Richmond, May 23, 1781.
My Dear Hamilton:
I have been long complaining that I had nothing to do; and want of
employment was an objection I had to my going to the southward. But
for the present, my dear friend, my complaint is quite of an opposite
nature; and I have so many arrangements to make, so many difficulties
to combat, so many enemies to deal with, that I am just that much of
a general, as will make me a historian of misfortunes, and nail my
name upon the ruins of what good folks are pleased to call the army in
Virginia.
There is an age past since I heard from you. I acknowledge that, on my
part, I have not written so often as I ought to have done; but you will
excuse this silence in favor of my very embarrassing circumstances.
However remote you may be from your former post of aid-de-camp to the
Commander-in-Chief, I am sure you are nevertheless acquainted with
every transaction at head quarters. My letters have served to your
information, and I shall consequently abstain from repetitions.
Our forced march saved Richmond; Phillips was going down; and thus far
I was very happy. Phillips’s return, his landing at Brandon, south side
of James River, and the unmolested journey of Lord Cornwallis through
North Carolina, made me apprehensive of the storm that was gathering.
I advanced towards Petersburg, and intended to have established a
communication upon James and Appamatox Rivers. Had Phillips marched to
Halifax, I was determined to follow him; and should have risked every
thing rather than to omit making a diversion in favor of Greene. But
that army took possession of Petersburg, and obliged me to stick to
this side of the river, from whence reinforcements are expected. Both
armies have formed their junction, and must consist of between four and
five thousand men. We have nine hundred continentals. Their infantry
is near five to one; their cavalry ten to one. Our militia are not
numerous, come without arms, and are not used to war. Government wants
energy; and there is nothing to enforce the laws. General Greene has
directed me to take command in this State; and I must tell, by the way,
that his letter is very polite and affectionate. It then became my duty
to arrange the departments, which I found in the greatest confusion and
relaxation. Nothing can be obtained, and yet expenses were enormous.
The Baron, and the few new levies he could collect, are ordered to
South Carolina. I am glad he goes, as the hatred of the Virginians to
him was truly hurtful to the service. Is it not strange that General
Wayne’s detachment cannot be heard of? They are to go to Carolina; but
should I want them for a few days, I am at liberty to keep them. This
permission I will improve, so far as to receive one blow, that, being
beat, I may at least be beat with some decency. There are accounts that
make Lord Cornwallis very strong: others make him very weak. In this
country there is no getting good intelligence.
I request you will write me, if you approve of my conduct. The command
of the waters, the superiority in cavalry, and the great disproportion
of forces, gave the enemy such advantages, that I durst not venture
out, and listen to my fondness for enterprise. To speak truth, I was
afraid of myself as much as of the enemy. Independence has rendered me
the more cautious, as I know my own warmth. But if the Pennsylvanians
come, Lord Cornwallis shall pay something for his victory.
I wish a reinforcement of _light infantry_, to recruit the battalions,
or a detachment under General Huntington was sent to me. I wish Laurens
or Sheldon were immediately dispatched with their horse.
Come here, my dear friend, and command our artillery in Virginia. I
want your advice and your exertions. If you grant my request, you will
vastly oblige,
Your friend,
La Fayette.
Colonel Hamilton.