under an escort, and posted his army in an open field, fortified by the
shipping, I returned to the detachment, which I found generally engaged.
A piece of cannon had been attempted by the vanguard, and the whole
British army advanced to the wood, occupied by General Wayne. His whole
corps did not exceed 800, part of which were militia, with three field
pieces.--But at sight of the British, the troops ran to the rencontre,
notwithstanding the very superior number of the enemy, and a short
skirmish ensued, with a warm, close and well directed fire. But, as both
the right and left of the enemy greatly out-flanked ours, I sent orders
to General Wayne, to retire to about half a mile, where Col. Vose
and Barber's light infantry battalions had arrived, by a most rapid
movement, and where I directed them to form. In this position, they
remained till some hours in the night. The militia under General Lawson
also advanced; but during the night, the enemy retired to the south of
the river.
"From all accounts, the enemy's loss is great. We had none killed, but
many wounded. Wayne's detachment suffered most. Many horses were killed,
which rendered it impossible to move the field pieces. But it is enough
for the glory of General Wayne, and the officers and men under
his command, to have attacked the whole British army, with only a
reconnoitering party, and to have obliged them to retreat over the
river. I have the honor to be, &c.
"LAFAYETTE."
Under date of July 11th, an officer of rank gives some further account
of this affair. "The enemy had 300 men killed and wounded; and among
the latter were several officers. Their precipitate retreat the same
evening, to Jamestown Island, and thence to the other side of the river,
is a tacit acknowledgment, that a general action was not their wish.
We hear that the British officers are much mortified at the issue, and
confess they were out-generalled. Their numbers were far superior to
ours; and they had the advantage of a large corps of cavalry. We could
not have extricated ourselves from the difficulties we were in, but by
the maneuver we adopted; which, though it may have the appearance of
temerity, to those unacquainted with the circumstances, was founded upon
the truest military principles; and was a necessary, though a very bold
and daring measure."
Extract from the general orders of the Marquis Lafayette, July 8th,
1781, near James River.
"The General is happy to acknowledge the spirit of the detachment under
General Wayne, in their engagement with the whole of the British army,
of which he was an eye witness. He requests General Wayne and the
officers and men under his command, to accept his best thanks. The
bravery and destructive fire of the riflemen, rendered essential
service. The fire of the light infantry checked the enemy's progress
round our right flank. The General was much pleased with the conduct of
Captain Savage, of the artillery, and is satisfied, that nothing but
the loss of horses occasioned that of the two field pieces. The zeal of
Colonel Mercer's corps, is fully expressed in the number of horses he
had killed."
His conduct at the siege and capture of Cornwallis, at Yorktown,
received the particular approbation of the commander in chief. Perhaps
no officer in the American line, contributed more than he did to the
success which attended our arms on that memorable occasion. When the
British General was confident of seizing him and his little party by
stratagem, or of overpowering them by numbers, he was on his guard, and
had the good fortune to elude every effort to destroy him. And, during
the immediate siege of Yorktown, he occupied one of the most dangerous
posts, and was among the foremost in the many vigorous assaults made
upon the British army, before it was compelled to surrender. He had the
honor to be ranked with Lincoln, Greene, Knox, Wayne and others, in the
glorious exploits, which convinced the enemy of our persevering bravery,
and induced them at last to sue for peace.
In November following, the Marquis returned to France, having first
obtained the consent of Congress, and of the commander in chief. The
contest between Great Britain and the United States, was drawing to
a close. The former became satisfied of the impossibility of subduing
America: and the latter was anxious to terminate a war, which had
exhausted her finances, and occasioned an oppressive debt. The resolves
of Congress, with reference to the departure of General Lafayette at
this period, exhibits, in a very favorable light, the important services
he had rendered the country, in the critical situation in which it had
been placed.
In Congress, Nov. 1781. "Resolved, That Major General Lafayette have
permission to go to France, and to return at such time as may be most
agreeable to himself--that he be informed, that, on a view of his
conduct throughout the past campaign, and particularly during the
period, in which he had the chief command in Virginia, the many new
proofs which present themselves of his zealous attachment to the cause
he has espoused, and of his judgment, vigilance, gallantry and address
in its defence, have greatly added to the high opinion entertained by
Congress of his merits and military talents--that he make known to the
officers and troops whom he commanded during that period, that the
brave and enterprizing services, with which they seconded his zeal and
efforts, and which enabled him to defeat the attempts of an enemy,
far superior in numbers, have been beheld by Congress, with particular
satisfaction and approbation.--That the Secretary of foreign affairs
acquaint the Ministers Plenipotentiaries of the United States, that it
is the desire of Congress, that they confer with the Marquis Lafayette,
and avail of his information, relative to the situation of public
affairs in the United States--That the Secretary for foreign affairs,
further acquaint the Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of
Versailles, that he will conform to the intention of Congress, by
consulting with, and employing the assistance of the Marquis Lafayette,
in accelerating the supplies which may be afforded by his most Christian
Majesty for the United Stakes--That the superintendent of finance,
the Secretary for foreign affairs and the board of war, make such
communications to the Marquis, touching the affairs of their respective
departments, as will best enable him to fulfill the purpose of the
preceding resolutions--That the superintendent of finance, take order
for discharging the engagements entered into by the Marquis Lafayette,
with the merchants of Baltimore, when he borrowed money of them on his
own credit, to supply our troops with necessaries."
At the same time, Congress ordered that a conveyance be provided for
General Lafayette, in a public vessel, whenever he should choose to
embark; and voted to send a letter by him, to the King of France.
The following is the reply of the Marquis, to the president of Congress,
who forwarded him the resolves.
"SIR,
"I have been honored with the resolutions which Congress have been
pleased to pass in my favor. Testimonies of their esteem and their
confidence that are so very flattering to me, could not but excite
those exalted sentiments of gratitude, which I am unable sufficiently to
express.--My attachment to America, the sense of my obligations, and the
new favors conferred upon me, are so many everlasting ties that devote
me to her. At all times, and in every part of the world, my heart
will be panting for opportunities to be employed in her service. With
unspeakable pleasure, I shall transmit the resolve of Congress to the
brave and virtuous troops, whom it has been my happiness to command.
"I have the honor to be, &c.
"LAFAYETTE."
When he transmitted the foregoing resolve of Congress, to the troops
he had lately commanded, he observed to them, "In the moment the Major
General leaves this place, he wishes once more to express his gratitude
to the brave corps of light infantry, who, for nine months past, have
been the companions of his fortunes. He can never forget, that, with
them alone, of regular troops, he had the good fortune to maneuver
before an army, which, after all its reductions, was still six times
more numerous than the regular force he had under command."
The interest taken in favour of our country by General Lafayette, and
the anxiety he felt upon all occasions for the success of our contest
with England, are so strongly evinced by his letter to the Hon. Samuel
Adams, that we feel bound in justice to the character of this zealous
apostle of liberty, to present it to our readers, with the reply of Mr.
Adams. It shows, indeed, not only the disposition of Lafayette, in every
possible way, to rapport the cause of America; but his great knowledge
of human nature, and his regard for the honorable feelings of soldiers.
The letter was written at Morristown, May 30, 1780, soon after the
Marquis returned from his visit to France, where he exerted himself with
the French Ministers to grant aid and supplies to the United States.
"_Dear Sir_,--Had I known that I would have the pleasure of meeting you
at Boston, and holding confidential conversations with you on public
and private matters, I should have anticipated the uneasiness I was put
under by the obligation of secrecy, or previously obtained the leave
of breaking that so strict law in your favor. Now, my dear sir, that
Congress have set my tongue at liberty, at least for such men as Mr.
Samuel Adams, I will, in referring you to a public letter from the
committee of Congress, indulge my private feelings in imparting to you
some confidential ideas of mine on our present situation.
"As momentary visits did not entirely fulfill the purpose of freeing
America, France thought they would render themselves more useful, if a
naval and land force were sent for co-operating with our troops, and by
a longer stay on the coast of the Continent, would give to the states, a
fair opportunity of employing all their resources. The expectations are
very sanguine at Versailles, and ought to be more so, when that letter
shall be received, by which you know _Congress engaged to furnish on
their part, five and twenty thousand Continental troops, that are to
take the field by the beginning of the spring_.
"On the other hand, my dear sir, all Europe have their eyes upon us:
They know nothing of us, but by our own reports, and our first exertions
which have heightened their esteem, and by the accounts of the enemy, or
those of some dissatisfied persons, which were calculated to give them
a quite different opinion: so that, to fix their own minds, all the
nations are now looking at us; and the consequence of America, in the
eyes of the world, as well as its liberty and happiness, must depend
upon the ensuing campaign.
"The succour sent by France, I thought to be _very important_ when at
Versailles: now that I am on the spot, I know it was _necessary_; and
if proper measures are taken, I shall more heartily than ever, enjoy
the happiness I had of being somewhat concerned in the operation. But
if things stood as they now do, I confess that whether as an American
soldier, whether as a private man that said a great deal, and knows
Congress have ordered much more to be said on the future exertions of
America,--who took a particular delight in praising the patriotic spirit
of the United States, I would feel most unhappy and distressed, were
I to tell the people that are coming over full of ardour and sanguine
hopes, that we have no army to co-operate with them, no provisions to
feed the few soldiers that are left, &c. But I hope, my dear sir, it
will not be the case; and more particularly depending upon the exertions
of your state, _I know Mr. Samuel Adams' influence_ and popularity will
be as heretofore employed, in the salvation and glory of America.
"If proper measures are taken for provisions, if the states do
_immediately_ fill up the continental battalions by good drafts, which
is by far the best way; if all the propositions of the committee are
speedily complied with, I have no doubt, but that the present campaign
will be a glorious, decisive one, and that we may hope for every thing
that is good: if on the contrary, time be lost, consider what unhappy
and dishonorable consequences would ensue from our inability to a
co-operation.
"Your state began the noble contest, it may be gloriously ended by your
state's exertions, and the example they will once more set to the whole
continent. The reception I met with at Boston, binds me to it by the
strongest ties of a grateful affection. The joy of my heart will be
to find myself concerned in an expedition that may afford peculiar
advantages to them; and I earnestly hope it will be the case, in the
course of this (if proper measures are taken) glorious campaign.
"I flatter myself you will be yet in Boston, and upon this expectation,
I very much depend for the success of the combined expeditions. Such a
crisis is worth your being wholly engaged in it, as it will be glorious,
important; and I may say it now, because necessary for the support of
the great cause in which you acted so early and decisive a part. What
you mentioned confidentially to me at Boston, I have duly noticed, and
shall ever remember with the attention of a friend. For fulfilling the
same purpose, I wish we may be under particular obligations to you on
this occasion.
"Give me leave, my dear sir, to suggest to you an idea which I have
lately thought of: all the continental officers labor under the most
shameful want of clothing. When I say shameful, it is not to them, who
have no money to buy--no cloth to be bought. You can conceive what may
be theirs and our feelings, when they will be with the French general
and other officers; and from a general idea of mankind and human honor
it is easily seen how much we should exert ourselves to put the officers
of the army in a more decent situation.
"I beg, my dear sir, you will present my respects to your family, and
believe me most affectionately,
"Yours,
"LAFAYETTE."
"_Boston, June_, 1780:
"My Dear Marquis,
"Yesterday your very obliging letter of the 30th May was brought to me
by Mons. Guinard.
"The succour coming from France will be so seasonable and important,
that if America is not wanting to herself, she will have it in her power
by the blessing of heaven, to gratify the utmost of her wishes. His
most Christian Majesty's expectations from us must needs be great; and
gratitude to so generous an ally as well as a due attention to our own
safety, interest and honor, lay us under the strongest obligations to be
in readiness to co-operate with the greatest advantage. I have long been
fully sensible of your most cordial and zealous attachment to our great
cause; and to your personal representation to his Majesty, in addition
to the benevolence of his royal heart, I will take the liberty to
attribute his design to afford us such aid and for so long a time as may
put it in our power to employ all our resources against the enemy.
"It fortunately happened that the General Assembly of this state was
sitting when the letter and inclosures from the committee of Congress
came to the President of the Council.--They were immediately laid before
the Assembly and I have the pleasure to assure you that the filling our
battalions by an immediate draft, furnishing the army with provisions,
and every other measure for the fulfilling of the just expectations of
your sovereign and of Congress, on this most important occasion, are the
objects of their closest attention. I had for several months past been
flattering myself with the prospect of aid. It strongly impressed my
mind from one circumstance which took place when you was at Philadelphia
the last year. But far from certainty, I could only express to some
confidential friends here, a distant hope, though as I conceived, not
without some good effect: at least it seemed to enliven our spirits and
animate us for so great a crisis.
"If it were possible for one to be forgetful of our all important cause
for a moment, my particular friendship _for you_ would be a prevailing
inducement with me, to make my utmost feeble exertions to prevent your
disappointment after the great pains you have taken to serve us. I have
endeavored, and shall continue those endeavors while I stay here, to
brighten the dark side of the picture which your imagination has painted
in one part of your letter before me--God forbid that we should be
obliged to tell our friends when they arrive, that we have not a
sufficient army to co-operate with them, nor provisions to feed the few
soldiers that are left. I think I may venture to predict that this
state will comply with the requisition upon her to give the utmost
respectability to our army on so promising an occasion. I was in the
Council Chamber when I received your letter, and took the liberty to
read some parts of it to the members present. I will communicate other
parts of it to some leading members of the House of Representatives as
prudence may dictate, particularly what you mention of the officers'
want of clothing.
"I thank you my dear sir for the friendly remembrance you had of the
hint I gave you when you was here. Be pleased to pay my most respectful
compliments to the Commander in Chief, his family, &c. and be assured of
the warm affection of your obliged friend and very humble servant,
"SAMUEL ADAMS."
Marquis De Lafayette.
The Legislature of Massachusetts did immediately, viz, on June 5, 1780,
pass a resolve for raising four thousand men as a reinforcement of the
continental army. The preamble to the resolve was as follows;--"Whereas
a requisition has been made to this court for a reinforcement to the
continental army, in order that it may be able to act vigorously the
ensuing campaign, and the present situation of affairs requiring
the utmost exertions at this period, and affords the most flattering
prospect of putting an end to this distressing war, if the army is
reinforced at this juncture, and enabled to improve the great advantages
offered." To carry this resolve into effect, the Brigadier Generals
through the State were directed immediately on receipt of the resolve,
to issue orders for calling the companies together, and raising the men
required from each town, by voluntary enlistments, or by drafting them,
on failure of a full number being otherwise raised. Those thus drafted
were to be fined if they refused to march; but, a very generous bounty
was granted, to induce men to enlist voluntarily. The Selectmen were
required to furnish the men with clothes and traveling expenses; and
both the Selectmen and Brigadier Generals were liable to a heavy fine,
if they neglected their duty. The patriotic efforts of the Legislature,
thus drawn into action, in consequence of the pressing letter of
Lafayette, and their own sense of the necessity of the case, were
every where met by a corresponding zeal on the part of the people
of Massachusetts; and the men were soon raised, and sent on to the
headquarters of the continental army, to fill the regular regiments of
this State, then in the service.
At the siege of York-Town, where Lord Cornwallis with a large British
army was attacked and taken by the Americans, Lafayette was particularly
distinguished for activity and courage. And a more minute account of
this affair is necessary, in recording the useful and brilliant services
of this youthful hero in the cause of America, which her sons wish most
gratefully to recollect.--General Washington in person commanded the
American army on this occasion, in pursuance of a plan he had adopted,
as already mentioned. He proceeded to the camp in the vicinity of
York-Town, where Cornwallis was posted, the last of September. He was
assisted by Major Generals Lincoln, Steuben, Lafayette. Knox, &c. The
French troops, who composed a part of the army engaged in the capture of
Cornwallis were under command of Count Rochambeau, who had the character
of an intelligent and brave officer. The whole number of troops, both
American and French, was estimated at twelve thousand. To them, however,
were occasionally added small detachments of the militia from the
vicinity. The British troops were computed to be about seven thousand,
and their commander had been strengthened in his situation by
fortifications, hoping to defend himself till he might receive succors
from New-York. The allied army was supported in this expedition by a
large French fleet which was in the Chesapeake. This afforded great
confidence to the Americans, for they had just then defeated the British
fleet in those waters, and thus effectually cut off all communication
between Lord Cornwallis and the British army in New-York.
The French admiral had been determined to proceed at this time, to a
station in the West Indies, agreeably to orders which he had received
from the King his master, some weeks before. He was requested to
remain, and co-operate in this expedition, by Count Rochambeau, and by
Washington himself; but they could not prevail with him to relinquish
his proposed departure for the West Indies; and it was only through
the most zealous and repeated solicitations of Lafayette, with a solemn
promise that he would justify the measure to the Court of France, that
the admiral, Count de Grasse, was induced to continue on the station, by
which the capture of the British army was greatly facilitated.
Under all these favourable circumstances, it is not unreasonable to
suppose, that the allied army cherished a strong confidence of success
in their enterprize. Washington had planned this expedition with great
intelligence and foresight; for he had been resolved to attempt some
decisive and effectual blow against the enemy. He had, however, to
engage a body of well disciplined and regular troops under an officer of
great experience and bravery; and all his own resources, together
with the courage and activity of the officers under his command
were necessary to ensure success. The American chief lost no time in
preparing for a vigorous attack upon the British. They were soon obliged
to abandon their redoubts and advanced posts, and to retire within the
town. The light infantry, under General Lafayette, and a party of the
French troops, were ordered to advance, and to take possession of the
places they had abandoned, that they might cover those of the besieging
army who were engaged in throwing up breast works. These advanced
parties were much annoyed by a heavy cannonade from the besieged;
and Colonel Scammel, the officer of the day, while viewing the ground
recently left by the British, was surprised by a party of their cavalry;
and, after he surrendered, received a mortal wound, which terminated his
life in a few days. Scammel was a brave and accomplished officer,
and eminent as a disciplinarian. He was a native of Massachusetts, a
gentleman of public education, of elegant manners, and most honorable
character. He was greatly lamented by Washington, and by all the
officers of the American army.--Those who had been particularly
associated with him, long cherished the highest respect for his memory.
Redoubts were thrown up by our advanced parties, for several successive
nights; and on the evening of the 7th of October, a large detachment
under General Lincoln were ordered out, to open entrenchments near the
lines of the British. Lafayette had an important command also in the
enterprise. The great interest felt for him by the Americans was shown
by a request of the Surgeon General, "that if the Marquis should be
wounded, he might receive immediate attention."
The duties of our troops, at this time, were very arduous; but they were
most vigilant and active; and by the 9th several batteries were prepared
to open upon the town, in which the British General was besieged.
General Washington himself put the match to the first gun, and a furious
cannonade immediately followed, which was a serious salutation to
Cornwallis.