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. Gérard
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,