Sept., 1779.
Dear Baron:
I am at this moment honored with your letter of the 80th ultimo, and
have communicated that part of it which concerns M. De la Luzerne to
the General; agreeably to which we shall take our measures on the
reception of this private public gentleman. We had prepared a party of
Cavalry to receive him at Fishkill, on the supposition that he would
set out with an escort from Boston; but we have now sent orders to the
party immediately to take the route you mention to Hartford, and there
place themselves under your orders.
The General requests you will make his respectful compliments to your
Chevalier, and gives you carte blanche to say every handsome thing you
think proper in his name, of the pleasure which this visit will give
him. I have no doubt that your portrait, which appears to be executed
en maitre, will be found a just representation of the original; and if
he is as happy as his predecessor in gaining the esteem and confidence
of the _men_ of this country, with so many talents to conciliate the
leaders, his ministry will not be unsuccessful. I augur well for him.
Gen. Washington proposes to meet him as a private gentleman at Fishkill.
A. Hamilton.