. The army of the United States, which was of nearly
+equal force, directed itself from Valley Forge to Coryell's Ferry, and
+from thence to King's Town, within a march of the enemy; it was thus
+left at the option of the Americans, either to follow on their track, or
+to repair to White Plains. In a council held on this subject, Lee very
+eloquently endeavoured to prove that it was necessary to erect a bridge
+of gold for the enemy; that while on the very point of forming an
+alliance with them, every thing ought not to be placed at hazard; that
+the English army had never been so excellent and so well disciplined;
+he declared himself to be for White Plains: his speech influenced the
+opinion of Lord Stirling and of the brigadiers-general. M. de Lafayette,
+placed on the other side, spoke late, and asserted that it would be
+disgraceful for the chiefs, and humiliating for the troops, to allow
+the enemy to traverse the Jerseys tranquilly; that, without running, any
+improper risk, the rear guard might be attacked; that it was necessary
+to follow the English, manoeuvre with prudence, take advantage of
+a temporary separation, and, in short, seize the most favourable
+opportunities and situations. This advice was approved by many of the
+council, and above all by M. du Portail, chief of the engineers, and
+a very distinguished officer. The majority were, however, in favour of
+Lee; but M. de Lafayette spoke again to the general on this subject in
+the evening, and was seconded by Hamilton, and by Greene, who had been
+lately named quarter-master in place of Mifflin. Several of the general
+officers changed their opinion; and the troops having already begun
+their march, they were halted, in order to form a detachment. When
+united, there were 3,000 continentalists and 1,200 militia; the command
+fell to the share of Lee, but, by the express desire of the general,
+M. de Lafayette succeeded in obtaining it. Everything was going on
+extremely well, when Lee changed his mind, and chose to command the
+troops himself; having again yielded this point, he re-changed once
+more; and as the general wished him to adhere to his first decision--"It
+is my fortune and honour," said Lee, to M. de Lafayette, "that I place
+in your hands; you are too generous to cause the loss of both!" This
+tone succeeded better, and M. de Lafayette promised to ask for him
+the next day. The enemy, unfortunately, continued their march; M. de
+Lafayette was delayed by want of provisions; and it was not until the
+26th, at a quarter to twelve at night, that he could ask for Lee, who
+was sent with a detachment of one thousand men to Englishtown, on the
+left side of the enemy. The first corps had advanced upon the right; and
+M. de Lafayette, by Lee's especial order, joined him at midday, within
+reach of the enemy from whom he fortunately succeeded in concealing this
+movement. The two columns of the English army had united together at
+Monmouth Court-house, from whence they departed on the morning of the
+28th. Whilst following them, the Americans marched rapidly through the
+woods of Freehold; and at eight o'clock the enemy's rear-guard was still
+in the vicinity of the court-house. If Lee had continued the direction
+he was then taking, he would have placed himself in an excellent
+position, especially as the American army was advancing on the road to
+Freehold; but the head of his cohort quitted the wood, into which it
+was again forced to retreat by the enemy's cannon. Lee then addressing
+himself to M. de Lafayette, told him to cross the plain, and attack the
+left flank of the enemy; and whilst this manoeuvre, which exposed them
+to the fire of the English artillery, was executing, he sent him an
+order to fall back into the village in which he had placed the rest of
+the troops. From thence he drew back still farther, and, changing
+his attack to a retreat, he exposed himself to be driven back by Lord
+Cornwallis, and subsequently by the whole English army, to whom good
+space of time had been allowed to form themselves in proper order.
+
+At the first retrograde movement, M. de Lafayette sent information to
+the general of what was passing, who, arriving speedily on the spot,
+found the troops retreating in confusion. "You know," said Lee, "that
+all this was against my advice." The general, sending Lee to the
+rear,~[30] himself formed seven or eight hundred men, and stationed
+them, with some cannon, upon a chosen spot, and M. de Lafayette
+undertook to retard the enemy's march. The English dragoons made their
+first charge upon a small morass which sheltered him: the infantry
+marched round to attack him on the other side, but he had sufficient
+time to retire; and the army had by this time placed itself upon a
+height, where he took the command of the second line. A cannonade was
+kept up on both sides during the whole day, and two attacks of the enemy
+were repulsed. A battery, placed on their left, obliged them to change
+their position, and, when they presented their flank, the general
+attacked them and forced them to retreat, until darkness interrupted all
+operations. The American troops continued to gain ground, and Clinton
+retired during the night, leaving behind him more than three hundred
+dead and many wounded. The heat was so intense that the soldiers fell
+dead without having received a single wound, and the fire of battle soon
+became untenable. During this affair which ended so well, although begun
+so ill, General Washington appeared to arrest fortune by his glance,
+and his presence of mind, valour, and decision of character, were
+never displayed to greater advantage than at that moment.~[31] Wayne
+distinguished himself; Greene and the brave Stirling led forward the
+first line in the ablest manner. From four o'clock in the morning until
+night M. de Lafayette was momentarily obliged to change his occupations.
+The general and he passed the night lying on the same mantle, talking
+over the conduct of Lee, who wrote the next morning a very improper
+letter, and was placed under arrest. He was afterwards suspended by a
+council of war, quitted the service, and was not regretted by the army.
+Clinton having retreated towards the hollows of Shrewsbury, the general
+contented himself with the success already gained, and marched towards
+White Plains; the second line, under M. de Lafayette forming the right
+column. The 4th of July, being the anniversary of the declaration of
+independence, was celebrated at Brunswick; and a few days later the army
+learnt that the Count d'Estaing was before New York.~[32]
+
+Twelve French vessels, which sailed from Toulon, had been three months
+in reaching the Delaware: they arrived three days after the departure of
+the English fleet, and, following it to New York, M. d'Estaing anchored
+at Sandy-hook, outside the bar. He offered immense sums to be conveyed
+across that bar, but the pilots declared that the large vessels drew too
+much water, and the French finally agreed to attack Rhode Island, which
+the enemy then occupied with a force of 5000 men, who had entrenched
+themselves; whilst the state militia, under the command of Sullivan,
+were stationed at Providence. M. Girard, a French minister, arrived on
+board that squadron; he had been long most anxiously expected by the
+Americans, and M. de Lafayette called his delay a proof of confidence.
+The last mark of attention with which the court honoured M. de
+Lafayette, had been an order to arrest him in the West Indies; he was,
+in truth, out of favour in that quarter, and their displeasure had
+increased on receiving his letters, which were dictated less by the
+prudence of a philosopher than by the enthusiasm of a young lover of
+liberty: but although no letters were addressed to him, M. d'Estaing
+was not less kind and attentive in his conduct; and 2000 continentalists
+having been despatched from White-Plains to Providence, M. de Lafayette,
+who had exerted himself to hasten their departure, conducted them
+rapidly along the sound, across a smiling country, covered with
+villages, in which the evident equality of the population distinctly
+proved the democracy of the government. From the apparent prosperity
+of each colony, it was easy to judge of the degree of freedom which its
+constitution might enjoy.
+
+By forcing the passage between Rhode Island and Connecticut, M.
+d'Estaing might easily have carried off as prisoners 1500 Hessians
+who were stationed on the latter island; but he yielded to Sullivan's
+entreaties, and waited until that general should be in readiness: but
+although the troops of M. de Lafayette had traversed 240 miles, he found
+on his arrival that no preparations were yet made. He repaired to
+the squadron, and was received with the greatest possible attention,
+especially by the general; and, as M. de Suffren was placed in front, he
+carried back to him an order from M. d'Estaing to attack three frigates,
+which, however, were burnt by their own crews. The American army
+repaired, on the 8th of August, to Howland's Ferry, during the time that
+the squadron was forcing its way between the two islands. General Greene
+having joined the army, M. de Lafayette yielded to him the command of
+half his corps; each then possessed a wing, of 1000 continentalists and
+5000 militia. M. de Lafayette's corps was to receive the addition of
+the two battalions of Foix and Hainaut, with some marines. The English,
+fearing to be intercepted evacuated the forts on the right of the island
+during the night of the 8th, and Sullivan landed with his troops the
+next day. M. de Lafayette was expecting the French that afternoon, and
+the boats were already under way, when a squadron appeared in sight on
+the south of the island, at M. d'Estaing's former anchorage. Lord Howe,
+brave even to audacity, having watched the movements of the French
+admiral and his fleet, collected a greater number of ships, of which
+the sizes were however too unequal; his position, and the southern
+wind, would enable him, he thought, to throw succours into Newport where
+General Pigot had concentrated his force; but the wind changed during
+the night, and the next day M. d'Estaing, within sight of both armies
+passed gallantly through the fire of the two batteries whilst the enemy,
+cutting their cables, fled, under heavy press of sail. After a chase of
+eight hours the two squadrons at length met, and Lord Howe would have
+paid dearly for his temerity, had not a violent storm arisen, which
+dispersed the ships. By a singular chance, several of Byron's vessels
+came up at the same time on their return from Portsmouth, having been
+separated at the Azores by a violent gale of wind. The _Languedoc_,
+the admiral's ship, deprived of its masts and rudder, and driven by
+the tempest to a distance from the other vessels, was attacked by the
+_Isis_, of fifty guns, and owed its safety only to the courage and
+firmness of M. d'Estaing. At length he succeeded in rallying his
+squadron, and, faithful to his engagements, reappeared before Rhode
+Island; but as he no longer possessed the superiority of force, he
+announced his intention of repairing to Boston, where the _Cesar_ had
+taken shelter after a combat. When the storm, which lasted three days,
+subsided, the American army drew near Newport. This town was defended
+by two lines of redoubts and batteries, surrounded by a wooden palisade,
+the two concentrated fronts of which rested on the sea-shore, and were
+supported by a ravine that it was necessary to cross. The trench was
+opened, the heavy batteries established, and General Greene and M.
+de Lafayette were deputed to go on board the French admiral ship,
+to endeavour to obtain time, and propose either to make an immediate
+attack, or to station vessels in the Providence river. If M. de
+Lafayette had felt consternation upon hearing of the dispersion of the
+fleet, the conduct of the sailors during the combat, which he learnt
+with tears in his eyes, inspired him with the deepest grief. In the
+council, where the question was agitated, M. de Brugnon (although five
+minutes before he had maintained the contrary) gave his voice in
+favour of Boston, and his opinion was unanimously adopted. Before they
+separated, the admiral offered his two battalions to M. de Lafayette,
+and appeared to feel great pleasure in being thus enabled to secure him
+his rank in the French army; but these troops were useful on board, and
+were not necessary on the island, and M. de Lafayette would not expose
+them to danger for his own private interest. At the departure of the
+vessels, there was but one unanimous feeling of regret and indignation.
+Their lost time, extinguished hopes, and embarrassed situation, all
+served to increase the irritation of the militia, and their discontent
+became contagious. The people of Boston already spoke of refusing the
+fleet admission into their port; the generals drew up a protestation,
+which M. de Lafayette refused to sign. Carried away by an impulse of
+passion, Sullivan inserted in an order "that our allies have abandoned
+us." His ill humour was encouraged by Hancock, a member of congress,
+formerly its president, and who then commanded the militia of
+Massachusets stationed on the island. To him M. de Lafayette first
+declared his intentions, and then, calling upon Sullivan, he insisted
+upon the words used in the order of the morning being retracted in that
+of the evening. Some hours after, the general returned his visit, and,
+drawing him aside, a very warm altercation took place; but although
+totally indifferent to the peril of a duel, Sullivan was neither
+indifferent to the loss of the intimacy of M. de Lafayette, nor to the
+influence this young Frenchman possessed at head-quarters, and over
+congress and the nation; and in the numerous letters which M. de
+Lafayette wrote on this occasion, he made ample use of his influence
+over those three important powers.
+
+Dr. Cooper, a presbyterian minister, was extremely useful at Boston;
+and Hancock himself ended by repairing thither to receive the squadron.
+Rather than yield to the public torrent, M. de Lafayette had risked his
+own popularity; and in the fear of being guided by private interest,
+he had gone to the extreme in the opposite line of conduct. He lived in
+complete retirement, in his own military quarter, and was never seen but
+at the trench or the council, in which latter place he would not allow
+the slightest observation to be made against the French squadron. As
+hopes were still entertained of obtaining assistance from the latter, it
+was resolved to retreat to the north of the island; and M. de Lafayette
+was sent on an embassy to M. d'Estaing. After having travelled all
+night, he arrived at the moment when the general and his officers were
+entering Boston. A grand repast, given by the town, was followed by a
+conference between the council, the admiral, and himself, at which M.
+d'Estaing, while he clearly demonstrated the insufficiency of his
+naval force, offered to march himself with his troops. Every word was
+submitted to M. de Lafayette, and the admiral remarked this deference
+without appearing hurt by it. That same day, the 29th August, Sullivan
+retreated from his post; and although the discontent which the militia
+experienced had diminished the number of his troops, he conducted this
+movement, and the attack which it occasioned, with great ability.
+
+The next morning, at the same time that M. de Lafayette was informed of
+the event, he learnt also that the two armies were in close contact
+at the north of the island, and that Clinton had arrived with a
+reinforcement. Traversing then eighty miles in less than eight hours,
+he repaired to Howland's Ferry, arriving there just as the army was
+re-crossing it. A corps of a thousand men had been left on the island,
+surrounded with divisions of the enemy: M. de Lafayette undertook the
+charge of them, and succeeded in withdrawing them without losing a
+single man. When congress returned thanks to him for his conduct during
+this retreat, they likewise expressed their gratitude for his journey to
+Boston, at the very period when he might so rationally have expected
+an engagement.~[33] Sullivan returned to Providence, and left M. de
+Lafayette in the command of the posts around the island: the post of
+Bristol, in which his principal corps was placed, was exposed to an
+attack by water; he announced this to General Washington, to whom,
+Sullivan said, he thought the same idea had also occurred. It was
+at this place he learnt the affair of Ouessant, which he expected to
+celebrate as an important victory; but the welfare of the squadron
+recalled him to Boston, where he felt he could be useful to his
+countrymen. The general dissatisfaction was soon appeased; and although
+M. de Saint Sauveur had been killed accidentally in a tumult, the French
+had nevertheless full cause to acknowledge the kindness and moderation
+of the Bostonians. During a walk which he took with the Count d'Estaing,
+M. de Lafayette pointed out to him the remains of the army of Burgoyne:
+two soldiers of militia, stationed at each wing, alone constituted
+its guard. Feeling that his presence was no longer necessary to the
+squadron, and believing that it was his duty to return to France, M.
+de Lafayette set out to rejoin the principal corps of the army at
+Philadelphia.
+
+During that time, the commissioners had made many addresses and
+proclamations. By endeavouring to gain over one member, Johnstone had
+displeased the congress, who refused to treat with him. In a public
+letter, signed Carlisle, the French nation was taxed with a _perfidy
+too universally acknowledged to require any new proof_. With the
+effervescence of youth and patriotism, M. de Lafayette seized this
+opportunity of opposing the commission; and the first impulse of M.
+d'Estaing was to approve of his conduct. A haughty challenge was sent
+from head-quarters to Lord Carlisle: the answer was an ill-explained
+refusal; and the impetuosity of M. de Lafayette was attended with a
+good result, whilst the prudence of the president was ridiculed in every
+public paper.~[34]
+
+Soon afterwards, during M. de Lafayette's residence at Philadelphia, the
+commission received its death-blow; whilst he was breakfasting with the
+members of congress, the different measures proper to be pursued were
+frankly and cheerfully discussed. The correspondence which took place
+at that time is generally known; the congress remained ever noble; firm,
+and faithful to its allies: secretary Thomson, in his last letter to
+Sir Henry Clinton, informs him, that "_the congress does not answer
+impertinent letters_." To conceal nothing from the people, all the
+proposals were invariably printed; but able writers were employed in
+pointing out the errors they contained. In that happy country, where
+each man understood and attended to public affairs, the newspapers
+became powerful instruments to aid the revolution. The same spirit was
+also breathed from the pulpit, for the Bible in many places favours
+republicanism. M. de Lafayette, having once reproached an Anglican
+minister with speaking only of heaven, went to hear him preach the
+following Sunday, and the words, _the execrable house of Hanover_,
+proved the docility of the minister.
+
+M. de Lafayette addressed a polite letter to the French minister, and
+wrote also to the congress, that, "whilst he believed himself free, he
+had supported the cause under the American banner; that his country was
+now at war, and that his services were first due to her; that he hoped
+to return; and that he should always retain his zealous interest for the
+United States." The congress not only granted him an unlimited leave of
+absence, but added to it the most flattering expressions of gratitude.
+It was resolved that a sword, covered with emblems, should be presented
+to him, in the name of the United States, by their minister in France;
+they wrote to the king; and the _Alliance_, of thirty-six guns, their
+finest ship, was chosen to carry him back to Europe. M. de Lafayette
+would neither receive from them anything farther, nor allow them to
+ask any favour for him at the court of France. But the congress, when
+proposing a co-operation in Canada, expressed its wish of seeing the
+arrangement of the affair confided to him: this project was afterwards
+deferred from the general's not entertaining hopes Of its ultimate
+success. But although old prejudices were much softened,--although
+the conduct of the admiral and the squadron had excited universal
+approbation,--the congress, the general, and, in short, every one,
+told M. de Lafayette that, in the whole circuit of the thirteen states,
+vessels only were required, and that the appearance of a French corps
+would alarm the nation. As M. de Lafayette was obliged to embark at
+Boston, he set out again on this journey of four hundred miles; he
+hoped, also, that he should be able to take leave of M. d'Estaing, who
+had offered to accompany him to the islands; and whose friendship and
+misfortunes affected him as deeply as his active genius and patriotic
+courage excited his admiration. Heated by fatiguing journeys and over
+exertion, and still more by the grief he had experienced at Rhode
+Island; and having afterwards laboured hard, drank freely, and passed
+several sleepless nights at Philadelphia, M. de Lafayette proceeded on
+horseback, in a high state of fever, and during a pelting autumnal rain.
+Fetes were given in compliment to him throughout his journey, and
+he endeavoured to strengthen himself with wine, tea, and rum: but at
+Fishkill, eight miles from head-quarters, he was obliged to yield to
+the violence of an inflammatory fever. He was soon reduced to the last
+extremity, and the report of his approaching death distressed the army,
+by whom he was called _the soldier's friend_, and the whole nation were
+unanimous in expressing their good wishes and regrets for _the marquis_,
+the name by which he was exclusively designated. From the first moment,
+Cockran, director of the hospitals, left all his other occupations to
+attend to him alone. General Washington came every day to inquire after
+his friend; but, fearing to agitate him, he only conversed with the
+physician, and returned home with tearful eyes, and a heart oppressed
+with grief.~[35] Suffering acutely from a raging fever and violent
+head-ache, M. de Lafayette felt convinced that he was dying, but did
+not lose for a moment the clearness of his understanding: having taken
+measures to be apprised of the approach of death, he regretted that he
+could not hope again to see his country and the dearest objects of his
+affection. Far from foreseeing the happy fate that awaited him, he would
+willingly have exchanged his future chance of life, in spite of his one
+and twenty years, for the certainty of living but for three months,
+on the condition of again seeing his friends, and witnessing the happy
+termination of the American war. But to the assistance of medical art,
+and the assiduous care of Dr. Cockran, nature added the alarming though
+salutary remedy of an hemorrhage. At the expiration of three months, M.
+de Lafayette's life was no longer in danger: he was at length allowed
+to see the general, and think of public affairs. By decyphering a
+letter from M. d'Estaing, he learnt that, in spite of twenty-one English
+vessels, the squadron had set out for la Martinique. After having
+spent some days together, and spoken of their past labours, present
+situations, and future projects, General Washington and he took a tender
+and painful leave of each other. At the same time that the enemies of
+this great man have accused him of insensibility, they have acknowledged
+his tenderness for M. de Lafayette; and how is it possible that he
+should not have been warmly cherished by his disciple, he who, uniting
+all that is good to all that is great, is even more sublime from his
+virtues than from his talents? Had he been a common soldier, he would
+have been the bravest in the ranks; had he been an obscure citizen, all
+his neighbours would have respected him. With a heart and mind equally
+correctly formed, he judged both of himself and circumstances with
+strict impartiality. Nature, whilst creating him expressly for that
+revolution, conferred an honour upon herself; and, to show her work to
+the greatest possible advantage, she constituted it in such a peculiar
+manner, that each distinct quality would have failed in producing the
+end required, had it not been sustained by all the others.
+
+In spite of his extreme debility, M. de Lafayette, accompanied by
+his physician, repaired, on horseback, to Boston, where Madeira wine
+effectually restored his health. The crew of the _Alliance_ was not
+complete, and the council offered to institute a press, but M. de
+Lafayette would not consent to this method of obtaining sailors, and it
+was at length resolved to make up the required number by embarking
+some English deserters, together with some volunteers from among the
+prisoners. After he had written to Canada, and sent some necklaces to a
+few of the savage tribes, Brice and Nevil, his aides-de-camp, bore his
+farewell addresses to the congress, the general, and his friends.
+The inhabitants of Boston, who had given him so many proofs of their
+kindness and attention, renewed their marks of affection at his
+departure; and the _Alliance_ sailed on the 11th of January. A winter
+voyage is always boisterous in that latitude; but on approaching the
+banks of Newfoundland, the frigate experienced a violent storm: her
+main-top mast torn away, injured by a heavy sea, filling with water,
+during one long dark night she was in imminent danger; but a still
+greater peril awaited her, two hundred leagues from the coast of France.
+His British Majesty, encouraging, the mutiny of crews, had issued a
+somewhat immoral proclamation, promising them the value of every _rebel_
+vessel that they should bring into an English port; which exploit could
+only be performed by the massacre of the officers and those who opposed
+the mutiny. This proclamation gave rise to a plot which was formed by
+the English deserters and volunteers, who had most imprudently been
+admitted, in great numbers, on board the ship: not one American or
+Frenchman (for some French sailors had been found at Boston, after the
+departure of the squadron) took part in this conspiracy. The cry of
+_Sail_! was to be raised, and when the passengers and officers came on
+deck, four cannon, loaded with canister shot, prepared by the gunner's
+mate, were to blow them into atoms. An English serjeant had also
+contrived to get possession of some loaded arms. The hour first named
+was four in the morning, but was changed to four in the afternoon.
+During that interim, the conspirators, deceived by the accent of an
+American who had lived a long time in Ireland, and traded on its coast,
+disclosed the plot to him, and offered him the command of the frigate:
+the worthy man pretended to accept it, and was only able to inform the
+captain and M. de Lafayette of the conspiracy one hour before the time
+fixed for its execution. They rushed, sword in hand, upon deck, followed
+by the other passengers and officers, called upon their own sailors to
+assist them, and, seized thirty-one of the culprits, whom they placed
+in irons. Many others were accused in the depositions, but it was judged
+expedient to appear to rely upon the rest of the crew, although real
+confidence was only placed in the French and Americans. Eight days
+afterwards, the _Alliance_ entered safely the port of Brest, February,
+1779.
+
+When I saw the port of Brest receive and salute the banner which
+floated on my frigate, I recalled to mind the state of my country and
+of America, and my peculiar situation when I quitted France. The
+conspirators were merely exchanged as English prisoners, and I only
+thought of rejoining my family and friends, of whom I had received no
+intelligence during the last eight months. When I repaired to a court
+which had hitherto only granted me _lettres de cachet_, M. de Poix made
+me acquainted with all the ministers. I was interrogated, complimented,
+and exiled, but to the good city of Paris; and the residence of the
+Hotel de Noailles was selected, instead of according me the horrors of
+the Bastille, which had been at first proposed. Some days afterwards, I
+wrote to the king to acknowledge an error of which the termination had
+been so fortunate: he permitted me to receive a gentle reprimand in
+person; and, when my liberty was restored to me, I was advised to avoid
+those places in which the public might consecrate my disobedience by its
+approbation. On my arrival, I had the honour of being consulted by all
+the ministers, and, what was far better, embraced by all the ladies.
+Those embraces lasted but one day; but I retained for a greater length
+of time the confidence of the cabinet, and I enjoyed both favour at
+the court of Versailles, and popularity at Paris. I was the theme of
+conversation in every circle, even after the queen's kind exertions had
+obtained for me the regiment of the king's dragoons. Times are widely
+changed; but I have retained all that I most valued--popular favour and
+the affection of those I love.
+
+Amidst the various tumultuous scenes that occupied my mind, I did not
+forget our revolution, of which the ultimate success still appeared
+uncertain. Accustomed to see great interests supported by slender
+means, I often said to myself that the expense of one _fete_ would have
+organized the army of the United States; and to clothe that army I
+would willingly, according to the expression of M. de Maurepas, have
+unfurnished the palace of Versailles. In the meantime, the principal
+object of the quarrel, American independence, and the advantage our
+government and reputation would derive from seizing the first favourable
+opportunity, did not appear to me sufficiently promoted by those immense
+preparations for trifling conquests, and those projects conceived in the
+expectation of peace; for no person seriously believed in war, not even
+when it was declared, after the _hundredth injury_ had induced Spain to
+enter into those co-operations which finally terminated in nothing more
+than noisy exercises.
+
+
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. Note by M. de Lafayette upon the _Memoirs written by himself and his
+American correspondence_.--Many papers relating to the first years of my
+public life have been destroyed during the reign of terror. An
+imperfect copy of these memoirs has been saved: this ought to have been
+re-written; I have preferred copying it precisely as it was originally
+composed.
+
+Several letters written from America had been copied by my wife for
+Dr. Dubrucil, (physician to the king and to _la Charite_, at St.
+Germain-en-laza, deceased 1785,) whose friendship was the pride of one
+portion of my life, and who has filled the remainder of it with a deep
+and tender recollection. Those papers have been preserved; it would be
+necessary to suppress some repetitions and insignificant details, but
+I have left them almost all untouched, because, whilst forming this
+collection, I felt pleasure in recalling the sentiments that had
+animated me at various periods of my existence.
+
+The Duke d'Ayen, my father-in-law, was not one of the least hasty and
+severe censurers of my departure for America but he restored to me his
+favour with all the kindness and sincerity which characterized him: his
+affectionate congratulations deeply touched my heart. The same feeling
+induces me at the present moment to repeat some details contained in the
+letters I addressed to him.
+
+2. Michel-Louis-Christophe-Roch-Gilbert de Motier, Marquis de Lafayette,
+colonel of the grenadiers of France, Chevalier de St. Louis, killed at
+the battle of Minden before the age of twenty-five.
+
+3. The college du Plessis.
+
+4. Marie-Louise-Julie de la Riviere, died at Paris the 12th of April,
+1770, some days before her father Joseph-Yves-Thibauld-Hyacinthe,
+Marquis de la Riviere.
+
+5. Previous to the marriage of M. de Lafayette, we have only one letter
+written by him at fourteen years of age, the 8th of February, 1772,
+which will be read perhaps with some curiosity. It is addressed to his
+cousin, Mademoiselle de Chavaniac.
+
+"I have just received, my dear cousin, your letter, and the good account
+you give me of my grandmother's health. After that, which was what first
+touched my heart, I was much interested by the account of the hunt of
+the proprietor of the forests of Lata. I should like very much to know
+whether those dogs that neither walk nor bark contributed to the success
+of the expedition? The details of that hunt would have amused me very
+much; if I had been speaking to you of a new-fashioned cap, I should
+have thought it my duty to have described to you its figure and
+proportions, with a compass in my hand.
+
+"Our cousin's marriage is broken off; there is another one on
+the carpet, but they are obliged to lower their tone exceedingly.
+Mademoiselle de Roucherolles, a place with Madame de Bourbon, of a
+thousand crowns a-year, and five thousand small livres a-year--that is
+the whole amount. You see that this is a very short abridgment of the
+other intended matches. My uncle, who came to see me the other day,
+consents to the marriage, on condition that the Prince de Conde will
+promise one of his regiments of cavalry to the cousin. Madame de
+Montboissier thinks this is asking too much, and told M. le Marquis de
+Canillic that, in truth, if he were so difficult, her husband would no
+longer take any part in his affairs; this offended him and some high
+words passed on both sides. The nephew does not care much about the
+marriage. He said, there were in his own province far better matches,
+which he named, that would not be refused him.
+
+"I thought I had written you word that the Cardinal de Le Roche-Aimon
+was abbe de St. Germain. It is said that M. de Briges has the barony
+de Mercoeur. M. de la Vauguyon has died, little regretted either by the
+court or by the town. The ball of last Thursday is put off to the 15th,
+that is to say, for week hence. I dined, the day before yesterday,
+Thursday, with M. de la Tour d'Auvergne, who is on a complimentary
+footing with M. de Turenne, now Duke de Bouillon. He told us he should
+lose perhaps a million from politeness. You will recognise him by that
+phrase.
+
+"Adieu, dear cousin; my respects, if you please, to all the family; M.
+de Fayon presents his to you, and I remain your obedient servant,
+
+"LAFAYETTE."
+
+6. A place in the household of a prince of royal blood. The Marshal
+de Noailles wished for this arrangement. To prevent it without openly
+opposing the will of those he loved, M. de Lafayette took an opportunity
+of displeasing, by a few words, the prince, to whose person they were
+desirous of attaching him, and all negotiations on the subject were thus
+broken off. We do not believe that since that period a reconciliation
+has ever taken place between him and Louis XVIII.
+
+7. In 1828, Mr. Jared Sparks, a distinguished American author, intending
+to form a collection of the writings of Washington, which he is at
+present publishing at Boston, made a voyage to France to converse
+with M. de Lafayette, and consult the archives of foreign affairs. He
+obtained from the general many anecdotes, letters, and documents, of
+which extracts have enriched his publication. At the close of vol. v.,
+he has placed an appendix, containing the account of the departure of M.
+de Lafayette from France, and his arrival in America. We doubt not
+but that the details of that narration were related, nay, perhaps even
+written, by the general himself. We shall therefore quote some extracts
+from it without hesitation, which, placed as notes, will completely
+elucidate the text of these memoirs.
+
+"In the summer of 1776," says Mr. Sparks, "M. de Lafayette was stationed
+on military duty at Metz, being then an officer in the French army. It
+happened at this time that the Duke of Gloucester, brother to the King
+of England, was at Metz, and a dinner was given to him by the commandant
+of that place. Several officers were invited, and among others
+Lafayette. Despatches had just been received by the duke from England,
+and he made their contents the topic of conversation; they related to
+American affairs, the recent declaration of independence, the resistance
+of the colonists, and the strong measures adopted by the ministry to
+crush the rebellion.
+
+"The details were new to Lafayette; he listened with eagerness to the
+conversation, and prolonged it by asking questions of the duke. His
+curiosity was deeply excited by what he heard, and the idea of a people
+fighting for liberty had a strong influence upon his imagination; the
+cause seemed to him just and noble, from the representations of the duke
+himself; and before he left the table, the thought came into his head
+that he would go to America, and offer his services to a people who were
+struggling for freedom and independence. From that hour he could think
+of nothing but this chivalrous enterprise. He resolved to return to
+Paris and make further inquiries.
+
+"When he arrived in that city, he confided his scheme to two young
+friends, Count Segur and Viscount de Noailles, and proposed that they
+should join him. They entered with enthusiasm into his views; but as
+they were dependent on their families, it was necessary to consult their
+parents, who reprobated the plan and refused their consent. The
+young men faithfully kept Lafayette's secret: his situation was more
+fortunate, as his property was at his own disposal, and he possessed an
+annual revenue of nearly two hundred thousand livres.
+
+"He next explained his intentions to the Count de Broglie who told him
+that his project was so chimerical, and fraught with so many hazards,
+without a prospect of the least advantage, that he could not for a
+moment regard it with favor, nor encourage him with any advice which
+should prevent him from abandoning it immediately. When Lafayette found
+him thus determined, he requested that at least he would not betray him
+for he was resolved to go to America. The Count de Broglie assured him
+that his confidence was not misplaced; 'But,' said he, 'I have seen your
+uncle die in the wars of Italy; I witnessed your father's death at the
+battle of Minden; and I will not be accessary to the ruin of the only
+remaining branch of the family: He then used all his powers of argument
+and persuasion to divert Lafayette from his purpose, but in vain.
+Finding his determination unalterable, the Count de Broglie said, as he
+could render him no aid, he would introduce him to the Baron de Kalb,
+who he knew was seeking an opportunity to go to America, and whose
+experience and counsels might be valuable.--(The Writings of George
+Washington, vol. v. Appendix, No. 1, p. 445.)
+
+8. M. du Boismartin was the person sent to Bourdeaux to secure the
+purchase and equipment of the ship that M. de Lafayette intended for the
+United States.--(Sparks, loc. cit.)
+
+
+9. It is a singular coincidence that, at the same time that General
+Washington, who had never left America, reduced to corps of two thousand
+men, did not despair of the common cause, the same sentiment was
+animating, two thousand leagues from thence, the breast of a youth
+of nineteen, who was destined to become one day his intimate friend,
+partake with him the vicissitudes and happy termination of that
+revolution, and afterwards carry back to another hemisphere the
+principles of liberty and equality which formed its basis.
+
+10. With the Prince de Poix. This journey lasted three weeks.
+
+11. The Marquis de Noailles, brother to the Duke d'Aven, and uncle to
+Madame de Lafayette.
+
+12. M. de Lafayette learnt, at Bordeaux, that his intended departure was
+known at Versailles, and that the order to prevent it had been already
+issued. After having taken his ship to the common port of the Passage,
+he returned himself to Bordeaux, and wrote to the ministers, to his
+family and friends. Amongst the latter was M. de Coigny, to whom he sent
+a confidential person, and who bade him entertain no hopes of obtaining
+the permission he wished for. Pretending to repair to Marseilles, where
+he had received an order to join his father-in-law, who was going into
+Italy, he set off in a postchaise with an officer named Mauroy, who
+was desirous of going to America. Some leagues from Bordeaux he got
+on horseback, disguised as a courier, and rode on before the carriage,
+which took the road to Bayonne. They remained two or three hours in
+that town, and whilst Mauroy was arranging some necessary affairs, M.
+de Lafayette remained lying on some straw in the stable. It was the
+postmaster's daughter who recognised the pretended courier Saint Jean
+de Luz, from having seen him when returning from the Passage harbour to
+Bordeaux. (Sparks, loc. cit.)
+
+13. These memoirs, written until now in the first person, change here to
+the third person, in spite of the kind of engagement taken in the first
+page to continue them in the former manner. We are ignorant of the cause
+of the inconsistency thus offered by the manuscript, which is, however,
+completely written in the general's own hand.
+
+14. See, at the end of these memoirs, amongst the various fragments,
+fragment A.
+
+15. The court of France despatched orders to the Leeward and Windward
+Islands to stop him on his road, because the ship, not being able to
+take out papers for North America, was to have stopped in the Spanish
+islands. (Manuscript No. 1.) Mr. Sparks relates that M. de Lafayette
+declared to the captain that the ship belonged to him, and that if he
+offered the slightest resistance, he would take from him the command and
+give it to the mate. But as he soon discovered that the real motive of
+the captain's resistance was a cargo belonging to him of 8000 dollars,
+M. de Lafayette secured to him its full value upon his own private
+fortune, and thus succeeded in overcoming all his scruples.
+(Washington's writings, loc. cit.)
+
+16. When they landed, says Mr. Sparks, a distant light served to guide
+them. As they approached the house from whence it issued, the dogs
+barked, and the people took them for a band of marauders landing from an
+enemy's ship. They were asked who they were, and what they wanted. Baron
+Kalb replied and all suspicions vanished. The next morning the weather
+was beautiful. The novelty of all that surrounded him,--the room, the
+bed covered with mosquito nets, the black servant who came to ask his
+commands, the beauty and foreign aspect of the country which he beheld
+from his windows, and which was covered by a rich vegetation,--all
+united to produce on M. de Lafayette a magical effect, and excite in him
+a variety of inexpressible sensations. (Sparks, appendix.)
+
+17. An American, who must not be confounded with the two brothers of
+that name who commanded the one the English army, the other the English
+fleet.
+
+18. When he arrived at Philadelphia, M. de Lafayette delivered his
+letters to Mr. Lovell, president of the committee for foreign affairs.
+The next day he proceeded to congress: Mr. Lovell came out of the
+meeting, and told him there was but little hope of his request being
+acceded to. Suspecting that his letters had not been read, M. de
+Lafayette wrote the note which will be found in the text. The resolution
+of the congress concerning him, deliberated the 31st of July, is
+expressed in the following manner: "Seeing that the Marquis de
+Lafayette, on account of his great zeal in the cause of liberty in which
+the United States are engaged, has quitted his family and country, and
+has come to offer his services to the United States, without demanding
+either pay or private indemnity, and that he desires to expose his life
+in our cause,--resolved, that his services be accepted, and that, on
+account of his zeal, illustrious family and connexions, he shall have
+the rank and commission of major-general in the army of the United
+States." The real intention of this resolution was to give a rank to M.
+de Lafayette, and to leave to General Washington the right and care
+of confiding to him a command in unison with that rank. (Letters of
+Washington, 2nd part. V, p. 10, 35, and 128, and appendix No. I.)
+
+
+19. He was presented, for the first time, to Washington, says Mr.
+Sparks, at a dinner, at which several members of congress were present.
+When they were separating, Washington drew Lafayette aside, expressed
+much kindness for him, complimented him upon his zeal and his
+sacrifices, and invited him to consider the headquarters as his own
+house, adding, with a smile that he could not promise him the luxuries
+of a court, but that as he was become an American soldier, he would
+doubtless submit cheerfully to the customs and privations of a
+republican army. The next day Washington visited the forts of the
+Delaware, and invited Lafayette to accompany him. (Sparks, ibid.)
+
+20. See fragment B.
+
+21. From Bethlehem he wrote to M. de Boulle, governor of the Windward
+Islands, to propose to him to attack the English islands under American
+colours. That general approved of the project, and forwarded it to the
+court, who would not, however, accept it. At the same period, M. de
+Lafayette, although in disgrace himself at court, wrote to the Count de
+Maurepas, to propose to him a still more important enterprise against
+the English factories, but also under American colours. The old
+minister, from prudential motives, did not adopt this project, but
+he spoke publicly in praise of it, and expressed, ever after, a great
+partiality for Lafayette. "He will end, one day," said he, smiling, "by
+unfurnishing the palace of Versailles to serve the American cause; for
+when he has taken anything into his head, it is impossible to resist
+him."--(Note by M. de Lafayette.)
+
+22. This name is very illegible in the manuscript.
+
+23. The celebrated Alexander Hamilton, one of the authors of the
+_Federalist_.
+
+24. Journal of Congress, 1st December, 1777.
+
+25. See fragment C, at the end of the Memoirs.
+
+26. After having thus declared himself, he wrote to congress that "he
+could only accept the command on condition of remaining subordinate to
+General Washington, of being but considered as an officer detached from
+him, and of addressing all his letters to him, of which those received
+by congress would be but duplicates." These requests, and all the others
+he made, were granted. (Manuscript No. 2.)
+
+27. He had the discretion to renounce an expedition which, undertaken
+without proper means, would have produced fatal effects upon the whole
+northern part of the United States. At Georgetown, the present residence
+of congress, some anxiety was experienced, because they feared that M.
+de Lafayette had trusted himself upon the lakes in the season of the
+year when the ice begins to melt. The counter orders that were sent
+him would have arrived too late; and when it became known that he had
+himself renounced the expedition, he received the thanks of congress
+and of the minister of war, General Gates, who, in spite of the line
+of conduct Lafayette had pursued during his quarrel with General
+Washington, had always expressed great respect and esteem for him.
+(Manuscript No. 1.)
+
+28. It is singular that the oath of renunciation to Great Britain
+and her king, which every one employed in the continental service was
+obliged to take at that time, should have been administered in one half
+of the United States by a Frenchman of twenty years of age. (Manuscript
+No. 2.)
+
+29. See, after these Memoirs, fragment D.
+
+30. The two battalions formed to arrest the enemy's march were placed
+by General Washington himself. When, after having expressed his own
+feelings of dissatisfaction, he wished to give himself time to form
+his army on the heights behind the passage, he left there Major-General
+Lafayette, Brigadier-General Knox, commanding the artillery, and
+some officers of his staff. The colonels were good officers, and the
+battalions conducted themselves perfectly well. When the army was ranged
+in order of battle, General Greene commanded the right of the first
+line, Lord Stirling the left, and Lafayette the second line. (Manuscript
+No. 2.)
+
+31. General Washington was never greater in battle than this action. His
+presence stopped the retreat; his arrangements secured the victory. His
+graceful bearing on horseback, his calm and dignified deportment, which
+still retained some trace of the displeasure he had experienced in the
+morning, were all calculated to excite the highest degree of enthusiasm.
+(Manuscript No. 2.)
+
+32. See, after these Memoirs, the fragment E.
+
+33. See fragment F.
+
+34. The following was written by M. de Lafayette twenty years after
+the presumed date of the memoirs:--"Lord Carlisle refused,--and he was
+right. The challenge, however, excited some jokes against the commission
+and its president, which, whether well or ill founded, are always
+disadvantageous to those who become their objects."--(Manuscript No.
+1.) "Lord Carlisle was right: but the challenge appearing the result of
+chivalric patriotism, party spirit took advantage of the circumstance,
+and the feeling which had inspired this irregular step was generally
+approved."--(Manuscript No. 2.)
+
+35. General Washington--who, when Lafayette was wounded at Brandywine,
+said to the surgeon, "_Take care of him as if he were my son, for I love
+him the same_"--expressed for him, during this illness, the most tender
+and paternal anxiety.--(Manuscript No. 1.)
+
+
+
+
+FRAGMENTS
+
+EXTRACTED FROM VARIOUS MANUSCRIPTS.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+
+1. We have already mentioned these manuscripts. The one we term
+_Manuscript No. 1_, consists of a rapid sketch of the American life
+of General Lafayette; the other one, or _Manuscript 2_, is entitled,
+_Observations on some portion of the American History, by a Friend of
+General Lafayette_. Both appear to have been written about the period of
+the empire. Fragment A is drawn from the Manuscript No. 2.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+A.
+
+
+DEPARTURE FOR AMERICA IN 1777.
+
+
+The histories of the American war and revolution are, generally
+speaking, very favourable to M. de Lafayette; the life of Washington, by
+Mr. Marshall, is especially so. There is one phrase, however, (page
+410 of the third volume of the London edition,) which requires
+some explanation. "_He left France ostensibly in opposition to his
+sovereign_." This circumstance is treated in a more lucid and exact
+manner in the following works:--_The History, etc., by William Gordon,
+D.D._, vol. ii., pages 499 and 500. _London_, 1788.--_The History of the
+American Revolution, by Dr. Ramsay_, vol. ii., page 11. _Philadelphia_,
+1789.
+
+The importance of this step was increased by a peculiar circumstance.
+The preparations for the purchase and equipment of the vessel had
+delayed Lafayette's departure until the period which had been long
+previously fixed upon for an excursion of some weeks into England; this
+enabled him to conceal his departure; the American commissioners were
+well pleased to take advantage of this accident. Lafayette refused the
+proposals which were made him in London to visit the ports, or to do
+anything which could be construed into an abuse of confidence. He
+did not conceal his partiality for the American insurgents; but he
+endeavoured to profit by the parade with which, from political motives,
+the king and his ministry received at that period all persons coming
+from the court of France, and the attention which was paid them. The
+Marquis de Noailles, the ambassador, was his uncle. Lafayette felt no
+scruple in compromising the diplomatic character of this representation
+of the King of France, so that the _maximum_ of the favourable effect
+that his departure could produce was obtained in England.
+
+The same result took place in France. It would be difficult at
+this period to imagine into what a state of political and military
+insignificance the nation and government had been reduced during the
+war of seven years, and, above all, after the partition of Poland. The
+French ministry had personally, at that period, the reputation of great
+circumspection; the few indirect relations it permitted itself to hold
+with the agents of the insurgent colonies were only managed through
+the medium of unacknowledged agents, and were discovered the moment
+the ambassador pretended to become acquainted with them, or that
+the Americans could have drawn any advantage from them. Amongst the
+departures on which the ministers were kind enough to close their eyes,
+there were only four engineers for whom this toleration was in truth
+a secret mission.~[1] One word from Lord Stormont was sufficient to
+procure the detention, discharge, and sometimes imprisonment of the
+Americans admitted into our ports: their liberty or property was only
+restored to them surreptitiously, and as if escaping from the vigilance
+of a superior.
+
+Amidst this labyrinth of precautions, feebleness, and denials, the
+effect may be conceived that was produced at Versailles by the bold step
+taken by a youth of distinguished birth and fortune, allied to one of
+the first families of the court, by whom the King of England and his
+ministers would fancy themselves braved and even laughed at, and whose
+departure would leave no doubt as to the connivance of the ambassador
+and government of France. The displeasure of the rulers was roused
+to the highest pitch: a portion of Lafayette's family shared in this
+displeasure. He had secretly traversed France. Having met near Paris
+with Carmichael, secretary of the American agents, he had urged the
+immediate departure of his vessel from Bordeaux, preferring to complete
+the necessary arrangements at the Spanish port of Passage. He returned
+himself to Bordeaux, in the hope of obtaining a consent which he
+considered would be useful to his cause. The return of his courier
+having informed him that they would not condescend to give an answer to
+such an indiscreet request, he hastened to quit France himself in the
+disguise of a courier, and lost no time in setting sail.
+
+The government, to appease as far as possible, the English ambassador,
+despatched two light vessels to the Leeward and Windward Islands to stop
+Lafayette. At that period, the French navigators did not risk steering
+straight towards the American continent; they first repaired to the
+West Indies, and, taking out papers for France, they ranged as close as
+possible to the American coast, and endeavoured to seize a favourable
+moment or pretext to steal into a harbour. Lafayette's vessel had
+followed the common course of all expeditions; but its youthful owner,
+who had several officers with him, and had won the affection of the
+crew, obliged the captain to take a straightforward direction. A lucky
+gale of wind drove off the frigates that had been cruising on the
+preceding day before Georgetown, and he sailed into that port, having
+been protected by fate against the various obstacles which had been
+opposed to his enterprise.
+
+But whilst the French government thus seconded the views of the English
+government, the departure of young Lafayette produced, in Paris, in the
+commercial towns, in all societies, and even at court, a sensation that
+was very favourable to the American cause. The enthusiasm it excited was
+in a great measure owing to the state of political stagnation into which
+the country had so long been plunged, the resentment excited by
+the arrogance of England, her commissioner at Dunkirk, her naval
+pretensions, and the love inherent in all mankind of bold and
+extraordinary deeds, especially when they are in defiance of the
+powerful, and to protect the weak in their struggle for liberty. To
+these peculiar circumstances may be imputed the increased interest and
+attention, the strong national feeling, and the constantly augmenting
+force of public opinion to which the French government at length
+yielded, when, in its treaties with the United States, it formed
+engagements with them, and commenced a war with England, which were both
+equally opposed to its real character and inclination.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1: MM. de de Gouvion, Duportail, Laradiere, and Laumoy.
+
+
+
+
+B.
+
+
+FIRST INTERVIEW BETWEEN GENERAL WASHINGTON AND GENERAL LAFAYETTE.
+
+
+The appearance of the two brothers Howe before the capes of the Delaware
+had given rise to the supposition that it was upon that side they
+intended to land. General Washington repaired with his army towards the
+neighbourhood of Philadelphia. That army had been recruiting during the
+winter. Washington went to Philadelphia to attend a public dinner given
+in honour of him. It was then Lafayette was introduced to him. This
+young foreigner had travelled by land over the southern states, and had
+made a direct application to the congress, requesting to serve at first
+as volunteer, and to serve at his own expense. The members were much
+struck with two requests differing so widely from those of several other
+officers, and of one in particular, an officer of artillery, who had
+made great pretensions on his arrival, and had soon afterwards drowned
+himself in the Schuylkill. The rank of major-general (the highest in
+the American army) was given to Lafayette. Washington received the young
+volunteer in the most friendly manner, and invited him to reside in his
+house as a member of his military family, which offer Lafayette accepted
+with the same frankness with which it was made.
+
+He remained there until he was appointed to the command of a division.
+The court of France had required that the American envoys should write
+to America to prevent Lafayette from being employed in their army. They
+did not hasten to despatch that letter, and, when its contents became
+known, the popularity of Lafayette was so great that it could not
+produce any effect. It is thus evident, that from the first moment of
+his embracing the American cause every obstacle was thrown in his way;
+all of which, however, he encountered and surmounted. (Manuscript No.
+1.)
+
+
+
+
+C.
+
+
+ON THE MILITARY COMMANDS DURING THE WINTER OF 1778, AND THE FRENCH IN
+THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES.
+
+
+Amongst the various means employed to deprive the general-in-chief of
+his friends, attempts were made to awaken the ambition of Lafayette, who
+already enjoyed much popularity in the army and in the country, and who
+besides appeared to the enemies of Washington, from his relations with
+Europe, one of the men whom it was most important to draw into their
+party. They fancied they should gain him over by offering him the
+government of the north, which Gates had just quitted, and by the hope
+of an expedition into Canada. General Washington received a packet
+from the minister of war, enclosing a commission for Lafayette as an
+independent commander-in-chief, with an order to repair to the congress
+to receive instructions. The general placed it in his hands, without
+allowing himself any observation on the subject. Lafayette immediately
+declared to three commissioners of congress, who happened to be at that
+moment in the camp, "that he would never accept any command independent
+of the general, and that the title of his aide-de-camp appeared to
+him preferable to any other that could be offered him." When General
+Washington received the order of congress, he only said to his young
+friend, whilst placing the letter in his hand, "I prefer its being for
+you rather than for any other person."
+
+The military commands, during the winter of 1777-1778, were distributed
+in the following manner:--General Washington assembled in some huts at
+Valley-Forge what was termed the principal army, reduced at that time
+to four or five thousand half-clothed men. General Mac-Dougal had the
+direction of a station at Peekskill. Lafayette commanded what was called
+the northern army, that is to say, a handful of men; his head-quarters
+were at Albany. The enemy made a few incursions, but of slight
+importance; and by the exercise of great vigilance, and a judicious
+choice of stations, the winter passed away tranquilly. Lafayette had
+under his orders two general officers, who had been engaged in the
+service of France, namely, General Kalb, a German by birth, who came
+over in the same vessel with himself; and General Conway, an Irishman,
+who had been a major in a regiment of that nation, also in the service
+of France. Besides the four engineers who have been before named,
+and these two officers, we must also mention, amongst the foreigners
+employed in the service of the United States, Pulaski, a Polish
+nobleman, who had taken a conspicuous part in the confederation of his
+own country, and who, after the success of the Russians, had arrived
+in America with letters of introduction to the congress, General
+Washington, and General Lafayette; Kosciuszko, his countryman, who was
+a colonel of engineers in America, and who afterwards acted such a grand
+and noble part during the last revolutions in Poland; Ternant, by birth
+a Frenchman, who has served the United States, Holland, and France
+with great ability; La Colombe, aide-de-camp to Lafayette, who has been
+subsequently so usefully employed in the French revolution; the Marquis
+de la Royerie, whom disappointed love brought to the United States, and
+who has since taken part in the counter-revolution; Gimat, aide-de-camp
+to Lafayette, who has since had the command in the French islands;
+Fleury, who distinguished himself in the defence of Fort Mifflin, and
+in the attack of the fort of West-Point, and who afterwards died a
+field-marshal in France; Mauduit-Duplessis, an extremely brave officer
+of artillery, who has since taken part against the French revolution,
+and was massacred at Saint Domingo; Touzard, an officer of artillery,
+who lost his arm at Rhode Island, where he was acting as aide-de-camp
+to Lafayette; Major Lenfant, employed as engineer; Baron Steuben, a
+Prussian officer, a good tactician, who arrived at the commencement of
+1778, and was of essential service in disciplining the American troops.
+These officers, and several others, obtained employment in America. The
+greatest number, however, of those who presented themselves were refused
+service, and returned to France, with some few exceptions, to bear
+thither their own prejudices against the Americans. Some of those
+who remained appear to have written home likewise in the same spirit.
+General Washington therefore observes very justly in one of his letters,
+that Lafayette, in his correspondence, by destroying the unfavourable
+impressions that were given of the Americans, and seeking, on the
+contrary, to excite the feelings of the French in their favour, rendered
+a new and very important service to their cause. (Manuscript No. 1.)
+
+
+
+
+D.
+
+
+RETREAT OF BARREN-HILL.
+
+
+As the English army was preparing to evacuate Philadelphia, Lafayette
+was sent, with a detachment of two thousand chosen men, and five pieces
+of cannon, to a station half-way betwixt that city and Valley-Forge;
+this was Barren-hill. A corps of militia under General Porter had been
+placed on Lafayette's left wing; but he retired farther back, and
+the English took advantage of that movement to surround Lafayette's
+detachment. General Grant, with seven thousand men and fourteen pieces
+of cannon, was behind him, and nearer than himself to the only ford by
+which it was possible for him to pass the Schuylkill. General Grey, with
+two thousand men, arrived on his left at Barren-hill church; whilst the
+remainder of the English army, under the command of Generals Clinton and
+Howe, prepared to attack him in front. It is said that Admiral Lord Howe
+joined the army as a volunteer. The English generals felt so certain
+of the capture of Lafayette, that they sent to Philadelphia several
+invitations to a _fete_, at which they said Lafayette would be present.
+If he had not, in truth, manoeuvred rather better than they did, the
+whole corps must inevitably have been lost. Alarm-guns were fired by
+the army; General Washington felt additional anxiety from the fact that,
+those troops being the flower of his army, their defeat would, he
+knew, have discouraged the rest. Lafayette instantly formed his plan of
+operation: he threw some troops into the churchyard, to check those of
+General Grey. He made a false attack upon General Grant, 'shewing him
+the heads of columns; and whilst the latter halted, and formed his
+troops to receive him, he caused his detachment to file off. By these
+manoeuvres he gained the ford, and passed it in presence of the enemy,
+without losing a single man. Two English lines met, and were on the
+point of attacking each other, for there was no longer anything between
+them; the Americans had been for some time in safety at the other side
+of the Schuylkill. The English then returned to Philadelphia, much
+fatigued and ashamed, and were laughed at for their ill success.
+(Manuscript No. 1.)
+
+
+
+
+E.
+
+
+ARRIVAL OF THE FRENCH FLEET.
+
+
+The treaty with France became known a short time before the opening
+of the campaign. The national enthusiasm for the Americans had much
+increased, but the ministry was afraid of war. Necker, in particular,
+did all he could to prevent the court of France from espousing the
+American cause, which may serve as an answer to the accusations of
+revolutionary ardour that were made against him by the aristocrats in
+France. Maurepas was very timid, but the news of the taking of Burgoyne
+inspired him with some courage. The Count de Vergennes flattered himself
+that he should succeed in avoiding war. The court of France shewed
+little sincerity in its proceedings with England. The treaty was at
+length concluded. Dr. Franklin, Silas Deane, and John Adams, accompanied
+by many other Americans then in Paris, were presented to the King and
+royal family. They repaired afterwards to the young Madame de Lafayette,
+who was at Versailles, wishing to testify by that public act how much
+they thought themselves indebted to Lafayette for the happy direction
+which their affairs had taken. The news of the treaty excited a great
+sensation in America, and, above all, in the army. Lafayette had long
+since returned from his command in the north to the head-quarters
+of General Washington. The manifesto of the French government to the
+British cabinet contained this expression: "The Americans having become
+independent by their declaration of such a day." "That," said Lafayette,
+smiling, "is a principle of national sovereignty which shall one day be
+recalled to them." The French revolution, and the part which he took in
+it, have doubly verified this prediction. (Manuscript No. 1.)
+
+Mr. Marshall's work contains a curious dissertation upon the declaration
+of war between France and England, and gives also the extract of a
+memorial of M. Turgot, which it would be interesting to verify. It would
+then be seen what opinions were supported at that time, concerning
+the colonies in general, and the quarrel with the English colonies in
+particular, by one of the most liberal and enlightened men in regard to
+political and commercial questions. The idea that the queen supported
+the war party is not correct; her social tastes were rather of the
+Anglomania kind; her politics were completely Austrian, and the court of
+Vienna did not wish that France should have any pretext for refusing
+to fulfil the conditions of the treaty made with it, which were soon
+afterwards exacted; but the queen, like a true woman of the world,
+followed the impulse given by Paris, the commercial towns, and the
+public.
+
+Dr. Ramsay alludes to the happiness which Lafayette must have
+experienced when, upon learning the happy news of the French alliance,
+he, with tears of joy, embraced his illustrious general. Several persons
+present have since recollected that when the message of the court of
+Versailles to that of London was read aloud, with all the justifications
+which dwelt upon the right of the American nation to give themselves a
+government, Lafayette exclaimed,--"That is a great truth which we will
+recall to them at home." (Manuscript No. 2.)
+
+
+
+
+F.
+
+
+DISSENSIONS BETWEEN THE FRENCH FLEET AND THE AMERICAN ARMY.
+
+
+The history of Dr. Gordon, that of Ramsay, and of Mr. Marshall, give a
+detailed account of the arrival of Count d'Estaing at the entrance of
+the Delaware, his arrival at Sandyhook, and the expedition against Rhode
+Island. Lafayette conducted thither, from White Plains, two thousand men
+of the continental troops. He made that journey (two hundred and forty
+miles) very rapidly, and arrived before the remainder of the troops
+under Sullivan were in readiness. It is to be lamented that the latter
+general persuaded Count d'Estaing to await the cooperation of the
+Americans, whilst, had he encouraged him to force the passage between,
+Rhode Island and Cannanicut Island, he would have had time, at the first
+moment of his arrival, to have captured fifteen hundred Hessians who
+were upon the last-mentioned island. On the other hand, M. d'Estaing
+was wrong in being displeased with General Sullivan for effecting his
+passage and taking possession of the forts on the north of the island,
+as soon as he learnt that they had been abandoned by the enemy, and
+without having concerted any plan of operations with the admiral.
+Everything, however, went on extremely well. The Americans had twelve
+thousand men upon the island; their right was composed of the half of
+the continentalists brought by Lafayette from White Plains, and of five
+thousand militia, and was under the command of General Greene; the left
+consisted also of five thousand militia, with the other half of the
+continentalists, and was commanded by M. de Lafayette. On the 8th
+of August the American army proceeded to Howland's ferry, whilst the
+squadron forced the passage. The English set fire to three of their own
+frigates; they had six frigates, and several other vessels, burnt
+during this expedition. In the afternoon of the day that Sullivan's army
+landed, they were expecting the battalions of Foix and Hainaut, and the
+marines, which were to have joined Lafayette's corps, when Admiral Howe
+suddenly hove in sight, and took possession of the anchorage that
+Count d'Estaing had quitted, in order to force his passage between the
+islands. The French sailors feared that the enemy, would take advantage
+of their situation, enclosed as they were between the islands, or that
+some reinforcements would at least be thrown upon the southern part
+of the island; but the wind having changed during the night, Count
+d'Estaing sailed out gallantly through the fire of the English
+batteries, and Lord Howe, cutting his cables, fled before him. This
+skilful admiral would have paid dearly for his bold manoeuvre, if the
+storm had not come most opportunely to his aid.
+
+Mr. Marshall, who had the letters of Washington and Lafayette before
+him, states the manner in which Lafayette, on the one side, exposed
+himself, without reserve, to the loss of his popularity, and on the
+other, zealously exerted himself in defending the honour of the French
+from the accusations that the dissatisfaction of the Americans had
+universally excited, especially at Rhode Island and Boston, against the
+officers of the squadron; and also to prevent that dissatisfaction
+from breaking into open disputes. Sullivan, the senior of the three
+majors-general, was commander-in-chief. It was after an explanation with
+Lafayette, his friend and comrade, that he softened, by a subsequent
+order of the day, the expressions which he had imprudently used in the
+one preceding. General Greene, a man of superior merit, contributed
+much to the reconciliation. The ex-president, Hancock, who had at first
+loudly expressed his displeasure, consented to repair to Boston to
+endeavour to calm the public mind, and to obtain provisions for the
+squadron. The popularity of Lafayette was usefully employed during his
+short visit to that town. The congress, and General Washington also,
+thought that this quarrel could not he too speedily appeased; but they
+were at a distance, and a proper mixture of firmness and persuasion was
+required from the first moment. Such a perfect understanding, however,
+was now established, that it was not even disturbed by the unfortunate
+event which, some time afterwards, cost M. de Saint Sauveur his life.
+Much was also due to Dr. Cooper, a distinguished minister of the
+Presbyterian church. (Manuscript No. 2.)
+
+
+
+
+CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+1777--1778.
+
+
+TO THE DUKE D'AYEN.~[1]
+
+
+London, March 9,1777.
+
+
+You will be astonished, my dear father, at the news I am on the point
+of giving you: it has cost me far more than I can express not to consult
+you. My respect and affection for you, as well as my great confidence in
+you, must convince you of the truth of this assertion; but my word was
+given, and you would not have esteemed me had I broken it; the step I
+am now taking will at least prove to you, I hope, the goodness of
+my intentions. I have found a peculiar opportunity of distinguishing
+myself, and of learning a soldier's trade: I am a general officer in the
+army of the United States of America. The frankness of my conduct, and
+my zeal in their service, have completely won their confidence. I have
+done, on my side, all I could do for them, and their interest will ever
+be dearer to me than my own. In short, my dear father, I am at this
+moment in London, anxiously awaiting letters from my friends; upon
+receiving them, I shall set off from hence, and, without stopping at
+Paris, I shall embark in a vessel that I have myself purchased and
+chartered. My travelling companions are the Baron de Kalb, a
+very distinguished officer, brigadier in the King's service, and
+major-general, as well as myself, in the United States' army; and some
+other excellent officers, who have kindly consented to share the chances
+of my fate. I rejoice at having found such a glorious opportunity of
+occupying myself, and of acquiring knowledge. I am conscious that I am
+making an immense sacrifice, and that to quit my family, my friends,
+and you, my dearest father, costs me more than it could do any other
+person,--because I love you all far more tenderly than any other person
+ever loved his friends. But this voyage will not be a very long one; we
+see every day far longer journeys taken for amusement only; and I hope
+also to return more worthy of all those who are kind enough to regret
+my absence. Adieu, my dear father, I hope I shall soon see you again.
+Retain your affection for me; I ardently desire to merit it--nay, I
+do merit it already, from my warm affection towards you, and from the
+respect that, during the remainder of his life, will be felt for you by,
+
+Your affectionate son,
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+I have arrived, for one moment, at Paris, my dear father, and have only
+time to bid you again farewell. I intended writing to my uncle~[2] and
+to Madame de Lusignem, but I am in such haste that I must request you to
+present to them my respectful regards.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. Jean Paul Francois de Noailles, Duke d'Ayen, afterwards Duke de
+Noailles, died a member of the House of Peers, in 1824, and was, as is
+well known, father-in-law to M. de Lafayette, who had been, we may say,
+brought up in the hotel de Noailles, and who looked upon all his wife's
+family as his own. It was at that time divided into two branches. The
+Marshal de Noailles, governor of Roussillon, and captain of the guards
+of the Scotch company, was the head of the eldest branch. He bad four
+children: the Duke d'Ayen, the Marquis de Noailles, and Mesdames de
+Tesse and de Lesparre. The Duke d'Ayen, a general officer, captain of
+the guards in reversion, married Henriette Anne Louise Daguesseau, by
+whom he had daughters only. The eldest, who died in 1794, on the
+same scaffold as her mother, had married her cousin, the Viscount de
+Noailles. The second, Marie Adrienne Francoise,--born the 2nd November,
+1759, died the 24th December, 1807,--was Madame de Lafayette. The
+three others, unmarried at the time this letter was written, married
+afterwards MM. de Thesan, de Montagu, and de Grammont.
+
+The head of the younger branch of the familv of Noailles was the Marshal
+de Mouchy, brother of the Marshal de Noailles, whose children were, the
+Prince de Poix, who died peer of France, and captain of the guards
+under the restoration; the Duchess de Duras; and the same Viscount de
+Noailles, member of the constituent assembly, who died of his wounds in
+the expedition to St. Domingo, in 1802.
+
+
+2. M. de Lusignem, an uncle by marriage of M. de Lafayette.
+
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+On board the _Victory_, May 30th, 1777.
+
+I am writing to you from a great distance, my dearest love, and, in
+addition to this painful circumstance, I feel also the still more
+dreadful uncertainty of the time in which I may receive any news of
+you. I hope, however, soon to have a letter from you; and, amongst the
+various reasons which render me so desirous of a speedy arrival, this is
+the one which excites in me the greatest degree of impatience. How many
+fears and anxieties enhance the keen anguish I feel at being separated
+from all that I love most fondly in the world! How have you borne my
+second departure? have you loved me less? have you pardoned me? have
+you reflected that, at all events, I must equally have been parted from
+you,--wandering about in Italy,~[1] dragging on an inglorious life,
+surrounded by the persons most opposed to my projects, and to my manner
+of thinking? All these reflections did not prevent my experiencing the
+most bitter grief when the moment arrived for quitting my native shore.
+Your sorrow, that of my friends, Henrietta,~[2] all rushed upon my
+thoughts, and my heart was torn by a thousand painful feelings. I could
+not at that instant find any excuse for my own conduct. If you could
+know all that I have suffered, and the melancholy days that I have
+passed, whilst thus flying from all that I love best in the World! Must
+I join to this affliction the grief of hearing that you do not pardon
+me? I should, in truth, my love, be too unhappy. But I am not speaking
+to you of myself and of my health, and I well know that these details
+will deeply interest you.
+
+Since writing my last letter, I have been confined to the most dreary
+of all regions: the sea is so melancholy, that we mutually, I believe,
+sadden each other. I ought to have landed by this time, but the winds
+have been most provokingly contrary; I shall not arrive at Charlestown
+for eight or ten days. It will be a great pleasure to me to land, as I
+am expecting to do, in that city. When I am once on shore, I shall hope
+each day to receive news from France; I shall learn so many interesting,
+things, both concerning the new country I am seeking, and, above all,
+that home which I have quitted with so much regret! Provided I only
+learn that you are in good health, that you still love me, and that a
+certain number of my friends entertain the same feelings towards me, I
+can become a perfect philosopher with respect to all the rest,--whatever
+it may be, or whatever land it may concern. But if my heart be attacked
+in its most vulnerable part, if you were to love me less, I should feel,
+in truth, too miserable. But I need not fear this--need I, my dearest
+love? I was very ill during the first part of my voyage, and I might
+have enjoyed the pleasure of an ill-natured person, that of knowing
+that I had many fellow sufferers. I treated myself according to my
+own judgment, and recovered sooner than the other passengers; I am now
+nearly the same as if I were on shore. I am certain that, on my arrival,
+I shall be in a perfect state of health, and continue so for a
+long time. Do not fancy that I shall incur any real dangers by the
+occupations I am undertaking. The post of general officer has always
+been considered like a commission for immortality. The service will be
+very different from the one I must have performed if I had been, for
+example, a colonel in the French army. My attendance will only be
+required in the council. Ask the opinion of all general officers,--and
+these are very numerous, because, having once attained that height, they
+are no longer exposed to any hazards, and do not therefore yield their
+places to inferior officers, as is the case in other situations. To
+prove that I do not wish to deceive you, I will acknowledge that we are
+at this moment exposed to some danger, from the risk of being attacked
+by English vessels, and that my ship is not of sufficient force for
+defence. But when I have once landed, I shall be in perfect safety. You
+see that I tell you everything, my dearest love; confide therefore in
+me, and do not, I conjure you, give way to idle fears. I will not write
+you a journal of my voyage: days succeed each other, and, what is
+worse, resemble each other. Always sky, always water, and the next day
+a repetition of the same thing. In truth, those who write volumes upon a
+sea voyage must be incessant babblers; for my part, I have had contrary
+winds, as well as other people; I have made a long voyage, like other
+people; I have encountered storms; I have seen vessels, and they were
+far more interesting for me than for any other person: well! I have not
+observed one single event worth the trouble of relating, or that has not
+been described by many other persons.
+
+Let us speak of more important things: of yourself, of dear Henriette,
+and of her brother or sister. Henriette is so delightful, that she has
+made me in love with little girls. To whichever sex our new infant may
+belong, I shall receive it with unbounded joy. Lose not a moment in
+hastening my happiness by apprising me of its birth. I know not if it be
+because I am twice a father, but my parental feelings are stronger than
+they ever were. Mr. Deane, and my friend Carmichael, will forward your
+letters, and will, I am sure, neglect nothing to promote my happiness
+as soon as possible. Write, and even send me a confidential person,
+it would give me such pleasure to question any one who has seen you:
+Landrin, for example; in short, whom you please. You do not know the
+warmth and extent of my affection, if you fancy that you may neglect
+anything relating to yourself. You will be, at first, a long time
+without hearing from me; but when I am once established you will
+receive letters constantly, and of a very recent date. There is no great
+difference of time between letters from America and letters from Sicily.
+I own that Sicily weighs heavily on my heart. I fancied myself near
+seeing you again! But let me break off at the word Sicily. Adieu, my
+dearest love; I shall write to you from Charlestown, and write to you
+also before I arrive there. Good night, for the present.
+
+7th June.
+
+I am still floating on this dreary plain, the most wearisome of all
+human habitations. To console myself a little, I think of you and of
+my friends: I think of the pleasure of seeing you again. How delightful
+will be the moment of my arrival! I shall hasten to surprise and embrace
+you. I shall perhaps find you with your children. To think, only, of
+that happy moment, is an inexpressible pleasure to me; do not fancy that
+it is distant; although the time of my absence will appear, I own, very
+long to me, yet we shall meet sooner than you can expect. Without being
+able myself to fix the day or the month of our reunion, without being
+aware even of the cause of our absence, the exile prescribed by the Duke
+d'Ayen, until the month of January, appeared to me so immeasurably long,
+that I certainly shall not inflict upon myself one of equal length. You
+must acknowledge, my love, that the occupation and situation I shall
+have are very different from those that were intended for me during that
+useless journey. Whilst defending the liberty I adore, I shall enjoy
+perfect freedom myself: I but offer my service to that interesting
+republic from motives of the purest kind, unmixed with ambition or
+private views; her happiness and my glory are my only incentives to the
+task. I hope that, for my sake, you will become a good American, for
+that feeling is worthy of every noble heart. The happiness of America is
+intimately connected with the happiness of all mankind; she will
+become the safe and respected asylum of virtue, integrity, toleration,
+equality, and tranquil happiness.
+
+We have occasionally some slight alarms, but, with a little skill
+and good luck, I am certain of reaching the port in safety. I am more
+pleased with this prospect, because I feel that I am becoming, every
+day, extremely reasonable. You know that the viscount~[3] has the habit
+of repeating, that "_travelling forms young men_;" if he said this but
+once every morning and once every evening, in truth it would not be too
+much, for I am constantly more strongly impressed with the justice of
+the observation. I know not where the poor viscount is at this present
+moment, nor the prince,~[4] nor all my other friends. This state of
+uncertainty is a very painful one. Whenever you chance to meet any
+one whom I love, tell him a thousand and ten thousand things from me.
+Embrace tenderly my three sisters, and tell them that they must remember
+me, and love me; present my compliments to Mademoiselle Marin;~[5] I
+recommend, also, poor Abbe Fayon to your care. As to the Marshal de
+Noailles, tell him that I do not write to him, for fear of tiring him,
+and because I should have nothing to announce to him but my arrival;
+that I am expecting his commissions for trees or plants, or whatever
+else he may desire, and that I should wish my exactness in fulfilling
+his wishes to be a proof of my affection for him. Present, also, my
+respects to the Duchess de la Tremoille,~[6] and tell her that I make
+the same offer to her as to the Marshal de Noailles, either for herself
+or her daughter-in-law, who has such a beautiful garden. Tell my old
+friend Desplaus,~[7] also, that I am well. As to my aunts, Madame d'Ayen
+and the viscountess, I am myself writing to them.
+
+These are my little commissions, my love; I have also written to Sicily.
+We have seen, to-day, several kinds of birds, which announce that we are
+not far from shore. The hope of arriving is very sweet, for a ship life
+is a most wearisome one. My health, fortunately, allows me to occupy
+myself a little; I divide my time between military books and English
+books. I have made some progress in this language, which will become
+very necessary to me. Adieu; night obliges me to discontinue my letter,
+as I forbade some days ago, any candles being used in my vessel: see how
+prudent I have become! Once more, adieu; if my fingers be at all guided
+by my heart, it is not necessary to see clearly to tell you that I love
+you, and that I shall love you all my life.
+
+
+15th June--At Major Hughes's.~[8]
+
+I have arrived, my dearest love, in perfect health, at the house of
+an American officer; and, by the most fortunate chance in the world, a
+French vessel is on the point of sailing; conceive how happy I am. I
+am going this evening to Charlestown, from whence I will write to you.
+There is no important news. The campaign is opened, but there is no
+fighting, or at least, very little. The manners in this part of the
+world are simple, polite, and worthy in every respect of the country
+in which the noble name of liberty is constantly repeated. I intended
+writing to Madame d'Ayen, but I find it is impossible. Adieu, adieu,
+my love. From Charlestown I shall repair, by land, to Philadelphia, to
+rejoin the army. Is it not true that you will always love me?
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. At the moment when M. de Lafayette's project of departure was taking
+place, he had been desired to join the Duke d'Ayen, and Madame de Tesse,
+his sister, who were setting out for Italy and Sicily.
+
+2. The first-born of M. de Lafayette, which died during his voyage. (See
+letter 16th June, 1778.)
+
+3. The Viscount de Noailles, brother-in-law to M. de Lafayette.
+
+4. The Prince de Poix, son of the Marshal de Mouchy, and consequently
+uncle, according to the mode of Bretagne, to Madame de Lafayette.
+
+5. Mademoiselle Marin was governess to Mesdemoiselles de Noailles; and
+the Abbe Fayon was tutor to M. de Lafayette.
+
+6. Madame de Lafayette, author of the _Princess de Clever_, had only one
+daughter, who became Madame de la Tremoille, and heiress to the property
+of the Lafayette family; and who cheerfully consented to restore to her
+cousins, who inhabited the province, those estates which a love of their
+family might make them wish to conserve to the heritors of the name of
+Lafayette. Since that period, the members of that branch, of which M. de
+Lafayette was the last scion, have constantly kept up feelings, not only
+of relationship, but of friendship, with the family of la Tremoille.
+
+7. An old valet de chambre.
+
+8. The father of him who so generously devoted himself to save Lafayette
+from the prisons of Olmutz--(Note of M. de Lafayette.)
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+
+June 19th, 1777, Charlestown.
+
+
+If my last letter, my dearest love, written five or six days ago, was
+closed hastily, I hope at least that the American captain, whom I then
+believed to be a French one, will remit it to you as soon as possible.
+That letter announced to you that I had landed safely in this country,
+after having suffered a little from sea-sickness during the first weeks
+of my voyage; that I was staying with a very kind officer, in whose
+house I was received upon my arrival; that I had been nearly two months
+at sea, and was anxious to continue my journey immediately; that letter
+spoke of everything which interests my heart most deeply, of my regret
+at having quitted you, of your pregnancy, and of our dear children; it
+told you, also, that I was in perfect health. I repeat this extract from
+it, because the English may very possibly amuse themselves by seizing it
+on its way. I place, however, so much confidence in my lucky star, that
+I hope it will reach you safely. That same star has protected me to the
+astonishment of every person; you may, therefore, trust a little to it
+in future, my love, and let this conviction tranquillize your fears. I
+landed after having sailed for several days along a coast swarming with
+hostile vessels. On my arrival here every one told me that my ship must
+undoubtedly be taken, because two English frigates had blockaded the
+harbour. I even sent, both by land and sea, orders to the captain to
+put the men on shore, and burn the vessel, if he had still the power of
+doing so. Well! by a most extraordinary piece of good fortune, a sudden
+gale of wind having blown away the frigates for a short time, my vessel
+arrived at noon-day, without having encountered friend or foe. At
+Charlestown I have met with General Howe, a general officer, now engaged
+in service. The governor of the state is expected this evening from the
+country. All the persons with whom I wished to be acquainted have
+shewn me the greatest attention and politeness (not European politeness
+merely); I can only feel gratitude for the reception I have met
+with, although I have not yet thought proper to enter into any detail
+respecting my future prospects and arrangements. I wish to see the
+congress first. I hope to set out in two days for Philadelphia, which
+is a land journey of more than two hundred and fifty leagues. We shall
+divide into small parties; I have already purchased horses and light
+carriages for this purpose. There are some French and American vessels
+at present here, who are to sail out of the harbour in company to-morrow
+morning, taking advantage of a moment when the frigates are out of
+sight: they are numerous and armed, and have promised me to defend
+themselves stoutly against the small privateers they will undoubtedly
+meet with. I shall distribute my letters amongst the different ships, in
+case any accident should happen to either one of them.
+
+I shall now speak to you, my love, about the country and its
+inhabitants, who are as agreeable as my enthusiasm had led me to
+imagine. Simplicity of manner, kindness of heart, love of country and of
+liberty, and a delightful state of equality, are met with universally.
+The richest and the poorest man are completely on a level; and although
+there are some immense fortunes in this country, I may challenge any one
+to point out the slightest difference in their respective manner towards
+each other. I first saw and judged of a country life at Major Hughes's
+house: I am at present in the city, where everything somewhat resembles
+the English customs, except that you find more simplicity here than you
+would do in England. Charlestown is one of the best built, handsomest,
+and most agreeable cities that I have ever seen. The American women are
+very pretty, and have great simplicity of character; and the extreme
+neatness of their appearance is truly delightful: cleanliness is
+everywhere even more studiously attended to here than in England. What
+gives me most pleasure is to see how completely the citizens are all
+brethren of one family. In America there are none poor, and none even
+that can be called peasants. Each citizen has some property, and all
+citizens have the same rights as the richest individual, or landed
+proprietor, in the country. The inns are very different from those of
+Europe; the host and hostess sit at table with you, and do the honours
+of a comfortable meal; and when you depart, you pay your bill without
+being obliged to tax it. If you should dislike going to inns, you may
+always find country houses in which you will be received, as a good
+American, with the same attention that you might expect in a friend's
+house in Europe.
+
+My own reception has been most peculiarly agreeable. To have been merely
+my travelling companion, suffices to secure the kindest welcome. I have
+just passed five hours at a large dinner given in compliment to me by
+an individual of this town. Generals Howe and Moultrie, and several
+officers of my suite, were present. We drank each other's health, and
+endeavoured to talk English, which I am beginning to speak a little. I
+shall pay a visit to-morrow, with these gentlemen, to the governor of
+the state, and make the last arrangements for my departure. The next
+day, the commanding officers here will take me to see the town and its
+environs, and I shall then set out to join the army. I must close and
+send my letter immediately, because the vessel goes to-night to the
+entrance of the harbour, and sails to-morrow at five o'clock. As all the
+ships are exposed to some risk, I shall divide my letters amongst them.
+I write to M M. de Coigny, de Poix, de Noailles, de Segur, and to Madame
+d'Ayen.~[1] If either of these should not receive my letter, be so kind
+as to mention this circumstance.
+
+From the agreeable life I lead in this country, from the sympathy which
+makes me feel as much at ease with the inhabitants as if I had known
+them for twenty years, the similarity between their manner of thinking
+and of my own, my love of glory and of liberty, you might imagine that I
+am very happy: but you are not with me, my dearest love; my friends
+are not with me; and there is no happiness for me when far from you and
+them. I often ask you if you still love, but I put that question still
+more often to myself and my heart ever answers, yes: I trust that heart
+does not deceive me. I am inexpressibly anxious to hear from you; I hope
+to find some letters at Philadelphia. My only fear is that the privateer
+which was to bring them to me should have been captured on her
+way. Although I can easily imagine that I have excited the especial
+displeasure of the English, by taking the liberty of coming hither in
+spite of them, and landing before their very face, yet I must confess
+that we shall be even more than on a par if they succeed in catching
+that vessel, the object of my fondest hopes, by which I am expecting to
+receive your letters. I entreat you to send me both long and frequent
+letters. You are not sufficiently conscious of the joy with which I
+shall receive them. Embrace, most tenderly, my Henriette: may I add,
+embrace our children? The father of those poor children is a wanderer,
+but he is, nevertheless, a good honest man,--a good father, warmly
+attached to his family, and a good husband also, for he loves his wife
+most tenderly. Present my compliments to your friends and to mine; may
+I not say _our_ friends? with the permission of the Countess Auguste and
+Madame de Fronsac.~[2] By _my friends_, you know that I mean my own dear
+circle, formerly of the court, and which afterwards became the society
+of _the wooden sword_;~[3] we republicans like it the better for the
+change. This letter will be given you by a French captain, who, I think,
+will deliver it into your own hands; but I must confide to you that I
+have an agreeable anticipation for to-morrow, which is to write to you
+by an American, who will sail on the same day, but at a later hour.
+Adieu, then, my dearest love; I must leave off for want of time and
+paper; and if I do not repeat ten thousand times that I love you, it is
+not from want of affection, but from my having the vanity to hope that
+I have already convinced you of it. The night is far advanced, the heat
+intense, and I am devoured by gnats; but the best countries, as you
+perceive, have their inconveniences. Adieu, my love, adieu.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. The Viscount de Coigny, son of the last marshal of that name, was the
+intimate friend of M. de Lafayette in his youth. He died young, perhaps
+even during this voyage.--(See the letters of January the 6th, and
+February 13th, 1778.) The Count de Segur, who had married the sister
+of the Duchess d'Ayen, and who was, therefore, the uncle of M. de
+Lafayette, continued, to the last, his friend--(See the memoirs
+published before his death, which occurred in 1830.)
+
+2. The Countess Auguste d'Aremberg, the wife of Count de Lamark, the
+friend of Mirabeau, and the Duchess de Fronsac, daughter-in-law to the
+Marshal de Richelieu.
+
+3. A society of young men, who first assembled at Versailles, and
+afterwards at an inn at Paris.--(Note by M. de Lafayette.)
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+Petersburg, July 17th, 1777.
+
+I am very happy, my dearest love, if the word happiness can truly be
+applied to me, whilst I am separated from all I love; there is a vessel
+on the point of sailing for France, and I am enabled to tell you, before
+setting out for Philadelphia, that I love you, my dearest life, and that
+you may be perfectly tranquil respecting my health. I bore the fatigue
+of the journey without suffering from it; although the land expedition
+was long and wearisome, yet the confinement of my melancholy ship was
+far more so. I am now eight days' journey from Philadelphia, in the
+beautiful state of Virginia. All fatigue is over, and I fear that my
+martial labours will be very light, if it be true that General Howe has
+left New York, to go I know not whither. But all the accounts I receive
+are so uncertain, that I cannot form any fixed opinion until I reach my
+destination; from thence, my love, I shall write you a long letter. You
+must already have received four letters from me, if they have not fallen
+into the hands of the English. I have received no news of you, and
+my impatience to arrive at Philadelphia to hear, from you cannot be
+compared to any other earthly feeling. Conceive the state of my mind,
+after having passed such an immense length of time without, having
+received a line from any friend! I hope all this will soon end, for I
+cannot live in such a state of uncertainty. I have undertaken a task
+which is, in truth, beyond my power, for my heart was not formed for so
+much suffering.
+
+You must have learnt the particulars of the commencement of my journey:
+you know that I set out in a brilliant manner in a carriage, and I must
+now tell you that we are all on horseback,--having broken the carriage,
+according to my usual praiseworthy custom,--and I hope soon to write to
+you that we have arrived on foot. The journey is somewhat fatiguing;
+but although several of my comrades have suffered a great deal, I have
+scarcely myself been conscious of fatigue. The captain who takes charge
+of this letter will, perhaps, pay you a visit; I beg you in that case to
+receive him with great kindness.
+
+I scarcely dare think of the time of your confinement, and yet I think
+of it every moment of the day. I cannot dwell upon it without the most
+dreadful anxiety. I am, indeed, unfortunate, at being so distant from
+you; even if you did not love me, you ought to pity me; but you do love
+me, and we shall mutually render each other happy. This little note will
+be short in comparison to the volumes I have already sent you, but you
+shall receive another letter in a few days from me.
+
+The farther I advance to the north, the better pleased am I with the
+country and inhabitants. There is no attention or kindness that I do not
+receive, although many scarcely know who I am. But I will write all this
+to you more in detail from Philadelphia. I have only time to intreat
+you, my dearest love, not to forget an unhappy man, who pays most dearly
+for the error he committed in parting from you, and who never felt
+before how tenderly he loved you.
+
+My respectful compliments to Madame d'Ayen, and my affectionate regards
+to my sisters. Tell M. de Coigny and M. de Poix that I am in good
+health, in case some letters should miscarry which I shall send by
+another opportunity, by which I shall also send a line to you, although
+I do not consider it so secure as this one.
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+
+July 23rd, 1777.
+
+
+I am always meeting, my dearest love, with opportunities of sending
+letters; I have this time only a quarter of an hour to give you. The
+vessel is on the point of sailing, and I can only announce to you my
+safe arrival at Annapolis, forty leagues from Philadelphia. I can tell
+you nothing of the town, for, as I alighted from my horse, I armed
+myself with a little weapon dipt in invisible ink. You must already have
+received five letters from me, unless King George should have received
+some of them. The last one was despatched three days since; in it I
+announced to you that my health was perfectly good, and had not been
+even impaired by my anxiety to arrive at Philadelphia. I have received
+bad news here; Ticonderoga, the strongest American post, has been forced
+by the enemy; this is very unfortunate, and we must endeavour to repair
+the evil. Our troops have taken, in retaliation, an English general
+officer, near New York. I am each day more miserable from having quitted
+you, my dearest love; I hope to receive news of you at Philadelphia,
+and this hope adds much to the impatience I feel to arrive in that city.
+Adieu, my life; I am in such haste that I know not what I write, but I
+do know that I love you more tenderly than ever; that the pain of this
+separation were necessary to convince me how very dear you are to me,
+and that I would give at this moment half my existence for the pleasure
+of embracing you again, and telling you with my own lips how well I love
+you. My respects to Madame d'Ayen, my compliments to the viscountess, my
+sisters, and all my friends: to you only have I time to write. O! if you
+knew how much I sigh to see you, how much I suffer at being separated
+from you, and all that my heart has been called on to endure, you
+would think me somewhat worthy of your love! I have left no space for
+Henriette; may I say for my children? Give them a hundred thousand
+embraces; I shall most heartily share them with you.
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+Philadelphia, September 12th, 1777.
+
+I write you a line, my dearest love, by some French officers, my
+friends, who embarked with me, but, not having received any appointment
+in the American army, are returning to France. I must begin by telling
+you that I am perfectly well, because I must end by telling you that we
+fought seriously last night, and that we were not the strongest on the
+field of battle. Our Americans, after having stood their ground for
+some time, ended at length by being routed: whilst endeavouring to rally
+them, the English honoured me with a musket ball, which slightly wounded
+me in the leg,--but it is a trifle, my dearest love; the ball touched
+neither bone nor nerve, and I have escaped with the obligation of lying
+on my back for some time, which puts me much out of humour. I hope that
+you will feel no anxiety; this event ought, on the contrary, rather to
+reassure you, since I am incapacitated from appearing on the field for
+some time: I have resolved to take great care of myself; be convinced
+of this, my love. This affair, will, I fear, be attended with bad
+consequences for America. We will endeavour, if possible, to repair the
+evil. You must have received many letters from me, unless the English be
+equally ill-disposed towards my epistles as towards my legs. I have
+not yet received one letter, and I am most impatient to hear from you.
+Adieu; I am forbidden to write longer. For several days I have not had
+time to sleep. Our retreat, and my journey hither, took up the whole of
+last night; I am perfectly well taken care of in this place. Tell all my
+friends that I am in good health. My tender respects to Madame d'Ayen.
+A thousand compliments to the viscountess and my sisters. The officers
+will soon set out. They will see you; what pleasure! Good night, my
+dearest life! I love you better than ever.
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+October 1st, 1777.
+
+I wrote to you, my dearest love, the 12th of September; the twelfth was
+the day after the eleventh, and I have a little tale to relate to you
+concerning that eleventh day. To render my action more meritorious, I
+might tell you that prudent reflections induced me to remain for some
+weeks in my bed, safe sheltered from all danger; but I must acknowledge
+that I was encouraged to take this measure by a slight wound, which
+I met with I know not how, for I did not, in truth, expose myself to
+peril. It was the first conflict at which I had been present; so you see
+how very rare engagements are. It will be the last of this campaign,
+or, in all probability, at least, the last great battle; and if anything
+should occur, you see that I could not myself be present.
+
+You may, therefore, my love, feel perfectly secure. I have much pleasure
+in thus reassuring you. While I am desiring you not to be alarmed on
+my account, I repeat to myself that you love me; and this little
+conversation with my own heart is inexpressibly delightful to me, for I
+love you more tenderly than I have ever done before.
+
+My first occupation was to write to you the day after that affair: I
+told you that it was a mere trifle, and I was right; all I fear is that
+you should not have received my letter. As General Howe is giving, in
+the meantime, rather pompous details of his American exploits to the
+king his master, if he should write word that I am wounded, he may also
+write word that I am killed, which would not cost him anything; but I
+hope that my friends, and you especially, will not give faith to the
+reports of those persons who last year dared to publish that General
+Washington, and all the general officers of his army, being in a boat
+together, had been upset, and every individual drowned. But let us speak
+about the wound: it is only a flesh-wound, and has neither touched bone
+nor nerve. The surgeons are astonished at the rapidity with which
+it heals; they are in an ecstasy of joy each time they dress it, and
+pretend it is the finest thing in the world: for my part, I think it
+most disagreeable, painful, and wearisome; but tastes often differ: if
+a man, however, wished to be wounded for his amusement only, he should
+come and examine how I have been struck, that he might be struck
+precisely in the same manner. This, my dearest love, is what I pompously
+style my wound, to give myself airs, and render myself interesting.
+
+I must now give you your lesson, as wife of an American general officer.
+They will say to you, "They have been beaten:" you must answer,--"That
+is true; but when two armies of _equal number_ meet in the field, old
+soldiers have naturally the advantage over new ones; they have, besides,
+had the pleasure of killing a great many of the enemy, many more than
+they have lost." They will afterwards add: "All that is very well; but
+Philadelphia is taken, the capital of America, the rampart of liberty!"
+You must politely answer, "You are all great fools! Philadelphia is
+a poor forlorn town, exposed on every side, whose harbour was already
+closed; though the residence of congress lent it, I know not why, some
+degree of celebrity. This is the famous city which, be it added, we
+will, sooner or later, make them yield back to us." If they continue to
+persecute you with questions, you may send them about their business in
+terms which the Viscount de Noailles will teach you, for I cannot lose
+time by talking to you of politics.
+
+I have delayed writing your letter till the last, in the hope of
+receiving one from you, answering it, and giving you the latest
+intelligence of my health; but I am told, if I do not send immediately
+to congress, twenty-five leagues from hence, my captain will have set
+out, and I shall lose the opportunity of writing to you. This is the
+cause of my scrawl being more unintelligible than usual; however, if I
+were to send you anything but a hurried scrawl, I ought, in that case,
+to beg your pardon, from the singularity of the case. Recollect, my
+dearest love, that I have only once heard of you, from Count Pulaski. I
+am much provoked, and am very miserable. Imagine how dreadful it is to
+be far from all I love, in this state of suspense and almost despair; it
+is impossible to support it; and I feel, at the same time, that I do not
+deserve to be pitied. Why was I so obstinately bent on coming hither ?
+I have been well punished for my error; my affections are too strongly
+rooted for me to be able to perform such deeds. I hope you pity me;
+if you knew all I suffer, especially at this moment, when everything
+concerning you is so deeply interesting! I cannot, without shuddering,
+think of this. I am told that a parcel has arrived from France; I have
+despatched expresses on every road and in every corner; I have sent an
+officer to congress; I am expecting him every day, and you may conceive
+with what feelings of intense anxiety. My surgeon is also very anxious
+for his arrival, for this suspense keeps my blood in a state of
+effervescence, and he would fain require that it should flow calmly. O,
+my dearest life, if I receive good news from you, and all I love,--if
+those delightful letters arrive to-day, how happy I shall be!--but with
+what agitation, also, I shall open them!
+
+Be perfectly at ease about my wound; all the faculty in America are
+engaged in my service. I have a friend, who has spoken to them in such
+a manner that I am certain of being well attended to; that friend is
+General Washington. This excellent man, whose talents and virtues I
+admired, and whom I have learnt to revere as I know him better, has now
+become my intimate friend: his affectionate interest in me instantly won
+my heart. I am established in his house, and we live together like
+two attached brothers, with mutual confidence and cordiality. This
+friendship renders me as happy as I can possibly be in this country.
+When he sent his best surgeon to me, he told him to take charge of me as
+if I were his son, because he loved me with the same affection. Having
+heard that I wished to rejoin the army too soon, he wrote me a letter
+full of tenderness, in which he requested me to attend to the perfect
+restoration of my health. I give you these details, my dearest love,
+that you may feel quite certain of the care that is taken of me. Amongst
+the French officers, who have all expressed the warmest interest for me,
+M. de Gimat, my aide-de-camp, has followed me about like my shadow, both
+before and since the battle, and has given me every possible proof of
+attachment. You may thus feel quite secure on this account, both for the
+present and for the future.
+
+All the foreigners who are in the army,--for I do not speak only of
+those who have not been employed, and who, on their return to
+France, will naturally give an unjust account of America, because the
+discontented, anxious to revenge their fancied injuries, cannot be
+impartial,--all the foreigners, I say, who have been employed here are
+dissatisfied, complain, detest others, and are themselves detested: they
+do not understand why I am the only stranger beloved in America, and
+I cannot understand why they are so much hated. In the midst of the
+disputes and dissensions common to all armies, especially when there
+are officers of various nations, I, for my part, who am an easy and a
+good-tempered man, am so fortunate as to be loved by all parties,
+both foreigners and Americans: I love them all--I hope I deserve their
+esteem; and we are perfectly satisfied the one with the other. I am
+at present in the solitude of Bethlehem, which the Abbe Raynal has
+described so minutely. This establishment is a very interesting one; the
+fraternity lead an agreeable and a very tranquil life: we will talk over
+all this on my return; and I intend to weary those I love, yourself, of
+course, in the first place, by the relation of my adventures, for you
+know that I was always a great prattler. You must become a prattler
+also, my love, and say many things for me to Henriette--my poor little
+Henriette! embrace her a thousand times--talk of me to her, but do
+not tell her all I deserve to suffer; my punishment will be, not to
+be recognised by her on my arrival; that is the penance Henriette
+will impose on me. Has she a brother or a sister?--the choice is quite
+indifferent to me, provided I have a second time the pleasure of being a
+father, and that I may soon learn that circumstance. If I should have
+a son, I will tell him to examine his own heart carefully; and if that
+heart should be a tender one, if he should have a wife whom he loves as
+I love you, in that case I shall advise him not to give way to
+feelings of enthusiasm, which would separate him from the object of his
+affection, for that affection will afterwards give rise to a thousand
+dreadful fears.
+
+I am writing, by a different opportunity, to various persons, and also
+to yourself. I think this letter will arrive first; if this vessel
+should accidentally arrive, and the other one be lost, I have given
+the viscount a list of the letters I have addressed to him. I forgot to
+mention my aunts;~[1] give them news of me as soon as this reaches you.
+I have made no _duplicata_ for you, because I write to you by every
+opportunity. Give news of me, also, to M. Margelay,~[2] the Abbe Fayon,
+and Desplaces.
+
+A thousand tender regards to my sisters; I permit them to despise me as
+an infamous deserter--but they must also love me at the same time. My
+respects to Madame la Comtesse Auguste, and Madame de Fronsac. If my
+grandfather's letters should not reach him, present to him my respectful
+and affectionate regards. Adieu, adieu, my dearest life; continue to
+love me, for I love you most tenderly.
+
+Present my compliments to Dr. Franklin and Mr. Deane; I wished to write
+to them, but cannot find time.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. Madame de Chavaniac and Madame de Motier, sisters of General
+Lafayette's father.
+
+2. An ancient officer, to whom M. de Lafayette was confided, on leaving
+college, as to a governor.
+
+
+
+TO M. DE VERGENNES,
+
+MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
+
+Whitemarsh Camp, October 24, 1777.
+
+SIR,--You were formerly annoyed, much against my wish, by the part you
+were called upon to take in my first projects; you will, perhaps, also
+feel annoyed by the attention I take the liberty of requesting you to
+give to the objects I have at present in view. They may appear to you as
+little worthy as the first of occupying your valuable time; but in this
+case, as in the previous one, my good intentions (even should they be
+ill-directed) may serve as my apology. My age might also, perhaps, have
+been one, formerly; I only request now that it may not prevent you from
+taking into consideration whether my opinions be rational.
+
+I do not permit myself to examine what succour the glorious cause we are
+defending in America may have received; but my love for my own country
+makes me observe, with pleasure, under how many points of view the
+vexations of the family of England may be advantageous to her. There is,
+above all, one project which, in every case, and _at all events_, would
+present, I think, rational hopes of attaining any useful end, in exact
+proportion to the means employed in its execution; I allude to an
+expedition of greater or less importance against the East Indies; and
+I should fear to injure the cause by proposing myself to take charge of
+it.
+
+Without pretending to the art of prophecy in relation to present events,
+but convinced in the sincerity of my heart that to injure England would
+be serving (shall I say revenging?) my country, I believe that this
+idea would powerfully excite the energy of each individual bearing the
+honourable name of Frenchman. I came hither without permission; I have
+obtained no approbation but that which may be implied by silence;
+I might also undertake another little voyage without having been
+authorized by government: if the success be uncertain, I should have
+the advantage of exposing only myself to danger,--and what should,
+therefore, prevent my being enterprising? If I could but succeed in the
+slightest degree, a flame kindled on the least important establishment
+of England, even if part of my own fortune were to be consumed also,
+would satisfy my heart by awakening hopes for a more propitious hour.
+
+Guided by the slight knowledge which my ignorance has been able to
+obtain, I shall now state in what manner, Sir, I would undertake this
+enterprise. An American patent, to render my movements regular, the
+trifling succours by which it might be sustained, the assistance I might
+obtain at the French islands, the speculations of some merchants, the
+voluntary aid of a few of my fellow comrades,--such are the feeble
+resources which would enable me to land peacefully on the Isle of
+France. I should there find, I believe, privateers ready to assist me,
+and men to accompany me in sufficient numbers to lie in wait for the
+vessels returning from China, which would offer me a fresh supply of
+force, sufficient perhaps to enable me to fall upon one or two of their
+factories, and destroy them before they could be protected. With an aid,
+which I dare scarcely hope would be granted me, and, above all,
+with talents which I am far from having yet acquired, might not some
+advantage be taken of the jealousy of the different nabobs, the hatred
+of the Mahrattas, the venality of the sepoys, and the effeminacy of the
+English? Might not the crowd of Frenchmen dispersed at present on that
+coast be employed with advantage in the cause? As to myself personally,
+in any case, the fear of compromising my own country would prevent my
+acknowledging the pride I feel in being her son, even as the nobility
+in some provinces occasionally lay aside their marks of distinction to
+reassume them at a later period.
+
+Although by no means blind as to the imprudence of the step, I would
+have hazarded this enterprise alone, if the fear of injuring the
+interests I wish to serve, by not sufficiently understanding them, or
+of proving a detriment to some better-concerted expedition, had not
+arrested my intended movements; for I have the vanity to believe that a
+project of this kind may one day be executed on a grander scale, and by
+far abler hands, than mine. Even now it might be executed in a manner
+that would, I think, insure success, if I could hope to receive from the
+government, not an order, not succours, not mere indifference,--but
+I know scarcely what, which I can find no language to express with
+sufficient delicacy.
+
+In this case, an order from the king, should he deign to restore me
+for some time to my friends and family, without prohibiting my return
+hither, would give me a hint to prepare myself with American continental
+commissions; some preparations and instructions from France might also
+precede that pretended return, and conduct me straight to the East
+Indies: the silence which was formerly perhaps an error, would then
+become a sacred duty, and would serve to conceal my true destination,
+and above all the sort of approbation it might receive.
+
+Such, Sir, are the ideas that, duly impressed with a sense of my
+incapacity and youth, I presume to submit to your better judgment, and,
+if you should think favourably of them, to the various modifications to
+which you may conceive them liable; I am certain, at least, that they
+cannot be deemed ridiculous, because they are inspired by a laudable
+motive--the love of my country. I only ask for the honour of serving her
+under other colours, and I rejoice at seeing her interest united to that
+of the republicans for whom I am combating; earnestly hoping, however,
+that I shall soon be allowed to fight under the French banner. A
+commission of grenadier in the king's army would, in that case, be more
+agreeable to me than the highest rank in a foreign army.
+
+I reproach myself too much, Sir, for thus offering you my undigested
+ideas regarding Asia, to heighten my offence by presumptuously tracing
+a plan of America, embellished with my own reflections, which you do
+not require, and have not asked for: the zeal which led me hither, and,
+above all, the friendship which unites me to the general-in-chief, would
+render me liable to the accusation of partiality, from which feeling I
+flatter myself I am wholly free. I reserve till my return the honour of
+mentioning to you the names of those officers of merit whom the love of
+their profession has led to this continent. All those who are French,
+Sir, have a right to feel confidence in you. It is on this ground that
+I claim your indulgence; I have a second claim upon it from the respect
+with which I have the honour to be, Sir,
+
+Your very humble and obedient servant,
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+If this letter should weary you, Sir, the manner in which it will reach
+you may be deemed perhaps but too secure. I entrust it to M. de Valfort,
+captain of the regiment of Aunis, with the commission of colonel in our
+islands, whom his talents, reputation, and researches, have rendered
+useful in this country, and whom the wishes of General Washington
+would have detained here, if his health had not rendered it absolutely
+necessary for him to return to France. I shall here await your orders,
+(which cannot, without difficulty, enter an American harbour,) or I
+shall go myself to receive them, as future circumstances may render
+proper; for, since my arrival, I have not received one order which could
+regulate my movements.
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+The Camp near Whitemarsh, Oct. 29th, 1777.
+
+I send you an open letter, my dearest love, in the person of M. de
+Valfort, my friend, whom I entreat you to receive as such. He will tell
+you at length everything concerning me; but I must tell you myself how
+well I love you. I have too much pleasure in experiencing this sentiment
+not to have also pleasure in repeating it to you a thousand times, if
+that were possible. I have no resource left me, my love, but to write
+and write again, without even hoping that my letters will ever reach
+you, and I endeavour to console myself, by the pleasure of conversing
+with you, for the disappointment and anguish of not receiving one single
+line from France. It is impossible to describe to you how completely my
+heart is torn by anxiety and fear; nor should I wish to express all I
+feel, even if it were in my power to do so; for I would not disturb,
+by any painful impressions, the happiest moments of my exile--those in
+which I can speak to you of my tenderness. But do you, at least, pity
+me? Do you comprehend all that I endure? If I could only know at this
+moment where you are, and what you are doing! but in the course of time
+I shall learn all this, for I am not separated from you in reality, as
+if I were dead. I am expecting your letters with an impatience, from
+which nothing can for an instant divert my thoughts: every one tells
+me they must soon arrive; but can I rely on this? Neglect not one
+opportunity of writing to me, if my happiness be still dear to you.
+Repeat to me that you love me: the less I merit your affection, the
+more necessary to me are your consoling assurances of it. You must have
+received so many accounts of my slight wound, that all repetitions on
+the subject would be useless; and if you ever believed it was anything
+serious, M. de Valfort can undeceive you. In a very short time I shall
+not even be lame.
+
+Is it not dreadful, my love, to reflect that it is by the public,
+by English papers, by our enemy's gazettes, that I should receive
+intelligence concerning you? In an unimportant article relating to my
+arrival here, they ended by speaking of yourself, your situation, and
+approaching confinement; that source of all my fears, agitations, hopes,
+and joy. How happy I should feel if I could learn that I had become a
+second time a father, that you are in good health, that my two children
+and their mother are likely to constitute the felicity of my future
+life! This country is delightful for the growth of filial and paternal
+love: these feelings may even be termed passions, and give rise to the
+most assiduous and unremitting care. The news of your confinement will
+be received with joy by the whole army, and above all by its commander.
+
+I shall find my poor little Henriette very amusing on my return. I hope
+she will deliver a long sermon of reproof, and that she will speak to me
+with all the frankness of friendship; for my daughter will be always,
+I trust, my most intimate friend; I will only be a father in affection,
+and paternal love shall unite in my heart with friendship. Embrace her,
+my love,--may I say embrace _them?_--for me! But I will not dwell upon
+all I suffer from this painful uncertainty. I know that you share all
+the sorrows of my heart, and I will not afflict you. I wrote by the
+last opportunity to Madame d'Ayen; since my wound I have written to
+everybody; but those letters have perhaps been lost. It is not my fault;
+I wish to return a little evil to those wicked letter-stealers when they
+are on land, but on the sea I have only the consolation of the weak,
+that of cursing heartily those of whom I cannot be revenged. A thousand
+tender respects to your mother; my kind regards to your sisters. Do not
+forget my compliments to the Marshal de Noailles, and to your paternal
+and maternal relations. I have received four foolish lines from the
+Marshal de Mouchy, who does not say one word of you; I swore at him
+in every language. Adieu, my love, adieu; ask questions of my good,
+excellent friend, M. de Valfort, for my paper is coming to a close. It
+is dreadful to be reduced to hold no communication but by letter with a
+person whom one loves as I love you, and as I shall ever love you, until
+I draw my latest breath.
+
+I have not missed a single opportunity, not even the most indirect one,
+without writing to you. Do the same also on your side, my dearest life,
+if you love me; but I should indeed be unfeeling and ungrateful if I
+were to doubt your love.
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+Camp of Whitemarsh, November 6th, 1777.
+
+You will perhaps receive this letter, my dearest love, at the expiration
+of five or six years, for I am writing to you by an accidental
+opportunity, in which I do not place great trust. See what a circuit
+my letter must make. An officer in the army will carry it to Fort Pitt,
+three hundred miles in the interior of the continent; it will then
+embark on the great Ohio river, and traverse regions inhabited only by
+savages; having reached New Orleans, a small vessel will transport it to
+the Spanish islands; a ship of that nation--God knows when!--will carry
+it with her on her return to Europe. But it will even then be very
+distant from you; and it is only after having been soiled by the dirty
+hands of all the Spanish post-masters that it will be allowed to pass
+the Pyrenees. It may very possibly be unsealed and resealed five or six
+times before it be finally placed in your hands; but it will prove to
+you that I neglect no opportunity, not even the most indirect one, of
+sending you news of myself, and of repeating how well I love you. It is,
+however, for my own satisfaction only that I delight to tell you so at
+present; I hope that I shall have the pleasure of throwing this letter
+in the fire when it arrives, for be it understood I shall be there also,
+and my presence will render this piece of paper very insignificant. The
+idea is most soothing to my heart, and I indulge it with rapture. How
+enchanting to think of the moments when we shall be together! but how
+painful also to recollect that my joy is only caused by an illusion,
+and that I am separated from the reality of my happiness by two thousand
+leagues, an immense ocean, and villanous English vessels! Those wretched
+vessels make me very unhappy. One letter, one letter only, have I yet
+received from you, my love; the others have been lost or taken, and are
+probably at the bottom of the sea. I must consider our enemy the cause
+of this dreadful loss; for I am certain you do not neglect to write to
+me from every port, and by all the despatches sent by Dr. Franklin and
+Mr. Deane. And yet some ships arrived; I have sent couriers to every
+corner of the continent; but all my hopes have been frustrated. Perhaps
+you have not been properly informed. I entreat you, my love, to inquire
+carefully in what manner you may best send your letters. It is so
+dreadful for me to be deprived of them, and I am so unhappy at being
+separated from all I love! I am guilty, it is true, of having caused
+my own calamity; but you would pity me if you knew all that my heart
+endured.
+
+But why tell you news in a letter destined to travel about the world
+for years, which will reach you perhaps in shreds, and will represent
+antiquity personified? My other despatches must have informed you of
+the various events of the campaign. The battle of Brandywine, in which
+I most skilfully lost a small part of my leg; the taking possession of
+Philadelphia, which will by no means, however, be attended with the ill
+consequences which have been expected in Europe; the attack of a post
+at Germantown, at which I was not present, from having received a recent
+wound, and which did not prove successful; the surrender of General
+Burgoyne, with five thousand men--that same Burgoyne who wished to
+devour us all, last spring, but who finds himself this autumn the
+prisoner of war of our northern army; and finally, our present
+situation, stationed immediately opposite each other, at four leagues
+distance, and General Howe established at Philadelphia, making great
+exertion to take certain forts, and having already lost in the attempt
+one large and one small vessel. You are now quite as well informed on
+the subject as if you were general-in-chief of either army. I need only
+at this moment add, that the wound of the 11th of September, of which
+I have spoken to you a thousand times, is almost completely healed,
+although I am still a little lame, but that in a few days there will
+scarcely remain any traces of this accident. All these details will be
+given you very circumstantially by my friend Mr. de Valfort, to whom I
+have given a letter for you, and on whose accounts you may implicitly
+rely. I have just learnt that he has sailed, not, as I expected, in a
+packet, but in a good frigate of thirty-five guns: it would be unlucky
+indeed if he were taken. From his lips, and the epistle which I confided
+to him five or six days ago, you will learn all that your affection for
+me may make you wish to know. I wish you also knew the precise day of my
+return, and I am most impatient to fix that day myself, and to be able
+to say to you, in the joy of my heart,--upon such a day I set out to
+rejoin you, and obtain all earthly happiness.
+
+A little gentleman, in a blue coat, with lemon-coloured facings and
+a white waistcoat, a German, coming hither to solicit an employment,
+(which he will not obtain,) and speaking wretched French, told me that
+he quitted Europe in the month of August: he talked to me of politics
+and of the ministry; he upset all Europe generally, and every court
+individually; but he knew not a word of what was most interesting to my
+heart. I examined him in every way; I mentioned fifty names to him; his
+answer was always, _"Me not know them noblemen_."
+
+I will not weary you with a long account of the state of my finances.
+The accident which occurred to my vessel was a source of vexation to
+me, because that vessel would have been useful to me in the present
+settlement of my affairs; but it is no longer in being, and I should
+reproach myself with having sent it back, had I not been obliged to make
+its return a clause in my engagements, on account of my minority.~[1]
+Everything here is incredibly dear. We feel the consolation of
+the malevolent in thinking that the scarcity is still greater in
+Philadelphia. In time of war, we become reconciled to all we may
+ourselves endure by making our enemies suffer ten times more. We have
+here an abundance of provisions, and we learn with pleasure that our
+English neighbours are not so fortunate.
+
+Do not think at present of being uneasy on my account; all the hard
+blows are over, and there can be, at most, but some little miniature
+strokes, which cannot concern me; I am not less secure in this camp than
+I should be were I in the centre of Paris. If every possible advantage
+to be attained by serving here; if the friendship of the army in gross
+and in detail; if a tender union with the most respectable and admirable
+of men, General Washington, sustained by mutual confidence; if the
+affection of those Americans by whom I wish to be beloved; if all this
+were sufficient to constitute my happiness, I should indeed have
+nothing to desire. But my heart is far from being tranquil. You would
+compassionate me, if you knew how much that heart suffers, and how well
+it loves you!
+
+The present season of the year makes me hope to receive some letters.
+What may they announce to me? what may I hope? O, my dearest love, how
+cruel it is to endure this painful anxiety, under circumstances which
+are so all-important to my happiness! Have I two children? have I
+another infant to share my tender affection with my dearest Henriette?
+Embrace my dear little girl a thousand times for me; embrace them both
+tenderly, my dearest life. I trust they will know one day how well I
+love them.
+
+A thousand respectful compliments to Madame d'Ayen; a thousand tender
+ones to the viscountess and my sisters; to my friends a million of kind
+regards; remember me to every one. Adieu! take care of your own health;
+give me circumstantial details of all things; believe that I love you
+more than ever, that you are the first object of my affection, and the
+surest guarantee of my felicity. The sentiments so deeply engraven on
+a heart which belongs to you alone, shall remain, whilst that heart
+continues to vibrate. Will you, too, always love me, my dearest life? I
+dare believe it, and that we shall mutually render each other happy by
+an affection equally tender and eternal. Adieu, adieu! how delightful
+would it be to embrace you at this moment, and say to you with my own
+lips, I love thee better than I have ever loved, and I shall love thee
+for the remainder of my life.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. It will be seen by the memoirs that that vessel was wrecked on the
+bar of Charlestown.
+
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Haddonfield, the 26th November, 1777.
+
+Dear General,--I went down to this place since the day before yesterday,
+in order to be acquainted of all the roads and grounds around the enemy.
+I heard at my arrival that their main body was between Great and
+Little Timber Creek since the same evening. Yesterday morning, in
+reconnoitering about, I have been told that they were very busy in
+crossing the Delaware. I saw them myself in their boats, and sent that
+intelligence to General Greene as soon as possible, as every other thing
+I heard of. But I want to acquaint your excellency of a little event
+of last evening, which, though not very considerable in itself, will
+certainly please you, on account of the bravery and alacrity a small
+party of ours shewed on that occasion. After having spent the most part
+of the day to make myself well acquainted with the certainty of their
+motions, I came pretty late into the Gloucester road, between the two
+creeks. I had ten light-horse with Mr. Lindsey, almost a hundred and
+fifty riflemen, under Colonel Buttler, and two piquets of the militia,
+commanded by Colonels Hite and Ellis: my whole body was not three
+hundred. Colonel Armand, Colonel Laumoy, the chevaliers Duplessis and
+Gimat, were the Frenchmen who went with me. A scout of my men, with
+whom was Mr. Duplessis, to see how near were the first piquets from
+Gloucester, found at two miles and a half of it a strong post of three
+hundred and fifty Hessians with field-pieces, (what number I did
+know, by the unanimous deposition of their prisoners,) and engaged
+immediately. As my little reconnoitering party was all in fine spirits,
+I supported them. We pushed the Hessians more than an half mile from the
+place where was their main body, and we made them run very fast: British
+reinforcements came twice to them, but, very far from recovering their
+ground, they went always back. The darkness of the night prevented us
+then to push that advantage, and, after standing upon the ground we
+had got, I ordered them to return very slow to Haddonfield. The enemy,
+knowing perhaps by our drums that we were not so near, came again to
+fire at us; but the brave Major Moriss, with a part of his riflemen,
+sent them back, and pushed them very fast. I understand that they have
+had between twenty-five and thirty wounded, at least that number killed,
+among whom I am certain, is an officer; some say more, and the prisoners
+told me they have lost the commandant of that body; we got yet, this
+day, fourteen prisoners. I sent you the most moderate account I had from
+themselves. We left one single man killed, a lieutenant of militia,
+and only five of ours were wounded. Such is the account of our little
+entertainment, which is indeed much too long for the matter, but I take
+the greatest pleasure to let you know that the conduct of our soldiers
+is above all praises: I never saw men so merry, so spirited, so desirous
+to go on to the enemy, whatever forces they could have, as that small
+party was in this little fight. I found the riflemen above even their
+reputation, and the militia above all expectations I could have: I
+returned to them my very sincere thanks this morning. I wish that this
+little success of ours may please you, though a very trifling one, I
+find it very interesting on account of the behaviour of our soldiers.
+
+Some time after I came back, General Varnum arrived here; General Greene
+is, too, in this place since this morning; he engaged me to give you
+myself the account of the little advantage of that small part of the
+troops under his command. I have nothing more to say to your excellency
+about our business on this side, because he is writing himself: I should
+have been very glad, if circumstances had permitted me, to be useful
+to him upon a greater scale. As he is obliged to march slow in order to
+attend his troops, and as I am here only a volunteer, I will have the
+honour to wait upon your excellency as soon as possible, and I'll set
+out to-day: it will be a great pleasure for me to find myself again with
+you.
+
+With the most tender affection and highest respect I have the honour to
+be,
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+I must tell, too, that the riflemen had been the whole day running
+before my horse, without eating or taking any rest.
+
+I have just now a certain assurance that two British officers, besides
+those I spoke you of, have died this morning of their wounds in an
+house; this, and some other circumstances, let me believe that their
+lost may be greater than I told to your excellency.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. All the letters addressed to General Washington, as well as to
+other Americans, were written in English. Since the death of General
+Washington, his family have returned to General Lafayette the original
+letters he had addressed to him, and these are now in our possession.
+The originals of Washington's letters were almost all lost in the French
+revolution; but M. de Lafayette, during his last journey to the United
+States, had a great number of them copied from minutes preserved by
+Washington himself: they have been inserted in the collection we have so
+frequently quoted from, published by Mr. Sparks.
+
+
+
+TO THE DUKE D'AYEN.
+
+Camp Gulph, Pennsylvania, Dec. 16th, 1777.
+
+This letter, if it ever reaches you, will find you at least in France;
+some hazards are averted by this circumstance, but I must not indulge in
+many hopes. I never write a letter for Europe without deploring before
+hand the fate most probably awaiting it, and I labour, undoubtedly, more
+for Lord Howe than for any of my friends. The bad season is fortunately
+drawing near; the English ships will be obliged to quit their confounded
+cruising stations; I may then receive letters, and forward them from
+hence with some degree of security; this will make me very happy, and
+will prevent my wearying you by a repetition of events which I wish you
+to be acquainted with, but which I do not wish to remind you of each
+time I write. I am very anxious for the account of your journey. I
+depend principally on Madame de Lafayette for its details; she well
+knows how interesting they will be to me. The Marshall de Noailles tells
+me, in general terms, that the letters he receives from Italy assure him
+the travellers are all in good health. From him I have also learnt the
+confinement of Madame Lafayette; he does not speak of it as if it were
+the happiest of all possible circumstances; but my anxiety was too keen
+to be able to make any distinction of sex; and by kindly writing to me,
+and giving me an account of the event, he rendered me far, far
+happier than he imagined, when he announced to me that I had only a
+daughter.~[1] The Rue de St. Honore has now for ever lost its credit,
+whilst the other Hotel de Noailles has acquired new lustre by the birth
+of Adrian.~[2] It is truly an ill-proceeding on my part to throw that
+disgrace on a family from whom I have received so much kindness. You
+must now be freezing on the high roads of France; those of Pennsylvania
+are also very cold, and I endeavour vainly to persuade myself that
+the difference of latitude betwixt this and Paris ought to give us,
+comparatively speaking, a delightful winter: I am even told that it will
+be more severe. We are destined to pass it in huts, twenty miles from
+Philadelphia, that we may protect the country, be enabled to take
+advantage of every favourable opportunity, and also have the power of
+instructing the troops by keeping them together. It would, perhaps,
+have been better to have entered quietly into real winter quarters;
+but political reasons induced General Washington to adopt this half-way
+measure.
+
+I wish I had sufficient skill to give you a satisfactory account of
+the military events passing in this country; but, in addition to my own
+incapacity, reasons, of which you will understand the weight, prevent
+my hazarding in a letter, exposed to the capture of the English fleet,
+a relation which might explain many things, if I had the happiness of
+conversing with you in person. I will, however, endeavour to repeat to
+you, once more, the most important events that have occurred during this
+campaign. My gazette, which will be more valuable from not containing my
+own remarks, must be preferable to the gazettes of Europe; because
+the man who sees with his own eyes, even if he should not see quite
+correctly, must always merit more attention than the man who has seen
+nothing. As to the gazettes which the English shower upon us, they
+appear to me only fit to amuse chairmen over their mugs of ale; and even
+these men must have indulged in liberal potations, not to perceive the
+falsehoods they contain. It seems to me that the project of the English
+ministry was to cut in a line that part of America which extends from
+the bay of Chesapeak to Ticonderoga. General Howe was ordered to repair
+to Philadelphia by the Elk river; Burgoyne to descend to Albany, and
+Clinton to ascend from New York by the North river: the three generals
+might in this manner have joined hands; they would have received, or
+pretended to receive, the submission of the alleged conquered provinces;
+we should only have retained for our winter quarters the interior of the
+country, and have depended solely for our resources on the four southern
+states. An attack on Charlestown may also, perhaps, have been intended:
+in the opinion of the cabinet of the King of England, America was thus
+almost conquered. Providence fortunately permitted some alterations
+to take place in the execution of this finely-conceived project--to
+exercise, probably, for some time, the constancy of the British nation.
+
+When I arrived at the army, in the month of August, I was much
+astonished at not finding any enemies. After having made some marches
+into Jersey, where nothing occurred, General Howe embarked at New York.
+We were encamped, and expecting their descent, on the Chester side,
+when we learnt that they were at the mouth of the Elk river. General
+Washington marched to meet them, and after having taken up several
+stations, resolved to wait their arrival upon some excellent heights
+on the Brandywine stream. The 11th of September the English marched
+to attack us; but whilst they were amusing us with their cannon, and
+several movements in front, they suddenly detached the greater part of
+their troops, the choicest men of their army, with the grenadiers, under
+the command of General Howe, and Lord Cornwallis, to pass a ford four
+miles distant on our right. As soon as General Washington became aware
+of this movement, he detached his whole right wing to march towards
+them. Some unfounded reports, which had all the appearance of truth, and
+which contradicted the first accounts received, arrested for a length
+of time the progress of that wing, and when it arrived, the enemy had
+already crossed the ford. Thus it became necessary to engage in an open
+field with an army superior in numbers to our own. After having for some
+time sustained a very brisk fire, though many were killed on the side of
+the English, the Americans were obliged to give way. A portion of them
+was rallied and brought back: it was then that I received my wound. In
+a word, to cut the matter short, everything went on badly on both sides,
+and General Washington was defeated--because he could not gain the
+first general battle which had been fought during the war. The army
+reassembled at Chester; but having been carried to a distance from it, I
+have not been able to follow its different movements. General Howe took
+advantage of the disorder which a tremendous rain had occasioned in
+our army to pass the Schuylkill; he repaired to Philadelphia, to
+take possession of it, and stationed himself between that town and
+Germantown. General Washington attacked him on the 4th of October;
+and we may assert that our general beat theirs, although their troops
+defeated ours, since he surprised him, and even drove back the English
+for some time; but their experience proved again triumphant over our
+unpractised officers and soldiers. Some time before this event, an
+American brigadier, placed in detachment on the other side of the river,
+had been attacked at night in his camp, and had lost some of his men.
+These are the only important events which took place on our side during
+the six weeks that I was absent from the camp, whilst obliged to keep
+my bed from my unclosed wound: at that time we received good news of
+General Burgoyne. When I first rejoined the army, whilst General Howe
+was on the water, I learnt that Ticonderoga had been precipitately
+abandoned by the Americans, leaving there several cannons and a quantity
+of ammunition. This success inflamed the pride of General Burgoyne,
+and he issued a pompous proclamation, for which he has since paid very
+dearly. His first act was to send a detachment, which was repulsed; he
+was not, however, discouraged, but marched on, through immense forests,
+in a country which contained but a single road. General Gates had under
+his orders fifteen or sixteen thousand men, who distressed the enemy by
+firing upon them from behind the trees. Whether conqueror or conquered,
+General Burgoyne's force became gradually weakened, and every quarter
+of a league cost him many men. At length, surrounded on all sides, and
+perishing with hunger, he was obliged to enter into a convention, in
+virtue of which he was conducted by the New England militia into that
+same state of Massachusets in which it had been asserted in London he
+was to take up his winter quarters. From thence he is to be conveyed,
+with whatever troops he may have remaining, to England, at the expense
+of the king his master. Ticonderoga has been since evacuated by the
+English.
+
+General Clinton, who had set out rather late from New York, after having
+taken and destroyed Fort Montgomery, on the north river, endeavoured to
+reach the rear of Gates; but, hearing of the convention, he returned on
+the same road by which he had advanced. If he had been more rapid in his
+march, the affairs of General Gates would not have ended so fortunately.
+
+When my wound permitted me, after the space of six weeks, to rejoin the
+army, I found it stationed fifteen miles from Philadelphia; our northern
+reinforcements had arrived; General Howe was much incommoded by two
+forts, one on the Jersey side, the other on the little Island of Mud,
+that you will find on your map, below the Schuylkill. These two forts
+defended the chevaux de frise of the Delaware; they held out for a long
+time, against all the efforts of the English troops, both by sea and
+land. Two young Frenchmen, who were acting there as engineers, acquired
+much glory by their conduct; MM. de Fleury, of the regiment of Rouergue,
+and Mauduit Duplessis, who had also at the same time the command of
+the artillery: he is an artillery officer in France. Some Hessians,
+commanded by Count Donop, attacked the fort in which Mauduit was
+stationed, and were repulsed with considerable loss. Count Donop was
+taken and received a mortal wound. These forts, after having made a
+vigorous resistance, were at length evacuated. Lord Cornwallis then
+passed into Jersey with five thousand men. The same number of our troops
+was stationed there, under one of our major-generals. As I was only
+a volunteer, I went to reconnoitre the ground, and having met,
+accidentally, with a detachment near the enemy's post, the good conduct
+of my soldiers rendered an imprudent attack justifiable. We were told
+that his lordship had been wounded. He then again re-crossed the river,
+and we also did the same. Some days afterwards our army assembled at
+Whitemarsh, thirteen miles from Philadelphia. The whole army of General
+Howe advanced to attack us: but having examined our position on every
+side, they judged it more prudent to retire during the night, after four
+days of apparent hesitation. We then executed the project of crossing
+over on this side of the Schuylkill, and after having been delayed on
+the opposite side, from finding on this shore a part of the enemy's
+army, (although they only fired a few cannon balls at us,) they left us
+a free passage the next day, and we shall all repair unto our huts for
+the winter.
+
+Whilst remaining there, the American army will endeavour to clothe
+itself, because it is almost in a state of nudity,--to form itself,
+because it requires instruction,--and to recruit itself, because it is
+feeble; but the thirteen states are going to rouse themselves and send
+us some men. My division will, I trust, be one of the strongest, and I
+will exert myself to make it one of the best. The actual situation of
+the enemy is by no means an unpleasant one; the army of Burgoyne is fed
+at the expense of the republic, and the few men they may obtain back,
+for many will be lost upon the road, will immediately be replaced by
+other troops; Clinton is quite at ease in New York, with a numerous
+garrison; General Howe is paying court to the belles of Philadelphia.
+The liberty the English take of stealing and pillaging from friends
+as well as foes, places them completely at their ease. Their ships at
+present sail up to the town, not, however, without some danger, for,
+without counting the ship of sixty-four guns and the frigate which were
+burnt before the forts, and without counting all those that I trust the
+ice will destroy, several are lost every day on the difficult passage
+they are obliged to undertake.
+
+The loss of Philadelphia is far from being so important as it is
+conceived to be in Europe. If the differences of circumstances, of
+countries, and of proportion between the two armies, were not duly
+considered, the success of General Gates would appear surprising when
+compared to the events that have occurred with us,--taking into account
+the superiority of General Washington over General Gates. Our General is
+a man formed, in truth, for this revolution, which could not have been
+accomplished without him. I see him more intimately than any other man,
+and I see that he is worthy of the adoration of his country. His tender
+friendship for me, and his complete confidence in me, relating to all
+military and political subjects, great as well as small, enable me
+to judge of all the interests he has to conciliate, and all the
+difficulties he has to conquer. I admire each day more fully the
+excellence of his character, and the kindness of his heart. Some
+foreigners are displeased at not having been employed, (although it did
+not depend on him to employ them)--others, whose ambitious projects he
+would not serve,--and some intriguing, jealous men, have endeavoured to
+injure his reputation; but his name will be revered in every age, by
+all true lovers of liberty and humanity; and although I may appear to be
+eulogising my friend, I believe that the part he makes me act, gives me
+the right of avowing publicly how much I admire and respect him. There
+are many interesting things that I cannot write, but will one day relate
+to you, on which I entreat you to suspend your judgment, and which will
+redouble your esteem for him.
+
+America is most impatiently expecting us to declare for her, and France
+will one day, I hope, determine to humble the pride of England. This
+hope, and the measures which America appears determined to pursue, give
+me great hopes for the glorious establishment of her independence. We
+are not, I confess, so strong as I expected, but we are strong enough to
+fight; we shall do so, I trust, with some degree of success; and, with
+the assistance of France, we shall gain, with costs, the cause that
+I cherish, because it is the cause of justice,--because it honors
+humanity,--because it is important to my country,--and because my
+American friends, and myself, are deeply engaged in it. The approaching
+campaign will be an interesting one. It is said that the English are
+sending us some Hanoverians; some time ago they threatened us with, what
+was far worse, the arrival of some Russians. A slight menace from France
+would lessen the number of these reinforcements. The more I see of the
+English, the more thoroughly convinced I am, that it is necessary to
+speak to them in a loud tone.
+
+After having wearied you with public affairs, you must not expect
+to escape without being wearied also with my private affairs. It is
+impossible to be more agreeably situated than I am in a foreign country.
+I have only feelings of pleasure to express, and I have each day more
+reason to be satisfied with the conduct of the congress towards me,
+although my military occupations have allowed me to become personally
+acquainted with but few of its members. Those I do know have especially
+loaded me with marks of kindness and attention. The new president, Mr.
+Laurens, one of the most respectable men of America, is my particular
+friend. As to the army, I have had the happiness of obtaining the
+friendship of every individual; not one opportunity is lost of giving
+me proofs of it. I passed the whole summer without accepting a division,
+which you know had been my previous intention; I passed all that time at
+General Washington's house, where I felt as if I were with a friend of
+twenty years' standing. Since my return from Jersey, he has desired me
+to choose, amongst several brigades, the division which may please me
+best; but I have chosen one entirely composed of Virginians. It is weak
+in point of numbers at present, just in proportion, however, to the
+weakness of the whole army, and almost in a state of nakedness; but I
+am promised cloth, of which I shall make clothes, and recruits, of which
+soldiers must be made, about the same period; but, unfortunately, the
+last is the most difficult task, even for more skilful men than me. The
+task I am performing here, if I had acquired sufficient experience to
+perform it well, would improve exceedingly my future knowledge. The
+major-general replaces the lieutenant-general, and the field-marshal, in
+their most important functions, and I should have the power of employing
+to advantage, both my talents and experience, if Providence and my
+extreme youth allowed me to boast of possessing either. I read, I study,
+I examine, I listen, I reflect, and the result of all is the endeavour
+at forming an opinion, into which I infuse as much common sense as
+possible. I will not talk much, for fear of saying foolish things; I
+will still less risk acting much, for fear of doing foolish things;
+for I am not disposed to abuse the confidence which the Americans have
+kindly placed in me. Such is the plan of conduct which I have followed
+until now, and which I shall continue to follow; but when some ideas
+occur to me, which I believe may become useful when properly rectified,
+I hasten to impart them to a great judge, who is good enough to say that
+he is pleased with them. On the other hand, when my heart tells me that
+a favourable opportunity offers, I cannot refuse myself the pleasure
+of participating in the peril, but I do not think that the vanity of
+success ought to make us risk the safety of an army, or of any portion
+of it, which may not be formed or calculated for the offensive. If I
+could make an axiom, with the certainty of not saying a foolish thing,
+I should venture to add that, whatever may be our force, we must content
+ourselves with a completely defensive plan, with the exception, however,
+of the moment when we may be forced to action, because I think I have
+perceived that the English troops are more astonished by a brisk attack
+than by a firm resistance.
+
+This letter will be given you by the celebrated Adams, whose name must
+undoubtedly be known to you. As I have never allowed myself to quit the
+army, I have not been able to see him. He wished that I should give him
+letters of introduction to France, especially to yourself. May I hope
+that you will have the goodness of receiving him kindly, and even of
+giving him some information respecting the present state of affairs. I
+fancied you would not be sorry to converse with a man whose merit is so
+universally acknowledged. He desires ardently to succeed in obtaining
+the esteem of our nation. One of his friends himself told me so.
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. Madame Charles de Latour-Maubourg.
+
+2. A son of the Viscount de Noailles, who was the son of Marshal de
+Mouchy, and married the eldest daughter of the Duke d'Ayen.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL)
+
+Camp, 30th December, 1777.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--I went yesterday morning to head-quarters with an
+intention of speaking to your excellency, but you were too busy, and I
+shall lay down in this letter what I wished to say.
+
+I don't need to tell you that I am sorry for all that has happened
+for some time past. It is a necessary dependence of my most tender and
+respectful friendship for you, which affection is as true and candid
+as the other sentiments of my heart, and much stronger than so new an
+acquaintance seems to admit; but another reason, to be concerned in the
+present circumstances, is my ardent and perhaps enthusiastic wishes for
+the happiness and liberty of this country. I see plainly that America
+can defend herself if proper measures are taken, and now I begin to fear
+lest she should be lost by herself and her own sons.
+
+When I was in Europe I thought that here almost every man was a lover of
+liberty, and would rather die free than live a slave. You can conceive
+my astonishment when I saw that toryism was as openly professed
+as whiggism itself: however, at that time I believed that all good
+Americans were united together; that the confidence of congress in you
+was unbounded. Then I entertained the certitude that America would be
+independent in case she should not lose you. Take away, for an instant,
+that modest diffidence of yourself, (which, pardon my freedom, my dear
+General, is sometimes too great, and I wish you could know, as well as
+myself, what difference there is between you and any other man,) you
+would see very plainly that if you were lost for America, there is no
+body who could keep the army and the revolution for six months. There
+are open dissensions in congress, parties who hate one another as much
+as the common enemy; stupid men, who, without knowing a single word
+about war, undertake to judge you, to make ridiculous comparisons;
+they are infatuated with Gates, without thinking of the different
+circumstances, and believe that attacking is the only thing necessary to
+conquer. Those ideas are entertained in their minds by some jealous men,
+and perhaps secret friends to the British Government, who want to push
+you in a moment of ill humour to some rash enterprise upon the lines,
+or against a much stronger army. I should not take the liberty of
+mentioning these particulars to you if I did not receive a letter about
+this matter, from a young good-natured gentleman at York, whom Conway
+has ruined by his cunning, bad advice, but who entertains the greatest
+respect for you.
+
+I have been surprised at first, to see the few establishments of this
+board of war, to see the difference made between northern and southern
+departments, to see resolves from congress about military operations;
+but the promotion of Conway is beyond all my expectations. I should
+be glad to have new major-generals, because, as I know, you take some
+interest in my happiness and reputation it is, perhaps, an occasion for
+your excellency to give me more agreeable commands in some interesting
+instances. On the other hand, General Conway says he is entirely a man
+to be disposed of by me. He calls himself my soldier, and the reason
+of such behaviour to me is, that he wishes to be well spoken of at the
+French court, and his protector, the Marquis de Castries, is an intimate
+acquaintance of mine; but since the letter of Lord Stirling I inquired
+in his character. I found that he was an ambitious and dangerous man.
+He has done all in his power, by cunning manoeuvres, to take off my
+confidence and affection for you. His desire was to engage me to leave
+this country. Now I see all the general officers of the army against
+congress; such disputes, if known by the enemy, would be attended with
+the worst consequences. I am very sorry whenever I perceive troubles
+raised among the defenders of the same cause, but my concern is much
+greater when I find officers coming from France, officers of some
+character in my country, to whom any fault of that kind may be imputed.
+The reason of my fondness for Conway was his being by all means a very
+brave and very good officer. However, that talent for manoeuvres, and
+which seems so extraordinary to congress, is not so very difficult a
+matter for any man of common sense who applies himself to it. I must pay
+to General Portail, and some French officers, who came to speak me, the
+justice to say, that I found them as I could wish upon this occasion;
+for it has made a great noise among many in the army. I wish, indeed,
+those matters could be soon pacified. I wish your excellency could let
+them know how necessary you are to them, and engage them at the same
+time to keep peace, and simulate love among themselves till the
+moment when those little disputes shall not be attended with such
+inconveniences. It would be, too, a great pity that slavery, dishonour,
+ruin, and unhappiness of a whole world, should issue from some trifling
+differences between a few men.
+
+You will find, perhaps, this letter very useless, and even inopportune;
+but I was desirous of having a pretty, long conversation with you upon
+the present circumstances, to explain you what I think of this matter.
+As a proper opportunity for it did not occur, I took the liberty of
+laying down some of my ideas in this letter, because it is for my
+satisfaction to be convinced that you, my dear general, who have been
+indulgent enough to permit me to look on you as upon a friend, should
+know the confession of my sentiments in a matter which I consider as a
+very important one. I have the warmest love for my country and for
+every good Frenchman; their success fills my heart with joy; but, sir,
+besides, Conway is an Irishman, I want countrymen, who deserve, in every
+point, to do honour to their country. That gentleman had engaged me by
+entertaining my head with ideas of glory and shining projects, and I
+must confess, to my shame, that it is a too certain way of deceiving me.
+
+I wished to join to the few theories about war I can have, and the
+few dispositions nature gave, perhaps, to me, the experience of thirty
+campaigns, in hope that I should be able to be the more useful in the
+present circumstances. My desire of deserving your satisfaction is
+stronger than ever, and everywhere you will employ me you can be certain
+of my trying every exertion in my power to succeed. I am now fixed to
+your fate, and I shall follow it and sustain it as well by my sword as
+by all means in my power. You will pardon my importunity in favour of
+the sentiment which dictated it. Youth and friendship make me, perhaps,
+too warm, but I feel the greatest concern at all that has happened for
+some time since.
+
+With the most tender and profound respect, I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. This letter was occasioned by the momentary success of an intrigue,
+known in American history under the name of Conway's cabal. Conway,
+who wished to oppose Gates to Washington, had written to the former a
+letter, in which he attacked the general-in-chief. An aide-de-camp of
+Lord Stirling gained knowledge of that letter, and communicated its
+contents to Washington, who entered immediately into an explanation with
+Conway, in consequence of which the latter sent in his resignation,
+and announced the intention of re-entering the service of France.
+The resignation was not accepted by congress, and Conway was, on
+the contrary, named inspector-general of the army, with the rank of
+major-general, and the formation of the war office in relation to the
+mercenary troops. We see, by a letter from General Washington, that
+M. de Lafayette was the only person to whom he shewed General Conway's
+letter, transmitted by Lord Stirling's aide-de-camp.--(Letter to Horatio
+Gates, of the 4th of January, 1778, written from Washington. V. 1st,
+Appendix No. 6.)
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL)
+
+Head-quarters, December 31st, 1777.
+
+MY DEAR MARQUIS,--Your favour of yesterday conveyed to me fresh proof of
+that friendship and attachment, which I have happily experienced since
+the first of our acquaintance, and for which I entertain sentiments of
+the purest affection. It will ever constitute part of my happiness to
+know that I stand well in your opinion; because I am satisfied that you
+can have no views to answer by throwing out false colours, and that you
+possess a mind too exalted to condescend to low arts and intrigues to
+acquire a reputation. Happy, thrice happy, would it have been for this
+army and the cause we are embarked in, if the same generous spirit had
+pervaded all the actors in it. But one gentleman, whose name you have
+mentioned, had, I am confident, far different views; his ambition and
+great desire of being puffed off, as one of the first officers of the
+age, could only be equalled by the means which he used to obtain them.
+But finding that I was determined not to go beyond the line of my
+duty to indulge him in the first--nor to exceed the strictest rules of
+propriety to gratify him in the second--he became my inveterate enemy;
+and he has, I am persuaded, practised every art to do me an injury, even
+at the expense of reprobating a measure that did not succeed, that he
+himself advised to. How far he may have accomplished his ends, I know
+not; and except for considerations of a public nature, I care not; for,
+it is well known, that neither ambitious nor lucrative motives, led me
+to accept my present appointments, in the discharge of which, I have
+endeavoured to observe one steady and uniform system of conduct, which I
+shall invariably pursue, while I have the honour to command, regardless
+of the tongue of slander, or the powers of detraction. The fatal
+tendency of disunion is so obvious, that I have, in earnest terms,
+exhorted such officers as have expressed their dissatisfaction at
+General Conway's promotion, to be cool and dispassionate in their
+decision about the matter; and I have hopes that they will not suffer
+any hasty determination to injure the service. At the same time, it must
+be acknowledged, that officers' feelings upon these occasions are not to
+be restrained, although you may control their actions.
+
+The other observations contained in your letter have too much truth in
+them; and, it is much to be lamented, that things are not now as they
+formerly were. But we must not, in so great a contest, expect to meet
+with nothing but sunshine. I have no doubt that everything happens for
+the best, that we shall triumph over all our misfortunes, and, in the
+end, be happy; when, my dear marquis, if you will give me your company
+in Virginia, we will laugh at our past difficulties and the folly of
+others; and I will endeavour, by every civility in my power, to shew
+you how much, and how sincerely, I am your affectionate and obedient
+servant.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Valley Forge, December 31st, 1777.
+
+My Dear General,--I should have much reproached myself the liberty I
+took of writing to your excellency, if I had believed it could engage
+you in the trouble of answering that letter. But now, as you have
+written it, I must tell you that I received this favour with the
+greatest satisfaction and pleasure. Every assurance and proof of your
+affection fills my heart with joy, because that sentiment of yours is
+extremely dear and precious to me. A tender and respectful attachment
+for you, and an invariable frankness, will be found in my mind as you
+know me better; but, after those merits, I must tell you, that very few
+others are to be found. I never wished so heartily to be entrusted by
+nature with an immensity of talents than on this occasion; I could be
+then of some use to your glory and happiness, as well as to my own.
+
+What man do not join the pure ambition of glory with this other
+ambitious of advancement, rank, and fortune? As an ardent lover of
+laurels, I cannot bear the idea that so noble a sentiment should be
+mixed with any low one. In your preaching moderation to the brigadiers
+upon such an occasion, I am not surprised to recognise your virtuous
+character. As I hope my warm interest is known to your excellency, I
+dare entertain the idea that you will be so indulgent as to let me know
+everything concerning you, whenever you will not be under the law of
+secrecy or particular circumstances.
+
+With the most tender and affectionate friendship--with the most profound
+respect--I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+Camp, near Valley-Forge, January 6th, 1778.
+
+What a date, my dearest love, and from what a region I am now writing,
+in the month of January! It is in a camp, in the centre of woods,
+fifteen hundred leagues from you, that I find myself enclosed in the
+midst of winter. It is not very long since we were only separated from
+the enemy by a small river; we are at present stationed seven leagues
+from them, and it is on this spot that the American army will pass the
+whole winter, in small barracks, which are scarcely more cheerful than
+dungeons. I know not whether it will be agreeable to General Howe to
+visit our new city, in which case we would endeavour to receive him
+with all due honour. The bearer of this letter will describe to you
+the pleasant residence which I choose in preference to the happiness
+of being with you, with all my friends, in the midst of all possible
+enjoyments; in truth, my love, do you not believe that powerful reasons
+are requisite to induce a person to make such a sacrifice? Everything
+combined to urge me to depart,--honour alone told me to remain; and when
+you learn in detail the circumstances in which I am placed, those in
+which the army, my friend, its commander, and the whole American cause
+were placed, you will not only forgive me, but you will excuse, and I
+may almost venture to say, applaud me. What a pleasure I shall feel in
+explaining to you myself all the reasons of my conduct, and, in asking,
+whilst embracing you, a pardon, which I am very certain I shall then
+obtain! But do not condemn me before hearing my defence. In addition to
+the reasons I have given you, there is one other reason which I would
+not relate to every one, because it might appear like affecting airs of
+ridiculous importance. My presence is more necessary at this moment to
+the American cause, than you can possibly conceive; many foreigners,
+who have been refused employment, or whose ambitious views have been
+frustrated, have raised up some powerful cabals; they have endeavoured,
+by every sort of artifice, to make me discontented with this revolution,
+and with him who is its chief; they have spread as widely as they
+could, the report that I was quitting the continent. The English have
+proclaimed also, loudly, the same intention on my side. I cannot in
+conscience appear to justify the malice of these people. If I were to
+depart, many Frenchmen who are useful here would follow my example.
+General Washington would feel very unhappy if I were to speak of
+quitting him; his confidence in me is greater than I dare acknowledge,
+on account of my youth. In the place he occupies, he is liable to be
+surrounded by flatterers or secret enemies; he finds in me a secure
+friend, in whose bosom he may always confide his most secret thoughts,
+and who will always speak the truth. Not one day passes without his
+holding long conversations with me, writing me long letters, and he has
+the kindness to consult me on the most important matters. A peculiar
+circumstance is occurring at this moment which renders my presence of
+some use to him: this is not the time to speak of my departure. I
+am also at present engaged in an interesting correspondence with the
+president of congress. The desire to debase England, to promote the
+advantage of my own country, and the happiness of humanity, which is
+strongly interested in the existence of one perfectly free nation,
+all induces me not to depart at the moment when my absence might prove
+injurious to the cause I have embraced. The General, also, after a
+slight success in Jersey, requested me, with the unanimous consent of
+congress, to accept a division in the army, and to form it according to
+my own judgment, as well as my feeble resources might permit; I ought
+not to have replied to such a mark of confidence, by asking what were
+his commissions for Europe. These are some of the reasons, which I
+confide to you, with an injunction of secrecy. I will repeat to you many
+more in person, which I dare not hazard in a letter. This letter will
+be given you by a good Frenchman, who has come a hundred miles to ask me
+for my commissions. I wrote to you a few days ago by the celebrated
+Mr. Adams; he will facilitate your sending me letters. You must have
+received those I sent you as soon as I heard of your confinement. How
+very happy that event has rendered me, my dearest love! I delight in
+speaking of it in all my letters, because I delight in occupying myself
+with it at every moment of my life! What a pleasure it will give me to
+embrace my two poor little girls, and make them request their mother to
+forgive me! You do not believe me so hard hearted, and at the same time
+so ridiculous, as to suppose that the sex of our new infant can have
+diminished in any degree my joy at its birth. Our age is not so far
+advanced, that we may not expect to have another child, without a
+miracle from Heaven. The next one must absolutely be a boy. However, if
+it be on account of the name that we are to regret not having a son, I
+declare that I have formed the project of living long enough to bear it
+many years myself, before I yield it to any other person. I am indebted
+to the Marshal de Noailles for the joyful news. I am anxiously expecting
+a letter from you. I received the other day one from Desplaces, who
+mentioned having sent a preceding one; but the caprice of the winds,
+without speaking of English ships, often deranges the order of my
+correspondence. I was for some days very uneasy about the Viscount de
+Coigny, who, some of my letters announced, was in a precarious state
+of health. But that letter from Desplaces, who told me all were well,
+without mentioning the viscount's name, has quite reassured me. I have
+also received some other letters which do not speak of his health. When
+you write, I entreat you to send me many details of all the people whom
+I love, and even of all my acquaintance. It is very extraordinary that I
+have not heard of Madame de Fronsac's confinement. Say a thousand
+tender and respectful things from me to her, as well as to the Countess
+Auguste. If those ladies do not enter into the reasons which force me
+to remain here, they must indeed think me a most absurd being, more
+especially as they have opportunities of seeing clearly what a charming
+wife I am separated from; but even that may prove to them what powerful
+motives must guide my conduct. Several general officers have brought
+their wives to the camp; I envy them--not their wives--but the happiness
+they enjoy in being able to see them. General Washington has also
+resolved to send for his wife. As to the English, they have received a
+reinforcement of three hundred young ladies from New York; and we have
+captured a vessel filled with chaste officers' wives, who had come to
+rejoin their husbands: they were in great fear of being kept for the
+American army.
+
+You will learn by the bearer of this letter that my health is very good,
+that my wound is healed, and that the change of country has produced
+no effect upon me. Do you not think that, at my return, we shall be
+old enough to establish ourselves in our own house, live there happily
+together, receive our friends, institute a delightful state of freedom,
+and read foreign newspapers, without feeling any curiosity to judge by
+ourselves of what may pass in foreign countries? I enjoy thus building,
+in France, castles of felicity and pleasure: you always share them with
+me, my dearest love, and when we are once united, nothing shall again
+separate us, or prevent our experiencing together, and through each
+other, the joy of mutual affection, and the sweetest and most tranquil
+happiness. Adieu, my love; I only wish this project could be executed
+on this present day. Would it not be agreeable to you also? Present
+my tender respects to Madame d'Ayen: embrace a thousand times the
+viscountess and my sisters. Adieu, adieu; continue to love me, and
+forget not for a moment the unhappy exile who thinks incessantly of thee
+with renewed ardour and tenderness.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+DEAR GENERAL,--I shall make use, in this particular instance, of the
+liberty you gave me, of telling freely every idea of mine which could
+strike me as not being useless to a better order of things.
+
+There were two gentlemen, same rank, same duty to perform, and same
+neglect of it, who have been arrested the same day by me. As I went
+in the night around the picquets, I found them in fault, and I gave an
+account of it the next day to your excellency. You answered, that I was
+much in wrong not to have had them relieved and arrested immediately.
+I objected that it was then very late for such a changement, and that
+I did not know which was the rule in this army, but that the gentlemen
+should be arrested in that very moment. The last answer of your
+excellency has been, "they are to have a court-martial, and you must
+give notice of it to the adjutant-general." Therefore, Major Nevil made
+two letters in order to arrest them, _one for having been surprised in
+his post_, and the other, for the same cause, _and allowing his sentries
+to have fires, which he could see in standing before the picquet_. I
+give you my word of honour, that there was not any exaggeration.
+
+Now I see in the orders, the less guilty punished in a manner much too
+severe indeed, and dismissed from the service, (it is among all the
+delicate minds deprived of his honour,) when he was only to be
+severely reprimanded and kept for some time under arrest. But it can be
+attributed to a very severe discipline.
+
+What must I think of the same court, when they unanimously acquit (it is
+to say that my accusation is not true) the officer who joins to the same
+fault, entirely the same this, of allowing his sentries to have fire in
+his own sight; for in every service _being surprised_ or being found in
+the middle of his picquet without any challenging or stopping sentry,
+as Major Nevil, riding before me, found him, is entirely the same thing;
+and Major Nevil, riding before me, when I was busy to make a sentry pull
+off his fire, can swear that such was the case with that officer--he can
+do more than swearing, for he can give his word of honour, and I think
+that idea _honour_ is the same in every country.
+
+But the _prejuges_ are not the same thing; for giving publicly the best
+of such a dispute (for here it becomes a trial for both parties) to an
+officer of the last military stage against one of the first, should
+be looked on as an affront to the rank, and acquitting a man, whom one
+other man accuses, looked upon as an affront to the person. It is the
+same in Poland, for Count de Pulaski was much affronted at the decision
+of a court-martial entirely acquitting Colonel Molens. However, as I
+know the English customs, I am nothing else but surprised to see such a
+partiality in a court-martial.
+
+Your excellency will certainly approve my not arresting any officer for
+being brought before a court-martial for any neglect of duty; but when
+they will be robbers or cowards, or when they will assassinate--in all,
+when they will deserve being cashiered or put to death.
+
+Give me leave to tell your excellency how I am adverse to
+court-martials. I know it is the English custom, and I believe it is a
+very bad one. It comes from their love of lawyers, speakers, and of that
+black apparatus of sentences and judgments; but such is not the American
+temper, and I think this new army must pick up the good institutions,
+and leave the bad ones wherever they may be. In France, an officer
+is arrested by his superior, who gives notice of it to the commanding
+officer, and then he is punished enough in being deprived of going out
+of his room in time of peace--of going his duty in time of war. Nobody
+knows of it but his comrades. When the fault is greater, he is confined
+in a common room for prisoner officers, and this is much more shameful.
+Notice of it is immediately given to the general officer who commands
+there. That goes, too, to the king's minister, who is to be replaced
+here by the commander-in-chief; in time of war, it goes to the
+general-in-chief.
+
+Soldiers are punished the same, or next day, by order of proper
+officers, and the right of punishing is proportionate to their ranks.
+
+But when both officers and soldiers have done something which deserves
+a more severe punishment; when their honour, or their life, or
+their liberty for more than a very short time, is concerned, then a
+court-martial meets, and the sentence is known. How will you let an
+unhappy soldier be confined several weeks with men who are to be hanged,
+with spies, with the most horrid sort of people, and in the same time
+be lost for the duty, when they deserve only some lashes. There is no
+proportion in the punishments.
+
+How is it possible to carry a gentleman before a parcel of dreadful
+judges, at the same place where an officer of the same rank has been
+just now cashiered, for a trifling neglect of his duty; for, I suppose,
+speaking to his next neighbour, in a manoeuvre for going into a house
+to speak to a pretty girl, when the army is on its march, and a thousand
+other things? How is it possible to bring to the certainty of being
+cashiered or dishonoured, a young lad who has made a considerable fault
+because he had a light head, a too great vivacity, when that young man
+would be, perhaps, in some years, the best officer of the army, if he
+had been friendly reprimanded and arrested for some time, without any
+dishonour?
+
+The law is always severe; and brings with it an eternal shameful mark.
+When the judges are partial, as on this occasion, it is much worse,
+because they have the same inconvenience as law itself.
+
+In court-martial, men are judged by their inferiors. How it is averse
+to discipline, I don't want to say. The publication exposes men to
+be despised by the least soldier. When men have been before a
+court-martial, they should be or acquitted or dismissed. What do you
+think can be produced by the half condemnation of a general officer?
+What necessity for all the soldiers, all the officers, to know that
+_General Maxwell has been prevented from doing his duty by his being
+drunk?_ Where is the man who will not laugh at him, if he is told
+by him, _you are a drunkard;_ and is it right to ridiculize a man,
+respectable by his rank, because he drank two or three gills of rum?
+
+These are my reasons against courts-martial, when there is not some
+considerable fault to punish. According to my affair, I am sorry in
+seeing the less guilty being _the only one punished_. However, I shall
+send to courts-martial but for such crimes that there will be for the
+judges no way of indulgence and partiality.
+
+With the most tender respect, I am, &c.
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+York, February 3rd, 1778.
+
+I shall never have any cause to reproach myself, my dearest love, with
+having allowed an opportunity to pass without writing to you, and I
+have found one by M. du Bouchet, who has the happiness of embarking for
+France. You must have already received several letters in which I speak
+of the birth of our new infant, and of the pleasure this joyful event
+has given me. If I thought that you could imagine the happiness I feel
+at this event had been at all diminished because our Anastasia is only
+a daughter, I should be so much displeased with you, that I should but
+love you a very little for a few moments. O, my love! what an enchanting
+pleasure it will be for me to embrace you all; what a consolation to be
+able to weep with my other friends for the dear friend whom I have lost!
+
+I will not give you a long account of the proofs of confidence with
+which I have been honoured by America. Suffice it to say that Canada is
+oppressed by the English; the whole of that immense country is in the
+power of the enemy, who are there in possession of troops, forts, and a
+fleet. I am to repair thither with the title of General of the Northern
+Army, at the head of three thousand men, to see if no evil can be done
+to the English in that country. The idea of rendering the whole of New
+France free, and of delivering her from a heavy yoke, is too glorious
+for me to allow myself to dwell upon it. My army would, in that case,
+increase at an immense rate, and would be increased also by the French.
+I am undertaking a most difficult task, above all taking into account
+the few resources I possess. As to those my own merit offers, they are
+very trifling in comparison to the importance of the place; nor can
+a man of twenty be fit to command an army, charged with the numerous
+details to which a general must attend, and having under his direct
+orders a vast extent of country.
+
+The number of the troops I shall command would appear, I own, trifling
+in Europe, but it is considerable for America. What gives me most
+pleasure in all this is, that, under any circumstances, I shall be now
+sooner able to rejoin you. How delightful it will be to hurry through my
+affairs with the English there above! I am just setting out for Albany,
+and from thence to another place, nearly a hundred and fifty leagues
+from hence, where my labours will commence. I shall go part of the way
+on sledges; having once reached that spot, I shall have only ice to
+tread upon.
+
+I do not write to any of my friends by this opportunity. I have an
+immense deal of business to do; there is an infinite number of military
+and political affairs to arrange; there are so many things to repair,
+so many new obstacles to remove, that I should require, in truth, forty
+years' experience, and very superior talents, to be able to conquer all
+the difficulties I meet with. I will, at least, do the best I can, and
+if I only succeed in occupying the enemy's attention in the north,
+even if I do them no other injury, it would be rendering an important
+service, and my little army would not be wholly useless. Be so kind
+as to tell the prince~[1] that his youthful captain, although now a
+general-in-chief, has not acquired more knowledge than he possessed at
+Polygone, and that he knows not how, unless chance or his good angel
+should direct him, to justify the confidence which has been placed in
+him. A thousand tender respects to Madame d'Ayen. A thousand assurances
+of my tender affection to the viscountess and all my sisters. Do not
+forget me to your father, Madame de Tesse, and the Marshal de Noailles.
+Adieu, adieu, my dearest love; embrace our dear children; I embrace a
+million of times their beloved mother. When shall I find myself again
+within her arms?
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. The Prince de Poix, colonel of the regiment de Noailles, in which M.
+de Lafayette was captain.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Hemingtown, the 9th February, 1778.
+
+Dear General,--I cannot let go my guide without taking this opportunity
+of writing to your excellency, though I have not yet public business
+to speak of. I go on very slowly; sometimes drenched by rain, sometimes
+covered by snow, and not entertaining many handsome thoughts about the
+projected incursion into Canada; if successes were to be had, it would
+surprise me in a most agreeable manner by that very reason that I don't
+expect any shining ones. Lake Champlain is too cold for producing the
+least bit of laurel, and if I am not starved I shall be as proud as if I
+had gained three battles.
+
+Mr. Duer had given to me a rendezvous at a tavern, but nobody was to be
+found there. I fancy that he will be with Mr. Conway sooner than he
+has told me; they will perhaps conquer Canada before my arrival, and I
+expect to meet them at the governor's house in Quebec.
+
+Could I believe, for one single instant, that this pompous command _of
+a northern army_ will let your excellency forget a little us absent
+friends, then, I would send the project to the place it comes from.
+But I dare hope that you will remember me sometimes. I wish you, very
+heartily, the greatest public and private happiness and successes. It is
+a very melancholy idea for me that I cannot follow your fortunes as near
+your person as I could wish; but my heart will take, very sincerely, its
+part of everything which can happen to you, and I am already thinking of
+the agreeable moment when I may come down to assure your excellency of
+the most tender affection and highest respect. I have the honour to be,
+&c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Albany, the 19th February, 1778.
+
+Dear General,--Why am I so far from you and what business had the board
+of war to hurry me through the ice and snow without knowing what I
+should do, neither what they were doing themselves? You have thought,
+perhaps, that their project would be attended with some difficulty, that
+some means had been neglected, that I could not obtain all the success
+and the immensity of laurels which they had promised to me; but I defy
+your excellency to conceive any idea of what I have seen since I left
+the place where I was quiet and near my friends, to run myself through
+all the blunders of madness or treachery (God knows what). Let me begin
+the journal of my fine and glorious campaign.
+
+According to Lord Stirling's advice, I went by Corich-ferry to Ringo's
+tavern, where Mr. Duer had given me a rendezvous; but there no Duer was
+to be found, and they did never hear from him.
+
+From thence I proceeded by the State of New York, and had the pleasure
+of seeing the friends of America, as warm in their love for the
+commander-in-chief as his best friend could wish. I spoke to Governor
+Clinton, and was much satisfied with that gentleman. At length I met
+Albany, the 17th, though I was not expected before the 25th. General
+Conway had been here only three days before me, and I must confess I
+found him very active and looking as if he had good intentions; but we
+know a great deal upon that subject. His first word has been that the
+expedition is quite impossible. I was at first very diffident of this
+report, but have found that he was right. Such is, at least, the idea I
+can form of this ill-concerted operation within these two days.
+
+General Schuyler, General Lincoln, General Arnold, had written, before
+my arrival, to General Conway, in the most expressive terms, that, in
+our present circumstances, there was no possibility to begin, now, an
+enterprise into Canada. Hay, deputy quarter-master-general; Cuyler,
+deputy commissary-general; Mearsin, deputy clothier-general, in what
+they call the northern department, are entirely of the same opinion.
+Colonel Hazen, who has been appointed to a place which interferes with
+the three others above mentioned, was the most desirous of going there.
+The reasons of such an order I think I may attribute to other motives.
+The same Hazen confesses we are not strong enough to think of the
+expedition in this moment. As to the troops, they are disgusted, and (if
+you except some Hazen's Canadians) reluctant, to the utmost degree,
+to begin a winter incursion in a so cold country. I have consulted
+everybody, and everybody answers me that it would be madness to
+undertake this operation.
+
+I have been deceived by the board of war; they have, by the strongest
+expressions, promised to me one thousand, and (what is more to be
+depended upon) they have assured to me in writing, _two thou-sand and
+five hundred combatants, at a low estimate_. Now, Sir, I do not believe
+I can find, _in all_, twelve hundred fit for duty, and most part of
+those very men are naked, even for a summer's campaign. I was to find
+General Stark with a large body, and indeed General Gates had told to
+me, _General Stark will have burnt the fleet before your arrival_. Well,
+the first letter I receive in Albany is from General Stark, who wishes
+to know _what number of men, from whence, for what time, for what
+rendezvous, I desire him to raise_. Colonel Biveld, who was to rise
+too, would have done something _had he received money_. One asks, what
+encouragement his people will have, the other has no clothes; not one
+of them has received a dollar of what was due to them. I have applied
+to every body, I have begged at every door I could these two days, and
+I see that I could do something were the expedition to be begun in five
+weeks. But you know we have not an hour to lose, and indeed it is now
+rather too late, had we every thing in readiness.
+
+There is a spirit of dissatisfaction prevailing among the soldiers, and
+even the officers, which is owing to their not being paid for some time
+since. This department is much indebted, and as near as I can ascertain,
+for so short a time, I have already discovered near eight hundred
+thousand dollars due to the continental troops, some militia, the
+quartermaster's department, &c. &c. &c. It was with four hundred
+thousand dollars, only the half of which is arrived to day, that I was
+to undertake the operation, and satisfy the men under my commands. I
+send to congress the account of those debts. Some clothes, by Colonel
+Hazen's activity, are arrived from Boston, but not enough by far, and
+the greatest part is cut off.
+
+We have had intelligence from a deserter, who makes the enemy stronger
+than I thought. There is no such thing _as straw on board the vessels to
+burn them_. I have sent to congress a full account of the matter; I hope
+it will open their eyes. What they will resolve upon I do not know,
+but I think I must wait here for their answer. I have inclosed to the
+president, copies of the most important letters I had received. It would
+be tedious for your excellency, were I to undertake the minutest detail
+of everything; it will be sufficient to say that the want of men,
+clothes, money, and the want of time, deprives me of all hopes as to
+this excursion. If it may begin again in the month of June, by the east,
+I cannot venture to assure; but for the present moment such is the idea
+I conceive of the famous incursion, as far as I may be informed, in a so
+short time.
+
+Your excellency may judge that I am very distressed by this
+disappointment. My being appointed to the command of the expedition is
+known through the continent, it will be soon known in Europe, as I have
+been desired, by members of congress, to write to my friends; my being
+at the head of an army, people will be in great expectations, and what
+shall I answer?
+
+I am afraid it will reflect on my reputation, and I shall be laughed at.
+My fears upon that subject are so strong, that I would choose to become
+again only a volunteer, unless congress offers the means of mending this
+ugly business by some glorious operation; but I am very far from giving
+to them the least notice upon that matter. General Arnold seems very
+fond of a diversion against New York, and he is too sick to take the
+field before four or five months. I should be happy if something
+was proposed to me in that way, but I will never ask, nor even seem
+desirous, of anything directly from congress; for you, dear general, I
+know very well, that you will do everything to procure me the only thing
+I am ambitious of--glory.
+
+I think your excellency will approve of my staying here till further
+orders, and of my taking the liberty of sending my despatches to
+congress by a very quick occasion, without going through the hands of
+my general; but I was desirous to acquaint them early of my disagreeable
+and ridiculous situation.
+
+With the greatest affection and respect, I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON
+
+(ORIGINAL)
+
+The 23rd February, 1778.
+
+DEAR GENERAL,--I have an opportunity of writing to your excellency
+which I will not miss by any means, even should I be afraid of becoming
+tedious and troublesome; but if they have sent me far from you, I don't
+know for what purpose, at least I must make some little use of my pen,
+to prevent all communication from being cut off between your excellency
+and myself. I have written lately to you my distressing, ridiculous,
+foolish, and, indeed, nameless situation. I am sent, with a great noise,
+at the head of an army for doing great things; the whole continent,
+France and Europe herself, and what is the worse, the British army, are
+in great expectations. How far they will be deceived, how far we shall
+be ridiculed, you may judge by the candid account you have got of the
+state of our affairs.
+
+There are things, I dare say, in which I am deceived--a certain colonel
+is not here for nothing: one other gentleman became very popular before
+I went to this place; Arnold himself is very fond of him. Every part on
+which I turn to look I am sure a cloud is drawn before my eyes; however,
+there are points I cannot be deceived upon. The want of money, the
+dissatisfaction among the soldiers, the disinclination of every one
+(except the Canadians, who mean to stay at home) for this expedition,
+are as conspicuous as possible; however, I am sure I will become very
+ridiculous, and laughed at. _My expedition_ will be as famous as the
+_secret expedition_ against Rhode Island. I confess, my dear general,
+that I find myself of very quick feelings whenever my reputation and
+glory are concerned in anything. It is very hard indeed that such a part
+of my happiness, without which I cannot live, should depend upon schemes
+which I never knew of but when there was no time to put them into
+execution. I assure you, my most dear and respected friend, that I am
+more unhappy than I ever was.
+
+My desire of doing something was such, that I have thought of doing
+it by surprise with a detachment, but it seems to me rash and quite
+impossible. I should be very happy if you were here to give me some
+advice; but I have nobody to consult with. They have sent to me more
+than twenty French officers; I do not know what to do with them; I beg
+you will acquaint me the line of conduct you advise me to follow on
+every point. I am at a loss how to act, and indeed I do not know what I
+am here for myself. However, as being the eldest officer, (after General
+Arnold has desired me to take the command,) I think it is my duty to
+mind the business of this part of America as well as I can. General
+Gates holds yet the title and power of commander-in-chief of the
+Northern department; but, as two hundred thousand dollars are arrived,
+I have taken upon myself to pay the most necessary part of the debts we
+are involved in. I am about sending provisions to Fort Schuyller: I will
+go to see the fort. I will try to get some clothes for the troops, to
+buy some articles for the next campaign. I have directed some money
+to be borrowed upon my credit to satisfy the troops, who are much
+discontented. In all, I endeavour to do for the best, though I have no
+particular authority or instructions; and I will come as near as I can
+to General Gates's intentions, but I want much to get an answer to my
+letters.
+
+I fancy (between us) that the actual scheme is to have me out of this
+part of the continent, and General Conway in chief, under the immediate
+direction of General Gates. How they will bring it up I do not know, but
+you may be sure something of that kind will appear. You are nearer than
+myself, and every honest man in congress is your friend; therefore you
+may foresee and prevent, if possible, the evil a hundred times better
+than I can: I would only give that idea to your excellency.
+
+After having written in Europe (by the desire of the members of
+congress) so many fine things about my commanding an army, I shall be
+ashamed if nothing can be done by me in that way. I am told General
+Putnam is recalled; but your excellency knows better than I do what
+would be convenient, therefore I don't want to mind these things myself.
+
+Will you be so good as to present my respects to your lady. With the
+most tender affection and highest respect, I have the honour to be,
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Head Quarters, 10th March, 1778.
+
+MY DEAR MARQUIS,--I have had the pleasure of receiving your two favours
+of the 19th and 23rd of February, and hasten to dispel those fears
+respecting your reputation, which are excited only by an uncommon degree
+of sensibility. You seem to apprehend that censure, proportioned to the
+disappointed expectations of the world, will fall on you in consequence
+of the failure of the Canadian expedition. But, in the first place, it
+will be no disadvantage to you to have it known in Europe that you
+had received so manifest a proof of the good opinion and confidence of
+congress as an important detached command; and I am persuaded that every
+one will applaud your prudence in renouncing a project, in pursuing
+which you would vainly have attempted physical impossibilities; indeed,
+unless you can be chargeable with the invariable effects of natural
+causes, and be arraigned for not suspending the course of the seasons,
+to accommodate your march over the lake, the most prompt to slander can
+have nothing to found blame upon.
+
+However sensibly your ardour for glory may make you feel this
+disappointment, you may be assured that your character stands as fair
+as ever it did, and that no new enterprise is necessary to wipe off this
+imaginary stain. The expedition which you hint at I think unadvisable in
+our present circumstances. Anything in the way of a formal attack, which
+would necessarily be announced to the enemy by preparatory measures,
+would not be likely to succeed. If a stroke is meditated in that
+quarter, it must be effected by troops stationed at a proper distance
+for availing themselves of the first favourable opportunity offered by
+the enemy, and success would principally depend upon the suddenness
+of the attempt. This, therefore, must rather be the effect of time and
+chance than premeditation. You undoubtedly have determined judiciously
+in waiting the further orders of congress. Whether they allow me the
+pleasure of seeing you shortly, or destine you to a longer absence, you
+may assure yourself of the sincere good wishes of,
+
+Dear Sir, &c.
+
+P. S. Your directing payment of such debts as appear to be most pressing
+is certainly right. There is not money enough to answer every demand;
+and I wish your supplies of clothing had been better. Your ordering
+a large supply of provisions into Fort Schuyler was a very judicious
+measure, and I thank you for it.
+
+
+
+TO BARON DE STEUBEN.
+
+(ORIGINAL--A FRAGMENT.)
+
+Albany, March 12th.
+
+Permit me to express my satisfaction at your having seen General
+Washington. No enemies to that great man can be found except among the
+enemies to his country; nor is it possible for any man of a noble spirit
+to refrain from loving the excellent qualities of his heart. I think I
+know him as well as any person, and such is the idea which I have formed
+of him; his honesty, his frankness, his sensibility, his virtue, to the
+full extent in which this word can be understood, are above all praise.
+It is not for me to judge of his military talents; but, according to my
+imperfect knowledge of these matters, his advice in council has always
+appeared to me the best, although his modesty prevents him sometimes
+from sustaining it; and his predictions have generally been fulfilled.
+I am the more happy in giving you this opinion of my friend with all
+the sincerity which I feel, because some persons may perhaps attempt to
+deceive you on this point.
+
+
+
+FRAGMENT OF A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Albany, 20th March, 1778.
+
+... His Excellency General Washington will, I believe, mention to
+congress that, at the request of the commissioners of Indian affairs, I
+send Colonel Gouvion, and have given proper directions for the building
+of a small fort, which they and myself have thought very necessary to
+be granted to the Oneydas. The love of the French blood, mixed with the
+love of some French _Louis d'or_, have engaged those Indians to promise
+they would come with me.~[1]
+
+As I am very certain the Congress of the United States will not propose
+anything to me but consistent with my feelings and the sentiment
+I flatter myself to have obtained from them, I can assure them, by
+advance, that any post they will give, any disposition they will make,
+with such manners, will be cheerfully received and complied to by me
+with acknowledgment. However, I will beg leave to say, that any command,
+whatever honourable it may be, where I would not be so near the danger
+or occasions of doing something, I shall always look upon as not suited
+to me.
+
+I never mentioned to congress a long letter I have written, four months
+ago, to France, about a project for the East Indies, to which I expect
+the answer. Was I to succeed in my expectation, it would bring, soon,
+that so much desired French war, in spite of some peaceful men, and
+be of some use to the noble cause of freedom, without bringing the
+continent in any expense.
+
+With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. M. de Lafayette, during this journey, some curious relations with
+the Indian, in a letter of the 27th of February, to General Washington,
+which, being void of interest in other respects, has been suppressed.
+It appears that he was solicited by General Schuyler to be present at a
+numerous meeting of Indians, convoked for a treaty. The traces of those
+communications will be found further.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Albany, 25th March, 1778.
+
+Dear General,--How happy I have been in receiving your excellency's
+favour of the tenth present; I hope you will be convinced by the
+knowledge of my tender affection for you. I am very sensible of that
+goodness which tries to dissipate my fears about that ridiculous
+Canadian expedition. At the present time we know which was the aim
+of the honourable board, and for which project three or four men have
+rushed the country into a great expense, and risked the reputation
+of our arms, and the life of many hundred men, had the general, your
+deceived friend, been as rash and foolish as they seem to have expected.
+O, American freedom, what shall become of you if you are in such hands?
+
+I have received a letter from the board and a resolve of congress,~[1]
+by which you are directed to recall me and the Baron de Kalb, whose
+presence is deemed absolutely necessary to your army. I believe this of
+General Conway is _absolutely necessary_ to Albany, and he has received
+orders to stay there, which I have no objection to, as nothing, perhaps,
+will be done in this quarter but some disputes of Indians and tories.
+However, you know I have wrote to congress, and as soon as their leave
+will come, I shall let Conway have the command of these few regiments,
+and I shall immediately join my respectable friend; but till I have
+received instructions for leaving that place from yourself, I shall
+stay, as powerful commander-in-chief, as if congress had never resolved
+my presence absolutely necessary for the great army.
+
+Since your last letter, I have given up the idea of New York, and
+my only desire is to join you. The only favour I have asked of your
+commissioners in France, has been, not to be under any orders but those
+of General Washington. I seem to have had an anticipation of our future
+friendship, and what I have done out of esteem and respect for your
+excellency's name and reputation, I should do now out of mere love
+for General Washington himself. I am glad to hear General Greene is
+quarter-master-general; it is very interesting to have there an honest
+man and a friend of yours. But I feel the greatest pain not to hear
+anything about reinforcements. What can you do with a handful of
+men,--and my poor division, whom I was so desirous of instructing,
+clothing, managing myself in the winter, whom, I was told, I should
+find six thousand strong at the opening of the campaign? Don't your
+excellency think that I could recruit a little in General Greene's
+division now that he is quarter-master-general? By that promotion I find
+myself very proud to be the third officer of your army.
+
+With the utmost respect and affection, I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. That congress entertain a high sense of his prudence, activity, and
+zeal, and that they are fully persuaded nothing has or would have been
+wanting on his part, or on the part of his officers who accompanied him,
+to give the expedition the utmost possible effect.--(Secret Journal,
+March 2.)
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+Valley Forge Camp, in Pennsylvania, April 14th, 1778.
+
+If thirty opportunities were to present themselves at once, my dearest
+love, you may rest assured that I would write thirty letters; and that,
+if you do not receive any news from me, I have nothing, at least, to
+reproach myself with. This letter will be accompanied by others, saying
+nearly the same things, and having nearly the same date; but accidents
+are unfortunately very common, and by this means, some letters may reach
+you safely. Respecting your own, my love, I prefer accusing fate, the
+waves, Lord Howe, and the devil, to suspecting you for one moment of
+negligence. I am convinced that you will not allow a single opportunity
+to escape of writing to me; but I should feel, if possible, still more
+so, if I could only hope that you knew the degree of happiness your
+letters give me. I love you more ardently than ever, and repeated
+assurances of your affection are absolutely necessary to my repose, and
+to that species of felicity which I can enjoy whilst separated from all
+I love most fondly--if, however, the word _felicity_ can be applied to
+my melancholy, exiled state. Endeavour to afford me some consolation,
+and neglect no opportunity of writing to me. Millions of ages have
+elapsed since I have received a line from any one. This complete
+ignorance of the situation of all those who are most dear to me, is,
+indeed, a dreadful calamity: I have, however, some reason to believe
+that it cannot last for ever; the scene will soon become interesting;
+France must take some decisive part, and vessels will then arrive with
+letters. I can give you no news at present; we are all in a state of
+repose, and are waiting with impatience for the opening campaign to
+awaken us from our stupor. In my other letters, I mentioned my journey
+to Albany, and my visit to an assembly of savages. I am expecting some
+good Iroquois who have promised to rejoin me here. Either after, or
+before receiving this letter, Madame d'Ayen, the viscountess, and
+my grandfather,~[1] will receive letters by an opportunity which, I
+believe, is more secure than the one I am now writing by; I have written
+a longer letter to you also at the same time. I write an immense number
+of epistles; God grant that they may arrive! Present my affectionate
+respects to your mother, and my grandfather; embrace a thousand times
+the viscountess and my sisters; recall me to the remembrance of the
+Countess Auguste, Madame de Fronsac, and all your and my friends.
+Embrace a thousand times our dearest family. When shall I be able to
+assure you, my dearest life, that I love you better than any other
+person in the world, and that I shall love you as long as I live? Adieu;
+I only look upon this letter as a note.
+
+Present my respects to the Marshal de Noailles, and tell him that I
+have sent him some trees from Albany; but I will send him others also at
+various times, that I may feel certain of his receiving a few of them.
+When you present my compliments to my acquaintance, do not forget the
+Chevalier de Chastellux.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. The Count de la Riviere, (Charles-Ives-Thibault), lieutenant-captain
+of the black musketeers, was grandfather of the mother of M. de
+Lafayette of whom he had been appointed guardian.
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+Germantown, April 28th, 1778.
+
+I write to you, my dearest love, by a very strange opportunity, since it
+is an English officer who has taken charge of my letter. But your
+wonder will cease, when you hear that that officer is my friend
+Fitz-Patrick.~[1] He is returning to England, and I could not resist my
+wish of embracing him before his departure. It was the first time we had
+met unarmed in America, and that manner of meeting suits us both much
+better than the hostile appearance which we had, until now, thought
+proper to affect. It is long since I have received any news from France,
+and I am very impatiently expecting letters. Write frequently, my love,
+I need the consolation of hearing often from you during this painful
+separation. There is no important news; neither would it be proper for
+Mr. Fitz-Patrick to carry political news from a hand at present
+engaged in fighting with his army. I am in perfect health; my wound is
+completely healed, but my heart is far from being tranquil, for I am
+far from all those I love; and my anxiety about them, as well as my
+impatience to behold them, increase every hour. Say a thousand things
+for me to all my friends; present my respects to Madame d'Ayen, and to
+the Marshal de Noailles. Embrace, above all, our children, my dearest
+love, and be convinced yourself that every moment that separates me from
+you and them appears to me an age. Adieu; I must quit you, for the hour
+is far advanced, and to-morrow will not be an idle day. Adieu, Adieu!
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. M. de Lafayette had become very intimate with him in England: he is
+the same General Fitz-Patrick, who made two famous motions in the House
+of Commons; the one March 17th, 1794, for the prisoners of Magdebourg,
+and the other, December 16th, 1796, for the prisoners of Olmutz.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Valley Forge Camp, the 19th May, 1778.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--Agreeable to your excellency's orders, I have taken
+the oath of the gentlemen officers in General Woodford's brigade, and
+their certificates have been sent to the adjutant-general's office. Give
+me leave, now, to present you with some observations delivered to me
+by many officers in that brigade, who desire me to submit them to your
+perusal. I know, sir, (besides I am not of their opinion in the fact
+itself) that I should not accept for you the objections those gentlemen
+could have had, as a body, to any order from congress; but I confess the
+desire of being agreeable to them, of giving them any mark of friendship
+and affection which is in my power and acknowledging the kind sentiments
+they honour me with, have been my first and dearest considerations.
+Besides that, be pleased to consider that they began by obeying orders,
+and want only to let their beloved general know which were the reasons
+of their being rather reluctant (as far as reluctance may comply with
+their duty and honour) to an oath, the meaning and spirit of which
+was, I believe, misunderstood by them. I may add, sir, with a perfect
+conviction, that there is not one among them but would be thrice happy
+were occasions offered to them of distinguishing yet, by new exertions,
+their love for their country, their zeal for their duty as officers,
+their consideration for the civil superior power, and their love for
+your excellency.
+
+With the greatest respect and most tender affection, I have the honour
+to be, &c.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp, 17th May, 1778.
+
+DEAR SIR,--I received yesterday your favour of the 15th instant,
+enclosing a paper subscribed by sundry officers of General Woodford's
+brigade, setting forth the reasons for not taking the oath of
+abjuration, allegiance, and office; and I thank you much for the
+cautious delicacy used in communicating the matter to me. As every
+oath should be a free act of the mind, founded on the conviction of its
+propriety, I would not wish, in any instance, that there should be the
+least degree of compulsion exercised; nor to interpose my opinion, in
+order to induce any to make it of whom it is required. The gentlemen,
+therefore, who signed the paper, will use their own discretion in
+the matter, and swear, or not swear, as their conscience and feelings
+dictate.
+
+At the same time, I cannot but consider it as a circumstance of some
+singularity, that the scruples against the oath should be peculiar to
+the officers of one brigade, and so very extensive. The oath in itself
+is not new. It is substantially the same with that required in all
+governments, and, therefore, does not imply any indignity; and it
+is perfectly consistent with the professions, actions, and implied
+engagements of every officer. The objection founded on the supposed
+unsettled rank of the officers, is of no validity, rank being only
+mentioned as a further designation of the party swearing; nor can it be
+seriously thought that the oath is either intended to prevent, or can
+prevent, their being promoted, or their resignation.
+
+The fourth objection, stated by the gentlemen, serves as a key to
+their scruples; and I would willingly persuade myself, that their
+own reflections will point out to them the impropriety of the whole
+proceeding, and not suffer them to be betrayed in future into a similar
+conduct. I have a regard for them all, and cannot but regret that they
+were ever engaged in the measure. I am certain they will regret it
+themselves;--sure I am that they ought. I am, my dear marquis, your
+affectionate friend and servant.
+
+
+
+TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL--INSTRUCTION.)~[1]
+
+SIR,--The detachment under your command, with which you will immediately
+march towards the enemy's lines, is designed to answer the following
+purposes; namely, to be a security to this camp, and a cover to the
+country, between the Delaware and the Schuylkill, to interrupt the
+communication with Philadelphia, to obstruct the incursions of the
+enemy's parties, and to obtain intelligence of their motions and
+designs. This last is a matter of very interesting moment, and ought to
+claim your particular attention. You will endeavour to procure trusty
+and intelligent spies, who will advise you faithfully of whatever may
+be passing in the city, and you will, without delay, communicate to me
+every piece of material information you obtain. A variety of concurring
+accounts make it probable that the enemy are preparing to evacuate
+Philadelphia; this is a point of the utmost importance to ascertain,
+and, if possible, the place of their future destination. Should you
+be able to gain certain intelligence of the time of their intended
+embarkation, so that you may be able to take advantage of it, and fall
+upon the rear of the enemy in the act of withdrawing, it will be a very
+desirable event; but this will be a matter of no small difficulty, and
+will require the greatest caution and prudence in the execution. Any
+deception or precipitation may be attended with the most disastrous
+consequences. You will remember that your detachment is a very valuable
+one, and that any accident happening to it would be a severe blow, to
+this army; you will, therefore, use every possible precaution for its
+security, and to guard against a surprise. No attempt should be made,
+nor anything risked, without the greatest prospect of success, and
+with every reasonable advantage on your side. I shall not point out any
+precise position to you, but shall leave it to your discretion to take
+such posts occasionally, as shall appear to you best adapted to the
+purposes of your detachment. In general, I would observe, that a
+stationary post is unadvisable, as it gives the enemy an opportunity of
+knowing your situation, and concerting plans successfully against you.
+In case of any offensive movement against this army, you will keep
+yourself in such a state as to have an easy communication with it, and,
+at the same time, harass the enemy's advance.
+
+Our parties of horse and foot, between the rivers, are to be under your
+command, and to form part of your detachment. As great complaints have
+been made of the disorderly conduct of the parties which have been
+sent towards the enemy's lines, it is expected that you will be very
+attentive in preventing abuses of the like nature, and will inquire how
+far complaints already made are founded in justice.
+
+Given under my hand, at head quarters, this 18th May, 1778.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. This instruction has been inserted as the one which M. de Lafayette
+received to repair, as a detached body, betwixt the Delaware and
+Schuylkill. It was after this movement that he made the retreat of
+Barren Hill, which was praised by General Washington. (See the Memoirs,
+in Mr. Spark's collection, the letter Of Washington, May 24th, 1778.)
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+Valley Forge Camp, June 16, 1778.
+
+Chance has furnished me, my dearest love, with a very uncertain
+opportunity of writing to you, but, such as it is, I shall take
+advantage of it, for I cannot resist the wish of saying a few words to
+you. You must have received many letters from me lately, if my writing
+unceasingly, at least, may justify this hope. Several vessels have
+sailed, all laden with my letters. My expressions of heartfelt grief
+must even have added to your distress. What a dreadful thing is absence!
+I never experienced before all the horrors of separation. My own deep
+sorrow is aggravated by the feeling that I am not able to share and
+sympathize in your anguish. The length of time that elapsed before I
+heard of this event had also increased my misery. Consider, my love, how
+dreadful it must be to weep for what I have lost, and tremble for what
+remains. The distance between Europe and America appears to me more
+enormous than ever. The loss of our poor child is almost constantly in
+my thoughts: this sad news followed immediately that of the treaty; and
+whilst my heart was torn by grief, I was obliged to receive and take
+part in expressions of public joy. I learnt, at the same time, the loss
+of our little Adrien, for I always considered that child as my own, and
+I regretted him as I should have done a son. I have written twice to the
+viscount and viscountess, to express to them my deep regret, and I hope
+my letters will reach them safely. I am writing only to you at present,
+because I neither know when the vessel sails, nor when she will arrive,
+and I am told that a packet will soon set out which will probably reach
+Europe first.
+
+I received letters from M. de Cambrai and M. Carmichael. The first one
+will be employed, I hope, in an advantageous and agreeable manner; the
+second, whom I am expecting with great impatience, has not yet arrived
+at the army: how delighted I shall be to see him, and talk to him about
+you!--he will come to the camp as soon as possible. We are expecting
+every day news from Europe; they will be deeply interesting, especially
+to me, who offer up such earnest prayers for the success and glory of my
+country. The King of Prussia, it is said, has entered into Bohemia, and
+has forgotten to declare war. If a conflict were to take place between
+France and England, I should prefer our being left completely to
+ourselves, and that the rest of Europe should content herself with
+looking on; we should, in that case, have a glorious war, and our
+successes would be of a kind to please and gratify the nation.
+
+If the unfortunate news had reached me sooner, I should have set out
+immediately to rejoin you; but the account of the treaty, which we
+received the first of May, prevented my leaving this country. The
+opening campaign does not allow me to retire. I have always been
+perfectly convinced that by serving the cause of humanity, and that
+of America, I serve also the interest of France. Another motive for
+remaining longer is, that the commissioners have arrived, and that I am
+well pleased to be within reach of the negotiations. To be useful in any
+way to my country will always be agreeable to me. I do not understand
+why a minister plenipotentiary, or something of that kind, has not been
+already sent to America; I am most anxious to see one, provided always
+it may not be myself, for I am but little disposed to quit the military
+career to enter into the diplomatic corps.
+
+There is no news here; the only topic of conversation is the news from
+Europe, and to that many idle tales are always prefixed: there has been
+little action on either side; the only important affair was the one
+which fell to my share the 20th of last month, and there was not any
+blood shed even there.
+
+General Washington had entrusted me to conduct a detachment of two
+thousand four hundred chosen men to the vicinity of Philadelphia. It
+would be too long to explain to you the cause, but it will suffice to
+tell you, that, in spite of all my precautions, I could not prevent the
+hostile army from making a nocturnal march, and I found myself the next
+morning with part of the army in front, and seven thousand men in my
+rear. These gentlemen were so obliging as to take measures for sending
+to New York those who should not be killed; but they were so kind, also,
+as to permit us to retire quietly, without doing us any injury. We had
+about six or seven killed or wounded, and they twenty-five or thirty,
+which did not make them amends for a march, in which one part of the
+army had been obliged to make forty miles.
+
+Some days afterwards, our situation having altered, I returned to the
+camp, and no events of importance have occurred since. We are expecting
+the evacuation of Philadelphia, which must, we fancy, soon take place.
+I have been told that on the 10th of April they were thinking of
+negotiating rather than of fighting, and that England was becoming each
+day more humble.
+
+If this letter ever reaches you, my dearest love, present my respects to
+the Duke d'Ayen, the Marshal de Noailles, and Madame de Tesse, to whom
+I have written by every vessel, although she accuses me of having
+neglected her, which my heart is incapable of doing. I have also written
+to Madame d'Ayen by the two last ships, and by several previous ones.
+Embrace a thousand times the dear viscountess, and tell her how well
+I love her. A thousand tender regards to my sisters; a thousand
+affectionate ones to the viscount, M. de Poix, to Coigny,~[1] Segur, his
+brother, Etienne,~[2] and all my other friends. Embrace, a million of
+times, our little Anastasia;--alas! she alone remains to us! I feel that
+she has engrossed the affection that was once divided between my two
+children: take great care of her. Adieu; I know not when this may reach
+you, and I even doubt its ever reaching you.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. Probably the Marquis de Coigny.
+
+2. The Count Etienne de Durfort, now peer of France.
+
+
+
+TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL--INSTRUCTIONS.)
+
+Sir,--You are immediately to proceed with the detachment commanded by
+General Poor, and form a junction, as expeditiously as possible,
+with that under the command of General Scott. You are to use the most
+effectual means for gaining the enemy's left flank and rear, and giving
+them every degree of annoyance. All continental parties that are
+already on the lines, will be under your command, and you will take such
+measures, in concert with General Dickinson, as will cause the enemy the
+greatest impediment and loss in their march. For these purposes you will
+attack them, as occasion may require, by detachment, and if a proper
+opening could be given, by operating against them with the whole force
+of your command. You will naturally take such precautions as will secure
+you against surprise, and maintain your communications with this army.
+
+Given at Kingston, this 25th day of June, 1778.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Ice Town, 26th June, 1778, at a quarter after seven.
+
+Dear General,--I hope you have received my letter from Cranberry, where
+I acquaint you that I am going to Ice Town, though we are short of
+provisions. When I got there, I was sorry to hear that Mr. Hamilton,
+who had been riding all the night, had not been able to find anybody
+who could give him certain intelligence; but by a party who came back,
+I hear the enemy are in motion, and their rear about one mile off the
+place they had occupied last night, which is seven or eight miles from
+here. I immediately put Generals Maxwell and Wayne's brigades in
+motion, and I will fall lower down, with General Scott's, with Jackson's
+regiment, and some militia. I should be very happy if we could attack
+them before they halt, for I have no notion of taking one other moment
+but this of the march. If I cannot overtake them, we could lay at some
+distance, and attack tomorrow morning, provided they don't escape in the
+night, which I much fear, as our intelligences are not the best ones. I
+have sent some parties out, and I will get some more light by them.
+
+I fancy your excellency will move down with the army, and if we are at a
+convenient distance from you, I have nothing to fear in striking a blow
+if opportunity is offered. I believe that, in our present strength,
+_provided they do not escape_, we may do something.
+
+General Forman says that, on account of the nature of the country, it
+is impossible for me to be turned by the right or left, but that I shall
+not quite depend upon.
+
+An officer just from the lines confirms the account of the enemy moving.
+An intelligence from General Dickinson says that they hear a very heavy
+fire in the front of the enemy's column. I apprehend it is Morgan, who
+had not received my letter, but it will have the good effect of stopping
+them, and if we attack, he may begin again.
+
+Sir, I want to repeat you in writing what I have told to you, which is,
+that if you believe it, or if it is believed necessary or useful to the
+good of the service and the honour of General Lee, to send him down with
+a couple of thousand men, or any greater force; I will cheerfully obey
+and serve him, not only out of duty, but out of what I owe to that
+gentleman's character.
+
+I hope to receive, soon, your orders as to what I am to do this day or
+to-morrow, to know where you are and what you intend, and would be very
+happy to furnish you with the opportunity of completing some little
+advantage of ours.
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+The road I understand the enemy are moving by, is the straight road to
+Monmouth.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Cranberry, 26th June, 1778.
+
+My Dear Marquis,--General Lee's uneasiness, on accouut of yesterday's
+transaction, rather increasing than abating, and your politeness in
+wishing to ease him of it, have induced me to detach him from this
+army with a part of it, to reinforce, or at least cover, the several
+detachments at present under your command. At the same time, that I felt
+for General Lee's distress of mind, I have had an eye to your wishes and
+the delicacy of your situation; and have, therefore, obtained a promise
+from him, that when he gives you notice of his approach and command, he
+will request you to prosecute any plan you may have already concerted
+for the purpose of attacking, or otherwise annoying the enemy; this is
+the only expedient I could think of to answer the views of both. General
+Lee seems satisfied with the measure, and I wish it may prove agreeable
+to you, as I am, with the warmest wishes for your honour and glory, and
+with the sincerest esteem and affection, yours, &c.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. The combination offered by M. de Lafayette, and desired by General
+Washington, did not prove successful. In spite of the happy issue of
+the battle of Monmouth, the results were not such as might have been
+expected, on account of the conduct of General Lee, who was summoned
+before a court martial, and condemned to be suspended for one year. (See
+on this subject the Memoirs of the Life of Washington, by Marshall, and
+the Appendix No. 8, of the 5th vol. of the Letters of Washington.)
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+White Plains, 22nd July, 1778.
+
+Sir,--You are to have the immediate command of that detachment from
+this army, which consists of Glover's and Varnum's brigades, and the
+detachment under the command of Colonel Henry Jackson. You are to
+march them, with all convenient expedition, and by the best routes, to
+Providence, in the state of Rhode Island. When there, you are to subject
+yourself to the orders of Major-General Sullivan, who will have the
+command of the expedition against Newport, and the British and other
+troops in their pay, on that and the Islands adjacent.
+
+If, on your march, you should receive certain intelligence of the
+evacuation of Rhode Island, by the enemy, you are immediately to counter
+march for this place, giving me the earliest advice thereof. Having the
+most perfect reliance on your activity and zeal, and wishing you all
+the success, honour, and glory, that your heart can wish, I am, with the
+most perfect regard, yours, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. Order for the expedition of Rhode Island.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Head Quarters, White Plains, 27th July, 1778.
+
+DEAR MARQUIS,--This will be delivered to you by Major-General Greene,
+whose thorough knowledge of Rhode Island, of which he is a native, and
+the influence he will have with the people, put it in his power to be
+particularly useful in the expedition against that place, as well in
+providing necessaries for carrying it on, as in assisting to form and
+execute a plan of operations proper for the occasion. The honour and
+interest of the common cause are so deeply concerned in the success of
+this enterprise, that it appears to me of the greatest importance to
+omit no step which may conduce to it; and General Greene, on several
+accounts, will be able to render very essential service.
+
+These considerations have determined me to send him on the expedition,
+in which, as he could not with propriety act, nor be equally useful
+merely in his official capacity as quartermaster-general, I have
+concluded to give him a command in the troops to be employed in the
+descent. I have, therefore, directed General Sullivan to throw all
+the American troops, both continental, state, and militia, into two
+divisions, making an equal distribution of each, to be under the
+immediate command of General Greene and yourself. The continental troops
+being divided in this manner, with the militia, will serve to give them
+confidence, and probably make them act better than they would alone.
+Though this arrangement will diminish the number of continental troops
+under you, yet this diminution will be more than compensated by the
+addition of militia; and I persuade myself your command will not be less
+agreeable, or less honourable, from this change in the disposition. I
+am, with great esteem and affection, dear marquis, your most obedient
+servant.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Providence, 6th August, 1778.
+
+DEAR GENERAL,--I have received your excellency's favour by General
+Greene, and have been much pleased with the arrival of a gentleman who,
+not only on account of his merit, and the justness of his views, but
+also by his knowledge of the country, and his popularity in this state,
+may be very serviceable to the expedition. I willingly part with the
+half of my detachment, though I had a great dependence upon them, as
+you find it convenient to the good of the service. Any thing, my dear
+General, you will order, or even wish, shall always be infinitely
+agreeable to me, and I will always feel happy in doing any thing which
+may please you, or forward the public good. I am of the same opinion as
+your excellency, that dividing our continental troops among the militia,
+will have a better effect than if we were to keep them together in one
+wing.
+
+You will receive, by General Sullivan, an account of his dispositions,
+preparations, &c.; I, therefore, have nothing to add, but that I have
+been on board of the Admiral~[1] the day before yesterday. I saw among
+the fleet an ardour and a desire of doing something, which would
+soon turn into impatience, if we don't give them a speedy occasion of
+fighting. The officers cannot contain their soldiers and sailors, who
+are complaining that they have been these four months running after
+the British, without getting at them; but I hope they will be soon
+satisfied.
+
+The Count d'Estaing was very glad of my arrival, as he could open freely
+his mind to me. He expressed the greatest anxiety on account of his
+wants of every kind, provisions, water, &c.; he hopes the taking of
+Rhode Island will enable him to get some of the two above mentioned
+articles. The admiral wants me to join the French troops to these I
+command, as soon as possible. I confess I feel very happy to think of
+my co-operating with them, and, had I contrived in my mind an agreeable
+dream, I could not have wished a more pleasing event than my joining my
+countrymen with my brothers of America, under my command, and the
+same standards. When I left Europe, I was very far from hoping such an
+agreeable turn of our business in the American glorious revolution.
+
+Though I have no account, neither observations, to give to your
+excellency, as I am here _a man of war of the third rate_, I will, after
+the expedition, scribble some lines to you, and join to the account of
+General Sullivan, the assurance that I have all my limbs, and that I am,
+with the most tender affection, and entire confidence, yours, with high
+respect.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. Admiral d'Estaing. It was the 8th July that the French fleet appeared
+at the entrance of the Delaware. It was at this period stationed before
+Newport, below the passage, betwixt Rhode Island and Long Island.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+White Plains, 10th August, 1778.
+
+My Dear Marquis,--Your favour of the 6th instant, which came to my hands
+yesterday, afforded a fresh proof of the noble principles on which you
+act, and has a just claim to my sincere and hearty thanks. The common
+cause, of which you have been a zealous supporter, would, I knew, be
+benefitted by General Greene's presence at Rhode Island, as he is a
+native of that state, has an interest with the people, and a thorough
+knowledge of the country, and, therefore, I accepted his proffered
+services; but I was a little uneasy, lest you should conceive that it
+was intended to lessen your command. General Greene did not incline to
+act in a detached part of the army, merely as quartermaster-general;
+nor was it to be expected. It became necessary, therefore, to give him
+a detached command, and consequently to divide the continental troops.
+Your cheerful acquiescence in the measure, after being appointed to the
+command of the brigades which marched from this army, obviated every
+difficulty, and gave me singular pleasure.
+
+I am very happy to find that the standards of France and America are
+likely to be united under your command, at Rhode Island. I am persuaded,
+that the supporters of each will be emulous to acquire honour, and
+promote your glory upon this occasion. The courier to Count d'Estaing
+is waiting. I have only time, therefore, to assure you, that, with most
+perfect esteem, and exalted regard, I have the honour to be, my dear
+marquis, your obedient and affectionate servant.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp before Newport, 25th August, 1778.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--I had expected in answering your first letter that
+something interesting would have happened that I might communicate to
+your excellency. Every day was going to terminate our uncertainties;
+nay, every day was going to bring the hope of a success which I did
+promise myself to acquaint you of. Such was the reason of my deferring
+what my duty and inclination did urge me to do much sooner. I am now
+indebted for two favours of yours, which I beg leave to offer here my
+thanks for. The first letter reached me in the time we expected to hear
+again from the French fleet; the second I have just received. My reason
+for not writing the same day the French fleet went to Boston was, that
+I did not choose to trouble your friendship with the sentiments of an
+afflicted, injured heart, and injured by that very people I came from
+so far to love and support. Don't be surprised, my dear general; the
+generosity of your honest mind would be offended at the shocking sight I
+have under my eyes.
+
+So far am I from a critical disposition that I will not give you the
+journal of our operations, neither of several instances during our
+staying here, which, however, might occupy some room in this letter. I
+will not even say to you, how contracted was the French fleet when they
+wanted to come in at their arrival; which, according to the report of
+the advertors, would have had the greatest effect. How surprised was the
+admiral, when, after a formal and agreed convention, one hour after the
+American general had given a new written assurance, our troops made the
+landing a day before it was expected. How mortified the French officers
+were to find out that there was not a gun left in these very forts
+to whose protection they were recommended. All these things, and many
+others, I would not take notice of, if they were not at this moment the
+supposed ground upon which, it is said, that the Count d'Estaing is gone
+on to Boston. Believe me, my dear sir, upon my honour, the admirals,
+though a little astonished by some instances of conduct on our part, did
+consider them in the same light as you and myself would have done,
+and if he is gone off, it is because he thought himself obliged by
+necessity.
+
+Let us consider, my dear general, the motions of that fleet since it
+was proposed by the Count d'Estaing himself, and granted by the king
+in behalf of the United States. I will not go so far up as to remember
+other instances of the affection the French nation have for the
+Americans. The news of that fleet have occasioned the evacuation of
+Philadelphia. Its arrival has opened all the harbours, secured all the
+coasts, obliged the British navy to be together. Six of those frigates,
+two of them I have seen, sufficient for terrifying all the trading
+people of the two Carolinas, are taken or burnt. The Count d'Estaing
+went to offer battle, and act as a check to the British navy for a long
+time. At New York, it was agreed he should go to Rhode Island, and there
+he went. They prevented him from going in at first; afterwards, he was
+desired to come in, and so he did. The same day we landed without his
+knowledge; an English fleet appears in sight. His being divided
+into three parts by _our directions_, for, though he is a
+_lieutenant-general_, he never availed himself of that title, made him
+uneasy about his situation. But finding the next morning that the wind
+was northerly, being also convinced that it was his duty to prevent
+any reinforcement at Newport, he goes out under the hottest fire of the
+British land batteries, he puts the British navy to flight, and pursues
+them, and they were all in his hands when that horrid storm arrives to
+ruin all our hopes. Both fleets are divided, scattered; the Caesar, a 74
+gun ship, is lost; the Marseillais, of the same size, loses her masts,
+and after that accident is obliged to send back an enemy's ship of 64;
+the Languedoc having lost her masts, unable to be governed and make any
+motions, separated from the others, is attacked by a ship of the line
+against which she could only bring six guns.
+
+When the storm was over, they met again in a shattered condition, and
+the Caesar was not to be found. All the captains represented to their
+general that, after a so long navigation, in such a want of victuals,
+water, &c., which they had not been yet supplied with, after the
+intelligence given by General Sullivan that there was a British fleet
+coming, they should go to Boston; but the Count d'Estaing had promised
+to come here again, and so he did at all events. The news of his arrival
+and situation came by the _Senegal_, a frigate taken from the enemy.
+General Greene and myself went on board. The count expressed to me not
+so much as to the envoy from General Sullivan, than as to his friend,
+the unhappy circumstances he was in. Bound by express orders from the
+King to go to Boston in case of an accident or a superior fleet, engaged
+by the common sentiment of all the officers, _even of some American
+pilots_, that he would ruin all his squadron in deferring his going to
+Boston, he called a new council of war, and finding every body of the
+same opinion, he did not think himself justifiable in staying here any
+longer, and took leave of me with true affliction not being able to
+assist America for some days, which has been rewarded with the most
+horrid ungratefulness; but no matter. I am only speaking of facts. The
+count said to me these last words: after many months of sufferings, my
+men will rest some days; I will man my ships, and, if I am assisted in
+getting masts, &c., three weeks after my arrival I shall go out again,
+and then we shall fight for the glory of the French name, and the
+interests of America.
+
+The day _the count_ went off, the general American officers drew a
+protestation, which, as _I had been very strangely called there_, I
+refused to sign, but I wrote a letter to the admiral. The protestation
+and the letter did not arrive in time.
+
+Now, my dear general, I am going to hurt your generous feelings by an
+imperfect picture of what I am forced to see. Forgive me for it; it is
+not to the commander-in-chief, it is to my most dearest friend, General
+Washington, that I am speaking. I want to lament with him the ungenerous
+sentiments I have been forced to see in many American breasts.
+
+Could you believe, that forgetting any national obligation, forgetting
+what they were owing to that same fleet, what they were yet to expect
+from them, and instead of resenting their accidents as these, of allies
+and brothers, the people turned mad at their departure, and wishing them
+all the evils in the world, did treat them as a generous one would be
+ashamed to treat the most inveterate enemies. You cannot have any idea
+of the horrors which were to be heard in that occasion. Many leaders
+themselves finding they were disappointed, abandoned their minds to
+illiberality and ungratefulness. Frenchmen of the highest character have
+been exposed to the most disagreeable circumstances, and yet, myself,
+the friend of America--the friend of General Washington. I am more
+upon a warlike footing in the American lines, than when I come near the
+British lines at Newport.
+
+Such is, my dear general, the true state of matters. I am sure it will
+infinitely displease and hurt your feelings. I am also sure you will
+approve the part I have taken in it, which was to stay much at home with
+all the French gentlemen who are here, and declare, at the same time,
+that anything thrown before me against my nation I would take as the
+most particular affront.
+
+Inclosed I send you the general orders of the 24th, upon which I thought
+I was obliged to pay a visit to General Sullivan, who has agreed to
+alter them in the following manner. Remember, my dear general, that I
+don't speak to the commander-in-chief, but to my friend, that I am far
+from complaining of anybody. I have no complaints at all to make you
+against any one; but I lament with you that I have had an occasion of
+seeing so ungenerous sentiments in American hearts.
+
+I will tell you the true reason. The leaders of the expedition are, most
+of them, ashamed to return after having spoken of their Rhode Island
+success in proud terms before their family, their friends, their
+internal enemies. The others, regardless of the expense France has been
+put to by that fleet, of the tedious, tiresome voyage, which so many men
+have had for their service, though they are angry that the fleet takes
+three weeks, upon the whole campaign, to refit themselves, they cannot
+bear the idea of being brought to a small expense, to the loss of a
+little time, to the fatigue of staying some few days more in a camp at
+some few miles off their houses; for I am very far from looking upon
+the expedition as having miscarried, and there I see even a certainty of
+success.
+
+If, as soon as the fleet is repaired, which (in case they are treated
+as one is in a country one is not at war with,) would be done in three
+weeks from this time, the Count d'Estaing was to come around, the
+expedition seems to offer a very good prospect. If the enemy evacuates
+New York, we have the whole continental army, if not, we might perhaps
+have some more men, what number, however, I cannot pretend to judge. All
+that I know is, that I shall be very happy to see the fleet cooperating
+with General Washington himself.
+
+I think I shall be forced, by the board of general officers, to go soon
+to Boston. That I will do as soon as required, though with reluctance,
+for I do not believe that _our position on this part of the island is
+without danger_; but my principle is to do everything which is thought
+good for the service. I have very often rode express to the fleet, to
+the frigates, and that, I assure you, with the greatest pleasure; on the
+other hand, I may perhaps be useful to the fleet. Perhaps, too, it will
+be in the power of the count to do something which might satisfy them.
+I wish, my dear general, you could know as well as myself, how desirous
+the Count d'Estaing is to forward the public good, to help your success,
+and to serve the cause of America.
+
+I earnestly beg you will recommend to the several chief persons of
+Boston to do everything they can to put the French fleet in a situation
+for sailing soon. Give me leave to add, that I wish many people, by
+the declaration of your sentiments in that affair, could learn how to
+regulate theirs, and blush at the sight of your generosity.
+
+You will find my letter immense. I began it one day and finished it the
+next, as my time was swallowed up by those eternal councils of war.
+I shall have the pleasure of writing you from Boston. I am afraid the
+Count d'Estaing will have felt to the quick the behaviour of the people
+on this occasion. You cannot conceive how distressed he was to be
+prevented from serving this country for some time. I do assure you his
+circumstances were very critical and distressing.
+
+For my part, my sentiments are known to the world. My tender affection
+for General Washington is added to them; therefore I want no apologies
+for writing upon what has afflicted me both as an American and as a
+Frenchman.
+
+I am much obliged to you for the care you are so kind as to take of
+that poor horse of mine; had he not found such a good stable as this
+at headquarters, he would have cut a pitiful figure at the end of his
+travels, and I should have been too happy if there had remained so much
+of the horse as the bones, the skin, and the four shoes.
+
+Farewell, my dear general; whenever I quit you, I meet with some
+disappointment and misfortune. I did not need it to desire seeing you as
+much as possible. With the most tender affection and high regard, I have
+the honour to be, &c.
+
+Dear General,--I must add to my letter, that I have received one from
+General Greene, very different, from the expressions I have to complain
+of, he seems there very sensible of what I feel. I am very happy when
+placed in a situation to do justice to any one.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. The circumstances which gave rise to this letter are mentioned in the
+memoirs. The following details will still further explain them:--
+
+When the storm had dispersed his fleet, M. de Estaing wrote a very
+remarkable letter to General Sullivan, in which he explained to him the
+impossibility of remaining in sight of Rhode Island without danger,
+and without disobeying the precise orders of the king. He expressed his
+regret that the landing of the Americans in the island, which had
+been effected one day before the day agreed upon, should not have been
+protected by the vessels; and he rejected strongly the imputation of
+having blamed him under these circumstances for having operated
+so early, and with only two thousand men. To his great regret, his
+situation obliged him to answer the proposal of a combined attack, by a
+refusal. This answer excited much dissatisfaction amongst the Americans.
+Their officers signed a protestation, which appears to have been
+considered by some of them as the means of seconding the secret
+inclination of the admiral by forcing him to fight. The report was
+spread, in truth, that a cabal in the naval force alone obliged him to
+make a retreat, from a feeling of jealousy of the glory which he might
+have acquired, as he had belonged formerly to the land forces.
+This protestation was carried to him by Colonel Laurens; after a
+recapitulation of all the arguments which might be used against the
+departure of the fleet, it terminated by the solemn declaration that
+that measure was _derogatory to the honour of France_, contrary to the
+intentions of his V. C. Majesty, and to the interests of the American
+nation, &c. When this protestation was submitted to congress, they
+immediately ordered that it should be kept secret, and that M. Gerard
+should be informed of this order, which General Washington was charged
+with executing by every means in his power.
+
+General Sullivan issued the following order at the same time:--
+
+"It having been supposed, by some persons, that by the orders of
+the 21st instant, the commander-in-chief meant to insinuate that the
+departure of the French fleet was owing to a fixed determination not to
+assist in the present enterprise, and that, as the general did not wish
+to give the least colour to ungenerous and illiberal minds to make such
+an unfair interpretation, he thinks it necessary to say, that as he
+could not possibly be acquainted with the orders of the French admiral,
+he could not determine whether the removal of the fleet was absolutely
+necessary or not; and, therefore, did not mean to censure an act which
+those orders might render absolutely necessary." These details, borrowed
+from the edition of the writings of Washington, will explain some
+passages of this letter, and the sense of the following letters.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+White Plains, September 1778.
+
+MY DEAR MARQUIS,--I have been honoured with your favour of the 25th
+ultimo by Monsieur Pontgibaud, and I wish my time, which at present is
+taken up by a committee at congress, would permit me to go fully into
+the contents of it; this, however, it is not in my power to do; but in
+one word let me say, I feel everything that hurts the sensibility of a
+gentleman, and consequently, upon the present occasion, I feel for you
+and for our good and great allies the French. I feel myself hurt, also,
+at every illiberal and unthinking reflection which may have been cast
+upon the Count d'Estaing, or the conduct of the fleet under his command;
+and, lastly, I feel for my country. Let me entreat you, therefore, my
+dear marquis, to take no exception at unmeaning expressions, uttered,
+perhaps, without consideration, and in the first transport of
+disappointed hope. Every body, sir, who reasons, will acknowledge the
+advantages which we have derived from the French fleet, and the zeal
+of the commander of it; but, in a free and republican government, you
+cannot restrain the voice of the multitude; every man will speak as he
+thinks, or, more properly, without thinking, and consequently will judge
+at effects without attending to the causes. The censures which have been
+levelled at the officers of the French fleet would, more than probably,
+have fallen in a much higher degree upon a fleet of our own if we had
+one in the same situation. It is the nature of man to be displeased with
+everything that disappoints a favourite hope or flattering project; and
+it is the folly of too many of them to condemn without investigating
+circumstances.
+
+Let me beseech you, therefore, my good sir, to afford a healing hand
+to the wound that, unintentionally, has been made. America esteems your
+virtues and your services, and admires the principles upon which you
+act; your countrymen, in our army, look up to you as their patron; the
+count and his officers consider you as a man high in rank, and high in
+estimation here and also in France; and I, your friend, have no doubt
+but you will use your utmost endeavours to restore harmony, that the
+honour, the glory, and mutual interest of the two nations maybe promoted
+and cemented in the firmest manner. I would say more on the subject, but
+am restrained for the want of time, and therefore shall only add, that
+with every sentiment of esteem and regard, I am, my dear marquis, &c.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MAJOR-GENERAL SULLIVAN.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Head Quarters, White Plains, 1st September, 1778.
+
+Dear Sir,--The disagreement between the army under your command and the
+fleet, has given me very singular uneasiness: the continent at large is
+concerned in our cordiality, and it should be kept up, by all possible
+means, consistent with our honour and policy. First impressions, you
+know, are generally longest remembered, and will serve to fix, in a
+great degree, our national character among the French. In our conduct
+towards them we should remember that they are people old in war,
+very strict in military etiquette, and apt to take fire, where others
+scarcely seem warmed. Permit me to recommend, in the most particular
+manner, the cultivation of harmony and good agreement, and your
+endeavours to destroy that ill-humour which may have got into the
+officers. It is of the greatest importance, also, that the soldiers and
+the people should know nothing of the misunderstanding, or, if it has
+reached them, that ways may be used to stop its progress and prevent its
+effects.
+
+I have received from congress the enclosed, by which you will perceive
+their opinion with regard to keeping secret the protest of the general
+officers: I need add nothing on this head. I have one thing, however,
+more to say: I make no doubt but you will do all in your power to
+forward the repair of the count's fleet, and render it fit for service,
+by your recommendations for that purpose to those who can be immediately
+instrumental.
+
+I am, dear Sir, &c.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MAJOR-GENERAL GREENE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Head-quarters, White Plains, 1st September, 1778.
+
+DEAR SIR,--I have had the pleasure of receiving your several letters,
+the last of which was of the 22nd of August. I have not now time to
+take notice of the arguments that were made use of for and against the
+count's quitting the harbour of Newport and sailing for Boston: right or
+wrong, it will probably disappoint our sanguine expectations of success;
+and, what I esteem a still worse consequence, I fear it will sow the
+seeds of dissension and distrust between us and our new allies, unless
+the most prudent measures are taken to suppress the feuds and jealousies
+that have already arisen. I depend much upon your aid and influence to
+conciliate that animosity which I plainly perceive, by a letter from the
+marquis, subsists between the American officers and the French in our
+service; this, you may depend, will extend itself to the count, and to
+the officers and men of his whole fleet, should they return to Rhode
+Island, unless, upon their arrival there, they find a reconciliation has
+taken place. The marquis speaks kindly of a letter from you to him on
+the subject; he will therefore take any advice coming from you in a
+friendly light; and, if he can be pacified, the other French gentlemen
+will of course be satisfied, as they look up to him as their head.
+The marquis grounds his complaint upon a general order of the 24th of
+August, the latter part of which is certainly very impolitic, especially
+considering the universal clamour that prevailed against the French
+nation.
+
+I beg you will take every measure to keep the protest entered into by
+the general officers from being made public. The congress, sensible
+of the ill consequences that will flow from the world's knowing our
+differences, have passed a resolve to that purpose. Upon the whole, my
+dear sir, you can conceive my meaning better than I can express it; and
+I therefore fully depend upon your exerting yourself to heal all private
+animosities between our principal officers and the French, and to
+prevent all illiberal expressions and reflections that may fall from the
+army at large.
+
+I have this moment received a letter from General Sullivan of the 29th
+of August, in which he barely informs me of an action upon that day, in
+which he says we had the better, but does not mention particulars.
+
+I am, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Tyvertown, 1st September, 1778.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--That there has been an action fought where I
+could have been, and where I was not, is a thing which will seem as
+extraordinary to you as it seems so to myself. After along journey and
+a longer stay from home, (I mean from head-quarters,) the only
+satisfactory day I have, finds me in the middle of a town. There I
+had been sent, pushed, hurried, by the board of general officers, and
+principally by Generals Sullivan and Greene, who thought I should be of
+great use to the common cause, and to whom I foretold the disagreeable
+event which would happen to me; I felt, on that occasion, the impression
+of that bad star which, some days ago, has influenced the French
+undertakings, and which, I hope, will soon be removed. People say that
+I don't want an action; but if it is not necessary to my reputation as a
+tolerable private soldier, it would at least add to my satisfaction
+and pleasure. However, I was happy enough to arrive before the second
+retreat: it was not attended with such trouble and danger as it would
+have been had not the enemy been so sleepy, I was thus once more
+deprived of my fighting expectations.
+
+From what I have heard from sensible and _candid_ French gentlemen,
+the action does great honour to General Sullivan: he retreated in good
+order; he opposed, very properly, every effort of the enemy; he never
+sent troops but well supported, and displayed great coolness during the
+whole day. The evacuation I have seen extremely well performed, and _my
+private opinion_ is, that if both events are satisfactory to us, they
+are very shameful to the British generals and troops; they had, indeed,
+so many fine chances to cut us to pieces; but they are very good people.
+
+Now, my dear general, I must give you an account of that journey for
+which I have paid so dear. The Count d'Estaing arrived the day before
+in Boston. I found him much displeased at a protest of which you have
+heard, and many other circumstances which I have reported to you: I did
+what I could on the occasion; but I must do the admiral the justice
+to say that it has not at all diminished his warm desire of serving
+America. We waited together on the council, General Heath, General
+Hancock, and were very well satisfied with them; the last one
+distinguished himself very much by his zeal on the occasion. Some people
+in Boston were rather dissatisfied; but when they saw the behaviour of
+the council, Generals Heath and Hancock, they, I hope, will do the
+same; I, therefore, fear nothing but delays. The marts are very far off,
+provisions difficult to be provided. The Count d'Estaing was ready
+to come with his land forces and put himself under General Sullivan's
+orders, though dissatisfied with the latter; but our new circumstances
+will alter that design.
+
+I beg you will pardon me once more, my dear general, for having
+troubled and afflicted you with the account of what I had seen after
+the departure of the French fleet. My confidence in you is such, that
+I could not feel so warmly upon this point without communicating it
+to your excellency. I have now the pleasure to inform you that the
+discontent does not appear so great. The French hospital is arrived
+at Boston, though under difficulties, which, however, I think I have
+diminished a good deal by sending part of my family, with orders to some
+persons, and entreaties to others, to give them all the assistance in
+their power. Now, everything will be right provided the Count d'Estaing
+is enabled to sail soon. Every exertion, I think, ought to be employed
+for that purpose in all the several parts of the continent: marts,
+biscuit, water, and provisions are his wants. I long to see that we have
+again the command, or at least an equal force, upon the American seas.
+
+By your letters to General Sullivan, I apprehend that there is some
+general move in the British army, and that your excellency is going to
+send us reinforcements. God grant you may send us as many as with the
+militia will make a larger army, that you might command them yourself. I
+long, my dear general, to be again with you, and to have the pleasure
+of co-operating with the French fleet, under your immediate orders,
+this will be the greatest I can feel; I am sure everything will then be
+right. The Count d'Estaing (if Rhode Island is again to be taken, which
+I ardently wish,) would be extremely happy to take it in conjunction
+with General Washington, and it would remove the other inconveniences. I
+am now entrusted, by General Sullivan, with the care of Warren, Bristol,
+and the eastern shore. I am to defend a country with very few troops who
+are not able to defend more than a single point. I cannot answer that
+the enemy won't go and do what they please, for I am not able to prevent
+them, only with a part of their army, and yet this part must not land
+far from me; but I answer, that if they come with equal or not very
+superior forces to those I may collect, we shall flog them pretty well;
+at least, I hope so. My situation seems to be uncertain, for we expect
+to hear soon from your excellency. You know Mr. Touzard, a gentleman of
+my family--he met with a terrible accident in the last action; running
+before all the others, to take a piece of cannon in the midst of the
+enemy, with the greatest excess of bravery, he was immediately covered
+with their shots, had his horse killed, and his right arm shattered to
+pieces. He was happy enough not to fall into their hands: his life is
+not despaired of. Congress was going to send him a commission of major.
+
+Give me joy, my dear general, I intend to have your picture, and Mr.
+Hancock has promised me a copy of that he has in Boston. He gave one
+to Count d'Estaing, and I never saw a man so glad at possessing his
+sweetheart's picture, as the admiral was to receive yours.
+
+In expecting, with the greatest impatience, to hear from your excellency
+as to what are to be the general plans, and your private movements, I
+have the honour to be, with the highest respect, the warmest and most
+endless affection, dear general, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp, near Bristol, the 7th September, 1778.
+
+My Dear General,--I cannot let M. de la Neuville go to head-quarters
+without recalling to your excellency's memory an inhabitant of the
+eastern Rhode Island, those who long much to be again reunited to you,
+and conceive now great hopes, from Sir Henry Clinton's movement to New
+York, that you will come to oppose him in person. I think if we meet
+to oppose the enemy in this quarter, that more troops are absolutely
+necessary, for we are not able to do anything in our scattered
+situation. I confess I am myself very uneasy in this quarter, and
+fear that these people will put it in their heads to take some of our
+batteries, &c., which, if properly attacked, it will be difficult to
+prevent. I am upon a little advance of land, where, in case of an alarm,
+a long stay might be very dangerous; but we will do the best.
+
+I am told that the enemy is going to evacuate New York. My policy leads
+me to believe that some troops will be sent to Halifax, to the West
+Indies, and to Canada; that Canada, I apprehend, will be your occupation
+next winter and spring. This idea, my dear general, alters a plan I had
+to make a voyage home some months hence, however, as long as you fight
+I want to fight along with you, and I much desire to see your excellency
+in Quebec next summer.
+
+With the most tender affection and highest respect, I have the honour to
+be, &c.
+
+
+
+TO THE DUKE D'AYEN.
+
+Bristol, near Rhode Island, September 11th, 1778,
+
+I have already endeavoured to describe to you some part of the pleasure
+your last letter gave me; but I cannot write again without repeating my
+assurance of the delight I derived from its perusal. I have blessed, a
+thousand times, the vessel that brought that letter, and the favourable
+winds that blew it, to the American shore. The kindness and affection
+you express have sunk deeply into a heart which is fully sensible of
+all their value. Your partiality has far over-rated my slight merit; but
+your approbation is so precious to me, my desire of obtaining it is so
+very strong, that I experience the same pleasure as if I were conscious
+of meriting your good opinion. I love you too well not to be enchanted
+and overjoyed when I receive any proof of your affection. You may
+find many persons more worthy of it, but I may take the liberty of
+challenging you to find one human being who either values it more
+highly, or is more desirous of obtaining it. I place full reliance on
+your kindness, and even if I were unhappy enough to fall under your
+displeasure, I hope I should not forfeit your affection. I think I may
+promise that that last misfortune shall never occur through any fault of
+mine, and I wish I could feel as certain of never erring from my head as
+from my heart. The goodness of my friends imposes a weight of obligation
+upon me. My greatest pleasure will be to hear you say, whilst I embrace
+you, that you do not disapprove of my conduct, and that you retain for
+me that friendship which renders me so happy. It is impossible for me to
+describe to you the joy your letter, and the kind feeling which dictated
+it, have inspired me with. How delighted I shall be to thank you for
+it, and to find myself again in your society! If you should ever amuse
+yourself by looking at the American campaigns, or following them on your
+maps, I shall ask permission to insert a small river or a mountain:
+this would give me an opportunity of describing to you the little I have
+seen, of confiding to you my own trifling ideas, and of endeavouring so
+to combine them as to render them more military: for there is so great
+a difference between what I behold here, and those large, fine,
+well-organised armies of Germany, that, in truth, when I recur from them
+to our American armies, I scarcely dare say that we are making war. If
+the French war should terminate before that of the rest of Europe, and
+you were disposed to see how things were going on, and permitted me to
+accompany you, I should feel perfectly happy; in the meantime, I have
+great pleasure in thinking that I shall pass some mornings with you at
+your own house, and I promise myself as much improvement as amusement
+from conversing with you, if you are so kind as to grant me some portion
+of your time.
+
+I received, with heartfelt gratitude, the advice you gave me to remain
+here during this campaign; it was inspired by true friendship and a
+thorough knowledge of my interest: such is the species of advice we give
+to those we really love, and this idea has rendered it still dearer
+to me. I will be guided by it in proportion as events may follow the
+direction you appear to have expected. A change of circumstances renders
+a change of conduct sometimes necessary. I had intended, as soon as war
+was declared, to range myself under the French banner: I was induced to
+take this resolution from the fear that the ambition of obtaining higher
+rank, or the wish of retaining the one I actually enjoy, should appear
+to be my only motives for remaining here. Such unworthy sentiments have
+never found entrance into my heart. But your letter, advising me to
+remain, and assuring me there would be no land campaign, induced me
+to change my determination, and I now rejoice that I have done so.
+The arrival of the French fleet upon this coast, has offered me the
+agreeable prospect of acting in concert with it, and of being a happy
+spectator of the glory of the French banner. Although the elements,
+until now, have declared themselves against us, I have not lost the
+sanguine hopes of the future, which the great talents of M. d'Estaing
+have inspired us with. You will be astonished to hear that the English
+still retain all their posts, and have contented themselves with
+merely evacuating Philadelphia. I expected, and General Washington also
+expected, to see them abandon everything for Canada, Halifax, and their
+islands; but these gentlemen are apparently in no great haste. The
+fleet, it is true, may hitherto have rendered such a division of their
+troops rather difficult; but now that it is removed to Boston, they
+might easily begin to make a move: they appear to me, instead of moving
+off, to intend fighting a little in this part of the country. I thought
+I ought to consult M. d'Estaing, and even M. Gerard on this subject.
+Both agreed that I was right to remain, and even said, that my presence
+here would not prove wholly useless to my own country. That I might have
+nothing to reproach myself with, I wrote to M. de Montbarrey a short
+letter, which apprised him of my being still in existence, and of the
+resolution I had taken not to return to France in the midst of this
+campaign.
+
+The kind manner in which you received the gazette which John Adams
+conveyed to you, induced me to send you a second, which must have made
+you acquainted with the few events that have taken place during
+this campaign. The visit that the English army designed to pay to a
+detachment which I commanded the 28th of May, and which escaped their
+hands owing to their own dilatory movements; the arrival of the treaty,
+subsequently that of the commissioners, the letter they addressed to
+congress, the firm answer they received, the evacuation of Philadelphia,
+and the retreat of General Clinton through Jersey, are the only articles
+worthy of attention. I have also described to you in what manner we
+followed the English army, and how General Lee, after my detachment
+had joined him, allowed himself to be beaten. The arrival of General
+Washington arrested the disorder, and determined the victory on our
+side. It is the battle, or rather affair, of Monmouth. General Lee has
+since been suspended for a year by a council of war, for his conduct on
+this occasion.
+
+I must now relate to you what has occurred since the arrival of the
+fleet, which has experienced contrary winds ever since it sailed; after
+a voyage of three months it reached the Delaware, which the English
+had then quitted; from thence it proceeded to Sandyhook, the same place
+General Clinton sailed from after the check he encountered at Monmouth.
+Our army repaired to White Plains, that former battle-field of the
+Americans. M. d'Estaing blockaded New York, and we were thus neighbours
+of the English both by land and sea. Lord Howe, enclosed in the harbour,
+and separated from our fleet only by the Sandy-hook bar, did not accept
+the combat which the French admiral ardently desired, and offered him
+for several days. A noble project was conceived--that of entering into
+the harbour; but our ships drew too much water, and the English seventy
+fours could not enter with their guns. Some pilots gave no hopes on this
+subject; but, when we examined the case more narrowly, all agreed as to
+its impossibility, and soundings proved the truth of the latter opinion;
+we were therefore obliged to have recourse to other measures.
+
+General Washington, wishing to make a diversion on Rhode Island, ordered
+General Sullivan, who commanded in that state, to assemble his troops.
+The fleet stationed itself in the channel which leads to Newport, and
+I was ordered to conduct a detachment of the great army to General
+Sullivan, who is my senior in command. After many delays, which were
+very annoying to the fleet, and many circumstances, which it would be
+too long to relate, all our preparations were made, and we landed on
+the island with twelve thousand men, many of them militia, of whom I
+commanded one half upon the left side. M. d'Estaing had entered the
+channel the day before, in spite of the English batteries. General Pigot
+had enclosed himself in the respectable fortifications of Newport. The
+evening of our arrival, the English fleet appeared before the channel
+with all the vessels that Lord Howe had been able to collect, and a
+reinforcement of four thousand men for the enemy, who had already from
+five to six thousand men.
+
+A north wind blew most fortunately for us the next day, and the French
+fleet passing gallantly under a sharp fire from the batteries, to which
+they replied with broadside shot, prepared themselves to accept the
+conflict which Lord Howe was apparently proposing to them. The English
+admiral suddenly cut his cables, and fled at full sail, warmly pursued
+by all our vessels, with the admiral at their head. This spectacle
+was given during the finest weather possible, and within sight of the
+English, and American armies. I never felt so proud as on that day.
+
+The next day, when the victory was on the point of being completed, and
+the guns of the _Languedoc_ were directed towards the English fleet, at
+the most glorious moment for the French navy, a sudden gale, followed
+by a dreadful storm, separated and dispersed the French vessels, Howe's
+vessels, and those of Biron, which, by a singular accident, had just
+arrived there. The _Languedoc_ and the _Marseillais_ were dismasted, and
+the _Cesar_ was afterwards unheard of for some time. To find the English
+fleet was impossible. M. d'Estaing returned to Rhode Island, remained
+there two days, to ascertain whether General Sullivan wished to retire,
+and then entered the Boston harbour. During these various cruises, the
+fleet took or burnt six English frigates, and a large number of vessels,
+of which several were armed; they also cleared the coast and opened the
+harbours. Their commander appeared to me to have been formed for great
+exploits; his talents, which all men must acknowledge, the qualities of
+his heart, his love of discipline and of the honour of his country, and
+his indefatigable activity, excite my admiration, and make me consider
+him, as a man created for great actions.
+
+As to ourselves, we remained some time at Rhode Island, and spent
+several days firing cannon shot at each other, which produced no
+great result on either side; but General Clinton having led himself a
+reinforcement of five thousand men, and a part of our militia having
+returned to their own homes, we thought of retiring; the harbour was no
+longer blockaded, and the English were resuming their naval advantage.
+Our retreat at that period was preceded by a trifling skirmish, at which
+I was not present, having repaired to Boston respecting an affair which
+I dare not write for fear of accidents. I returned in great haste, as
+you may imagine, and, after my arrival, we completed the evacuation of
+the Island. As the English were gone out, we were such near neighbours,
+that our picquets touched each other; they allowed us, however, to
+re-embark without perceiving it, and this want of activity appeared to
+me more fortunate, as they would have incommoded me exceedingly had they
+attacked the rear.
+
+I am at present on the continent, and have the command of the troops
+stationed nearest Rhode Island; General Sullivan is at Providence; M.
+d'Estaing is taking in, at Providence, masts and provisions; General
+Washington is at White Plains, with three brigades, stationed some miles
+in advance on that side, in case of need. As to the English, they occupy
+New York and the adjacent Islands, and are better defended by their
+vessels than by their troops. They possess the same number of troops at
+Rhode Island that they did formerly, and General Grey, at the head of
+about five thousand men, marches along the coast, with the intention
+of burning the towns and ransoming the small Islands. It is thought,
+however, that the scene will soon become more animated; there are
+great movements in New York; Lord Howe has gone out with all his fleet,
+strengthened with the greatest part of Biron's squadron; M. d'Estaing
+has taken possession of the harbour, and has established some formidable
+batteries. On the other side, Mr. Grey may form and execute more serious
+projects; he is at present in my neighbourhood, and I am obliged to
+keep myself still more on the alert, because the stations which I occupy
+extend from Seconnet Point, which you may see on the map, to Bristol. I
+hope all this will soon end, for we are now in a very tiresome state of
+inaction.
+
+I am becoming extremely prolix, but I perceive that I have forgotten
+dates, and two lines more or less will not add much to your fatigue.
+The evacuation of Philadelphia took place the 18th June; the affair of
+Monmouth the 28th; we arrived on Rhode Island, I think, the 10th
+August, and evacuated it the 30th of the same month: my gazette is now
+completed.
+
+An accident has occurred on this Island which has affected me deeply.
+Several French officers, in the service of America, have the kindness
+to pass much of their time with me, especially when I am engaged firing
+musket balls. M. Touzard, an artillery officer in the regiment of _La
+Fere_, has been, during the last months, one of my constant associates.
+Finding a good opportunity on the Island of snatching a piece of cannon
+from the enemy, he threw himself in the midst of them, with the greatest
+gallantry and courage; but his temerity drew upon himself a hot fire
+from the enemy, which killed his horse, and carried away his right arm.
+His action has been admired, even by the English; it would be indeed
+unfortunate if distance should prevent its being known in France; I
+could not refrain from giving an account of it to M. de Montbarrey,
+although I have not any right to do so; but I am very anxious to be of
+use to this brave officer. If any opportunity offers of serving him,
+I recommend him earnestly to your love of noble actions. I confide my
+letters to M. d'Estaing, who will send them to France. If you should
+have the kindness to write to me, and any packet ships be sent out to
+the fleet, I beg you to take advantage of them. The admiration I feel
+for him who commands it, and my firm conviction that he will not let
+an opportunity escape of performing glorious deeds, will always make
+me desirous of being employed in unison with him; and the friendship of
+General Washington gives me the assurance that I need not even make such
+a request; I often also receive letters from M. d'Estaing, and he will
+send me yours as soon as he receives them. You must feel how impossible
+it is for me to ascertain when I can return to you. I shall be guided
+entirely by circumstances. My great object in wishing to return was
+the idea of a descent upon England. I should consider myself as almost
+dishonoured if I were not present at such a moment. I should feel so
+much regret and shame, that I should be tempted to drown or hang myself,
+according to the English mode. My greatest happiness would be to drive
+them from this country, and then to repair to England, serving under
+your command. This is a very delightful project; God grant it may be
+realized! It is the one which would be most peculiarly agreeable to
+me. I entreat you to send me your advice as soon as possible; if I but
+receive it in time, it shall regulate my conduct. Adieu, I dare not
+begin another page; I beg you to accept the assurance of my tender
+respect, and of all the sentiments that I shall ever feel for you during
+the remainder of my life.
+
+I shall add this soiled bit of paper, which might have suited Harpagon
+himself, to my long epistle, to tell you that I am become very
+reasonable as relates to expenses. Now that I have my own establishment,
+I shall spend still less, and I really act very prudently, when you
+consider the exorbitant price of every thing, principally with paper
+money.
+
+I shall write by another opportunity, perhaps a more speedy one, to
+Madame de Tesse. I entreat you to present her with my tender respects.
+If M. de Tesse, M. de Mun, M. de Neiailly, M. Senac~[1] retain a kind
+remembrance of me, deign to present my compliments to them. If M. de
+Comte le Broglie does not receive news from this country, as he has
+always expressed great interest in me, be so good as to give him an
+account of our proceedings when you see him.
+
+May I flatter myself that I still possess your good opinion? I should
+not doubt it, if I could but convince you how much I value it; I will do
+everything in my power to deserve it, and I should be miserable if you
+doubted for an instant how very deeply this feeling is engraven in my
+breast. If I have ever erred in the path I am pursuing, forgive the
+illusions of my head in favour of the good intentions and rectitude
+of my heart, which is filled with feelings of the deepest, gratitude,
+affection, and respect for you; and these it will ever retain, in all
+countries, and under all circumstances, until my latest breath.
+
+LAFAYETTE,
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. M. de Tesse, first squire to the Queen, had married Mademoiselle de
+Noailles, daughter of the Marshal, and aunt to Madame de Lafayette; M.
+de Neuilly was attached, under the Marshal's orders, to the stables of
+the Queen; M. de Mun, father to M. de Mun, peer of France, was intimate
+with the whole family; M. Senac de Meilhan has been named comptroller
+general.
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+Bristol, near Rhode Island, Sept. 13th, 1778.
+
+If any thing could lessen my pleasure in writing to you, my dearest
+love, it would be the painful idea that I am writing to you from a
+corner of America, and that all I love is two thousand leagues from me.
+But I have reason to hope that the actual state of things cannot subsist
+for any length of time, and that the moment appointed for our meeting
+is not very far removed. War, which so often causes separation, must
+reunite us; it even secures my return by bringing French vessels here,
+and the fear of being taken will soon completely vanish; we shall be at
+least two to play at the game, and if the English attempt to interrupt
+my course, we shall be able to answer them. How delightful it would
+be for me to congratulate myself upon having heard from you; but that
+happiness has not been granted me. Your last letter arrived at the same
+time as the fleet; since that very distant day, since two months, I have
+been expecting letters, and none have reached me. It is true that
+the admiral, and the King's minister, have not been better treated
+by fortune; it is true that several vessels are expected, one in
+particular, every day: this gives me hope; and it is upon hope, that
+void and meagre food, that I must even subsist. Do not leave me in such
+a painful state of uncertainty, and although I do not expect to be here
+to receive an answer to the letter I am now writing, yet I entreat you
+to send me a very long one immediately, as if I were only waiting for
+your letter to depart; when you read this, therefore, call instantly for
+pen and ink, and write to me by every opportunity that you love me, and
+that you will be glad to see me again, not but that I am well convinced
+of this; my affection does not permit me to make use of any compliments
+with you, and there would be more vanity in telling you that I doubt
+your love, than in assuring you that I depend fully upon it, and for the
+remainder of my life. But every repetition of this truth always gives me
+pleasure. The feeling itself is so dear to me, and is so very necessary
+to my happiness, that I cannot but rejoice in your sweet expressions of
+it. It is not my reason (for I do not doubt your love) but my heart that
+you delight by repeating a thousand times what gives me more pleasure,
+if possible, each time you utter it. O, when shall I be with you, my
+love; when shall I embrace you a hundred times?
+
+I flattered myself that the declaration of war would recall me
+immediately to France: independent of the ties which draw my heart
+towards those most dear to me, the love of my country, and my wish
+to serve her, are powerful motives for my return. I feared even that
+people, who did not know me, might imagine that ambition, a taste for
+the command I am entrusted with, and the confidence with which I am
+honoured, would induce me to remain here some time longer. I own that I
+felt some satisfaction in making these sacrifices to my country, and in
+quitting everything to fly to her assistance, without saying one word
+about the service I was giving up. This would have been a source of the
+purest gratification to me, and I had resolved to set out the moment the
+news of war arrived. You shall now learn what has delayed me, and I may
+venture to say you will approve of my conduct.
+
+The news was brought by a French fleet, who came to co-operate with
+the American troops; new operations were just commencing; it was in the
+midst of a campaign; this was not a moment to quit the army. I was also
+assured, from good authority, that nothing would take place this year in
+France, and that I lost, therefore, nothing by remaining here. I ran the
+risk, on the contrary, of passing the whole autumn in a vessel, and with
+a strong desire to fight everywhere, to fight in truth nowhere, I was
+flattered in this country with the hope of undertaking some enterprise
+in concert with M. d'Estaing; and persons like himself charged with the
+affairs of France, told me my quitting America would be prejudicial, and
+my remaining in it useful, to my country. I was forced to sacrifice my
+delightful hopes, and delay the execution of my most agreeable projects.
+But at length the happy moment of rejoining you will arrive, and next
+winter will see me united to all I love best in the world.
+
+You will hear so much said about war, naval combats, projected
+expeditions, and military operations, made and to be made, in America,
+that I will spare you the ennui of a gazette. I have, besides, related
+to you the few events that have taken place since the commencement of
+the campaign. I have been so fortunate as to be constantly employed, and
+I have never made an unlucky encounter with balls or bullets, to arrest
+me in my path. It is now more than a year since I dragged about, at
+Brandywine, a leg that had been somewhat rudely handled, but since that
+time it has quite recovered, and my left leg is now almost as strong as
+the other one. This is the only scratch I have received, or ever shall
+receive, I can safely promise you, my love. I had a presentiment that
+I should be wounded at the first affair, and I have now a presentiment
+that I shall not be wounded again. I wrote to you after our success at
+Monmouth, and I scrawled my letter almost on the field of battle, and
+still surrounded with slashed faces. Since that period, the only events
+that have taken place, are the arrival and operations of the French
+fleet, joined to our enterprise on Rhode Island. I have sent a full
+detail of them to your father. Half the Americans say that I am
+passionately fond of my country, and the other half say that since the
+arrival of the French ships, I have become mad, and that I neither eat,
+nor drink, nor sleep, but according to the winds that blow. Betwixt
+ourselves, they are a little in the right; I never felt so strongly
+what may be called national pride. Conceive the joy I experienced on
+beholding the whole English fleet flying full sail before ours, in
+presence of the English and American armies, stationed upon Rhode
+Island. M. d'Estaing having unfortunately lost some masts, has been
+obliged to put into the Boston harbour. He is a man whose talents,
+genius, and great qualities of the heart I admire as much as I love his
+virtues, patriotism, and agreeable manners. He has experienced every
+possible difficulty; he has not been able to do all he wished to do; but
+he appears to me a man formed to advance the interests of such a nation
+as ours. Whatever may be the private feeling of friendship that unites
+me to him, I separate all partiality from the high opinion I entertain
+of our admiral. The Americans place great confidence in him, and the
+English fear him. As to the Rhode Island expedition, I shall content
+myself with saying that General Washington was not there, and that he
+sent me to conduct a reinforcement to the commanding officer, my senior
+in service. We exchanged, for several days, some cannon balls, which
+did no great harm on either side, and General Clinton having brought
+succours to his party, we evacuated the island, not without danger, but
+without any accident. We are all in a state of inaction, from which we
+shall soon awaken.
+
+Whilst we were on the Island, an officer, who has passed the winter with
+me, named Touzard, of the regiment of _La Fere_, seeing an opportunity
+of snatching a piece of cannon from the enemy, threw himself amongst
+them with the utmost bravery. This action attracted the fire of his
+antagonists, which killed his horse, and carried off part of his right
+arm, which has since been amputated. If he were in France, such an
+action, followed by such an accident, would have been the means of
+his receiving the cross of St. Louis and a pension. I should feel the
+greatest pleasure if, through you and my friends, I could obtain for him
+any recompence.
+
+I entreat you to present my respectful and affectionate compliments to
+the Marshal de Noailles; he must have received the trees I sent him. I
+will take advantage of the month of September, the most favourable
+time, to send him a still larger quantity. Do not forget me to Madame
+la Marechale de Noailles; embrace my sisters a thousand and a thousand
+times. If you see the Chevalier de Chastellux, present to him my
+compliments and assurances of affection.
+
+But what shall I say to you, my love? What expressions can my tenderness
+find sufficiently strong for our dear Anastasia? You will find them but
+in your own heart, and in mine, which is equally open to you. Cover her
+with kisses; teach her to love me by loving you. We are so completely
+united, that it is impossible to love one without loving also the other.
+That poor little child must supply all we have lost; she has two places
+to occupy in my heart, and this heavy task our misfortune has imposed
+on her. I love her most fondly, and the misery of trembling for her life
+does not prevent my feeling for her the warmest affection. Adieu; when
+shall I be permitted to see thee, to part from thee no more; to make
+thy happiness as thou makest mine, and kneel before thee to implore thy
+pardon. Adieu, adieu; we shall not be very long divided.
+
+
+
+PRESIDENT LAURENS TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.~[1]
+
+Philadelphia, 13th September, 1777.
+
+Sir,--I am sensible of a particular degree of pleasure in executing the
+order of congress, signified in their act of the 9th instant, which will
+be enclosed with this, expressing the sentiments of the representatives
+of the United States of America, of your high merit on the late
+expedition against Rhode Island. You will do congress justice, Sir, in
+receiving the present acknowledgment as a tribute of the respect and
+gratitude of a free people. I have the honour to be, with very great
+respect and esteem, Sir, your obedient and most humble servant,
+
+HENRY LAURENS, President.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. This letter, as well as all those that follow to that of the 11th of
+January, 1779, with the exception of the letter to Lord Carlisle, was
+written originally in English.
+
+
+
+RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS.
+
+Resolved:--The president is charged with writing to the Marquis de
+Lafayette; that congress conceives that the sacrifice he made of his
+personal feelings, when, for the interest of the United States, he
+repaired to Boston, at the moment when the opportunity of acquiring
+glory on the field of battle could present itself; his military zeal
+in returning to Rhode Island, when the greatest part of the army had
+quitted it, and his measures to secure a retreat, have a right to this
+present expression of the approbation of congress.
+
+September 9th, 1778.
+
+
+
+MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE TO PRESIDENT LAURENS.
+
+Camp, 23rd September, 1778.
+
+Sir,--I have just received your favour of the 13th instant, acquainting
+me with the honour congress have been pleased to confer on me by their
+most gracious resolve. Whatever pride such an approbation may justly
+give me, I am not less affected by the feelings of gratefulness, and the
+satisfaction of thinking my endeavours were ever looked on as useful to
+a cause, in which my heart is so deeply interested. Be so good, Sir,
+as to present to congress my plain and hearty thanks, with a frank
+assurance of a candid attachment, the only one worth being offered to
+the representatives of a free people. The moment I heard of America, I
+loved her; the moment I knew she was fighting for freedom, I burnt with
+a desire of bleeding for her; and the moment I shall be able to serve
+her at any time, or in any part of the world, will be the happiest one
+of my life. I never so much wished for occasions of deserving those
+obliging sentiments with which I am honoured by these states and their
+representatives, and that flattering confidence they have been pleased
+to put in me, has filled my heart with the warmest acknowledgments and
+eternal affection.
+
+I am, &c.,
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Warren, 24th September, 1778.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--I am to acknowledge the reception of your late favour.
+Your excellency's sentiments were already known to me, and my heart had
+anticipated your answer. I, however, confess it gave me a new pleasure
+when I received it. My love for you is such, my dear general, that I
+should enjoy it better, if possible, in a private sentimental light than
+in a political one. Nothing makes me happier than to see a conformity
+of sentiments between you and me, upon any matter whatsoever; and the
+opinion of your heart is so precious to me, that I will ever expect
+it to fix mine. I don't know how to make out a fine expression of my
+sentiments, my most respected friend; but you know, I hope, my heart,
+and I beg you will read in it.
+
+Agreeably to your advices and my own feelings, I made every effort that
+I could for preventing any bad measures being taken on either side;
+which conduct I also closely kept in the late affair of Boston
+concerning M. de St. Sauveur. I wished to have been of some use on both
+occasions, and I hope we have pretty well succeeded. The Count d'Estaing
+is entirely ours; so, at least, I apprehend by his confidential letters
+to me; and it affords me great pleasure. I have found by him an occasion
+of writing to France; and you will better conceive than I may describe,
+how I have acted on the occasion. I thought the best way of speaking
+of those internal affairs was not to speak of them, or at least very
+indifferently, so as to give any such report which might arrive as
+groundless and insignificant. I daresay my scheme will have the desired
+effect, and nothing will be thought of it in France. I thought it would
+be well to let the admiral know that you do not lay any blame upon him,
+and that you entertained the sentiments any honest Frenchman might wish
+upon this matter.
+
+Agreeably to a very useful article of a letter to General Sullivan, I
+have removed my station from Bristol, and am in a safer place, behind
+Warren, The few spies I have been able to procure upon the island seem
+rather to think of an evacuation than of any enterprise; but, you know,
+New York is the fountain-head. I long much, my dear general, to be again
+with you; our separation has been long enough, and I am here as inactive
+as anywhere else. My wish, and that you will easily conceive, had been
+to co-operate with the French fleet; I don't know now what they will do.
+The admiral has written to me upon many plans, and does not seem well
+fixed on any scheme: he burns with the desire of striking a blow, and is
+not yet determined how to accomplish it. He wrote me that he wanted to
+see me, but I cannot leave my post, lest something might happen: it has
+already cost dear enough to me. However, if you give me leave, I'll
+ask this of General Sullivan, and will do what I think best for both
+countries.
+
+I have heard of a _pistolade_ between two gentlemen, which lasted
+very long without much effect; it looks like our too much spoken of
+_cannonade_ at Newport, while _the siege_ was continued. I have not yet
+been able to find out what your excellency desires me to inquire into,
+on account of the French queen:~[1] but the people of the navy are
+too remote from Versailles to have any knowledge of it, and the
+Count d'Estaing himself has not any intimacy with her. I'll get that
+intelligence from a better source, and _more agreeable to your feelings
+on the matter_, in order that you may do what you think fit to be done
+if the report is true.
+
+I beg, my dear general, when you write to your lady, that you would
+present my respects to her; and I beg also the liberty to make here a
+thousand compliments to your family. With the highest respect and most
+tender friendship, I have the honour to be, dear general.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. Several ladies had lately come out from New York, who reported that
+a vessel had been captured and brought to that city, in which was
+contained a present from the Queen of France to Mrs. Washington, as "an
+elegant testimonial of her approbation of the general's conduct," and
+that it had been sold at auction for the benefit of the captors. This
+intelligence was so confidently affirmed from such a respectable source,
+that General Washington had requested the Marquis de Lafayette to
+make inquiry as to the truth of it through the medium of Madame de
+Lafayette.--_Writings of Washington_, vol. vi p. 74.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Fredericksburg, 25th September, 1778.
+
+MY DEAR MARQUIS,--The sentiments of affection and attachment, which
+breathe so conspicuously in all your letters to me, are at once
+pleasing and honourable, and afford me abundant cause to rejoice at the
+happiness of my acquaintance with you. Your love of liberty, the just
+sense you entertain of this valuable blessing, and your noble and
+disinterested exertions in the cause of it, added to the innate goodness
+of your heart, conspire to render you dear to me; and I think myself
+happy in being linked with you in bonds of the strictest friendship.
+
+The ardent zeal which you have displayed during the whole course of the
+campaign to the eastward, and your endeavours to cherish harmony among
+the officers of the allied powers, and to dispel those unfavourable
+impressions which had begun to take place in the minds of the
+unthinking, from misfortunes, which the utmost stretch of human
+foresight could not avert, deserved, and now receives, my particular and
+warmest thanks. I am sorry for Monsieur Touzard's loss of an arm in the
+action on Rhode Island; and offer my thanks to him, through you, for his
+gallant behaviour on that day.
+
+Could I have conceived that my picture had been an object of your
+wishes, or in the smallest degree worthy of your attention, I should,
+while M. Peale was in the camp at Valley Forge, have got him to take the
+best portrait of me he could, and presented it to you; but I really
+had not so good an opinion of my own worth, as to suppose that such a
+compliment would not have been considered as a greater instance of
+my vanity, than means of your gratification; and therefore, when you
+requested me to sit to Monsieur Lanfang, I thought it was only to obtain
+the outlines and a few shades of my features, to have some prints struck
+from.
+
+If you have entertained thoughts, my dear marquis, of paying a visit to
+your court, to your lady, and to your friends this winter, but waver on
+account of an expedition into Canada, friendship induces me to tell
+you, that I do not conceive that the prospect of such an operation is
+so favourable at this time, as to cause you to change your views. Many
+circumstances and events must conspire to render an enterprise of this
+kind practicable and advisable. The enemy, in the first place, must
+either withdraw wholly, or in part, from their present posts, to leave
+us at liberty to detach largely from this army. In the next place,
+if considerable reinforcements should be thrown into that country,
+a winter's expedition would become impracticable, on account of the
+difficulties which would attend the march of a large body of men,
+with the necessary apparatus, provisions, forage, and stores, at
+that inclement season. In a word, the chances are so much against the
+undertaking, that they ought not to induce you to lay aside your other
+purpose, in the prosecution of which you shall have every aid, and carry
+with you every honourable testimony of my regard and entire approbation
+of your conduct, that you can wish. But it is a compliment, which is
+due, so am I persuaded you would not wish to dispense with the form of
+signifying your desires to congress on the subject of your voyage and
+absence.
+
+I come now, in a more especial manner, to acknowledge the receipt of
+your obliging favour of the 21st, by Major Dubois, and to thank you for
+the important intelligence therein contained.
+
+I do most cordially congratulate you on the glorious defeat of the
+British squadron under Admiral Keppel, an event which reflects the
+highest honour on the good conduct and bravery of Monsieur d'Orrilliers
+and the officers of the fleet under his command; at the same time that
+it is to be considered, I hope, as the happy presage, of a fortunate
+and glorious war to his most Christian Majesty. A confirmation of
+the account I shall impatiently wait and devoutly wish for. If the
+Spaniards, under this favourable beginning, would unite their fleet to
+that of France, together they would soon humble the pride of haughty
+Britain, and no long suffer her to reign sovereign of the seas, and
+claim the privilege of giving laws to the main.
+
+You have my free consent to make the Count d'Estaing a visit, and may
+signify my entire approbation of it to General Sullivan, who, I am glad
+to find, has moved you out of a _cul de sac_. It was my advice to him
+long ago, to have no detachments in that situation, let particular
+places be ever so much unguarded and exposed from the want of troops.
+Immediately upon my removal from White Plains to this ground, the enemy
+threw a body of troops into the Jerseys; but for what purpose, unless
+to make a grand forage, I have not been able yet to learn. They advanced
+some troops at the same time from their lines at Kingsbridge towards
+our old encampment at the plains, stripping the inhabitants not only of
+their provisions and forage, but even the clothes on their backs, and
+without discrimination.
+
+The information, my dear marquis, which I begged the favour of you to
+obtain, was not, I am persuaded, to be had through the channel of the
+officers of the French fleet, but by application to your fair lady,
+to whom I should be happy in an opportunity of paying my homage in
+Virginia, when the war is ended, if she could be prevailed upon to quit,
+for a few months, the gaieties and splendour of a court, for the rural
+amusements of a humble cottage.
+
+I shall not fail to inform Mrs. Washington of your polite attention to
+her. The gentlemen of my family are sensible of the honour you do them
+by your kind inquiries, and join with me in a tender of best regards;
+and none can offer them with more sincerity and affection than I do.
+With every sentiment you can wish, I am, my dear marquis, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp, near Warren, 24th September, 1778.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--I am going to consult your excellency upon a point in
+which I not only want your leave and opinion, as the commander-in-chief,
+but also your candid advice, as the man whom I have the happiness to
+call my friend. In an address from the British commissaries to congress,
+the first after _Johnstone_ was excluded, they speak in the most
+disrespectful terms of my nation and country. The whole is undersigned
+by them, and more particularly by the president, Lord Carlisle. I am the
+first French officer, in rank, of the American army; I am not unknown to
+the British, and if somebody must take notice of such expressions,
+that advantage does, I believe, belong to me. Don't you think, my dear
+general, that I should do well to write a letter ont he subject to
+Lord Carlisle, wherein I should notice his expressions conveyed in an
+unfriendly manner? I have mentioned something of this design to the
+Count d'Estaing, but wish entirely to fix my opinion by yours, which I
+instantly beg, as soon as you may find it convenient.
+
+As everyting is perfectly quiet, and General Sullivan is persuaded that
+I may, with all safety, go to Boston, I am going to undertake a short
+journey towards that place. The admiral has several times expressed a
+desire of conversing with me; he has also thrown out some wishes that
+something might be done towards securing Boston, but it seems he always
+refers to a conversation for further explanation. My stay will be short,
+as I don't like towns in time of war, when I may be about a camp. If
+your excellency answers me immediately, I may soon receive your letter.
+
+I want much to see you, my dear general, and consult you about many
+points, part of them are respecting myself. If you approve of my writing
+to Lord Carlisle, it would be a reason for coming near you for a short
+time, in case the gentleman is displeased with my mission.
+
+With the most perfect respect, confidence, and affection, I have the
+honour to be, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. In the preceding session, the English parliament had passed
+bills called conciliatory, and in the month of June, conciliatory
+commissioners had presented themselves to negotiate an arrangement.
+These were, Lord Carlisle, Governor George Johnstone, and William Eden.
+Dr. Adam Ferguson, professor of moral philosophy at the University of
+Edinburgh, was secretary of the commission. They addressed a letter to
+Mr. Laurens which was to be communicated to congress. To that letter
+were joined private letters from Mr. Johnstone to several members of the
+assembly, whom he endeavoured to seduce by exciting interested hopes.
+The letters were given up to the congress, who declared "_that it was
+incompatible with their own honour to hold any sort of correspondence or
+relation with the said George Johnstone_."--(See the Letters of General
+Washington, vol. v., p. 397, and vol. vi., p. 31; and the _History of
+the American Revolution_, by David Ramsay, vol. ii., chap. 16.)
+
+
+
+TO LORD CARLISLE.~[1]
+
+I expected, until the present moment, my lord, to have only affairs to
+settle with your generals, and I hoped to see them at the head only of
+the armies which are respectively confided to us; your letter to the
+Congress of the United States, the insulting phrase to my country, which
+you yourself have signed, could alone bring me into direct communication
+with you. I do not, my lord, deign to refute your assertion, but I do
+wish to punish it. It is to you, as chief of the commission, that I now
+appeal, to give me a reparation as public as has been the offence, and
+as shall be the denial which arises from it; nor would that denial
+have been so long delayed if the letters had reached me sooner. As I am
+obliged to absent myself for some days, I hope to find your answer on
+my return. M. de Gimat, a French officer, will make all the arrangements
+for me which may be agreeable to you; I doubt not but that General
+Clinton, for the honour of his countryman, will consent to the measure I
+propose. As to myself, my lord, I shall consider all measures good, if,
+to the glory of being a Frenchman, I can add that of proving to one of
+your nation that my nation can never be attacked with impunity.
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. This letter was written in French.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Boston, 28th September, 1778.
+
+DEAR GENERAL,--The news I have got from France, the reflections I
+have made by myself, and those which have been suggested to me by many
+people, particularly by the admiral, increases more than ever the desire
+I had of seeing again your excellency. I want to communicate to you my
+sentiments, and take your opinion upon my present circumstances--I look
+upon this as of high moment to my private interests. On the other
+hand, I have some ideas, and some intelligence in reference to public
+interests, which I am very desirous of disclosing to your excellency. I
+am sure, my dear general, that your sentiments upon my private concerns
+are such, that you will have no objection to my spending some hours with
+you.~[1]
+
+The moment at which the fleet will be ready is not very far, and I think
+it of importance to have settled my affair with you before that time. I
+am going to write to General Sullivan on the subject, and if he has
+no objection, I'll go immediately to head-quarters; but should he
+make difficulties, I beg you will send me that leave. I intend to ride
+express, in order that I may have time enough. You may think, my dear
+general, that I don't ask, what I never asked in my life--a leave to
+quit the post I am sent to--without strong reasons for it; but the
+letters I have received from home make me very anxious to see you.
+
+With the most tender affection and highest respect, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. In spite of the obstacles which had arrested M. de Lafayette at the
+commencement of the projected northern campaign, he had embraced with
+ardour the idea of a diversion which was to be operated in Canada, with
+the combined forces of France and America; and it was partly to converse
+on this plan with Washington, and later with the cabinet of Versailles,
+that he insisted upon having a conference with the general-in-chief, and
+returning to France before the winter. He was even summoned to explain
+himself on this subject with a committee from the congress, who adopted
+the plan in principle, but decided that General Washington should be
+first consulted. The latter expressed his objections in a public letter
+addressed to the congress, and in a private letter addressed to Laurens,
+(14th November, 1778.) It was long before the final decision of congress
+became known. M. de Lafayette was still ignorant of it when he embarked
+for Europe. The 29th December, only, a letter was addressed to him from
+President John Jay, who was charged by congress to express to him that
+the difficulties of execution--the want of men and materials, and,
+above all, the exhausted state of the finances, did not permit the
+accomplishment of this project; that if, however, France would first
+enter into it, the United States would make every effort to second
+her. But France, from various motives, did not shew herself disposed to
+snatch Canada from the English. (See the Correspondence of Washington,
+vol. vi., and his Life by Marshal, vol. iii)
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Fishkill, 4th October, 1778.
+
+MY DEAR MARQUIS,--I have had the pleasure of receiving, by the hands of
+Monsieur de la Colombe, your favour of the 28th ultimo, accompanied
+by one of the 24th, which he overtook somewhere on the road. The leave
+requested in the former, I am as much interested to grant, as to refuse
+my approbation of the challenge proposed in the latter. The generous
+spirit of chivalry, exploded by the rest of the world, finds a refuge,
+my dear friend, in the sensibility of your nation only. But it is in
+vain to cherish it, unless you can find antagonists to support it;
+and, however well adapted it might have been to the times in which it
+existed, in our days, it is to be feared, that your opponent, sheltering
+himself behind modern opinions, and under his present public character
+of commissioner, would turn a virtue of such ancient date into ridicule.
+Besides, supposing his lordship accepted your terms, experience has
+proved that chance is often as much concerned in deciding these matters
+as bravery, and always more than the justice of the cause. I would not,
+therefore, have your life, by the remotest possibility, exposed, when
+it may be reserved for so many greater occasions. His excellency, the
+admiral, I flatter myself, will be in sentiment with me; and, as soon as
+he can spare you, will send you to head-quarters, where I anticipate the
+pleasure of seeing you.
+
+Having written very fully to you a few days ago, and put the letter
+under cover to General Sullivan, I have nothing to add at this time, but
+to assure you that, with the most perfect regard--I am, dear sir, &c.
+
+
+
+MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE TO PRESIDENT LAURENS.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Philadelphia, 13th October, 1778.
+
+SIR,--Whatever care I should take not to employ the precious time at
+congress in private considerations, I beg leave to lay before them my
+present circumstances, with that confidence which naturally springs from
+affection and gratitude. The sentiments which bind me to my country, can
+never be more properly spoken of than in the presence of men who have
+done so much for their own. As long as I thought I could dispose of
+myself, I made it my pride and pleasure to fight under American colours,
+in defence of a cause, which I dare more particularly call ours,
+because I had the good fortune to bleed for it. Now, sir, that France
+is involved in a war, I am urged by a sense of duty, as well as by
+patriotic love, to present myself before the king, to know in what
+manner he may judge proper to employ my services. The most agreeable of
+all will be such as may enable me always to serve the common cause among
+those whose friendship I have the happiness to obtain, and whose fortune
+I have had the honour to follow in less smiling times. That reason, and
+others, which I leave to the feelings of congress, engage me to beg from
+them the liberty of going home for the next winter.
+
+As long as there were any hopes of an active campaign, I did not think
+of leaving the field. Now that I see a very peaceable and undisturbed
+moment, I take this opportunity of waiting on congress. In case my
+request is granted, I shall so manage my departure as to be certain
+before going off that the campaign is really over. Inclosed you will
+find a letter from his excellency General Washington, where he expresses
+his assent to my getting leave of absence. I dare flatter myself, that
+I shall be looked upon as a soldier on furlough, who most heartily
+wants to join again his colours, and his most esteemed and beloved
+fellow-soldiers. In case it is thought that I can be in any way useful
+to the service of America, when I shall find myself among my countrymen,
+and in case any exertion of mine is deemed serviceable, I hope, sir,
+I shall always be considered as a man who is deeply interested in the
+welfare of the United States, and who has the most perfect affection,
+regard, and confidence for representatives. With the highest regard, I
+have the honour to be, &c.
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+
+
+PRESIDENT LAURENS TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Philadelphia, 24th October, 1778.
+
+SIR,--I had the honour of presenting to congress your letter, soliciting
+leave of absence, and I am directed by the house to express their thanks
+for your zeal in promoting that just cause in which they are engaged,
+and for the disinterested services you have rendered to the United
+States of America. In testimony of the high esteem and affection in
+which you are held by the good people of these states, as well as in
+acknowledgment of your gallantry and military talents, displayed on
+many signal occasions, their representatives in congress assembled have
+ordered an elegant sword to be presented to you by the American minister
+at the court of Versailles.
+
+Enclosed within the present cover will be found an act of congress,
+of the 21st instant, authorizing these declarations, and granting a
+furlough for your return to France, to be extended at your own pleasure.
+I pray God to bless and protect you, Sir; to conduct you in safety
+to the presence of your prince, and to the re-enjoyment of your noble
+family and friends. I have the honour to be, with the highest respect,
+and with the most sincere affection, Sir, your most obedient and most
+humble servant,
+
+HENRY LAURENS, President.
+
+1778. In Congress, October 21st.--Resolved, That the Marquis de
+Lafayette, major-general in the service of the United States, have
+leave to go to France, and that he return at such time as shall be most
+convenient to him.
+
+Resolved, That the president write a letter to the Marquis de Lafayette,
+returning him the thanks of congress for that disinterested zeal which
+led him to America, and for the services he has rendered to the United
+States by the exertion of his courage and abilities on many signal
+occasions.
+
+Resolved, That the minister plenipotentiary of the United States of
+America at the court of Versailles be directed to cause an elegant
+sword, with proper devices, to be made, and presented in the name of the
+United States to the Marquis de Lafayette.
+
+October 22nd.--Resolved, That the following letter of recommendation of
+the Marquis de Lafayette be written to the King of France:--
+
+To our great, faithful, and beloved friend and ally, Louis the
+Sixteenth, king of France and Navarre:--
+
+The Marquis de Lafayette having obtained our leave to return to his
+native country, we could not suffer him to depart without testifying our
+deep sense of his zeal, courage, and attachment. We have advanced him to
+the rank of major-general in our armies, which, as well by his prudent
+as spirited conduct, he has manifestly merited. We recommend this young
+nobleman to your majesty's notice, as one whom we know to be wise in
+council, gallant in the field, and patient under the hardships of
+war. His devotion to his sovereign has led him in all things to demean
+himself as an American, acquiring thereby the confidence of these United
+States, your good and faithful friends and allies, and the affection of
+their citizens. We pray God to keep your majesty in his holy protection.
+
+Done at Philadelphia, the 22nd day of October, 1778, by the congress of
+the United States of North America, your good friends and allies.
+
+HENRY LAURENS, President.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Philadelphia, the 24th of October, 1778.
+
+My Dear General,--You will be surprised to hear that I am yet in this
+city, and that I could never get out this time. My own business was
+immediately done, and I received from congress all possible marks of
+kindness and affection; but public affairs do not go on quite so fast,
+and I am detained for the expedition of projects, instructions, and
+many papers which I am to carry with me. The zeal for the common cause
+prevents my leaving this place before I am dismissed. However, I will
+certainly set out to-morrow afternoon at farthest.
+
+Congress have been pleased to grant me an undetermined furlough by the
+most polite and honourable resolves, to which they have added a letter
+for the king in my behalf. I will shew the whole to your excellency as
+soon as I have the pleasure to see you; and as I hope to arrive two days
+after this letter, I think it is useless to trouble you with copies.
+
+I have received an answer from Lord Carlisle, in which he conceals
+himself behind his dignity, and, by a prudent foresight, he objects to
+entering into any explanation in any change of situation.
+
+There is a plan going on which I think you will approve. The idea was
+not suggested by me, and I acted in the affair a passive part. I will
+speak to your excellency of it more at length, and with more freedom,
+at our first interview. May I hope, my dear general, that you will order
+the enclosed letters to be sent immediately to Boston, as some of them
+contain orders for a frigate to put herself in readiness.
+
+With the highest respect and most tender affection, I have the honour to
+be.
+
+
+
+LORD CARLISLE TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+Sir,--I have received your letter by M. de Gimat; I own it appears to
+me difficult to make a serious answer to it; the only one that can be
+expected from me in my capacity of commissioner of the king, and which
+is one you should have foreseen, is, that I look upon myself, and
+shall always look upon myself, as not obliged to be responsible to
+any individual for my public conduct and mode of expression. I am
+only responsible to my king and country. In respect to the opinions or
+expressions contained in one of the public documents published by the
+authority of the commission to which I have the honour of belonging,
+unless they should be publicly retracted, you may feel certain that,
+whatever change may take place in my situation, I shall never be
+disposed to give any account of them, still less to disown them
+privately. I must recall to you that the insult you allude to as
+occurring in the correspondence between the king's commissioners and
+the congress is not of a private nature. I think, therefore, that all
+national disputes will be best decided when Admiral Biron and Count
+d'Estaing shall have met.
+
+
+
+MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE TO PRESIDENT LAURENS.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Philadelphia, 26th October, 1778.
+
+SIR,--I have received your excellency's obliging letter, enclosing the
+several resolutions congress have honoured me with, and the leave of
+absence they have been pleased to grant. Nothing can make me happier
+than the reflection that my services have met with their approbation;
+the glorious testimonial of confidence and satisfaction repeatedly
+bestowed on me by the representatives of America, though superior to
+my merit, cannot exceed the grateful sentiments they have excited.
+I consider the noble present offered to me in the name of the United
+States as the most flattering honour; it is my most fervent desire soon
+to employ that sword in their service against the common enemy of my
+country, and of their faithful and beloved allies.
+
+That liberty, safety, wealth, and concord may ever extend to the United
+States, is the ardent wish of a heart glowing with a devoted zeal and
+unbounded love, and the highest regard and the most sincere affection
+for their representatives. Be pleased, Sir, to present my thanks
+to them, and to accept, yourself, the assurance of my respectful
+attachment. I have the honour to be, with profound veneration, your
+excellency's most obedient servant,
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+
+
+FRAGMENT OF A LETTER FROM THE FRENCH MINISTER, M. GERARD, TO COUNT DE
+VERGENNES.
+
+October, 1778. --I ought not to terminate this long despatch, without
+rendering to the wisdom and dexterity of the Marquis de Lafayette, in
+the part he has taken in these discussions, the justice which is due
+to his merits. He has given most salutary counsels, authorized by his
+friendship and experience. The Americans have strongly solicited his
+return with the troops which the king may send. He has replied with a
+due sensibility, but with an entire resignation to the will of the king.
+I cannot forbear saying, that the conduct, equally prudent, courageous,
+and amiable, of the Marquis de Lafayette, has made him the idol of
+the congress, the army, and the people of America. A high opinion is
+entertained of his military talents. You know how little I am inclined
+to adulation; but I should be wanting in justice, if I did not transmit
+to you these testimonials, which are here in the mouth of the whole
+world.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Philadelphia, 29th December, 1778.
+
+MY DEAR MARQUIS,--This will be accompanied by a letter from congress,
+which will inform you, that a certain expedition, after a full
+consideration of all circumstances, has been laid aside. I am sorry,
+however, for the delay it has occasioned you, by remaining so long
+undecided.
+
+I am persuaded, my dear marquis, that there is no need of fresh proofs
+to convince you either of my affection for you personally, or of the
+high opinion I entertain of your military talents and merits. Yet,
+as you are on the point of returning to your native country, I cannot
+forbear indulging my friendship, by adding to the honourable testimonies
+you have received from congress, the enclosed letter from myself to our
+minister at your court. I have therein endeavoured to give him an idea
+of the value this country sets upon you; and the interest I take in your
+happiness cannot but make me desire you may be equally dear to your own.
+Adieu, my dear marquis; my best wishes will ever attend you. May you
+have a safe and agreeable passage, and a happy meeting with your lady
+and friends. I ate, &c.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, AMERICAN MINISTER IN
+FRANCE.
+
+(ORIGINAL)
+
+Philadelphia, 28th December, 1788
+
+SIR,--The Marquis de Lafayette, having served with distinction as
+major-general in the army of the United States for two campaigns, has
+been determined, by the prospect of a European war, to return to his
+native country. It is with pleasure that I embrace the opportunity
+of introducing to your personal acquaintance a gentleman, whose merit
+cannot have left him unknown to you by reputation. The generous motives
+which first induced him to cross the Atlantic; the tribute which he paid
+to gallantry at the Brandywine; his success in Jersey, before he had
+recovered from his wound, in an affair where he commanded militia
+against British grenadiers; the brilliant retreat, by which he eluded
+a combined manoeuvre of the British forces in the last campaign; his
+services in the enterprise against Rhode Island; are such proofs of his
+zeal, military order, and talents, as have endeared him to America, and
+must greatly recommend him to his prince.
+
+Coming with so many titles to claim your esteem, it were needless, for
+any other purpose than to indulge my own feelings, to add, that I have a
+very particular friendship for him; and that, whatever services you may
+have it in your power to render him, will confer an obligation on one
+who has the honour to be--with the greatest esteem, regard, and respect,
+sir, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Boston, 5th January, 1779.
+
+DEAR GENERAL,--In my difficult situation, at such a distance from you,
+I am obliged to take a determination by myself, which, I hope, will meet
+with your approbation. You remember, that in making full allowance for
+deliberations, the answer from congress was to reach me before the 15th
+of last month, and I have long since waited without even hearing from
+them. Nay, many gentlemen from Philadelphia assure me, congress believe
+that I am gone long ago. Though my affairs call me home, private
+interests would, however, induce me to wait for your excellency's
+letters, for the decision of congress about an exchange in case I should
+be taken, and for the last determinations concerning the plans of the
+next campaign.
+
+But I think the importance of the despatches I am the bearer of; the
+uncertainty and improbability of receiving any others here; my giving
+intelligence at Versailles may be for the advantage of both nations; the
+inconvenience of detaining the fine frigate, on board which I return,
+and the danger of losing all the men, who desert very fast, are reasons
+so important as oblige me not to delay any longer. I am the more of that
+opinion from congress having resolved to send about this time three fast
+sailing vessels to France, and the marine committee having promised me
+to give the despatches to such officers as I would recommend; it is
+a very good way of forwarding their letters, and sending such as your
+excellency may be pleased to write me. I beg you will send copies of
+them by the several vessels.
+
+To hear from you, my most respected friend, will be the greatest
+happiness I can feel. The longer the letters you write, the more blessed
+with satisfaction I shall think myself. I hope you will not refuse me
+that pleasure as often as you can. I hope you will ever preserve that
+affection which I return by the tenderest sentiments.
+
+How happy, my dear general, I should be to come next spring,
+principally, as it might yet be proposed, I need not to say. Your first
+letter will let me know what I am to depend upon on that head, and,
+I flatter myself, the first from me will confirm to you that I am at
+liberty, and that most certainly I intend to come next campaign.
+
+My health is now in the best condition, and I would not remember I ever
+was sick, were it not for the marks of friendship you gave me on
+that occasion. My good doctor has attended me with his usual care and
+tenderness. He will see me on board and then return to head-quarters;
+but the charge of your friend was intrusted to him till I was on board
+the frigate. I have met with the most kind hospitality in this city,
+and, drinking water excepted, the doctor has done everything he could to
+live happy; he dances and sings at the assemblies most charmingly.
+
+The gentlemen who, I hope, will go to France, have orders to go to
+head-quarters; and I flatter myself, my dear general, that you will
+write me by them. I beg you will let the bearer of this, Captain la
+Colombe, know that I recommend him to your excellency for the commission
+of major.
+
+Be so kind, my dear general, as to present my best respects to your
+lady and the gentlemen of your family. I hope you will quietly enjoy the
+pleasure of being with Mrs. Washington, without any disturbance from
+the enemy, till I join you again; I also hope you will approve of my
+sailing, which, indeed, was urged by necessity, after waiting so long.
+
+Farewell, my most beloved general; it is not without emotion, I bid you
+this last adieu, before so long a separation. Don't forget an absent
+friend, and believe me for ever and ever, with the highest respect and
+tenderest affection.
+
+On board the _Alliance_, 10th January, 1779.
+
+I open again my letter, my dear general, to let you know that I am not
+yet gone, but if the wind proves fair, I shall sail to-morrow. Nothing
+from Philadelphia; nothing from head-quarters. So that everybody, as
+well as myself, is of opinion that I should be wrong to wait any longer.
+I hope I am right, and I hope to hear soon from you. Adieu, my dear, and
+for ever beloved friend,--adieu!
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+On board the _Alliance_, off Boston, 11th Jan., 1779
+
+The sails are just going to be hoisted, my dear general, and I have but
+time to take my last leave of you. I may now be certain that congress
+did not intend to send anything more by me. The navy board and Mr.
+Nevil write me this very morning from Boston, that the North River is
+passable; that a gentleman from camp says, he did not hear of anything
+like an express for me. All agree for certain that congress think I am
+gone, and that the sooner I go the better.
+
+Farewell, my dear general; I hope your French friend will ever be dear
+to you; I hope I shall soon see you again, and tell you myself with what
+emotion I now leave the coast you inhabit, and with what affection and
+respect I am for ever, my dear general, your respectful and sincere
+friend.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND VOYAGE TO AMERICA, AND CAMPAIGNS OF 1780 & 1781.
+
+
+
+
+HISTORICAL MEMOIRS OF 1779, 1780, & 1781.~[1]
+
+Lafayette, who quitted France as a rebel and fugitive, returned there
+triumphant and in favour. He was scarcely punished by a week's arrest
+for his disobedience to the King, and that was only after he had had a
+conversation with the first minister, Maurepas. Lafayette found himself
+the connecting link between the United States and France; he enjoyed the
+confidence of both countries and both governments. His favour at court
+and in society was employed in serving the cause of the Americans, in
+destroying the false impressions that were endeavoured to be raised
+against them, and in obtaining for them succours of every kind. He
+experienced, however, many difficulties; the friends of the Austrian
+alliance saw, with displeasure, that that war would cause the refusal of
+the forty thousand auxiliaries stipulated by the treaty of Vienna;
+the French ministry already feared the too great aggrandisement of the
+United States, and decidedly refused the conquest of Canada, on pretence
+that before a fourteenth state was added to those that had already
+declared themselves independent, it was necessary first to deliver the
+thirteen from the yoke of the English. M. Neckar feared everything that
+could either increase the expense of the war or prolong it. Maurepas
+himself, who had been reluctantly led into it, was completely weary of
+it; he hoped to obtain peace by making an attempt on England. Lafayette,
+taking advantage of this idea, had organized an expedition, in which
+the celebrated Paul Jones was to command the marines, and of which the
+object was to transport a body of troops, bearing the American banner,
+upon the coast of England, and levy contributions to supply the
+Americans with the money that could not be drawn from the treasury of
+France. Liverpool and some other towns would have been justly punished
+for the part they had taken in the vexations exercised against the
+colonies, to whom they were indebted for their prosperity; but the
+economy and timidity of the French ministers made this undertaking fail.
+Lafayette, despairing of the success of the Canada expedition, took a
+step that was undoubtedly a bold one, but which was quite justified by
+the issue. He had been enjoined not to ask for French auxiliary troops
+for the United States, because the popular feeling of jealousy against
+foreigners, and especially against Frenchmen, not only rendered the
+congress itself averse to this project, but made them believe it would
+excite general anxiety and discontent. Lafayette foresaw that before the
+succour could be ready, the United States would feel its necessity, and
+that it might arrive, as did actually occur, in a decisive moment for
+the safety of the cause. He took, therefore, upon himself, not being
+able to obtain troops for Canada, to solicit, in the name of the
+congress, what he had been positively forbidden to ask, a succour of
+auxiliary troops sent to a port of the United States, and he made choice
+of that of Rhode Island which, having been evacuated by the English, and
+being in an Island suitable for defence, was more likely than any other
+to obviate all kinds of difficulties. He obtained the promise of six
+thousand men, but four thousand only were afterwards sent, under Count
+Rochambeau: however trifling that number might appear, Lafayette
+knew that, by employing young officers of the court, and drawing the
+attention of the French upon that little corps, the ministers would
+sooner or later be obliged to render it of use by obtaining a decided
+naval superiority upon the American coast, which was Lafayette's
+principal object, and which it was very difficult to obtain, owing to
+other plans of operation; in fact, that naval superiority was never
+established until 1781, and then lasted but for a few weeks: events
+have since proved how right Lafayette was to speak every day of its
+necessity. The corps which had been granted were not in readiness to
+sail until the beginning of the year 1780. Lafayette in the meantime was
+employed in the staff of the army which was preparing for a descent on
+England, under the orders of the Marshal de Vaux. It was then that
+Dr. Franklin's grandson presented him officially with the sword that
+congress had decreed to him. Upon that sword were represented Monmouth,
+Barren Hill, Gloucester, and Rhode Island; America, delivered from her
+chains, was offering a branch of laurel to a youthful warrior; the same
+warrior was represented inflicting a mortal wound upon the British lion.
+Franklin had placed in another part an ingenious device for America; it
+was a crescent, with these words: _Crescam ut prosim_; on the other side
+was the device, _Cur non?_ which the youth himself had adopted when he
+first set out for America.
+
+Lafayette, at the end of the campaign, renewed his efforts to obtain
+the fulfilment of the hopes which had been given him; he succeeded in
+gaining pecuniary succours, which were placed at the disposal of
+General Washington, for it was upon that general that reposed the
+whole confidence of the government, and the hopes of the French nation.
+Clothing for the army had been promised also, but that remained behind
+with the two thousand men which were to have completed the corps of
+Rochambeau; and Admiral Ternay, instead of bringing, as he ought to have
+done, a stronger naval force than the enemy had brought, set sail
+for Rhode Island with seven vessels. This expedition was kept very
+secret;~[2] Lafayette had preceded it on board the French frigate the
+_Hermione_; he arrived at Boston before the Americans and English had
+the least knowledge of that auxiliary reinforcement.
+
+
+(1780.) The arrival of Lafayette at Boston produced the liveliest
+sensation, which was entirely owing to his own popularity, for no one
+yet knew what he had obtained for the United States. Every person ran to
+the shore; he was received with the loudest acclamations, and carried
+in triumph to the house of Governor Hancock, from whence he set out for
+head-quarters. Washington learnt, with great emotion, of the arrival of
+his young friend. It was observed that on receiving the despatch which
+announced to him this event, his eyes filled with tears of joy, and
+those who are acquainted with the disposition of Washington, will
+consider this as a certain proof of a truly paternal love. Lafayette
+was welcomed with the greatest joy by the army; he was beloved both
+by officers and soldiers, and felt the sincerest affection for them
+in return. After the first pleasure of their meeting was over, General
+Washington and he retired into a private room to talk over the present
+state of affairs. The situation of the army was a very bad one; it was
+in want of money, and it was become almost impossible to raise recruits;
+in short, some event was necessary to restore the energy of the
+different states, and give the army an opportunity of displaying its
+vigour. It was then that Lafayette announced to the commander-in-chief
+what had been done, and the succours which might soon be expected to
+arrive. General Washington felt the importance of this good news, and
+considered it as deciding the successful issue of their affairs. All
+the necessary preparations were made: the secret was well kept, although
+steps were obliged to be taken for the arrival of the troops, who landed
+safely at Rhode Island, and who, in spite of their long inaction, formed
+a necessary and powerful force to oppose to the English army.
+
+During the campaign of 1780, the French corps remained at Rhode Island.
+After the defeat of Gates, Greene went to command in Carolina; Arnold
+was placed at West Point; the principal army, under the immediate orders
+of Washington, had for its front guard the light infantry of Lafayette,
+to which was joined the corps of the excellent partisan, Colonel Lee.
+This is the proper time to speak of that light infantry. The American
+troops had no grenadiers; their _chasseurs_, or riflemen, formed
+a distinct regiment, under the orders of the colonel, since
+Brigadier-General Morgan, and had been taken, not from different corps,
+but from parts of the country on the frontiers of the savage tribes,
+and from amongst men whose mode of life, and skill in firing their long
+carabines, rendered them peculiarly useful in that service. But the
+regiments of the line supplied some chosen men, whose officers were
+also all picked men, and who formed a select band of about two thousand,
+under the orders of Lafayette. The mutual attachment of that corps and
+its head had become even a proverb in America. As a traveller brings
+from distant countries presents to his family and friends, he had
+brought from France the value of a large sum of money in ornaments
+for the soldiers, swords for the officers and under officers, and
+banners~[3] for the battalions. This troop of chosen men, well exercised
+and disciplined, although badly clothed, were easily recognised by
+their red and black plumes, and had an excellent and a very pleasing
+appearance. But, except the few things which M. de Lafayette himself
+supplied, none of the things France had promised to send arrived: the
+money she lent proved, however, of essential service to the army.
+
+During that year, a conference took place at Hartford, in Connecticut,
+between the French generals and General Washington, accompanied by
+General Lafayette and General Knox; they resolved to send the American
+Colonel Laurens, charged to solicit new succours, and above all, a
+superiority of force in the navy. On their return from this conference,
+the conspiracy of Arnold was discovered. General Washington would still
+have found that general in his quarters; if chance, or rather the desire
+of showing Lafayette the fort of West Point, constructed during his
+absence, had not induced him to repair thither before proceeding to
+Robinson's house, in which General Arnold then resided.~[4]
+
+It is impossible to express too much respect or too deep regret for
+Major Andre. The fourteen general officers who had the painful task of
+Historians have rendered a detailed account of the treachery of Arnold.
+When, at his own request, the command of West Point was confided to him,
+he urged General Washington to inform him what means of information
+he possessed at New York. He made the same request to Lafayette, who
+accidentally had several upon his own account, and to the other officers
+who commanded near the enemy's lines. All these generals fortunately
+considered themselves bound by the promise of secrecy they had made,
+especially as several of the correspondents acted from a feeling of
+patriotism only. If Arnold had succeeded in discovering them,
+those unfortunate persons would have been ruined, and all means of
+communication cut off.
+
+Arnold was very near receiving the letter of Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson
+in the presence of the commander-in-chief: he had turned aside, with
+Lafayette and Knox, to look at a redoubt; Hamilton pronouncing his
+sentence, the commander-in-chief, and the whole American army; were
+filled with sentiments of admiration and compassion for him. The conduct
+of the English in a preceding circumstance had been far from, being
+similar. Captain Hale, of Connecticut, a distinguished young man,
+beloved by his family and friends, had been taken on Long Island, under
+circumstances of the same kind as those that occasioned the death of
+Major Andre; but, instead of being treated with the like respect, to
+which Major Andre himself bore testimony, Captain Hale was insulted to
+the last moment of his life. "This is a fine death for a soldier!" said
+one of the English officers who were surrounding the cart of execution.
+"Sir," replied Hale lifting up his cap, "there is no death which would
+not be rendered noble in such a glorious cause." He calmly replaced
+his cap, and the fatal cart moving on, he died with the most perfect
+composure.
+
+During the winter, there was a revolt in the Pennsylvanian line.
+Lafayette was at Philadelphia; the congress, and the executive power of
+the state, knowing his influence over the troops, induced him to proceed
+thither with General Saint Clair. They were received by the troops with
+marked respect, and they listened to their complaints, which were but
+too well grounded. General Wayne was in the midst of them, and had
+undertaken a negotiation in concert with the state of Pennsylvania.
+Lafayette had only, therefore, to repair to head quarters. The
+discontent of the Pennsylvanians was appeased by the measures of
+conciliation which had been already begun; but the same kind of
+revolt in a Jersey brigade was suppressed with more vigour by the
+general-in-chief, who, setting out with some battalions of Lafayette's
+light infantry, brought the mutineers to reason, and the generals,
+no longer restrained by the interference of the civil authority,
+re-established immediately that military discipline which was on the
+point of being lost.~[6]
+
+
+(1781.) General Arnold was at Portsmouth in Virginia; Washington formed
+the project of combining with the French to attack him, and take the
+garrison. Lafayette set out from the head quarters with twelve hundred
+of the light infantry; he pretended to make an attack on Staten Island,
+and marching rapidly by Philadelphia to Head-of-Elk, he embarked with
+his men in some small boats, and arrived safely at Annapolis. He set out
+from thence in a canoe, with some officers, and, in spite of the English
+frigates that were stationed in the bay, he repaired to Williamsburg,
+to assemble the militia, whilst his detachment was still waiting for
+the escort which the French were to send him. Lafayette had already
+blockaded Portsmouth, and driven back the enemy's picquets, when the
+issue of the combat between Admiral Arbuthnot and M. Destouches, the
+commander of the French squadron, left the English complete masters
+of the Chesapeake. Lafayette could only then return to Annapolis, to
+re-conduct his detachment to the camp. He found himself blockaded by
+small English frigates, which were much too considerable in point of
+force for his boats; but having placed cannon on some merchant ships,
+and embarked troops in them, he, by that manoeuvre, made the English
+frigates retreat, and taking advantage of a favourable wind, he reached
+with his men the Head-of-Elk, where he received some very important
+despatches from General Washington: The enemy's plan of campaign was
+just at that time become known: Virginia was to be its object. General
+Phillips had left New York with a corps of troops to reinforce Arnold.
+The general wrote to Lafayette to go to the succour of Virginia.
+The task was not an easy one; the men whom he commanded had engaged
+themselves for a short expedition: they belonged to the northern states,
+which still retained strong prejudices as to the unhealthiness of the
+southern states; they had neither shirts nor shoes. Some Baltimore
+merchants lent Lafayette, on his bill, two thousand guineas, which
+sufficed to buy some linen. The ladies of Baltimore, whom he met with at
+a ball given in his honour when he passed through the town, undertook
+to make the shirts themselves. The young men of the same city formed
+themselves into a company of volunteer dragoons. His corps were
+beginning to desert. Lafayette issued an order, declaring that he was
+setting out for a difficult and dangerous expedition; that he hoped that
+the soldiers would not abandon him, but that whoever wished to go away
+might do so instantly; and he sent away two soldiers who had just
+been punished for some serious offences. From that hour all desertions
+ceased, and not one man would leave him: this feeling was so strong,
+that an under officer, who was prevented by a diseased leg from
+following the detachment, hired, at his own expense, a cart, rather than
+separate from it. This anecdote is honourable to the American troops,
+and deserves to become publicly known.
+
+Lafayette had conceived that the capital of Virginia would be the
+principal object of the enemy's attack. Richmond was filled with
+magazines; its pillage would have proved fatal to the cause. Lafayette
+marched thither with such rapidity, that when General Phillips, arriving
+before Richmond, learnt that Lafayette had arrived there the night
+before, he would not believe it. Having ascertained, however, the truth
+of the report, he dared not attack the heights of Richmond. Lafayette
+had a convoy to send to the southern states; he reconnoitred Petersburg
+carefully. This threatened attack assembled the English, and whilst the
+removing of cannon, and other preparations for an assault, amused them,
+the convoy was sent off rapidly with the munition and clothes which
+General Greene required. After the death of General Phillips, who died
+that same day, Arnold wrote, by a flag of truce, to Lafayette, who
+refused to receive his letter. He sent for the English officer, and,
+with many expressions of respect for the British army, told him that he
+could not consent to hold any correspondence with its present general.
+This refusal gave great pleasure to General Washington and the public,
+and placed Arnold in an awkward situation with his own army.
+
+Lord Cornwallis, on entering Virginia by Carolina, got rid of all his
+equipage, and did the same also respecting the heavy baggage of the army
+under his orders. Lafayette placed himself under the same regimen, and,
+during the whole of that campaign, the two armies slept without any
+shelter, and only carried absolute necessaries with them. Upon that
+active and decisive conflict the issue of the war was to depend; for
+if the English, who bore all the force of the campaign on that point,
+became masters of Virginia, not only the army of Lafayette, but also
+that of Greene, who drew from thence all his resources,--and not only
+Virginia, but all the states south of the Chesapeake, would inevitably
+be lost. Thus the letters of the commander-in-chief, whilst telling
+Lafayette that he did not deceive himself as to the difficulties of the
+undertaking, merely requested him to prolong as much as possible the
+defence of the state. The result was far more successful than any person
+had dared to hope, at a period when all eyes and all thoughts were
+directed towards that one decisive point.
+
+The military scene in Virginia was soon to become more interesting.
+General Greene had marched to the right, to attack the posts of South
+Carolina, whilst Lord Cornwallis was in North Carolina. Cornwallis
+allowed him to depart, and, marching also to the right, burnt his
+own equipage and tents, to be enabled to remove more easily; he then
+advanced rapidly towards Petersburg, and made Virginia the principal
+seat of war. General Washington wrote to Lafayette that he could
+send him no other reinforcement than eight hundred of the mutinous
+Pennsylvanians, who had been formed again into a corps on the side of
+Lancaster. Lord Cornwallis had obtained, and generally by the aid of
+negroes, the best horses in Virginia. His Tarleton front guard, mounted
+on race horses, stopped, like birds of prey, all they met with. The
+active corps of Cornwallis was composed of more than four thousand
+men, of which eight hundred were supplied with horses. The command was
+divided in the following manner: General Rochambeau remained at Rhode
+Island with his French corps; Washington commanded in person the
+American troops before New York; he summoned, some time after, the corps
+of Rochambeau to join him. That French lieutenant-general was under his
+orders the same as the American major-generals, for when Lafayette
+asked for the succour of troops, he took care to stipulate, in the most
+positive manner, that it was to be placed entirely under Washington's
+orders. The Americans were to have the right side; the American officer,
+when rank and age were equal, was to command the French officer.
+Lafayette had wished to give the rising republic all the advantages
+and all the consequence of the greatest and longest established powers.
+Washington had sent, the preceding year, General Greene to command in
+the southern states; Virginia was nominally comprised in that command,
+and had not yet become the theatre of war, but the distance between
+the operations of Carolina and those of Virginia was so great, and the
+communications were so difficult, that it was impossible for Greene
+to direct what was passing in Virginia. Lafayette took, therefore, the
+chief command, corresponding in a direct manner with General Washington,
+and occasionally with the congress. But he wished that Greene should
+retain his title of supremacy, and he only sent to the head quarters
+copies of General Greene's letters, who was his intimate friend, in the
+same way that both he and Greene had always been on the most intimate
+footing with General Washington. During the whole of this campaign
+the most perfect harmony always subsisted between the generals, and
+contributed much to the success of the enterprise.
+
+Lafayette, after having saved the magazines of Richmond, hastened to
+have them evacuated; he had taken his station at Osborn, and wrote to
+General Washington that he would remain there, as long as his weakest
+point, which was the left, should not be threatened with an attack. Lord
+Cornwallis did not fail soon to perceive the weakness of that point, and
+Lafayette retreated with his little corps, which, including recruits and
+the militia, did not exceed two thousand five hundred men. The richest
+young men of Virginia and Maryland had come to join him as volunteer
+dragoons, and from their intelligence, as well as from the superiority
+of their horses, they had been of essential service to him. The
+Americans retreated in such a manner that the front guard of the enemy
+arrived on the spot just as they had quitted it, and, without running
+any risk themselves, they retarded as much as possible its progress.
+Wayne was advancing with the reinforcement of Pennsylvanians. Lafayette
+made all his calculations so as to be able to effect a junction with
+that corps, without being prevented from covering the military magazines
+of the southern states, which were at the foot of the mountains on the
+height of Fluvana. But the Pennsylvanians had delayed their movements,
+and Lafayette was thus obliged to make a choice. He went to rejoin his
+reinforcement at Raccoon-Ford, and hastened, by forced marches, to
+come into contact with Lord Cornwallis, who had had time to make one
+detachment at Charlottesville, and another at the James River Fork.
+The first had dispersed the Virginian assembly; the second had done
+no material injury; but the principal blow was to be struck: Lord
+Cornwallis was established in a good position, within one march of the
+magazines, when Lafayette arrived close to him on a road leading towards
+those magazines. It was necessary for him to pass before the English
+army, presenting them his flank, and exposing himself to a certain
+defeat: he fortunately found out a shorter road which had remained for a
+long time undiscovered, which he repaired during the night; and the next
+day, to the great surprise of the English general, he was established
+in an impregnable station, between the English and the magazines, whose
+loss must have occasioned that of the whole southern army, of whom they
+were the sole resource; for there was a road behind the mountains
+that the English never intercepted, and by which the wants of General
+Greene's army were supplied. Lord Cornwallis, when he commenced the
+pursuit of Lafayette, had written a letter, which was intercepted, in
+which he made use of this expression: _The boy cannot escape me_. He
+flattered himself with terminating, by that one blow, the war in the
+whole southern part of the United States, for it would have been easy
+for him afterwards to take possession of Baltimore, and march towards
+Philadelphia. He beheld in this manner the failure of the principal part
+of his plan, and retreated towards Richmond, whilst Lafayette, who had
+been joined in his new station by a corps of riflemen, as well as by
+some militia, received notice beforehand to proceed forward on a certain
+day, and followed, step by step, the English general, without, however,
+risking an engagement with a force so superior to his own. His corps
+gradually increased. Lord Cornwallis thought proper to evacuate
+Richmond; Lafayette followed him, and ordered Colonel Butler to attack
+his rear guard near Williamsburg. Some manoeuvre took place on that
+side, of which the principal object on Lafayette's part was, to convince
+Lord Cornwallis that his force was more considerable than it was in
+reality. The English evacuated Williamsburg, and passed over James River
+to James Island. A warm action took place between the English army and
+the advance guard, whom Lafayette had ordered to the attack whilst they
+were crossing the river. Lord Cornwallis had stationed the first troops
+on the other side, to give the appearance as if the greatest number
+of the troops had already passed over the river. Although all were
+unanimous in asserting that this was the case, Lafayette himself
+suspected the deception, and quitted his detachment to make observations
+upon a tongue of land, from whence he could more easily view the passage
+of the enemy. During that time, a piece of cannon, exposed, doubtless,
+intentionally, tempted General Wayne, a brave and very enterprising
+officer.
+
+Lafayette found, on his return, the advance guard engaged in action
+with a very superior force; he withdrew it, however (after a short but
+extremely warm conflict), in good order, and without receiving a check.
+The report was spread that he had had a horse killed under him, but it
+was merely the one that was led by his side.~[7]
+
+The English army pursued its route to Portsmouth; it then returned by
+water to take its station at Yorktown and Gloucester, upon the York
+River. A garrison still remained at Portsmouth. Lafayette made some
+demonstrations of attack, and that garrison united itself to the body of
+the army at Yorktown.
+
+Lafayette was extremely desirous that the English army should unite at
+that very spot. Such had been the aim of all his movements, ever since
+a slight increase of force had permitted him to think of any other thing
+than of retiring without being destroyed and of saving the magazines.
+He knew that a French fleet was to arrive from the islands upon the
+American coast. His principal object had been to force Lord Cornwallis
+to withdraw towards the sea-shore, and then entangle him in such a
+manner in the rivers, that there should remain no possibility of a
+retreat. The English, on the contrary, fancied themselves in a very
+good position, as they were possessors of a sea-port by which they could
+receive succours from New York, and communicate with the different
+parts of the coast. An accidental, but a very fortunate circumstance,
+increased their security. Whilst Lafayette, full of hope, was writing to
+General Washington that he foresaw he could push Lord Cornwallis into a
+situation in which it would be easy for him, with some assistance from
+the navy, to cut off his retreat, the general, who had always thought
+that Lafayette would be very fortunate if he could save Virginia without
+being cut up himself, spoke to him of his project of attack against New
+York, granting him permission to come and take part in it, if he wished
+it, but representing how useful it was to the Virginian army that he
+should remain at its head. The two letters passed each other; the one
+written by Lafayette arrived safely, and Washington prepared beforehand
+to take advantage of the situation of Lord Cornwallis. Gen. Washington's
+letter was intercepted, and the English, upon seeing that confidential
+communication, never doubted for a moment but the real intention of the
+Americans was to attack New York: their own security at Yorktown was
+therefore complete.~[8]
+
+The Count de Grasse, however, arrived with a naval force, and three
+thousand troops~[9] for the land service. He was met at the landing
+place of Cape Henry by Colonel Gimat, a Frenchman by birth, commander of
+the American battalion, who was charged with despatches from Lafayette;
+which explained fully to the admiral his own military position, and that
+of the enemy, and conjured him to sail immediately into the Chesapeake;
+to drive the frigates into the James River, that the passage might be
+kept clear; to blockade the York River; to send two vessels above the
+position of Lord Cornwallis, before the batteries on the water-side,
+at Yorktown and Gloucester could be put in a proper state. The Count de
+Grasse adhered to these proposals, with the exception of not forcing the
+batteries with two vessels, which manoeuvre would have made the blockade
+of Cornwallis by the land troops still more easy of achievement. The
+Marquis de St. Simon landed with three thousand men at James Island.
+Lafayette assembled a small corps in the county of Gloucester, led,
+himself, the American forces on Williamsburg, where he was met by the
+corps of the Marquis de St. Simon, who came to range themselves under
+his orders, so that Lord Cornwallis found himself suddenly, as if by
+enchantment, blockaded both by sea and land. The combined army, under
+the orders of Lafayette, was placed in an excellent situation at
+Williamsburg. It was impossible to arrive there except by two difficult
+and well-defended passages. Lord Cornwallis presented himself before
+them in the hope of escaping, by making a forcible attack; but having
+ascertained the impossibility of forcing them, he only occupied himself
+with finishing speedily the fortifications of Yorktown; his hopes,
+however, declined, when the Count de Grasse, having only left the ships
+necessary for the blockade, and having gone out of the harbour to attack
+Admiral Graves, forced the English to retire, and returned to his former
+station in the bay. The French admiral was, however, impatient to return
+to the islands; he wished that Yorktown should be taken by force of
+arms. The Marquis de St. Simon was of the same opinion; they both
+represented strongly to Lafayette that it was just, after such a long,
+fatiguing, and fortunate campaign, that the glory of making Cornwallis
+lay down his arms should belong to him who had reduced him to that
+situation. The admiral offered to send to the attack not only the
+garrisons from the ships, but all the sailors he should ask for.
+Lafayette was deaf to this proposal, and answered, that General
+Washington and the corps of General Rochambeau would soon arrive, and
+that it was far better to hasten their movements than act without them;
+and, by making a murderous attack, shed a great deal of blood from a
+feeling of vanity and a selfish love of glory; that they were certain,
+after the arrival of the succours, of taking the hostile army by a
+regular attack, and thus spare the lives of the soldiers; which a good
+general ought always to respect as much as possible, especially in a
+country where it was so difficult to obtain others to replace those who
+fell. General Washington and Count Rochambeau were the first to arrive;
+they were soon followed by their troops; but, at the same moment,
+the Admiral de Grasse wrote word that he was obliged to return to
+the islands. The whole expedition seemed on the point of failing, and
+General Washington begged Lafayette to go on board the admiral's ship in
+the bay, and endeavour to persuade him to change his mind: he succeeded,
+and the siege of Yorktown was begun. The Count de Rochambeau commanded
+the French, including the corps of St. Simon; the Americans were divided
+in two parts; one, under Major-general Lincoln, who had come from the
+north with some troops; the other, under General Lafayette, who had been
+joined by two more battalions of light infantry, under the orders of
+Colonel Hamilton. It became necessary to attack two redoubts. One
+of these attacks was confided to the Baron de Viomenil, the other to
+General Lafayette. The former had expressed, in a somewhat boasting
+manner, the idea he had of the superiority of the French in an attack
+of that kind; Lafayette, a little offended, answered, "We are but young
+soldiers, and we have but one sort of tactic on such occasions, which
+is, to discharge our muskets, and push on straight with our bayonets."
+He led on the American troops, of whom he gave the command to Colonel
+Hamilton, with the Colonels Laurens and Gimat under him. The American
+troops took the redoubt with the bayonet. As the firing was still
+continued on the French side, Lafayette sent an aide-de-camp to the
+Baron de Viomenil, to ask whether he did not require some succour from
+the Americans;~[10] but the French were not long in taking possession
+also of the other redoubt, and that success decided soon after the
+capitulation of Lord Cornwallis, (19th October, 1781.) Nor must the
+mention of an action be omitted here which was honourable to the
+humanity of the Americans. The English had disgraced themselves
+several times, and again recently at New London, by the murder of some
+imprisoned garrisons. The detachment of Colonel Hamilton did not for an
+instant make an ill use of their victory; as soon as the enemy deposed
+their arms, they no longer received the slightest injury. Colonel
+Hamilton distinguished himself very much in that attack.~[11]
+
+Lord Cornwallis had demanded, in the capitulation, the permission
+of marching out with drums beating and colours flying; the Count de
+Rochambeau and the French officers were of opinion that this request
+ought to be granted; the American generals did not oppose this idea;
+Lafayette, recollecting that the same enemy had required General
+Lincoln, at the capitulation of Charlestown, to furl the American
+colours and not to play an English march, insisted strongly on using
+the same measures with them in retaliation, and obtained that these
+two precise conditions should be inserted in the capitulation. Lord
+Cornwallis did not himself file out with the detachment. The Generals,
+Washington, Rochambeau, and Lafayette, sent to present him their
+compliments by their aides-de-camp. He retained Lafayette's
+aide-de-camp, young George Washington, and told him that having made
+this long campaign against General Lafayette, he wished, from the value
+he annexed to that general's esteem, to give him a private account of
+the motives which had obliged him to surrender. He told him several
+things which have since been found in his discussion with General
+Clinton. Lafayette went the next day to see him. "I know," said Lord
+Cornwallis, "your humanity towards prisoners, and I recommend my poor
+army to you." This recommendation was made in a tone which implied that
+in Lafayette alone he felt real confidence, and placed but little in
+the Americans. Lafayette therefore replied, "You know, my lord, that
+the Americans have always been humane towards imprisoned armies;" in
+allusion to the taking of General Burgoyne at Saratoga.~[12] The English
+army was in fact treated with every possible mark of attention.
+
+Although the French troops held in every respect the place of auxiliary
+troops, yet the Americans always yielded them every preference in
+their power relating to food or any other comfort. It is a singular
+circumstance that when the troops of the~[13] the young general,
+although a Frenchman, took upon himself to order that no flour should
+be delivered to the American troops until the French had received their
+full provision for three days. The Americans had therefore seldom any
+thing but the flour of Indian corn. He gave the horses of the gentlemen
+of that country to the French hussars, and the superior officers
+themselves were obliged to give up theirs: yet not one murmur escaped
+as to that preference, which the Americans felt ought to be shewn to
+foreigners who came from such a distance to fight in their cause.~[14]
+
+The news of the capture of Yorktown was carried to France by a French
+frigate, who made the voyage in eighteen days. The English were thrown
+into consternation at that news, which occasioned the downfall of the
+ministry of Lord North. It was felt in London, as in the rest of all
+Europe, that the decisive check the English had received, had completely
+settled the final issue of the conflict, and from that period nothing
+was thought of but to acknowledge the independence of the United States
+on favourable terms for Great Britain.
+
+Generals Washington and Lafayette wished to take advantage of the
+superiority of the Count de Grasse in order to attack Charlestown, and
+the English who remained in the southern states. Lafayette was to take
+his light infantry, as well as the corps of St. Simon, and land on the
+Charlestown side, to co-operate with General Greene, who still commanded
+in Carolina. It is evident that this project would have been successful.
+It has since become known that Lord Cornwallis, when he saw Lafayette
+enter into a canoe to go on board the fleet of the Count de Grasse,
+said to some English officers, "He is going to decide the loss of
+Charlestown." But the admiral refused obstinately to make any operation
+upon the coast of North America.~[15]
+
+General Lafayette afterwards repaired to congress. To him, who was then
+but four-and-twenty, the happy issue of that campaign was as flattering
+a success as it had been decisive to the American cause. He received
+the instructions of congress, in relation to the affairs of the United
+States in Europe; and embarked at Boston in the frigate _the Alliance_.
+He reached France in twenty-three days. The reception he met with, and
+the credit he enjoyed both at court and in society were constantly and
+usefully employed in the service of the cause he had embraced.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. These Memoirs are extracted from the American Biography of M. de
+Lafayette, written by himself, which we have designated under the name
+of Manuscript, No. 1. We have completed them by extracts of Manuscript,
+No. 2, which contains observations on the historians of America.
+
+2. It was settled that that corps of six thousand men, commanded by
+Lieutenant-General Rochambeau, was to be completely under the orders of
+the American commander-in-chief, and was only to form a division of
+his army. The order of service was regulated in such a manner that the
+French were only to be looked upon as auxiliaries, keeping the left of
+the American troops, and the command belonging, when there was equality,
+of rank and age, to the American officers. In a word, the advantages to
+be derived by the government, the general, and the American soldiers,
+were stipulated beforehand in such a manner as to prevent all future
+discussions. (Manuscript, No. 2.)
+
+3. Upon one of these banners a cannon was painted, with this device:
+_Ultima ratio_, suppressing the word _regum_, which is used in Europe;
+upon another, a crown of laurel united to a civic crown, with the
+device--_No other_. And thus with the other emblems.--(Note de M. de
+Lafayette.)
+
+4. West Point, a fort on a tongue of land which advances upon the
+Hudson, and governs its whole navigation, is such an important position
+that it is called by an historian the Gibraltar of America. Arnold had
+been entrusted with its command, and his treachery, if it had proved
+successful, and been even attended with no other result but that of
+yielding up this fort to the enemy, would have inflicted a deadly wound
+upon the cause of the United States. He had entered, during eighteen
+months, into a secret relation with Sir Henry Clinton, who confided
+the whole charge of that affair to an aide-de-camp, Major Andre. Arnold
+failed at an appointment for the first interview with Andre the 11th
+September, at Dobb's Ferry. A second one was proposed on board the sloop
+of war the _Vulture_, which Clinton sent for that purpose, on the 16th,
+to Teller's Point, about fifteen or twenty miles below West Point.
+General Washington, who was repairing, with M. de Lafayette, to the
+Hartford conference, crossed the Hudson the 18th, and saw Arnold, who
+shewed him a letter from Colonel Robinson, on board the _Vulture_, which
+stated that that officer requested a rendezvous with him to converse
+upon some private affairs. Washington told him to refuse the rendezvous.
+Arnold then made arrangements for a private interview. Major Andre
+quitted New York, came on board the sloop, and from thence proceeded,
+with a false passport, to Long Clove, where he saw Arnold, the night of
+the 21st. They separated the next morning. Andre, on his return to New
+York, was taken at Tarry Town, by three of the militia, and conducted to
+the post of North Castle, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson, who
+gave notice of this event, on the 23d, to his superior officer, General
+Arnold. The latter received the letter on the 25th, the same day on
+which he expected General Washington on his return from Hartford. He
+fled immediately; a few minutes after the general-in-chief arrived, and
+he received, only four hours later, the despatches which apprised him
+of the plot--(Washington's, Writings, vol. vii. Appendix No. 7.) and
+Mac-Henry, lieutenant-colonels, the one aid-de-camp to Washington, the
+other to Lafayette, had gone on before to request Mrs. Arnold not to
+wait breakfast for them. They were still there, and Arnold with them,
+when he received the note: he turned pale, retired to his own room, and
+sent for his wife, who fainted. In that state he left her, without any
+one perceiving it: he did not return into the drawing room, but got
+upon his aide-de-camp's horse, which was ready saddled at the door, and
+desiring him to inform the general that he would wait for him at West
+Point, hurried to the bank of the river, got into his canoe, and was
+rowed to the _Vulture_. The general, when he learnt on his arrival that
+Arnold was at West Point, fancied that he had gone to prepare for his
+reception there, and without entering into the house, stepped into a
+boat with the two generals who accompanied him. When they arrived at the
+opposite shore, they were astonished at finding they were not expected:
+the mystery was only explained on their return, because the despatches
+of Lieutenant-Colonel Jameson had arrived in the interim.
+
+An historian has spoken of the generosity with which Mrs. Arnold was
+treated. It is, in truth, highly honourable to the American character
+that, during the first effervescence of indignation against her husband,
+she was able to go to Philadelphia, take her effects, and proceed with
+a flag of truce to New York, without meeting with the slightest insult.
+The same historian (Mr. Marshall) might have added that, the very
+evening of Arnold's evasion, the general, having received from him a
+very insolent letter, dated on board the _Vulture_, ordered one of his
+aides-de-camp to tell Mrs. Arnold, who was in an agony of terror, that
+he had done everything he could to seize her husband, but that, not
+having been able to do so, he felt pleasure in informing her that her
+husband was safe.~[5]
+
+5. General Arnold is the only American officer who ever thought of
+making use of his command to increase the fortune. The disinterestedness
+of those soldiers, during a period of revolution, which facilitates
+abuses, forms a singular contrast with the reproach of avidity that
+other governments, who have not shown the same moderation themselves,
+have thought proper to make against the citizens of the United States.
+The generals and American officers have almost all of them fought at
+their own expense; the affairs of many of them have been ruined by their
+absence. Those who had professions lost the power of exercising them.
+It has been proved, by accounts exacted in France during times of
+terror and proscription, that Lafayette had spent in the service of the
+American revolution, independent of his income, more than seven hundred
+thousand francs of his capital. The conduct of Washington was even
+more simple, and according to our opinion, more praiseworthy: he would
+neither accept the profit of emolument, nor the pride of sacrifice;
+he was paid for all necessary expenses, and, without increasing his
+fortune, only lessened it, from the injury it unavoidably received from
+his absence. Whilst all the American officers conducted themselves with
+the most patriotic disinterestedness, and all the pretensions of the
+army were satisfied with the compensation of seven years pay, we can
+only quote the single example of the traitor Arnold, who endeavoured to
+draw the slightest pecuniary advantage from circumstances. Some grants
+of lands have been made by the southern states to Generals Greene and
+Wayne, and Colonel Washington, but only since the revolution. The shares
+of the Potomac, given also since the revolution to General Washington,
+were left by him in his will for the foundation of a college: in a word,
+we may affirm, that delicacy and disinterestedness have been universal
+in the American army. (Note of M. de Lafayette.)
+
+6. The writings of that period give an account of the revolt of the
+soldiers of Pennsvlvania; the complaints of most of them were well
+founded. When General Saint Clair, Lafayette, and Laurens, repairing
+from Philadelphia to head quarters, stopped at Princetown, as they had
+been desired to do by the council of state of Pennsylvania, they found a
+negotiation begun by General Wayne, and Colonels Stewart and Butler, who
+were all three much beloved by the Pennsylvanian soldiers; committees
+arrived from the congress and state, to arrange the affair, not in
+a military, but in a civil manner: they remained but a few hours at
+Princetown, and the business was soon settled in the same manner in
+which it was commenced. But when the soldiers of the Jersey line wished
+to imitate the revolt of the Pennsylvanians, General Washington stifled
+it in its birth by vigorous measures. But it should be added that the
+sufferings and disappointments of that brave and virtuous army were
+sufficient to weary the patience of any human being: the conduct of
+the continental troops, during the revolution, has been, in truth, most
+admirable.
+
+7. Mr. Marshall relates the affair of Jamestown. There were no militia
+present, except the riflemen, who were placed in advance in the wood.
+They threw down successively three commandants of the advance post,
+placed there by Cornwallis, that what was passing behind might not be
+seen. This obstinacy in covering the position excited the suspicion of
+Lafayette, in spite of the unanimous opinion that a rear guard was alone
+remaining there. As soon as he saw, from the projecting tongue of land,
+that those who had crossed over were placed in such a manner as to
+appear numerous, he returned with all possible haste; but General Wayne
+had yielded to the temptation. He fortunately perceived his error,
+and being a good and brave officer, came forward with much gallantry;
+fortunately, also, Lafayette had only placed the Pennsylvanians in
+advance, and had left the light infantry in a situation to offer them
+some assistance. The first half of his continental troops retired upon
+the other half, and the whole were placed in such a manner that Lord
+Cornwallis feared an ambuscade, and the more so, observes Mr. Marshall,
+as he had always been deceived as to the real force of Lafayette's
+army.--(Manuscript, No. 2.)
+
+8. James Moody rendered an ill service to those who employed him, by
+seizing the letter-bag in the Jerseys. Among the letters, those in which
+General Washington informed Lafayette of the project respecting New
+York, contained friendly and confidential communications, written in
+the General's own hand, which could not leave the slightest doubt in
+any person's mind: they may be found in the publications of the Generals
+Clinton and Cornwallis, which contain also Lafayette's intercepted
+letters. But the enemy did not take those in which General Lafayette
+gave an account to General Washington of his manoeuvres, of his hopes,
+and of all that determined the commander-in-chief to adopt the project
+on Virginia, nor Washington's answers to that effect; so that when
+the combined troops made their first march towards the south, General
+Clinton still remained deceived, owing to the singular chance of the
+capture of the letter-bag by Moody.--(Manuscript, No. 2.)
+
+9. The entreaties of Count de Rochambeau contributed much towards
+persuading the Count de Grasse to bring his whole fleet, to land there
+the three thousand two hundred men, who joined, on their arrival, the
+army of Lafayette, and to repair immediately to Cape Henry, in Virginia.
+This is one more obligation which the common cause of the allies owes to
+General Rochambeau, who, from his talents, experience, moderation, and
+his subordination to the general-in-chief, respect for the civil power,
+and maintenance of discipline, proved that the King of France had made
+an excellent choice for the command of the auxiliary corps sent to the
+United States. (Note of M. de Lafayette.)
+
+10. The French were much struck on this occasion by the extreme coolness
+of one of the officers whom Lafayette sent to the Baron de Viomenil,
+from a secret feeling of pleasure, perhaps, in marking how much the
+present comparison stood in favour of the American troops. However this
+might be, Major Barber received a contusion in his side, but would
+not allow his wound to be dressed until he had executed his
+commission.--(Manuscript, No. 2.)
+
+11. The humanity of the American soldiers in that assault has been
+attested by all historians. The following letter must be quoted:--
+
+TO THE EDITOR OF THE EVENING POST.
+
+_New York, August_ 10, 1802.
+
+Sir,--Finding that a story, long since propagated, under circumstances
+which it was expected would soon consign it to oblivion, (and by which
+I have been complimented at the expense of Generals Washington and
+Lafayette,) has of late been revived, and has acquired a degree of
+importance by being repeated in different publications, as well in
+Europe as America, it becomes a duty to counteract its currency and
+influence by an explicit disavowal.
+
+The story imports, in substance, that General Lafayette, with the
+approbation or connivance of General Washington, ordered me, as the
+officer who was to command the attack on a British redoubt, in the
+course of the siege of Yorktown, to put to death all those of the enemy
+who should happen to be taken in the redoubt, and that, through motives
+of humanity, I forbore to execute the order.
+
+Positively, and unequivocally, I declare, that no such order or similar
+order, was ever by me received, or understood to have been given, nor
+any intimation or hint resembling it.
+
+It is needless to enter into an explanation of some occurrences on the
+occasion alluded to, which may be conjectured to have given rise to the
+calumny. It is enough to say, that they were entirely disconnected with
+any act of either of the generals who have been accused.
+
+With esteem, I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
+
+A. HAMILTON.
+
+The circumstance alluded to in this letter has been related in the Life
+of Hamilton, published by his son. A short time before the taking
+of Yorktown, a Colonel Scammell, surprised by the English whilst
+reconnoitring, had been taken prisoner and dangerously wounded. When the
+redoubt was taken, and Colonel Campbell, who commanded, advanced to give
+himself up, a captain, who had served under Scammell, seized a bayonet,
+and was on the point of striking him; Hamilton turned aside the blow,
+and Campbell exclaimed, "I place myself under your protection," and was
+made prisoner by Laurens. (The Life of A. Hamilton, vol. i., chap. 14.)
+
+12. Lord Cornwallis affected being indisposed, in order that he might
+not march out at the head of his troops: they passed between two rows
+of the American and French army, commanded by General O'Hara, and
+surrendered their arms at the order of General Lincoln. Each of the
+generals, Washington, Rochambeau, and Lafayette, sent as aide-de-camp
+to offer their compliments to Lord Cornwallis. He retained Lafayette's
+aide-de-camp, Major Washington, the nephew of General Washington, to
+tell him how anxious he was that the general against whom he had made
+this campaign should be convinced that he only surrendered from the
+impossibility of defending himself any longer. The American, French, and
+English generals visited each other, and everything passed with every
+possible mark of attention, especially towards Lord Cornwallis, one
+of the most estimable men of England, who was considered their best
+general. O'Hara having said one day, at table, to the French generals,
+affecting not to wish to be overheard by Lafayette, that he considered
+it as fortunate not to have been taken by the Americans alone, "General
+O'Hara, probably," replied Lafayette, "does not like repetitions." He
+had, in, fact, been taken with Burgoyne, and has since been taken for
+the third time at Toulon.--(Manuscript, No. 2.)
+
+13. Marqius de St. Simon joined those of Lafayette.
+
+14. See at the end of the volume a precise account of this whole
+campaign in Virginia, edited by M. de Lafayette--(Part, No. 1.)
+
+15. General Lafayette was to have taken two thousand Americans and
+St. Simon's corps, who, landing near Charlestown, on the sea side, and
+co-operating with the troops of General Greene, would have secured the
+capture of the capital of Carolina, and of all the English who were
+remaining south of New York. Lowering their demands, they then requested
+that Lafayette should take the five thousand men who were at Wilmington,
+and who were so much struck by the dangers they had encountered, that
+they did not retain that post. At length, they contented themselves with
+asking the admiral to conduct General Wayne and his detachment, which
+were sent to reinforce Greene's army. He would not do so. It has also
+since become known, that when Lafayette, returning from his last visit
+to the admiral, landed at Yorktown, Lord Cornwallis, who was still
+there, said to his officers, "I lay a bet that he has been making
+arrangements for our ruin at Charlestown." The English acknowledged that
+the expedition could not fail; but the Count de Grasse did not think he
+ought to lose more time upon the North American coast, before returning
+to the defence of the West Indies.--(Manuscript, No. 2.)
+
+
+
+
+CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+1779-1781.
+
+
+TO COUNT DE VERGENNES~[1]
+
+Paris, 24th February, 1779.
+
+SIR,--A desire to render an exact obedience to the orders of the king,
+impels me to take the liberty of importuning you to let me know what is
+my duty. The prohibition which the Marshal de Noailles has put upon
+me, makes no exception as to one, whom I do not think, nevertheless,
+I should be forbidden to visit. Dr. Franklin was to have met me at
+Versailles this morning, if I had been there, to communicate to me some
+affairs of importance, as he said. I have informed him of the cause
+that detained me at Paris; but I did not think I ought to refuse an
+interview, which might not be wholly useless to the king's interests. He
+is coming to-morrow morning, and I trust you will add to your kindnesses
+that of directing me how to conduct myself in this matter.
+
+Suffer me, sir, to inform you that I have heard many persons speak of an
+expedition, somewhat resembling the one proposed by congress. I flatter
+myself I am too well known by you to have it suspected of me, that any
+tie of kindred or friendship could make me forget the profound secrecy
+which is due to affairs of state. I have added to nature some acquired
+skill in this particular. My sole reason for mentioning the subject,
+therefore, is to add, that the indiscretion of some of the members of
+congress, and the number of officers returning from America, will always
+spread rumours, which it will be impossible to suppress. Truth cannot
+remain hidden but by being buried in a mass of false reports. Hence,
+caution is necessary in order to preserve our secrets from all the
+inconveniences to which they are subject in America, both from the form
+of the government and from the character of some of those at the head of
+affairs. I have the honour to be, with profound respect, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. During this period of three years, we do not find, as in the
+preceding years, a great number of family letters and those of
+friendship. We have inserted all those we have been able to discover.
+In amends, more than two hundred political, diplomatic, or military
+letters, are in our hands. We do not publish a third of them, although
+there are few that would not be interesting to the historian of the
+American revolution. We again repeat, that all the letters to Americans,
+or from Americans, were written originally in English.
+
+
+
+ROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp, at Middlebrook, 8th March, 1779.
+
+My Dear Marquis,--I am mortified exceedingly, that my letter from
+Philadelphia, with the several enclosures, did not reach Boston before
+your departure, from that port. It was written as soon as congress had
+come to a decision upon the several matters, which became the subject of
+the president's letter to you, and was committed for conveyance to the
+messenger, who was charged with his despatches to that place.
+
+Monsieur la Colombe did me the honour of delivering to me your favours,
+and will probably be the bearer of my thanks for the affectionate manner
+in which you have expressed your sentiments in your last adieu, than
+which nothing can be more flattering and pleasing; nor is there anything
+more wished for by me, than opportunities of giving substantial proofs
+of the sincerity of my attachment and affection.
+
+Nothing of importance has happened since you left us, except the enemy's
+invasion at Georgia, and possession of its capital; which, though it
+may add something to their supplies, on the score of provisions, will
+contribute very little to the brilliancy of their arms, for, like the
+defenceless island of St. Lucia, it only required the appearance of
+force to effect the conquest of it, as the whole militia of the state
+did not exceed twelve hundred men, and many of them disaffected. General
+Lincoln is assembling a force to dispossess them, and my only fear is,
+that he will precipitate the attempt before he is fully prepared for the
+execution. In New York and at Rhode Island, the enemy continued quiet
+till the 25th ultimo, when an attempt was made by them to surprise
+the post at Elizabethtown; but failing therein, and finding themselves
+closely pressed, and in danger from detachments advancing towards them
+from this army, they retreated precipitately through a marsh, waist-deep
+in mud, after abandoning all their plunder; but not before they had,
+according to their wonted custom, set fire to two or three houses.
+The regiment of Anspach, and some other troops, are brought from Rhode
+Island to New York.
+
+We are happy in the repeated assurances and proofs of the friendship
+of our great and good ally, whom we hope and trust, ere this, may be
+congratulated on the birth of a prince, and on the joy which the
+nation must derive from an instance of royal felicity. We also flatter
+ourselves, that before this period the kings of Spain and the two
+Sicilies may be greeted as allies of the United States; and we are not a
+little pleased to find, from good authority, that the solicitations and
+offers of the Court of Great Britain to the Empress of Russia have been
+rejected; nor are we to be displeased, that overtures from the city of
+Amsterdam, for entering into a commercial connexion with us, have been
+made in such open and pointed terms. Such favourable sentiments, in so
+many powerful princes and states, cannot but be considered in a very
+honourable, interesting, and pleasing point of view, by all those who
+have struggled with difficulties and misfortunes to maintain the rights,
+and secure the liberties, of their country. But, notwithstanding these
+flattering appearances, the British King and his ministers continue to
+threaten us with war and desolation. A few months, however, must decide
+whether these or peace is to take place. For both we will prepare; and,
+should the former be continued, I shall not despair of sharing fresh
+toils and dangers with you in America; but if the latter succeeds, I can
+entertain little hopes, that the rural amusements of an infant world, or
+the contracted stage of an American theatre, can withdraw your attention
+and services from the gaieties of a court, and the active part you will
+more than probably be called upon to share in the administration of your
+government. The soldier will then be transformed into the statesman,
+and your employment in this new walk of life will afford you no time to
+revisit this continent, or think of friends who lament your absence.
+
+The American troops are again in huts; but in a more agreeable and
+fertile country, than they were in last winter at Valley Forge; and they
+are better clad and more healthy, than they have ever been since the
+formation of the army. Mrs. Washington is now with me, and makes a
+cordial tender of her regards to you; and if those of strangers can be
+offered with propriety, and will be acceptable, we respectively wish to
+have them conveyed to your amiable lady. We hope and trust, that your
+passage has been short, agreeable, and safe, and that you are as happy
+as the smiles of a gracious Prince, beloved wife, warm friends, and high
+expectations, can make you. I have now complied with your request in
+writing you a long letter, and I shall only add, that, with the purest
+sentiments of attachment, and the warmest friendship and regard, I am,
+my dear Marquis, your most affectionate and obliged, &c.
+
+P. S. Harrison and Meade are in Virginia. All the other officers of my
+staff unite most cordially in offering you their sincere compliments.
+
+10th March, 1779.--I have this moment received the letters which were
+in the hands of Major Nevill, accompanying yours of the 7th and 11th of
+January. The Major himself has not yet arrived at head quarters, being,
+as I am told, very sick. I must again thank you, my dear friend, for the
+numerous sentiments of affection which breathe so conspicuously in your
+last farewell, and to assure you that I shall always retain a warm and
+grateful remembrance of it. Major Nevill shall have my consent to repair
+to France, if his health permits it, and if the sanction of congress can
+be obtained, to whom all applications of officers for leave to go out of
+the United States are referred.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. We believe this letter never reached M. de Lafayette.
+
+
+
+TO M. DE VERGENNES.
+
+Paris, April 1st, 1779.
+
+Sir,--From what M. de Sartine said to me, I requested M. de Chaumont
+yesterday to send for Captain Jones, and although the place of his
+present residence be unknown, our messenger will do all that can be done
+to bring him immediately to us. I gave him an urgent letter for Jones,
+and as Dr. Franklin was not at home, I left one also for him, in which
+I expressed our desire to see the captain, rather as if to consult him,
+than as if we had formed any definite project. The time I passed with M.
+de Chaumont enabled me to discover what I shall now have the honour of
+relating to you.~[1]
+
+The armament of the _Bonhomme Richard_ (the vessel of fifty guns)
+goes on as slowly as possible. The refusal to supply what is wanted,
+especially guns, from the king's magazines, will retard the expedition
+for a whole month, because it will be the same for all the other ships.
+The only way to obviate this delay, would be to charge one man with the
+whole armament, and to send him to the ports with orders to get all that
+was necessary.
+
+I have discovered that Jones had a little plan for an enterprise formed
+under the direction of M. Garnier, and in which M. de Chaumont has taken
+part. The manner in which M. de Sartine brought him to us, was by making
+M. de Chaumont a half confidant, (the most dangerous of all things,
+because it gives information without binding to secrecy,) and I think
+it would be now better to communicate the secret of the armament without
+betraying that of the expedition, and desire him to employ all his
+activity in completing it. The other person need not, in that case, take
+any part in it, and according to the orders received from M. de Sartine,
+it appeared to me, from what M. de Chaumont said, that the _Bonhomme
+Richard_, and other vessels, if required, might be in readiness before
+the expiration of three weeks.
+
+I intend to have the honour of paying my respects to you after dinner on
+Saturday. If you approve of my idea, M. de Chaumont, or any other person
+you may prefer, might be summoned at the same time; for by the
+ordinary method this business will never be achieved. I hope that,
+in, consequence of my aversion to delays in military affairs, you will
+pardon the importunity which my confidence in you has inspired, in
+favour of a project of which you feel the importance.
+
+I have the honour to be, with the most sincere respect and affection,
+&c.
+
+Permit me to confide to you, also, under the same secrecy, my fears that
+orders have not yet been sent to all the ports.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. In the previous recital a few words have been said relating to this
+armament. Two frigates, bearing the American colours, were to have
+been placed under the orders of Paul Jones, and M. de Lafayette was to
+command the small army intended to descend unexpectedly upon the
+western coast of England, and to ransack Bristol, Liverpool, and other
+commercial towns, for the advantage of the American finances. But
+this expedition was soon considered below the position in which M. de
+Lafayette was placed, and was abandoned for the plan of a descent on
+England, which was to be executed by the combined forces of France and
+Spain. The slowness of the latter power occasioned, at a later period,
+the failure of the project; and the only result it produced was Paul
+Jones's expedition, and the conflict between the _Bonhomme Richard_
+and the _Serapis_. See farther on the first letters to congress and to
+Washington. In a collection of Franklin's private letters, there is also
+found a letter relating to this affair, and the note written by M.
+de Lafayette to Paul Jones when the expedition was abandoned. (_A
+Collection of the Familiar Letters and Miscellaneous Papers_ of B.
+Franklin, Boston, 1833. Washington's writings, Vol. vi., Appendix viii.)
+
+
+
+TO M. DE VERGENNES.
+
+Paris, April 26th, 1779.
+
+Sir,--Allow me the honour of proposing to you a plan, the success
+of which, uncertain as it now is, will depend perhaps upon your
+approbation. As your means of attack or defence depend on our maritime
+force, would it not be doing a service to the common cause to increase
+for a time that of our allies? To purchase vessels would be too
+expensive for a nation so destitute of money; it would answer all
+purposes to hire them, and would enable, us to make such diversions, or
+to undertake such operations, as might be deemed necessary.
+
+Do you not think, sir, if the King of Sweden would lend to America four
+ships of the line, with the half of their crews, and the United States
+would engage to return them within a year upon certain conditions, that
+the step would be advantageous for us? The vessels might come to us
+under the Swedish flag. France need not be implicated at all. We could
+supply them in part, provide them with officers in blue, and send them
+out under the American flag. It would only be necessary to know, whether
+France would engage to be responsible for the sum requisite for the
+hire, and would help to complete the equipment. Even if the first part
+should meet with obstacles, the government might pledge itself only in
+case it should exceed my fortune.
+
+I have not as yet spoken to Dr. Franklin about the scheme, but I have
+sounded the Swedish ambassador on the subject, much to my satisfaction;
+he asked me for a letter, directed to him, which might be sent to
+his king; and since I saw that this important project might result in
+something advantageous, I was constrained to confide it to you, and ask
+your opinion. The Swedish ambassador states that the vessels may be here
+in two months and a half; consequently, including the rest of the fleet,
+the whole might be at sea in the month of August; and arrive at Rhode
+Island, Bermuda, or somewhere else in America, in the month of October,
+which would be a good season.
+
+It will be necessary for Dr. Franklin to send a trustworthy man, or,
+what would be better, for you to send one, upon whom he might depend.
+The proposed engagement requires some promise, and especially some
+hopes, of commerce, that would diminish the expense which must be
+incurred. Inform me, sir, I pray you, whether this little romantic
+scheme offers any difficulties, and whether I am to prosecute or resign
+my proposition.
+
+I am, &c.
+
+If, whilst we are arranging the negotiation with Sweden, the
+contributions of England should yield us anything, I might then recal to
+your attention a favourite project of mine.
+
+
+
+TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+St. Jean d'Angely, near Rochfort, June 12, 1779.
+
+Sir,--How happy I shall think myself whenever a safe opportunity of
+writing to congress is offered, I cannot in any way better express than
+in reminding them of that unbounded affection and gratitude which I
+shall ever feel for them. So deeply are those sentiments engraven on
+my heart, that I every day lament the distance which separates me from
+them, and that nothing was ever so warmly and passionately wished for,
+as to return again to that country of which I shall ever consider myself
+as a citizen; there is no pleasure to be enjoyed which could equal this,
+of finding myself among that free and liberal nation, by whose affection
+and confidence I am so highly honoured; to fight again with those
+brother soldiers of mine to whom I am so much indebted. But congress
+knows that former plans have been altered by themselves, that others
+have been thought impossible, as they were asked too late in the
+year.~[1]
+
+I will therefore make use of the leave of absence they were pleased to
+grant me, and serve the common cause among my countrymen, their allies,
+until happy circumstances may conduct me to the American shores, in such
+a way as would make that return more useful to the United States. The
+affairs of America I shall ever look upon as any first business whilst I
+am in Europe. Any confidence from the king and ministers, any popularity
+I may have among my own countrymen, any means in my power, shall be, to
+the best of my skill, and till the end of my life, exerted in behalf of
+an interest I have so much at heart. What I have hitherto done or said
+relating to America, I think needless to mention, as my ardent zeal for
+her is, I hope, well known to congress; but I wish to let them know
+that if, in my proposals, and in my repeated urgent representation for
+getting ships, money, and support of any kind, I have not always found
+the ministry so much in earnest as I was myself, they only opposed to me
+_natural fears_ of inconveniences which might arise to both countries,
+or the conviction that such a thing was impossible for the present;
+but I never could question their good will towards America. If congress
+believe that my influence may serve them, in any way, I beg they will
+direct such orders to me, that I may the more certainly and properly
+employ the knowledge I have of this court and country for obtaining a
+success in which my heart is so much interested.
+
+His excellency, Doctor Franklin, will, no doubt, inform you, sir, of
+the situation of Europe, and the respective state of our affairs. The
+Chevalier de la Luzerne will also add thereto the intelligence which
+will be intrusted to him at the time of his departure. By the doctor
+you will learn what has been said or thought on account of finances.
+Germany, Prussia, Turkey, and Russia, have made such a peace as the
+French have desired. All the northern kingdoms, the Dutch themselves,
+seem rather disgusted with English pride and vexations; they put
+themselves in a situation to protect their trade of every kind with
+France. Irish intelligence you will be fully and particularly acquainted
+of. What concerns Spain will also be laid before you; so that I have
+nothing to add but to tell you that our affairs seem going very fast
+towards a speedy and honourable end. England is now making her last
+effort, and I hope that a great stroke will, before long, abate their
+fantastic, swollen appearance, and shew the narrow bounds of their
+actual power.
+
+Since we have taken Senegal I don't know of any military event which
+I can mention. There has been a privateering expedition against Jersey
+Island, which has been stopped by the difficulty of getting ashore. That
+little attempt, made by some few private volunteers, England honoured
+with the name of a public French expedition, and very unwisely employed
+there Admiral Arbuthnot, which will interpose a great delay to his
+reported departure. Congress will hear of an expedition against our
+friends of Liverpool and other parts of the English coast; to show
+there French troops under American colours, which on account of raising
+contributions, my concern for American finances had at length brought
+into my head. But the plan was afterwards reduced to so small a scale
+that they thought the command would not suit me, and the expedition
+itself has been delayed until more important operations take place.
+There I hope to be employed, and if anything important should be the
+matter, I shall, as a faithful American officer, give an accurate
+account thereof to congress and General Washington.
+
+The so flattering affection which congress and the American nation are
+pleased to honour me with, makes me very desirous of letting them know,
+if I dare speak so friendly, how I enjoyed my private situation. Happy,
+in the sight of my friends and family, after I was, by your attentive
+goodness, safely brought again to my native shore, I met there with such
+an honourable reception, with such kind sentiments, as by far exceeded
+any wishes I durst have conceived; I am indebted for that inexpressible
+satisfaction which the good will of my countrymen towards me affords to
+my heart, to their ardent love for America, to the cause of freedom and
+its defenders, their new allies, and to the idea they entertain that
+I have had the happiness to serve the United States. To these motives,
+sir, and to the letter congress was pleased to write on my account, I
+owe the many favours the king has conferred upon me; there was no time
+lost in appointing me to the command of his own regiment of dragoons,
+and every thing he could have done, every thing I could have wished, I
+have received on account of your kind recommendations.
+
+I have been some days in this small town, near Rochefort harbour, where
+I have joined the king's regiment, and where other troops are stationed
+which I for the moment command; but I hope to leave this place before
+long, in order to play a more active part and come nearer the common
+enemy. Before my departure from Paris I sent to the minister of foreign
+affairs, (who, by the bye; is one of our best friends,) intelligence
+concerning a loan in Holland, which I want France to make or answer for
+in behalf of America; but I have not yet heard any thing on that head.
+M. le Chevalier de la Luzerne will give you more explicit and fresher
+news, as he is particularly ordered to do so, and he sets out directly
+from Versailles. That new minister plenipotentiary I beg leave to
+recommend most earnestly to congress, not only as a public man, but also
+as a private gentleman. From the acquaintance I have made with him, I
+conceive he is a sensible, modest, well-meaning man; a man truly worthy
+of enjoying the spectacle of American freedom. I hope that by his good
+qualities and his talents, he will obtain both public confidence and
+private friendship.
+
+Wherever the interests of beloved friends are seriously concerned,
+candid and warm affection knows not how to calculate, and throws away
+all considerations. I will frankly tell you, sir, that nothing can more
+effectually hurt our interests, consequence, and reputation, in Europe,
+than to hear of disputes or divisions between the whigs. Nothing could
+urge my touching upon this delicate matter but the unhappy experience of
+every day on that head, since I can hear, myself, what is said on this
+side of the Atlantic, and the arguments I have to combat with.
+
+Let me, sir, finish this long letter, by begging you will present once
+more to the congress of the United States, the tribute of an unbounded
+zeal and affection, of the highest respect and most sincere gratitude,
+with which I shall be animated, till the last moment of my life.
+
+With the most, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. This relates to the project of an expedition to Canada, and other
+plans of the same kind.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+St. Jean d'Angely, near Rochefort harbour, June 12,1779.
+
+My Dear General,--Here is at length a safe opportunity of writing to
+you, and I may tell you what sincere concern I feel at our separation.
+There never was a friend, my dear general, so much, so tenderly beloved,
+as I love and respect you: happy in our union, in the pleasure of living
+near to you, in the pleasing satisfaction of partaking every sentiment
+of your heart, every event of your life, I have taken such a habit of
+being inseparable from you, that I cannot now accustom myself to your
+absence, and I am more and more afflicted at that enormous distance
+which keeps me so far from my dearest friend. I am the more concerned
+at this particular time, my dear general, as I think the campaign is
+opened, you are in the field, and I ardently wish I might be near you;
+and, if possible, contribute to your success and glory. Forgive me
+for what I am going to say, but I cannot help reminding you that a
+commander-in-chief should never expose himself too much; that in case
+General Washington was killed, nay, even seriously wounded, there is no
+officer in the army who could fill his place, every battle would most
+certainly be lost, and the American army, the American cause itself,
+would, perhaps, be entirely ruined.
+
+Inclosed I send your excellency a copy of my letter to congress, in
+which you will find such intelligence as I was able to give them. The
+Chevalier de la Luzerne intends going to congress by passing through
+head quarters. I promised I would introduce him to your excellency,
+and I have requested him to let you know of any news he may have been
+entrusted with. Such a conversation will better acquaint you than the
+longest letter. The ministry told me they would let him know the true
+state of affairs before his departure. By what you will hear, my dear
+general, you will see that our affairs take a good turn, and I hope
+England will receive a good stroke before the end of the campaign.
+Besides the good dispositions of Spain, Ireland is a good deal tired
+of English tyranny. I, _in confidence_, tell you that the scheme of my
+heart would be to make her as free and independent as America. I have
+formed some private relations there. God grant that we may succeed,
+and the era of freedom at length arrive for the happiness of mankind.
+I shall know more about Ireland in a few weeks, and then I will
+immediately communicate with your excellency. As to congress, my dear
+general, it is too numerous a body for one safely to unbosom oneself, as
+with one's best friend.
+
+In referring you to M. le Chevalier de la Luzerne, for what concerns
+the public news of this time, the present situation of affairs, and the
+designs of our ministry, I will only speak to your excellency about that
+great article, money. It gave me much trouble, and I insisted upon it so
+much, that the director of finances looks upon me as a devil. France has
+met great expenses lately; those Spaniards will not give their dollars
+easily. However, Dr. Franklin has got some money to pay the bills of
+congress, and I hope I shall determine them to greater sacrifices.
+Serving America, my dear general, is to my heart an inexpressible
+happiness.
+
+There is another point for which you should employ all your influence
+and popularity. For God's sake prevent their loudly disputing together.
+Nothing hurts so much the interest and reputation of America, as to hear
+of their intestine quarrels. On the other hand there are two parties in
+France: MM. Adams and Lee on one part, Doctor Franklin and his friends
+on the other. So great is the concern which these divisions give me,
+that I cannot wait on these, gentlemen as much as I could wish, for fear
+of occasioning disputes and bringing them to a greater collision. That,
+my dear general, I intrust to your friendship, but I could not help
+touching upon that string in my letter to congress. Since I left
+America, my dear General, not a single line has arrived from you;~[1]
+this I attribute to winds, accidents, and deficiency of opportunities
+for I dare flatter myself General Washington would not lose that of
+making his friend happy. In the name of that very friendship, my dear
+general, never miss any opportunity of letting me know how you do. I
+cannot express to you how uneasy I feel on account of your health, and
+the dangers you are, perhaps at this moment, exposing yourself to. These
+you may possibly laugh at, and call womanlike considerations; but so,
+my dear friend, I feel, and I never could conceal the sentiments of my
+heart.
+
+I don't know what has become of Colonel Nevill and the Chevalier de
+la Colombe. I beg you will make some inquiries respecting them, and do
+every thing in your power for their speedy exchange, in case they have
+been taken. Inclosed I send you a small note for Mr. Nevill. Give me
+leave to recommend to your excellency our new plenipotentiary minister,
+who seems to me extremely well calculated for deserving general esteem
+and affection.
+
+I know, my dear general, you wish to hear something about my private
+affairs: these I give an account of to congress, and shall only add that
+I am here as happy as possible. My family, my friends, my countrymen,
+made me such a reception, and shewed me every day such an affection,
+as I should not have dared to hope. I have been for some days in this
+place, where there is the king's own regiment of dragoons, which I
+command, and some regiments of infantry, which are, for the present,
+under my orders; but I hope soon to begin a more active life, and in
+consequence thereof my return to Paris is, I believe, very near at hand;
+from thence I shall get employed in whatever may be done against the
+common enemy. What I wish, my dear general, what would make me the
+happiest of men, is to join again American colours, or to put under your
+orders a division of four or five thousand countrymen of mine. In case
+any such co-operation or private expedition should be desired, I think
+(if peace is not settled this winter) that an _early_ demand might be
+complied with for the next campaign.
+
+Our ministry is rather slow in their operations, and have a great
+propensity for peace, provided it be an honourable one, so that I think
+America must shew herself in good earnest for war till such conditions
+are obtained. American independence is a certain, undoubted point, but I
+wish to see that independence acknowledged with advantageous conditions.
+This, my dear general, is between us; as for what concerns the good will
+of the king, of the ministers, of the public, towards America, I, an
+American citizen, am fully satisfied with it; and I am sure the alliance
+and friendship between both nations will be established in such a way as
+will last for ever.
+
+Be so kind, my dear general, as to present my best respects to your
+lady, and tell her how happy I should feel to present them myself to her
+at her own house. I have a wife, my dear general, who is in love with
+you, and her affection for you seems to me to be so well justified that
+I cannot oppose myself to that sentiment of hers. She begs you will
+receive her compliments and make them acceptable to Mrs. Washington.
+I hope, my dear general, you will come to see us in Europe, and most
+certainly I give you my word that if I am not happy enough to be sent to
+America before the peace, I shall by all means go there as soon as I can
+escape. I must not forget to tell you, my dear friend, that I have the
+hope of being soon once more a father.
+
+All Europe wants to see you so much, my dear general, that you cannot
+refuse them that pleasure. I have boldly affirmed that you will pay me a
+visit after the peace is settled, so that if you deny me, you will hurt
+your friend's reputation throughout the world.
+
+I beg you will present my best compliments to your family, and remind
+them of my tender affection for them all. Be so kind, also, to present
+my compliments to the general officers, to all the officers of the army,
+to every one, from the first major-general to the last soldier.
+
+I most earnestly entreat you, my dear general, to let me hear from you.
+Write me how you do, how things are going on. The minutest detail
+will be infinitely interesting to me. Don't forget anything concerning
+yourself, and be certain that any little event or observation concerning
+you, however trifling it may appear, will have my warmest attention and
+interest. Adieu, my dear general, I cannot lay down the pen, and I enjoy
+the greatest pleasure in scribbling you this long letter. Don't forget
+me, my dear general; be ever as affectionate to me as you have been;
+these sentiments I deserve from the ardent ones which fill my heart.
+With the highest respect, with the most sincere and tender friendship
+that ever human heart has felt, I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+For God's sake write me frequent and long letters, and speak chiefly
+about yourself and your private circumstances.
+
+St. Jean, d'Angely, 13th June, 1779.
+
+I Have just received, my dear general, an express from court, with
+orders to repair immediately to Versailles. There I am to meet M. le
+Comte de Vaux, Lieutenant-General, who is appointed to, the command of
+the troops intended for an expedition. In that army I shall be employed
+in the capacity of aide-marechal-general des logis, which is, in our
+service, a very important and agreeable place; so that I shall serve in
+the most pleasing manner, and shall be in a situation to know everything
+and to render services. The necessity of setting off immediately
+prevents my writing to General Greene, to the gentlemen of your family,
+and other friends of mine in the army, whom I beg to accept my excuses
+on account of this order, which I did not expect so soon. Everything
+that happens you shall most certainly be acquainted of by me, and I will
+for the moment finish my letter in assuring your excellency again of my
+profound respect and tenderest friendship. Farewell, my dear general,
+and let our mutual affection last for ever.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. This conjecture was a just one: by the correspondence of General
+Washington, who kept copies of all his letters, we perceive that he
+often wrote to M. de Lafayette, whose letters, on the contrary, during
+this voyage, consist but of two, because we have been able to find only
+those that arrived in America.
+
+
+
+TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+Havre, 30th July, 1779.
+
+Sir,--I have received the letter which you have had the goodness to
+write to me, and in which you promise me another after having read to M.
+de Maurepas the paper which I addressed to you.~[1] It is shewing me a
+great favour to employ, in answering me, a part of your time, which is
+so precious; and I remain in eager expectation of your second letter.
+Being convinced that there is no time to lose in adopting the measures
+which I propose, my love for my country makes me feel an impatience,
+which I fear may pass for importunity; but you will excuse a fault
+arising from a feeling which is dear to every good citizen.
+
+The Prince de Montbarrey will give you, with regard to Havre, all the
+information you may desire. You are certainly right in saying that my
+blood is in fermentation. We hear nothing of M. d'Orvilliers. Some say
+that he has gone to the Azores, to intercept the West Indian fleet,
+and to join M. d'Estaing, who was to return here, as I was informed by
+yourself and M. de Sartine; others affirm that he has gone to America.
+
+The reasoning of the latter does not bring me over to their opinion; and
+it is very probable that if our fleet had been sent, as they suppose, I
+should not now be in Normandy. Be that as it may, you know, I hope that
+any arrangement, and any station, will satisfy me, and that I do not
+claim promotion, or assistance, or any mark of favour whatsoever. If
+M. d'Orvilliers, or a detachment, is now in the independent states of
+America, and my presence there can be in any way more serviceable than
+here, I shall be very willing to go over in an American frigate, which
+I will take on my own authority; and with the very natural pretext of
+rejoining the army in which I served, I will go and endeavour to use my
+influence for the advantage of my country. Several persons say, also,
+that Spanish dollars have been sent to the Americans; I earnestly hope
+it is so, as my last advices shew the necessity for them.
+
+If the project, for want of sufficient means, should not be adopted this
+year, I deem it my duty to submit to you a proposition which would in a
+great measure accomplish the same object.
+
+While waiting until next year to commence combined operations with a
+squadron, why might you not send to Boston three thousand, or even two
+thousand men, with three hundred dragoons, who should be joined in the
+spring by ships of war and a reinforcement of troops? This detachment
+could be sent by two fifty gun ships, using one of the India Company's
+ships for a transport, or Spanish vessels, if you prefer them. To avoid
+expense, let them sail in company with the ships destined for the West
+Indies, with the escort of the merchantmen, with the _Bonhomme Richard_,
+and all the frigates at Lorient. These troops will be left in America
+until the next campaign, and I will now mention what would be the
+result of such a measure; it being well understood that the convoy would
+proceed to the West Indies, or to any other destination, after having
+landed the detachment. First, we should raise by our presence the value
+of their paper money, an important point for French commerce; secondly,
+we should be at hand to obtain information, and might take such
+preliminary steps as would conduce, eventually, to our obtaining
+possession of Halifax; thirdly, such a detachment would inspire, the
+American army with new vigour, would powerfully support an attack for
+retaking the forts on the north river, and would lead the Americans to
+such undertakings as circumstances might render advisable.
+
+You have told me to give you all my ideas. It is my duty to submit
+to you this last one, which, as it seems to me, is not liable to any
+objection. At first, I was afraid of expressing my opinion so strongly
+as I was inclined to do, lest I should be suspected of peculiar motives
+and predilections; but, now that people must know me better, and that
+you have my entire confidence, I speak more freely, and I solemnly
+affirm, upon my honour, that if half my fortune were spent in sending
+succours of troops to the Americans, I should believe that, in so doing,
+I rendered to my country a service more important than would be to me
+this sacrifice.
+
+You will say, perhaps, that it will be difficult to find subsistence for
+the troops during the winter; but in paying in specie, we should obtain
+provisions very cheap, and the additional number of mouths would be very
+small in comparison to the population of the country.
+
+Permit me, sir, to offer you the assurance of my attachment.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. This letter, in the form of a memorial, and containing the plan of an
+expedition to America, has been placed at the end of the volume.--(See
+Appendix 2.)
+
+
+
+TO M. DE VERGENNES.
+
+Paris, Monday morning, August, 1779.
+
+It is not, sir, to the king's minister that I am now writing, but my
+confidence in your kindness makes me hope that I am addressing a man
+whom I may safely call my friend, to whom I am merely giving an account
+of all that is most interesting to me. You may confer a great obligation
+upon me, (and render one perhaps to the public,) by employing in a
+less useless manner the few talents a soldier may possess, who has been
+hitherto rather fortunate in war, and who supplies his want of knowledge
+by the purest ardour in the cause.
+
+I have seen the Comte de Maurepas, and I told him what I have the honour
+of communicating to you; he would not agree to the projects in question,
+and was doubtless right, although my own opinion remains unchanged; but
+he thinks that I, who was one of the first to speak of the expedition
+with fifteen hundred or two thousand men, must now command six hundred
+hussars, and that this change would be injurious to me. He, perhaps,
+imagined, as some others have done, from kindness towards me, that
+such a command would be beneath me. I ought not, besides, he added, to
+exchange a certainty for an uncertainty.
+
+To this I answer, in the first place, that from the extreme kindness of
+the public towards me, nothing (I mean in relation to what passes in my
+own heart) can ever be injurious to me; that my setting out with only
+six hundred men would have been attributed to its real motive, and
+therefore pardoned. In the second place, to suspect me of entering into
+a calculation with my country, and of despising any means whatever of
+serving her, would either prove a want of discernment or of memory; and
+to the last objection, I reply, that the expedition of which I spoke to
+you yesterday, is quite as certain as my own.
+
+If the troops had remained in a state of inactivity, it would have
+been very natural if my ardour had induced me to adopt the trade of a
+corsair; nay, it would have been natural if I had set out in an armed
+boat; but when an opportunity offers for employing on a grander scale
+the talents of a man who has never exercised a soldier's trade but on
+a wide field, it would be unfortunate for him to lose the power of
+distinguishing himself, and rendering, perhaps, some important services
+to his own country; and it would be injudicious in the government not
+to put to the test that reputation which has been gained in foreign
+service.
+
+May I, sir, speak to you with frankness? What is most proper for
+me, would be an advance guard of grenadiers and _chasseurs_, and a
+detachment of the king's dragoons, making in all, from fifteen hundred
+to two thousand men, to raise me above the line, and give me the
+power of action. There are not many lieutenants-general, still fewer
+field-marshals, and no brigadiers, who have had such important commands
+confided to them as chance has given me. I also know the English, and
+they know me--two important considerations during a war. The command I
+wished for has even been given to a colonel.
+
+It is said that M. de Maillebois, M. de Voyer, and M. de Melfort,
+will be employed; I know then first and last of these gentlemen; M. de
+Melfort is a field-marshal, and although I have exercised that trade
+myself, I should be well pleased to be under his orders. I wish to be
+chosen in the report of the army, not of the court; I do not belong to
+the court, still less am I a courtier; and I beg the king's ministers to
+look upon me as having belonged to a corps of the guards.
+
+The Count de Maurepas only replied to me, perhaps, to divert my
+attention from some projects which are known unto me; I shall see him
+again on Wednesday morning, and my fate will then be decided. You would
+give me, sir, a great proof of friendship, by paying him a visit
+either to-night or to-morrow morning, and communicating to him the same
+sentiments you expressed to me yesterday. It is more important that you
+should see him at that time, because, if I hear from Lorient that the
+vessels are in readiness, I know not how to dissemble, and I must demand
+my farewell audience. The little expedition will then be given to some
+lieutenant-colonel, who may never have looked with the eye of a general,
+who may not possess great talents, but who, if he be brave and prudent,
+will lead the six hundred men as well as M. de Turenne could do if he
+were to return to life. The detachment of dragoons might then be
+kept back, the more so, as when reduced to fifty it would only become
+ridiculous; and the major, who takes charge of the detail, would
+likewise attend to the detail of my advance guard, in which I place
+great dependence.
+
+I acknowledge to you, that I feel no dependence on M. de Montbarry,
+and I even wish, that my affairs could be arranged by you and M. de
+Maurepas. I know, sir, that I am asking for a proof of friendship which
+must give you some trouble, but I request it because I depend fully upon
+that friendship.
+
+Pardon this scrawl, Sir; pardon my importunity; and pardon the liberty I
+take in assuring you so simply of my attachment and respect.
+
+
+
+DR. FRANKLIN TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Passy, 24th August, 1779.
+
+Sir,--The congress, sensible of your merit towards the United States,
+but unable adequately to reward it, determined to present you with a
+sword, as a small mark of their grateful acknowledgment: they directed
+it to be ornamented with suitable devices. Some of the principal actions
+of the war, in which you distinguished yourself by your bravery and
+conduct, are therefore represented upon it. These, with a few emblematic
+figures, all admirably well executed, make its principal value. By
+the help of the exquisite artists of France, I find it easy to express
+everything but the sense we have of your worth, and our obligations
+to you for this, figures, and even words, are found insufficient. I,
+therefore, only add that, with the most perfect esteem, I have the
+honour to be,
+
+B. FRANKLIN.
+
+P.S. My grandson goes to Havre with the sword, and will have the honour
+of presenting it to you.
+
+
+
+TO DR. FRANKLIN.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Havre, 29th August, 1779,
+
+Sir,--Whatever expectations might have been raised from the sense of
+past favours, the goodness of the United States to me has ever been
+such, that on every occasion it far surpasses any idea I could have
+conceived. A new proof of that flattering truth I find in the noble
+present, which congress has been pleased to honour me with, and which is
+offered in such a manner by your excellency as will exceed everything,
+but the feelings of an unbounded gratitude.
+
+In some of the devices I cannot help finding too honourable a reward
+for those slight services which, in concert with my fellow soldiers,
+and under the god-like American hero's orders, I had the good fortune
+to render. The sight of those actions, where I was a witness of American
+bravery and patriotic spirit, I shall ever enjoy with that pleasure
+which becomes a heart glowing with love for the nation, and the most
+ardent zeal for its glory and happiness. Assurances of gratitude, which
+I beg leave to present to your excellency, are much too inadequate to my
+feelings, and nothing but such sentiments can properly acknowledge your
+kindness towards me. The polite manner in which Mr. Franklin was pleased
+to deliver that inestimable sword, lays me under great obligations to
+him, and demands my particular thanks.
+
+With the most perfect respect, I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+West Point, 30th Sept., 1779.
+
+MY DEAR MARQUIS,--A few days ago, I wrote a letter in much haste; since
+that, I have been honoured with the company of Chevalier de la Luzerne,
+and by him was favoured with your obliging letter of the 12th of June,
+which filled me with equal pleasure and surprise; the latter at hearing
+that you had not received one of the many letters I had written to you
+since you left the American shore. It gave me infinite pleasure to hear
+from your sovereign, and of the joy which your safe arrival in France
+had diffused among your friends. I had no doubt that this would be the
+case; to hear it from yourself adds pleasure to the account; and here,
+my dear friend, let me congratulate you on your new, honourable, and
+pleasing appointment in the army commanded by the Count de Vaux, which
+I shall accompany with an assurance that none can do it with more warmth
+of affection, or sincere joy, than myself. Your forward zeal in the
+cause of liberty; your singular attachment to this infant world; your
+ardent and persevering efforts, not only in America, but since your
+return to France, to serve the United States; your polite attention to
+Americans, and your strict and uniform friendship for me, have ripened
+the first impressions of esteem and attachment which I imbibed for you
+into such perfect love and gratitude, as neither time nor absence can
+impair. This will warrant my assuring you that, whether in the
+character of an officer at the head of a corps of gallant Frenchmen,
+if circumstances should require this; whether as a major-general,
+commanding a division of the American army; or whether, after our swords
+and spears have given place to the ploughshare and pruning-hook, I see
+you as a private gentleman, a friend and companion, I shall welcome
+you with all the warmth of friendship to Columbia's shores; and, in
+the latter case, to my rural cottage, where homely fare and a cordial
+reception shall be substituted for delicacies and costly living. This,
+from past experience, I know you can submit to; and if the lovely
+partner of your happiness will consent to participate with us in such
+rural entertainment and amusements, I can undertake, in behalf of Mrs.
+Washington, that she will do everything in her power to make Virginia
+agreeable to the Marchioness. My inclination and endeavours to do this
+cannot be doubted, when I assure you that I love everybody that is dear
+to you, and, consequently, participate in the pleasure you feel in the
+prospect of again becoming a parent; and do most sincerely congratulate
+you and your lady on this fresh pledge she is about to give you of her
+love.
+
+I thank you for the trouble you have taken, and your polite attention,
+in favouring me with a copy of your letter to congress; and feel, as I
+am persuaded they must do, the force of such ardent zeal as you therein
+express for the interest of this country. The propriety of the hint
+you have given them must carry conviction, and, I trust, will have a
+salutary effect; though there is not, I believe, the same occasion for
+the admonition now that there was several months ago. Many late changes
+have taken place in that honourable body, which have removed, in a very
+great degree, if not wholly, the discordant spirit which, it is said,
+prevailed in the winter, and I hope measures will also be taken to
+remove those unhappy and improper differences which have extended
+themselves elsewhere, to the prejudice of our affairs in Europe.
+
+I have a great pleasure in the visit which the Chevalier de la Luzerne
+and Monsieur Marbois did me the honour to make at this camp; concerning
+both of whom I have imbibed the most favourable impressions, and I thank
+you for the honourable mention you made of me to them. The chevalier,
+till he had announced himself to congress, did not choose to be received
+in his public character; if he had, except paying him military honours,
+it was not my intention to depart from that plain and simple manner of
+living which accords with the real interest and policy of men struggling
+under every difficulty for the attainment of the most inestimable
+blessing of life, _liberty_. The chevalier was polite enough to approve
+my principle, and condescended to appear pleased with our Spartan
+living. In a word, he made us all exceedingly happy by his affability
+and good humour, while he remained in camp.
+
+You are pleased, my dear marquis, to express an earnest desire of seeing
+me in France, after the establishment of our independency, and do me the
+honour to add, that you are not singular in your request. Let me
+entreat you to be persuaded, that, to meet you anywhere, after the
+final accomplishment of so glorious an event, would contribute to my
+happiness; and that to visit a country to whose generous aid we stand
+so much indebted, would be an additional pleasure; but remember, my good
+friend, that I am unacquainted with your language, that I am too far
+advanced in years to acquire a knowledge of it, and that, to converse
+through the medium of an interpreter, upon common occasions, especially
+with the ladies, must appear so extremely awkward, insipid, and uncouth,
+that I can scarcely bear it in idea. I will, therefore, hold myself
+disengaged for the present; but when I see you in Virginia, we will talk
+of this matter, and fix our plans.
+
+The declaration of Spain in favour of France has given universal joy to
+every Whig; while the poor Tory droops like a withering flower under a
+declining sun. We are anxiously expecting to hear of great and important
+events on your side of the Atlantic; at present, the imagination is left
+in the wide field of conjecture, our eyes one moment are turned to an
+invasion of England, then of Ireland, Minorea, Gibraltar; in a word,
+we hope everything, but know not what to expect, or where to fix. The
+glorious success of Count d'Estaing in the West Indies, at the same
+time that it adds dominion to France, and fresh lustre to her arms, is
+a source of new and unexpected misfortune to our _tender and generous
+parent_, and must serve to convince her of the folly of quitting the
+substance in pursuit of a shadow; and, as there is no experience equal
+to that which is bought, I trust she will have a superabundance of this
+kind of knowledge, and be convinced, as I hope all the world and every
+tyrant in it will be, that the best and only safe road to honour, glory,
+and true dignity, is _justice_.
+
+We have such repeated advice of Count d'Estaing's being in these seas,
+that, though I have no official information of the event, I cannot help
+giving entire credit to the report, and looking for his arrival every
+moment, and I am preparing accordingly; the enemy at New York also
+expect it; and, to guard against the consequences, as much as it is
+in their power to do, are repairing and strengthening all the old
+fortifications, and adding new ones in the vicinity of the city. Their
+fears, however, do not retard an embarkation which was making, and
+generally believed to be for the West Indies or Charlsetown: it still
+goes forward; and, by my intelligence, it will consist of a pretty
+large detachment. About fourteen days ago, one British regiment (the
+forty-fourth completed) and three Hessian regiments were embarked, and
+are gone, as is supposed, to Halifax. The operations of the enemy this
+campaign have been confined to the establishment of works of defence,
+taking a post at King's Ferry, and burning the defenceless towns of
+New Haven, Fairfield, and Norwalk, on the Sound, within reach of their
+shipping, where little else was, or could be, opposed to them, than the
+cries of distressed women and helpless children; but these were offered
+in vain. Since these notable exploits, they have never stepped out of
+their works or beyond their lines. How a conduct of this kind is to
+effect the conquest of America, the wisdom of a North, a Germain, or
+a Sandwich can best decide, it is too deep and refined for the
+comprehension of common understandings and the general run of
+politicians.
+
+Mrs. Washington, who set out for Virginia when we took the field in
+June, has often, in her letters to me, inquired if I had heard from you,
+and will be much pleased at hearing that you are well and happy. In her
+name, as she is not here, I thank you for your polite attention to
+her, and shall speak her sense of the honour conferred on her by the
+Marchioness. When I look back to the length of this letter, I have not
+the courage to give it a careful reading for the purpose of correction:
+you must, therefore, receive it with all its imperfections, accompanied
+with this assurance, that, though there may be many inaccuracies in
+the letter, there is not a single defect in the friendship of, my dear
+Marquis, yours, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Havre, 7th October, 1779.
+
+My dear general--From those happy ties of friendship by which you were
+pleased to unite yourself with me, from the promises you so tenderly
+made me when we parted at Fishkill, gave me such expectations of hearing
+often from you, that complaints ought to be permitted to my affectionate
+heart. Not a line from you, my dear, general, has yet arrived into my
+hands, and though several ships from America, several despatches from
+congress or the French minister, are safely brought to France, my ardent
+hopes of getting at length a letter from General Washington have ever
+been unhappily disappointed: I cannot in any way account for that bad
+luck, and when I remember that in those little separations where I
+was but some days from you, the most friendly letters, the most minute
+account of your circumstances, were kindly written to me, I am convinced
+you have not neglected and almost forgotten me for so long a time. I
+have, therefore, to complain of fortune, of some mistake or neglect in
+acquainting you that there was an opportunity, of anything; indeed,
+but what could injure the sense I have of your affection for me. Let me
+beseech you, my dear general, by that mutual, tender, and experienced
+friendship in which, I have put an immense portion of my happiness, to
+be very exact in inquiring for occasions, and never to miss those which
+may convey to me letters that I shall be so much pleased to receive.
+
+Inclosed I send to your excellency the copy of my letters to congress,
+which, in concert with Mr. Franklin's longer despatches, will give you
+a sketch of European intelligence. Contrary winds have much delayed an
+expedition which I think should have been undertaken much sooner: the
+kings of France and Spain seem desirous of carrying it on before the
+winter; it may be, however, deferred till next spring, and the siege of
+Gibraltar would be the only land expedition for the present campaign. In
+a few weeks time, when West India successes may be compared to those
+in Europe, my gazettes and predictions will have a greater degree of
+certainty, but one must not be a conjuror to see that England is in such
+a way that one may defy her to get up again, and that a happy peace,
+blessed with American independence, will, in this or the ensuing
+campaign, be the certain effect of the present war.
+
+As my private circumstances are somewhat interesting to your friendship,
+I will tell you, my dear general, that since my last letter I have
+hardly quitted this place, where head-quarters had been fixed. I was to
+disembark with the grenadiers forming the vanguard, and am, therefore,
+one of the first who will land on the English shore. The king's own
+regiment of dragoons, which he gave me on my return, was to embark at
+Brest, and join us a few days after the landing. From Count d'Estaing's
+expedition on the American coasts, the nation raises great expectations,
+and very impatiently waits for intelligence. How unhappy I am to find
+myself so far from you on such an occasion you will easily conceive. The
+impression of sorrow such a thought gives me cannot be alleviated but by
+the sense I have that the general opinion of the turn warlike operations
+will take this campaign, the ties of my duty towards my own country,
+where my services had been employed for the expedition against England,
+and the hope I entertained of being here more useful to the United
+States, had not left me the choice of the part I should take for this
+campaign. I hope, my dear sir, you will agree in opinion with me.
+
+Whatever may be Count d'Estaing's success in America, it will bring on
+new projects and operations. My ideas I laid before your excellency at
+Fishkill; but permit me to tell you again how earnestly I wish to join
+you. Nothing could make me so delighted as the happiness of finishing
+the war under your orders. That, I think, if asked by you, will be
+granted to congress and your excellency. But be certain, my dear
+general, that in any situation, in any case, let me act as a French or
+as an American officer, my first wish, my first pleasure, will be to
+serve again with you. However happy I am in France, however well treated
+by my country and king, I have taken such a habit of being with you, I
+am tied to you, to America, to my fellow soldiers by such an affection,
+that the moment when I shall sail for your country will be one of the
+most wished for and the happiest in my life.
+
+From an American newspaper I find that a certain English intelligence
+had been propagated through the United States, that, at the head of
+fifteen hundred officers or non-commissioned officers, I was going to
+embark for America, and that, with soldiers of your army embodied under
+them, I wanted to teach military discipline throughout the _American
+army_. However remote I am from thinking of teaching my own masters, and
+however distant from such views was that command in France, whose end
+you very well know, I could not help taking it as a reflection on the
+_American army_. The English troops may remember that on some particular
+occasions I have not had to lament the want of discipline and spirit
+in the troops which I had the honour to command. Whilst we have but
+the same British army to fight with, we need not be looking out for any
+other improvement than the same qualities which have often enabled my
+fellow American soldiers to give, instead of receiving, pretty good
+lessons to an enemy, whose justly-reputed courage added a new reputation
+to American bravery and military conduct.
+
+The above article, my dear general, I beg you will have _printed in the
+several newspapers_.
+
+As there is but a little time to write before the sailing of the vessel,
+I cannot call to mind all the friends I have in the army, unless your
+excellency is pleased to make them a thousand compliments from one
+who heartily loves them, and whose first wish is to be again in their
+company.
+
+I congratulate you, my dear general, on the spirited expedition of Stony
+Point,~[2] and am glad it has added, a new lustre to our arms.
+
+Be so kind, my dear friend, as to present my best respects to your lady.
+Mine begs leave to be kindly remembered to you and to her. Thousand
+assurances of friendship wait from me on your family.
+
+Oh! my dear general, how happy I should be to embrace you again!
+
+With such affection as is above all expressions any language may
+furnish, I have the honour to be, very respectfully, &c.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. To this letter was joined a long letter to the president of congress,
+which contained nearly the same things, expressed in a different manner.
+
+2. A brilliant exploit of General Wayne, who, on the 15th of July,
+took by assault the fort of Stony Point, and forced five hundred and
+fifty-four English to capitulate.
+
+
+
+TO M. DE VERGENNES.
+
+Versailles, February 2d, 1780.
+
+You approved, sir, of my putting down in writing, before conversing with
+you upon the subject of the expedition, some of the measures necessary
+to be taken in either of the following cases: first, if I should command
+the French detachment; and secondly, if I should resume an American
+division.~[1]
+
+I must begin by observing that this commission is not only a military
+and political, but also a social affair: and from the circumstances
+under which I am now placed, I assure you, on my honour, that I believe
+the first measure would be most favourable to the public service, and
+the interest of France as regards her allies.
+
+As I must immediately begin my preparations, I should wish to be
+informed of the decision in sufficient time to select some officers of
+proper age, experience, and talents, with whom I can become acquainted
+before I take charge of the corps; and on this account it is necessary
+to arrange matters immediately with the Prince de Montbarrey. Two old
+experienced lieutenant-colonels should command the infantry under me:
+in distant expeditions, it is necessary that officers should suit each
+other, and I am particularly fond of old officers.
+
+In regard to myself, sir, I ask for nothing,--and as during the course
+of a war I may hope to acquire rank, you might either give me one of
+those commissions of M. de Sartine, which are only of use in America,
+or one that would not prevent my seniors from resuming afterwards their
+rank, or else letters of service, to enable me simply to command in the
+capacity of an American general officer.
+
+There are three methods of concealing the real aim of the expedition:
+1st, to set out together for Lorient, under pretence of taking an
+island, and operating in Carolina in the autumn;--2nd, to pretend to
+send troops to M. de Bouille; there need be no commander, and I
+should have the title of _marechal-des-logis;_--3d, for me to set out
+immediately with the grenadiers and dragoons for America, and that the
+four battalions, commanded by the two ancient officers, should join me
+at Rhode Island.
+
+If I should have the command, you may act with perfect security, because
+the Americans know me too well to feel the slightest anxiety. I will
+bind myself, if it be desired, to ask for neither rank nor titles, and,
+to put the ministry quite at their ease, I will even promise to refuse
+them should they be offered me.
+
+In the second case, sir, it would be necessary to prevent, beforehand,
+in America, the bad effects that the arrival of another commander would
+excite: that I am not to lead that detachment is the last idea that
+could ever occur in that country; I will say, therefore, that for myself
+I prefer having an American division.
+
+I must be in the secret to prepare the various measures, and inform
+General Washington of the transaction. A secret with which I was not
+acquainted would appear very suspicious at Philadelphia.
+
+Three merchant frigates and a transport ship would be procured at
+Lorient. We have, it is said, an American crew; the fifteen thousand
+suits of clothes, and fifteen thousand guns, &c. might be embarked; at
+the end of the month it would be necessary to set out for the continent.
+
+On arriving at a port, I should endeavour to commence my operations with
+General Washington; I should take a division in the army, and, with M.
+de la Luzerne's aid, prepare everything for the arrival of the French.
+To increase the number of my division,--to serve as an example to
+them,--to change the ideas entertained respecting us,--and to shew
+in what perfect good intelligence French and Americans may live
+together,--I should request to take with me, at once, a battalion of six
+hundred grenadiers, three hundred dragoons, and one hundred hussars.
+
+Two or three officers, whom I should bring back with me, must obtain the
+same rank in France which they had in America, and I should say that I
+have refused that rank myself from motives which are purely social. This
+attention is necessary to flatter the self-love of the Americans. We may
+stop at Bermuda on our way, and establish there the party for liberty.
+
+I shall set out on Wednesday for Nantes, where the clothes are making;
+I shall also attend to the selection of the arms; I shall see the king's
+regiment at Angers, to form a detachment from it; I shall repair to
+Lorient to hasten the arrangement of the frigates, and to see the
+battalion of grenadiers; I shall only be here the 20th, and as my
+departure must be public, I shall take leave the 25th, in an American
+uniform, and if the wind be favourable, I shall sail the 1st of March.
+
+As it is physically impossible that a detachment commanded by a
+foreigner should amalgamate together well, I believe it would be
+necessary to increase it by a battalion, which would raise the number to
+about three thousand six hundred, and the grenadiers would remain more
+particularly attached to me during the campaign.
+
+If that little corps be given to an old field-marshal, we should
+certainly displease all the American chiefs. Gates, Sullivan, and
+Saint Clair, would not like to be under the orders of others, and their
+opinion in the council would be opposed to combined expeditions. I
+think it necessary, very necessary, to select a brigadier, and name him
+field-marshal, which he would look upon as a promotion. The corps must
+consider itself as a division of our army; its commander must abjure all
+pretensions, think himself an American major-general, and execute, in
+all respects, the orders of General Washington. The naval commander may
+have more power placed in his hands.
+
+Conclusion. 1st, I think it would be best to give me the corps.--2d,
+If it be not given to me, I must instantly set out with the powers I
+demand. In either case, it is, unfortunately, necessary to reveal to me
+the secret, and set me immediately to work.
+
+I shall have the honour, sir, of paying my respects to you during the
+procession.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. This letter contains the basis of the plan which was finally adopted.
+We have been obliged to retrench several letters which relate to
+projects analogous to those presented at various periods by M. de
+Lafayette. It was at length determined to send an auxiliary corps even
+stronger than he had hoped to obtain. As to himself, he was to precede
+it to America, whither he repaired with political instructions from
+the French cabinet, and to resume a command in the army of the United
+States. His instructions are dated the 5th of March; his departure took
+place the 19th.
+
+
+
+TO HIS EXCELLENCY GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+At the entrance of Boston harbour, April 27, 1780.
+
+Here I am, my dear general, and, in the midst of the joy I feel in
+finding myself again one of your loving soldiers, I take but the time to
+tell you that I came from France on board a frigate which the king
+gave me for my passage. I have affairs of the utmost importance which
+I should at first communicate to you alone. In case my letter finds you
+anywhere this side of Philadelphia, I beg you will wait for me, and do
+assure you a great public good may be derived from it.
+
+To-morrow we go up to the town, and the day after I shall set off in my
+usual way to joined my beloved and respected friend and general.
+
+Adieu, my dear general; you will easily know the hand of your young
+soldier.
+
+My compliments to the family.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. The second of the measures discussed in the preceding letter was the
+one preferred, and M. de Lafayette embarked alone at the island of Aix.
+
+
+
+TO M. DE VERGENNES.
+
+Waterburg, on the Boston road,
+
+From the Camp, May 6th, 1780.
+
+I have already had the honour of writing to you, sir, and of announcing
+to you the news of my arrival; but I place so much confidence in the
+kindness you express for me, that I do not hesitate to repeat the
+contents of my former letter. It was the 28th of April, after a voyage
+of thirty-eight days, and after having experienced both calms and
+contrary winds, that the _Hermione_ entered the Boston harbour. I
+cannot sufficiently express my admiration of the frigate herself, and my
+gratitude to her commanding officers.
+
+I can neither give you any certain information, sir, nor promise you any
+degree of accuracy respecting numbers and dates. General Washington can
+alone inform me of the truth; but this does appear to me certain;--
+
+Our army is not numerous; the eastern states are occupied in recruiting
+it. Paper has been regulated by congress at forty for one: these are
+very high taxes, and they hope to be able to raise the finances a
+little, which are in a very low state; but, at present, I cannot give
+you any settled ideas upon this point.
+
+The scarcity of horses, their price, and the want of provisions, have
+very much increased during my absence; but I assure you, sir, that, in a
+moral point of view, I continue to see a most favourable prospect for my
+American friends.
+
+General Clinton has besieged Charlestown, and as he has eight or ten
+thousand men, and the report is spread that his vessels have crossed
+the bar, it is impossible not to fear for that place, unless Spanish or
+French vessels should come from the islands to its succour. Some troops
+from the army of General Washington have proceeded thither.
+
+New York has only six or seven thousand garrisoned men; such is, at
+least, the public report, and I do not believe that the hostile forces
+are much more numerous at present. They say, at Boston, that there are
+only four thousand men; but I repeat, sir, that my gazettes cannot be at
+all accurate at present.
+
+The English have but few vessels at Charlestown; at most they have only,
+I think, one or two at New York. It is said here, and every one seems
+to believe it, that if some French forces were to arrive at this moment,
+they might strike some decisive blows.
+
+Be pleased, sir, to accept the assurance of the warm and respectful
+affection with which I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+P.S. Some American officers, just come from New York, assure me that
+a frigate has, arrived with important despatches from the English
+government. Don Juan de Miralles, who has been long established at
+Philadelphia, and who knows M. d'Aranda, died at Morristown; he was
+buried with much honour.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Morristown, May, 1783.
+
+My dear Marquis,--Your welcome favour of the 27th of April came to
+my hands yesterday. I received it with all the joy that the sincerest
+friendship would dictate, and with that impatience which an ardent
+desire to see you could not fail to inspire. I am sorry I do not know
+your route through the State of New York, that I might with certainty
+send a small party of horse, all I have at this place, to meet and
+escort you safely through the Tory settlements, between this place and
+the North River. At all events, Major Gibbs will go as far as Compton,
+where the roads unite, to meet you and will proceed from thence, as
+circumstances may direct, either towards King's Ferry or New Windsor.
+I most sincerely congratulate you on your safe arrival in America, and
+shall embrace you with all the warmth of an affectionate friend, when
+you come to head-quarters, where a bed is prepared for you. Adieu till
+we meet. Yours, &c.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. General Washington expressed, in several letters, the pleasure he
+felt at M. de Lafayette's return. (See his letters of the 13th and 14th
+of May.) The 16th of May, the congress declared, by a public resolution,
+that "they consider his return as a fresh proof of the disinterested
+zeal and persevering attachment which have justly recommended him to the
+public confidence and applause, and that they receive with pleasure
+a tender of the further services of so gallant and meritorious an
+officer."--(Journal of Congress, May 20th.)
+
+It was afterwards resolved that the commander-in-chief, after having
+received the communications M. de Lafayette had to make to him, was to
+take the proper measures which were most likely to forward the success
+of the plan they had in view. The communications related to the expected
+arrival of a French squadron and land forces. The plan in contemplation
+was to make some attacks, especially on New York.
+
+
+
+TO THE COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU.
+
+Philadelphia, 19th May, 1780.
+
+Sir,--This letter will be handed to you by M. de Galvan, a French
+officer in the service of the United States, and you may receive with
+confidence the various accounts which he will have the honour to give
+you. I have appointed him to await your arrival at Cape Henry, and you
+will see that my instructions to this officer are in conformity with
+those which I have received from the Count de Vergennes.~[1]
+
+I reached Boston on the 26th of April. On the morning of the 10th of
+May, I was at head-quarters, and after passing four days with General
+Washington, I went to meet the Chevalier de la Luzerne. The military
+preparations and the political measures which it was necessary for us
+to attend to, have delayed M. de Galvan up to the present moment. I now
+hasten to despatch him to his destination, and shall keep him informed
+of whatever news may be interesting to you, continuing to add the ideas
+of the general, with regard to the best means of improving present
+circumstances.
+
+Immediately upon my arrival, confidential persons were sent out to
+procure plans and details upon the different points which become
+interesting for the operations of this campaign. As to other matters,
+the Chevalier de la Luzerne has had the goodness to enable me, as far as
+possible, to fulfil my instructions, and he has taken the first measures
+requisite to procure a supply of food and other necessaries for the
+land and naval forces. Although the scarcity of all things is infinitely
+greater than when I left America, the precautions taken before-hand by
+the Chevalier de la Luzerne, and the measures we are now taking here,
+render it certain that the French will not be in want, either of flour
+or of fresh meat.
+
+I will now give you a summary of the present situation of the enemy
+on the continent. I shall say nothing of Canada, or Halifax, or the
+Penobscot, from whence we are expecting news, and which, for the moment,
+are not of essential importance. Rhode Island is in our possession; you
+can enter it in full security; letters, signals, and pilots will await
+you there, agreeably to my instructions. Your magazines, your sick, and
+all your unnecessary baggage, can go up the Providence by water; I shall
+soon send to Rhode Island more particular information on this point.
+
+The enemy have, at the present moment, seven thousand men of their best
+troops employed at the siege of Charlestown; they have also some ships
+of the line without the harbour; one vessel of fifty guns, two frigates
+of forty-four, and several smaller vessels. According to news from
+New York, Charlestown still held out on the 3rd of this month. On the
+Islands of New York, Long Island, and Staten Island, the forces of the
+enemy consisted of eight thousand regular troops, a few militia, upon
+which they place no dependence, and a small number of royalists, very
+contemptible in all respects. They have only one ship of seventy-four
+guns, and some frigates. The American army is in three divisions; one
+guards the fort of West Point and keeps open the North River; another
+is in South Carolina; and the third, which is the largest, is in the
+Jerseys, under the immediate command of General Washington. This last
+division, not very numerous at present, will be increased in a few days;
+and for that reason, I shall defer till another letter giving you a more
+exact account of its situation.
+
+Your voyage is known at New York. Advices were immediately sent on to
+Charlestown, recalling either the troops, or at least the ships of war.
+They are erecting fortifications on the Island, and preparing vessels
+loaded with stones to obstruct the passage; in a word, if it be true
+that the present divided state of the English forces seems to insure
+their destruction, and to promise us the conquest of New York, it is
+equally true that, at the moment of your arrival, if by good fortune
+things remain in their present state, we shall have no time to lose in
+taking advantage of those favourable circumstances.
+
+At the same time that I here execute the orders of my general, and
+communicate to you the sentiments of my friend, permit me to assure you
+of the strong desire of our army to do whatever may please you, and how
+much we shall all endeavour to merit the friendship and the esteem of
+troops, whose assistance at the present moment is so essential to us.
+You will find amongst us a great deal of good will, a great deal of
+sincerity, and above all, a great desire to be agreeable to you.
+
+I send a duplicate of this letter to the Chevalier de Ternay, and I
+shall send the same to Point Judith and Seaconnet; so that in case you
+should make land at Rhode Island, you may at once sail for Sandy Hook.
+The next letter which I shall have the honour to write to you, will be
+dated at headquarters. The confidence of General Washington, which M.
+de Galvan has deserved, and the means which he has of fulfilling his
+instructions, all assure me that you will be satisfied with our choice.
+I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. The instructions given to M. de Lafayette by the minister of foreign
+affairs, (5th March, 1780), were, that, to prevent any mistake or delay,
+he was to place, both on Rhode Island and on Cape Henry (the mouth of
+the Chesapeake), a French officer, to await the arrival of the French
+squadron, which was to land at one of those two points, and to give it
+all the information it might require on its arrival. This letter was
+consequently given to M. de Galvan, and he repaired to Cape Henry, but
+vainly expected those frigates: they landed at Rhode Island, they left
+Brest the 2nd of May, under the orders of the Chevalier de Ternay, and
+appeared before Newport the 10th of July. This letter was delivered
+afterwards to M. de Rochambeau, as well as several others, which want of
+space and interest do not allow us to insert.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp at Preakness, July 4th, 1780.
+
+You know, my dear general, that I am very anxious to see the army well
+clothed for this campaign; the importance of such a measure is on every
+account obvious, and from the knowledge I have of the auxiliary troops
+that are coming, I can so well demonstrate its necessity that I shall
+for the present but attend to the means of executing it.
+
+In the space of six months (we know from experience) the coats of our
+soldiers begin to be worn out, so that there is no great inconvenience
+in giving some new clothes to the draftsmen, and after they shall be
+discharged, the number of the remaining soldiers will not much exceed
+six or seven thousand men; as those very men will have been completely
+clothed by the middle of July, I think I make full allowance for them by
+keeping in store the seven thousand unmade suits that have been shipped
+by Mr. Ross.
+
+If more are wanted in the course of next summer, I engage to go over to
+France and bring back ten thousand complete suits properly conveyed.
+
+Excluding wagoners, servants, and all such people who do not want to be
+uniformly clothed, we may calculate the continental army to consist of
+fourteen thousand men in the field. There may be found in the army
+four thousand coats and waistcoats which are not absolutely bad, four
+thousand stocks or cravats, and one thousand pretty good hats.
+
+We may get from the stores fifteen thousand overalls, ten thousand pairs
+of shoes, three thousand round hats, and some few shirts.
+
+There are also six or seven hundred coats of every colour, to which
+may be added about three or four hundred of the same kind, and some
+indifferent hats found in the army, &c.
+
+A small quantity of buff and red cloth to be bought for the facings of
+the Pennsylvanian and Jersey lines.
+
+The four thousand good hats in the stores or in the army to be cut
+round, or cocked in the form of caps, but to be in an uniform manner.
+
+All the articles now in the possession of the clothier-general, to be
+immediately ordered to North River, and, if necessary, wagons should be
+pressed for their speedy transportation.
+
+I will write a letter to the Chevalier de Ternay, wherein I will desire
+him to send to the most convenient place the clothing which has been put
+under his convoy.
+
+We shall then have ten thousand new coats and waistcoats, and four
+thousand old ones, the whole of an uniform ground, ten thousand new
+hats and stocks, and four thousand old ones, five and twenty thousand
+overalls, more than twenty thousand shirts, and thirty thousand pairs of
+shoes.
+
+Each soldier enlisted for the war, let them even be ten thousand,
+shall have, if you choose, a new complete suit, one hat, one stock, two
+shirts, two pairs of overalls, and two pairs of shoes.
+
+Each draftsman, if he has not the same, will at least receive a decent
+uniform coat, one stock, one hat, one pair of overalls, and two pairs of
+shoes; he will not certainly come out but well provided with shirts.
+
+By the above mentioned arrangement, there remain about a thousand coats
+of every colour, a thousand hats, which are not absolutely bad, and two
+thousand pairs of shoes; these I propose to give to such men as will not
+appear under arms in the field, and, if necessary, some hunting-shirts
+may be added to the said clothing.
+
+The dragoons are generally better clothed than the infantry, and we
+might very easily complete their coats or stable-jackets, as each
+different regiment could adopt a different colour.
+
+As soon as the French clothing comes, I wish the whole army to be
+clothed at once, in observing to give the round hats to some particular
+brigades, for the sake of uniformity, and to turn up the facings
+according to the plan agreed.
+
+There will be then no excuse for the officers who, out of neglect,
+should suffer their men to lose a single article, and the most strict
+orders may be given for that purpose.
+
+The French arms that are coming might be put in the hands of soldiers
+enlisted for the war.
+
+I wish that there was a distinction of one woollen epaulette for the
+corporal, and two for the serjeant.
+
+As to the feathers, (become a distinction of ranks,) I wish such as have
+been pointed out might be forbidden to other officers, and for the light
+division I shall beg the leave of wearing a black and red feather, which
+I have imported for the purpose.
+
+These ideas, my dear general, are not given to you as a great stroke of
+genius, but I heartily wish something of the kind may be thought proper.
+
+
+
+TO MM. LE COMTE DE ROCHAMBEAU, AND LE CHEVALIER DE TERNAY.~[1]
+
+Camp, before Dobb's Ferry, Aug. 9, 1780.
+
+Gentlemen,--I arrived two days ago at head quarters, and in consequence
+of the mission I was charged with, my first care was to render an
+account of our conversations; but the most minute details of them are so
+important, and the fate of America, and the glory of France, depend so
+completely upon the result of our combinations here, that, in order to
+feel more certain of having perfectly understood your meaning, I will
+submit to you a summary of our conversations, and entreat you to write
+me word immediately whether I have rightly understood your meaning.
+Before quitting Rhode Island, gentlemen, I should have taken this
+precaution, if General Washington's march against New York had not
+obliged me to join my division, at the very moment when, from our
+further arrangements, you most required some information.
+
+1st. I have described to you the actual situation of America, the
+exhausted state in which I found her, and the momentary efforts she
+had made, which could only have been produced by the hope of being
+delivered, by one decisive blow, from the tyranny of the English.
+
+I told you those efforts were so enormous, when we consider the state of
+our finances, and the failure of all our resources, that I do not expect
+to see them renewed during another campaign. I added that on the 1st of
+November we should no longer have any militia, that the 1st of January
+one half of our continental army would be disbanded, and I took the
+liberty of saying, in my own name, that I thought it necessary, as a
+political measure, to enter into action this campaign; and this I had
+ascertained also to be the case, by sounding, on my journey, the wishes
+of the people.
+
+2nd. I confirmed what I have already had the honour of writing to you
+respecting the continental troops, and the militia whom we are to have
+with us. I told you that by counting the enemies in New York at fourteen
+thousand men, of which ten thousand are regulars, and four thousand very
+bad militia, I thought their numbers were somewhat exaggerated, and that
+it was necessary to begin by deducting the sailors employed by Admiral
+Arbuthnot. As to the fortifications, I said that the American troops
+would take charge of New York, and that the fort of Brooklyn (upon which
+you might operate in concert with a division of our troops) is merely an
+earthen work of four bastions, with a ditch and a shed, containing from
+a thousand to fifteen hundred men, and having in front another smaller
+work, which cannot contain more than a hundred men. I added that nothing
+could prevent a regular approach upon Brooklyn, and that that post is
+the key of New York.
+
+3rd. I explained to you General Washington's plan, and told you that
+the moment you began your march, he would repair to Morrisania, where, I
+again repeat, he would establish batteries that would close the passage
+of Hell's Gate, and secure the one from the continent to Long Island, so
+as to have nothing to fear from the enemy's ships. Whilst awaiting your
+arrival, gentlemen, our army would entrench itself at Morrisania, or,
+if possible, on the Island of New York, and would place itself in
+a situation to detach a corps of troops, as soon as you shall have
+approached us, either by coming by land to Westchester, and passing
+afterwards under favour of our batteries, or by repairing by sea to
+Wistown, or any other bay in that neighbourhood. General Washington
+would furnish a sufficient corps of Americans, and fifteen large cannon,
+to co-operate with your troops, and he believes that with these forces,
+and united with artillery, the point of Brooklyn might soon be taken,
+and consequently the town of New York.
+
+4th. I represented to you that Long Island was a rich country, which,
+even alter the destruction effected by the English, still possesses
+some resources; that we might feel certain of being joined there by the
+militia of the island; and, in short, that with the assistance of our
+Morrisanian under-batteries, and still more with a battery on the Island
+of New York, we should assure the communication between Long Island and
+the continent. From these various circumstances, my own private opinion
+would decidedly be to commence our action, if the fleet could be placed
+in security, before we possessed any superiority of naval force.
+
+5th. I strongly insisted upon the necessity of taking possession, as
+soon as possible, of the New York harbour. I requested M. de Ternay
+to examine that point with the pilots I gave him, and by the immense
+advantages of that measure I hoped that, either with the aid of land
+forces on the side of Sandy Hook, or merely by the superiority of his
+own naval force, he would be enabled to accomplish the object we had
+feared his attempting when we expected him with Admiral Graves.
+
+6th. When proposing to you to send your magazines to Providence, I told
+you that Rhode Island was completely useless to the Americans, but very
+important for the succours arriving from France, in case, however, no
+army should be necessary to preserve it; that if the English were to
+commit the fault of taking it, a superior fleet, aided by forces from
+the continent, would always have the power of retaking it.
+
+7th. I ended by having the honour of telling you, gentlemen, that in
+order to operate upon New York it would be necessary not to commence
+later than the first days of September; and, after this explanation,
+I said that General Washington, feeling the most perfect confidence
+in you, was very desirous of having your opinion upon the subject, and
+would only undertake what might appear to you most advantageous.
+
+This, gentlemen, is what I had the honour of saying to you, and this is
+what you did me the honour to reply to:--
+
+1st. That the succour sent to the United States was anything rather than
+trifling; that the second division was to set out a short time after
+you, and, that it might justly be expected every instant; that it would
+consist at least of two thousand five hundred, and, in all probability,
+of a still greater number of troops; that it was to be sent by three
+ships, but that, according to all appearances, a larger number of
+vessels would be granted; that the only reason which could prevent its
+arriving before the 1st of September, would be the impossibility of a
+junction between the French and Spanish fleets, and that, in the latter
+case, it would arrive, at farthest, by the end of autumn, and would then
+be a great deal stronger; that M. de Guichen has been apprised of
+our projects, and has received the order to facilitate them; that,
+consequently, the Chevalier de Ternay has written to him for the five
+promised vessels; and that, from all these circumstances, you hoped to
+be able to act before the end of the campaign, but did not doubt, at
+least, having the power of furnishing us with very superior forces for
+this winter, and for the next campaign.
+
+2nd. The project of attacking Brooklyn was extremely agreeable to you,
+and appeared to you the most proper measure for the reduction of New
+York; but you think that we ought to have upon that Island a force at
+least equal to that which the enemy may offer us, and you added that by
+leaving a counterfeit at New York, they may fall on the corps of Long
+Island, with nearly their whole army, which contingency, you will
+perceive, had been already provided for by Washington's arrangements.
+
+3rd. You appeared to me doubtful whether it would be possible to stop
+the enemy at the passage of Morrisania, but on this point I can give you
+no decisive information. The idea of repairing by land to Westchester
+appeared less agreeable to you than that of going by sea into a bay of
+Long Island. As to the landing, the Count de Rochambeau looks upon it as
+a very long operation, and, from his own experience on the subject, he
+believes that it would require nearly three weeks to land an army, with
+all its accoutrements, for a campaign and siege. You desired to have
+every possible information concerning Brooklyn, in order to be able to
+make calculations accordingly for the artillery and engineer service.
+You appeared to me to consider a naval superiority as necessary, even
+at the commencement of the campaign; but it is true that this idea may
+partly proceed from your doubts relating to the communication concerning
+Morrisania.
+
+5th. The Chevalier de Ternay conceives it would be difficult to take
+possession of New York harbour, and hopes to accomplish the same object
+by the situation in which he has placed his cruisers. He does not think
+that his seventy-fours can enter, but from the difference of opinion
+which I ventured to express, as to the importance at least of occupying
+the harbour, he told me he would again attend to this project. As to his
+manner of protecting the disembarkation, it would be to cruise in the
+Sound, and his frigates, and one or two vessels, would enter into the
+bay at the place where the troops should land.
+
+6th. Rhode Island appears to you a very important point to preserve; but
+if M. de Ternay should have the superiority, you think, as we do, that
+it would be unnecessary to leave a garrison there during the attack
+of New York. The Count de Rochambeau desired me to assure General
+Washington that, in every case, upon receiving an order, he would
+instantly repair to that spot which the commander-in-chief should
+appoint. I told him, also, that the French generals wished that it were
+possible to have an interview with him.
+
+At the termination of our conversation, we decided upon the following
+measures, of which I consequently gave an account to General Washington.
+
+1st. You have written to France to urge the speedy arrival and
+augmentation of the promised succours. You have already asked for the
+five vessels of M. de Guichen, and I have also taken charge of another
+letter, which repeats the same request, and which will pass through the
+hands of the Chevalier de la Luzerne.
+
+2d. As soon as you receive news of the arrival either of the second
+division or of the ships from the West Indies, you will immediately
+despatch a messenger to General Washington; and, whilst our army is
+marching towards Westchester, and your own making preparation for
+embarkation, M. de Ternay will endeavour to effect his junction.
+
+3d. If the French fleet should be equal to that of the enemy, it will
+immediately enter into a contest for superiority; if it should be
+superior, it will take the French troops instantly on board, and carry
+them towards the bay intended for their landing.
+
+4th. A spot shall be chosen from whence the ships may protect the
+operation, and which will also afford to the troops first landed a
+position well sheltered by the fire from the ships, and behind which
+the remainder of the troops may join them; or by advancing with all the
+landed troops, the right and left wings may be so placed as to cover the
+last of the disembarkation. The spot selected shall be situated in
+such a manner that the corps of the American army intended for this
+particular expedition, may arrive and land at the very moment of the
+landing of the Count de Rochambeau, and that their general may be able
+to co-operate instantly with the French general.
+
+5th. According to the number of French troops in a state to operate,
+General Washington will either conduct himself, or send to Long Island,
+a sufficient number of troops to obtain a force nearly equal to that of
+the enemy, and he will also have a corps of troops of nearly the same
+strength as the one opposed to him, either at Westchester or in the
+Island of New York.
+
+6th. The Chevalier de Ternay will examine, attentively, the possibility
+of forcing the passage of Sandy Hook, and if it be deemed practicable,
+will attain that important end.
+
+7th. As soon as the arms, clothes, and ammunition, belonging to the
+United States, shall arrive, the Chevalier de Ternay will have the
+goodness, without giving them time to enter the harbour, to send them
+with a convoy of frigates, or, if the batteries be not yet erected, by
+a ship of the line, to that point in the Sound which General Washington
+may judge proper to select.
+
+8th. The French fleet will take charge of the boats we shall require,
+which will be delivered up to them at Providence; they will also land
+us all the powder that they can do without themselves; this does not
+amount, at present, to more than thirty thousand pounds.
+
+9th. I shall send to the French generals all the correct information
+I may obtain respecting the passage of the Sound by Hell Gate; I shall
+communicate to them, likewise, all the details relating to Brooklyn, and
+they will send us the calculations which have been made in consequence
+by the artillery and engineers,--from thence we shall decide what must
+be sent with the American Long Island corps for these two companies.
+Some doubts are entertained by the French generals concerning the
+two points of this last article; I shall send them from home some
+information respecting that subject, of which I had before the honour of
+speaking to them.
+
+10th. The invalids, magazines, &c., shall be sent to Providence, and the
+batteries of that river are to be placed by us in proper order. It is
+clearly specified that the instant the expected naval superiority of
+force arrives, the French are not to lose a single day in commencing
+their co-operative measures.
+
+Such is, gentlemen, the abridgment of the account rendered to General
+Washington; and it will serve as the basis for his preparations, as
+well as a rule for the future elucidations you may receive. From the
+confidence with which he has honoured me, I was obliged to settle
+finally all that it was possible for me to arrange with you,--the fate
+of America, in short, appears to be dependent upon your activity or
+repose during the remainder of this summer. I attach the greatest
+importance to all your ideas being clearly rendered, and I entreat you
+to lose no time in writing a few words to say whether I have understood
+your meaning.
+
+A short time after my departure, gentlemen, you must have learnt that
+General Clinton, fearing for New York; had been obliged, by a sudden
+movement of our army, to enclose himself in that island. The army is at
+present near Dobb's Ferry, ten miles above King's Bridge, on the right
+side of the North River, and our advance guard is nearly three miles
+before it.
+
+If General Clinton, with a force and position equal to our own, should
+judge proper to fight, we shall give him a favourable opportunity of
+doing so, and he may take advantage of that kind of challenge to make
+the most impartial trial of the English and Hessian against the American
+troops.
+
+I shall wait here, most impatiently, gentlemen, your answer to this
+letter. I shall have the honour of communicating to you the various
+advices General Washington may find it expedient to send you. The first
+intelligence of the arrival of the ships is very necessary to our peace
+of mind, and from an intimate knowledge of our situation, I assure you,
+gentlemen, in my own private name and person, that it is important to
+act during this campaign, that all the troops you may hope to obtain
+from France next year, as well as all the projects of which you may
+flatter yourselves, will never repair the fatal consequences of our
+present inactivity. Without resources in America, all foreign succours
+would prove of no avail; and although, in every case, you may rely
+wholly upon us, I think it important to take advantage of the moment
+when you may find here a co-operation, without which you will not be
+able to achieve anything for the American cause.
+
+I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+P.S. Such, gentlemen, is the long official letter which I have the
+honour of writing to you, but I cannot send it without thanking you for
+the kindness you expressed for me at Rhode Island, and presenting you
+the assurance of my sincere and respectful attachment.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. General Heath, who commanded the militia in the state of Rhode
+Island, announced, on the 13th of July, the arrival of the French
+squadron to Washington, who was then stationed with his staff at
+Bergen. M. de Lafayette set out instantly, bearing instructions from
+the general-in-chief dated the 15th, to meet the French Generals and
+to concert with them. Washington had long formed a plan of offensive
+operations, for the reduction of the town and garrison of New York
+(letter to General Greene the 14th of July); this plan was to take
+effect on condition, first, that the French and American troops should
+form a junction; second, that the French should have a decided naval
+superiority over the united forces of Admiral Graves and Admiral
+Arbuthnot. In nine letters, written between the 20th of July and the
+1st of August, which would not perhaps have offered much interest to the
+reader, M. de Lafayette rendered an account of his mission, of which a
+short analysis will give the principal details.
+
+The first letters relate to the multiplied difficulties he encountered
+in the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island, in collecting provisions,
+clothing, arms, and, above all, powder, in sufficient quantities for
+the projected expedition. These difficulties were much increased by the
+insufficiency of every kind of munition brought by the French squadron,
+which but half realized the promises of the French cabinet. M. de
+Lafayette repaired to Newport the 25th, and found the army, which had
+been disembarked, encamped in Rhode Island, and M. de Rochambeau much
+occupied by the news of an important attack, and, in fact, four of the
+enemy's ships appeared on the 19th, and nine or ten more two days after,
+before Block Island. Sir Henry Clinton had on his side left New York.
+By a combination of his land and sea forces, he intended to surprise
+the French army. But he experienced some delay; his soldiers could
+only embark in the transports the 27th; there was a wrong understanding
+between him and Admiral Arbuthnot. He learnt that the French had
+fortified themselves at Newport, and that the neighbouring militia had
+joined them; and at length that General Washington was making a rapid
+movement upon New York. He hastened to pass over the Sound, and landed
+his troops on the 31st.
+
+M. de Lafayette, who had always felt doubtful, himself, of Clinton's
+making the attack, had then the opportunity of discussing with the
+allies the project for an offensive operation. He was extremely anxious
+to put it into execution, and General Washington was desirous also of
+doing the same.
+
+The thing was, however, difficult. Although the capture of New York had
+always been one of the objects of the French ministry, the instructions
+of M. de Rochambeau prescribed to him to attach great importance to the
+station of Rhode Island, and to endeavour to make it the basis for his
+other operations. He was therefore reluctant to quit it in order to
+march upon New York. M. de Ternay, at the same time, considered it as
+impossible to enter with his ships of war into the harbour of that town,
+and contented himself with promising a blockade; he did not, besides,
+possess that naval superiority which could only be obtained by the
+arrival of the second division, which was so vainly expected from
+France, or by the junction of the squadron of M. de Guichen, then in the
+West Indies, to whom M. de Lafayette had written to promote that object.
+M. de Rochambeau's own opinion was, however, in favour of offensive
+measures, and he promised to conform, according to his instructions,
+to the orders of the general-in-chief. Everything was discussed and
+regulated in two or three conferences, which took place from the end
+of July to the commencement of August, between MM. de Rochambeau, de
+Ternay, and de Lafayette. The result of these conferences is resumed in
+a letter, to which is annexed this note--
+
+In the suppressed letters it is also seen that the French troops evinced
+the greatest ardour, and that the good intelligence that reigned between
+the two allies completely justified the expectations of M. de Lafayette,
+and the measures he had proposed. He wrote, in a letter of the 31st, to
+General Washington:--
+
+"The French army hate the idea of staying here, and want to join you.
+They swear at those that speak of waiting the second division: they
+are enraged to be blockaded in this harbour. As to their dispositions
+towards the inhabitants and our troops, and the dispositions of the
+inhabitants and the militia for them, they are such as I may wish. You
+would have been glad the other day to see two hundred and fifty of our
+drafts that came on from Connanicut, without provisions and tents, and
+who were mixed in such a way with the French troops, that every French
+soldier and officer took an American with him, and divided his bed and
+his supper in the most friendly manner. The patience and sobriety of our
+militia are so much admired by the French officers, that, two days ago,
+a French colonel called all his officers together, to take the good
+examples which were given to the French soldiers by the American troops.
+So far are they gone in their admiration, that they find a great deal to
+say in favour of General Varnum, and his escort of militia dragoons,
+who fill up all the streets of Newport. On the other band, the French
+discipline is such, that chickens and pigs walk between the tents
+without being disturbed, and that there is in the camp a corn-field, of
+which not one leaf has been touched. The Tories don't know what to say to
+it."--(ORIGINAL.)--(_Letters of Washington from the 14th of July to the
+5th of August, 1780, and Appendix, Nos. 1 and 8_, VOL. vii.)
+
+
+
+FROM THE COUNT DE ROCHAMBEAU TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+Newport, August 12th, 1780.
+
+I received, my dear marquis, the letter you did me the honour of writing
+the 9th of August; permit me to send you, in reply, the one I had
+the honour of addressing to our general on the 10th of this month, to
+express to him the opinion you asked for by his desire. I am only now,
+therefore, waiting for his last orders, and I have earnestly requested
+him to grant me the favour of an interview, that the admiral and I may
+receive from his own lips the last plan he has decided upon; we should
+do more in a quarter of an hour's conversation than we could do by
+multiplied despatches. I am as thoroughly convinced as any person can
+be of the truth of what your letters mentioned, that it was his marching
+which had detained Clinton, who intended to come and attack us; but I
+must observe to you also, at the same time, that there was much reason
+to hope that he would have been well beaten here, and during that time
+our general would have taken New York. As to your observation, my dear
+marquis, that the position of the French at Rhode Island is of no use to
+the Americans, I reply:--
+
+First, That I never heard it had been injurious to any one of them.
+
+Second, That it would be well to reflect that the position of the French
+corps may have had something to do with Clinton's evacuation of the
+continent, when he has been obliged to confine himself to Long Island
+and New York; that, in short, while the French fleet is guarded here
+by an assembled and a superior naval force, your American shores are
+undisturbed, your privateers are making considerable prizes, and your
+maritime commerce enjoys perfect liberty. It appears to me, that, in so
+comfortable a situation, it is easy to wait patiently the naval and land
+forces that the king assured me should, be sent; that, in short, as
+I have received no letter from France since my departure; I can only
+flatter myself that the second division is already on the road, and
+is bringing me despatches, since, if it had been blockaded by superior
+forces, some sort of advice would have been sent me from the shores of
+France. I fear those savannahs and other events of the kind, of which I
+have seen so many during the course of my life. There exists a principle
+in war, as in geometry, _vis unita fortior_. I am, however, awaiting
+orders from our generalissimo, and I entreat him to grant the admiral
+and myself an interview. I will join the latter's despatch to this
+packet as soon as I receive it.
+
+I beg you to accept, my dear marquis, the assurance of my sincerest
+affection.
+
+
+
+TO MM. DE ROCHAMBEAU AND DE TERNAY.
+
+Camp, August 18th, 1780.
+
+GENTLEMEN,--As I wish to submit the same observations to you both,
+permit me to address this letter to you in common, and permit me also
+(without pretending to complain of the interpretation you have given to
+my last letter) to accuse myself of having explained my own meaning in a
+very awkward manner.
+
+On my return here, gentlemen, General Washington asked me for an account
+of our conversations. You know that he had given me full powers to
+explain to you our situation, and to settle finally the plan of the
+campaign. When he knew that you wished to confer with him, he again
+wrote me word that I was to arrange everything in his name, as if he
+were himself present. It was natural that he should wish to know what I
+said to you, what you replied, and what we had finally decided upon. He
+thought that the best manner of collecting our ideas was to write
+them down; and I, fearing to say a single word that was not precisely
+according to your intentions, thought it more polite, more respectful
+towards you, to submit to your examination the written account which
+my general had requested. I may add, at this place, gentlemen, that the
+general, thinking that you were only acquainted with our position from
+what I had the honour of saying to you, did not consider the previous
+letters he had received as answers to what I had undertaken to explain
+to you. All that I said to you, gentlemen, concerning Rhode Island, the
+passage of Hell Gate, the harbour of New York, and the disembarkation,
+was from the reiterated orders of General Washington; and as to the
+political opinions, which I will dispense myself with expressing in
+future, because they must come from the Chevalier de la Luzerne, I,
+assure you that if, as your own countryman, it was more delicate for me
+to give them in my own name, they are not less conformable to the ideas
+of General Washington. The only time when I took the liberty of speaking
+for myself was, when, wearied by the questions that have been made to
+me by a thousand American individuals upon the second division, and
+the superiority of the English at this present period, I yielded to my
+ardent wish of entering at once on action, and to the hope of commencing
+our operations immediately. If I have been to blame, I think it can only
+be in this one instance.
+
+I believe that the march towards New York has recalled Clinton from the
+bay of Huntington, but I believe that if he had been guilty of the folly
+of attacking you, he would have both lost at Rhode Island a portion of
+his army, owing to our French troops, and the Island of New York by our
+attack. This was my opinion, and the one I found most prevalent here,
+and I also think that it is very unfortunate for the common cause that
+General Clinton did not pursue his enterprise. Is it I who could
+imagine the contrary?--I who have always been laughed at for thinking it
+impossible that the French could ever be beaten!
+
+When, after having received three letters from General Washington, and
+held twenty conversations with him on the subject, I thought it proper
+to tell you in what point of view we looked upon Rhode Island, I do
+not think it ever occurred to me to say you had injured any person by
+staying there, and as to the advantage America derives from having a
+French squadron and French troops, allow me to mention, gentlemen, that
+M. d'Estaing found me formerly well disposed to acknowledge this
+truth; that for more than eighteen months, and especially since the
+commencement of last summer, I held a regular correspondence with the
+French government, to represent to it the utility of such a measure;
+and, although the gratitude of the Americans does not by any means
+require being excited, few hours pass without my employing a part of
+my time in pointing out to them the advantages that you may procure for
+them even when inferior to the hostile forces, and in which I do not
+take the measures most proper to publish this truth from the extremity
+of Canada to that of Florida, as I may prove to you by the few copies of
+letters which I have preserved.
+
+As to the political opinions with which I took the liberty of closing my
+letter, although I acknowledge having committed the fault of expressing
+them to you, I am certain beforehand that, from an intimate acquaintance
+with the American character and resources, the Chevalier de la Luzerne
+and General Washington are both of my opinion.
+
+I will do all that depends upon me, gentlemen, to prevail upon the
+general to meet you half way; but, from his proximity to the enemy, and
+from the present situation of the army, which he has never quitted since
+the commencement of the war, I fear it will appear to him very difficult
+to absent himself. Whenever you have any orders to give me, look upon
+me as a man who, you must well know, idolizes his own country with
+a peculiar degree of enthusiasm, and who unites to that feeling (the
+strongest one of his heart) the respectful affection with which he has
+the honour of being, &c.
+
+
+
+TO M. DE ROCHAMBEAU.
+
+Camp, August 18th, 1780.
+
+Having written, sir, one letter to you in common with the Chevalier de
+Ternay, permit me to address myself to you with the frankness authorised
+by the warm affection I have felt, and endeavoured to prove to you, from
+my earliest youth. Although your letter expresses your usual kindness
+for me, I observed a few sentences in it which, without being
+individually applied to me, prove to me that my last epistle displeased
+you. After having been engaged night and day for four months, in
+preparing the minds of the people to receive, respect, and love you;
+after all I have said to make them sensible of the advantages they
+derived from your residence at Rhode Island, and after having made use
+of my own popularity to propagate this truth; in short, sir, after
+all that my patriotism and affection for you have dictated to me, my
+feelings were unavoidably hurt by your giving such an unfavourable turn
+to my letter, and one which had never for a moment occurred to myself.
+If in that letter I have offended or displeased you; if, for example,
+you disapprove of that written account which General Washington asked
+for, and which I thought I ought to submit to you, I give you my word
+of honour that I thought I was doing a very simple thing; so simple,
+indeed, that I should have considered I was wronging you by not doing
+it.
+
+If you had heard that second division spoken of, sir, as I have done; if
+you knew how strongly the English and the Tories endeavour to persuade
+the Americans that France only wishes to kindle, without extinguishing
+the flame, you would readily conceive that my desire of silencing those
+reports might have inspired me, perhaps, with too much warmth. I will
+confide to you that, thus placed in a foreign country, my self love is
+wounded by seeing the French blockaded at Rhode Island, and the pain I
+feel induces me to wish the operations to commence. As to what you write
+to me, sir, respecting Rhode Island, if I were to give you an account of
+all I have said, written, and inserted in the public papers; if you
+had heard me, frequently in the midst of a group of American peasants,
+relating the conduct of the French at Newport; if you were only to pass
+three days here with me, you would see the injustice of your reproach.
+
+If I have offended you, I ask your pardon, for two reasons; first,
+because I am sincerely attached to you; and secondly, because it is my
+earnest wish to do everything I can to please you here. As a private
+individual, in all places your commands will ever be laws to me, and for
+the meanest Frenchmen here I would make every possible sacrifice
+rather than not contribute to their glory, comfort, and union with the
+Americans. Such, sir, are my feelings, and although you have imagined
+some which are very foreign to my heart, I forget that injustice to
+think only of my sincere attachment to you.
+
+P.S. I am far from thinking, sir, that I am in any degree the cause of
+the sentiments that are experienced in this country for yourself and the
+officers of your army. I am not so vain as to have entertained such an
+idea; but I have had the advantage of knowing you, and I was, therefore,
+able to foresee what would occur on your arrival, and to circulate
+the opinions adopted by all those who have personally known you. I
+am convinced, and no one here can deny it, that but for your arrival,
+American affairs would have gone on badly this campaign; but, in our
+present situation, this alone is not sufficient, and it is important to
+gain advantages over the enemy. Believe, that when I wrote in _my own
+name_, that opinion did not belong to myself alone; my only fault was
+writing with warmth, in an official manner, that which you would have
+forgiven on account of my youth, if I had addressed it as a friend
+to yourself alone; but my intentions were so pure, that I was as much
+surprised as pained by your letter, and that is saying a great deal.
+
+
+
+FROM M. DE ROCHAMBEAU.
+
+Newport, August 27th, 1780.
+
+Permit an aged father, my dear marquis, to reply to you as he would do
+to a son whom he tenderly loves and esteems. You know me well enough to
+feel convinced that I do not require being excited, that when I, at
+my age, form a resolution founded upon military and state reasons, and
+supported by circumstances, no possible instigation can induce me to
+change my mind without a positive order from my general. I am happy
+to say that his despatches, on the contrary, inform me that my ideas
+correspond substantially with his own, as to all those points which
+would allow us to turn this into an offensive operation, and that
+we only differ in relation to some small details, on which a slight
+explanation, or his commands, would suffice to remove all difficulties
+in an instant. As a Frenchman, you feel humiliated, my dear friend, at
+seeing an English squadron blockading in this country, with a decided
+superiority of frigates and ships, the Chevalier de Ternay's squadron;
+but console yourself, my dear marquis, the port of Brest has been
+blockaded for two months by an English fleet, and this is what
+prevents the second division from setting out under the escort of M. de
+Bougainville. If you had made the two last wars, you would have heard
+nothing spoken of but these same blockades; I hope that M. de Guichen,
+on one side, and M. de Gaston, on the other, will revenge us for these
+momentary mortifications.
+
+It is always right, my dear marquis, to believe that Frenchmen are
+invincible; but I, after an experience of forty years, am going to
+confide a great secret to you: there are no men more easily beaten when
+they have lost confidence in their chiefs, and they lose it instantly
+when their lives have been compromised, owing to any private or
+personal ambition. If I have been so fortunate as to have retained
+their confidence until the present moment, I may declare, upon the most
+scrupulous examination of my own conscience, that I owe it entirely to
+this fact, that, of about fifteen thousand men who have been killed
+or wounded under my command, of various ranks, and in the most bloody
+actions, I have not to reproach myself with having caused the death of a
+single man for my own personal advantage.
+
+You wrote to the Chevalier de Chastellux, my dear marquis, that the
+interview I requested of our general has embarrassed him, because it
+only becomes necessary after the arrival of the second division,
+when there will be quite time enough to act. But you must surely have
+forgotten that I have unceasingly requested that interview immediately,
+and that it is absolutely necessary that he, the admiral, and I, should
+concert together all our projects and details, that in case one of
+the three chances should occur and enable us to act offensively, our
+movements may be prompt and decisive. In one of these three cases, my
+dear marquis, you will find in your old prudent father some remnants of
+vigour and activity. Be ever convinced of my sincere affection, and
+that if I pointed out to you very gently what displeased me in your last
+despatch, I felt at the time convinced that the warmth of your heart
+had somewhat impaired the coolness of your judgment. Retain that latter
+quality in the council-room, and reserve all the former for the hour of
+action. It is always the aged father, Rochambeau, who is addressing his
+dear son Lafayette, whom he loves, and will ever love and esteem until
+his latest breath.
+
+
+
+TO THE CHEVALIER DE LA LUZERNE.
+
+Robinson House, opposite W. Point, Sept. 26, 1780.
+
+When I parted from you yesterday, sir, to come and breakfast here with
+General Arnold, we were far from foreseeing the event which I am now
+going to relate to you.~[1]
+
+You will shudder at the danger to which we have been exposed; you will
+admire the miraculous chain of unexpected events and singular chances
+that have saved us; but you will be still more astonished when you learn
+by what instruments this conspiracy has been formed. West Point was
+sold--and sold by Arnold: the same man who formerly acquired glory by
+rendering such immense services to his country. He had lately entered
+into a horrible compact with the enemy, and but for the accident that
+brought us here at a certain hour, but for the combination of chances
+that threw the adjutant-general of the English army in the hands of some
+peasants, beyond the limits of our stations, West Point and the North
+River, we should both at present, in all probability, be in possession
+of the enemy.
+
+When we set out yesterday for Fishkill, we were preceded by one of my
+aides-de-camp, and one of General Knox's, who found General Arnold and
+his wife at breakfast, and sat down at table with them. Whilst they were
+together, two letters were given to Arnold, which apprised him of the
+arrestration of the spy. He ordered a horse to be saddled, went into his
+wife's room to tell her he was ruined, and desired his aide-de-camp
+to inform General Washington that he was going to West Point and would
+return in the course of an hour.
+
+On our arrival here, we crossed the river and went to examine the works.
+You may conceive our astonishment when we learnt, on our return, that
+the arrested spy was Major Andre, adjutant-general of the English army;
+and when amongst his papers were discovered the copy of an important
+council of war, the state of the garrison and works, and observations
+upon various means of attack and defence, the whole in Arnold's own hand
+writing.
+
+The adjutant-general wrote also to the general, avowing his name and
+situation. Orders were sent to arrest Arnold; but he escaped in a
+boat, got on board the English frigate the _Vulture_, and as no person
+suspected his flight, he was not stopped at any post. Colonel Hamilton,
+who had gone in pursuit of him, received soon after, by a flag of truce,
+a letter from Arnold to the general, in which he entered into no details
+to justify his treachery, and a letter from the English commander,
+Robertson, who, in a very insolent manner, demanded that the
+adjutant-general should be delivered up to them, as he had only acted
+with the permission of General Arnold.
+
+The first care of the general has been to assemble, at West Point, the
+troops that, under various pretences, Arnold had dispersed. We remain
+here to watch over the safety of a fort, that the English may respect
+less as they become better acquainted with it. Continental troops have
+been summoned here, and as Arnold's advice may determine Clinton to make
+a sudden movement, the army has received orders to be prepared to march
+at a moment's warning.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. The project of an expedition against New York had not been abandoned:
+it was still canvassed by letter. General Washington agreed with
+the French generals as to the necessity of waiting for a naval
+reinforcement. The latter insisted upon having a conference with the
+General and M. de Lafayette. (See especially Washington's Letter of the
+21st August, vol. vii. p. 169.) That long deferred conference was at
+length granted, and it was fixed that it should take place at Hartford
+(Connecticut). Washington left his army the 18th of September. It will
+be recollected that it was his interview with Arnold at the passage of
+the Hudson, that induced the latter to take the steps which led to
+the discovery of the conspiracy. (See above.) Some days after, M. de
+Rochambeau wrote thus to M. de Lafayette:--
+
+"Providence has declared itself for us, my dear marquis,--and that
+important interview, which I have so long wished for, and which has
+given me so much pleasure, has been crowned by a peculiar mark of the
+favour of Heaven. The Chevalier de la Luzerne has not yet arrived; I
+took the liberty of opening your letter to him, in which I found all the
+details of that horrible conspiracy, and I am penetrated with mingled
+feelings, of grief at the event itself, and joy at its discovery."
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE TESSE.
+
+Camp, on the right side of the North River, near the Island of New York,
+October 4th, 1780.
+
+A French frigate arriving from America,--the son of M. de Rochambeau
+on board! Good God, what a commotion all that will excite, and how much
+trouble inquisitive people will take to discover the secrets of the
+ministers. But I, my dear cousin, will confide to you our secret. The
+French army has arrived at Rhode Island, and has not quitted that spot.
+M. de Ternay's seven vessels have been blockaded the whole time, and the
+English have nineteen vessels here under that lucky commander, Rodney.
+We Americans, without money, without pay, and without provisions, by
+holding out fair promises, have succeeded in forming an army, which
+has been offering to fight a battle with the English for the last three
+months, but which cannot without vessels reach the island of New York.
+Gates, who was no favourite of mine, has become still less so since he
+has allowed himself to be beaten in the south. But all this is quite as
+monontonous as a European war, and catastrophes are necessary to excite
+and sustain the interest of men.
+
+You must know, then, my cousin, that a certain General Arnold, of some
+reputation in the world, was our commander at West Point, a fort on
+the North River, whose importance the Duke d'Ayen will explain to you.
+General Washington and I, returning from Hartford, where we had held
+a conference with the French generals, discovered a conspiracy of
+the highest importance. We owe that discovery to an almost incredible
+combination of accidents. West Point was sold by Arnold, and we were
+consequently lost. The traitor has fled to join the enemy.
+
+I received letters from you by the fleet, and by the Alliance, and I am
+impatiently expecting more recent ones. The nation will not be pleased
+with the state of tranquillity in which we remain. But as we have no
+ships, we can only wait for the enemy's blows, and General Clinton does
+not appear in any haste to attack us. As to ourselves, we republicans
+preach lectures to our sovereign master, the people, to induce him
+to recommence his exertions. In the mean while we practise so much
+frugality, and are in such a state of poverty and nudity, that I
+trust an account will be kept in the next world, whilst we remain in
+purgatory, of all we have suffered here.
+
+Poircy~[1] is here, and although he does not find a St. Germain in this
+part of the world, he accustoms himself extremely well, I assure you,
+to a soldier's life. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all
+the news you gave me. Although they afforded me the greatest pleasure, I
+scarcely dare reply to them, from the fear that my answers may appear to
+come from another world. I saw in the paper that the King of Spain was
+dead: has God, then, punished him for having conferred the title of
+grandee upon M. de Montbarrey?
+
+I need not tell you that I am in good health, for that is, you know,
+my usual custom. My situation here is as agreeable as possible. I am in
+high favour, I believe, with the French army: the American army shew me
+every possible kindness and attention. I have the command of a flying
+corps, composed of the elite of the troops. My friend General Washington
+continues to be everything to me that I before described to you.
+
+Adieu, my dear cousin. When shall I again see you? I pray that God may
+grant us an honourable peace, and that I may embrace my friends, and I
+willingly, for my own part, will give up my share of the glory in the
+hope eventually to win.
+
+Present my affectionate regards to M. de Tesse, M. de Mun, M. Tenai, and
+the baron;~[2] I was on the point of saying, embrace his daughter for
+me.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. Secretary. The Marshal de Noailles had a house at Saint Germain.
+
+2. The Baron de Tott.
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+Near Fort Lee, opposite Fort Washington, on the North River, Oct. 7th,
+1780.
+
+You must have already learnt, my dearest love, all that can interest you
+relating to myself, from my arrival at Boston until my voyage to Rhode
+Island, which place public affairs, and the desire of seeing my friends,
+induced me to visit soon after my landing. I have been since to Hartford
+in Connecticut, to be present at an interview between the French
+generals and General Washington: of all my young friends, Damas ~[1] was
+the only one who accompanied us. The viscount~[2] and I often write
+to each other, but we do not meet, and the poor man remains shut up in
+Rhode Island; the French squadron detains the army there, and is itself
+detained by nineteen ships of the line and sundry other ships of war,
+upon which M. Rodney proudly exhibits the British colours. So long as
+our naval inferiority lasts, you need feel no anxiety about the health
+of your friends in America.
+
+I must speak to you, however, about my health; it continues excellent,
+and has not been interrupted for a single moment; a soldier's mode of
+living is extremely frugal, and the general officers of the rebel army
+fare very differently from the French army at Newport. You have probably
+heard that, on my arrival in America, I found the army of General
+Washington very weak in numbers, and still more so in resources. Our
+prospects were not brilliant, and the loss of Charleston was for us a
+most heavy blow, but the desire of co-operating with their allies gave
+new vigour to the states. General Washington's army increased more than
+half in number, and more than ten thousand militia were added to it,
+who would have come forward if we had acted offensively. Associations
+of merchants and patriotic banks were formed to supply the army with
+subsistence. The ladies made, and are still making, subscriptions, to
+afford succour to the soldiers. When that idea was first proposed, I
+made myself your ambassador to the ladies of Philadelphia, and you are
+inscribed on the list for a hundred guineas. General Gates had in the
+south an army quite sufficient for defence; but he has been completely
+beaten in Carolina. The fruit of all these labours has been, to prove to
+the French that the Americans desire nothing better than to second their
+views upon England, to prove to the English that the flame of liberty
+was not wholly extinguished in America, and to keep us, during the
+whole campaign, in daily expectation of a battle, which General Clinton,
+although equal to us in number, has never thought proper to accept. If
+we had only had ships, we should have been enabled to do a great deal
+more.
+
+As I know that all that interests me deeply is also interesting to you,
+I will tell you that we are much occupied by an important system, which
+would secure to us a considerable army during the whole war, and would
+bring into action all the resources which America is capable of making.
+God grant that the nation may understand its true interests, and our
+affairs will go on without difficulty!
+
+M. de Rochambeau and M. de Ternay, as well as all the other French
+officers, conduct themselves extremely well here. A little ebullition of
+frankness gave rise to a slight altercation between those generals
+and myself. As I perceived I could not convince them, and that it was
+important for the public good that we should remain friends; I declared,
+with due humility, that I had been mistaken, that I had committed an
+error, and, in short, in proper terms, I asked their pardon, which
+produced such an excellent effect that we are now on a more amicable
+footing than ever.
+
+I command a flying corps, which always forms an advance guard, and
+is quite independent of the great army; this is far too grand for our
+pacific situation.
+
+On the Hackensack River, Oct. 8th, 1780.
+
+You will learn, my dearest love, an important event, which has exposed
+America to the greatest danger. A frightful conspiracy has been planned
+by the celebrated Arnold: he sold to the English the fort of West Point,
+which was under his command, and, consequently, the whole navigation of
+the river: the plot was within an ace of succeeding, and quite as
+many chances combined together to discover it as in that affair of
+the _Alliance_, which I have so often described to you.~[3] After our
+journey to Hartford, General Washington passed by West Point, which was
+not on his road; but he was desirous of shewing me the works that had
+been constructed since my departure for France. Detained by various
+accidents upon the road, we arrived at the traitor's house just as he
+received the letters which announced that he had been discovered. He had
+not time to intercept those proofs of infamy, and consequently he could
+only make his escape towards New York half an hour before our arrival.
+
+The adjutant-general of the English army has been arrested under a
+feigned name and dress. He was an important person, the friend and
+confidant of General Clinton. He behaved with so much frankness,
+courage, and delicacy, that I could not help lamenting his unhappy fate.
+
+I received, with great delight, the letters of my dear sisters; I shall
+write to them to-morrow; but I shall send this scrawl, as I fear the
+frigate may depart. I finish my letter in this place, having begun it
+rather more close to the enemy: we had approached them to protect a
+small enterprise, in which a detachment of my advance-guard has been
+engaged, and which only ended by capturing two officers, and fifteen
+men and horses. We are now marching towards a place you will find marked
+upon the map Sotawa, whither the grand army is also to repair. I shall
+write to Madame d'Ayen and to my sisters.
+
+Sotawa Bridge, October 10th, 1780.
+
+I am closing my letter, but before sealing it, I must again speak to you
+for a moment of my affection. General Washington was much pleased by the
+kind messages which I delivered from you; he desires me to present to
+you his tender regards; he is affectionately attached to George, and is
+much gratified by the name we have given him. We often speak of you and
+of the little family. Adieu, adieu.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. The Count Charles de Damas, died a peer of France under the
+restoration.
+
+2. The Viscount de Noailles.
+
+3. The conspiracy discovered on board the frigate which brought home M.
+de Lafayette, in September, 1779.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Light Camp, October 30th, 1780.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--In our conversations upon military operations you have
+often told me that, since the beginning of the campaign, your eyes were
+turned towards a project upon which I generally agree in opinion with
+you, and beg leave to offer some observations.
+
+Far from lessening my desire of finishing the campaign by some brilliant
+stroke, the project of Staten Island, though it miscarried, has
+strengthened my opinions, as I have clearly seen, by the details of this
+operation, that we should, in all human probability, have succeeded, and
+that our men were fully equal to any enterprise of that kind.~[1]
+
+My reasons for wishing to undertake something are these:--1st. Any
+enterprise will please the people of this country, and shew them that
+when we have men we do not lie still; and even a defeat (provided it
+was not fatal) would have its good consequences. 2ndly. The French court
+have often complained to me of the inactivity of the American army, who,
+before the alliance, had distinguished themselves by their spirit of
+enterprise. They have often told me, your friends leave us now to fight
+their battles, and do no more risk themselves: it is, moreover, of the
+greatest political importance to let them know, that, on our side, we
+were ready to co-operate. Be sure, my dear general, that many people's
+interest will be to let it be believed that we _were not ready_, and if
+anything may engage the ministry to give us the asked for support,
+it will be our proving to the nation that, on our side, _we had been
+ready_. So far was the Chevalier de la Luzerne convinced of this (and on
+this point the minister's interest is the same as ours) that he was made
+happy by my mentioning to him the Staten Island affair. I well know
+the court of Versailles, and were I to go to it, I should think it very
+impolitic to go there unless we had done something. 3rdly. It is
+more than probable that mediators will interfere this winter by a
+negotiation. Then England will say, how can we give up people whom we
+consider as half conquered; their best city has been taken by an army
+not much superior to the people that were to defend it; their southern
+army was routed almost as soon as looked at by the British troops
+New York is so much ours, that they dare not approach it, and General
+Washington's army does not exceed five thousand men. What shall France
+answer? Principally now that from the letters I have received I find
+the Charleston affair has brought our arms into contempt. But what
+difference, if France might say, the American army has taken, sword in
+hand, your best works; they have offered to you the battle upon your own
+island, and, perhaps they may add (for news increases in travelling),
+they are now in possession of New York.
+
+Upon these considerations, my dear general, what I want is this, to find
+an expedition which may wear a brilliant aspect, and afford probable
+advantages, also an immense, though very remote one, which, if
+unsuccessful, may not turn fatal to us, for the loss of two or three
+hundred men, half of them being enlisted for two months, I do not
+consider as a ruinous adventure.
+
+The basis of the plan will be, that Fort Washington, being in our
+possession, may, with the Fort Lee batteries, protect our crossing North
+River, and be a security for our retreat, principally if some works are
+added on the point of embarkation. The taking of Fort Washington we
+may demonstrate to be very probable, and upon that point you are of my
+opinion.
+
+The enemy have, on the upper part of the Island from fifteen hundred
+to two thousand men, who would immediately occupy all the other upper
+posts. Their army on Long Island would repair to New York, and there
+would also retire the troops posted at Harlem.
+
+As soon as Fort Washington should be ours, the army would cross over
+to the island, and those of West Point arrive in the same time (which
+calculation may be easily done) so that we should effectually possess
+all the upper posts, or cut them off from their main army. Some militia
+would come to our assistance, and as these posts are not well furnished
+with provisions we should take them, at least, by famine.
+
+The enemy's army consists of nine thousand men: they must certainly
+leave one thousand men in their several posts; fifteen hundred of them,
+at least, will be either killed at Fort Washington or blocked up at
+Laurel Hill, and they will then have between six and seven thousand men
+to attack ten. The two thousand militia (in supposing that they durst
+take them out) I do not mention, because we may have four thousand
+militia for them: under such circumstances it is, probable that Sir
+Henry Clinton will venture a battle. If he does, and by chance beat us,
+we retire under Fort Washington; but, if we beat him, his works will be
+at such a distance, that he will be ruined in the retreat. If, on the
+contrary, he knows that the French army is coming, and if we spread
+the report of a second division, or of Count de Guichen being upon the
+coasts, he will keep in his works, and we will, some way or other, carry
+the upper posts. When we are upon the spot we may reconnoitre New York,
+and see if something is to be done. If Clinton was making a forage into
+the Jerseys, I should be clear for pushing to the city.
+
+If we undertake, the circumstances of the weather make it necessary that
+we undertake immediately. I would move the army, as soon as possible,
+to our position near the new bridge. This movement may invite Clinton in
+the Jerseys, and bring us nearer to the point of execution.
+
+Though my private glory and yours, my dear general, both of which are
+very dear to my heart, are greatly interested, not so much for the
+opinions of America, as for those of Europe, in our doing something
+this campaign, I hope you know me too well to think I should insist upon
+steps of this nature unless I knew that they were politically necessary,
+and had a sufficient military probability.
+
+I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+The six hundred men of Luzerne's legion might be got in twelve days. If
+our movements had no other effect but to make a diversion in favour of
+the south, it would, on that footing, meet with the approbation of the
+world, and perhaps impeach the operations of General Leslie.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. M. de Lafayette had taken, since the 7th of August, command of the
+corps of light infantry, consisting of six companies of men, selected
+in different lines of the army. Those battalions were divided into two
+brigades; one under the command of General Hand, the other of General
+Poor. The inactivity of the army was very opposite to the character and
+policy of M. de Lafayette; he endeavoured incessantly to find means of
+putting an end to it, at least as far as regarded himself. The 14th of
+August he had written to General Washington to ask his permission to
+attempt a nocturnal surprise on the two camps of Hessians established at
+New York Island. At the beginning of October, he attempted an expedition
+on Italian Island, which could not be accomplished, owing to a mistake
+made by the administration of the materality of the army. This letter,
+and the letters of the 13th of November, allude to this circumstance.
+We have been obliged to retrench ten letters, which relate solely to the
+unimportant incidents of a war of observation.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Head-quarters, 30th October, 1780.
+
+It is impossible, my dear marquis, to desire more ardently than I do,
+to terminate the campaign by some happy stroke; but we must consult our
+means rather than our wishes, and not endeavour to better our affairs
+by attempting things which, for want of success, may make them worse. We
+are to lament that there has been a misapprehension of our circumstances
+in Europe; but to endeavour to recover our reputation, we should take
+care that we do not injure it more. Ever since it became evident that
+the allied arms could not co-operate this campaign, I have had an eye to
+the point you mention, determined, if a favourable opening should offer,
+to embrace it; but, so far as my information goes, the enterprise would
+not be warranted; it would, in my opinion, be imprudent to throw an army
+of ten thousand men upon an island against nine thousand, exclusive of
+seamen and militia. This, from the accounts we have, appears to be the
+enemy's force. All we can do at present, therefore, is to endeavour to
+gain a more certain knowledge of their situation, and act accordingly.
+This I have been some time employed in doing, but hitherto with little
+success. I shall thank you for any aids you can afford. Arnold's flight
+seems to have frightened all my intelligencers out of their senses. I am
+sincerely and affectionately yours.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Light Camp, November 13th, 1780.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--In revolving in my mind the chances of discovery by
+moonlight, and, on the other hand, the inconveniences of staying longer
+than you wish under our tents, I have thought if there was any position
+which might enable us to take advantage of the first hours of the night.
+How far the sending of the Pennsylvanians towards Aquakanac, and going
+ourselves to the Hukinsac~[1] position, may awaken the enemy, I cannot
+pretend to say. The most difficult affair in this would be the article
+of the boats. Colonel Smith will go tomorrow morning to West Point,
+unless any intelligence received at head-quarters had made it useful
+that the enterprise be attempted soon, in which case he would go and
+reconnoitre the place. Suppose he was to bring from West Point Colonel
+Gouvion, who has often examined the place with the eye of an engineer.
+These ideas, my dear general, have rather started into any mind, than
+become fixed, and I thought I would communicate them.
+
+Most affectionately and respectfully yours,
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+The Marquis de Laval Montmorency, one of the most illustrious families
+in France, is on his way to the camp. The Chevalier de Chastellux, a
+relation and friend of mine, major-general in the French army, is also
+coming. I every day expect my brother-in-law, and his friend, Count
+de Charlus, only son to the Marquis de Castries, who enjoys a great
+consideration in France, and has won the battle of Closter Camp. The
+Duke of Lauzun has also written to me that he would come soon.~[2] These
+five gentlemen may, by their existence at home, be considered as the
+first people in the French army. This little history I give you before
+their arrival, in consequence of what you have desired from me at the
+beginning.
+
+I write some letters to the commanding officers at Fishkill, West Point,
+and King's Ferry, so that the gentlemen may be directed to come by the
+best road to my quarters, from which I will present them to you. I think
+the letters ought to be sent as soon as possible.
+
+P.S. As General Heath commands in all these parts, I think, upon
+recollection, that I had better write to him alone. You might also send
+him a line on the subject.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. The general-in-chief projected an attack on the posts of the northern
+part of New York. While General Heath was to attract, by a feint, the
+attention of the enemy, Washington was to march in advance, and M. de
+Lafayette to attack Fort Washington. This expedition, for which great
+preparations had been made, terminated in a few reconnoitring parties.
+The campaign closed without an engagement.
+
+2. The Marquis de Laval, is the Duke de Laval, who died under the
+restoration. The Chevalier de Chastellux is well known by his works.
+The Count de Charlus is at present the Duke de Castries, member of the
+chamber of peers. M. de Lauzun has been general in the service of the
+French republic.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Paramus, November the 28th, 1780.
+
+My dear General,--We arrived last night at this place, and were much
+favoured by the weather in our recognising of the Island, where, I
+confess, my feelings were different from what I had experienced when
+looking at these forts with a hopeful eye. I saw the fatal sentry
+alluded to, Colonel Gouvion, on an upper battery of Jeffery's Hook.
+I also saw a small vessel playing off this Hook, but quite a trifling
+thing, without guns, and but two men on board. Nothing else on the river
+but the usual guards of spiting devil.
+
+As you have been pleased to consult me on the choice of an
+adjutant-general, I will repeat here, my dear general, that though I
+have a claim upon General Hand, in every other point of view, his zeal,
+obedience, and love of discipline, have given me a very good opinion of
+him.
+
+Colonel Smith has been by me wholly employed in that line, and I can
+assure you that he will perfectly answer your purpose.
+
+Unless, however, you were to cast your eye on a man who, I think, would
+suit better than any other in the world. Hamilton is, I confess,
+the officer whom I should like to see in that station. With equal
+advantages, his services deserve from you the preference to any other.
+His knowledge of your opinions and intentions on military arrangements,
+his love of discipline, the superiority he would have over all the
+others, principally when both armies shall operate together, and his
+uncommon abilities, are calculated to render him perfectly agreeable
+to you. His utility would be increased by this preferment; and on other
+points he could render important services. An adjutant-general ought
+always to be with the commander-in-chief. Hamilton should, therefore,
+remain in your family, and his great industry in business would render
+him perfectly serviceable in all circumstances. On every public or
+private account, my dear general, I would advise you to take him.
+
+I shall, on my arrival at Philadelphia, write you how those matters are
+going, upon which I build my private schemes. But I heartily wish that
+some account or other from Europe may enable you to act this winter on
+maritime operations. I hate the idea of being from you for so long a
+time; but I think I ought not to stay idle. At all events, I must return
+when your army takes the field.
+
+I flatter myself with the hope of meeting Mrs. Washington on the road.
+Adieu, my dear general, most affectionately and respectfully yours.
+
+
+
+TO HIS EXCELLENCY GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Philadelphia, December 5th, 1780.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--By my letter of yesterday I have mentioned to you that
+a Spanish expedition was intended against St. Augustine. They mean to
+set out at the end of December, which will certainly delay them till
+the middle of January. It consists of twelve ships of the line, some
+frigates, bomb ketches, and a large number of troops. I have advised the
+minister to communicate officially to you this intelligence, and also to
+Count de Rochambeau, that proper means, if convenient, may be taken to
+improve it.
+
+For my part, my dear general, I have conducted myself agreeably to what
+you said to me in our last conversations, that if, in the course of the
+winter, a naval superiority was obtained, our business should be to
+push for the southward, and that you would take for that purpose four
+thousand French and two thousand Americans. Nothing against New York
+can be undertaken before the end of May. Anything, therefore, that could
+employ us during February, March, and April, is worthy of our attention.
+
+The confederacy was going to sail for some clothing which we have in
+the West Indies. No time was left to wait for an answer from you. I knew
+perfectly your sense of this affair. I therefore, with the advice of
+Chevalier de la Luzerne, wrote him a letter dated from Camp, wherein
+I explained to him that something might be done in conjunction for
+the public good. My opinion is strengthened by your sentiments on this
+matter, without, however, bringing myself, and still less yourself, to
+make any formal application to the Spanish generals.
+
+Inclosed you will find a copy of this letter, the first part of which
+mentions that if, after having landed their troops in Florida, they
+would send their ships of the line for us, we might, at three weeks
+notice before the departure of the squadron, have in readiness six
+thousand men for a powerful diversion in Carolina. Their own interest is
+the only thing I seem to consider in this business, and I endeavour to
+invite Spanish caution in this measure; but, unless a more particular
+application is made, I do not believe that this part of my letter will
+have any effect.
+
+The second part will, I hope, be productive of some good for America.
+I urge the necessity immediately to open a correspondence with General
+Greene that he may, by his manoeuvres, facilitate the operation of
+Spain. I tell them, that unless they land a corps of troops on the
+boundaries of Georgia, with a view at least to threaten Augusta and
+Savannah, their expedition will run a great risk. I advise the measure
+of cruizing off Charleston Harbour, the whole under the idea of their
+own interest.
+
+I have also written to the naval French commander in the West Indies,
+advising him to succour Chevalier de Ternay, which I know he will not
+do. But I take this opportunity of condemning their foolish neglect, in
+not appearing on our coasts when they return to Europe; and I do also
+advise that, in their cruizes from St. Domingo, they may sometimes
+appear off Savannah and Charlestown Harbour. Inclosed you will find a
+copy of this letter.
+
+Though I always speak of the beginning of February, it is, however,
+certain, that any time in February would be convenient to go to the
+southward. March and April are more than sufficient for the taking of
+Charlestown; and in all cases, I know, from our last conversations, that
+you wish for a naval superiority this winter, in order to succour the
+southern states.
+
+I had this morning, my dear general, a long conversation with the
+Chevalier de la Luzerne, relating to a southern operation. He is, as
+well as myself, clearly of opinion, that unless a formal application and
+a plan of campaign be proposed to them, they will not send their ships
+to us. In this last case their coming ought still to be questioned.
+But if you thought it better to try, you might propose to the French
+generals to send a frigate there, and see, with them, what might be done
+in conjunction. Suppose they were to take four thousand men, leaving
+some, and the militia, at Rhode Island. We could on our part muster two
+thousand Americans. However, the Spaniards are so positive and strict
+in following literally their instructions that I do not believe anything
+will engage them to come. But my letter, which I look upon as a mere
+cipher on the first proposition, will, I hope, engage, them to impart
+their projects to General Greene, and of course this diversion will
+become useful to us.
+
+Suppose Count de Rochambeau and Chevalier de Ternay were to send to
+Havanna a copy of your letter, I think they ought to intrust it to
+Viscount de Noailles, who will soon return to Rhode Island, and whose
+name is highly respected by the court of Spain for many particular
+reasons, too long to be mentioned here.
+
+I have seen Mr. Ross, and find that very little clothing is to be for
+the present expected. They have some arms on board the _Alliance_,
+and, I think, a hundred bales of cloth on board a vessel under Jones's
+convoy. The remainder will come with the _Serapis_. Unless the storm
+has forced Jones to put in some French harbour, he may be expected every
+minute.
+
+The assembly of Pennsylvania have before them the affair of the
+recruits; but proper arrangements are not properly supported. They are
+fond of voluntary enlistments. I have an appointment for to-morrow with
+General Mifflin, where I will debate this matter with him.
+
+To-morrow, my dear general, I will go to Brandywine with Chevalier de
+Chastellux, and also to Red Bank, Fort Mifflin, &c. On my return I hope
+to find news from France, and I will write you my determination about my
+going to the southward.
+
+Inclosed you will find a newspaper, wherein congress have printed a
+letter from General Gates, relating to a new success of Sumpter.
+
+Congress have lately received letters from Mr. Jay and Mr. Adams,
+but nothing very particular. They have more fully written by other
+opportunities that are expected. Portugal has entered into the
+convention of neutrality, and with such conditions as to shew their
+partiality to our side of the question.
+
+Adieu, my dear general, most respectfully and affectionately.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. The winter, according to custom, causing the dispersion of the army,
+M. de Lafayette repaired to Philadelphia to be nearer arrivals and
+intelligence from Europe. It was there he first conceived the project
+of going to serve in the south under General Greene, who was to make a
+winter campaign. As regards the project of making a division in Florida,
+with the co-operation of the Spaniards, he seconded it with ardour, and
+to General Washington, M. de la Luzerne, and the Spanish commanders, he
+wrote long letters on the subject, which have but little interest, owing
+to the project not having been attended with any important result: those
+letters have been omitted.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+New Windsor, 14th December, 1780.
+
+My dear Marquis,--Soon after despatching my last letter to you, your
+favour dated at Paramus was put into my hands by Colonel Gouvion. The
+Chevalier de la Luzerne's despatches came in time for the post, which is
+the only means left me for the conveyance of letters; there not being so
+much money in the hands of the quartermaster-general (I believe I might
+go further, and say in those of the whole army,) as would bear the
+expense of an express to Rhode Island. I could not get one the other day
+to ride so far as Compton.
+
+I am now writing to the Count de Rochambeau and the Chevalier de Ternay,
+on the subject of your several letters. When their answer arrives, I
+will communicate the contents to you. You must be convinced, from what
+passed at the interview at Hartford, that my command of the French
+troops at Rhode Island stands upon a very limited scale, and that
+it would be impolitic and fruitless in me to propose any measures of
+co-operation to a third power, without their concurrence; consequently
+an application from you, antecedently to an official proposition from
+the minister of France, the gentlemen at the head of the French armament
+at Rhode Island, congress, or myself, could only be considered as coming
+from a private gentleman; it is, therefore, my advice to you to postpone
+your correspondence with the Spanish generals, and let your influence
+come in hereafter, as auxiliary to something more formal and official.
+I do not hesitate to give it clearly as my opinion to you, (but this
+opinion and this business should be concealed behind a curtain,) that
+the favourable moment of the Spanish operations in the Floridas ought to
+be improved to the utmost extent of our means, provided the Spaniards,
+by a junction of their maritime force with that of his most Christian
+Majesty, under the command of the Chevalier de Ternay, will give us a
+secure convoy, and engage not to leave us until the operations shall be
+at an end, or it can be done by consent of parties.
+
+I am very thankful to the minister for permitting, and to you for
+communicating to General Greene, intelligence of the Spanish movement
+towards the Floridas. It may have a happy influence on his measures,
+and it may be equally advantageous to the Spaniards. Your expressions of
+personal attachment and affection to me are flattering and pleasing, and
+fill me with gratitude. It is unnecessary, I trust, on my part, to give
+you assurances of mutual regard, because I hope you are convinced
+in your own choice to go to the southern army or to stay with this,
+circumstances and inclination alone must govern you. It would add to my
+pleasure if I could encourage your hope of Colonel Nevill's exchange.
+I refused to interest myself in the exchange of my own aide. General
+Lincoln's were exchanged with himself, and upon that occasion, for I
+know of no other, congress passed a resolution, prohibiting exchanges
+out of the order of captivity.
+
+Under one general head, I shall express my concern for your
+disappointment of letters, our disappointment of clothes, and
+disappointment in the mode of raising men; but I shall congratulate you
+on the late change of the administration of France,~[1] as it seems to
+be consonant to your wishes, and to encourage hope. I am much pleased
+at the friendly disposition of Portugal. Much good, I hope, will result
+from the combination of the maritime powers. I am in very confined
+quarters; little better than those at Valley Forge, but such as they are
+I shall welcome into them your friends on their return to Rhode Island.
+I am, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. Footnote 1: The Marquis de Castries had succeeded, as minister of the
+navy, to M. de Sartine. This change gave rise to the hope that France
+would send the promised succours, and that expectation induced M. de
+Lafayette to renounce his journey to the south.
+
+
+
+TO M. DE VERGENNES.~[1]
+
+New Windsor, on the North River, Jan. 30th, 1781.
+
+The letters which I had the honour of writing to you, sir, and which
+were dated the 20th May, 19th July, 4th and 16th December, have, I hope,
+reached you safely. Since the arrival of the squadron, your despatch
+of the 3rd of June is the only one I have received. The Chevalier de la
+Luzerne has only received one letter of the same month, and none have
+yet reached the officers of the army and squadron.
+
+The first copy of this letter will be delivered to you by
+Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens, aide-de-camp to General Washington, who is
+charged by congress with a private mission. Permit me to recommend
+to you this officer as a man who, by his integrity, frankness, and
+patriotism, must be extremely acceptable to government.
+
+According to the instructions of congress, he will place before you the
+actual state of our affairs, which demand, I think more than ever, the
+most serious attention. As to the opinions which I may allow myself
+to express, sir, they entirely correspond with those I have hitherto
+expressed, and the very slight alterations observable in them have been
+occasioned by a change of time, prejudices, and circumstances.
+
+With a naval inferiority, it is impossible to make war in America. It
+is that which prevents us from attacking any point that might be carried
+with two or three thousand men. It is that which reduces us to defensive
+operations, as dangerous as they are humiliating. The English are
+conscious of this truth, and all their movements prove how much they
+desire to retain the empire of the sea. The harbours, the country, and
+all the resources it offers, appear to invite us to send thither a naval
+force. If we had possessed but a maritime superiority this spring, much
+might have been achieved with the army that M. de Rochambeau brought
+with him, and it would not have been necessary to have awaited the
+division he announced to us. If M. de Guichen had stopped at Rhode
+Island, on his way to France, Arbuthnot would have been ruined, and not
+all Rodney's efforts could have prevented our gaining victories. Since
+the hour of the arrival of the French, their inferiority has never for
+one moment ceased, and the English and the Tories have dared to say that
+France wished to kindle, without extinguishing the flame. This calumny
+becomes more dangerous at a period when the English detachments are
+wasting the south; when, under the protection of some frigates, corps of
+fifteen hundred men are repairing to Virginia, without our being able to
+get to them. On the whole continent, with the exception of the Islands
+of Newport, it is physically impossible that we should carry on an
+offensive war without ships, and even on those Islands the difficulty
+of transportation, the scarcity of provisions, and many other
+inconveniences, render all attempts too precarious to enable us to form
+any settled plan of campaign.
+
+The result, sir, of all this is, that the advantage of the United States
+being the object of the war, and the progress of the enemy on that
+continent being the true means of prolonging it, and of rendering it,
+perhaps, even injurious to us, it becomes, in a political and military
+point of view, necessary to give us, both by vessels sent from France,
+and by a great movement in the fleet in the Islands, a decided naval
+superiority for the next campaign; and also, sir, to give us money
+enough to place the American forces in a state of activity; fifteen
+thousand of the regular army, and ten thousand, or, if we choose it, a
+still greater number of militia in this part of the country; a southern
+army, of which I cannot tell precisely the extent, but which will be
+formed by the five southern states, with all means of supporting in this
+country such a considerable force. Such, sir, are the resources that
+you may employ against the common enemy; immense sums of money could not
+transport resources of equal value from Europe to America, but these,
+without a succour of money, although established on the very theatre
+of war, will become useless; and that succour, which was always very
+important, is now absolutely necessary.
+
+The last campaign took place without a shilling having been spent; all
+that credit, persuasion, and force could achieve, has been done,--but
+that can hold out no longer: that miracle, of which I believe no similar
+example can be found, cannot be renewed, and our exertions having been
+made to obtain an army for the war, we must depend on you to enable us
+to make use of it.
+
+From my peculiar situation, sir, and from what it has enabled me to know
+and see, I think it is my duty to call your attention to the American
+soldiers and on the part they must take in the operations of the
+next campaign. The continental troops have as much courage and real
+discipline as those that are opposed to them. They are more inured to
+privation, more patient than Europeans, who, on these two points, cannot
+be compared to them. They have several officers of great merit, without
+mentioning those who have served during the last wars, and from their
+own talents have acquired knowledge intuitively; they have been formed
+by the daily experience of several campaigns, in which, the armies being
+small, and the country a rugged one, all the battalions of the line were
+obliged to serve as advance-guards and light troops. The recruits whom
+we are expecting, and who only bear, in truth, the name of recruits,
+have frequently fought battles in the same regiments which they are
+now re-entering, and have seen more gun-shots than three-fourths of the
+European soldiers. As to the militia, they are only armed peasants,
+who have occasionally fought, and who are not deficient in ardour and
+discipline, but whose services would be most useful in the labours of a
+siege. This, sir, is the faithful picture that I think myself obliged to
+send you, and which it is not my interest to paint in glowing colours,
+because it would be more glorious to succeed with slighter means. The
+Chevalier de la Luzerne, who, having himself seen our soldiers, will
+give you a detailed and disinterested account of them, will doubtless
+tell you, as I do, that you may depend upon our regular troops. The
+result of this digression, sir, is, to insist still more earnestly on
+the necessity of sending money to put the American troops in movement,
+and to repeat that well-known truth, that a pecuniary succour and
+a naval superiority must be the two principal objects of the next
+campaign.
+
+It would take us too long to examine the faults that have been
+committed, and the efforts that the states may still endeavour to make:
+we must return to the former point, that, under present circumstances,
+money is requisite to derive any advantage from the American resources;
+that the means which have been substituted for funds are almost
+completely worn out; that those to which we are at present reduced, do
+not fulfil the proposed end, and are opposed to the ideas which induced
+the nation to commence the revolution; that, consequently, we require
+money to restore to the army that degree of activity without which it
+cannot operate in an efficacious manner. Clothes, arms, ammunition, are
+comprised in the same article, and Colonel Laurens carries with him a
+copy of the former list, from which some deductions have been made. I
+will content myself with saying, that nothing of any importance has
+been sent us, that it is necessary to clothe the American army, that
+it requires arms, and, to be enabled to besiege places, a great
+augmentation of powder. As these expenses relate to the pecuniary
+succours, and are those which will strike most forcibly individuals,
+both of the army and nation, I think it important that the government
+should prepare them with promptness, and send them in a secure manner.
+
+If it should appear strange, sir, to call that completion of the army
+a great effort, I would beg to observe, that hunger, cold, nudity, and
+labour, the certainty of receiving no pay, clothes, or necessary food,
+being the prospects held out to the American soldier, they must be but
+little inviting to citizens who are, generally speaking, accustomed to
+live at home with some degree of comfort; and the English having had
+sufficient time to think of all the naval points, the attacks of
+next year will be anything rather than surprises, and our forces must
+increase in proportion to their precautions. I could have wished that
+there had been some French troops, and my confidence in the decrease
+of prejudice has been even greater than that of congress, General
+Washington, or your minister at that time. The advance-guard of the
+Count de Rochambeau, although inactive itself from want of ships, by its
+presence alone has rendered an essential service to America: if it had
+not arrived, the campaign would have been a ruinous one. When I consider
+the present state of feeling, my opinion, as I have had the honour of
+telling you before, would be to send hither, for the expedition of New
+York, a division of about ten thousand Frenchmen.
+
+In our conference at Hartford, sir, the calculations were of course
+made, not according to the fortifications actually existing, but
+according to those they might intend erecting. The answers General
+Washington thought proper to make to the questions put by the Count
+de Rochambeau, have been long since carried to you by the _Amazon_. A
+proposal to ask for a corps of fifteen thousand Frenchmen could only be
+acceptable to the commander-in-chief. But if that surplus were to lessen
+the sum of money by means with which fifteen thousand regular troops,
+ten thousand militia, and a southern army should be put into motion; if
+it were to lessen the number of ships that would enable us to act in
+all places, and with a decided superiority;--I must again repeat, that
+pecuniary succours and a naval superiority are the two most essential
+points; that the same quantity of money would, put into action here,
+double that number of American soldiers; and that, without ships, a few
+thousand men more would be but of little use to us.
+
+The admirable discipline of the French corps, in addition to the honour
+it confers on M. de Rochambeau and the soldiers under his command,
+fulfils a still more important aim, by impressing on the minds of the
+Americans the highest idea of our nation.
+
+The wisdom of the government, in placing that corps under the orders of
+General Washington, allows me only to repeat how essential it is that
+his authority should be complete, and without any sort of restriction.
+The talents, prudence, delicacy, and knowledge of country, which are
+all united in him in the greatest degree of perfection, are qualities
+of which one only would suffice to ensure the rigid observance of the
+instructions which I bear; and the longer I remain here, the more frilly
+am I convinced that each of them is equally necessary to the harmony and
+success of the whole affair.
+
+We have had, lately, sir, an important mutiny, of which Colonel Laurens
+will give you the details.~[2] A corps of Pennsylvanian troops, almost
+wholly composed of strangers, and stationed at Morristown (Jersey),
+unanimously rose against their officers, and, under the direction of
+one of their sergeants, marched on to Princetown. The civil authorities
+repaired thither, to afford them the justice they demanded. To be in
+want of food and clothes, to serve for more than a year without pay,
+some of them, indeed, having been forced to serve a whole year beyond
+their engagement, are evils to which no army would submit. It is
+singular enough that those mutineers should have hung up the envoys of
+General Clinton. The greatest part of the soldiers are disbanded, but
+they are to re-enter the service, and to join the recruits in different
+regiments of the state. I am not less positive as to the number of men
+we shall have in our continental army. Some troops belonging to the
+Jerseys, seduced by example, and being those next to the Pennsylvanians,
+which were composed of the greatest number of foreigners, wished to take
+the same method of obtaining justice; but General Washington, having
+taken the management of this affair in his own hands, sent forward a
+detachment; the mutineers submitted, and their chiefs were punished. It
+is impossible to pass too high encomiums upon the New England troops,
+almost all national ones, whose cause was at bottom the same, and who,
+in spite of their nudity, crossed heavy snows to march against the
+mutineers. This proves, sir, that human patience may have some limits,
+but that soldier citizens will endure far more than strangers. These
+events furnish another argument for the necessity of obtaining money.
+
+I flatter myself, sir, that the government, conscious that the ensuing
+campaign may be a decisive one, will occupy itself seriously of
+rendering it favourable to us. The taking of New York would destroy
+the power of the English on this continent, and a short continuation of
+naval superiority would secure to us the easy conquest of all the other
+parts of the United States. As to the taking of New York, which it would
+be rash to consider easy, but absurd to respect the town as if it were
+a fortified one, it is, I believe, well authenticated, and General
+Washington has no doubt upon the subject, that with the means proposed
+in my letter, we should obtain possession of it in the course of the
+summer.
+
+It is, I believe, important to turn, as far as possible, the enemy's
+attention towards Canada.
+
+When General Washington gave Colonel Laurens his opinion respecting
+military affairs and the operations of the campaign, he also put down in
+writing some ideas on our present situation, and communicated to me that
+letter, which contains the substance of several of his conversations
+with me. I take the liberty of requesting the king's minister, to ask to
+see that letter. Our situation is not painted in flattering colours; but
+the general speaks from the sad experience of our embarrassments, and
+I agree with him, sir, that it is indispensable for us to obtain some
+pecuniary succours, and a decided naval superiority.
+
+You must certainly have learnt, sir, that the defeat of Ferguson, and
+some other successes of ours, having disarranged the plans of Lord
+Cornwallis, General Leslie re-embarked to form the junction by water,
+and that he has since arrived at Charlestown. Arnold, became an English
+general, and honoured by the confidence of that nation, is at this
+moment at the head of a British detachment. Having landed in Virginia,
+he took possession of Richmond for some hours, and destroyed some public
+and private property: he must now have retired into a safe harbour, or
+has, perhaps, joined some other expedition. At the very moment when
+the English fancied that we were in the most awkward situation from the
+mutiny of some troops, General Washington sent a detachment on the left
+side of the Hudson, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hull, supported
+by General Parsons, which surprised, at Westchester, a corps of three
+hundred men under Colonel Delancey, wounded several, killed thirty, took
+sixty prisoners, burnt all the barracks and provisions, and retired,
+after having destroyed a bridge of communication with the Island of New
+York.
+
+The general is soon to pass some days with the French troops at Rhode
+Island, and I shall accompany him on that journey.
+
+I have the honour to be, sir, with equal affection and respect, &c. &c:
+
+New Windsor, February 4th, 1781.
+
+By a letter from M. de Rochambeau, sir, we learn that the English
+squadron in Gardiner's Bay has suffered severely from a gale of wind.
+A seventy-four, it is said, has run on shore; the _London_, of ninety
+guns, is dismasted, and M. Destouches~[3] was preparing to take
+advantage of this event. But you will receive more circumstantial, and
+perhaps more certain details, by letters from Rhode Island, and we are
+also ourselves expecting some, to fix more positively our own ideas and
+hopes. General Knox, commander of our artillery, a man of great merit
+and extreme probity, has just reported to the general the result of a
+mission which had been given him in the New England States. The spirit
+of patriotism and the zeal he found,--the exertions they are making
+to levy troops, either for the whole duration of the war, or for (what
+amounts, I trust, to the same thing) the period of three years, surpass
+our most sanguine hopes; and as they have twenty regiments in the
+continental service, I can only urge, in a still more positive manner,
+what I have already had the honour in writing to you.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. This letter was written in ciphers. It is inserted here exactly as
+it was first deciphered at the archives of foreign affairs. To avoid
+repetitions, we have not inserted the answers of the minister; these
+were written in a tone of confidence and friendship, and accord almost
+on every point with the ideas of M. de Lafayette, which were, in a
+measure, adopted by the cabinet of Versailles for the approaching
+campaign.
+
+2. The revolt of the Pennsylvanian line is of the 2nd of January. It was
+appeased ten days afterwards, and imitated, the 20th of the same month,
+by the New Jersey troops.--(See the Letters of Washington at that
+period, and the Appendix, No. x. vol. vii.)
+
+3. M. Destouches had replaced in the command of the frigates M. de
+Ternay, deceased the 15th December, after a short illness.
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+New Windsor, in the North River, February 2nd, 1781.
+
+The person who will deliver this to you, my dearest love, is a man I am
+much attached to, and whom I wish you to become intimate with. He is the
+son of president Laurens, who has been lately established in the Tower
+of London;~[1] he is lieutenant-colonel in our service, and aide-de-camp
+to General Washington; he has been sent by congress on a private mission
+to the court of France. I knew him well during the two first campaigns,
+and his probity, frankness, and patriotism, have attached me extremely
+to him. General Washington is very fond of him; and of all the Americans
+whom you have hitherto seen, he is the one I most particularly wish you
+to receive with kindness. If I were in France, he should live entirely
+at my house, and I would introduce him to all my friends (I have even
+introduced him to some by letter); and give him every opportunity in
+my power of making acquaintance, and of passing his time agreeably at
+Versailles; and in my absence, I entreat you to replace me. Introduce
+him to Madame d'Ayen, the Marshal de Mouchy, the Marshal de Noailles,
+and treat him in every respect as a friend of the family: he will tell
+you all that has occurred during our campaign, the situation in which we
+are at present placed, and give you all details relating to myself.
+
+Since my arrival here, my health has not for a moment failed. The air
+of this country agrees with me extremely well, and exercise is very
+beneficial to me. My exertions during the last campaign did not lead
+me into much danger, and in that respect we have not, in truth, much to
+boast. The French squadron has remained constantly blockaded in Rhode
+Island, and I imagine that the Chevalier Ternay died of grief in
+consequence of this event. However this may be, he is positively dead.
+He was a very rough and obstinate man, but firm, and clear in all his
+views, and, taking all things into consideration, we have sustained a
+great loss. The French army has remained at Newport, and although its
+presence has been very useful to us, although it has disconcerted some
+plans of the enemy which would have been very injurious to us, it might
+have done still more good if it had, not been thus blockaded.
+
+Several Frenchmen have passed by head quarters. They have all been
+delighted with General Washington, and I perceive with pleasure that he
+will be much beloved by the auxiliary troops. Laval and Custine disputed
+together during the whole journey, and at each station would have done
+much better than the American and English generals, but never both in
+the same manner. The viscount and Damas have taken a long journey on the
+continent; we have also had the Count des Deux-Ponts, whom I like very
+much; M. de Charlus is at present in Philadelphia. I intend setting
+out about the 15th, for Rhode Island, and I shall accompany General
+Washington during his visit to the French army. When you recollect how
+_those poor rebels_ were looked upon in France, when I came to be hung
+with them, and when you reflect upon my warm affection for General
+Washington, you will conceive how delightful it will be for me to
+witness his reception there as generalissimo of the combined armies of
+the two nations.
+
+The Americans continue to testify for me the greatest kindness: there
+is no proof of affection and confidence which I do not receive each day
+from the army and nation. I am serving here in the most agreeable manner
+possible. At every campaign I command a separate flying corps, composed
+of chosen troops; I experience for the American officers and soldiers
+that friendship which arises from having shared with them, for a length
+of time, dangers, sufferings, and both good and evil fortune. We began
+by struggling together; our affairs have often been at the lowest
+possible ebb. It is gratifying to me to crown this work with them, by
+giving the European troops a high idea of the soldiers who have been
+formed with us. To all these various motives of interest for the cause
+and army, are joined my sentiments of regard for General Washington:
+amongst his aides-de-camp there is one man I like very much, and of whom
+I have often spoken to you; this is Colonel Hamilton.
+
+I depend on Colonel Laurens to give you the details of our campaign.
+We remained sufficiently near the English to merit the accusation of
+boldness; but they would not take advantage of any of the opportunities
+we offered them. We are all in winter quarters in this part of the
+country. There is some activity in the south, and I was preparing to
+go there; but the wishes of General Washington, and the hope of being
+useful to my countrymen, have detained me here. The corps I command
+having returned to the regiments, I have established myself at
+head-quarters. America made great efforts last summer, and has
+renewed them this winter, but in a more durable manner, by only making
+engagements for the war, and I trust that none will have cause to be
+dissatisfied with us.
+
+Arnold, who has now become an English general, landed in Virginia, with
+a corps, which appears well pleased to serve under his orders. There
+is no accounting for taste; but I do not feel sorry, I own, to see our
+enemies rather degrade themselves, by employing one of our generals,
+whose talents, even before we knew his treachery, we held in light
+estimation: abilities must, in truth, be rare in New York. But whilst
+speaking of baseness, Colonel Laurens will tell you of the fine embassy
+sent by General Clinton to some mutinous soldiers. He will describe to
+you also the details of that mutiny; the means employed to arrest it
+with the Pennsylvanians, and also those we employed with the Jersey
+troops. This only proves, however, that human patience has its limits,
+as no European army would endure the tenth part of such sufferings,
+that _citizens_ alone can support nudity, hunger, cold, labour, and the
+absolute want of that pay which is necessary to soldiers, who are more
+hardy and more patient, I believe, than any others in existence.
+
+Embrace our children a thousand and a thousand times for me; their
+father, although a wanderer, is not less tender, not less constantly
+occupied with them, and not less happy at receiving news from them.
+My heart dwells with peculiar delight on the moment when those dear
+children will be presented to me by you, and when we may embrace and
+caress them together. Do you think that Anastasia will recollect me?
+Embrace tenderly for me my dear and amiable viscountess, Madame du
+Roure, my two sisters, de Noailles and d'Ayen, &c. &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. He was detained both as a prisoner of war and a rebel. The 18th of
+October, Madame de Lafayette had herself written in his favour to M. de
+Vergennes, a letter which is still preserved, in the archives of foreign
+affairs.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL)
+
+Elk, March the 8th, 1781.
+
+My dear general,--Your letter of the 1st inst. did not come to hand
+until last evening, and I hasted to answer to its contents, though
+I should, in a few hours, be better able to inform you of my
+movements.~[1]
+
+From what I hear of the difficulties to convoy us down the bay, I very
+much apprehend that the winds will not permit any frigate to come up.
+Count de Rochambeau thinks his troops equal to the business, and wishes
+that they alone may display their zeal and shed their blood for an
+expedition which all America has so much at heart. The measures he is
+taking may be influenced by laudable motives, but I suspect they are
+not entirely free from selfish considerations. God grant this may not be
+productive of bad consequences. Baron de Viomenil will also want to do
+every thing alone. As to the French troops, their zeal is laudable, and
+I wish their chiefs would reserve it for the time when we may co-operate
+with an assurance of success.
+
+I heartily feel, my dear general, for the honour of our arms, and think
+it would be derogatory to them had not this detachment some share in the
+enterprise. This consideration induces me to embark immediately, and
+our soldiers will gladly put up with the inconveniences that attend the
+scarcity of vessels. We shall have those armed ones (though the largest
+has only twelve guns) and with this every body assures us that we may
+go without any danger to Annapolis. For my part I am not yet determined
+what to do; but if I see no danger to our small fleet in going to
+Annapolis, and if I can get Commodore Nicholson to take the command
+of it, I shall perhaps proceed in a small boat to Hampton, where my
+presence can alone enable me to procure a frigate, and where I will
+try to cool the impetuosity or correct the political mistakes of both
+barons.~[2]
+
+Whichever determination I take, a great deal must be personally risked,
+but I hope to manage things so as to commit no imprudence with the
+excellent detachment whose glory is as dear, and whose safety is much
+dearer, to me than my own. I have written to General Greene, and will
+write to the governors, either to get intelligence or to prepare means
+to operate; but (General Greene excepted) I do not give them any hint of
+our intentions further than the expedition against Portsmouth.
+
+When a man has delicate games to play, and when chance may influence
+so much his success or miscarriage, he must submit to blame in case of
+misfortune. But your esteem, my dear general, and your affection,
+will not depend upon events. With the highest respect and most tender
+friendship, &c.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. An instruction of the 20th of February, enjoined to General Lafayette
+to take the command of a detachment assembled at Peekskill, to act in
+conjunction with the militia, and some vessels of M. Destouches. He
+was to proceed by a rapid march to Hampton, on the Chesapeak bay, to
+surprise Arnold at Portsmouth: he had orders to return back immediately
+if he learnt that the latter had quitted Virginia, or that the French
+commander had lost his naval superiority. M. de Lafayette reached
+Pompton the 23rd, (from whence he wrote to the general-in-chief,)
+Philadelphia the 2nd, and Head-of-Elk the 3rd of March. Washington,
+however, had himself repaired to Newport to urge the departure of M.
+Destouches, which event he announced in a letter of the 11th. The result
+of his encounter on the 16th with Admiral Arbuthnot was to oblige the
+squadron to return to Newport, and M. de Lafayette to begin his retreat
+on the 24th. He spoke himself in the following terms of the expedition
+of which this letter treats:--
+
+"Dr. Ramsay and Mr. Marshall speak of the expedition attempted against
+Arnold, and the circumstances which caused its failure. Lafayette's
+detachment was composed of twelve hundred of those soldiers of light
+infantry which had formed, the preceding year, the advance guard of the
+army: these were drawn from regiments of the four states of New England
+and Jersey. Gordon has truly related that, after conducting them by
+water from Head-of-Elk to Annapolis, he went himself in an open canoe
+to Elizabethtown to accelerate the preparations. The expedition having
+failed, he was obliged to return to Annapolis, where his continental
+troops had remained, vainly expecting that the French frigates would
+come to escort them. It was a bold and skilful stroke in him to take
+advantage of a favourable moment to convoy the American flotilla from
+Annapolis to Head-of-Elk, and the detachment had scarcely arrived when
+General Washington, announcing to him that General Phillips, with more
+than two thousand chosen men, had gone to reinforce Arnold, and take
+the command in Virginia, which was to become the centre of active
+operations, desired him to defend the state as well and as long as the
+weakness of his means allowed."--(Manuscript, No. 2.)
+
+2. Viomenil and Steuben.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+On board the _Dolphin_, March 9th, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--Here I am at the mouth of Elk River, and the fleet
+under my command will proceed to Annapolis, where I am assured they can
+go without danger. They are protected by the _Nesbitt_, of twelve guns,
+some field-pieces on board the vessel that carries Colonel Stevens, and
+we are going to meet an eight-gun and a six-gun-vessel from Baltimore.
+With this escort, we may go as far as Annapolis. No vessel of the enemy
+ever ventured so far up, and if by chance they should, our force is
+superior to any cruizer they have in the bay. At Annapolis we shall meet
+Commodore Nicholson, whom I have requested, by a letter, to take the
+general command of our fleet, and if there was the least danger, to
+proceed farther down. They are to remain at Annapolis until I send them
+new orders.
+
+As to myself, my dear general, I have taken a small boat armed with
+swivels, and on board of which I have put thirty soldiers. I will
+precede the fleet to Annapolis, where I am to be met by intelligence,
+and conformable to the state of things below, will determine my personal
+movements and those of the fleet.
+
+With a full conviction that (unless you arrived in time at Rhode
+Island) no frigate will be sent to us I think it my duty to the troops
+I command, and the country I serve, to overlook some little personal
+danger, that I may ask for a frigate myself; and in order to add weight
+to my application, I have clapped on board my boat the only son of
+the minister of the French Navy, whom I shall take out to speak if
+circumstances require it.
+
+Our men were much crowded at first, but I unload the vessels as we go
+along, and take possession of every boat that comes in my way.
+
+These are, my dear general, the measures I thought proper to take. The
+detachment is, I hope, free from danger, and my caution on this
+point has been so far as to be called timidity by every seaman I have
+consulted. Captain Martin, of the _Nesbitt_, who has been recommended by
+General Gist, makes himself answerable for the safe arrival of the fleet
+at Annapolis before to-morrow evening.
+
+I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Williamsburg, March the 23rd 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--By former letters your excellency has been acquainted
+with my motions, from my arrival at the head of Elk to the time of my
+landing at this place. The march of the detachment to Elk had been
+very rapid and performed in the best order. Owing to the activity of
+Lieutenant-Colonel Stevens, a train of artillery had been provided at
+Philadelphia, and notwithstanding some disappointments, namely, that
+relating to the want of vessels, no delay should have been imputed to us
+in this co-operation. Having received your excellency's letter, by
+which the sailing of the French fleet became a matter of certainty, I
+determined to transport the detachment to Annapolis, and did it for many
+essential reasons. The navigation of the bay is such that the going
+in and the going out of Elk River requires a different wind from those
+which are fair to go up and down the bay. Our stopping at Annapolis,
+and making some preparations on the road to Carolina, might be of use to
+deceive the enemy. But above all, I thought, with your excellency, that
+it was important, both to the success of the operation and the honour of
+our arms, that the detachment should be brought to cooperate, and from
+the time when the French were to sail and the winds that blew for some
+days, I had no doubt but that our allies were in the Chesapeak, before
+we could arrive at Annapolis.
+
+Owing to the good disposition of Commodore Nicholson, whom I requested
+to take charge of our small fleet, the detachment was safely lodged in
+the harbour of Annapolis; and in the conviction that my presence here
+was necessary, not so much for preparations which Baron de Steuben
+provided, as for settling our plans with the French, and obtaining an
+immediate convoy for the detachment, I thought it better to run some
+risk than to neglect anything that could forward the success of the
+operation, and the glory of the troops under my command.
+
+On my arrival at this place, I was surprised to hear that no French
+fleet had appeared, but attributed it to delays and chances so frequent
+in naval matters. My first object was to request that nothing be taken
+for this expedition which could have been intended for, or useful to,
+the southern army, whose welfare appeared to me more interesting
+than our success. My second object has been to examine what had
+been prepared, to gather and forward every requisite for a vigorous
+co-operation, besides a number of militia amounting to five thousand;
+I can assure your excellency that nothing has been wanting to ensure a
+complete success.
+
+As the position of the enemy had not yet been reconnoitred, I went
+to General Muhlenberg's camp, near Suffolk, and after he had taken a
+position nearer to Portsmouth, we marched down with some troops to view
+the enemy's works. This brought on a trifling skirmish; during which we
+were able to see something; but the insufficiency of ammunition, which
+had been for many days expected, prevented my engaging far enough to
+push the enemy's outposts, and our reconnoitring was postponed to the
+21st,--when, on the 20th, Major MacPherson, an officer for whom I have
+the highest confidence and esteem, sent me word from Hampton, where he
+was stationed, that a fleet had come to anchor within the Capes. So far
+it was probable that this fleet was that of M. Destouches, that
+Arnold himself appeared to be in great confusion, and his vessels,
+notwithstanding many signals, durst not, for a long time, venture down.
+An officer of the French navy bore down upon them from York, and nothing
+could equal my surprise in hearing from Major MacPherson, that the fleet
+announced by a former letter certainly belonged to the enemy.
+
+Upon this intelligence, the militia were removed to their former
+position, and I requested Baron de Steuben (from whom, out of delicacy,
+I would not take the command until the co-operation was begun, or the
+continental troops arrived) to take such measures as would put out of
+the enemy's reach the several articles that had been prepared. On my
+return to this place, I could not hear more particular accounts of the
+fleet. Some people think they are coming from Europe; but I believe them
+to be the fleet from Gardiner's Bay. They are said to be twelve sail
+in all, frigates included. I have sent spies on board and shall forward
+their report to head-quarters.
+
+Having certain accounts that the French had sailed on the 8th, with a
+favourable wind, I must think that they are coming to this place, or
+were beaten in an engagement, or are gone somewhere else. In these three
+cases, I think it my duty to stay here until I hear something more,
+which must be in a little time. But as your excellency will certainly
+recal a detachment composed of the flower of each regiment, whose loss
+would be immense to the army under your immediate command, and as
+my instructions are to march them back as soon as we lose the naval
+superiority in this quarter, I have sent them orders to move at the
+first notice which I will send to-morrow or the day after, or upon a
+letter from your excellency, which my aide-de-camp is empowered to open.
+
+Had I not been here upon the spot, I am sure that I should have waited
+an immense time before I knew what to think of this fleet, and my
+presence at this place was the speediest means of forwarding the
+detachment either to Hampton or your excellency's immediate army.
+By private letters, we hear that General Greene had, on the 19th, an
+engagement with Lord Cornwallis. The honour of keeping the field was
+not on our side. The enemy lost more men than we did. General Greene
+displayed his usual prudence and abilities, both in making his
+dispositions and posting his troops at ten miles from the first field of
+battle, where they bid defiance to the enemy, and are in a situation to
+check his progress.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+New Windsor, 6th April, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR MARQUIS,--Since my letter to you of yesterday,~[1] I have
+attentively considered of what vast importance it will be to reinforce
+General Greene as speedily as possible; more especially as there can be
+little doubt that the detachment under General Phillips, if not part of
+that now under the command of General Arnold, will ultimately join, or
+in some degree co-operate with Lord Cornwallis. I have communicated
+to the general officers at present with the army my sentiments on the
+subject; and they are unanimously of opinion that the detachment under
+your command should proceed and join the southern army. Your being
+already three hundred miles advanced, which is nearly half way, is
+the reason that operates against any which can be offered in favour of
+marching that detachment back. You will therefore, immediately at the
+receipt of this, turn the detachment to the southward. Inform General
+Greene that you are upon your march to join him, and take his directions
+as to your route, when you begin to approach him. Previously to that,
+you will be guided by your own judgment, and by the roads on which you
+will be most likely to find subsistence for the troops and horses. It
+will be well to advise Governor Jefferson of your intended march through
+the state of Virginia, or, perhaps, it will answer a good purpose were
+you to go forward to Richmond yourself, after putting the troops in
+motion, and having made some necessary arrangement for their progress.
+
+You will take with you the light artillery and smallest mortars, with
+their stores and the musket cartridges. But let these follow, under a
+proper escort, rather than impede the march of the detachment, which
+ought to move as expeditiously as possible without injury to them. The
+heavy artillery and stores you will leave at some proper and safe place,
+if it cannot be conveniently transported to Christiana River, from
+whence it will be easily got to Philadelphia. You may leave to the
+option of Lieutenant-Colonel Stevens to proceed or not, as he may think
+proper; his family is in peculiar circumstances, and he left it with
+the expectation of being absent for a short time. Should there be other
+officers under similar circumstances, you may make them the same offers,
+and they shall be relieved.
+
+I am, my dear marquis, yours, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. This related merely to the expedition which had lately failed.
+Washington deplored its result, which had been occasioned by maritime
+events, but he approved and eulogised the conduct of M. de Lafayette.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Elk, April 8th, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--Your excellency's letters of the 5th and 6th instant
+are just come to hand, and before I answer their contents, I beg leave
+to give you a summary account of the measures I have lately taken. As
+to the part of my conduct you have been acquainted with, I am happy, my
+dear general, to find it has met with your approbation.
+
+When the return of the British fleet put it out of doubt that nothing
+could be undertaken for the present against Portsmouth, I sent pressing
+orders to Annapolis, in order to have everything in readiness, and even
+to move the troops by land to the Head-of-Elk. I myself hastened back
+to Maryland, but confess I could not resist the ardent desire I had of
+seeing your relations, and, above all, your mother, at Fredericksburg.
+For that purpose I went some miles out of my way, and, in order
+to conciliate my private happiness to duties of a public nature, I
+recovered by riding in the night those few hours which I had consecrated
+to my satisfaction. I had also the pleasure of seeing Mount Vernon, and
+was very unhappy that my duty and my anxiety for the execution of your
+orders prevented my paying a visit to Mr. Curtis.~[1]
+
+On my arrival at Annapolis, I found that our preparations were far
+from promising a speedy departure. The difficulty of getting wagons and
+horses is immense. No boats sufficient to cross over the ferries. The
+state is very desirous of keeping us as long as possible, as they were
+scared by the apparition of the _Hope_, twenty guns, and the _Monk_,
+eighteen guns, who blockaded the harbour, and who (as appeared by
+intercepted letters) were determined to oppose our movements.
+
+In these circumstances, I thought it better to continue my preparations
+for a journey by land, which, I am told, would have lasted ten days, on
+account of ferries, and, in the meanwhile, had two eighteen-pounders put
+on board a small sloop, which appeared ridiculous to some, but proved to
+be of great service. In the morning of the 6th, Commodore Nicholson went
+out with the sloop and another vessel, full of men. Whether the sound
+of eighteen pounders, or the fear of being boarded, operated upon the
+enemy, I am not able to say; but, after some manoeuvres, they retreated
+so far as to render it prudent for us to sail to this place. Every
+vessel with troops and stores was sent in the night by the commodore, to
+whom I am vastly obliged; and having brought the rear with the sloop and
+other vessels, I arrived this morning at Elk. It is reported that
+the ships have returned to their stations; if so, they must have been
+reinforced; their commander had already applied for an augmentation of
+force.
+
+Before I left Annapolis, hearing that General Greene was in want of
+ammunition, I took the liberty of leaving for the southern army four
+six-pounders, with three hundred rounds each, nearly a hundred thousand
+cartridges, and some small matters, which I left to the care of the
+governor and General Smallwood, requesting them to have wagons and
+horses impressed, to send them to a place of safety, where they must
+be by this time. I also wrote to the governor of Virginia, to General
+Greene, and the baron. These stores will set off in a few days,
+under the care of a detachment, for the Maryland line, commanded by
+Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart.
+
+In consequence of previous orders, everything was in readiness for
+our movement. The troops were ordered to march the next morning, and
+I expect a sufficiency of vessels is now at Wilmington or Christiana
+Creek; so that I am in hopes to join your excellency in a very few days.
+Your letter of the 6th, ordering me to the southward, is just come to
+hand. Had I been still at Annapolis, or upon the road by land, and
+of course with the same means to return that I had to advance, your
+commands should have been immediately obeyed; but necessity keeps us
+here for some days, and as your letters arrived in two days, your answer
+to this must be here before we are in a situation to move.
+
+When your excellency wrote to me, I was supposed to be at Annapolis, or
+very near that place, with the means of returning, which makes a great
+difference. Another circumstance, still more material, is, that, instead
+of joining either Arnold or Phillips (if Phillips be there), Lord
+Cornwallis is so disabled as to be forced to a retreat, as appears from
+General Greene's letter.
+
+To these considerations I have added this one, which is decisive: that
+being fitted only to march twelve miles, part of it in the State
+of Delaware, and a part of our provisions being asked for from
+Philadelphia, it is impossible to have the necessary apparatus to march
+and subsist, or to cross ferries on our way to the southern army, so
+as to leave this place under four or five days. As to a transportation
+through the bay, we cannot expect the same good luck of frightening an
+enemy, who must know how despicable our preparations are; and we
+must, at least, wait for the return of look-out boats which, if sent
+immediately, will not possibly return under five or six days.
+
+In these circumstances, my dear general, I am going to make every
+preparation to march to Virginia, so as to be ready as soon as possible.
+I shall keep here the vessels, and will also keep those which have been
+ordered to Christiana Creek. This state of suspense will distract
+the enemy's conjectures, and put me in a situation to execute your
+excellency's orders, which will be here before I can be able to move
+with any degree of advantage towards the southward.
+
+Had it been possible to obey to-morrow morning, I would have done it
+immediately; but since I am obliged to make preparations, I beg leave
+to make these observations, which I should have been allowed to present,
+had I been at the meeting of general officers.
+
+The troops I have with me being taken from every northern regiment, have
+often (though without mentioning it) been very uneasy at the idea of
+joining the southern army. They want clothes; shoes particularly; they
+expect to receive clothes and money from their states. This would be a
+great disappointment for both officers and men. Both thought at first
+they were sent out for a few days, and provided themselves accordingly;
+both came cheerfully to this expedition, but both have had already their
+fears at the idea of going to the southward. They will certainly obey,
+but they will be unhappy, and some will desert.
+
+Had this corps considered themselves as light infantry, destined for
+the campaign, to be separated from their regiments, it would be attended
+with less inconveniences; and such a corps, in the course of the
+campaign, might be brought there without difficulty, particularly by
+water, as they would be prepared accordingly.
+
+Supposing the Jersey line were to join the detachment of their troops
+at this place, it would hardly make any difference, as we have been but
+five days coming from Morristown to the Head-of-Elk.
+
+These considerations, my dear general, I beg you to be convinced, are
+not influenced by personal motives. I should most certainly prefer to
+be in a situation to attack New York, nor should I like, in an operation
+against New York, to see you deprived of the New England light infantry;
+but I think with you, that these motives are not to influence our
+determination, if this be the best way to help General Greene.
+
+By the letters I have received from my two friends, Marquis de Castries
+and Count de Vergennes, I am assured that we shall soon get an answer
+to our propositions against New York, and am strongly led to hope that,
+having a naval superiority, the army under your immediate command will
+not remain inactive.
+
+At all events, my dear general, I will use my best endeavours to be
+ready to move either way as soon as possible; and have the honour to be,
+with the highest respect and affection, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. Son of Mrs. Washington by a former marriage.
+
+
+
+TO COLONEL HAMILTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Susquehannah Ferry, 18th April, 1781.
+
+Dear Hamilton,~[1]--You are so sensible a fellow, that you can certainly
+explain to me what is the matter that New York should be given up; that
+our letters to France go for nothing; that when the French are coming,
+I am going. This last matter gives great uneasiness to the minister of
+France. All this is not comprehensible to me, who, having been long from
+head-quarters, have lost the course of intelligence.
+
+Have you left the family, my dear sir? I suppose so. But from love to
+the general, for whom you know my affection, I ardently wish it was not
+the case. Many, many reasons conspire to this desire of mine; but if you
+do leave it, and if I go to exile, come and partake it with me. Yours,
+&c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. The 11th of April, Washington renewed, with more detail, his
+instructions upon the movement to the south, and General Greene,
+desiring to carry the theatre of war into South Carolina, urged General
+Lafayette to march upon the capital of Virginia. The latter made his
+preparations accordingly, and with great activity, in spite of the
+regret he experienced, and the difficulties he encountered. He deplored,
+in truth, that long-promised expedition on New York being abandoned; and
+he had to combat the repugnance of the troops, who threatened to become
+weakened by desertion. This was the subject of several long letters we
+have thought proper to suppress. He wrote, also, frequently, to Colonel
+Hamilton, and we may see some of those letters in the life of the
+latter. We have only inserted this one letter, which expresses all he
+felt. Hamilton, at that period, having had a coolness with Washington,
+wished to quit his staff; and it was in reality as an officer of the
+line that he took part in the siege of Yorktown.--(See his Life, vol.
+i., chap. xiii.)
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Baltimore, April 18th, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--Every one of my letters were written in so lamentable
+a tone, that I am happy to give you a pleasanter prospect. The anxiety
+I feel to relieve your mind from a small part of those many solicitudes
+and cares which our circumstances conspire to gather upon you, is the
+reason of my sending this letter by the chain of communication, and with
+a particular recommendation. When I left Susquehannah Ferry, it was the
+general opinion that we could not have six hundred men by the time we
+should arrive at our destination. This, and the shocking situation of
+the men offered the more gloomy prospects, as the board of war have
+confessed their total inability to afford us relief. Under these
+circumstances, I have employed every personal exertion, and have the
+pleasure to inform you that desertion has, I hope, been put to an end.
+
+On my arrival on this side of the Susquehannah, I made an order for the
+troops, wherein I endeavoured to throw a kind of infamy upon desertion,
+and to improve every particular affection of theirs. Since then,
+desertion has been lessened. Two deserters have been taken up; one of
+whom has been hanged to-day, and the other (being an excellent soldier)
+will be forgiven, but dismissed from the corps, as well as another
+soldier who behaved amiss. To these measures, I have added one which
+my feelings for the sufferings of the soldiers, and the peculiarity of
+their circumstances, have prompted me to adopt.
+
+The merchants of Baltimore lent me a sum of about 2,000_l_., which will
+procure some shirts, linen, overalls, shoes, and a few hats. The
+ladies will make up the shirts, and the overalls will be made by the
+detachment, so that our soldiers have a chance of being a little more
+comfortable. The money is lent upon my credit, and I become security for
+the payment of it in two years' time, when, by the French laws, I
+may better dispose of my estate. But before that time, I shall use my
+influence with the French court, in order to have this sum of money
+added to any loan congress may have been able to obtain from them.
+
+In case you are told, my dear general, that my whole baggage has been
+taken in the bay, I am sorry I cannot discountenance the report. But
+when the mention of papers and maps is made, do not apprehend anything
+bad for the papers or maps you have put in my possession. Nothing has
+been lost but writing paper and printed maps. The fact is this: when
+at York, I had some continental soldiers and my baggage to send up in
+a safe barge and an unsafe boat. I, of course, gave the barge to the
+soldiers, who easily went to Annapolis. The baggage was put into the
+boat, and has not been since heard of. But being aware of the danger; I
+took by land with me every article that was, on public accounts, in the
+least valuable. By a letter from Baron de Steuben, dated Chesterfield
+Court House the 10th of April, I find that General Phillips has at
+Portsmouth 1500 or 2000 men added to the force under Arnold. Proper
+allowance being made for exaggerations, I apprehend that his whole
+army amounts to 2800 men, which obliges me to hasten my march to
+Fredericksburg and Richmond, where I expect to receive orders from
+General Greene.
+
+The importance of celerity, the desire of lengthening the way home,
+and immense delays that would stop me for an age, have determined me
+to leave our tents, artillery, &c., under a guard, and with orders to
+follow as fast as possible, while the rest of the detachment, by
+forced marches, and with impressed wagons and horses, will hasten to
+Fredericksburg or Richmond, and by this derange the calculations of the
+enemy. We set off to-morrow, and this rapid mode of travelling, added
+to my other precautions, will, I hope, keep up our spirits and good
+humour.~[1]
+
+I am, my dear general, &c.
+
+P. S. The word _lessened_ does not convey a sufficient idea of what
+experience has proved to be true, to the honour of our excellent
+soldiers. It had been announced in general orders, that the detachment
+was intended to fight an enemy far superior in number, under
+difficulties of every sort. That the general was, for his part,
+determined to encounter them, but that such of the soldiers as had an
+inclination to abandon him, might dispense with the danger and crime of
+desertion, as every one of them who should apply to head-quarters for
+a pass to join their corps in the north might be sure to obtain it
+immediately.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. This letter announces the real commencement of the Virginian
+campaign. M. de Lafayette marched upon Richmond, and thus wrote on the
+4th of May:--
+
+"The leaving of my artillery appears a strange whim, but had I waited
+for it, Richmond had been lost. It is not without trouble I have made
+this rapid march. General Phillips has expressed to a flag officer the
+astonishment he felt at our celerity; and when on the 30th, as he was
+going to give the signal to attack, he reconnoitred our position, Mr.
+Osburn, who was with him, says, that he flew into a violent passion, and
+swore vengeance against me and the corps I had brought with me."
+
+The subsequent operations are given in detail, both in the Memoirs,
+and in a relation of the campaign; it was, therefore, thought proper to
+suppress the greatest part of the letters in which M. de Lafayette gave
+an account of them to General Washington. To each of those letters is
+usually annexed a copy of his official reports to General Greene.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Alexandria, April 23rd, 1781.
+
+My Dear General,--Great happiness is derived from friendship, and I
+experience it particularly in the attachment which unites me to you. But
+friendship has its duties, and the man who likes you best, will be the
+first to let you know everything in which you may be concerned.
+
+When the enemy came to your house, many negroes deserted to them. This
+piece of news did not affect me much, as I little value these matters.
+But you cannot conceive how unhappy I have been to hear that Mr. Lund
+Washington went on board the enemy's vessels, and consented to give them
+provisions.
+
+This being done by the gentleman who, in some measure, represents you
+at your house, will certainly have a bad effect, and contrasts with
+spirited answers from some neighbours that have had their houses burnt
+accordingly.
+
+You will do what you think proper about it, my dear general; but, as
+your friend, it was my duty confidentially to mention the circumstances.
+
+With the help of some wagons and horses, we got, in two days, from the
+camp, near Baltimore, to this place. We halted yesterday, and having
+made a small bargain for a few pair of shoes, are now marching to
+Fredericksburg. No official account from Phillips, but I am told they
+are removing stores from Richmond and Petersburg. I am surprised nobody
+writes to me, and hope soon to receive intelligence.
+
+Our men are in high spirits. Their honour having been interested in this
+affair, they have made a point to come with us; and murmurs, as well as
+desertion, are entirely out of fashion. Requesting my best respects to
+Mrs. Washington, and my compliments to the family, I have the honour to
+be, with those sentiments which you know, &c.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+New Windsor, May 4, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR MARQUIS,--The freedom of your communications is an evidence to
+me of the sincerity of your attachment, and every fresh instance of
+this gives pleasure and adds strength to the bond which unites us in
+friendship. In this light I view the intimation respecting the conduct
+of Mr. Lund Washington. Some days previous to the receipt of your
+letter, which only came to my hands yesterday, I received an account of
+this transaction from that gentleman himself, and immediately wrote
+and forwarded the answer, of which the enclosed is a copy. This letter,
+which was written in the moment of my obtaining the first intimation of
+the matter, may be considered as a testimony of my disapprobation of his
+conduct, and the transmission of it to you, as a proof of my friendship;
+because I wish you to be assured, that no man can condemn the measure
+more sincerely than I do.
+
+A false idea, arising from the consideration of his being my steward,
+and in that character more the trustee and guardian of my property than
+the representative of my honour, has misled his judgment and plunged
+him into error, upon the appearance of desertion among my negroes,
+and danger to my buildings; for sure I am, that no man is more firmly
+opposed to the enemy than he is. From a thorough conviction of this, and
+of his integrity, I entrusted every species of my property to his care,
+without reservation or fear of his abusing it. The last paragraph of my
+letter to him was occasioned by an expression of his fear, that all the
+estates convenient to the river would be stripped of their negroes and
+moveable property.
+
+I am very happy to find that desertion has ceased, and content has taken
+place, in the detachment you command. Before this letter can reach you,
+you must have taken your ultimate resolution upon the proposal contained
+in my letters of the 21st and 22nd ultimo, and have made the consequent
+arrangements. I shall be silent, therefore, on the subject of them, and
+only beg, in case you should not return to this army, and the papers
+were not lost with your other baggage (on which event give me leave to
+express my concern) that you would permit M. Capitaine to furnish me
+with copies of the drafts, and the remarks of the pilots (taken at
+Colonel Day's) on the entrance of the harbour of New York. It is
+possible they may be wanted, and I am not able to furnish them without
+your assistance.
+
+Mrs. Washington and the rest of my small family, which, at present,
+consists only of Tilghman and Humphreys, join me in cordial salutations,
+and, with sentiments of the purest esteem and most affectionate regard,
+I remain, my dear marquis, &c.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL WASHINGTON TO LUND WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+New Windsor, April 30, 1781.
+
+Dear Lund,--I am very sorry to hear of your loss; I am a little sorry to
+hear of my own; but that which gives me most concern is, that you should
+go on board the enemy's vessels, and furnish them with refreshments. It
+would have been a less painful circumstance to me to have heard that, in
+consequence of your non-compliance with their request, they had burnt
+my house and laid the plantation in ruins. You ought to have considered
+yourself as my representative, and should have reflected on the bad
+example of communicating with the enemy, and making a voluntary offer of
+refreshments to them, with a view to prevent a conflagration.
+
+It was not in your power, I acknowledge, to prevent them from sending a
+flag on shore, and you did right to meet it; but you should, in the same
+instant that the business of it was unfolded, have declared explicitly,
+that it was improper for you to yield to the request; after which,
+if they had proceeded to help themselves by force, you could but have
+submitted, and, being unprovided for defence, this was to be preferred
+to a feeble opposition, which only serves as a pretext to burn and
+destroy.
+
+I am thoroughly persuaded that you acted from your best judgment,
+and believe that your desire to preserve my property, and rescue the
+buildings from impending danger, was your governing motive; but to go on
+board their vessels, carry them refreshments, commune with a parcel of
+plundering scoundrels, and request a favour by asking a surrender of my
+negroes, was exceedingly ill judged, and, it is to be feared, will be
+unhappy in its consequences, as it will be a precedent for others, and,
+may be, become a subject of animadversion.
+
+I have no doubt of the enemy's intention to prosecute the plundering
+plan they have begun; and, unless a stop can be put to it by the arrival
+of a superior naval force, I have as little doubt of its ending in the
+loss of all my negroes, and in the destruction of my houses. But I
+am prepared for the event, under the prospect of which, if you could
+deposit in a place of safety the most valuable and less bulky articles,
+it might be consistent with policy and prudence, and a means of
+preserving them hereafter. Such and so many things as are necessary
+for common and present use must be retained, and must run their chance
+through the fiery trial of this summer. I am sincerely, yours.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp Wilton, on James River, May 17, 1781.
+
+Dear General,--My correspondence with one of the British generals,
+and my refusal of a correspondence with the other, may be, perhaps,
+misrepresented, I shall therefore give an account of what has passed,
+and I hope your excellency and General Greene will approve of my
+conduct. On the arrival of our detachment at Richmond, three letters
+were brought by a flag, which I have the honour to inclose, and which,
+as commander of the troops in this state, it became my duty to answer.
+The enclosed letters were successively sent in pursuit of General
+Phillips, who received them both with a degree of politeness that seemed
+to apologize for his unbecoming style. General Phillips being dead of
+a fever, an officer was sent with a passport and letters from General
+Arnold. I requested the gentleman to come to my quarters, and having
+asked _if General Phillips was dead_,~[1] to which he answered in the
+negative, I made it a pretence not to receive a letter from General
+Arnold, which, being dated head-quarters, and directed to the commanding
+officer of the American troops, ought to come from the British general
+chief in command. I did, however, observe, should any officers have
+written to me I should have been happy to receive their letters. The
+next day the officer returned with the same passport and letter, and
+informed me that he were now at liberty to declare that Phillips was
+dead, and Arnold was commander-in-chief of the British army in Virginia.
+The high station of General Arnold having obliged me to an explanation,
+the enclosed note was sent to the officer of the flag, and the American
+officer verbally assured him that were I requested to put in writing a
+minute account of my motives, my regard for the British army was such
+that I would cheerfully comply with the demand.
+
+Last evening, a flag of ours returned from Petersburg, who had been sent
+by the commander of the advanced corps, and happened to be on his way
+while the British officer was at our picquets. Inclosed is the note
+written by General Arnold, in which he announces his determination of
+sending our officers and men to the West Indies.
+
+The British general cannot but perfectly know that I am not to treat of
+partial exchanges, and that the fate of the continental prisoners must
+be regulated by a superior authority to that with which I am invested.
+
+With the highest respect, I have the honour to be, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. Gordon places the death of General Phillips on the 13th of May: he
+was very ill in his bed, when a cannon ball traversed his bed-room.
+General Phillips commanded at Minden the battery whose cannon killed the
+father of M. de Lafayette.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL PHILLIPS TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+British Camp, at Osborn, April 28, 1781.
+
+SIR,--It is a principle of the British army engaged in the present
+war, which they esteem as an unfortunate one, to conduct it with
+every attention to humanity and the laws of war; and in the necessary
+destruction of public stores of every kind, to prevent, as far as
+possible, that of private property. I call upon the inhabitants of
+Yorktown, Williamsburg, Petersburg, and Chesterfield, for a proof of the
+mild treatment they have received from the king's troops; in particular
+at Petersburg, when the town was saved by the labour of the soldiers,
+which otherwise must have perished by the wilful inactivity of its
+inhabitants.
+
+I have now a charge of the deepest nature to make against the American
+arms: that of having fired upon the king's troops by a flag of truce
+vessel; and, to render the conduct as discordant to the laws of arms,
+the flag was flying the whole time at the mast head, seeming to sport in
+the violation of the most sacred laws of war.
+
+You are sensible, sir, that I am authorized to inflict the severest
+punishment in return for this bad conduct, and that towns and villages
+lay at the mercy of the king's troops, and it is to that mercy alone you
+can justly appeal for their not being reduced to ashes. The compassion,
+and benevolence of disposition, which has marked the British character
+in the present contest, still govern the conduct of the king's officers,
+and I shall willingly remit the infliction of any redress we have a
+right to claim, provided the persons who fired from the flag of truce
+vessel are delivered into my possession, and a public disavowal made by
+you of their conduct. Should you, sir, refuse this, I hereby make you
+answerable for any desolation which may follow in consequence.
+
+Your ships of war, and all other vessels, not actually in our possession
+in James River, are, however, driven beyond a possibility of escaping,
+and are in the predicament and condition of a town blockaded by land,
+where it is contrary to the rules of war that any public stores should
+be destroyed. I shall therefore demand from you, sir, a full account of
+whatever may be destroyed on board vessels or otherwise, and need not
+mention to you what the rules of war are in these cases.
+
+I am, sir, your most humble servant,
+
+W. PHILLIPS.
+
+
+
+FROM GENERAL PHILLIPS TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp at Osborn, April 29th, 1781.
+
+Sir,--When I was at Williamsburg, and at Petersburg, I gave several
+inhabitants and country people protections for their persons and
+properties. I did this without asking, or even considering, whether
+these people were either friends or foes, actuated by no other motive
+than that of pure humanity. I understand, from almost undoubted
+authority, that several of these persons have been taken up by their
+malicious neighbours, and sent to your quarters, where preparations are
+making for their being ill treated; a report which I sincerely hope may
+be without foundation. I repeat to you, sir, that my protections were
+given generally from a wish that, in the destruction of public stores,
+as little damage as possible might be done to private property, and
+to the persons of individuals; but at any rate, I shall insist upon my
+signs manual being held sacred, and I am obliged to declare to you, sir,
+that if any persons, under the description I have given, receive ill
+treatment, I shall be under the necessity of sending to Petersburg,
+and giving that chastisement to the illiberal persecutors of innocent
+people, which their conduct shall deserve. And I further declare to
+you, sir, should any person be put to death, under the pretence of their
+being spies of, or friends to, the British government, I will make the
+shores of James River an example of terror to the rest of Virginia.
+It is from the violent measures, resolutions of the present house of
+delegates, council, and governor of Virginia, that I am impelled to use
+this language, which the common temper of my disposition is hurt at. I
+shall hope that you, sir, whom I have understood to be a gentleman
+of liberal principles, will not countenance, still less permit to be
+carried into execution, the barbarous spirit which seems to prevail in
+the council of the present civil power of this colony.
+
+I do assure you, sir, I am extremely inclined to carry on this
+unfortunate contest with every degree of humanity, and I will believe
+you intend doing the same.
+
+I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant,
+
+W. PHILLIPS.
+
+
+
+TO MAJOR GENERAL PHILLIPS.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+American camp, April 30th, 1781.
+
+Sir,--Your letters of the 26th, 28th, and 29th, came yesterday to hand.
+The duplicate dated at Petersburg being rather of a private nature, it
+has been delivered to Major-General Baron de Steuben. I am sorry the
+mode of your request has delayed the civility that had been immediately
+intended.
+
+From the beginning of this war, which you observe is an unfortunate
+one to Great Britain, the proceedings of the British troops have been
+hitherto so far from evincing benevolence of disposition, that your long
+absence~[1] from the scene of action is the only way I have to account
+for your panegyrics. I give you my honour, sir, that the charge against
+a flag vessel shall be strictly inquired into, and in case the report
+made to you is better grounded than the contrary one I have received,
+you shall obtain every redress in my power, that you have any right to
+expect. This complaint I beg leave to consider as the only part in your
+letter that requires an answer. Such articles as the requiring that the
+persons of spies be held sacred, cannot certainly be serious.
+
+The style of your letters, sir, obliges me to tell you, that should your
+future favours be wanting in that regard due to the civil and military
+authority in the United States, which cannot but be construed into a
+want of respect to the American nation, I shall not think it consistent
+with the dignity of an American officer to continue the correspondence.
+
+I have the honour to be, your most obedient servant,
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. General Phillips had been made prisoner at Saratoga.
+
+
+
+TO MAJOR GENERAL PHILLIPS.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+May 3rd, 1781.
+
+Sir,--Your assertion relating to the flag vessel was so positive, that
+it becomes necessary for me to set you right in this matter. Inclosed
+I have the honour to send you some depositions, by which it is clearly
+proved that there has been on our side no violation of flags.
+
+I have the honour to be, sir, your humble servant,
+
+LAFAYETTE
+
+
+
+NOTE FOR CAPTAIN EMYNE.
+
+May 15th, 1781.
+
+The Major-General Marquis de Lafayette has the honour to present his
+compliments to Captain Emyne, and begs him to recollect that, on the
+supposition of the death of General Phillips, he said, "that he should
+know in that case what to do." From regard to the English army, he had
+made use of the most polite pretence for declining all correspondence
+with the English general who is at this moment commander-in-chief. But
+he now finds himself obliged to give a positive denial. In case any
+other English officer should honour him with a letter, he would always
+be happy to give the officers every testimony of his esteem.
+
+
+
+NOTE FROM GENERAL ARNOLD TO CAPTAIN RAGEDALE.
+
+Brigadier-General Arnold presents his compliments to Captain Ragedale,
+and takes the liberty of informing him, that the flag of truce having
+been sent by Brigadier-General Nelson, who is not commander-in-chief of
+the American army, is an inadmissible act. The letters are accordingly
+sent back unopened. If Captain Ragedale thinks proper to leave them with
+the servants, a receipt must be given for them.
+
+Brigadier-General Arnold has given orders that the officers lately taken
+in that place should be sent to New York; their baggage will follow soon
+after them, and all the officers and soldiers of the American army that
+shall be taken prisoners in future, shall be sent to the West Indies,
+unless a cartel be immediately granted for the exchange of prisoners, as
+General Arnold has repeatedly demanded.
+
+Head-quarters, at Petersburg, 17th May, 1781.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Richmond, May 24th, 1781,
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--My official letter, a copy of which I send to
+congress, will let you know the situation of affairs in this quarter. I
+ardently wish my conduct may meet with your approbation. Had I followed
+the first impulsion of my temper, I should have risked something more;
+but I have been guarding against my own warmth; and this consideration,
+that a general defeat, which, with such a proportion of militia, must be
+expected, would involve this state and our affairs in ruin, has rendered
+me extremely cautious in my movements. Indeed, I am more embarrassed to
+move, more crippled in my projects, than we have been in the northern
+states. As I am for the present fixed in the command of the troops in
+this state, I beg it as a great favour that you will send me Colonel
+Gouvion. Should a junction be made with General Greene, he will act as
+my aide-de-camp. Had the Pennsylvanians arrived before Lord Cornwallis,
+I was determined to attack the enemy, and have no doubt but what we
+should have been successful. Their unaccountable delay cannot be too
+much lamented, and will make an immense difference to the fate of this
+campaign. Should they have arrived time enough to support me in the
+reception of Lord Cornwallis's first stroke, I should still have thought
+it well enough; but from an answer of General Wayne, received this day,
+and dated the 19th, I am afraid that at this moment they have hardly
+left Yorktown.
+
+Public stores and private property being removed from Richmond, this
+place is a less important object.
+
+I don't believe it would be prudent to expose the troops for the sake
+of a few houses, most of which are empty; but I am wavering between two
+inconveniences. Were I to fight a battle, I should be cut to pieces, the
+militia dispersed, and the arms lost. Were I to decline fighting,
+the country would think itself given up. I am therefore determined
+to skirmish, but not to engage too far, and particularly to take care
+against their immense and excellent body of horse, whom the militia fear
+as they would so many wild beasts.
+
+A letter from General Greene to General Sumner is dated 5th May, seven
+miles below Camden. The baron is going to him with some recruits, and
+will get more in North Carolina. When the Pennsylvanians come, I am only
+to keep them a few days, which I will improve as well as I can. Cavalry
+is very necessary to us. I wish Lauzun's legion could come. I am sure he
+will like to serve with me, and as General Greene gave me command of the
+troops in this state, Lauzun might remain with me in Virginia. If not,
+Shelden's dragoons might be sent. As to Moylan, I do not believe he will
+be ready for a long time.
+
+Were I anyways equal to the enemy, I should be extremely happy in
+my present command, but I am not strong enough even to get beaten.
+Government in this state has no energy, and laws have no force. But I
+hope this assembly will put matters upon a better footing. I had a
+great deal of trouble to put the departments in a tolerable train; our
+expenses were enormous, and yet we can get nothing. Arrangements for the
+present seem to put on a better face, but for this superiority of the
+enemy, which will chase us wherever they please. They can overrun the
+country, and, until the Pennsylvanians arrive, we are next to nothing
+in point of opposition to so large a force. This country begins to be
+as familiar to me as Tappan and Bergen. Our soldiers are hitherto very
+healthy: I have turned doctor, and regulate their diet. Adieu, my
+dear general. Let me hear sometimes from you; your letters are a great
+happiness to your affectionate friend, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp, 28th June, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--Inclosed, I have the honour to send you a copy of
+my letter to General Greene. The enemy have been so kind as to retire
+before us.~[1]
+
+Twice I gave them a chance of fighting (taking care not to engage
+farther than I pleased), but they continued their retrograde motions.
+Our numbers are, I think, exaggerated to them, and our seeming boldness
+confirms the opinion.
+
+I thought, at first, Lord Cornwallis wanted to get me as low down as
+possible, and use his cavalry to advantage. But it appears that he does
+not as yet come out, and our position will admit of a partial affair.
+His lordship had (exclusive of the reinforcement from Portsmouth,
+said to be six hundred) four thousand men, eight hundred of whom were
+dragoons, or mounted infantry. Our force is about equal to his, but only
+one thousand five hundred regulars and fifty dragoons. Our little action
+more particularly marks the retreat of the enemy. From the place whence
+he first began to retire to Williamsburg is upwards of one hundred
+miles. The old arms at the Point of Fork have been taken out of the
+water. The cannon was thrown into the river, undamaged, when they
+marched back to Richmond; so that his lordship did us no harm of any
+consequence, but lost an immense part of his former conquests, and did
+not make any in this state. General Greene only demanded of me to hold
+my ground in Virginia. But the movements of Lord Cornwallis may answer
+better purposes than that in the political line. Adieu, my dear general;
+I don't know but what we shall, in our turn, become the pursuing enemy;
+and in the meanwhile, have the honour to be, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. It was the 20th of May that Lord Cornwallis effected his junction
+with the troops of Arnold, whose unexpected opposition re-established
+the affairs of the English in Virginia. The war became from that moment
+extremely active, and the movements of the two armies very complicated.
+M. de Lafayette maintained his position, and experienced no other check
+than the loss of some magazines, at the forks of James River, which had
+been confided to the care of Baron Steuben. His position was, however,
+rather a defensive one, until the period at which that letter was
+written, when the English abandoned Richmond. Cornwallis obtained,
+and usually by the aid of negroes, the best horses of Virginia. He had
+mounted an advance-guard of Tarleton on race-hores, who, like birds of
+prey, seized all they met with, so that they had taken many couriers who
+were bearers of letters. Cornwallis stopped once during his retrograde
+march on Williamsburg; the Americans being close to him, it was thought
+an affair would take place, but he continued on his road. It was before
+he reached Williamsburg that his rear-guard was attacked by the advance
+corps of Lafayette under Colonel Butler. He evacuated Williamsburg the
+4th; Lafayette had done all he could to convince him that his own forces
+were more considerable than they really were. Either the night of, or
+two nights before, the evacuation of Williamsburg, a double spy had
+taken a false order of the day to Lord Cornwallis,--found, he said, in
+the camp,--which ordered General Morgan's division to take a certain
+position in the line. The fact was, that General Morgan had arrived in
+person, but unaccompanied by troops: Dr. Gordon justly observes, that
+Lord Cornwallis, from Charlestown to Williamsburg, had made more than
+eleven hundred miles, without counting deviations, which amounts,
+reckoning those deviations, to five hundred leagues. The whole march
+through North Carolina and Virginia, and the campaign against Lafayette,
+were effected without tents or equipages, which confers honour on
+the activity of Lord Cornwallis, and justifies the reputation he
+had acquired, of being the best British general employed in that
+war.--(Extract of Manuscript, No. 2.)
+
+
+
+EXTRACTS OF SEVERAL LETTERS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Ambler's Plantation, July 8th, 1781.
+
+The inclosed copy, my dear general, will give you an account of our
+affairs in this quarter. Agreeably to your orders I have avoided a
+general action, and when Lord Cornwallis's movements indicated that it
+was against his interest to fight, I ventured partial engagements. His
+lordship seems to have given up the conquest of Virginia. It has been
+a great secret that our army was not superior, and was most generally
+inferior, to the enemy's numbers. Our returns were swelled up,
+as militia returns generally are; but we had very few under arms,
+particularly lately, and to conceal the lessening of our numbers, I was
+obliged to push on as one who had heartily wished a general engagement.
+Our regulars did not exceed one thousand five hundred, the enemy had
+four thousand regulars, eight hundred of whom were mounted: they thought
+we had eight thousand men. I never encamped in a line, and there was
+greater difficulty to come at our numbers.
+
+Malvan Hill, July 20th.
+
+When I went to the southward, you know I had some private objections;
+but I became sensible of the necessity there was for the detachment to
+go, and I knew that had I returned there was nobody that could lead them
+on against their inclination. My entering this state was happily marked
+by a service to the capital. Virginia became the grand object of the
+enemy, as it was the point to which the ministry tended. I had the
+honour to command an army and oppose Lord Cornwallis. When incomparably
+inferior to him, fortune was pleased to preserve us; when equal in
+numbers, though not in quality of troops, we have also been pretty
+lucky. Cornwallis had the disgrace of a retreat, and this state being
+recovered, government is properly re-established: The enemy are under
+the protection of their works at Portsmouth. It appears an embarkation
+is taking place, probably destined to New York. The war in this state
+would then become a plundering one, and great manoeuvres be out of the
+question. A prudent officer would do our business here, and the baron is
+prudent to the utmost. Would it be possible, my dear general, in case a
+part of the British troops go to New York, I may be allowed to join the
+combined armies?
+
+Malvan Hill, July 20th.
+
+No accounts from the northward, no letter from head quarters. I am
+entirely a stranger to every thing that passes out of Virginia; and
+Virginian operations being for the present in a state of languor, I have
+more time to think of my solitude; in a word, my dear general, I am home
+sick, and if I cannot go to head quarters, wish at least to hear from
+thence. I am anxious to know your opinion concerning the Virginian
+campaign. That the subjugation of this state was the great object of
+the ministry is an indisputable fact. I think your diversion has been of
+more use to the state than my manoeuvres; but the latter have been much
+directed by political views. So long as my lord wished for an action,
+not one gun has been fired; the moment he declined it, we have been
+skirmishing; but I took care never to commit the army. His naval
+superiority, his superiority of horse, of regulars, his thousand
+advantages over us, so that I am lucky to have come off safe. I had an
+eye upon European negotiations, and made it a point to give his lordship
+the disgrace of a retreat.
+
+From every account it appears that a part of the army will embark. The
+light infantry, the guards, the 80th regiment, and the Queen's rangers,
+are, it is said, destined to New York. Lord Cornwallis, I am told, is
+much disappointed in his hopes of command. I cannot find out what he
+does with himself. Should he go to England, we are, I think, to rejoice
+for it; he is a cold and active man, two dangerous qualities in this
+southern war.
+
+The clothing you have long ago sent to the light infantry is not yet
+arrived. I have been obliged to send for it, and expect it in a few
+days. These three battalions are the best troops that ever took the
+field; my confidence in them is unbounded; they are far superior to
+any British troops, and none will ever venture to meet them in equal
+numbers. What a pity these men are not employed along with the French
+grenadiers; they would do eternal honour to our arms. But their presence
+here, I must confess, has saved this state, and, indeed, the southern
+part of the continent.
+
+Malvan Hill, July 26th.
+
+I had some days ago the honour to write to your excellency, and informed
+you that a detachment from the British army would probably embark at
+Portsmouth. The battalions of light infantry and the Queen's rangers
+were certainly, and the guards, with one or two British regiments, were
+likely to be, ordered upon that service. My conjectures have proved
+true, and forty-nine sail have fallen down in Hampton-road, the
+departure of which I expect to hear every minute. A British officer, a
+prisoner, lately mentioned that Lord Cornwallis himself was going.
+
+It appears the enemy have some cavalry on board. The conquest of
+Virginia, and the establishment of the British power in this state,
+not having succeeded to the expectation of the British court, a lesser
+number might be sufficient for the present purpose, and two thousand men
+easily spared. So that I do not believe the present embarkation is under
+that number; so far as a land force can oppose naval operations and
+naval superiority, I think the position now occupied by the main body of
+our small army affords the best chance to support the several parts of
+Virginia.
+
+Malvan Hill, July 30th.
+
+Some expressions in your last favour will, if possible, augment my
+vigilance in keeping you well apprised of the enemy's movements.~[2]
+There are in Hampton-road thirty transport ships full of troops, most
+of them red coats. There are eight or ten brigs which have cavalry on
+board, they had excellent winds and yet they are not gone. Some say
+they have received advices from New York in a row boat: the escort, as
+I mentioned before, is the _Charon_, and several frigates, the last
+account says seven. I cannot be positive, and do not even think Lord
+Cornwallis has been fully determined.
+
+I have sent, by a safe hand, to call out some militia, mount some cannon
+at the passes, and take out of the way every boat which might serve the
+enemy to go to North Carolina. You know, my dear general, that, with a
+very trifling transportation, they may go by water from Portsmouth to
+Wilmington. The only way to shut up that passage is, to have an army
+before Portsmouth, and possess the heads of these rivers, a movement
+which, unless I was certain of a naval superiority, might prove ruinous.
+But should a fleet come in Hampton-road, and should I get some days'
+notice, our situation would be very agreeable.
+
+Malvan Hill, July 31.
+
+A correspondent of mine, servant to Lord Cornwallis, writes on the 26th
+of July, at Portsmouth, and says his master, Tarleton, and Simcoe, are
+still in town, but expect to move. The greatest part of the army is
+embarked. My lord's baggage is yet in town. His lordship is so shy of
+his papers that my honest friend says he cannot get at them. There is a
+large quantity of negroes, but, it seems, no vessels to take them off.
+What garrison they leave I do not know: I shall take care at least to
+keep them within bounds. . . . Should a French fleet now come in Hampton
+Road, the British army would, I think, be ours.
+
+Camp on Pamunkey, August 6.
+
+The embarkation which I thought, and do still think, to have been
+destined for New York, was reported to have sailed up the bay, and to be
+bound for Baltimore; in consequence of which I wrote to your excellency,
+and as I had not indulged myself too near Portsmouth, I was able to cut
+across towards Fredericksburg. But, instead of continuing his voyage up
+the bay, my lord entered York River, and landed at York and Gloucester.
+To the former vessels were added a number of flat-bottomed boats.
+
+Our movements have not been precipitate. We were in time to take our
+course down Pamunkey River, and shall move to some position where the
+several parts of the army will unite. I have some militia in Gloucester
+county, some about York. We shall act agreeably to circumstances, but
+avoid drawing ourselves into a false movement, which, if cavalry had
+command of the rivers, would give the enemy the advantage of us. His
+lordship plays so well, that no blunder can be hoped from him to recover
+a bad step of ours.
+
+York is surrounded by the river and a morass; the entrance is but
+narrow. There is, however, a commanding hill, (at least, I am so
+informed,) which, if occupied by the enemy, would much extend their
+works. Gloucester is a neck of land projected into the river, and
+opposite to York. Their vessels, the biggest of whom is a forty-four,
+are between the two towns. Should a fleet come in at this moment, our
+affairs would take a very happy turn.
+
+New Kent Mountain, August 11.
+
+Be sure, my dear general, that the pleasure of being with you will make
+me happy in any command you may think proper to give me; but for the
+present I am of opinion, with you, I had better remain in Virginia,
+the more so, as Lord Cornwallis does not choose to leave us, and
+circumstances may happen that will furnish me agreeable opportunities in
+the command of the Virginian army. I have pretty well understood you,
+my dear general, but would be happy in a more minute detail, which, I am
+sensible, cannot be entrusted to letters. Would not Gouvion be a proper
+ambassador? indeed, at all events, I should be happy to have him with
+me; but I think he would perfectly well answer your purpose; a gentleman
+in your family could with difficulty be spared. Should something be
+ascertained, Count Damas might come, under pretence to serve with me;
+it is known he is very much my friend. But, to return to operations
+in Virginia, I will tell you, my dear general, that Lord Cornwallis is
+entrenching at York and at Gloucester. The sooner we disturb him, the
+better; but unless our maritime friends give us help, we cannot much
+venture below.
+
+Forks of York River, August 21.
+
+The greater part of the enemy are at York, which they do not as yet
+fortify, but are very busy upon Gloucester neck, where they have a
+pretty large corps under Colonel Dundas. They have at York a forty-four
+gun ship; frigates and vessels are scattered lower down. There is still
+a small garrison at Portsmouth. Should they intend to evacuate, they
+at least are proceeding with amazing slowness. From the enemy's
+preparations, I should infer that they are working for the protection
+of one fleet, and for a defence against another; that in case they hold
+Portsmouth, the main body would be at York, and a detached corps upon
+Gloucester neck to protect the water battery. Their fortifications
+are much contracted. From the enemy's caution and partial movements, I
+should conclude their intelligence is not very good, and that they wish
+to come at an explanation of my intentions and prospects.
+
+We have hitherto occupied the forks of York River, thereby looking both
+ways. Some militia have prevented the enemy's parties from remaining any
+time at or near Williamsburg, and false accounts have given them some
+alarms. Another body of militia, under Colonel Ennis, has kept them
+pretty close in Gloucester Town, and foraged in their vicinity. Upon the
+receipt of your orders, I wrote to the governor, that intelligence of
+some plans of the enemy rendered it proper to have some six hundred
+militia collected upon Blackwater. I wrote to General Gregory, near
+Portsmouth, that I had an account that the enemy intended to push a
+detachment to Carolina, which would greatly defeat a scheme we had
+there. I have requested General Wayne to move towards the southward,
+to be ready to cross James River at Westover. A battalion of light
+infantry, and our only hundred dragoons, being in Gloucester county, I
+call them my vanguard, and will take my quarters there for one or two
+days, while the troops are filing off towards James River. Our
+little army will consequently assemble again upon the waters of the
+Chickahonimy; and should Jamestown Island thought to be a good place to
+junction, we will be in a situation to form it, while we render it more
+difficult for the enemy to render a journey to Carolina.~[3]
+
+In the present state of affairs, my dear general, I hope you will come
+yourself to Virginia, and that, if the French army moves this way, I
+will have, at least, the satisfaction of beholding you myself at the
+head of the combined armies. In two days I will write again to your
+excellency, and keep you particularly and constantly informed, unless
+something is done the very moment (and it will probably be difficult).
+Lord Cornwallis must be attacked with pretty great apparatus. But when a
+French fleet takes possession of the bay and rivers, and we form a land
+force superior to his, that army must, sooner or later, be forced to
+surrender, as we may get what reinforcements we please.
+
+Adieu, my dear general; I heartily thank you for having ordered me to
+remain in Virginia; it is to your goodness that I am indebted for the
+most beautiful prospect which I may ever behold.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. From Williamsburg, the English retreated towards Portsmouth, near the
+mouth of James River, and consequently not far from Chesapeak Bay. The
+sea was open to them, and those repeated retrograde movements seemed to
+indicate the project of evacuating Virginia. M. de Lafayette, therefore,
+when he learnt that they were embarking on board their ships, never
+doubted but that their intention was to leave that part of the country,
+to repair, in all probability, to New York. But it became evident, at
+the same time, that if those naval forces appeared upon the coast, they
+would be blockaded without any means of escape. This is what occasioned
+their inexplicable and unhoped for retreat upon Yorktown and Gloucester.
+
+2. The 13th, Washington, who was then at Dobb's Ferry, while
+congratulating M. de Lafayette on his success, announced to him the
+junction of his army with that of Rochambeau, and that very important
+information would be carried to him by a confidential officer. He
+recommended to him to concentrate his forces, and obtain means of
+corresponding with him. The 15th, he apprised him that the Count de
+Grasse intended quitting St. Domingo on the 3rd, with his fleet, to
+proceed to the Chesapeak, and prescribed to him to shut out from Lord
+Cornwallis all retreat on North Carolina. He added, "You shall hear
+further from me." The 30th, he no longer concealed his intention of
+marching to the south. But he only announced on the 21st of August
+that his troops were actually on their march. While recurring to the
+necessity of inclosing the enemy on every side, he ended by saying, "The
+particular mode I shall not at this distance attempt to dictate; your
+own knowledge of the country, from your long continuance in it, and
+the various and extended movements you have made, have given you great
+opportunities for observation; of which I am persuaded your
+military genius and judgment will lead you to make the best
+improvement."--(Letters of Washington, vol. viii.)
+
+3. After the arrival of Lord Cornwallis at York, General Lafayette asked
+Colonel Barber for a faithful and intelligent soldier, whom he could
+send as a spy into the English camp. Morgan, of the New Jersey line,
+was pointed out to him. The general sent for him and proposed to him the
+difficult task of going over to the enemy as a deserter and enrolling
+in their army. Morgan answered that he was ready to everything for his
+country and his general, but to act the part of a spy was repugnant to
+all his feelings; he did not fear for his life but for his name which
+might be blotted with an eternal stain. He ended, however, by yielding
+but on condition, that in case of any misfortune, the general would make
+the truth known, and publish all the particulars of the case in the New
+Jersey papers. M. de Lafayette promised this should be done. Morgan then
+proceeded to the English camp. His mission was to give advice of
+the movements of the enemy, and deceive them as to the projects and
+resources of the Americans. He had not been long with the English,
+when Cornwallis sent for him, and questioned him, in the presence of
+Tarleton, upon the means General Lafayette might have of crossing south
+of James River. Morgan replied, according to his private instructions,
+that he had a sufficient number of boats, on the first signal, to cross
+the river, with his whole army. "In that case," said Cornwallis
+to Tarleton, "what I said to you cannot be done;" alluding, in all
+probability, to an intended march upon North Carolina. After the arrival
+of the French fleet, M. de Lafayette, on his return from a reconnoitring
+party, found in his quarters six men dressed in the English uniform, and
+a Hessian dressed in green: Morgan was amongst them, bringing back five
+deserters and a prisoner: he no longer thought his services as a spy
+could be of any use to his country. The next day, the general offered
+him, as a recompence, the rank of sergeant. Morgan thanked him, but
+declined the offer, saying that he thought himself a good soldier,
+but was not certain of being a good sergeant. Other offers were also
+refused. "What can I then do for you?" inquired the general. "I have
+only one favour to ask," replied Morgan. "During my absence, my gun has
+been taken from me; I value it very much, and I should like to have it
+back again." Orders were given that the gun should be found and restored
+to him: this was the only thing he could be prevailed on to receive. Mr.
+Sparks, who published this anecdote, "says he heard it related, fifty
+years after it had occurred, by General Lafayette, who still expressed
+great admiration for that soldier's noble feelings and disinterested
+conduct."--(Washington's Writings, vol. viii., p. 152.)
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+Camp, between the branches of York River, August 24, 1781.
+
+The residence of Virginia is anything but favourable to my
+correspondence. I do not accuse public affairs of this evil; and as I
+find so much time to think of my affection for you, I could doubtless
+find some, also, to assure you of it; but there are no opportunities
+here of sending letters, and we are obliged to despatch them to
+Philadelphia and expose them to many hazards; these dangers, in addition
+to those of the sea, and the increased delay they occasion, must
+necessarily render the arrival of letters far more difficult. If you
+receive a greater number from the French than from the Virginian army,
+it would be unjust to imagine that I have been to blame.
+
+Your self-love has, perhaps, been gratified by the part I have been
+obliged to act: you may have hoped that I could not be equally awkward
+on every theatre; but I should accuse you of an egregious degree of
+vanity (for all things being in common between us, there is vanity in
+rating me too highly) if you have not trembled for the perils to which
+I have been exposed. I am not speaking of cannon balls, but of the more
+dangerous master-strokes with which I was threatened by Lord Cornwallis.
+It was not prudent in the general to confide to me such a command. If
+I had been unfortunate, the public would have called that partiality an
+error in his judgment.
+
+To begin, even from the deluge, I must speak to you of that miserable
+Portsmouth expedition. General Rochambeau had intended sending a
+thousand Frenchmen there, under the Baron de Viomenil. You must have
+heard that the French squadron gained a great deal of glory, whilst the
+English attained their desired end. Admiral Arbuthnot will since have
+informed you that I was blockaded; but, although we were not sailors,
+that blockade did not detain us four hours. You will have learnt,
+afterwards, that General Phillips having made some preparations at
+Portsmouth, we marched in all haste to Richmond, where we arrived nearly
+at the same time; but I arrived first. They then came from New York and
+Carolina to unite with the Virginian troops; the whole was commanded
+by the formidable Lord Cornwallis, who abandoned his first conquests
+to fulfil the ministerial plan by the conquest of Virginia. It was not
+without some difficulty that we avoided the battle he wished for; but,
+after many marches, we became stronger than we were at the commencement,
+and we pretended to be stronger than we were; we regained what we had
+lost without risking a battle, and, after two trifling affairs, the
+hostile army proceeded to Portsmouth, which it has since evacuated, and
+whose fortifications we have destroyed. That army is now in York River,
+whither they repaired by water. If the naval superiority which we are so
+fully expecting should arrive, I shall rejoice at the campaign closing
+by the English army's assuming that position.
+
+The French and American troops before New York are under the orders of
+the generalissimo. My friend Greene has had great success in Carolina,
+and that campaign has taken a far better turn than we had any reason to
+expect or hope. _It may perhaps end in a very favourable manner_. It
+is said that the British ministry are sending here the Governor of
+Virginia; I fancy they have founded rather too many hopes upon the
+success of their army. The Pennsylvanians, who were to have joined them,
+are at present here with us. But for the virtue, zeal, and courage of
+the regular troops who were with me, it would have been impossible for
+me to have saved myself. I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude to
+those with whom I have undertaken this fatiguing campaign. The militia
+have done all they could. I have been well pleased, with our little
+army, and only hope it may have been also pleased with me.
+
+I must speak of my health, which is a monotonous subject,--for I need
+only repeat favourable accounts of my own constitution: the sun of
+Virginia has a very bad character, and I had received many alarming
+predictions; many persons, in truth, have had fevers; but this climate
+agrees with me as well as any other, and the only effect fatigue has
+upon me is to increase my appetite.
+
+
+
+TO M. DE VERGENNES.
+
+Camp, between the branches of York River, August 24th, 1781.
+
+When a person, sir, has Lord Cornwallis in front and is flying through
+the sands of Virginia, he must depend upon others to give circumstantial
+news of America. Ever since the guidance of this army has been entrusted
+to me, I have found myself five hundred miles from any other troops, and
+all accounts of the war, of General Washington, and of congress, are an
+immense time in reaching me; but you have the Chevalier de la Luzerne,
+and you could not have a better informer. There is only one point on
+which I cannot depend on any person to speak for me,--and that is when I
+am assuring you of the affectionate and devoted attachment I shall feel
+for you during the remainder of my life.
+
+To execute the gigantic project which his court has planned, Lord
+Cornwallis was obliged to leave exposed both the Carolinas. General
+Greene took ample advantage of this circumstance. It is true that the
+hostile army bore on every point upon us, and all depended upon our
+having the good luck to avoid a battle: fortune served us well, and
+after a few junctions, our little army regained all the ground whose
+conquest had occasioned so many sacrifices. In the other states we
+manoeuvred rather than fought. Lord Cornwallis has left us Portsmouth,
+from whence he communicated with Carolina, and finds himself at present
+at York, which would be a very advantageous station for us, if we
+possessed a naval superiority: if that should by chance arrive, our
+little army would enjoy successes which would amply compensate for this
+long and fatiguing campaign: I should not, in that case, regret our last
+movements having placed us in our present situation.
+
+I can only speak to you of myself, sir, or of the English army, for all
+other accounts will reach you at Versailles almost as soon as they do me
+in this remote corner of Virginia. It is reported that you are going to
+make peace, but I am not very credulous on this point, and I fancy that
+they will at least await the end of this campaign.
+
+This is a large packet, sir, but I do not fear taking advantage of your
+kindness, as I well know the full extent; I flatter myself I merit it
+as much as it is possible for any person to do so, by the feelings of
+confidence and respectful affection with which I remain, &c.
+
+I beg you to present my kind compliments to the Countess de Vergennes,
+and to your sons.
+
+
+
+TO M. DE MAUREPAS.
+
+Camp, between the branches of the York River, August 24th, 1781.
+
+Whilst I am thus, sir, more than ever separated from the rest of the
+world, I am not less occupied with the persons I love, and who honour me
+with their kindness and attention. I owe you so much gratitude, and
+feel so much attached to you, that I wish to recal sometimes to
+your recollection the rebel commander of the little Virginian army.
+Interested for me, sir, as I know you are, you would have been alarmed
+by the important part my youth has been called upon to act: five hundred
+miles from any other corps, and without any resources whatever, I was
+placed to oppose the projects of the court of St. James's and the good
+fortune of Lord Cornwallis. Until the present moment, we have not met
+with any disasters; but, in a time of war, no person can tell what
+events may occur on the following day. Lord Cornwallis pursued us
+without succeeding in taking us, and after a variety of movements, he is
+now in the good York harbour; who knows whether his manoeuvres may not
+end by making us prisoners of war?
+
+As I do not know what vessel may bear this despatch, I will neither
+dwell upon our projects nor our hopes; the Chevalier de la Luzerne, who
+knows every opportunity for France, will inform you of all that passes
+here; for my part, I am lost in the sands of Virginia, living only by my
+wits, and corresponding with Lord Cornwallis only. This letter, sir, is
+merely intended to recal me to your remembrance, and to offer you the
+assurance of my respectful and affectionate regard.
+
+Will you permit me, sir, to present my respects to the Countess de
+Maurepas and Madame de Flamarens?
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Holt's Forge, 1st Sept., 1781.
+
+My dear General,--From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you upon
+the arrival of the French fleet. Some rumours had been spread, and spy
+accounts sent out, but no certainty until the admiral's despatches came
+to hand. Inclosed I send you his letter, and that of M. de St. Simon,
+both of whom I request you will have translated by Tilghman or Gouvion
+alone, as there are parts of them personal, which I do not choose to
+shew to others. Thanks to you, my dear general, I am in a very charming
+situation, and find myself at the head of a beautiful body of troops;
+but am not so hasty as the Count de Grasse, and think that, having so
+sure a game to play, it would be madness, by the risk of an attack, to
+give anything to chance.
+
+It appears Count de Grasse is in a great hurry to return; he makes it
+a point to put upon my expressions such constructions as may favour his
+plan. They have been pleased to adopt my ideas, as to the sending of
+vessels into James River, and forming a junction at Jamestown. I wish
+they may also force the passage at York, because then his lordship has
+no possibility of escape.
+
+The delay of Count de Grasse's arrival, the movement of the grand army,
+and the alarm there was at York, have forced me, for greater security,
+to send a part of the troops to the south side, of James River.
+To-morrow and the day after will be employed in making dispositions for
+covering a landing, which will be done with continentals discumbered
+of baggage; and on the 5th, agreeable to the count's desire, a junction
+will be made of our troops. I shall then propose to the French general
+the taking of a safe position, within ten or twelve miles of York; such
+a one as cannot be forced without a much greater loss than we could
+suffer.
+
+And, unless matters are very different from what I think they are, my
+opinion is, that we ought to be contented with preventing the enemy's
+forages, and fatiguing them by alarming their picquets with militia,
+without committing our regulars. Whatever readiness the Marquis de St.
+Simon has been pleased to express to Colonel Gimat, respecting his being
+under me, I shall do nothing without paying that deference which is
+due to age, talents, and experience; but would rather incline to the
+cautious line of conduct I have of late adopted. General Portail must be
+now with Count de Grasse. He knows your intentions, and our course will
+be consulted in our movements.
+
+Lord Cornwallis has still one way to escape; he may land at West Point,
+and cross James River, some miles below Point of Fork; but I thought
+this part was the most important, as the other route is big with
+obstacles. However, to prevent even a _possibility_, I would wish some
+ships were above York.
+
+The governor~[2] was with me when the letters came; he jumped upon a
+horse, and posted off to his council. I gave him a memorandum, demanding
+provisions of every kind for the fleet and the combined army. We may
+depend upon a quantity of cattle, but flour ought to be sent from
+Maryland and Pennsylvania. Chevalier d'Annemours, the French consul,
+is here, and will take a method to have his countrymen supplied without
+starving us.
+
+Upon a particular inquiry of the country, and our circumstances, I
+hope you will find we have taken the best precautions to lessen his
+lordship's chances to escape; he has a few left, but so very precarious,
+that I hardly believe he will make the attempt; if he does, he must give
+up ships, artillery, baggage, part of the horses, all the negroes; he
+must be certain to lose the third of his army, and run the greatest risk
+to lose the whole, without gaining that glory which he may derive from a
+brilliant defence.
+
+Adieu, my dear general, the agreeable situation I am in is owing to
+your friendship, and is, for that reason, the dearer to your respectful
+servant and friend.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. Washington having finally adopted the project of uniting the land
+and sea forces against the army of Cornwallis, which had so fortunately
+stationed itself in the position most favourable to a naval attack, it
+was still important and difficult to prevent him from reaching Carolina,
+and thus ruining the campaign of the allied powers. It was to attain
+this end, that Lafayette had despatched troops to the south of James
+River, under pretence of dislodging the English from Portsmouth; this
+movement had also the good effect of uniting to the corps of the army
+the troops and artillery who could escape by Albemarle Sound on the
+arrival of the Count de Grasse. With the same view, he detained troops
+on the south of James River, on pretence of sending General Wayne and
+his Pennsylvanians to the southern army to reinforce General Greene.
+No person was in the secret, and the enemy could not, therefore, be
+undeceived. It was at that period that he sent them the pretended
+deserter, Morgan. In short, after having manoeuvred for several months
+to lead his opponent into the spot that would best allow him to take
+advantage of a naval co-operation, he manoeuvred at last so as to
+prevent his enemy from withdrawing when he became conscious of his
+danger. His precautions in this respect were more necessary from Lord
+Cornwallis knowing that a large French fleet was expected in North
+America. The moment the Count de Grasse arrived, Lafayette marched on
+rapidly to Williamsburg, and effected a junction with a corps of three
+thousand men belonging to the Marquis de St. Simon. As soon as he landed
+at Jamestown, he crossed the river, united Wayne's corps to his own, and
+assembled, on the other side of York River, opposite to Gloucester, a
+corps of militia. The English army thus found itself enclosed on every
+side, and no possible means of safety were left to Lord Cornwallis but
+by his undertaking a very perilous enterprise. He reconnoitred, however,
+the position of Williamsburg, with the intention of attacking it. It was
+a well chosen station: two creeks; or small rivers, throwing themselves,
+one into James, the other into York River, almost enclosed the peninsula
+on that point; it was necessary to force two well defended passages;
+two houses and two public buildings of Williamsburg, both of stone, were
+well placed to defend the front. There were five thousand French and
+American troops, a large corps of militia, and a well served campaign
+artillery. Lord Cornwallis thought he ought not to hazard an attack. He
+might have crossed over to Gloucester, or have ascended York River, the
+Count de Grasse having neglected to place vessels above that point,
+but he must have abandoned, in that case, his artillery, magazines, and
+invalids, and measures had been taken to cut off his road in several
+places; he determined, therefore, to await the attack. He might have
+had, in truth, the chance of a combat, if Lafayette had yielded to some
+tempting solicitations. The Count de Grasse was in a hurry to return;
+the idea of waiting for the northern troops and generals was intolerable
+to him; he entreated Lafayette to attack the English army; with the
+American and French troops that were under his command, offering, for
+that purpose, not only the detachments which formed the garrisons of the
+ships, but also as many sailors as he should demand. The Marquis de
+St. Simon, who although subordinate to Lafayette from the date of his
+commission, was much his senior in point of age and service,
+joined earnestly in the admiral's request. He represented that Lord
+Cornwallis's works were not yet completed, and that an attack of
+superior forces would soon, in all probability, take Yorktown, and
+afterwards Gloucester. The temptation was great for the young general of
+the combined army, who was scarcely four-and-twenty years of age; he had
+an unanswerable pretence for taking such a step in the declaration made
+by M. de Grasse, that he could not wait for the northern generals
+and forces; but this attack, which, if successful, would have been so
+brilliant, must necessarily have cost a great deal of blood. Lafayette
+would not sacrifice to his personal ambition the soldiers who had been
+confided to him; and, refusing the request of the Count de Grasse,
+he only endeavoured to persuade him to await the arrival of General
+Washington, accompanied by the Generals Rochambeau and Lincoln, seniors
+of Lafayette; by this means the reduction of the army of Cornwallis
+became a secure and by no means costly operation. (Note extracted from
+Manuscript, No. 2.)
+
+
+2. The governor of Virginia, Nelson.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Williamsburg, September 8, 1781.
+
+My dear General,--I had the honour to write you lately, giving an
+account of everything that came within my knowledge. I was every hour
+expecting I might be more particular; but if you knew how slowly things
+go on in this country; still I have done the best in my power; I have
+written and received twenty letters a day from government and from every
+department. The governor does what he can: the wheels of his government
+are so very rusty that no governor whatever will be able to set them
+free again. Time will prove that Jefferson has been too severely
+charged. The French troops, my dear general, have landed with amazing
+celerity; they have already been wanting flour, meat and salt, not so
+much, however, as to be one day without. I have been night and day the
+quarter-master collector, and have drawn myself into a violent head-ache
+and fever, which will go off with three hours' sleep, the want of which
+has occasioned it. This, my dear general, will apologize to you for
+not writing with my own hand. The French army is composed of the most
+excellent regiments: they have with them a corps of hussars, which may
+be of immediate use. The general and all the officers have cheerfully
+lived in the same way as our poorly provided American detachment. I
+think a letter from you on the subject will have a very good effect.
+Last night by leaving our own baggage, and accepting of our officers'
+horses, we have been able to move to a position near Williamsburg: it
+is covered along the front with ravines; the right flank is covered by
+a mill-pond, on the road to Jamestown; the left by Queen's Creek, small
+rivulets, and marshes. We have militia still in front of our right and
+left, and a good look out on the river. Our provisions may come to the
+capital landing. Williamsburg and its strong buildings are in our front.
+I have upon the lines General Muhlenberg with one thousand men, four
+hundred of whom are Virginian regulars, and one hundred dragoons. In
+borrowing White's unequipped horses we may add one hundred hussars.
+There is a line of armed ships along James River, and a small reserve
+of militia, which may increase every day: there are in Gloucester county
+eight hundred militia driving off stock. I had recommended, with proper
+delicacy, to Count de Grasse to send some naval forces up York River;
+the French armed vessels in Pamunkey are come down to West Point. No
+movement of Count de Grasse has as yet taken place, except some ships
+below York. Your excellency's letter to him has been duly forwarded;
+we are under infinite obligations to the officers and the men for their
+zeal.
+
+I entered into these particular accounts, my dear general, in order to
+show you that propriety, and not the desire to advance, has dictated our
+measures. We will try, if not dangerous, upon a large scale, to form a
+good idea of the works; but, unless I am greatly deceived, there will
+be madness in attacking them now with our force. Marquis de St. Simon,
+Count de Grasse, and General du Portail, agree with me in opinion; but,
+should Lord Cornwallis come out against, such a position, as we have,
+everybody thinks that he cannot but repent of it; and should he beat us,
+he must soon prepare for another battle.
+
+Now, my dear general, I am going to speak to you of the fortifications
+at York. Lord Cornwallis is working day and night, and will soon work
+himself into a respectable situation: he has taken ashore the greater
+part of his sailors; he is picking up whatever provisions he can get.
+I am told he has ordered the inhabitants in the vicinity of the town
+to come in, and should think they may do him much good. Our present
+position will render him cautious, and I think it a great point. No news
+as yet in this camp of the fleet of M. le Comte de Barras.~[1]
+
+I will now answer you that part of your letter respecting provisions for
+the troops under your immediate command.
+
+With respect to a proper place for the debarkation of your troops, it
+is the opinion of the Marquis de St. Simon, and mine, that it must be
+in James River, but we have not had an opportunity yet of fixing on the
+best spot: it appears, however, that it must be at or near Williamsburg
+or Jamestown.
+
+With the most affectionate regard and esteem, I am; dear general, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. Marshall speaks of the departure of the Count de Barras for the
+Chesapeak, and of his arrival with the artillery of the siege; that
+the admiral had received a letter from the minister of the marine, the
+Marshal de Castries, who, informing him of the orders given to M. de
+Grasse to proceed to the coasts of the United States, left him free to
+make a cruise on the banks of Newfoundland, not wishing to oblige him to
+serve under his junior, to whom the minister had entrusted the command.
+But M. de Barras nobly determined to convey himself and the artillery
+to Rhode Island, and to range himself, with all his vessels, under the
+command of an admiral less ancient than himself.--Manuscript, No. 2.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp before York, October 16, 1781.
+
+My dear General,--Your excellency having personally seen our
+dispositions, I shall only give an account of what passed in the
+execution.
+
+Colonel Gimat's battalion led the van, and was followed by that of
+Colonel Hamilton's, who commanded the whole advanced corps; at the same
+time, a party of eighty men, under Colonel Laurens, turned the redoubt.
+I beg leave to refer your excellency to the report I have received from
+Colonel Hamilton, whose well known talents and gallantry were on this
+occasion most conspicuous and serviceable. Our obligations to him, to
+Colonel Gimat, to Colonel Laurens, and to each and all the officers and
+men, are above expression. Not one gun was fired, and the ardour of the
+troops did not give time for the sappers to derange them, and, owing to
+the conduct of the commanders and the bravery of the men, the redoubt
+was stormed with uncommon rapidity.
+
+Colonel Barber's battalion, which was the first in the supporting
+column, being detached to the aid of the advance, arrived at the moment
+they were getting over the works, and executed their orders with the
+utmost alacrity. The colonel was slightly wounded: the rest of the
+column under General Muhlenberg and Hazen advanced with admirable
+firmness and discipline. Colonel Vose's battalion displayed to the left,
+a part of the division successively dressing by him, whilst a second
+line was forming columns in the rear. It adds greatly to the character
+of the troops that, under the fire of the enemy, they displayed and took
+their rank with perfect silence and order. Give me leave particularly to
+mention Major Barber, division inspector, who distinguished himself, and
+received a wound by a cannon ball.
+
+In making arrangements for the support of the works we had reduced, I
+was happy to find General Wayne and the Pennsylvanians so situated as to
+have given us, in case of need, the most effectual support.
+
+I have the honour to be, with the most perfect respect, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. It was the 13th of September that General Washington had operated
+his junction with General Lafayette, and the 28th the place of York was
+invaded. The assault was given on the 15th of October.
+
+
+
+TO M. DE MAUREPAS.
+
+Camp, near York, October 20th, 1781.
+
+The play, sir, is over--and the fifth act has just been closed; I was in
+a somewhat awkward situation during the first acts; my heart experienced
+great delight at the final one--and I do not feel less pleasure in
+congratulating you, at this moment, upon the fortunate issue of our
+campaign. I need not describe the particulars of it, sir, because Lauzun
+will give them to you in person; and I only wish him the same degree of
+good luck in crossing the ocean that he had in passing through a corps
+of Tarleton's legion.
+
+M. de Rochambeau will give you a full account of the army he commands;
+but if the honour of having commanded for some time the division of
+M. de St. Simon gives me any right to speak of my obligations to that
+general and his troops, that right would be much valued by me.
+
+Will you have the kindness, sir, to present my respectful compliments
+to the Countess de Maurepas, and Madame de Flamarens, and to accept,
+yourself, the sincere assurance of my affection, gratitude, and respect.
+
+
+
+TO M. DE VERGENNES.
+
+Camp, near York, October 20th, 1781.
+
+Allow me, sir, to offer you my congratulations upon the good leaf that
+has been turned over in our political tablets. M. Laurens will give
+all particulars; I rejoice that your Virginian campaign should close
+so well, and my respect for the talents of Lord Cornwallis renders his
+capture still more valuable to me. After this commencing stroke, what
+English general will ever think of conquering America? Their southern
+manoeuvres have not ended more fortunately than their northern ones, and
+the affair of General Burgoyne has been again renewed.
+
+Adieu, Sir; I have so short a time for writing, that I can only add at
+present the assurance of the respect and sincere attachment of, &c.
+
+
+
+TO MADAME DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+On board _La Ville de Paris_, in Chesapeak Bay, Oct. 22, 1781.
+
+This is the last moment, my dearest love, allowed me for writing to you;
+M. de Lauzun is going to join the frigate and return to Europe; some
+business I had to settle with the admiral affords me the pleasure of
+thus giving you some news of me two days later; what relates to public
+affairs will be detailed to you by M. de Lauzun. The close of this
+campaign is truly brilliant for the allied troops; our movements have
+been all remarkably well combined, and I must, indeed, be difficult
+to please, if I were not completely satisfied with the close of my
+Virginian campaign. You must have learnt all the trouble that Lord
+Cornwallis's talents and superior forces gave me,--the good luck we had
+in regaining the ground we had lost,--and, finally, our drawing Lord
+Cornwallis into the very position that was necessary to enable us to
+capture him: at that precise moment all the troops rushed upon him.
+I count as amongst the happiest epochs of my life, that in which the
+division of M. de St. Simon remained united to my army, and that in
+which I alternately commanded the three field-marshals, with the troops
+under their orders. I pity Lord Cornwallis, for whom I have the highest
+respect; he is kind enough to express some esteem for me, and after
+having allowed myself the pleasure, in the capitulation, of repaying the
+incivilities of Charlestown, I do not intend to carry my vengeance any
+farther. My health is extremely good, and I met with no accident during
+our encounter.
+
+Present my most affectionate respects to Madame d'Ayen, and the Marshal
+de Noailles; a thousand kind regards to all my sisters, the Abbe Fayon,
+and M. de Margelay. I embrace ten thousand times our beloved children.
+Adieu, adieu.
+
+
+
+THE MARQUIS DE SEGUR TO M. DE LAFAYETTE.
+
+December 5th, 1781.
+
+The king, sir, having been informed of the military talents of which you
+have given such multiplied proofs whilst commanding the different corps
+of the army that has been confided to you in the United States; of the
+wisdom and prudence that have guided you in the various decisions you
+were called upon to take respecting the interests of the United States;
+and of the great confidence with which you have inspired General
+Washington; his Majesty has desired me to tell you, that the praises
+you have so justly merited on such various occasions have fixed his
+attention, and that your conduct and successes have made him, sir,
+conceive the most favourable opinion of you; such a one as you might
+yourself desire, and from which you may depend on his future kindness.
+His Majesty, in order to give you a very flattering and peculiar mark of
+this intention, renews to you the rank of field-marshal in his armies,
+which you are to enjoy as soon as the American war shall be terminated,
+at which period you will quit the service of the United States to
+re-enter that of his Majesty. In virtue of this decision, sir, you may
+be considered as field-marshal from the date of the signature of the
+capitulation, after the siege of Yorktown, by General Cornwallis, the
+19th October, of this year, on account of your fulfilling at that time
+the functions belonging to that rank in the troops of the United States
+of America.
+
+His Majesty is disposing at this moment of his regiment of dragoons, of
+which he had kept for you the command until the present time.
+
+I beg you to be convinced of the pleasure I experience in this act of
+his Majesty's justice, and of the wish, I feel to prove to you, on every
+occasion, the sincere attachment with which I have the honour of being,
+&c.
+
+SEGUR.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+_Alliance_, off Boston, December 21st, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--I am sorry to think we are not yet gone, and there
+still remain some doubts of our going to-morrow. This delay I lament not
+so much on private accounts as I do on the account of our next campaign,
+in the planning of which your opinion, as I shall deliver it, must be
+of the greatest use to the common cause. As to the department of foreign
+affairs, I shall be happy to justify the confidence of the congress, by
+giving my opinion to the best of my power, whenever it is asked for;
+but the affair of finances will, I fear, be a difficult point for the
+American minister, in which, however, I shall be happy to help him with
+my utmost exertions. The moment I arrive in France, I will write to you
+minutely how things stand, and give you the best accounts in my power.
+
+I have received every mark of affection in Boston, and am much attached
+to this town, to which I owe so many obligations; but, from public
+considerations, I have been impatient to leave it and go on board the
+frigate, where I receive all possible civilities, but where I had rather
+be under sail than at anchor.
+
+I beg your pardon, my dear general, for giving you so much trouble in
+reading my scrawls; but we are going to sail, and my last adieu, I must
+dedicate to my beloved general. Adieu, my dear general: I know your
+heart so well, that I am sure that no distance can alter your attachment
+to me. With the same candour, I assure you that my love, my respect, my
+gratitude for you, are above expression; that, at the moment of leaving
+you, I felt more than ever the strength of those friendly ties that for
+ever bind me to you, and that I anticipate the pleasure, the most wished
+for pleasure, to be again with you, and, by my zeal and services, to
+gratify the feelings of my respect and affection. Will you be pleased to
+present my compliments and respects to Mrs. Washington, and to remember
+me to General Knox and General Lincoln.
+
+Adieu, my dear general, your respectful and tender friend, &c.
+
+
+
+
+ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+INSERTED ONLY IN THE
+
+AMERICAN EDITION.
+
+ * * * * *
+
+TO HIS EXCELLENCY GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+At Robins's Tavern, halfpast four, 26 June, 1778.
+
+DEAR GENERAL,--I have received your excellency's favor~[1] notifying
+your arrival at Cramberry, and am glad to have anticipated your orders
+in not going too far. I have felt the unhappy effects of the want of
+provisions, for I dare say if we had not been stopped by it, as we were
+already within three miles of the enemy's rear, we would very easily
+have overtaken them and fought with advantage.
+
+I have consulted the general officers of the detachment, and the general
+opinion seems to be that I should march in the night near them, so as to
+attack the rear guard when on the march. We have also spoken of a night
+attack. The latter seems dangerous. The former will perhaps give them
+time of escaping, as it is impossible I would move quite close by them,
+at least nearer than three miles.--Col. Morgan is towards the right
+flank, Gen. Dickinson is a little upon the left, Gens. Scott and Maxwel
+have insisted upon going further down than we are now; for Wayne's and
+Jackson's corps they have not had provisions at all but will be able to
+march in the night. I beg you would let me know your intention and your
+opinion of the matter, my motions depend much upon what the army will do
+for countenancing them. I beg you would be very particular upon what you
+think proper to be done and what your excellency will do. I wish indeed
+you would anticipate the different cases which may happen according to
+the place where the enemy lays.--Gen. Wayne, Col. Hamilton and several
+officers have gone to reconnoitre it, I fancy they will lay about seven
+or eight miles from here. Your excellency knows that by the direct
+road you are only three miles further from Monmouth than we are in this
+place.
+
+The enemy is said to march since this morning with a great confusion
+and fright. Some prisoners have been made, and deserters come amazingly
+fast. I believe an happy blow would have the happiest effect, and I
+always regret the time we have lost by want of provisions.
+
+I beg you would answer to me immediately, and with the highest respect I
+have the honor to be, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. The letter referred to does not appear in Sparks' "Writings of
+Washington;" but there is a letter of instructions in vol. 5, p. 417 of
+that work addressed to Gen. Lafayette by Gen. Washington, dated the 25th
+June 1770, in relation to the service upon which the former had
+been detached; some account of which is to be found in the preceding
+"Memoirs," ante p.p.51, 52. See also, the letters of Gen. Washington to
+Gens. Lee and Lafayette, in Sparks' "Writings &c." p.p. 410, 419.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+At Cranbarry, 5 o'clock, June, 1778,
+
+Dear General,--I have received your orders for marching as just as I
+could and I have marched without waiting for the provisions tho' we want
+them extremely. Gen. Forman and Col. Hamilton sat out last night to
+meet the other troops and we shall be together at Hidestown or somewhat
+lower. Gen. Forman is firmly of opinion that we may overtake the
+enemy,--for my part I am not so quiet upon the subject as he is, but his
+sentiment is of great weight on account of his knowledge of the country.
+It is highly pleasant to me to be followed and countenanced by the army
+that if we stop the enemy and meet with some advantage they may push it
+with vigor. I have no doubt but if we overtake them we possess a very
+happy chance. However, I would not have the army quite so near as not to
+be quite master of its motions, but a very little distance may do it.--I
+have heard nothing of the enemy this morning. An officer of militia
+says, that after they had pitched their tents yesterday night, they
+struck them again. But I am inclined to believe they did not go farther,
+and that the man who brought the intelligence was mistaken. I expect
+some at Hidestown which I will immediately forward to you. I beg when
+your excellency will write to me, that you could let me know the place
+you have reached, that I might govern myself accordingly.
+
+With the highest respect I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. In answer to the letter of instructions mentioned in the preceding
+note.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL)
+
+Half past ten, 28th June, 1778.
+
+Dear General,--Your orders have reached me so late and found me in such
+a situation that it will be impossible to follow them as soon as I could
+wish. It is not on account of any other motive than the impossibility of
+moving the troops and making such a march immediately, for in receiving
+your letter I have given up the project of attacking the enemy, and I
+only wish to join Gen. Lee.--I was even going to set out, but all the
+Brigadiers, Officers, &c. have represented that there was a material
+impossibility of moving troops in the situation where ours find
+themselves--I do not believe Gen. Lee is to make any attack to morrow,
+for then I would have been directed to fall immediately upon them,
+without making 11 miles entirely out of the way. I am here as near as
+I will be at English Town. To-morrow at two o'clock I will set off for
+that place.
+
+I do not know if Morgan's corps, the militia, &c., must be brought along
+with the other part of the detachment. Gen. Forman who don't approve
+much of that motion, says, that our right flank must be secured, unless
+to incur the most fatal consequences for the whole army.
+
+I beg your pardon sir, if my letter is so badly written, but I want to
+send it soon and to rest one or two hours.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+Be so good as to send a speedy answer of what you think proper to order
+me.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. In answer probably to Gen. Washington's letter of the 26th June.
+Sparks' Washington, vol. 5, p. 419.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Cranbarry, half past nine o'clock, 29 June, 1778.
+
+Dear General,--Inclosed I have the honor to send you a letter which
+Colonel Hamilton was going to send me from this place when I arrived
+with the detachment, and which may give you an idea of the position
+of the enemy. I will try to meet and collect as soon as possible our
+forces, tho' I am sorry to find the enemy so far down that way. We will
+be obliged to march pretty fast, if we want to attack them. It is
+for that I am particularly concerned about provisions. I send back
+immediately for the purpose, and beg you would give orders to have them
+forwarded as speedily as possible, and directed to march fast, for I
+believe we must set out early to-morrow morning. The detachment is in
+a wood, covered by _Cranberry_ Creek, and I believe extremely safe. We
+want to be very well furnished with spirits as a long and quick march
+may be found necessary, and if Gen. Scot's detachment is not provided,
+it should be furnished also with liquor; but the provisions of this
+detachment are the most necessary to be sent as soon as possible, as we
+expect them to march.
+
+If any thing new comes to my knowledge, I will immediately write to your
+excellency, and I will send an express in the morning.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+I wish also we could get some axes, but it should not stop the so
+important affairs of provisions.
+
+
+
+TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+St. Jean d'Angely, June, 1779.
+
+Sir,--I learnt before I left Paris, that a loan, negotiating in Holland
+for England, and which was to have been completed the coming autumn,
+would be stopped, because the lenders had demanded one per cent more
+interest. This loan was undertaken by a banker of English origin,
+who has apportioned it among a great many persons, and had become
+lender-general to the English government. I am told that some profits
+over and above the commission might help America to this sum, amounting
+to above forty millions. I communicated this information to the
+Chevalier de la Luzerne to be imparted to you; but having discharged
+that duty towards the Americans, I feared lest M. Necker would not share
+in my earnestness. I have already appropriated twenty millions to bank
+stock, ten to an expedition, and ten to pay the interest until the final
+reimbursement.
+
+I received at the moment I was coming away a letter from America, dated
+in the month of January, in which the President informed me in behalf of
+Congress, that they had changed their determination respecting the joint
+expedition to Canada. The reasons assigned are, the slight probability
+of Rhode Island and New York being evacuated next winter, the
+uncertainty of the enemy's movements next spring, and therefore the
+impossibility of promising their quota of the troops, fixed in the plan
+that I was intrusted with. I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+
+
+TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+Havre, 9 July, 1779
+
+Sir, If my letter from America had contained any interesting
+information, I should not have delayed a moment to acquaint you with it;
+but it is only a confirmation of what you heard, and we have some later
+news by the way of England. It will be injurious to commerce for the
+British to have the command of James River, and while they can coast
+along those shores with impunity, their transient descents will almost
+always succeed. If they should establish themselves in their new
+profession, to drive them out would be the more accordant to the plan I
+spoke to you about; as, in Virginia, November and even December are good
+campaigning months. The arrival of M. Gerard will certainly supply you
+with many details of American affairs, the Swedish ambassador has sent
+me, in the name of his king, the most flattering assurances, and well
+suited to awaken my gratitude, but the vessels are not forthcoming,
+and if we go to America, we must go under the Spanish or French flag.
+I think if our Southern allies should engage alone in a similar
+expedition, they would do more harm than good by it.
+
+I wish I could send news that the English fleet was beaten in good
+earnest; and whilst I wait that event with as much interest, as if I
+was at the head of the fleet, the army and the whole ministry, I do not
+forget that your time is precious, and so I shall content myself with
+presenting to you the homage of my respect and my attachment.
+
+
+
+TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
+
+Havre, 7th October, 1779.
+
+Sir,--As from their minister in France, any European intelligence will
+be properly conveyed to congress, I beg only the leave of paying them a
+due tribute of my respect and heartfelt assurance of my unbounded zeal,
+love and gratitude: so sensible I am of their goodness towards me, that
+I flatter myself they will kindly receive this letter from one who will
+ever boast in the name of an American soldier, and whose delight has
+been long ago, in sharing the same fortune as the American people, never
+to be considered but as a countryman of theirs.
+
+
+
+...land has been obliged to make, the terror that has been spread along
+her own shores, while her naval forces were flying in the channel before
+our fleet, and suffering themselves to be insulted by our van guard
+frigates, and at length the obligation our fleet was under, to repair
+into the harbour of Brest for getting provisions and water, are events
+which will be more accurately reported by Mr. Franklin's dispatches.
+The Ardent, man-of-war of sixty-four guns has been taken by two French
+frigates. Captain Jones's small American squadron had the good luck
+of taking lately a fleet from the Baltic, and displaying Continental
+colours along the coasts of Scotland.
+
+Since I had the honor to write to your excellency, I have ever been with
+Count de Vaux's army, which was divided in two corps at St. Malo and
+the Havre, and consisted of thirty thousand men. Another body has
+been stationed in Flanders, and two thousand dragoons are to embark
+at Brest.--The project of invading England was at first retarded by
+a difficult meeting of the French and Spanish fleets on account
+of contrary winds, by useless efforts to bring out the enemy to an
+engagement, and the necessity of repairing into the harbour of Brest.
+How it will be possible to bring out the expedition in the autumn is yet
+undetermined, but it will be perhaps delayed until next spring, though
+the ministry seem very anxious of acting in this campaign.
+
+Suppose the taking of Gibraltar, which they are going to attack with the
+greater vigor, was the only European conquest for this year, the large
+expenses France has made will yet be of a great use to the common cause,
+as it has exhausted England and detained at home forces which would have
+done mischief in the other part of the world.
+
+The loss which the enemy have sustained in the East Indies has been very
+severly felt by them, and from their negociations in Europe they cannot
+procure themselves any allies.
+
+Count d'Estaing's arrival on the American coasts will, I hope, have
+produced such an effect as we earnestly desire. How truly concerned, how
+truly unhappy I am in being confined to mere wishes, Congress, from
+the knowledge they have of my sentiments will better feel for me than
+I might myself express. The furlough they were pleased to give me was
+unlimited, no one could imagine the campaign would take such a turn, and
+till the month of June I was in hopes of rendering myself, in this
+part of the world, of a more immediate use to the United States. The
+expedition against England had been afterwards fixed upon, and my
+services were thought useful to my country and the common cause: So that
+I hope Congress will approve of my conduct.
+
+Whatever may be the success of the campaign in America, it will
+certainly bring on new projects for the ensuing year. The sense I have
+of the favors conferred on me by congress, and the marks of confidence
+which I have obtained in many occasions, give me the freedom of
+reminding them that the moments where I may find myself under American
+colours, among my fellow soldiers, and take orders from our great and
+heroic General will ever be considered as the happiest ones in my life.
+
+If there is any thing in France where not only as a soldier, but as a
+politician, or in whatever possible light, I may employ my exertions to
+the advantage of the United States, I hope it is useless to tell that
+I will seize the happy opportunity and bless the fortunate hour which
+shall render me useful to those whom I love with all the ardor and
+frankness of my heart.
+
+The inestimable sword which Congress have generously added to their so
+many favors, I have received from their minister with such honorable
+services as by far exceed any merit I may ever boast of. This present
+has been also graced by Mr. Franklin's politeness in offering it, and
+I could not help repeating again to Congress some assurances of those
+sentiments which for ever will animate my grateful heart.
+
+With the warm feelings of one whose first ambition and delight is to be
+known in this and to be called in ages to come a _lover of America_,
+who is bound to his representatives by the most respectful and
+tender attachment and gratitude, and with the highest regard for your
+excellency.
+
+I have the honor to be your's &c.
+
+
+
+Paris, 9th January, 1780.
+
+SIR,--You were too busy yesterday for me to communicate to you the
+answer of M. de Montbarrey to the request for powder and guns which I
+had taken it upon me to make. I spoke in my own name, and the advice
+which I took the liberty of giving was not ill received. M. de
+Montbarrey told me that he would speak to you about it. He promised me
+an early answer; and as you favor my request, I hope that we shall
+soon obtain the powder and the fifteen thousand complete sets of
+accoutrements, which we would add to the clothes bought with the king's
+money. You are conferring a great obligation upon America, and affording
+her great additional means of contributing to the advancement of the
+grand common cause. Every citizen must be strongly interested in the
+fate of our islands, and must fear the effects, which would follow if
+an expedition should go out from New York. It is enough to know that
+country, whose independence is so important to the honor and safety
+of France, to desire that it may be not forgotten in the plan of the
+campaign, and to regret the loss of the time which might be employed in
+giving it assistance. But the extensive operations are beyond my sphere,
+I shall merely ask for my guns, and assure you of the strong affection
+and respect with which I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.~[1]
+
+(ORIGINAL)
+
+Peekskill, July the 20th, 1780.
+
+DEAR GENERAL,--Having heard of an express from Rhode Island being going
+through the Continental village, I sent for him as it would not delay
+him more than an hour. Inclosed I have the honor to send you the letter
+from Gen. Heath, which I have opened, and also two letters from the
+French generals to me. It seems, my dear General, that they have
+anticipated the desire you expressed yourself of our plans in a private
+conversation. That way indeed will do better than a hundred letters.
+In case (what however I don't believe) they would wish to speak to
+yourself, I shall immediately send an express to inform you of it; but I
+dare say they will be satisfied with my coming.
+
+I am glad to hear they are hunting after the Cork fleet, and those
+frigates being out will also apprise them of the enemy's naval motions.
+
+Adieu, my dear General. With a heart full of hopes, and I think of
+well grounded expectations, I have the honor to be very tenderly and
+respectfully, &c.
+
+P.S. It is much to be lamented that Paul Jones did not come in the first
+envoy. In case there is nothing to fear from the enemy, I will send
+the clothing to New London. Be certain, my dear General, that though
+by serious reflexions and calculations which I can prove to be right, I
+have great hopes of success, I shall however look upon and speak of
+all the difficulties that may present themselves. I have on public and
+private accounts many reasons to feel the consequence of the plan in
+question, and to take the greatest care in considering by myself and
+explaining to others our circumstances. The delay of the small arms
+I don't consider as equally hurtful to our affairs as will be
+the deficiency of Powder. But as (even at the so much overrated
+calculations) we have enough of it for one month, I will try to get a
+supply from the fleet, and then it will come to the same point. You will
+hear from me as soon as possible after my arrival.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. This letter was written by General Lafayette, while on his journey to
+Newport R.I., whither he has been sent with full instructions to conduct
+measures of co-operation with the French Generals De Rochambeau and
+De Ternay. A copy of these instructions is given in Sparks' History of
+Washington, Vol. 7, App. III. See also the answer of Washington to La
+Layette, ib. p. 117.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Danbury, July the 21st, 1780.
+
+As I find an express going from Hartford to General Greene, I send this
+letter to him that you might hear something further about the recruits
+of Connecticut.
+
+From the Colonel who under Gen. Parsons is intrusted with the care of
+forwarding them, I hear that by the first of August two thousand of them
+will be at West Point; but I had put in my head that they were to bring
+arms with them, and I find it is not the case.
+
+Gen. Parsons and myself will meet at Newtown, where, in mentioning again
+to him the necessity of hurrying the recruits to West Point, I will
+apprise him that you have been disappointed in the expectation of some
+powder, and desire him to write to you how far, in case of an emergency,
+you might be provided for with that article from his state.
+
+In case Gen. Parsons thought that my waiting on the governor and council
+might answer any purpose, I would go three or four miles out of my way
+to preach to them some of my old sermons.
+
+With the help of French horses whom I make free with on the road, I hope
+I will arrive very soon at Rhode Island. Nothing about Graves' fleet;
+but I am happy to think that they will find our people ready to receive
+them at Newport.
+
+When I wrote you, my dear General, that my heart was full of flattering
+expectations, it is understood that I suppose a sufficiency of arms and
+ammunition, which I thought so far useless to explain, as I hope you
+believe I have some common sense. But I had an idea that the recruits
+would be armed, and I yet think (though I had no reason to be particular
+on that head) that you have many small arms in your stores. For what
+relates to the powder, I hope that what you will get from the states,
+and what I flatter myself to borrow from the French fleet, wilt put
+you in a situation to wait for the alliance. You may remember that the
+second division is to come before, or very little after, the beginning
+of our operations.
+
+I however confess it is impossible not to be very angry at captain
+Jones's delays, and much disappointed in our expectations. The only
+thing I want to know, is _if you depend on a sufficiency of arms and
+ammunition for the first thirty days_. Be certain that before settling
+any thing, my great basis will be, _when and how does the second
+division come, and how far may we depend on the arms and ammunition
+coming with them_.
+
+I have the honor to be, respectfully, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Hartford, July the 22d, 1780.~[1]
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--I hasten to inform you that the missing transport is
+safely arrived, on the 19th, at Boston. She is said to be a two-decker,
+and to have on board a vast deal of powder, with pieces of ordnance,
+and also the baggage of the officers of _Bourbonnsis_.--The intelligence
+came this instant by an officer of our army who saw the men encamped on
+the commons, from where they were to march to Providence. Two American
+frigates were, I am told, ordered to convoy the ship around the Rhode
+Island; but as their orders were to sail by to-morrow, they will
+have time to receive contrary directions from the French Admiral. The
+inclosed newspaper will acquaint you of Graves's cruising off Block
+Island, and on their first appearance, Chev. de Ternay will certainly
+dispatch an express to Boston.
+
+In a conversation which I had yesterday with General Parsons, he told
+me that he thought the number of your arms in stores, amounted to ten
+thousand, exclusive of those which are now in the hands of the men.
+He seems to be of opinion, and so is Col. Wadsworth, that there is no
+inconvenience in their State's furnishing their drafts with arms, and
+giving even a larger proportion if thought necessary. They say those
+arms may be by the 5th of August at King's Ferry. I was so particular
+as to make myself certain that this demand will not in the least impeach
+any other measure, and as it would be too distressing to fall short on
+that article, I will take on myself, though in a private capacity, to
+persuade the Governor and Council in the measure of arming every one of
+the men whom they send out, and forwarding the arms to King's Ferry, or
+West Point, as you may direct.
+
+As to the matter of ammunition Gen. Parsons thinks that (as far as he
+may guess,) near fifty tons of powder might be collected. Col. Wadsworth
+says he can't ascertain the quantity. They have three mills, and from
+what I can collect, I am certain that if you attack New York, this State
+will do all in their power. I will foretell the Governor, that he will
+have a large demand of ammunition, and let you know how much we are to
+depend upon, as far as I may guess from his answer. Massachusetts have,
+say they, a vast deal of powder.
+
+I intend to breakfast at Newport the day after to-morrow, and as soon
+as I can make out any thing worth the while, from my conversation with
+them, I will let you know every matter that may be interesting.
+
+With the highest respect and most tender friendship, I have the honor to
+be, dear General, &c.
+
+I am told that the French are in a great want of vegetables. I think it
+will be agreeable to them to forward their waggons and horses as much as
+possible.~[2]
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. It appears from Spark's Hist. of Washington, p. 125. n. that in his
+progress to New Port, General Lafayette called on Governor Trumbull,
+General Parsons, Mr. Jeremiah Wadsworth, the Commissary-General, and
+other persons in Connecticut, to procure and hasten forward the quota of
+troops, and such supplies of arms and ammunition as could be spared from
+that State, to co-operate with the French troops upon their landing.
+
+2. The answer to the above letter appears in Spark's Writ. of
+Washington, Vol. 7, p 125, See also ib. p.127, note.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Lebanon, July the 23d, 1780.~[1]
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--I had this morning the honor to wait on His
+Excellency, the governor, and took the liberty, though in a private
+capacity, to inform him of our circumstances. The result of our
+conversation I will therein transmit to you, and to be more certain of
+conveying the governor's ideas, I am writing at his own house, and will
+show him my letter before I fold it up.
+
+To begin by the article of powder which is so much wanted, and which,
+from unforeseen circumstances may, by its deficiency, ruin all our
+expectations, I am, by the Governor, desired to tell you that you may
+depend upon: 1stly. Fifty four tons for the present. 2dly, Fifteen tons
+to be made up in the course of August, by the three Connecticut Mills.
+3dly, Twenty tons, which in case of an absolute necessity, will be found
+out in this State; the whole amounting to eighty-five tons, which he
+would try to encrease, if possible, to ninety. How far that may fulfil
+your expectations, I don't know, but his Excellency will wait for a
+letter from you on this subject.
+
+As to the balls, shells, &c., the Governor cannot as yet ascertain the
+quantity to be expected, but thinks this State may go a great length.
+
+His resources for arms have been, it seems, overrated by General
+Parsons, and other gentlemen, whose opinions I had communicated to your
+Excellency. The Governor thinks that it would be difficult to arm the
+whole of the recruits. He will, however, if requested by you, do any
+thing in his power, and might have a good prospect of succeeding for the
+half part of them.
+
+Tho' I had no orders for this interview with Governor Trumbull, and
+from the knowledge of our circumstances, took upon myself the freedom
+of disclosing them to him, I heard your Excellency's sentiments on one
+point so often, so strongly, and so repeatedly expressed, that I could
+with all certainty assure him, that you would not ask from the State
+more than is necessary to answer our great purposes, and in delivering
+the country from the danger of ruin and the disgrace of a shameful
+inability, to turn this decisive crisis to the honor and safety of
+America.
+
+I took also the liberty of mentioning something about clothing the
+officers, and assured the Governor that you thought the measure to be
+highly necessary. He entirely agrees in opinion with me, and does not
+doubt but that at the first meeting of the Council a sufficient sum in
+hard money will be delivered for that purpose. The knowledge I have
+of Colonel Wadsworth's zeal and activity makes me desirous that he be
+intrusted with that business.
+
+As to the clothing from the fleet, it seems the Governor wishes it to be
+sent into Connecticut river, and I will engage the French Admiral into
+that measure; for I am very warm in this opinion, my dear General, and
+so I know you are, that as less trouble as possible must be given to the
+people whose exertions should be entirely thrown in such channels, as
+are of absolute necessity; but if we can't send the clothing around
+without an eminent danger of its being taken, then his Excellency the
+Governor will send it with all possible dispatch and by pressed waggons
+from the boundaries of Rhode Island to any place on the North River,
+which is mentioned in Mr. Olney's instructions.
+
+I have the honour to be, dear General, &c.
+
+Your's, &c.
+
+P. S.--I have read my letter to the Governor and he agrees with the
+contents. He will immediately give orders about the Mills, and collect
+four hundred french arms he had in stocks.~[2]
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. This is one of the letters referred to in Gen. Washington's letter of
+20th July. Spark's Writ. of Wash. v, 7, p.128.
+
+2. For the answer to the above, see Spark's Writ. Of Wash. v. 7, p.124.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Newport, July 26th, 1780.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--Every private intelligence from Long-Island, and also
+the letters from General Howe, and the officer on the lines do agree
+with the note I have received from Colonel Hamilton, and are all
+positive upon it that General Clinton, with a great part of his army, is
+coming to attack the French troops.
+
+In consequence of this Count de Rochambeau is fortifying both Islands,
+and making preparations of defence. He has requested our calling
+immediately a body of militia, which demand has been complied with by
+General Heath.
+
+After many intelligences had been received, I did yet persist in
+disbelieving the report, but they now come from so many quarters, that
+I am obliged to yield to the general idea, and expect them in a little
+time.
+
+I have no doubt but that in the course of the day we will receive some
+orders, and some intelligences from head-quarters. The French Generals
+have asked me if your army was in a situation to make a diversion, or if
+a part of it would not be marched immediately to our relief. My answer
+was, that if you was able to do one or the other, you would certainly
+not lose a minute, but that I could not tell them any thing positive;
+that however, I thought you would come nearer to New-York than you was
+when at Preakaness.
+
+All the last day has been employed or in viewing the camp with Count
+de Rochambeau, or in helping General Heath in his arrangements. This
+morning the Count is gone to reconnoitre the grounds on the Island.
+We dine together at the Admiral's, and I will, if possible, begin our
+conversation, our affairs exclusive of what we are now expecting from
+the enemy.
+
+In case you was to send some troops this way, I wish I might get notice
+in such a time as to have some clothing kept on the road, but in all
+cases we should take some well looking and well dressed men; that, I
+only mention as a mere supposition.
+
+If the enemy mean regular approaches the French Generals say that they
+would give time for a succour to come. In all suppositions I don't think
+the French will be able to form a junction before some time, as they
+can't leave the Island before the fifteenth of next month, (in supposing
+that they are not attacked.) They have many sick, but I will soon be
+able to tell you more about it, and had not those intelligences been so
+pressing, I might have by this time fully spoken on our affairs with the
+French Generals.
+
+For my part, my dear General, till orders from you fix any thing I am to
+do, I will stay here under General Heath's orders, and help him to the
+best of my skill. As soon as any thing important comes to us I will send
+you an express.
+
+From private inquires I hope the fleet will furnish us with some powder.
+As to the militia who are called by General Heath, the French army will
+spare to them such provisions as may be wanted.
+
+I have the honor to be with the most perfect respect and tender
+affection, Yours, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Newport, July the 26th, at Seven o'clock, P. M.~[1]
+
+My Dear General,--I had this morning the honor of writing to you by
+Genl. Heath's express, and informed you that we had from every official
+and private quarter minuted accounts of the enemy's coming in great
+force to attack this island. For my part I have been a long time a
+disbeliever of the intelligence; but so many letters came to hand that
+at length I was forced to take the general opinion about their intended
+expedition. But, tho' I wrote you in the morning, I know you are anxious
+of hearing often from this quarter, and will therefore desire General
+Heath to send an other express.
+
+Nothing as yet (the ships of war excepted) has come in sight; but the
+French Generals who have not the smallest doubt about their coming, are
+hurrying their preparations of defence.
+
+General Heath and myself were invited to a meeting of the French General
+Officers, wherein, to my great satisfaction, the idea of holding both
+Connecticut and Rhode Island was abandoned, as it is assured that from
+the first one the enemy cannot annoy our shipping, if in a certain
+position. Count de Rochambeau, Chevalier de Chattelux, and myself, went
+afterwards to dine with the Admiral, and the two French Commanders have
+agreed to the following plan:
+
+The transports to be put in the harbour of Newport; the shipping to
+anchor along the shore from Brenton's Point, going Northward, where they
+are protected by batteries, a frigate and a cutter to be stationed in
+Sekonnet Passage; the army to encamp at its usual place, but upon the
+appearance of the enemy, to be in readiness to attack them at any
+point where they may disembark, and, if unsuccessful, to retire to the
+position which was once occupied by the enemy. There they want also
+to place some militia. Count de Rochambeau cannot hear of the idea of
+evacuating the island, and says he will defend this post to the last
+man. I could not help advising him very strongly and very often to erect
+works, and keep a communication open with the Continent by Howland's
+Ferry or Bristol Point, that matter will, I hope, be attended to in the
+course of the next day.
+
+General Heath will inform you of the measures he has taken, in which, as
+the second officer, I am only to help him to the best of my power. The
+Count's urging request, made it, I think, necessary to call for Militia.
+
+The number of sick is such that by the return given before me to Count
+de Rochambeau, it appears they will have but three thousand six hundred
+men fit for duty if they are attacked within a few days. The fleet has
+a great proportion of sick men and the ships are therefore poorly manned
+for the present.
+
+Count de Rochambeau asked me so often if you would not send a body of
+Continental troops to their relief; if, in the course of twelve days
+from this they could not be arrived, or that I knew he wanted me to
+write to you about it, and at length he told me he did not want it. But
+this must be _between us_. The Count says he will stand a storm; but if
+the enemy wanted to make a long work of it that a corps of Continental
+troops in their rear would have the best effects. That in this case the
+enemy would be much exposed on the Island, and that the circumstances
+which would follow their re-embarking, would be so fatal to them as to
+facilitate our operations for the campaign. All this, my dear General, I
+was in a private manner desired to hint to you.
+
+We could not speak of our grand operations, and they are wholly taken in
+their expectations of the enemy. But what might be an inducement to send
+a corps this way is, that in any case the French will not be able to
+march before the 15th of August.
+
+A return of the clothing has been promised to me for this evening, but
+tho' I am sorry to be the news-bearer of so many disappointments, I must
+tell you that from what they said to me nothing but a small part of the
+clothing has been intrusted to them, and that not only nothing new has
+been done, but what I had settled has been undone by those arrangements
+of the alliance which I can't conceive. In case you was to send troops
+this way, I think their route to Providence should be known, so that
+they might meet the clothing on the way. What you will do, my dear
+General, I don't know, but it seems Count de Rochambeau is determined to
+defend Newport, at all events.
+
+With the most perfect respect and tender sentiments, I have the honor to
+be, Yours, &c.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. For the answer to this letter, See Spark's Writ. of Wash. v. 7,
+p.128.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Newport, July the 29th, 1780.
+
+My Dear General,--Your letter of the 22d~[1] came to hand last evening,
+and I hasten to answer at least to a part of its contents. I shall
+begin by the disagreeable disappointment I met with on account of our
+clothing. Inclosed, my dear General, you will find the return of what
+has been put on board of the fleet, which I have sent by a vessel to
+Providence, and which will be forwarded to head-quarters. I can't tell
+you how much I feel for that shoking arrangement of clothing, but as it
+is not quite so essential to arms and powder, if we have no clothing.
+I shall be the forwardest to advise our acting without it. I am apt
+to blush for neglecting improvements that are within my reach, but I
+readily do without those which are not in our power.
+
+As to the affair of arms I spoke this morning to the Count, and am sorry
+to find that he has but the most necessary articles of exchange which
+are to answer to the daily broken arms, &c., his superfluous armament is
+coming in the second division, and for the present there is nothing
+to expect from that quarter. The only way, my dear General, will be
+to request the States to pick up arms for their recruits. Governor
+Trumbull, (as you may have seen by my letter from Lebanon,) thinks there
+is a great deal of difficulty in this matter; but many other Gentlemen
+from the State assure that it can be done. I will desire Colonel
+Wadsworth to manage that affair with the Governor, and I will also write
+a private letter to Mr. Bowdoin and Governor Greene.
+
+As to the powder, my dear General, I hope the Navy will give us some,
+not however a great deal. You cannot conceive how difficult it is for
+the present to speak with them on offensive plans. They expect Clinton
+at every minute, and say his success will decide our operations, I had
+however this morning a conversation with the Land General, and was to
+see in the evening the Admiral, who, I am told, cannot come, so that I
+must delay it to be done to-morrow.
+
+Connecticut will, I think, furnish you with a much greater quantity than
+you expected. How far it will fulfil your purpose I hope to hear from
+you; but I cannot flatter you to get so much from the fleet as two
+hundred, even as hundred tons.
+
+I have fully considered, my dear General, the idea of those French
+Generals, and made myself acquainted with every thing that has past
+since my departure from France. A great mismanagement in the affair
+of transports, has prevented the whole coming here at once; but as the
+French and Spaniards have a superiority, there is no doubt but that if
+they join together as was intended, the second division will be here in
+less than three of four weeks. The fleet on this Continent will, I hope,
+be commanded by Mr. Duchoffaut, and will be very superior to that of the
+enemy. If by an unlucky chance the junction was prevented, the second
+division would yet certainly come in the autumn, and be in a situation
+to act during the winter; but I have all reasons to believe that they
+will be here in three weeks, and you may depend upon it that they will
+at all events be here for the winter. From what I have been intrusted
+with I have a pretty certain ground to hope that my letter will produce
+upon Count de Guichen, the desired effect, and after an expedition which
+I can't trust to paper, will be concluded, you may, I think, depend upon
+his coming this way with a good part of his fleet.
+
+In a word, the French Ministry are determined to keep here during the
+war a land and naval force which will act on the Continent till a peace
+is concluded, and to support it with all their power. They look upon
+Rhode Island as a point to be kept for receiving their fleets and their
+reinforcements of troops, and want the defence of it to be such an
+object as will insure the basis of our operations.
+
+Before settling any thing the French Generals want to hear from their
+second division. _Don't fear by any means_ their acting rashly, and be
+assured that you may very far depend on their _caution_; but our wants
+of arms and ammunition have made me also very cautious. If the States
+furnish us with a sufficiency of the first article, and almost a
+sufficiency of the second, which we will make up with the fleet, then I
+am most strongly of opinion that waiting for the second division is all
+together wrong and unwarrantable.
+
+I have, however, brought Count de Rochambeau to this, viz.:--That if
+the second division comes we must attack. That in all cases, if we
+are masters of the water, we may attack; and that we may do it if the
+Admiral thinks that we can secure the passage by batteries, and if each
+part is equal to the whole of the enemy.
+
+We must now see what the Admiral has to say. What he wrote about the
+harbour of New York don't please me. If Duchoffaut comes, I answer for
+anything you wish. To-morrow I will speak with the two Gentlemen, so at
+least I hope, and will let you know their answers.
+
+If the second division comes in time we shall certainly act and succeed.
+Then we will have our arms, powder, clothing, &c.
+
+I never thought, my dear General, that Clinton would come this way; nor
+do I think it now, but every body says he is coming. Governor Clinton
+has it as a certainty, and upon his letter received this morning they
+have altered the arrangement; I had settled to dismiss the extraordinary
+militia. I hate troubling all these people, and taking them away from
+their harvest. Gen. Heath is of my opinion, but the intelligences are so
+particular, so authentic, that he dares not to neglect to gather as many
+men as possible. Before you receive this you will certainly know the
+truth of those reports.
+
+If you think, my dear General, that Clinton is coming, and if he
+disembarks upon Rhode Island, I am clearly of opinion that three or four
+thousand Continental troops and the militia landing on his rear, while
+the Count would sally from Newport, would ruin the British army, and
+that the taking of New York would be but a trifle after such a stroke.
+
+In case you adopt the measure, I think that the communication with the
+main is very important. I went yesterday to the North end of the Island,
+and had the works repaired in such a way (at least they will be soon so)
+as to keep up a communication by Howland's Ferry for eight or ten days
+after the enemy will possess the Island. I have also desired Colonel
+Greene, in case they appear, to run up the boats to Slave Ferry.
+Signals have been established from Watch Point to Connanicut; all those
+arrangements I have made with the approbation and by the orders of
+General Heath.
+
+You will by this express receive a letter from Genl. Heath, who applies
+for, and most ardently wishes a leave of repairing to his command in
+the grand army. For my part, my dear General, I will, I think, wait your
+answer to this, and want to know if by the situation of your arms and
+ammunition, there is a possibility of your acting before the second
+division comes. If from the answers of the States you think _such a
+proportion_ of powder from the fleet will be sufficient; then I will be
+more positive. If, however, after my conversations, I was to see that
+the second division must be waited for at all events, then I need not be
+waiting for your answer to this. I will, therefore, my dear General,
+
+1st, Or arrange with them a beginning of operations before the second
+division comes, and then wait for your answer about arms and ammunition,
+or the prospects I may have by myself to fix it entirely.
+
+2d, Or fix our plans for the moment the second division comes, and then
+I will, as soon as possible, repair to head-quarters.
+
+They seem rather doubtful of the possibility of landing safely, and
+having a sufficiency of boats to carry them under the protection of our
+Westchester batteries, and I beg you will give me such a note about it
+as I might show to them.
+
+With the highest respect and most tender friendship, I have the honor to
+be, dear General,
+
+Yours, &c.
+
+All the officers and soldiers of the army have a great desire to join
+the grand army, and hate the idea of staying at Rhode Island.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. See Spark's Writ. of Wash. vol. 7, p. 117.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL)
+
+Newport, July the 31st, 1780,
+
+My Dear General,--In consequence of a note from me the Admiral came
+to last evening, and defensive ideas gave way to offensive plans. Our
+conversation was long, and it is not yet ended, but I hasten to write
+you a summary report of what past between the Count, the Chevalier, and
+myself.
+
+I first began, in my own name, to give them a pretty exact account of
+the situation we were in three months ago, of the supernatural efforts
+which the country had made for the purpose of an immediate co-operation.
+I told them that by the 1st of January our army would be dismissed; that
+the Militia was only to serve for three months. I added, that for the
+defensive they were useless to us, nay, they were hurtful, and that I
+thought it necessary to take New-York before the winter. All that, my
+dear General, was said in my own name, and therefore in a less delicate
+way than when I am your interpreter.
+
+I then told them that I was going to speak of you, and after many
+compliments, assurances of confidence, &c., I went on with your plan,
+beginning with the importance of possessing the harbour, and going on
+about the three ways which you have directed me to point out as to be
+hereafter regulated by circumstances.
+
+As to the possessing of the harbour the Chevalier told that he did not
+believe his ships might go in; but that if superior at sea, he would
+answer by cruising off to protect the landing, the transportation, and
+prevent an evacuation; indeed to blockade the harbour.
+
+The French General, with the advice of the Naval commander did not
+hesitate to prefer the going in transports to the point you know of.
+Both were of opinion that nothing could be undertaken unless we had a
+naval superiority, and as I know it is your opinion also, (tho' it is
+not mine,) I durst not insist on that article.
+
+There was another reason which made me wait for the reinforcement. I
+knew we had neither arms nor powder. I know we would be at least a long
+time to get them; but as they did not think of making me the objection
+I put my assent to the others on the account of my private confidence in
+their superior abilities; told them that you also thought we should have
+a naval superiority, and added, in my own name, that however we must,
+any how, act before the winter, and get rid of a shameful defensive.
+
+The summary of the arrangement will, I presume, be this: That as soon
+as we hear of a naval reinforcement we go where you know, and establish
+what you intend to fix; that, if possible, we get where I want you to
+be; that immediately the French will embark and go where you wish them
+to be, or thereabout; that a number equal to the enemy's whole force be
+stationed in that part; that they don't want there more than ten pieces
+of our heavy cannon; that after every thing will be disembarked, three
+weeks, in their opinion, will do the business on their side; that proper
+means will be taken by sea to keep up the communication and prevent an
+evacuation; that we must not give up that plan if we may begin in August
+or September; that fascines and other apparatus must be ready on the
+opposite shore; that they will take for us all the boats belonging to
+the Continent which will be at Providence; that as soon as our clothing,
+&c., arrive, it will without entering any harbour be sent to W.C. or
+thereabout.
+
+Their superiority at sea, will, I think, take place in the course of
+this month; they have two ways to depend upon it:--1st, Unless of an
+absolute impossibility the second division, consisting of four other
+regiments and the remaining part of Lauzun's, with the Alliance and all
+other stores, and with a strong convoy of ships of the line, will be
+here very soon. When they will be heard of on the coast, Chevalier de
+Tergay will, at all events, go out and meet them. 2dly, the Gentleman I
+wrote to on my arrival has full liberty to send here reinforcements,
+the Admiral has already applied to him, but I am going to make him write
+other letters _in my way_, and will send them to-morrow or the day after
+to Chevalier de la Luzerne, whom I beg you will immediately desire to
+secure three fast sailing vessels for the West Indies.
+
+I am going this evening to fix plans with Pilots, and also to speak of
+the entrance of the harbour. Dobs and Shaw are here, and I will have a
+full conversation with them and the Admiral, both for the entrance of
+the harbour and the navigation of the Sound. To-morrow I call, with as
+much secrecy as possible, a number of Pilots for the harbour of Halifax
+and River St. Laurence.
+
+Inclosed, you will find a letter from Count de Rochambeau. He requests
+you will have the goodness of letting the Minister know what the French
+army is about, as he had no time of writing to him; it is, I believe,
+very important. 1st, To send every where to meet the reinforcement, and
+give them proper directions. 2dly, To have some vessels ready for the
+West Indies.
+
+The French set more value upon Rhode Island than it is worth. I however
+got them to promise that in case of an operation they will not leave
+here a Garrison, and that their Magazines would be sent to Providence.
+
+You know, my dear General, I did not expect Clinton, and tho' I could
+not stand alone in my opinion, I ever lamented the calling out of the
+Militia. I am happy to inform you that they have been dismissed. Nothing
+can equal the spirit with which they turned out, and I did not neglect
+letting the French know that they have done more for their allies than
+they would have done for the security of their own continental troops on
+a similar occasion.
+
+As to the three month men, the French General wants them to establish
+the communication with the main; but I will soon request him to let them
+go to the grand army, and will, in the same time, get from this State
+as many arms and powder as possible. I have written to Massachusetts for
+the same purpose.
+
+After I will have sent the Pilots, and made calculations with the
+Commander of the Artillery and the first Engineer whom the Count will
+consult, I shall draw a plan which I will get their answer to, and
+repair with it to head-quarters. In the meantime I will receive answers
+from Boston and from Governor Greene.
+
+The Admiral cannot send to us more than thirty thousand of powder. But
+you see that their demands as to heavy pieces are small; they indeed say
+they do not want any on the Island, and that their twenty-ones will
+be sufficient. All that, my dear General, I will be more positive upon
+after the Commanders of Artillery and Engineers will have made with us
+their calculations.
+
+I hope, my dear General, that by the 5th or 6th of August, I will have
+nothing more to do in this place. The French army hate the idea of
+staying here, and want to join you; they swear at those that speak of
+waiting for the second division; they are enraged to be blockaded in
+this harbour. As to the dispositions of the inhabitants and our troops,
+and the dispositions of the inhabitants and the Militia for them, they
+are such as I may wish. You would have been glad the other day to see
+two hundred and fifty of our drafts that came on Connecticut without
+provisions or tents, and who were mixed in such a way with the French
+troops, that every French soldier and officer took an American with him
+and divided their bed and their supper in the most friendly manner.
+
+The patience and sobriety of our Militia is so much admired by the
+French Officers, that two days ago a French Colonel called all his
+officers together to desire them to take the good examples which were
+given to the French soldiers by the American troops. So far are they
+gone in their admirations that they find a great deal to say in favor of
+General Varnum, and his escort of Militia Dragoons, who fill up all the
+streets of Newport. On the other hand, the French discipline is such,
+that chiken and pigs walk between the tents without being disturbed, and
+that there is in the camp a cornfield, from which not one leaf has been
+touched. The Tories don't know what to say to it.
+
+Adieu, my dear General. To-morrow, I hope having the pleasure of
+writing you another letter, and am with the most tender friendship, dear
+General,
+
+Your most obedient humble servant, &c.
+
+I beg, my dear General, you will present my compliments to the family.
+~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. See Spark's Writ. of Wash. vol. 7, p. 117. The answer to this letter
+appears in Spark's Writ. of Wash. v. 7, p. 135.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Newport, August the 1st, 1750.
+
+My Dear General,--Your letter to Count de Rochambeau~[1] mentioning
+the enemy's embarkation, and your future movements against New-York, a
+positive letter from Governor Trumbull, and a positive one from General
+Parsons, have once more altered the dispositions, and such of the
+Militia as had been dismissed have been again sent for.
+
+In consequence of these expectations my offensive arrangements have
+been entirely cut short, they are wholly taken in their preparations.
+My letter of yesterday has been detained with the hope that some
+intelligence might be added to it; but I will send it this morning, and
+if it is possible to obtain from the Admiral some hour's conversation
+with Captains Dobs and Shaw I shall to-morrow morning dispatch another
+express.
+
+The dispositions of defence are, I believe, these; the French to occupy
+the English lines; General Heath to command a corps of militia on the
+Tivertown side; I to have his van-guard on the Island, and to watch
+the enemy's motions almost all around the Island, which is not a small
+affair.
+
+If the enemy land I will try to oppose it, and the French will come
+in columns to attack them with fixed bayonets. If this attack do not
+succeed they will retire behind the lines, and take with them fifteen
+hundred Militia, when with the few ones that may stay, I will retire to
+Butt's Hill, and secure the communication with General Heath.
+
+As you did not write to me, my dear General, I could not know what
+you want me to do. If you think seriously of entering on the Island of
+New-York, I am extremely sorry to stay here. If on the contrary you send
+troops this way, (which, if the enemy land, would be fatal to them,)
+I will not be to lament my being away from the army. I shall feel very
+unhappy to be with some Militia while the Light Infantry is acting under
+you, and had I been sent for, I would have joined you very fast; but
+if you can take New-York I will heartily forget that I could have been
+there, and feel nothing but joy; if, however, there was time enough, I'd
+beg you will send for me. If you send troops this way I believe they may
+strike a great blow.
+
+The wind is against them, so that they won't be here before the day
+after to-morrow. Adieu, my dear General, with the highest respect I have
+the honor to be,
+
+Your's, &c.~[2]
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. See Spark's Writ. of Wash. vol. 7, p. 126.
+
+2. For the answer to the above, approving the measures of Lafayette, See
+Spark's Writ. of Wash. v.7, p.147.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Elizabeth Town, October the 27th, 1780.
+
+My Dear General.--From what you have heard from Dr. Hagen about the
+boats when on your way to head-quarters, I don't believe that you may
+have kept any hope for our success. The boats have been, it seems,
+reduced to five, and from the time when they were yet at the Little
+Falls you may see that they could not be here at the appointed hour.
+
+I will not permit myself to reflect on this moment upon the many
+blunders committed on that affair by the Quarter-General's department.
+I was too certain of some brilliant success, and military glory is too
+much idolized by me; not to be rather severe on the occasion. I will
+content myself to say that from the report and common agreement of
+all the spies and guides collected together by Major Lee, from the
+negligence of the enemy, the circumstances of the tide and a thick foggy
+weather, not one of those whom I led into the matter had the least doubt
+upon your success.
+
+The only advantage I have got from it has been to convince myself that
+our troops are particularly fit for such an expedition, on account of
+their patience and silence; and that if the other business could be
+supported upon a large scale, I would answer to carry it. I have written
+upon both roads to the commanding officer of the brigade of the line
+that our expedition was relinquished, and that I would advise him not to
+give to his men the trouble of going farther. I have also requested him
+to speak of this movement as if it had taken place on account of some
+intelligence that the enemy meant to come out into the Jersey's to
+attack us.
+
+I have taken my position between Elizabethtown and Connecticut Farms.
+General Clinton has not the time of making any disposition against us.
+To-morrow at nine or ten I will march to our position of Crane's Town,
+and the day after to-morrow to Cotawa, unless I receive contrary orders.
+
+Newark Mountain was rather too far to march it this night, and too
+near for to-morrow, because our men being in want of blankets will like
+better to join their tents again.
+
+If your Excellency approves of this arrangement, I beg, you will order
+our baggage to wait for us on our position of Crane's Town; if you
+dislike the disposition your orders may reach us on the road.
+
+I beg, my dear General, you will please to communicate our ill success
+and disgraceful disappointment to the Minister, who said he would not
+leave Morris Town until he hears from me.
+
+Had I any thing to reproach to myself on the occasion, I would be
+inconsolable. I undertook the business because I thought myself equal
+to it; I wish the people in the Quarter Master's Department had done the
+same for their plans.
+
+I am, my dear General, your's, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Light Camp, October 27th, 1780.
+
+My Dear General,--I am sorry to hear from Major Gibbs that my letter of
+last night did not reach you before your departure from head quarters.
+It had been written at one o'clock, as soon as I took my position for
+the night, and intrusted to Colonel Ogden, who promised to send it by an
+officer acquainted with the roads.
+
+Depending upon your communication of the sad intelligence to Chevalier
+de la Luzerne, I did not send to Morristown where he was to wait for the
+news of the success.
+
+Among the many blunders which have been committed, I shall extract from
+that complete assortment some instances (not for this glorious occasion
+that is forever lost) but on any future one.
+
+You may remember that after a long time Colonel Pickering assured to you
+that the boats were in complete readiness whilst they had no oars,--he
+afterwards positively told that he had only three boats with him at
+Camp when two hours before I had seen five of them with my own eyes.
+The sending of those five boats two hours after that which you had
+appointed, you have been early apprized of, but you don't perhaps know
+that instead of being at Dod's the night before last the boats from
+Suffrans arrived there last evening about sunset, to this report the
+man who received them eight miles this side of Suffrans adds that they
+wanted their double trees and spread chains, so that he was obliged to
+lose about two hours in taking those things from Continental wagons
+and the inhabitants; when our affairs will be thus managed your best
+projects cannot fail of being defeated.
+
+Had Mr. Pickering followed the example of General Knox, every thing
+would have been here in proper time and proper order, as was the
+artillery from the Park.--I confess, my dear General, that I cannot
+reconcile my feelings to the idea that by this neglect I have lost a
+most happy opportunity, blessed with all the little circumstances which
+may insure success. Our expedition has taken the most foolish turn in
+the eyes of any one who is unacquainted with this circumstance of the
+boats.
+
+When I was in hopes of seeing in time at least five of them, I gave up
+the watering place to think only of Richmond; but when I saw that we
+could not be there before the break of the day, I did not hesitate to
+relinquish an expedition which on that footing would have occasioned a
+great profusion of blood for little or no purpose, but you will easily
+guess what I have felt on the occasion. I never have been so deeply
+wounded by any disappointment.
+
+By Mercereau and Colonel Ogden, I hear that the enemy are collecting
+boats and intend a forage into the Jerseys. I would be very happy to
+know if you have got the like intelligence. Suppose they were to come
+out in force and at a distance from us, would not this be an opportunity
+to execute your grand plan?
+
+I beg you will let me know this evening if I am to march to-morrow to
+our old ground to Cotawa; if the enemy were likely to come out, or if
+you thought of a certain plan, I would advise to keep Major Lee for some
+days, as in both cases he will be a capital man,--he is a most charming
+officer.
+
+Arnold has issued a second proclamation wherein he invites the officers
+and soldiers of our army to join him, promising to them equal ranks to
+those they hold in the American service.
+
+I am told expresses were sent to me to acquaint me of the delay of the
+boats; but excepting Doctor Pagen I have not seen one of them,--the
+boats have been sent to the two bridges by Major Gibbs, I had brought
+them up with me, and in passing by them both conductors and wagoners
+have received the curses of every officer and soldier in the division.
+The men marched last night very fast with such silence, good order and
+desire of fighting as would have highly pleased you. The activity and
+resources of Major Lee have been on that occasion displayed in such a
+way as entitles him to my eternal esteem and gratitude. I felt not only
+for me but for all the officers and men who had promised themselves so
+much glory on the occasion.
+
+With the most tender affection and high respect I have the honor to be,
+my clear general, yours, &e,
+
+Colonel Ogden has remained behind to get inteligences; so that being
+uncertain if my first letter has reached you, I would be happy to know
+in the course of the night if I am to march to-morrow morning to the old
+ground.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. The two preceding letters relate to a descent upon Staten Island,
+which was projected, and was to be executed by Lafayette, who was now
+in command of a Light Corps, consisting of battallions, stationed in
+advance of the main army, and was anxious to effect some important
+enterprise before the campaign should be brought to a close; but this
+expedition, as well as an attack proposed in his letter of the 30th
+October, ante upon the upper part of New York Island, was rendered
+impracticable by the want of boats and other necessary preparations. See
+Sparks' Writ. of Wash. v. 7, p. 280, and App. No. 9.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Philadelphia, December 4, 1780.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--I will for this time write a very short letter to
+you and cannot be more particular either on public or private business,
+until some few days stay in this city have enabled me to get further
+information.
+
+I have been greatly disappointed in my not meeting Mrs. Washington. I
+have been very angry with my bad fate which led me into another road at
+the only moment when I could miss her--this has been the more the case,
+as I knew you was uneasy about her, and I wanted both to send you an
+express and to advise her to the best way of meeting you as soon as
+possible.
+
+The southern news are expected this evening. Leslie has re-embarked and
+will probably go to Charleston; the southern members are pleased to
+like my going towards their country. However I cannot for the present be
+determined, as I don't yet know if the campaign will be active, and if
+succours are to be expected from France.
+
+By a vessel from there who left Lorient before the middle of October,
+we hear that nothing material had happened except the taking of the
+merchant fleet. Both naval armies were in port. There was an expedition
+of, I think, ten ships of the line and five thousand men ready to
+sail--this vessel came in company with Jones, who is daily expected; but
+a very little part of our clothing will be on board, some will come on
+board the Serapis, Jones, who mounts the _Ariel_ had dispatches from the
+French Court, for as he however might have been detained by a storm
+off the French coast which separated the little convoy. In the vessel
+arrived was a Mr. Ross, who, I hope will give me some account of the
+clothing, and Baron d'Arent, who got rid of his rupture, has a star
+with a cross and a ribbon, and is upon very good terms with the King of
+Prussia.
+
+Congress have debated a motion about your being desired to go to the
+southward, but have determined that you would better know than they do
+if it was more useful to go or to stay. I am more than ever of this last
+opinion.
+
+On my arrival I found one of the salt meat vessels sold and the other to
+be sold to day. I have spoken on the subject to almost every member of
+Congress, who promised that they would take the best measures in their
+power to get these provisions.
+
+Chevalier de la Luzerne has communicated to me in _the most confidential
+way_ a Spanish plan against St. Augustine, upon which I am building a
+letter for the Generals of this nation, and using the best arguments in
+my power to engage them either to send twelve ships of the line to take
+us and conduct us to Charleston, as to render their operations as useful
+as possible to General Greene. To-morrow I will write you about it. If
+I have time before the departure of the confederacy who is going to the
+West Indies, I will send you the original, if not a copy of my
+letter. This is entirely _confidential_, as I have not the Chevelier's
+permission to mention it. Adieu, my dear General, your's, most
+respectfully.
+
+A letter dated Cadiz, September 23d, mentions that Count d'Estaing
+commands the combined fleet, and is gone to sea. In this case his going
+with sixteen ships could not be true. I will endeavour to ascertain this
+matter.~[1]
+
+Mr. Carmichael writes that Spain has sent a hundred and thirty thousand
+dollas. It is not a great deal, the dispositions of that court are
+very satisfactory. Portugal does every thing we want, letters are just
+arrived from St. Domingo but not desciphered.
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. The Light Infantry corps which Lafayette had commanded was broken
+up when the army went into winter quarters, and he now entertained the
+desire of transferring his services to the southern army under General
+Greene, and had applied to Washington for his advice. See Sparks' Writ.
+of Wash. Vol. 7, p. 316.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+December the 5th, in the Evening, 1780.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--However acquainted I may be with your intentions, I
+thought, upon the whole, that I should better wait for your approbation
+before I present any opinion of yours to the Spanish and French
+Generals in the West Indies. I will, I know, lose the opportunity of the
+confederacy, but many vessels are going that way, and if my letters meet
+with your approbation I shall send them by triplicates. I Impatiently
+wait for your answer.
+
+I will write to General Greene to let him know of this intended
+expedition, which, tho' uncertain as all human events are, may be,
+however, in a great measure depended upon.
+
+I confess that I don't hope to prevail upon the Spaniards to come here;
+but if you will, you, Count de Rochambeau, and Chevalier de Ternay,
+may try. In that case I wish you would write to both of them. My letter
+will, at all events, give some remote chance of their doing what I
+wish, and insure their communicating with General Greene. For political
+reasons I also wish to draw them into this correspondence.
+
+Chevalier de la Luzerne wishes his packet to Count de Rochambeau to
+be forward as soon as possible. Adieu, my dear General, yours most
+respectfully and affectionately.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. For the answer to this letter, See Sparks' Writ. of Wash. v. 7, p.
+322.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Philadelphia, December the 16th, 1780.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--Your favor of the 8th instant never came to hand
+before last night. My former letters will have explained to you my
+sentiments relating to a journey southward. I must heartily thank you,
+my dear General, for the kind and friendly letters you have been pleased
+to send me. I am so happy in your friendship that every mark of your
+affection, for me gives me a degree of pleasure which far surpasses all
+expressions.
+
+As I have written to you before, my dear General, there is an
+intelligence of some ships and troops having been put in readiness at
+Brest; there is a possibility of a Spanish officer waiting on you for
+the sake of a co-operation. We are also to expect news from my friend
+the new Minister of the French Navy, and before they arrive you would
+not like my departure.
+
+Two other reasons have weight with me; the first that if the enemy
+make this detachment, without which nothing material will happen in the
+Southward, and if the intelligence is true about the fast recruiting of
+six month men, there is (not a probability) but a possibility of some
+thing to be done in this quarter. The second is, that for reasons I will
+explain to you when we meet, a visit from you to the French army is to
+be much wished, and in this case you will be glad that I may accompany
+you.
+
+Under these circumstances, to which is added a natural reluctance
+to part from you and this army, and some idea that upon the whole my
+staying will be more agreeable to you, I think, my dear General, that
+unless new intelligence comes I will soon return.
+
+Colonel Laurens persists in refusing to go, and hopes Hamilton may be
+sent, whom he thinks better calculated for the purpose; but I don't
+believe now that this plan may be effected, and in that case I should
+advise Laurens to accept of the commission, provided he is merely a
+_messenger_ and not an _envoy_, that would supersede the old Doctor.
+
+The Assembly of Pennsylvania have passed a bill for their officers which
+seems satisfactory to them. Before I go I will still intrigue for the
+affair of filling up the battalions. Mifflin behaves perfectly well.
+
+Adieu, my dear General, most affectionately and respectfully, Yours,
+&c.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. For the letter referred to in the commencement of this, See Sparks'
+Writ. of Wash. v. 7, p. 316, and see also the letter of Washington to
+Lafayette, ibid, p.322 & 339.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Philadelphia, March the 2nd, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--Your letters of the 25th and 26th~[1] both came
+yesterday to hand, which shows that the expresses have not made great
+dispatch. I would have done myself the honour of writing to your
+Excellency had I not every minute waited for intelligence from the
+Southward.
+
+Your Excellency remembers that our shortest calculation on the arrival
+of the troops at the head of Elk was for the 6th of March; I am happy
+to inform you that they will be there this day or to-morrow early, and
+notwithstanding the depth of the mud, and the extreme badness of the
+roads, this march, which I can call rapid, (as for example, they came
+in two days from Morris Town to Princeton,) has been performed with such
+order and alacrity, that agreeable to the report two men only have been
+left behind; and yet these two men have embarked at Trenton with some
+remains of baggage. At every place where the detachment have halted,
+they have found covering and wood ready for them, and there has not been
+the least complaint made to me from any inhabitant. Every third day they
+have drawn their provisions; the clothing has also been distributed,
+and having embarked yesterday at Trenton they passed the city about two
+o'clock with a wind which was extremely favorable. Congress have given
+to their troops the advance of one month's pay which will be distributed
+at the head of Elk in new emission.
+
+The Artillery, consisting of one 24, six 18, two brass 12, one 8 inch
+howitzer, two 8 inch mortars, in all, 12 heavy pieces; four 6 pounders,
+and two small howitzers, with a sufficient quantity of ammunition, will
+be at the head of the Elk this day and to-morrow, so that by the 4th I
+hope we shall be ready to sail. A quantity of medicines and instruments,
+and fifteen hundred pairs of shoes will be at the head of Elk before
+we embark. Vessels will be in readiness to receive us with thirty days
+provision on board. I am also assured that we will have a sufficient
+quantity of boats to land the detachment, and two heavy ones will be
+added for the Artillery, the public, and some of the private armed
+vessels in the Bay have been ordered to the head of Elk; two dispatch
+boats are there, and four more have been asked for. As a farther
+security to our subsistence, I have got the Minister's permission to
+dispose of the French flour and salt meat along the Bay in case of
+necessity.
+
+On my arrival at this place I heard that M. de Tilly, the French
+Commander, had conferred with the Virginians, but upon seeing that
+nothing could be done immediately, he was undetermined whether to stay
+or to return to Rhode Island. Fearing that our letters might miscarry,
+and wishing to hurry the preparations of the Militia, I complied with
+the earnest solicitations of the Minister of France to send on Colonel
+Gouvion, and directed him to go either by land or water (as the state
+of the Bay would permit) on board the French squadron, and afterwards
+to Baron de Steuben's Camp, where he may apprise these Gentlemen of our
+force, our intentions, and the time of our arrival. This minuted account
+I give to your Excellency to show you that nothing on our part has been
+wanting for the success of the expedition. Our preparations have in
+every article fulfilled, and in the most important one, time, have
+exceeded what had been expected.
+
+Your letter was sent by express to General St. Clair, who immediately
+came to town; but nothing having been done for the settling of the
+accounts, none of the promises having been complied with, and the men
+being much scattered, it has, (after much consideration,) been thought
+impossible to embark any number with us, and General St. Clair promises
+to make every exertion for the sending of two or three hundred in a few
+days whom however I am not to depend upon.
+
+I am myself going to the head of Elk and shall arrive there this
+evening. It has not been possible for me to leave sooner the City, as
+the three days I have remained here have been fully employed in making
+and forwarding preparations.
+
+Before I go I will wait on the Board of War Navy and propose the sending
+of the frigates; but the Trumbull having not her compliment of men,
+and those of the Ariel having mutinied at sea, I am afraid we will
+find difficulties. The preparations made at New York; the return of the
+Amarila; the remasting of the Bedfort; the impossibility Mr. Destouches
+is under to give us any further assistance; the uncertainty of what Mr.
+de Tilly may have determined before he had received your letter. Such
+are, my dear General, the many reasons which from a pretty certain
+expedition have lately made a precarious one. Under these circumstances,
+indeed, there must always be more or less danger in going down the Bay,
+and venturing the low country about Portsmouth. Being unacquainted
+with the answer you have received from Count de Rochambeau and Mr.
+Destouches, I am not able to judge how far I may depend upon the same
+ship being ordered again to Chesapeake (in case before the reception
+of your letter) she had thought proper to sail. Her coming was not
+in consequence of your proposition; her going was relative to the
+difficulties of an expedition very different from ours, and I wish I
+might know if (tho' Mr. Destouches cannot give further assistance,) this
+assistance at least may be depended upon, so as to hope for the return
+of the ship should M. de Tilly have left the bay. The bottom of the
+Bedfort is said to be damaged; the Amarila was said to have been
+dismasted. Suppose those circumstances were true, they would be in our
+favour. If a detachment was to go from New York to Portsmouth, Westpoint
+would be less in danger. If Cornwallis continues advancing on, perhaps
+our being in the neighbourhood of Arnold may be of service; I will,
+however, confine myself literally to my instructions, and if Colonel
+Gouvion writes me with certainty that M. de Tilly is gone; if I am not
+led to suppose he will return, I will march back the detachment; for the
+present I am going on because upon the increasing of the enemy's force
+at Gardner's Bay, you recommended dispatch to me; I hope, however, that
+I will hear from your Excellency. Now that the chain is established,
+Colonel Dickering says, that in six days I may receive your answer at
+the head of Elk. The hope of seeing the French ship again, or some other
+reason, may detain me; but your answer will determine my movements, and
+I can receive it by the 8th, which is about the time when it was thought
+we would arrive at the head of Elk.
+
+My expectations are not great, and I think we have but few chances for
+us. I shall make all possible dispatch, and listen particularly to the
+voice of prudence; however, some hazard might be ran, if we undertake
+under these circumstances.
+
+General Duportail having not left this place, I am led to hope that if
+we don't go I may return in time for the journey to Rhode Island. I most
+earnestly beg, my dear General, that you will favor me with an immediate
+answer.
+
+With the highest respect and most tender affection, I have the honor to
+be, your's, &c.
+
+P.S.--One of our transports from Trenton had got aground, but the
+troops of her will still be in time for her at the head of Elk. Some new
+difficulties have been made for the collecting of shoes, but I will try
+to get over them. From the extraordinary motions of Lord Cornwallis,
+whom we have not heard of these many days, and from the movements in
+New-York, I am led to hope that I will hear from you respecting my
+future conduct, and that I may be at head-quarters before you think it
+prudent to leave New Windsor.~[2]
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. For these, See Sparks' Writ. Wash. p. 430 & 439 The date of the
+letter is there given as the 27th.
+
+2. See the letters of Washington is Sparks' Writ. of Wash. Vol. 7, p.
+444 & 447.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Head of Elk, March the 7th, 1781.
+
+My dear general,--Contrary winds, heavy rains, disappointments of
+vessels, and every inconvenience to which we had no remedy, have been,
+from the day of my arrival, combined against our embarkation. I hope,
+however, we will be on board to-morrow morning, and as nothing certain
+has been heard from the French ships, no time will be lost on our part
+for the celerity of the expedition.
+
+The troops will embark five miles below this place, and three miles
+higher up than the Point where General Howe landed. There will be more
+room for the arrangements of our vessels, and the shallowness of the
+water insures us against the enterprise of any vessel of force. In this
+situation we may wait for intelligence from our friends. The State of
+Maryland have made to me every offer in their power. I will improve this
+opportunity of making up some deficiencies in the Quarter-Master and
+Engineer's Department, of insuring to us a good stock of provisions, and
+upon the intelligence received that Baron de Steubens was gone with
+a large detachment to the Southward, I had hinted the possibility of
+getting some Militia from the lower countries, and repairing some cannon
+at Baltimore; but having read the inclosed from the Baron, I will write
+again to Governor Lee, (as my letter has been gone but two days,)
+and save the State from any expence of that kind. To the obtaining of
+vessels has been joined the difficulty of getting them up the river, as
+they were taking every opportunity to slip them off. All the vessels,
+three excepted, are only bay craft, and our Admiral's ship mounts twelve
+guns. I have prepared some kind of orders for that fleet, but hope to be
+relieved from my Naval command by the arrival of a French frigate, and
+have, at all events, sent for Commodore Nicholson of Baltimore. Mr.
+McHenry has been very active in accelerating the measures of his State.
+
+By a letter from Colonel Gouvion, dated Yucomico River, I find
+that after many adventures, he had landed there on the 4th, and was
+proceeding by land to his destination. The wind is fair enough to come
+up the Bay, and hope soon to hear from our friends.
+
+The enclosed letter from the Baron having first come into my hand, and
+being on public service, as it was waited upon _to be forwarded with
+dispatch_, I took the liberty to open it, but was very sorry to have
+done it after a letter of the same date had came also to hand; both say
+the same thing (at least in every material point,) and I am happy to
+find that the Baron's preparations are going on rapidly.
+
+Whatever may be the Baron's opinion upon the facility of taking, sword
+in hand, the fortifications of Portsmouth, I will not hazard any thing
+before I have considered the matter with my own eyes. Arnold had so much
+time to prepare, and plays so deep a game; nature has made the position
+so respectable, and some of the troops under his orders have been in so
+many actions that I don't flatter myself to succeed so easily as it may
+be thought. The prospect of preserving Naval superiority must, I think,
+decide if we are to save bloodshed by regular approaches, or to risk
+our men into the dangers of an assault; but I would like to destroy the
+works in some measure before we attempt to storm them. A conversation
+with the Baron, with Colonel Gouvion, and some other officers, joined to
+what I can see myself, will better fix my mind on the matter than it can
+be at present. When I left Philadelphia General Wayne was not far from
+hoping he could soon collect a thousand men; but I am not so sanguine
+in my expectations; I am, however, trying to prepare matters for this
+number of men, but I think that a sufficiency of vessels, (unless ours
+are sent back,) will not be obtained in a few days. Let General Wayne
+arrive in time or not, when he comes under my directions I wish to know
+if in case we succeed, he must be sent to Genl. Greene. Supposing he is
+to go there, would your Excellency think of selecting some riflemen for
+the grand army? It seems to me that I heard you once mentioning this
+matter. The State of Virginia, I am told, finds difficulties in the
+keeping of prisoners. Suppose something of the kind was stated to me, am
+I to alter any thing in what you said to me on the subject?
+
+I am in a great hurry to go, my dear General; but let us succeed or fall
+in the object we have in view, I shan't be less hurried to return with
+the detachment to head-quarters, where I hope to be again as soon as
+you may possibly expect. I beg you will present my respects to Mrs.
+Washington, and Mrs. Hamilton, and compliments to the family. I have
+received Mr. Washington's answer, he is waiting for me at the Baron's
+quarters.
+
+With the highest respect and most tender affection I have the honor to
+be, your's, &c.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. See Washington's letter in Sparks' Writ. in Wash, vol. 8, p. 449.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Off Turkey Point, March the 9th.
+
+My dear general,--Commodore Nicholson has joined us sooner than I
+expected; he answers to conduct the detachment to Annapolis without the
+least danger, there he will wait for intelligence from me, but says that
+if the French fleet are below be might go with safety (if not for
+the vessels at least for the troops) to the point of our destination.
+Nicholson will be very useful to the French fleet as he knows well the
+bay.
+
+I will be at Hampton to-morrow night or the day after, and three days
+after my arrival, if the French (whose arrival has not been heard of)
+consent to send a Frigate, the detachment may come in two days from
+Annapolis.
+
+Most respectfully, my dear General, your's &c.
+
+P.S.--I have written to the State of Maryland to tell them we don't
+want any of their Militia. I have left to the Navy Board to judge of the
+propriety to send out the Ariel adding that it was no more essential.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+York, March 15th, 1781.
+
+My Dear General,--The number of small frigates and privateers that are
+in the bay, made it impossible for me to carry the detachment farther
+down than Annapolis, and I have requested the Governor of Maryland as
+well as the principal officers of the detachment, to give out that we
+are going to join General Greene; but the object of the expedition is
+so perfectly well known every where, that our sole dependence to keep
+Arnold must be upon the apprehension he has of a French fleet being
+cruizing off the capes.
+
+For my part, I came in a barge from Annapolis, and very luckily escaped
+the dangers that were in the way. Colonel Harrison will have given to
+your Excellency a minute detail of the reasons which have prompted me to
+this measure. I have taken his advice on the matter, and have no doubt
+but that your Excellency (considering the probability that no frigate
+would have been sent) will approve of the step I have taken to forward
+as much as possible both the advantage of the expedition and the honor
+of the American arms.
+
+On my arrival, (yesterday afternoon) I have found that Baron de Stuben
+had been very active in making preparations, and agreeable to what he
+tells me, we shall have five thousand militia ready to operate. This,
+with the Continental detachment, is equal to the business, and we might
+very well do without any land force from Newport.
+
+By papers found in the baggage of a British officer, (taken in a boat)
+it seems that General Gregory had a correspondence with the enemy. The
+Baron has suspended him, but he is still with the troops.
+
+Arnold is so well acquainted with the coming of the detachment, and his
+object is so well known, that, as I said before, our only chance to
+keep him must be the idea of a French fleet being off the capes; he is
+fortifying at Portsmouth, and trying to get provisions. There has been
+some trifling skirmishes with the militia.
+
+To my great disappointment the French fleet have not yet appeared. If
+the project has not been given up they must be expected every minute;
+they had double the time which they wanted, and such winds as ought have
+brought them in four days.
+
+I wanted to hold up the idea of my going to the Southward; but the Baron
+says that if the detachment is not announced, the militia will desert.
+He wanted me to take the command immediately, but I thought it more
+polite not to do it until the detachment arrives or operations are
+begun.
+
+In your first letter to the Baron, I wish my dear General, you will
+write to him that I have been much satisfied with his preparations.
+I want to please him, and harmony shall be my first object. As in all
+cases, (even this of my going to the Southward and coming here to make
+arrangements with the Baron) I would reconnoitre the enemies; I will
+take an opportunity of doing it as soon as possible. They have not
+as yet been reconnoitred by the Baron, and I think it therefore more
+necessary for me to see with my own eyes.
+
+As I have just arrived, my dear General, I cannot give you a very exact
+account of matters.
+
+This letter I send by duplicate, and have the honor to be with the
+highest respect and most tender affection, yours, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Elk, April the 10th, 1751.
+
+Dear general,--By my letter of the 8th your Excellency will have known
+of my arrival at this place, and the preparations I was making to
+proceed Southward. I took at the same time the liberty to inform you
+that the great want of money, baggage, clothing, under which both
+officers and men are suffering, and the hope they had of being furnished
+with a part of these articles from their States, would render it very
+inconvenient for the troops to proceed immediately by land; they begin
+to be sensible of the reason which detains them here, and are uneasy
+about it, as they are so unprovided for the journey. I have, however,
+hurried on preparations, and will be able to set off to-morrow morning.
+The circumstances of my being ready sooner than I expected, and a letter
+from the Governor of Maryland telling that six ships, whom I take to be
+plundering vessels, were coming up the Potomac, induces me not to wait
+for your Excellency's answer. Not that I pretend to defend the towns
+of Alexandria, Baltimore and Annapolis, at a time, or to stop the
+depredations of the enemy's parties in a country where their naval
+superiority renders it impossible; but because I don't think any
+consideration must delay the execution of superior orders, and because,
+if the corps was not sent to Southward they would with alacrity march
+back thirty or forty miles more to rejoin the grand army.
+
+Having received no particulars of your Excellency's journey to Rhode
+Island, but by the paper, a letter from you to Mr. Lund Washington, and
+private letters from some friends, I cannot know what change has taken
+place in your plans, and am not able to account for the inactivity which
+you foresee for the grand army. Letters from Ministers, letters from my
+friends, intelligences from other quarters, every thing was combined to
+flatter me with the hope that our grand and decisive object would be in
+contemplation. I then was not displeased with the dispositions of the
+enemy that weakened that place. It is probable that your Excellency's
+plans have changed, and you intend to prosecute the war to the
+Southward.
+
+I had yesterday the pleasure of dining on board the Hermione, and left
+her under sail to go to Rhode Island, where she will probably be the day
+after to-morrow. Mr. Delatouche, uncle to captain Latouche, will, it is
+said, command the squadron of the second division. I was conversing
+with his nephew, on whom he has an entire confidence on the expedition
+against New York, and he assured me that his Uncle's plan would
+certainly be to take possession of the harbour, and send a force up the
+North River, which you know is entirely the thing that you wanted M. de
+Vernay to do.
+
+Mr. Delatouche having confidentially told me that he had a great
+influence over Mr. Destouches, I observed to him how important it was
+for the common cause that the French fleet might have the greatest
+possible activity. We were also conversing of the difficulties we
+laboured under for transportation, and he told me that the next day
+after his arrival at Rhode Island, unless such obstacles occurred as he
+could not foresee; Mr. Destouches would make you an offer of the ship
+l'Eveille, and the four frigates to carry twelve hundred men to any part
+of` continent you might think proper. Those ships are too strong to be
+afraid of frigates, and too fast sailers to be in the least concerned by
+the fear of a squadron. Thinking that (particularly as Lord Cornwallis
+has retreated) our march would take us forty days, where desertion and
+sickness, occasioned by want of shoes and every other necessary, as well
+as by the heat of the season, would much reduce our numbers, and that
+these ships, with the addition of the two frigates at Philadelphia,
+armed _en flute_, would in sailing on the 4th or 5th of May, carry
+1500 men to Wilmington, Georgetown, or any place in the rear of Lord
+Cornwallis or the neighborhood of General Greene, I thought it my duty
+to encourage this idea, which would bring us to the point of operations
+sooner than we could arrive by land. It would also give you the time of
+forming at Morristown or Trenton, a detachment well provided, agreeably
+to the project you had in contemplation after the return of this corps.
+The appointment of officers could be made without affecting the delicacy
+of the regimental officers, nor the honor of those already employed.
+While we would be operating, Mr. Destouches might keep cruizers off
+Charleston. These ideas, my dear General, are only thrown out in
+consequence of the freedom you have often ordered me to take. What Mr.
+Destouches may do is uncertain, and I did not think myself authorised to
+express to him the least wish on that head. It was my duty to relate our
+difficulties to you, and the chances I foresaw to see them relieved
+in some measure; but unless the bad weather, of which there is now a
+prospect, makes it impossible, I will be to-morrow at the ferry at the
+Susquehannah.
+
+You may have known from Mr. de La Luzerne, that two millions and a half
+had been given to Mr. Franklin, and that Marquis de Castries and Count
+de Vergennes, were trying to obtain a sum more adequate to our wants.
+This, however, the Minister of France has requested me not to mention,
+as it was as yet an uncertainty, and would perhaps give ill-grounded
+hopes, destructive of the internal efforts we ought to make. I am told
+that just before the departure of Mr. Dela Peyrouse, some dispatches
+were sent to Brest; but do not think they contain any thing relating to
+our operations, as Marquis de Castries writes me that the determination
+of the Council upon our letters will be sent by the ships who is to
+convoy the expected vessels.
+
+I am very sorry I have not seen the Aid de Camp who had a verbal message
+from General Greene. Inclosed I send to your Excellency the letter
+I have received on the occasion. Perhaps, did he mean to propose an
+expedition towards Cape-fear or Georgetown, which might be made with
+the light squadron above mentioned. An additional circumstance is, that
+l'Eveille will now be commanded by Mr. de Lombard, captain Latouche's
+uncle, who is entirely under that Gentleman's influence.
+
+I write to the board of war to get some shoes and other parts of
+clothing. I will this morning speak to the commanding officers of
+battalions on our intended journey; but have not yet said any thing
+to Colonel Gimat and Major Galvan, because it is possible that new
+circumstances may engage you to change your dispositions. Going by
+water, if possible, would level most all difficulties; but if I don't
+hear from you, I will always proceed on. I have the honor to be, yours
+&c.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. See Washington's Letters of 21st of March and 5th and 6th of
+April. Sparks' Writ. of Wash. volume 7. pp. 449 and 468, 8469. See
+also--Sparks' Writ. of Wash. vol. 8. Appendix No. 1.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Susquehannah ferry April 13th, 1751.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--I received your Excellency's letter relating to
+Colonel Gouvion. It would have been very agreeable to me to keep this
+officer, your orders have been sent to Philadelphia where he is for the
+present. However distant I may be from the scene, I am happy to find
+that your Excellency hopes to undertake the grand object we have had in
+contemplation.
+
+By a letter just received from the board of War, it seems that
+representations of wants have been made which they have mistaken
+for objections from me to our journey southward. I have said to some
+officers that our proximity to the southern states was the reason which
+had induced your Excellency to send this detachment, but I hope I need
+not assure you that I never thought of intimating the least idea of
+alteration to your Excellency's projects, but such as you would think
+of making yourself after your own ideas and intelligences. Perhaps my
+letter to the board of War may appear disrespectful or impolite, but
+nothing could stop me in an instance where it might be suspected I
+objected to your plans, or even differed in opinion. You know me too
+perfectly not to think an explanation useless.
+
+It is confidently reported that the second division is arrived in the
+capes of Delaware, consisting of nine sail of the line, this was the
+number mentioned to me by the Marquis de Castries to be in harbour,
+your Excellency would in that case have a brilliant Campaign to the
+northward.
+
+With the highest and most affectionate respect Yours &c.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. See Letters of Wash. of the 11th April. Sparks' Writ. of Wash. vol.
+8, p. 11.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Susquehannah ferry April 13th, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--Had your Excellency's answer to my letter of the 8th,
+been forwarded with an equal celerity that your favor of the 6th, I
+would have received it before this time, but whatever change my new
+situation could make in your Excellency's dispositions, I thought it my
+duty in the mean while to obey the positive orders I had received,
+the Troops are now crossing the ferry and will with all possible speed
+proceed to Richmond.
+
+By a letter received from General Green I find that he is, strongly of
+opinion that I must go to the southward, his intention is to carry the
+seat of war into South Carolina, there by preventing a junction between
+Arnold and Cornwallis, he gives me many excellent reasons to justify
+the movement and requests me to make to Richmond, and they will, if
+possible, increase my zeal to execute your Excellency's orders.
+
+General Green's opinion is that Lord Cornwallis will fall down towards
+Wilmington, his own project is to carry the war into South Carolina.
+Under these circumstances a corps of Light Infantry embarked at
+Philadelphia on board a light squadron might have been upon the seat of
+war in a very short passage.
+
+I cannot help fearing, my dear General, that our campaign will take
+a defensive turn which is far from answering our first plans and
+expectations. Major McPherson is with me as a volunteer, that officer
+has most zealously employed himself and has been most dangerously
+exposed in the discovery of a plot made to furnish the enemy with
+provisions, he has managed this matter with infinite address, being for
+two days and one night with six soldiers who, as well as himself, put
+on the air of British, and, in company with a spy who thought them to
+be enemy and by a most violent gale of wind, crossed the bay in a small
+boat, by which means he was made sensible that a trade of flour is
+carried with the enemy from the western shore of Maryland, and saved a
+magazine of 800 barrels of continental flour which would otherwise have
+fallen into the hands of the enemy. In case we proceed southerly perhaps
+will it be possible for General Green to give Mayor McPherson a command
+in some detachment; I would be happy if he was recommended to him by
+your Excellency. My determination being to go on with rapidity, unless
+I am recalled, your Excellency may easily judge of my movements from
+the answer I will probably receive in a few hours. Was I to assure your
+Excellency that this journey is perfectly agreeable to the Troops, I
+would not use that candor which you have so much right to expect, but
+their zeal and discipline insure their readiness to obey. I shall do my
+utmost to prevent desertion, and unless I was recalled, I shall proceed
+with celerity. But I beg your Excellency to remember that experience has
+often taught us how much reduced has ever been the number of our
+troops from the time of their departure to that of their arrival at the
+Southern army.
+
+With the highest and most affectionate respect,
+
+Yours &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Susquehannah ferry April 14th, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL--Your Excellency's letter of the 11th, has overtaken
+me at this place, and having given to you an account of every measure
+I thought proper to take, I will only add that I am still at the ferry
+where the troops have crossed the river; but the wind blows so high that
+it has been impossible to take the waggons over, and I am obliged to
+have others impressed on the southern side of the Susquehannah. Your
+Excellency mentions the propriety of remaining at the head off Elk until
+shoes can be collected, but the prospect I have from the board of war
+are not flattering enough to encourage this measure. On the other side
+General Green is pressing in his advices, and will soon be so in his
+orders to me. I cannot obtain any good account of Phillip's motions, nor
+oppose the schemes he may have formed, until I am much farther advanced;
+and dissatisfaction and desertion being two greater evils than any other
+we have to fear; I am anxious to have rivers, other countries, and every
+kind of barrier to stop the inclination of the men to return home. Many
+men have already deserted, many more will I am afraid take the same
+course, whatever sense of duties, ties of affection, and severity of
+discipline may operate, shall be employed by me, and I wish we might
+come near the enemy, which is the only means to put a stop to the spirit
+of desertion.
+
+Many articles, and indeed every one which compose the apparatus of
+a soldier, will be wanting for this detachment. But shoes, linen,
+overalls, hunting shirts, shirts, and ammunition will be the necessary
+supplies for which I request your Excellency's most pressing orders to
+people concerned, and most warm entreaties to the board of war. I wish
+it was possible to have the men equiped at once, and this would be a
+great saving of expense.
+
+While I am writing to your Excellency the wind rises more and more,
+which will much impede our passage for such stores as were to cross over
+with the waggons, and the guard appointed to stay with them. At such a
+distance from the enemy, I cannot give your Excellency any account of
+their movements, but by the last intelligence General Phillips was still
+at Portsmouth.
+
+Should the French get a naval superiority, an expedition against
+Portsmouth is very practible. These companies, filled up to their proper
+number, and some other troops to increase the corps to two thousand,
+would with a detachment of artillery from Philladelphia, be equal to
+the attack of that post. 3000 militia can with the greatest ease be
+collected. In case Duke de Lauzurn's legion arrives, that corps could
+come in the fleet; but should the French become superior at sea the
+British fleet in Chesapeak would be in danger, and in every case, if
+your Excellency thinks of sending any reinforcement this way, (let it
+be the Jersey troops or recruits) their coming by water to James or York
+river may save an immense trouble and expense.
+
+My heart and every faculty of my mind, have been these last years so
+much concerned in the plan of an expedition against * * * that I am very
+desirous to hear, by the very first safe opportunity what reasons can
+have overthrown the project.
+
+Some disputes that have at first happened between the Jersey and
+New-England troops, make me think that these last must be as much as
+possible separated from the Pensylvanians.
+
+While I was writing these accounts have been brought to me, that, a
+great desertion had taken place last night: nine of the Rhode Island
+company, and the best men they had, who have made many campaigns, and
+never were suspected, these men say they like better a hundred lashes
+than a journey to the south-ward. As long as they had an expedition in
+view they were very well satisfied, but the idea of remaining in the
+southern states appear to them intolerable, and they are amazingly
+averse to the people and climate. I shall do my best, but if this
+disposition lasts I am afraid we will be reduced lower than I dare
+express. With the highest and most affectionate respect, yours &,c.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. See Letters of Washington, of the 21st and 22d April--Sparks' Writ.
+of Wash. v. 8., pp. 19, 22.
+
+
+
+TO MAJOR GENERAL GREENE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Hanover Court House, April 28th, 1781.
+
+Sir,--Having received intelligence that General Phillips' army were
+preparing at Portsmouth, for offensive operations. I left at Baltimore
+every thing that could impede our march, to follow us under a proper
+escort, and with about a thousand men, officers included; hastened
+towards Richmond which I apprehended would be a principal object with
+the enemy.
+
+Being on our way, I have received successive accounts of their
+movements. On the 21st, the British troops, commanded by their Generals,
+Philips and Arnold, landed at City Point on the south side of James
+River. A thousand militia under Maj. General Caroude Stuben and General
+Muhlenberg, were posted at Blandford to oppose them, and on the
+25th they had an engagement with the enemy; the militia behaved very
+gallantly, and our loss, it is said, is about twenty killed and wounded.
+The same day, the enemy whose force it is reported to be near 2500
+regular troops, marched into Petersburg. Yesterday they moved to
+Osburn's, about thirteen miles from Richmond, and after a skirmish
+with a corps of militia, destroyed some vessels that had been collected
+there, but have not yet attempted to cross the river. Baron de Stuben,
+is at the same side, and has removed to Falling Creek Church.
+
+The Continental detachment will in a few hours arrive at this place, 20
+miles from Richmond. The enemy are more than double our force in regular
+troops and their command of the waters gives them great advantages.
+
+With the highest respect, I have the honor to be yours, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL GREENE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp on Pamunkey River, May 3d, 1781.
+
+Sir,--I had lately the honor to inform you of the enemy's movements
+towards Richmond, and the forced marches I was making to its defence.
+The detachment arrived on the 29th; the British army was thirteen miles
+distant on the other side of the river. Petersburg, Chesterfield Court
+House, and part of our vessels had fallen into their hands. Our regular
+force consisted of 900 men, rank and file; that of the enemy, of 2,300,
+at the lowest estimate.
+
+The command of the water, and such a superiority of regular troops, gave
+them possession of our shore. There was no crossing for us, but under a
+circuit of fifteen miles, and from the number and size of their boats,
+their passage over the river was six times quicker than ours.
+
+Richmond being their main object. I determined to defend this capital,
+where a quantity of public stores and tobacco was contained. General
+Nelson was there, with a corps of militia, and Generals Stuben and
+Muhlenberg, higher up on the other side. The same evening, we were by
+summons from General Philips, made accountable for the public stores on
+board vessels near the town, (which he declared) should certainly fall
+into his hands. Next morning the enemy moved to Manchester, opposite
+Richmond, where they burnt the ware-houses. Six hundred men ventured on
+this side, but were timely recalled, and being charged by a few dragoons
+of Major Nelson, flew into their boats with precipitation.
+
+Knowing General Phillip's intention against Richmond, (orders for attack
+had been already given) I directed Baron de Stuben to join us, and
+collected our force to receive the enemy, but the same night they
+retreated to Osburn's, from thence to the neck of land formed by James
+River and Appamatox, where they have re-embarked. Col. Pleasant's and
+Good's battallions of militia, were sent on each side of the river and
+gave annoyance to their troops and boats. The enemy have lost some men
+killed, prisoners and deserters. Since the British army landed at City
+Point, (some flour excepted at the Court-house) no public property has
+been destroyed. Yours &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp near Bottom's Creek, May 4th, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--I request you will receive my affectionate
+acknowledgements for your kind letters. Every mark of friendship I
+receive from you adds to my happiness, as I love you with all the
+sincerity and warmth of my heart, and the sentiment I feel for you goes
+to the very extent of my affections.
+
+Inclosed I send you, my dear General, two copies of letters to General
+Greene, which I also sent to Congress for their information. You will
+also find copies of the strange letters I have received from General
+Phillips, and the answers which, if he does not behave better, will
+break off our correspondence.
+
+The leaving of my artillery appears a strange whim, but had I waited for
+it Richmond was lost, and Major Galvan, who has exerted himself to the
+utmost, cannot be with us under two days, as he never could obtain or
+seize horses for the artillery and ammunition waggons. It is not without
+trouble I have made this rapid march. General Phillips has expressed to
+an officer on flag, the astonishment he felt at our celerity, and
+when on the 30th, as he was going to give the signal to attack, he
+reconnoitred our position, Mr. Osburn, who was with him, says that he
+flew into a violent passion and swore vengeance against me and the corps
+I had brought with me.
+
+I am, however, uneasy, my dear General, and do not know what the public
+will think of our conduct. I cannot say in any official letter that no
+boats, no waggons, no intelligence, not one spy could be obtained; that
+if once I had been manoeuvring with Phillips he had every advantage over
+me; that a defeat would have scattered the militia, lost the few arms we
+have, and knocked down this handful of Continental troops. Great deal of
+mischief had been already done. I did not know but what the enemy meant
+to establish a post. Under these circumstances I thought it better
+to fight on none but my own grounds and to defeat the main and most
+valuable object of the enemy. Had I gone on the other side, the enemy
+would have given me the slip and taken Richmond, leaving nothing to me,
+but the reputation of a rash unexperienced young man. Our stores could
+not be removed.
+
+No orders from General Greene have as yet come to me. I cannot conceive
+the reason of his delay in answering my letters. In the meanwhile,
+Phillips is my object, and if with a thousand men I can be opposed to
+three thousand in this State, I think I am useful to General Greene. In
+a former letter he tells me that his object is to divide the enemy, and
+having no orders I must be regulated by his opinion.
+
+The enemy are gone down the river. I have detached some militia to
+Hoods where I mean to make a fort. Colonel Hennis, with another corps of
+militia, is gone towards Williamsburg. His orders are in case the enemy
+land there, to annoy them, and in case they mean to establish a post,
+he is to disturb them until I arrive. This position is 16 miles from
+Richmond, 42 from Williamsburg, 60 from Fredericksburg. I have sent an
+officer at Point Comfort, and established a chain of expresses to
+know if they appear to turn towards Potomac. Should it be the case,
+Fredericksburg will have my attention, having missed Mr. Hunter's works
+at Fredericksburg must be their next object as they are the only support
+to our operations in the southward. Your first letters, my dear General,
+will perhaps tell me something more about your coming this way. How
+happy I should be to see you, I hope I need not express. As you are
+pleased to give me the choice, I shall frankly tell my wishes. If you
+co-operate with the French against the place, you know I wish to be
+at head quarters. If something is co-operated in Virginia, I will find
+myself very happily situated for the present. In case my detachment
+remains in this State I wish not to leave it, as I have a separate and
+active command, though it does not promise great glory; but as you gave
+me leave to do it, I shall in a few days write to you more particularly
+on my private concerns. It is not only on account of my own situation
+that I wish the French fleet may come into the bay. Should they come
+even without troops, it is ten to one that they will block up Phillips
+in some rivers, and then I answer he is ruined. Had I but ships, my
+situation would be the most agreeable in the world. Adieu my dear
+General, you will make me happy to write me sometimes. With the highest
+respect and most tender affection, I have the honor to be, yours,
+&c.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. See Letters of Wash. of 31 May.--See Sparks' Writ., v. 8., p. 60.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Richmond, May the 8th, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--There is no fighting here unless you have a naval
+superiority, or an army mounted upon race-horses. Phillips' plan against
+Richmond has been defeated; he was going towards Portsmouth, and I
+thought it should be enough for me to oppose him at some principal
+points in this State. But now it appears I will have business to
+transact with two armies, and this is rather too much.
+
+By letters from North Carolina, I find that Lord Cornwallis, who I had
+been assured had sailed from Charleston, is advancing towards Hallifax.
+In consequence of letters from the same quarter, General Phillip's has
+altered his plans, and returned to a place called Brandon on the
+south side of James river, where he landed the night before last. Our
+detachment is under march towards the Hallifax road, his command of the
+water, enabled him to land where I could not reach him. The brigade at
+Petersburg is destroyed, and unless he acts with an uncommon degree of
+folly, he will be at Hallifax before me. Each of these armies is more
+than the double superior to me. We have no boats, few militia, and
+less arms. I will try to do for the best, and hope to deserve your
+approbation.
+
+Nothing can attract my sight from the supplies and reinforcements
+destined to General Green's army. While I am going to get beaten by both
+armies or each of them seperately, the Baron remains at Richmond where
+he hurries the collection of recruits, and every other requisite. I
+have forbidden every department to give me any thing that maybe thought
+useful to General Greene, and should a battle be expected (an event
+which I will try to keep off,) no consideration will prevent our sending
+to Carolina 800 recruits who, I hope, may be equiped in a fortnight.
+When General Green becomes equal to offensive operations, this quarter
+will be relieved. I have written to Wayne, to hasten his march, but
+unless I am very hard pushed, shall request him to proceed south-ward.
+The militia have been ordered out, but are slow, unarmed, and not yet
+used to this business. General Green, from whom I had as yet no letters,
+was on the 26th, before Camden, but did not think himself equal to the
+storming of the works. My respects, if you please, to Mr. Washington,
+and compliments to the family. Most respectfully and affectionately.
+
+Yours &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Welton, north side of James River, May 18th, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL.--Having been directed by General Greene to take command
+of the troops in Virginia. I have also received orders from him, that
+every account from this quarter, be immediately transmitted to Congress,
+and to your Excellency; in obedience to which I shall have the honor
+to relate our movements, and those of the combined armies of the enemy.
+When General Phillips retreated from Richmond, his project was to stop
+at Williamsburg, there to collect contributions which he had imposed,
+this induced me to take a position between Pamunkey, and Chikahomany
+rivers, which equally covered Richmond, and some other interesting parts
+of the State, and from where I detached General Nelson with some militia
+towards Williamsburg.
+
+Having got as low down as that place, General Phillips seemed to
+discover an intention to make a landing, but upon advices received by a
+vessel from Portsmouth, the enemy weighed anchor, and with all the
+sail they could crowd, hastened up the river, this intelligence made
+me apprehensive that the enemy intended to manoeuvre me out of Richmond
+where I returned immediately, and again collected our small force,
+intelligence was the same day received that Lord Cornwallis (who I had
+been assured, to have embarked at Wilmington) was marching through North
+Carolina, (this was confirmed by the landing of General Phillips at
+Brandon south side of James River.) Apprehending that both armies would
+move to meet at a central point, I march towards Petersburg and intended
+to have established a communication over Appamatox and James river, but
+on the 9th, General Phillips took possession of Petersburgh; a place
+where his right flank being covered by James River, his front by
+Appamatox, on which the bridges had been destroyed in the first part of
+the invasion, and his left not being attackable but by a long circuit
+through fords that at this season are very uncertain, I could not (even
+with an equal force) have got any chance of fighting him, unless I
+had given up this side of James River, and the country from which
+reinforcements are expected. It being at the enemy's choice to force
+us to an action, which their own position insured them against our
+enterprizes, I thought it proper to shift this situation, and marched
+the greater part of our troops to this place about ten miles below
+Richmond. Letters from General Nash, General Sumner, and General Jones
+are positive as to the arrival of Colonel Tarleton, and announce that
+of Lord Cornwallis at Halifax. Having received a request from North
+Carolina for ammunition, I made a detachment of 500 men under General
+Muhlenberg to escort 20,000 cartridges over Appamatox, and to divert the
+enemy's attention, Colonel Gimat, with his battalion, and 4 field
+pieces cannonaded their position from this side of the River. I hope our
+ammunition will arrive safe, as before General Muhlenberg returned
+he put it in a safe road with proper directions. On the 13th, General
+Phillips died and the command devolved on General Arnold. General
+Wayne's detachment has not yet been heard of, before he arrives, it
+becomes very dangerous to risk any engagement where (as the British
+armies being vastly superior to us) we shall certainly be beaten, and
+by the loss of arms, the dispersion of militia, and the difficulty of
+a junction with General Wayne, we may lose a less dangerous chance of
+resistance.
+
+These considerations have induced me to think that with our so very
+great inferiority, and with the advantage the enemy have by their
+cavalry and naval superiority, there would be much rashness in fighting
+them on any but our grounds, and this side of the river, and that an
+engagement which I fear will be soon necessary; ought, if possible to be
+deferred till the Pensylvanians arrive, whom I have by several letters
+requested to hasten to our assistance.
+
+No report has lately come from near Hallifax, though a very active
+officer has been sent for that purpose; but every intelligence confirms
+that Lord Cornwallis is hourly expected at Petersburg, it is true there
+never was such difficulty in getting tolerable intelligence, as there
+is in this country, and the immense superiority of the enemy's horses,
+render it very precarious to hazard our small parties.
+
+Arnold has received a small reinforcement from Portsmouth.
+
+I am dear General, your most obedient humble servant, Yours &c.
+
+P.S. Injustice to Major Mitchell and Captain Muir, who were taken at
+Petersburg, I have the honor to inform your Excellency that they had
+been sent to that place on public service. I have requested General
+Lawson to collect and take command of the militia south of Appamatox,
+local impediments was thrown in the road from Hallifax to Petersburg,
+and precautions taken to remove the horses from the enemy's reach.
+Should it be possible to get arms, some militia might be brought
+into the field, but General Greene and myself labour under the same
+disadvantage, the few militia we can with great pains collect arrive
+unarmed, and we have not a sufficiency of weapons to put into their
+hands.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. See Washington's Letter of the 31st May.--Sparks' Writ. of Wash., v.
+8., p. 60.
+
+
+
+TO COLONEL HAMILTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Richmond, May 23, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR HAMILON,--I have been long complaining that I had nothing to
+do, and want of employment was an objection I had to my going to the
+southward; but for the present, my dear friend, my complaint is quite
+of an opposite nature, and I have so many arrangements to make, so many
+difficulties to combat, so many enemies to deal with, that I am much of
+a General as will make me a historian of misfortunes, and nail my curse
+upon the ruins of what good soldiers are pleased to call the army in
+Virginia. There is an age past since I heard from you. I acknowledge
+that on my part, I have not written so often as I ought to have done,
+but you will excuse this silence in favor of my very embarrassing
+circumstances, however remote you may be from your former post of
+aid-de-camp, to the Commander-in-chief, I am sure you are nevertheless
+acquainted with every transaction at head quarters. My letters have
+served to report information, and I shall consequently abstain from
+repetitions.
+
+Our forced march saved Richmond. Phillips was going down, and thus far
+I am very happy. Phillips' return, his landing at Brandon, south side
+of James and Appamatox rivers. Had Phillips marched to Hallifax I was
+determined to follow him, and should have risked every thing rather
+to omit making a diversion in favor of Greene; but that army took
+possession of Petersburg, and obliged me to stick to the side of the
+river whence reinforcements are expected. Both armies have formed their
+junction of between four and five thousand men. We have no Continentals;
+their infantry is near five to one; their cavalry ten to one. Our
+militia are not numerous, without arms, and not used to war. Government
+wants energy, and there is nothing to enforce the laws. General Greene
+has directed me to take command in this State, and I must tell you by
+the way, his letter is very polite and affectionate; it then became my
+duty to arrange the departments, which I found in the greatest confusion
+and relaxation; nothing can be obtained, and yet expenses are enormous.
+The Baron and the few new levies we could collect, are ordered to South
+Carolina. Is it not strange that General Wayne's detachment cannot be
+heard of? They are to go to Carolina; but should I have them for a few
+days, I am at liberty to keep them. This permission I will improve so
+far as to receive one blow, that being beat, I may at least be beat with
+some decency. There are accounts that Lord Cornwallis is very strong;
+others make him very weak. In this country there is no getting good
+intelligence. I request you will write me if you approve of my conduct.
+The command of the waters, the superiority in cavalry, and the great
+disproportion of forces, gave the enemy such advantages that I durst not
+venture out, and listen to my fondness for enterprise; to speak truth, I
+was afraid of myself as much as of the enemy. Independence has rendered
+me the more cautious, as I know my own warmth; but if the Pennsylvanians
+come, Lord Cornwallis shall pay something for his victory.
+
+I wish a reinforcement of light infantry to recruit the battallions, or
+a detachment under General Huntington, was sent to me. I wish Lawson or
+Sheldon were immediately dispatched with some horses. Come here, my dear
+friend, and command our artillery in Virginia. I want your advices and
+your exertions. If you grant my request, you will vastly oblige your
+friend. Yours, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Richmond, May the 24th, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL.--The junction of Lord Cornwallis with the other army at
+Petersburg was an event that, from local circumstances, and from their
+so great superiority, it was impossible to prevent, it took place on
+the 20th, and having lost every hope to operate, a timely stroke in
+conjunction with the Pensylvanians, my ideas were confined to defensive
+measures. I therefore moved up to Richmond, where precautions were taken
+to remove every valuable property, either public or private.
+
+By an officer that was in Halifax after Lord Cornwallis, I hear he
+has not left any post at that place, it appears, his sick and wounded
+remained at Wilmington, and were reimplaced by that garison. Reports
+concerning the numbers are so different, that I cannot trust anything
+but my eyes, until such an opportunity offers, this is the order of
+march, in which it is said his Lordship crossed Roanoke. Col. Tarlton's
+legion, Col. Hamilton's corps, 23d, 71st, 33d, British regiments, 200
+tories, an Hessian regiment, the light infantry and guards with six
+field pieces. I am told General Leslie and Genl. O'Hara are with him, I
+have received successive and repeated accounts, that a British fleet of
+transports was arrived at Hampton, they were said to consist of 11 large
+vessels, and 16 smaller ones, under convoy of three large frigates. Mr.
+Day D.Q.M. at Williamsburg, writes that on the 22nd, 12 sail of large
+ship; a sloop, and schooner got underway opposite James Town; those
+ships full of men, and some horses on board the sloop. We have no
+accounts of any fleet having sailed from New-York.
+
+Yesterday afternoon, we had a heavy rain, which Colonel Tarlton improved
+in surprising some militia in Chesterfield County, thirty of whom fell
+into his hands.
+
+This morning at 9 o'clock the enemy moved from Peteraburg towards
+City Point, and destroyed the bridge they had lately constructed over
+Appamatoc. I have just received accounts, that a body of them has landed
+at Westover. These are said to be the men who came up the river
+from Hampton, previous to which General Arnold had received a small
+reinforcement from Portsmouth.
+
+To my great mortification, I have heard this morning, that the
+Pensylvanians are not so near as I had been, by every account positively
+assured. General Wayne writes me he will hasten to my support, and I am
+confident he will not lose time at this critical moment, but before he
+arrives, it is impossible that 900 continentals and 40 horses, with a
+body of militia by no means so considerable as they are reported to be,
+and whom it is so difficult to arm, be with any advantage opposed to
+such a superiority of forces, such a number of cavalry, to which may be
+added, their very prejudicial command of the writers.
+
+Our handful of men being the point to which militia may be collected,
+and the only check, however small it is, that the enemy may have in this
+state, it ought, I think, to be managed with a great deal of prudence
+as its preservation is so very important to the fate of operations in
+Virginia.
+
+With the highest respect. I have the honor to be Yours &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp between Rappahannock and North Anna, June 3rd, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--Inclosed you will find the copy of a letter to General
+Green. He at first had requested that I would directly write to you,
+since which his orders have been different, but he directed me to
+forward you copies of my official accounts. So many letters are lost in
+their way that I do not care to avoid repetitions.--I heartily wish,
+my dear general, my conduct may be approved of, particularly by you.
+My circumstances have been peculiar, and in this state I have sometimes
+experienced strange disappointments. Two of them, the stores at
+Charlottesville, and the delay of the Pennsylvania detachment, have
+given me much uneasiness and may be attended with bad consequences.
+Your presence, my dear general, would do a great deal, Should these
+detachments be increased to three or four thousand, and the French army
+come this way, leaving one of our generals at Rhode Island and two or
+three about New York and in the Jerseys, you might be very offensive
+in this quarter, and there could be, a southern army in Carolina. Your
+presence would do immense good, but I would wish you to have a large
+force. General Washington, before he personally appears, must be strong
+enough to hope success. Adieu, my dear general, with the highest respect
+and most tender affection I have the honor to be, Yours,~[1]
+
+P.S. If you persist in the idea to come this way. you may depend
+upon about 3000 militia in the field, relieved every two months. Your
+presence will induce them to turn out with great spirit.
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. This letter, and the succeeding one to Gen. Greene, was written while
+Lafayette was retreating before Lord Cornwallis, and as he was about
+to cross the Rapidan to form a junction with Wayne. See the answers in
+Sparks's _Writ. of Wash_. v. 3. p. 86.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL GREENE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp between Rappahannock and North Anna, June 3rd, 1781,
+
+SIR,--I have done myself the honor to write you many letters, but least
+some of them should have miscarried, which I much apprehend to have been
+the case, I shall repeat an account of the late transactions in this
+state.
+
+The junction of the enemy being made, which for the reasons I have
+mentioned it was impossible to prevent, I retired towards Richmond
+and waited for Lord Cornwallis's movements, his regular force being
+so vastly superior to mine.--Reinforcements from below having still
+increased it, and his cavalry being ten to one, I could not think
+to bring into action a small body of eight or nine hundred men, that
+preserved the shadow of an army and an inconsiderable number of militia
+whose defeat was certain and would be attended with a fatal loss of
+arms.--
+
+Lord Cornwallis had at first a project to cross above Richmond, but
+desisted from it and landed at Westover, he then proposed to turn our
+left flank, but before it was executed we moved by the left to the forks
+of Chickahomony,--the enemy advanced twelve miles and we retreated in
+the same proportion; they crossed Chickahomony and advanced on the road
+to Fredericksburg. We marched in a parallel with them, keeping the upper
+part of the country. Our position at Mattapony church would have much
+exposed the enemy's flank on their way to Fredericksburg, but they
+stopped at Cook's ford on the North Anna river, where they are for the
+present.--General Wayne having announced to me his departure on the 23d,
+I expected before this time to have made a junction. We have moved back
+some distance and are cautious not to indulge Lord Cornwallis with an
+action with our present force.--
+
+The intentions of the enemy are not as yet well explained.
+Fredericksburg appears to be their object, the more so as a greater
+number of troops are said to be gone down than is necessary for the
+garrison of Portsmouth.--The public stores have been as well as possible
+removed, and every part of Hunter's works that could be taken out of the
+way.--It is possible they mean to make a stroke towards Charlotteville;
+this I would not be uneasy for, had my repeated directions been
+executed, but instead of removing stores from there to Albemarle old
+Court House, where Baron de Steuben has collected six hundred regulars,
+and where I ordered the militia south of James River to rendezvous--It
+appears from a letter I received this evening that state stores have
+been contrary to my directions collected there, least they should mix
+with the Continentals, but my former letters were so positive, and my
+late precautions are so multiplied that. I hope the precious part of the
+stores will have been removed to a safer place. I had also some stores
+removed from Orange Court House. Dispatches from the Governor to me
+have fallen into the enemies' hands; of which I gave him and the Baron
+immediate notice.
+
+The report of an insurrection in Hampshire county, and the hurry of
+Lord Cornwallis to communicate the copy of a Cartel with you where it
+is settled the prisoners will be sent by such a time to Jamestown, are
+motives that gave me some suspicions of a project towards the Convention
+troops. The number of the rebels is said to be 700--Gen. Morgan has
+marched against them; I think the account is pretty well authenticated
+tho' it is not official.--Having luckily opened a letter from the Board
+of War, to the Governor whereby the Convention troops are ordered to
+New England, I sent a copy of it to Col. Wood and requested an immediate
+execution of the order. This motive and the apprehension that I might be
+interrupted in a junction with Gen. Wayne have induced me particularly
+to attend to our re-union, an event that was indispensable to give us
+a possibility to protect some part or other of this state. I was until
+lately ignorant of your orders, that the new Continentals and militia
+under Baron de Steuben be united with this part of your army, and the
+Baron intended shortly to march to the southward.--When united to Gen.
+Wayne 1 shall be better able to command my own movements and those of
+the other troops in this state.--Had this expected junction taken place
+sooner, matters would have been very different.
+
+The enemy must have five hundred men mounted and their Cavalry increases
+daily. It is impossible in this country to take horses out of their way,
+and the neglect of the inhabitants, dispersion of houses, and robberies
+of negroes, (should even the most vigorous measures have been taken by
+the Civil authority) would have yet put many horses into their hands.
+Under this cloud of light troops it is difficult to reconnoitre as well
+as counteract any rapid movements they choose to make. I have the honor
+to be with great respect, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL GREENE,
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Allen's Creek, 22 miles from Richmond, Jane 18th, 1781.
+
+SIR,--The enemy's position at Cooke's ford enabled them either to return
+to James River or to gain our northern communication. The arms and other
+precious stores arriving from Philadelphia, the importance of a junction
+with Gen. Wayne, and other strong reasons mentioned in my last, made it
+my first object to check the further progress of Lord Cornwallis. Some
+stores at the forks of James River were under the care of the major
+general, the Baron de Steuben, who had five hundred regulars of the
+Virginia new levies, and some militia.
+
+Col. Tarlton's legion having pressed for Charlottesville, where the
+Assembly were sitting, was disappointed in his purpose by proper
+information being given them. One hundred and fifty arms, however, and a
+small quantity of powder fell into the enemy's hands.
+
+A detachment under Col. Simcoe said to be four hundred dragoons and
+mounted infantry, proceeded to the point of Fork, of which the Baron de
+Steuben received notice. Both his men and stores were transported to the
+south branch when the Baron marched to Etaunton River. Simcoe threw over
+a few men which destroyed what stores had been left. He hazarded a great
+deal, but our loss was inconsiderable.
+
+In the meantime the British army was moving to the point of Fork, with
+intention to strike our magazines at Albermarle old Court House. Our
+force was not equal to their defence, and a delay of our junction
+would have answered the views of the enemy. But on the arrival of the
+Pennsylvanians we made forced marches towards James River, and on our
+gaining the South Anna we found Lord Cornwallis encamped some miles
+below the point of Fork. A stolen march through a difficult road gave
+us a position upon Michunk Creek, between the enemy and our magazines,
+where, agreeable to appointment, we were joined by a body of riflemen.
+The next day Lord Cornwallis retired towards Richmond (where he now is)
+and was followed by our small army.
+
+I have directed General Steuben to return this way and a junction will
+be formed as soon as his distance permits.
+
+With the highest regard, &c., &c.
+
+P. S. The following is an extract of a letter just now received from
+James Barron, Commodore, dated Warwick, 9 miles from Hampton, June 17th,
+1781,
+
+"At five o'clock this afternoon anchored in the road from sea, 35 sail
+of the enemies' vessels; viz: 24 ships, 10 brigs and one schooner, which
+I take to be the fleet that sailed from hence 13 days ago. Only 4 appear
+to have troops on board."
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL GREENE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Mr. Tyter's plantation, 20 miles from Williamsburg, 27th June, 1781.
+
+SIR,--My letter of the 18th, informed you of the enemy's retrograde
+movement to Richmond, where they had made a stop. Our loss at the point
+of Fork chiefly consisted of old arms out of repair and some cannon,
+most of which have been since recovered.
+
+On the 18th the British Army moved towards us with design as I apprehend
+to strike at a detached corps commanded by Gen. Muhlenberg, upon this
+the light Infantry and Pennsylvanians marched under Gen. Wayne when
+the enemy retired into town. The day following I was joined by Gen.
+Steuben's troops, and on the night of the 20th Richmond was evacuated.
+Having followed the enemy our light parties fell in with them near New
+Kent Court House, the army was still at a distance and Lord Cornwallis
+continued his route towards Williamsburg; his rear and right flank were
+covered by a large corps commanded by Col. Simcoe. I pushed forward a
+detachment under Col. Butler, but notwithstanding a fatiguing march the
+colonel reports that he could not have overtaken them, had not Major
+McPherson mounted 50 light infantry behind an equal number of dragoons,
+which coming up with the enemy charged them within six miles of
+Williamsburg; such of the advance corps as could arrive to their
+support, composed of riflemen under Major Call and Major Willis began a
+smart action. Inclosed is the return of our loss. That of the enemy
+is about 60 killed and 100 wounded, including several officers, a
+disproportion which the skill of our riflemen easily explains. I am
+under great obligations to Col. Butler and the officers and men of
+the detachment for their ardor in the pursuit and their conduct in the
+action. Gen. Wayne who had marched to the support of Butler, sent down
+some troops under Major Hamilton. The whole British army came out to
+save Simcoe, and on the arrival of our army upon this ground returned to
+Winsburg. The post they occupy at present is strong and under protection
+of their shipping, but upwards of one hundred miles from the point of
+Fork.
+
+I had the honor to communicate these movements to the executive of the
+state that the seat of government might be again re-established in the
+capital. Lord Cornwallis has received a reinforcement from Portsmouth.
+
+With the greatest respect I have the honor to be.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL GREENE.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Ambler's Plantation, opposite Jamestown, 8 July, 1781.
+
+SIR,--On the 4th inst. the enemy evacuated Williamsburg where some
+stores fell into our hands, and retired to this place under the cannon
+of their shipping. Next morning we advanced to Bird's tavern, and a part
+of the army took post at Norrel's mill about nine miles from the British
+camp.
+
+The 6th I detached an advanced corps under Gen. Wayne with a view of
+reconnoitering the enemy's situation. Their light parties being drawn in
+the pickets which lay close to their encampment were gallantly attacked
+by some riflemen whose skill was employed to great effect.
+
+Having ascertained that Lord Cornwallis had sent off his baggage under
+a proper escort and posted his army in an opened field fortified by
+the shipping, I returned to the detachment which I found more generally
+engaged. A piece of cannon had been attempted by the van guard under
+Major Galvan whose conduct deserves high applause.--Upon this the whole
+British army came out and advanced to the thin wood occupied by General
+Wayne.--His corps chiefly composed of Pennsylvanians and some light
+infantry did not exceed eight hundred men with three field pieces. But
+notwithstanding their numbers, at sight of the British the troops ran
+to the rencontre. A short skirmish ensued with a close, warm, and well
+directed firing, but as the enemy's right and left of course greatly
+outflanked ours, I sent General Wayne orders to retire half a mile
+to where Col. Vose's and Col. Barber's light infantry battalions had
+arrived by a rapid move, and where I directed them to form. In this
+position they remained till some hours in the night. The militia under
+Gen. Lawson had been advanced, and the continentals were at Norrel's
+mill when the enemy retreated during the night to James Island, which
+they also evacuated, crossing over to the south side of the river.
+Their ground at this place and the island were successively occupied by
+General Muhlenberg. Many valuable horses were left on their retreat.
+
+From every account the enemy's loss has been very great and much pains
+taken to conceal it. Their light infantry, the brigade of guards and two
+British regiments formed the first line, the remainder of the army the
+second; the cavalry were drawn up but did not charge.
+
+By the inclosed return you will see what part of Gen. Wayne's detachment
+suffered most. The services rendered by the officers make me happy to
+think that altho' many were wounded we lost none. Most of the field
+officers had their horses killed, and the same accident to every horse
+of two field pieces made it impossible to move them, unless men had
+been sacrificed. But it is enough for the glory of Gen. Wayne and the
+officers and men he commanded to have attacked the whole British army
+with a reconnoitering party only, close to their encampment, and by this
+severe skirmish hastened their retreat over the river.--
+
+Col. Bowyer of the riflemen is a prisoner.--
+
+I have the honor to be, &e,
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Mrs. Ruffin's, August 20th, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL--Independent of the answer to your letter of the 15th,
+I have been very particular in a second letter intrusted to Col. Moriss.
+But at this moment wish to send you minuted and repeated accounts of
+every thing that passes in this quarter.
+
+The enemy have evacuated their forts at Troy, Kemp's Landing, Great
+Bridge, and Portsmouth. Their vessels with troops and baggage went round
+to York. Some cannon have been left spiked up at Portsmouth; but I have
+not yet received proper returns.
+
+I have got some intelligences by the way of this servant I have once
+mentioned. A very sensible fellow was with him, and from him as well
+as deserters, I hear that they begin fortifying at York. They are even
+working by a windmill at which place I understand they will make a fort
+and a battery for the defence of the river. I have no doubt but that
+something will be done on the land side. The works at Gloster are
+finished; they consist of some redoubts across Gloster creek and a
+battery of 18 pieces beating the river.
+
+The enemy have 60 sails of vessels into York river, the largest a 50
+gun ship and two 36 frigates.--About seven other armed vessels, the
+remainder are transports, some of them still loaded and a part of them
+very small vessels. It appears they have in that number merchantmen,
+some of whom are Dutch prizes. The men of war are very thinly manned. On
+board the other vessels there are almost no sailors.
+
+The British army had been sickly at Portsmouth, the air of York begins
+to refit them. The whole cavalry have crossed on the Gloster side
+yesterday evening, a movement of which I gave repeated accounts to the
+militia there; but the light infantry and main body of the militia are
+at this place, Gen. Wayne on the road to Westover, and we may form our
+junction in one day. I keep parties upon the enemy's lines. The works at
+Portsmouth are levelling. The moment I can get returns and plans l will
+send them to your Excellency. The evacuation of a post fortified with
+much care and great expense will convince the people abroad that the
+enemy cannot hold two places at once.--The Maryland troops were to have
+set out on Monday last. There is in this quarter an immense want of
+clothing of every sort, arms, ammunition, hospital stores, and horse
+accoutrements. Should a maritime superiority be expected, I would
+propose to have all those matters carried from Philadelphia to the head
+of Elk.
+
+The numbers of the British army fit for duty I _at least_ would
+estimate at 4500, rank and file. Their sailors I cannot judge but by
+intelligences of the number of vessels. In a word this part affords the
+greatest number of regulars and the only active army to attack, which
+having had no place of defence must be less calculated for it than any
+garrison either at New York or in Carolina.
+
+With the highest respect and most sincere affection, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Holt's Forge, September the 1st, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL.--I am happy to inform your Excellency that Count de
+Grasse's fleet is safely arrived in this bay; it consists of 28 ships of
+the line with several frigates and convoys a considerable body of troops
+under Marquis de St. Simon.--Previous to their arrival such positions
+had been taken by our army as to prevent the enemy's retreating towards
+Carolina.
+
+In consequence of your Excellency's orders I had the honor to open a
+correspondence with the French Generals, and measures have been taken
+for a junction of our troops.--
+
+Lord Cornwallis is still on York river and is fortifying himself in a
+strong position.--
+
+With the highest respect I have the honor to be,~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. See answer of Washington, Sparks's Writ. of Wash. v. 8. p. 156.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp Williamsburg, Sept. 8th, 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL.--Your letter of the 2d September is just come to hand.
+Mine of yesterday mentioned that the ships in York river had gone down.
+Inclosed is the account of an engagement off the capes. What disposition
+has been made for the internal protection of the bay, I do not know.
+James river is still guarded, but we have not as yet received any
+letter from Count de Grasse relative to his last movements. I hasten to
+communicate them as your Excellency will probably think it safer to keep
+the troops at the Head of Elks until Count de Grasse returns. Indeed,
+unless the greatest part of your force is brought here, a small addition
+can do but little more than we do effect. Lord Cornwallis will in a
+little time render himself very respectable.
+
+I ardently wish your whole army may be soon brought down to operate.
+
+We will make it our business to reconnoitre the enemy's works and give
+you on your arrival the best description of it that is in our power. I
+expect the governor this evening and will again urge the necessity of
+providing what you have recommended.
+
+By a deserter from York I hear that two British frigates followed the
+French fleet and returned after they had seen them out of the capes. A
+spy says that two schooners supposed to be French have been seen coming
+up York river, but we have nothing so certain as to insure your voyage,
+tho' it is probable Count de Grasse will soon return.
+
+I beg leave to request, my dear General, in your answer to the Marquis
+de St. Simon you will express your admiration at this celerity of
+their landing and your sense of their cheerfulness in submitting to the
+difficulties of the first moments. Indeed I would be happy something
+might also be said to Congress on the subject.
+
+Your approbation of my conduct emboldens me to request that Gen. Lincoln
+will of course take command of the American part of your army; the
+division I will have under him may be composed of the troops which have
+gone through the fatigues and dangers of the Virginia campaign; this
+will be the greatest reward of the services I may have rendered, as I
+confess I have the strongest attachment to these troops.
+
+With the highest respect I have the honor to be,~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. See Letter of Washington, Sparks's Writ. of Wash. v. 8. p. 157. A
+plan of operations in Virginia at p. 158.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Williamsburg, 10 Sept. 1781.
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--Gourion is just arrived, he says you may be on your
+way. We hasten to send to the commanding naval officer in the bay.
+Hitherto I had no way to write to you by water, but Count de Grasse
+being at sea we request the officer he has left to have every precaution
+taken for the safety of navigation. It is probable they are taken, but
+I would have been too uneasy had I not added this measure to those that
+have been probably adopted.
+
+I wrote several letters to you; the surprising speedy landing of
+the French troops under the Marquis de St. Simon; our junction at
+Williamsburg; the unremitted ardor of the enemy in fortifying at York;
+the sailing of Count de Grasse in pursuit of 16 sail of the line, of the
+British fleet, were the most principal objects. I added we were short of
+flour, might provide cattle enough. I took the liberty to advise James
+River as the best to land in, the particular spot referred to a more
+particular examination, the result of which we shall send tomorrow.
+
+Excuse the haste that I am in, but the idea of your being in a cutter
+leaves me only the time to add that I am, &c.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+Camp before York, September 30th, 1781.
+
+My Dear General--You have been so often pleased to ask I would give my
+opinion on any subject that may occur, that I will this day take the
+liberty to mention a few articles.
+
+I am far from laughing at the idea of the enemy's making a retreat.
+It is not very probable, but it is not impossible, indeed they have no
+other way to escape; and since we cannot get ships at York I would be
+still more afraid of a retreat by West Point than any thing else. The
+French hussars remaining here, our dragoons and some infantry might be
+stationed somewhere near West Point, rather on the north side. I see the
+service is much done by details, and to use your permission would take
+the liberty to observe that when the siege is once begun it might be
+more agreeable to the officers and men to serve as much as possible by
+whole battalions. Col. Scamel is taken: his absence I had accounted
+for by his being officer of the day. I am very sorry we lose a valuable
+officer, but tho' Col. Scamel's being officer of the day has been a
+reason for his going in front, I think it would be well to prevent the
+officers under the rank of generals or field officers reconnoitering for
+the safety of their commands from advancing so near the enemy's lines.
+
+There is a great disproportion between Huntington's and Hamilton's
+battalions. Now that Scamel is taken we might have them made equal and
+put the eldest of the two Lieutenant Colonels upon the right of the
+brigade.
+
+I have these past days wished for an opportunity to speak with your
+Excellency on Count de Grasse's demand relative to Mr. de Barrass's
+fleet. This business being soon done, we may think of Charleston, at
+least of the harbor or of Savannah. I have long and seriously thought of
+this matter but would not be in a hurry to mention it until we knew
+how long this will last. However it might be possible to give Count de
+Grasse an early hint of it in case you agree with him upon the winterly
+departure of the whole fleet for the West Indies. One of my reasons to
+wish troops (tho' not in great number) to be sent to Glocester county
+by way of West Point is that for the first days it will embarrass any
+movement of the enemy up the river or up the country on either side,
+and when it is in Glocester county it may be thought advantageous by a
+respectable regular force to prevent the enemy's increasing their works
+there and giving us the trouble of a second operation, and in the same
+time it will keep from York a part of the British forces.
+
+With the highest respect and most sincere affection I have the honor to
+be, &c.~[1]
+
+
+Footnote:
+
+1. For a "Plan of the Siege of Yorktown," see Spark's Writ. of Wash.
+v.8. p. 186.
+
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+(ORIGINAL.)
+
+November 29th, 1781
+
+MY DEAR GENERAL,--Inclosed you will find some numbers, a copy of which I
+have kept, and which contains some names that may probably occur in our
+correspondence. I need not tell you, my dear General, that I will be
+happy in giving you every intelligence in my power and reminding you of
+the most affectionate friend you can ever have.
+
+The goodness you had to take upon yourself the communicating to the
+Virginia army the approbation of Congress appears much better to me than
+my writing to the scattered part of the body I had the honor to command.
+Give me leave, my dear General, to recall to your memory the peculiar
+situation of the troops who being already in Virginia were deprived
+of the month's pay given to the others. Should it be possible to do
+something for them it would give me great satisfaction.
+
+I will have the honor to write to you from Boston, my dear General, and
+would be very sorry to think this is my last letter. Accept however once
+more the homage of the respect and of the affection that render me for
+ever--
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX I.
+
+A SUMMARY OF THE CAMPAIGN OF 1781,
+
+TO SERVE AS EXPLANATION TO THE MAP.
+
+
+After the combat of MM. Destouches and Arbuthnot, the project on
+Portsmouth was abandoned: the French sailed for Rhode Island; the
+militia were dismissed, the regular troops proceeded to the north.
+Arnold was afterwards reinforced by Major-general Phillips, and the
+conquest of Virginia became the true object of the English during this
+campaign. The allied army, under the Generals Washington and Rochambeau,
+proceeded towards New York; that of General Greene attacked the posts
+which had been left in Carolina, both about five hundred miles from
+Richmond: Major-general the Marquis de Lafayette was charged with
+defending Virginia.
+
+_April_ and _May_.--From preparations made at Portsmouth, he conceives
+that the capital was the proposed aim; a forced march of his corps
+from Baltimore to Richmond, about two hundred miles; he arrives in the
+evening of the 29th of April; the enemy had reached Osborn; the small
+corps of militia assemble in the night at Richmond; the next morning the
+enemy at Manchester, seeing themselves forestalled, re-embark at Bermuda
+Hundred, and re-descend James River.
+
+The Americans at Bottom's Bridge, a detached corps in Williamsburg;
+General Phillips receives an _aviso_, and re-ascends the river, landing
+at Brandon; second reinforcement from New York; Lord Cornwallis, who
+was reported to have embarked at Charlestown, advances through North
+Carolina.
+
+The Americans at Osborn, to establish a communication on James and
+Appomattox, are forestalled by the march of Phillips to Petersburg, the
+10th, at Wilton; the 18th, canonading and reconnoitring, on Petersburg,
+which, by assembling on one point, the hostile parties permit a convoy
+to file off for Carolina; the 20th, at Richmond; junction of Lord
+Cornwallis with the troops of Petersburg; the great disproportion of the
+American corps, the impossibility of commanding the navigable rivers,
+and the necessity of keeping the important side of James River, do not
+allow any opposition.
+
+Having sent a portion of the troops to Portsmouth, Lieutenant-general
+Lord Cornwallis selected for himself an army of about five thousand men,
+three hundred dragoons, and three hundred light horsemen; crosses to
+Westover. The Americans had only about three thousand men, formed of one
+thousand two hundred regulars, fifty dragoons, and two thousand militia.
+All the important forces had evacuated Richmond; our troops at Wintson's
+Bridge; a rapid march of the two corps, the enemies to engage an action,
+the Americans to avoid it, and retain the heights of the country with
+the communication of Philadelphia, which is equally necessary to our
+army and to the existence of that of Carolina.
+
+_June_.--The magazines of Fredericksburg are evacuated; the Americans at
+Mattapony Church; the enemy at Chesterfield Tavern; heavy rains, which
+will render the Rapid Ann impassable; Lord Cornwallis marches to engage
+the front; our troops hasten their march, and repair to Racoon Ford, to
+await General Wayne, with a regular corps of Pennsylvanians.
+
+Despairing of being able to engage in action, or cut off the
+communication between Wayne and Philadelphia, Lord Cornwallis changes
+his own purpose,and endeavours to defeat that of the Americans; he
+suddenly directs his movements against the great magazines of Albemarle
+Court House; a detachment of dragoons strives to carry off the Assembly
+of State at Charlottesville, but does not accomplish this end; another
+detachment bore upon Point-of-Fork, where General Steuben formed six or
+seven hundred recruits; he evacuated that point, and thought he ought to
+retire in the direction of Carolina; some objects of slight importance
+are destroyed. The passage of the Rapid Ann was necessary, to
+avoid being embarrassed by Lord Cornwallis; the communication with
+Philadelphia was indispensable. It was impossible to hope, even by
+fighting, to prevent the destruction of the magazines before the
+junction with the Pennsylvanians. Lafayette takes, therefore, the
+resolution of waiting for them, and, as soon as they arrive, regains the
+enemy with forced marches.
+
+The 12th, the Americans at Boswell's Tavern; Lord Cornwallis has reached
+Elk Island. The common road, which it is necessary for him to cross to
+place himself above the enemy, passes at the head of Bird's Creek; Lord
+Cornwallis carries thither, his advance-guard, and expects to fall upon
+our rear; the Americans repair, during the night, a road but little
+known, and, concealing their march, take a position at Mechunck Creek,
+where, according to the orders given, they are joined by six hundred
+mountaineers. The English general, seeing the magazines covered, retires
+to Richmond, and is followed by our army.
+
+Various manoeuvres of the two armies; the Americans are rejoined by
+General Steuben, with his recruits; their force then consists of
+two thousand regulars, and three thousand two hundred militia. Lord
+Cornwallis thinks he must evacuate Richmond; the 20th, the Marquis de
+Lafayette follows him, and retains a posture of defence, seeking to
+manoeuvre, and avoiding a battle. The enemy retires on Williamsburg, six
+miles from that town; their rear-guard is attacked in an advantageous
+manner by our advanced corps under Colonel Butler. Station taken by the
+Americans at one march from Williamsburg.
+
+_July_.--Various movements, which end by the evacuation of Williamsburg;
+the enemy at Jamestown. Our army advances upon them; the 6th, a sharp
+conflict between the hostile army and our advance-guard under General
+Wayne, in front of Green Spring: two pieces of cannon remain in their
+hands; but their progress is arrested by a reinforcement of light
+infantry; the same night they retire upon James Island, afterwards to
+Cobham, on the other side of James River, and from thence to their works
+at Portsmouth.
+
+Colonel Tarleton is detached into Amelia County; the generals Morgan and
+Wayne march to cut him off; he abandons his project, burns his wagons,
+and retires with precipitation. The enemy remaining in Portsmouth, the
+American army takes a healthy station upon Malvan Hill, and reposes
+after all its labour.
+
+_August_.--The Americans refusing to descend in front of Portsmouth, a
+portion of the English army embarks and proceeds by water to Yorktown
+and Gloucester. General Lafayette takes a position at the Fork of
+Pamunkey and Mattapony River, having a detached corps upon both sides
+of York River. The Pennsylvanians and some new levies receive orders to
+remain on James River, and think them selves intended for Carolina. An
+assembly of militia on Moratie or Roanoke River; the fords and roads
+south of James River destroyed on various pretence; movements to occupy
+the attention of the enemy. As in the event prepared by Lafayette, the
+means of escape would remain to the garrison of Portsmouth, Lafayette
+threatened that point. General O'Hara thinks he ought to nail up thirty
+pieces of cannon, and join the largest part of the army. The whole was
+scarcely united, when the Count de Grasse appears at the entrance of
+Chesapeak Bay. General Wayne crosses the river, and places himself in
+such a manner as to arrest the enemy's march, if he should attempt to
+retreat towards Carolina. The French admiral is waited for at Cape
+Henry by an aide-de-camp of Lafayette, to report to him the respective
+situations of the land troops, and ask him to make the necessary
+movements to cut off all retreat to the enemy. He anchors at Cape Henry,
+sends three vessels to York River, and fills James River with frigates;
+the Marquis de Saint Simon, with three thousand men, lands at James
+Island or Jamestown.
+
+_September_.--The river thus defended, General Wayne receives the order
+to cross it; the Marquis de Lafayette marches upon Williamsburg, and
+assembles together, in a good position, the combined troops, to the
+number of seven thousand three hundred men. He had left one thousand
+rive hundred militia in the county of Gloucester, and sends to hasten
+some troops coming from the north. This station, which closes all
+retreat to Lord Cornwallis, (our advance posts nine miles from York,)
+is retained from the 4th to the 28th of September. Lord Cornwallis
+reconnoitres the position of Lafayette, and despairs of forcing it.
+
+The 6th September, the Count de Grasse, quitting the defended rivers,
+goes out with the remainder of his fleet, pursues Admiral Hood, who
+had presented himself, beats him, and sinks the _Terror_; he takes the
+_Iris_ and _Richmond_ frigates; the 13th, he joins, in the bay, the
+squadron of M. de Barras, which had sailed from Rhode Island, with eight
+hundred men and the French artillery: the fleet of the Count de Grasse
+consists, at this period, of thirty eight ships of the line.
+
+Admiral de Grasse and General Saint Simon, commanders of the French
+under Lafayette, urge him to attack Lord Cornwallis and offer him a
+reinforcement from the ship garrisons. He prefers acting on more secure
+grounds, and waiting for the troops from the north. General Washington
+succeeded in reality, in completely deceiving General Clinton as to
+his intentions; he was advancing towards Virginia with an American
+detachment, and the army of the Count de Rochambeau embarked at the head
+of the Chesapeak; they proceeded upon transports, to Williamsburg.
+The 28th, they march upon New York, and the combined army commences
+investing it; the 29th, reconnoitring the place; the 30th, the enemy
+evacuates the advance posts, and retires into the works of York.
+
+_October_.--The 1st, a new reconnoitre; the 3rd, a skirmish between the
+legion of the Duke of Lauzun and that of Tarleton, in which the former
+gained the advantage. That legion and eight hundred men from the ships
+under M. de Choisy, had joined the militia at Gloucester. The night
+of the 6th, the trenches were opened; that of the 11th, the second
+parallel. The night of the 14th, the redoubts of the enemy's left
+were taken, sword in hand, the one by the grenadiers and French light
+horsemen, the other by the light infantrymen of the Americans. The
+first directed by the Baron de Viomenil, a field-marshal; the 2nd by the
+Marquis de Lafayette. The morning of the 17th, Lord Cornwallis asked
+to capitulate; that same evening the firing ceased. The English Army,
+reduced to eight thousand men, comprising 900 militia gave themselves as
+prisoners of war.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX II.
+
+
+TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+Havre, 18th July, 1779.
+
+SIR,--You ask me for some ideas respecting an expedition to America. As
+it is not a fixed plan which you require, nor a memorial addressed
+in form to the ministry, it will be the more easy to comply with your
+wishes.
+
+The state of America, and the new measures which the British appear to
+be adopting, render this expedition more than ever necessary. Deserted
+coasts, ruined ports, commerce checked, fortified posts whence
+expeditions are sent, all seem to call for our assistance, both by sea
+and land. The smallest effort made now, would have more effect on the
+people than a great diversion at a more distant period; but besides the
+gratitude of the Americans, and particularly of the oppressed states, a
+body of troops would insure us a great superiority on that continent.
+In short, sir, without entering into tedious details, you know that
+my opinions on this point have never varied, and my knowledge of this
+country convinces me, that such an expedition, if well conducted, would
+not only succeed in America, but would be of very essential service to
+our own country.
+
+Besides the advantage of gaining the affection of the Americans, and
+that of concluding a good peace, France should seek to curtail the means
+of approaching vengeance. On this account it is extremely important to
+take Halifax; but as we should require foreign aid, this enterprise must
+be preceded by services rendered to different parts of the continent; we
+should then receive assistance, and, under pretext of invading Canada,
+we should endeavour to seize Halifax, the magazine and bulwark of the
+British navy in the new world.
+
+Well aware that a proposition on a large scale would not be acceded to,
+I will diminish, as much as possible, the necessary number of troops.
+I will say four thousand men, a thousand of them to be grenadiers and
+chasseurs; to whom I will add two hundred dragoons and one hundred
+hussars, with the requisite artillery. The infantry should be divided
+into full battalions, commanded by lieutenant-colonels. If commissions
+of higher rank should be desired for the older officers, you are aware
+that the minister of marine has it in his power to bestow such, as
+when the expedition returns to Europe, will have no value in the land
+service. We want officers who can deny themselves, live frugally,
+abstain from all airs, especially a quick, peremptory manner, and who
+can relinquish, for one year, the pleasures of Paris. Consequently we
+ought to have few colonels and courtiers, whose habits are in no respect
+American.
+
+I would ask, then, for four thousand three hundred men, and, as I am
+not writing to the ministry, allow me, for greater ease in speaking, to
+suppose myself for a moment the commander of this detachment. You are
+sufficiently acquainted with my principles to know that I shall not
+court the choice of the king. Although I have commanded, with some
+success, a larger body of troops, and I frankly confess I feel myself
+capable of leading them, yet my intention is not to put forth my own
+claims; but to answer for the actions of a stranger would be a folly,
+and as, setting talents apart, it is on the political conduct of the
+leader, the confidence of the people and of the American army, that
+half the success must depend, I am obliged, reluctantly, to set forth
+a character that I know, in order to establish my reasonings upon some
+basis.
+
+Leaving this digression, I come to the embarkation of these four
+thousand three hundred men. As the coasts of Normandy and Brittany have
+been much harassed, I should propose sailing from the Island of Aix;
+troops and provisions might be obtained in the vicinity. The ports
+between Lorient and the channel would furnish transport vessels.~[1]
+
+Lorient has some merchant ships of a pretty large burthen. The caracks
+of the channel are still larger, and these vessels have, moreover, guns
+of large calibre, which may be of use, either in battle, or in silencing
+batteries onshore; besides, they might be ready in a very short time. I
+would embark the soldiers, a man to every two tons, and would admit the
+dragoons, with their cavalry equipage only. There are many details I
+would give if the project be decided upon, but would be superfluous to
+mention here. After the experience of Count d'Estaing, who found himself
+straitened with biscuit for four months, and flour for two, I would take
+the latter, adding biscuit for six months, which would make in all eight
+months' provision for the marine and the troops. As to our escort,
+that must be decided upon by the marine; but our transports being armed
+vessels, three ships of the line, one of fifty guns for the rivers,
+three frigates and two cutters, would appear to me to be more than
+sufficient. As the expedition is especially a naval one, the commander
+of the squadron should be a man of superior abilities; his character,
+his patriotism, are important points. I have never seen M. de Guichen,
+but the reports I have heard of his worth and modesty prepossess
+me strongly in his favour. Being then at the Island of Aix with our
+detachment, and the squadron that is to transport it, the next
+question is how to act, and our movements must depend entirely upon
+circumstances. According to the first project, we were to sail by the
+first of September, and by the second to remain here until the last of
+January;~[2] it might, however, be possible to sail in October. This
+even appears to me better than remaining until the close of January;
+but the different operations are included in the other plan. The enemy's
+fleet is to be reinforced, and, as we are assured that four or five
+weeks' preparation will be sufficient for the transports and the troops,
+there is nothing unreasonable in forming our projects for this autumn,
+and even for the month of September.
+
+The advantages of commencing our operations in that month would be,
+first, to deprive the enemy of Rhode Island; secure to ourselves, till
+spring, a fine island and harbour, and have it in our power to open
+the campaign when we please. Secondly, to establish our superiority
+in America before the winter negotiations. Thirdly, if peace should
+be desired, to place an important post in our side of the balance.
+Fourthly, in case the enemy should have extended their forces over any
+one of the states, to drive them away with the more ease, as we should
+take them by surprise.
+
+A few days before our departure, and not sooner (to prevent the
+consequences of an indiscretion), three corvettes should be despatched
+to America, with letters to M. de Luzerne, to congress, and to General
+Washington. We might write that the king, desiring to serve his allies,
+and agreeably to the requests of Dr. Franklin, intends sending some
+vessels to America, and, with them, a body of land forces; and that, if
+congress is in want of their assistance, they will willingly lend
+their aid to General Washington, but otherwise they will proceed to the
+Islands: This form will be perfectly appropriate. On any part, I would
+write, in my capacity of an American officer, more detailed letters
+to congress, and to General Washington. To the latter I would say,
+confidentially, that we have almost a _carte blanche_, and unfold my
+plans, and request him to make the necessary preparations. It should be
+reported at our departure that we are destined as a garrison to one of
+the Antilles, while the troops of these islands act on the offensive,
+and that, in the summer, we shall be ordered to attempt a revolution in
+Canada.
+
+The squadron sailing before the 10th of September, would arrive at Sandy
+Hook, off the coast of Jersey, early in November, one of the finest
+months of the year in independent America. Our fleet would then seem
+to threaten New York, and we should find, on our arrival, pilots for
+different destinations, and the necessary signals and counter signs.~[3]
+If Rhode Island should be the proper point of attack, of which I have
+no doubt, we would steer southward towards evening, and, putting about
+during the night, land at Block Island, and lay siege to Newport.
+
+There are some continental troops, who might reach Bristol in a day.
+There are militia at Tivertown, who might also be mustered. Greenwich
+having also a body of troops, must have flat-bottomed boats; those at
+Sledge Ferry would be sent down. All these we should find on the spot.
+To escape the inconveniences experienced the last year, the naval
+commander should send, without a moment's delay, two frigates, to occupy
+the eastern channel, and force the middle one, a thing of trifling
+danger. The vessels found there should be destroyed; and as the enemy
+usually leave at Conanicut Island a body of from six to fifteen hundred
+men, we might easily seize it, and make our land rendezvous there. If
+the wind should be favourable, the vessels might return the same night,
+or the end of the squadron might join them; all these manoeuvres,
+however, will depend on circumstances. Thus much is certain, that the
+same wind which brings us to land will enable us to make ourselves
+masters of the eastern channel, so as to assist the Americans at Bristol
+and Tivertown, and, if possible, to secure the middle channel; at
+all events, however, it is easy to effect a landing in the manner I
+describe.~[4]
+
+Newport is strongly fortified on the side towards the land, but all the
+shore that is behind the town offers great facilities for landing; it
+is, besides, too extensive to admit of being defended by batteries.
+There the French troops might easily disembark, and, reaching at
+day-break the heights which command the town and the enemy's lines,
+might seize their outworks and storm all before there, protected, if
+necessary, by the fire of the ships. The enemy, scattered and confounded
+by these false attacks on both sides of the island, would suppose that
+the system of the past year was re-adopted. The bolder this manoeuvre
+appears, the more confident we may be of its success.
+
+You are aware, moreover, that in war all depends on the moment; the
+details of the attack would be quickly decided on the spot. I need only
+say here, that my thorough knowledge of the island leads me to think
+that, with the above mentioned number of troops, and a very slender
+co-operation on the part of America, I might pledge myself to gain
+possession of the island in a few days.~[5]
+
+As soon as we are in possession of the island, we must write to the
+state of Rhode Island, offering to resign the place to the national
+troops. Unless the state should prefer waiting for the opinion of
+General Washington, our offer would be accepted, and we should be
+invited to establish ourselves there during the winter. The batteries
+upon Goat Island, Brenton's Point and Conanicut Island, would render the
+passage of the harbour the more secure to us, particularly with the aid
+of our vessels, as the British are not strong enough to attack us there,
+and would never attempt it in an unfavourable season. We should be
+supported by the country, and although it is said to be difficult to
+procure provisions, I should endeavour to preserve our naval stores, and
+should obtain more resources than the American army itself.
+
+The same letter that announces to congress our success in Rhode Island,
+of which, as far as calculations may be relied on, there is little
+doubt, should also mention our proposed voyage to the West Indies, and
+inquire whether, our assistance is further needed. Their reply would
+open to new fields of service, and, with their consent, we would leave
+the sick in a hospital at Greenwich, and the batteries manned by
+the militia, and proceed to Virginia. It might be hoped, without
+presumption, that James River Point, if still occupied, would yield to
+the united efforts of our troops and those of the Virginians. The bay of
+Chesapeak would then be free, and that state might bend its whole force
+against its western frontiers.~[6]
+
+It is impossible to estimate here the posts which the British occupy
+in America. Georgia and Carolina appear to need our assistance, and the
+precise operation against Rhode Island must be decided on the spot;
+but to give a general idea, it is sufficient to say that the months of
+December and January should be employed at the south. As the English are
+obliged to station some of their vessels, frigates, merchant ships, or
+transports, in each of their ports, they would amount in the whole to a
+considerable loss.
+
+In the month of February we would return to Newport, where we might
+employ ourselves in interchanges with New York; and the French sailors,
+exchanged for soldiers, might be sent under a flag of truce to M.
+d'Orvillers. Political interests might be treated of with congress, and
+the commander of the detachment go to Philadelphia to make arrangements
+with the minister plenipotentiary for the next campaign, and to lay
+some proposals before congress and General Washington. I should propose
+sending for deputies from the different savage nations, making them
+presents, endeavouring to gain them over from the side of the English,
+and to revive in their hearts that ancient love of the French nation
+which, at some future day, it may be important for us to possess.
+
+It is needless to say here, that if we should wait until the month of
+October, the season would be too far advanced to think of Rhode Island,
+but the southern operations would be equally practicable, and their
+success more certain, as we should take the enemy by surprise.
+
+In that case, instead of proceeding to Newport, we should winter at
+Boston, where we should be well received, and provided with every
+accommodation. We could open the campaign when we pleased, and might
+make preparations beforehand for a great expedition against Rhode
+Island, procuring, at the same time, from the inhabitants of the ports
+of the north of Boston, and especially that of Marble Head, all the
+information they may have acquired about Halifax.
+
+But let us suppose ourselves established at Newport. The campaign opens
+by the close of April, and the British will be in no haste to quit New
+York. The fear of leaving himself unprotected on our side will prevent
+his executing any design against the forts on the North River. It may
+even be in our power to assist General Washington in making an attack
+on New York. Count d'Estaing, before his departure, thought that he had
+discovered the possibility of a passage through the Sound. This question
+I leave to naval officers; but, without being one myself, I know that
+Long Island might be captured, the troops driven off, and, whilst
+General Washington made a diversion on his side, batteries might be
+erected that would greatly annoy the garrison of New York. At all
+events, preparations should be made to act against Halifax in the month
+of June. With the claims which the other expedition would give us, I
+will pledge myself that we should be assisted in this by the Americans.
+I could find at Boston, and in the northern parts, trust-worthy
+persons who could go to Halifax for us, and procure all the necessary
+information; the town of Marble Head, in particular, would furnish us
+with excellent pilots. The inhabitants of the north of New Hampshire and
+Cascobay should be assembled under the command of their general, Stark,
+who gained the victory at Bennington, ready to march, if circumstances
+require it, by the route of Annapolis. The country is said to be
+inhabited by subjects ill affected to British government; ~[7] some of
+them have entered into a correspondence with the Americans, and have
+given assurances that they will form a party in our favour.
+
+With regard to ourselves, I suppose that we sail the 1st of June, and
+that we are accompanied by some continental frigates, and such private
+vessels as might be collected in Boston. Congress would undoubtedly
+furnish us with as many troops as we should require, and those very
+brigades which lately belonged to my division, and whose sole object at
+present is to keep the enemy at Rhode Island in check, having no longer
+any employment, would be able to join us without impairing the main
+army. They would come the more willingly, as the greater part of the
+regiments belonging to the northern part of New England would be
+averse to crossing the Hudson River, and would prefer a service more
+advantageous to their own country.~[8] We should find at Boston cannon
+and mortars. Others, if necessary, might be sent from Springfield, and
+the corps of American artillery is tolerably good.
+
+The enemy would suspect our designs the less, as their ideas run wholly
+upon an invasion of Canada; the movements of the militia in the north
+would be considered as a plan for uniting with us at Sorel, near the
+River St. Francis, as we ascended the St. Lawrence: this opinion, which,
+with a little address, might be strengthened, would awaken apprehensions
+and excite disturbances at Quebec;~[9] and if a vessel of war should by
+chance be at Halifax ready for sea, they would probably despatch it to
+the threatened colony.
+
+I have never seen the town of Halifax, but those persons who, before
+the war, were in the English service, and had spent most of the time in
+garrison, inform me that the great point is, to force to the right
+and left the passage of George's Island, and that a landing might be
+effected without difficulty, either on the side towards the eastern
+battery, in order to seize that battery and Fort Sackville, or, which
+appears to be a shorter way, on the side towards the town. The northern
+suburb, where the magazines are, is but slightly defended. The basin,
+where vessels are repaired, might also be secured. Several officers,
+worthy of confidence, have assured me, that Halifax is built in the form
+as of an amphitheatre; that all the houses might be cannonaded by the
+vessels that had forced the passage, and in that case, the town would
+compel the garrison to surrender. As the troops might destroy all the
+works on the shore, and the vessels of war easily carry the batteries on
+the islands, I am well persuaded, and the accounts of all who have been
+there convince me still more, that Halifax would be unable to withstand
+the united power of our forces and those of America.~[10]
+
+The idea of a revolution in Canada is gratifying to all good Frenchmen;
+and if political considerations condemn it, you will perceive that
+this is to be done only by suppressing every impulse of feeling. The
+advantages and disadvantages of this scheme demand a full discussion,
+into which I will not at present enter. Is it better to leave in the
+neighbourhood of the Americans an English colony, the constant source
+of fear and jealousy, or to free our oppressed brethren, recover the fur
+trade, our intercourse with the Indians, and the profit of our ancient
+establishments, with out the expenses and losses formerly attending
+them? Shall we throw into the balance of the new world a fourteenth
+state, which would be always attached to us, and which, by its
+situation, would give us a superiority in the troubles that may, at
+some future day, agitate America? Opinions are very much divided on
+this topic. I know yours, and my own is not unknown to you; I do not,
+therefore, dwell on it, and consider it in no other light than as a
+means of deceiving and embarrassing the enemy. If, however, it should
+at any time be brought under consideration, it would be necessary to
+prepare the people beforehand; and the knowledge which I was obliged to
+obtain when a whole army was about to enter that country has enabled me
+to form some idea of the means of succeeding there But to return to Nova
+Scotia: part of the American troops, who will accompany us, and such of
+the inhabitants as take up arms in our favour, might be left there as a
+garrison. It would be easy to destroy or take possession of the English
+establishments on the banks of Newfoundland, and after this movement we
+should direct our course according to circumstances. Supposing that we
+could return to Boston or Rhode Island during the month of September,
+and that New York had not yet been taken, we might still be enabled to
+assist General Washington. Otherwise St. Augustine, the Bermudas, or
+some other favourable points of attack, might engage our attention; on
+the other hand, if we should be ordered home, we might reach France in
+three weeks or a month from the banks of Newfoundland, and alarm the
+coasts of Ireland on our way.
+
+If the September plan, which combines all advantages, appears too near
+at hand, if it were decided even not to send us in October, it would be
+necessary to delay our departure until the end of January. In this case,
+as in the former, we should be preceded fifteen days only by corvettes;
+we should pass the month of April in the south, attack Rhode Island to
+May, and arrive at Halifax the last of June. But you are aware that the
+autumn is, on many accounts, the most favourable time for our departure;
+at all events, you will not accuse me of favouring this opinion from
+interested motives, as a winter at Boston or Newport is far from
+equivalent to one spent at Paris.~[11]
+
+These views, in obedience to your request, I have the honour to submit
+to your judgment; I do not affect to give them the form of a
+regular plan, but you will weigh the different schemes according to
+circumstances. I trust that you will receive these remarks with the
+greater indulgence, as my American papers, those respecting Halifax
+excepted, are at Paris, and, consequently, almost all my references are
+made from memory; beside, I did not wish to annoy you with details too
+long for a letter, and if you are desirous to converse more freely on
+the subject, the impossibility of leaving the port of Havre, at present,
+will allow me time to spend three days at Versailles.
+
+I am thoroughly convinced, and I cannot, without violating my
+conscience, forbear repeating, that it is highly important for us to
+send a body to America. If the United States should object to it, I
+think it is our duty to remove their objections, and even to suggest
+reasons for it. But on this head you will be anticipated, and Dr.
+Franklin is only waiting a favorable occasion to make the propositions.
+Even if the operations of the present campaign, with the efforts of
+Count d'Estaing or some other fortunate accident should have given
+affairs a favorable turn, there will be a sufficient field for us, and
+one alone of the, proposed advantages would repay the trouble of sending
+the detachment.
+
+A very important point, and one on which I feel obliged to lay the
+greatest stress, is the necessity of perfect and inviolable secrecy.
+It is unnecessary to trust any person, and even the men who are most
+actively employed in fitting out the detachment and the vessel need not
+be informed of the precise intentions of government. At farthest, the
+secret should be confided to the naval commander, and to the leader of
+the land forces, and not even to them before the last moment.
+
+It will certainly be said that the French will be coldly received in
+that country, and regarded with a jealous eye in their army. I cannot
+deny that the Americans are difficult to be dealt with, especially by
+the Frenchmen; but if I were intrusted with the business, or if the
+commander chosen by the king, acts with tolerable judgment, I would
+pledge my life that all difficulties would be avoided, and that the
+French troops would be cordially received.
+
+For my own part, you know my sentiments, and you will never doubt that
+my first interest is to serve my country. I hope, for the sake of the
+public good, that you will send troops to America. I shall be considered
+too young, I presume, to take the command, but I shall surely be
+employed. If, in the arrangement of this plan, any one, to whom my
+sentiments are less known than to yourself, in proposing for me either
+the command or some inferior commission, should assign as a reason, that
+I should thereby be induced to serve my country with more zeal either in
+council or in action, I took the liberty (putting aside the minister of
+the king) to request M. de Vergennes to come forward as my friend, and
+to refuse, in my name, favors bestowed from motives so inconsistent with
+my character.
+
+I have the honor to be, &c.
+
+LAFAYETTE.
+
+
+Footnotes:
+
+1. I hear that you have, at Lorient, three vessels of the India company,
+of forty guns and eight hundred tons. These caracks, if I recollect
+rightly, are fifty-gun ships, of nine hundred and sixty tons all number
+of vessels would be sufficient; they might soon be got ready, and their
+force would diminish the required escort. As for frigates, you will
+find in readiness, at Lorient, the _Alliance_, the _Pallas_, and others.
+However, if you are determined to employ the vessels which are fitted
+out, in the expedition against England, it would be necessary to take
+ours from St. Malo in preference. (Note from M. de Lafayette.)
+
+2. Virginia and Carolina would be the scene of our operations during the
+months of December and January, and we should pass the remainder of the
+winter at Boston. I greatly prefer this project to waiting until the
+last of January.
+
+3. To deceive the enemy, pilots might be assembled from different parts,
+under pretence of sending them to the Islands, at the request of the
+French. This business, as well as the preparations and signals, might
+be entrusted to a lieutenant-colonel of the royal corps of engineers, an
+officer of great merit at the head of the American corps of engineers,
+who, under cover of working to the fortifications of the Delaware, might
+remain near Sandy Hook.
+
+4. The frigates or vessels necessary to protect the landing, either real
+or pretended, of the Americans, should anchor in those channels. The
+enemy would then be obliged either to disperse among the forts, and
+thereby to weaken their lines, or else to leave the field open to the
+Americans, who, by a diversion upon the lines, would force the enemy to
+have them fully manned, and prevent them attending to their rear.
+
+5. It is necessary, however, to consider all the unfortunate
+contingencies that may occur. If the expedition to Rhode Island
+should be prevented, or if it should not succeed, or if nothing can
+be attempted at New York, we ought then to proceed on our expeditions
+against Virginia, or Georgia, or Carolina, and winter afterwards at
+Boston, leaving Rhode Island to the next season, as proposed in our plan
+of sailing in the month of October.
+
+6. If the capture of the Bermudas, or some expedition of the kind,
+should be considered necessary, the rest of the winter might be employed
+in carrying it into effect.
+
+7. The last time I was at Boston, I saw there a respectable man, a
+member of the council in Nova Scotia, who had secretly entered into
+the service of General Gates, and who assured us of the favourable
+disposition of the inhabitants.
+
+8. General Gates, who is popular in New England, and perfectly
+acquainted with Halifax, has often proposed to make an expedition, in
+concert, against that town, with French and American troops combined.
+
+9. In the present harassed state of the English, I doubt if they will
+have in port any vessel capable of joining the squadron.
+
+10. I have not made any allowance for the diversion in the north, of
+which, however, I feel certain, and if the troops should not go to
+Annapolis, would, at least, compel a part of the British garrison, and
+such of the inhabitants as adhered to the royal party, to remain in the
+fort.
+
+11. Fifteen hundred or two thousand select troops thrown into America
+might aid General Washington, and enable him to act on the offensive, by
+supplying him with good heads to his columns, and by uniting the French
+with an American division for combined operations. This plan would be of
+some use, but it appeared to me that you wished for one offering results
+of greater importance.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoirs, Correspondence and
+Manuscripts of General Lafayette, by Lafayette
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