Newport, 4th Dec., 1780.
Sir:
The ill state of my health obliges me to request permission to
return to France, for as short a time as possible. I must, before my
departure, acquit myself of the double duty of thanking you for the
favors with which you have honored me, and of soliciting your orders
for my country. The satisfaction I feel of being chosen to accompany
the Marquis de la Fayette, and of executing under his orders, the
dispositions necessary to the arrival of the French army, which, as
an interesting period of my life, will not be superior to that of
returning to give our great and good General Washington new proofs of
my zeal. I shall always be honored in being reckoned one of your most
faithful comrades. I wish that happiness, success and glory follow you
for ever.
I am, with everlasting attachment,
Your most humble and most obedient servant,
Estris de Corny,
Lt. Colonel of Cavalry.
I pray you to present my friendship and full compliments to the
General’s family.
Col. Hamilton.