Green. He at first had requested that I would directly write to you,
since which his orders have been different, but he directed me to
forward you copies of my official accounts. So many letters are lost in
their way that I do not care to avoid repetitions.--I heartily wish,
my dear general, my conduct may be approved of, particularly by you.
My circumstances have been peculiar, and in this state I have sometimes
experienced strange disappointments. Two of them, the stores at
Charlottesville, and the delay of the Pennsylvania detachment, have
given me much uneasiness and may be attended with bad consequences.
Your presence, my dear general, would do a great deal, Should these
detachments be increased to three or four thousand, and the French army
come this way, leaving one of our generals at Rhode Island and two or
three about New York and in the Jerseys, you might be very offensive
in this quarter, and there could be, a southern army in Carolina. Your
presence would do immense good, but I would wish you to have a large
force. General Washington, before he personally appears, must be strong
enough to hope success. Adieu, my dear general, with the highest respect
and most tender affection I have the honor to be, Yours,~[1]
P.S. If you persist in the idea to come this way. you may depend
upon about 3000 militia in the field, relieved every two months. Your
presence will induce them to turn out with great spirit.
Footnote:
1. This letter, and the succeeding one to Gen. Greene, was written while
Lafayette was retreating before Lord Cornwallis, and as he was about
to cross the Rapidan to form a junction with Wayne. See the answers in
Sparks's _Writ. of Wash_. v. 3. p. 86.
TO GENERAL GREENE.
(ORIGINAL.)
Camp between Rappahannock and North Anna, June 3rd, 1781,
SIR,--I have done myself the honor to write you many letters, but least
some of them should have miscarried, which I much apprehend to have been
the case, I shall repeat an account of the late transactions in this
state.
The junction of the enemy being made, which for the reasons I have
mentioned it was impossible to prevent, I retired towards Richmond
and waited for Lord Cornwallis's movements, his regular force being
so vastly superior to mine.--Reinforcements from below having still
increased it, and his cavalry being ten to one, I could not think
to bring into action a small body of eight or nine hundred men, that
preserved the shadow of an army and an inconsiderable number of militia
whose defeat was certain and would be attended with a fatal loss of
arms.--
Lord Cornwallis had at first a project to cross above Richmond, but
desisted from it and landed at Westover, he then proposed to turn our
left flank, but before it was executed we moved by the left to the forks
of Chickahomony,--the enemy advanced twelve miles and we retreated in
the same proportion; they crossed Chickahomony and advanced on the road
to Fredericksburg. We marched in a parallel with them, keeping the upper
part of the country. Our position at Mattapony church would have much
exposed the enemy's flank on their way to Fredericksburg, but they
stopped at Cook's ford on the North Anna river, where they are for the
present.--General Wayne having announced to me his departure on the 23d,
I expected before this time to have made a junction. We have moved back
some distance and are cautious not to indulge Lord Cornwallis with an
action with our present force.--
The intentions of the enemy are not as yet well explained.
Fredericksburg appears to be their object, the more so as a greater
number of troops are said to be gone down than is necessary for the
garrison of Portsmouth.--The public stores have been as well as possible
removed, and every part of Hunter's works that could be taken out of the
way.--It is possible they mean to make a stroke towards Charlotteville;
this I would not be uneasy for, had my repeated directions been
executed, but instead of removing stores from there to Albemarle old
Court House, where Baron de Steuben has collected six hundred regulars,
and where I ordered the militia south of James River to rendezvous--It
appears from a letter I received this evening that state stores have
been contrary to my directions collected there, least they should mix
with the Continentals, but my former letters were so positive, and my
late precautions are so multiplied that. I hope the precious part of the
stores will have been removed to a safer place. I had also some stores
removed from Orange Court House. Dispatches from the Governor to me
have fallen into the enemies' hands; of which I gave him and the Baron
immediate notice.
The report of an insurrection in Hampshire county, and the hurry of
Lord Cornwallis to communicate the copy of a Cartel with you where it
is settled the prisoners will be sent by such a time to Jamestown, are
motives that gave me some suspicions of a project towards the Convention
troops. The number of the rebels is said to be 700--Gen. Morgan has
marched against them; I think the account is pretty well authenticated
tho' it is not official.--Having luckily opened a letter from the Board
of War, to the Governor whereby the Convention troops are ordered to
New England, I sent a copy of it to Col. Wood and requested an immediate
execution of the order. This motive and the apprehension that I might be
interrupted in a junction with Gen. Wayne have induced me particularly
to attend to our re-union, an event that was indispensable to give us
a possibility to protect some part or other of this state. I was until
lately ignorant of your orders, that the new Continentals and militia
under Baron de Steuben be united with this part of your army, and the
Baron intended shortly to march to the southward.--When united to Gen.
Wayne 1 shall be better able to command my own movements and those of
the other troops in this state.--Had this expected junction taken place
sooner, matters would have been very different.
The enemy must have five hundred men mounted and their Cavalry increases
daily. It is impossible in this country to take horses out of their way,
and the neglect of the inhabitants, dispersion of houses, and robberies
of negroes, (should even the most vigorous measures have been taken by
the Civil authority) would have yet put many horses into their hands.
Under this cloud of light troops it is difficult to reconnoitre as well
as counteract any rapid movements they choose to make. I have the honor
to be with great respect, &c.
TO GENERAL GREENE,
(ORIGINAL.)
Allen's Creek, 22 miles from Richmond, Jane 18th, 1781.
SIR,--The enemy's position at Cooke's ford enabled them either to return
to James River or to gain our northern communication. The arms and other
precious stores arriving from Philadelphia, the importance of a junction
with Gen. Wayne, and other strong reasons mentioned in my last, made it
my first object to check the further progress of Lord Cornwallis. Some
stores at the forks of James River were under the care of the major
general, the Baron de Steuben, who had five hundred regulars of the
Virginia new levies, and some militia.
Col. Tarlton's legion having pressed for Charlottesville, where the
Assembly were sitting, was disappointed in his purpose by proper
information being given them. One hundred and fifty arms, however, and a
small quantity of powder fell into the enemy's hands.
A detachment under Col. Simcoe said to be four hundred dragoons and
mounted infantry, proceeded to the point of Fork, of which the Baron de
Steuben received notice. Both his men and stores were transported to the
south branch when the Baron marched to Etaunton River. Simcoe threw over
a few men which destroyed what stores had been left. He hazarded a great
deal, but our loss was inconsiderable.
In the meantime the British army was moving to the point of Fork, with
intention to strike our magazines at Albermarle old Court House. Our
force was not equal to their defence, and a delay of our junction
would have answered the views of the enemy. But on the arrival of the
Pennsylvanians we made forced marches towards James River, and on our
gaining the South Anna we found Lord Cornwallis encamped some miles
below the point of Fork. A stolen march through a difficult road gave
us a position upon Michunk Creek, between the enemy and our magazines,
where, agreeable to appointment, we were joined by a body of riflemen.
The next day Lord Cornwallis retired towards Richmond (where he now is)
and was followed by our small army.
I have directed General Steuben to return this way and a junction will
be formed as soon as his distance permits.
With the highest regard, &c., &c.
P. S. The following is an extract of a letter just now received from
James Barron, Commodore, dated Warwick, 9 miles from Hampton, June 17th,
1781,
"At five o'clock this afternoon anchored in the road from sea, 35 sail
of the enemies' vessels; viz: 24 ships, 10 brigs and one schooner, which
I take to be the fleet that sailed from hence 13 days ago. Only 4 appear
to have troops on board."
TO GENERAL GREENE.
(ORIGINAL.)
Mr. Tyter's plantation, 20 miles from Williamsburg, 27th June, 1781.
SIR,--My letter of the 18th, informed you of the enemy's retrograde
movement to Richmond, where they had made a stop. Our loss at the point
of Fork chiefly consisted of old arms out of repair and some cannon,
most of which have been since recovered.
On the 18th the British Army moved towards us with design as I apprehend
to strike at a detached corps commanded by Gen. Muhlenberg, upon this
the light Infantry and Pennsylvanians marched under Gen. Wayne when
the enemy retired into town. The day following I was joined by Gen.
Steuben's troops, and on the night of the 20th Richmond was evacuated.
Having followed the enemy our light parties fell in with them near New
Kent Court House, the army was still at a distance and Lord Cornwallis
continued his route towards Williamsburg; his rear and right flank were
covered by a large corps commanded by Col. Simcoe. I pushed forward a
detachment under Col. Butler, but notwithstanding a fatiguing march the
colonel reports that he could not have overtaken them, had not Major
McPherson mounted 50 light infantry behind an equal number of dragoons,
which coming up with the enemy charged them within six miles of
Williamsburg; such of the advance corps as could arrive to their
support, composed of riflemen under Major Call and Major Willis began a
smart action. Inclosed is the return of our loss. That of the enemy
is about 60 killed and 100 wounded, including several officers, a
disproportion which the skill of our riflemen easily explains. I am
under great obligations to Col. Butler and the officers and men of
the detachment for their ardor in the pursuit and their conduct in the
action. Gen. Wayne who had marched to the support of Butler, sent down
some troops under Major Hamilton. The whole British army came out to
save Simcoe, and on the arrival of our army upon this ground returned to
Winsburg. The post they occupy at present is strong and under protection
of their shipping, but upwards of one hundred miles from the point of
Fork.
I had the honor to communicate these movements to the executive of the
state that the seat of government might be again re-established in the
capital. Lord Cornwallis has received a reinforcement from Portsmouth.
With the greatest respect I have the honor to be.
TO GENERAL GREENE.
(ORIGINAL.)
Ambler's Plantation, opposite Jamestown, 8 July, 1781.
SIR,--On the 4th inst. the enemy evacuated Williamsburg where some
stores fell into our hands, and retired to this place under the cannon
of their shipping. Next morning we advanced to Bird's tavern, and a part
of the army took post at Norrel's mill about nine miles from the British
camp.
The 6th I detached an advanced corps under Gen. Wayne with a view of
reconnoitering the enemy's situation. Their light parties being drawn in
the pickets which lay close to their encampment were gallantly attacked
by some riflemen whose skill was employed to great effect.
Having ascertained that Lord Cornwallis had sent off his baggage under
a proper escort and posted his army in an opened field fortified by
the shipping, I returned to the detachment which I found more generally
engaged. A piece of cannon had been attempted by the van guard under
Major Galvan whose conduct deserves high applause.--Upon this the whole
British army came out and advanced to the thin wood occupied by General
Wayne.--His corps chiefly composed of Pennsylvanians and some light
infantry did not exceed eight hundred men with three field pieces. But
notwithstanding their numbers, at sight of the British the troops ran
to the rencontre. A short skirmish ensued with a close, warm, and well
directed firing, but as the enemy's right and left of course greatly
outflanked ours, I sent General Wayne orders to retire half a mile
to where Col. Vose's and Col. Barber's light infantry battalions had
arrived by a rapid move, and where I directed them to form. In this
position they remained till some hours in the night. The militia under
Gen. Lawson had been advanced, and the continentals were at Norrel's
mill when the enemy retreated during the night to James Island, which
they also evacuated, crossing over to the south side of the river.
Their ground at this place and the island were successively occupied by
General Muhlenberg. Many valuable horses were left on their retreat.
From every account the enemy's loss has been very great and much pains
taken to conceal it. Their light infantry, the brigade of guards and two
British regiments formed the first line, the remainder of the army the
second; the cavalry were drawn up but did not charge.
By the inclosed return you will see what part of Gen. Wayne's detachment
suffered most. The services rendered by the officers make me happy to
think that altho' many were wounded we lost none. Most of the field
officers had their horses killed, and the same accident to every horse
of two field pieces made it impossible to move them, unless men had
been sacrificed. But it is enough for the glory of Gen. Wayne and the
officers and men he commanded to have attacked the whole British army
with a reconnoitering party only, close to their encampment, and by this
severe skirmish hastened their retreat over the river.--
Col. Bowyer of the riflemen is a prisoner.--
I have the honor to be, &e,
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
(ORIGINAL.)
Mrs. Ruffin's, August 20th, 1781.
MY DEAR GENERAL--Independent of the answer to your letter of the 15th,
I have been very particular in a second letter intrusted to Col. Moriss.
But at this moment wish to send you minuted and repeated accounts of
every thing that passes in this quarter.
The enemy have evacuated their forts at Troy, Kemp's Landing, Great
Bridge, and Portsmouth. Their vessels with troops and baggage went round
to York. Some cannon have been left spiked up at Portsmouth; but I have
not yet received proper returns.
I have got some intelligences by the way of this servant I have once
mentioned. A very sensible fellow was with him, and from him as well
as deserters, I hear that they begin fortifying at York. They are even
working by a windmill at which place I understand they will make a fort
and a battery for the defence of the river. I have no doubt but that
something will be done on the land side. The works at Gloster are
finished; they consist of some redoubts across Gloster creek and a
battery of 18 pieces beating the river.
The enemy have 60 sails of vessels into York river, the largest a 50
gun ship and two 36 frigates.--About seven other armed vessels, the
remainder are transports, some of them still loaded and a part of them
very small vessels. It appears they have in that number merchantmen,
some of whom are Dutch prizes. The men of war are very thinly manned. On
board the other vessels there are almost no sailors.
The British army had been sickly at Portsmouth, the air of York begins
to refit them. The whole cavalry have crossed on the Gloster side
yesterday evening, a movement of which I gave repeated accounts to the
militia there; but the light infantry and main body of the militia are
at this place, Gen. Wayne on the road to Westover, and we may form our
junction in one day. I keep parties upon the enemy's lines. The works at
Portsmouth are levelling. The moment I can get returns and plans l will
send them to your Excellency. The evacuation of a post fortified with
much care and great expense will convince the people abroad that the
enemy cannot hold two places at once.--The Maryland troops were to have
set out on Monday last. There is in this quarter an immense want of
clothing of every sort, arms, ammunition, hospital stores, and horse
accoutrements. Should a maritime superiority be expected, I would
propose to have all those matters carried from Philadelphia to the head
of Elk.
The numbers of the British army fit for duty I _at least_ would
estimate at 4500, rank and file. Their sailors I cannot judge but by
intelligences of the number of vessels. In a word this part affords the
greatest number of regulars and the only active army to attack, which
having had no place of defence must be less calculated for it than any
garrison either at New York or in Carolina.
With the highest respect and most sincere affection, &c.
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
(ORIGINAL.)
Holt's Forge, September the 1st, 1781.
MY DEAR GENERAL.--I am happy to inform your Excellency that Count de
Grasse's fleet is safely arrived in this bay; it consists of 28 ships of
the line with several frigates and convoys a considerable body of troops
under Marquis de St. Simon.--Previous to their arrival such positions
had been taken by our army as to prevent the enemy's retreating towards
Carolina.
In consequence of your Excellency's orders I had the honor to open a
correspondence with the French Generals, and measures have been taken
for a junction of our troops.--
Lord Cornwallis is still on York river and is fortifying himself in a
strong position.--
With the highest respect I have the honor to be,~[1]
Footnote:
1. See answer of Washington, Sparks's Writ. of Wash. v. 8. p. 156.
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
(ORIGINAL.)
Camp Williamsburg, Sept. 8th, 1781.
MY DEAR GENERAL.--Your letter of the 2d September is just come to hand.
Mine of yesterday mentioned that the ships in York river had gone down.
Inclosed is the account of an engagement off the capes. What disposition
has been made for the internal protection of the bay, I do not know.
James river is still guarded, but we have not as yet received any
letter from Count de Grasse relative to his last movements. I hasten to
communicate them as your Excellency will probably think it safer to keep
the troops at the Head of Elks until Count de Grasse returns. Indeed,
unless the greatest part of your force is brought here, a small addition
can do but little more than we do effect. Lord Cornwallis will in a
little time render himself very respectable.
I ardently wish your whole army may be soon brought down to operate.
We will make it our business to reconnoitre the enemy's works and give
you on your arrival the best description of it that is in our power. I
expect the governor this evening and will again urge the necessity of
providing what you have recommended.
By a deserter from York I hear that two British frigates followed the
French fleet and returned after they had seen them out of the capes. A
spy says that two schooners supposed to be French have been seen coming
up York river, but we have nothing so certain as to insure your voyage,
tho' it is probable Count de Grasse will soon return.
I beg leave to request, my dear General, in your answer to the Marquis
de St. Simon you will express your admiration at this celerity of
their landing and your sense of their cheerfulness in submitting to the
difficulties of the first moments. Indeed I would be happy something
might also be said to Congress on the subject.
Your approbation of my conduct emboldens me to request that Gen. Lincoln
will of course take command of the American part of your army; the
division I will have under him may be composed of the troops which have
gone through the fatigues and dangers of the Virginia campaign; this
will be the greatest reward of the services I may have rendered, as I
confess I have the strongest attachment to these troops.
With the highest respect I have the honor to be,~[1]
Footnote:
1. See Letter of Washington, Sparks's Writ. of Wash. v. 8. p. 157. A
plan of operations in Virginia at p. 158.
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
(ORIGINAL.)
Williamsburg, 10 Sept. 1781.
MY DEAR GENERAL,--Gourion is just arrived, he says you may be on your
way. We hasten to send to the commanding naval officer in the bay.
Hitherto I had no way to write to you by water, but Count de Grasse
being at sea we request the officer he has left to have every precaution
taken for the safety of navigation. It is probable they are taken, but
I would have been too uneasy had I not added this measure to those that
have been probably adopted.
I wrote several letters to you; the surprising speedy landing of
the French troops under the Marquis de St. Simon; our junction at
Williamsburg; the unremitted ardor of the enemy in fortifying at York;
the sailing of Count de Grasse in pursuit of 16 sail of the line, of the
British fleet, were the most principal objects. I added we were short of
flour, might provide cattle enough. I took the liberty to advise James
River as the best to land in, the particular spot referred to a more
particular examination, the result of which we shall send tomorrow.
Excuse the haste that I am in, but the idea of your being in a cutter
leaves me only the time to add that I am, &c.
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
(ORIGINAL.)
Camp before York, September 30th, 1781.
My Dear General--You have been so often pleased to ask I would give my
opinion on any subject that may occur, that I will this day take the
liberty to mention a few articles.
I am far from laughing at the idea of the enemy's making a retreat.
It is not very probable, but it is not impossible, indeed they have no
other way to escape; and since we cannot get ships at York I would be
still more afraid of a retreat by West Point than any thing else. The
French hussars remaining here, our dragoons and some infantry might be
stationed somewhere near West Point, rather on the north side. I see the
service is much done by details, and to use your permission would take
the liberty to observe that when the siege is once begun it might be
more agreeable to the officers and men to serve as much as possible by
whole battalions. Col. Scamel is taken: his absence I had accounted
for by his being officer of the day. I am very sorry we lose a valuable
officer, but tho' Col. Scamel's being officer of the day has been a
reason for his going in front, I think it would be well to prevent the
officers under the rank of generals or field officers reconnoitering for
the safety of their commands from advancing so near the enemy's lines.
There is a great disproportion between Huntington's and Hamilton's
battalions. Now that Scamel is taken we might have them made equal and
put the eldest of the two Lieutenant Colonels upon the right of the
brigade.
I have these past days wished for an opportunity to speak with your
Excellency on Count de Grasse's demand relative to Mr. de Barrass's
fleet. This business being soon done, we may think of Charleston, at
least of the harbor or of Savannah. I have long and seriously thought of
this matter but would not be in a hurry to mention it until we knew
how long this will last. However it might be possible to give Count de
Grasse an early hint of it in case you agree with him upon the winterly
departure of the whole fleet for the West Indies. One of my reasons to
wish troops (tho' not in great number) to be sent to Glocester county
by way of West Point is that for the first days it will embarrass any
movement of the enemy up the river or up the country on either side,
and when it is in Glocester county it may be thought advantageous by a
respectable regular force to prevent the enemy's increasing their works
there and giving us the trouble of a second operation, and in the same
time it will keep from York a part of the British forces.
With the highest respect and most sincere affection I have the honor to
be, &c.~[1]
Footnote:
1. For a "Plan of the Siege of Yorktown," see Spark's Writ. of Wash.
v.8. p. 186.
TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
(ORIGINAL.)
November 29th, 1781
MY DEAR GENERAL,--Inclosed you will find some numbers, a copy of which I
have kept, and which contains some names that may probably occur in our
correspondence. I need not tell you, my dear General, that I will be
happy in giving you every intelligence in my power and reminding you of
the most affectionate friend you can ever have.
The goodness you had to take upon yourself the communicating to the
Virginia army the approbation of Congress appears much better to me than
my writing to the scattered part of the body I had the honor to command.
Give me leave, my dear General, to recall to your memory the peculiar
situation of the troops who being already in Virginia were deprived
of the month's pay given to the others. Should it be possible to do
something for them it would give me great satisfaction.