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.