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.