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Memoirs, Correspondence and Manuscripts of General Lafayette

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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 OR 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.

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