Among the most interesting events which took place at Morristown in the
spring of 1780 were those connected with the Chevalier de la Luzerne,
Minister of France, and Don Juan de Miralles, a Spanish grandee who
accompanied him, unofficially, on a visit to the American camp. These
gentlemen arrived at headquarters on April 19, but Miralles became
violently ill immediately afterwards, and it was only Washington’s
distinguished French guest who could participate in the celebrations
that followed during the next few days.
The highlight of Luzerne’s visit, which occurred on April 24, was
eloquently described by Dr. Thacher: “A field of parade being prepared
under the direction of the Baron Steuben, four battalions of our army
were presented for review, by the French minister, attended by his
Excellency and our general officers. Thirteen cannon, as usual,
announced their arrival in the field.... A large stage was erected in
the field, which was crowded by officers, ladies, and gentlemen of
distinction from the country, among whom were Governor Livingston, of
New Jersey, and his lady. Our troops exhibited a truly military
appearance, and performed the manoeuvres and evolutions in a manner,
which afforded much satisfaction to our Commander in Chief, and they
were honored with the approbation of the French minister, and by all
present.... In the evening, General Washington and the French minister,
attended a ball, provided by our principal officers, at which were
present a numerous collection of ladies and gentlemen, of distinguished
character. Fireworks were also exhibited by the officers of the
artillery.” Next day, amid the music of fifes and drums, and with
another 13-cannon salute, Luzerne inspected the whole Continental Army
encampment. Then he left for Philadelphia, escorted part-way on his
journey by an honor guard which Washington provided.
Don Juan de Miralles saw nothing of these parades, entertainments, and
reviews. The sickness which had seized him on his arrival at Morristown
was to prove fatal. His condition grew steadily worse as the days
passed, and on April 28 he died. Final obsequies were held late the
following afternoon, and again Dr. Thacher was on hand to describe
events: “I accompanied Dr. Schuyler to head quarters, to attend the
funeral of M. de Miralles.... The top of the coffin was removed, to
display the pomp and grandeur with which the body was decorated. It was
in a splendid full dress, consisting of a scarlet suit, embroidered with
rich gold lace, a three cornered gold laced hat, and a genteel cued wig,
white silk stockings, large diamond shoe and knee buckles, a profusion
of diamond rings decorated the fingers, and from a superb gold watch set
with diamonds, several rich seals were suspended. His Excellency General
Washington, with several other general officers, and members of
Congress, attended the funeral solemnities, and walked as chief
mourners. The other officers of the army, and numerous respectable
citizens, formed a splendid procession, extending about one mile ... the
coffin was borne on the shoulders of four officers of the artillery in
full uniform. Minute guns were fired during the procession, which
greatly increased the solemnity of the occasion. A Spanish priest
performed service at the grave, in the Roman Catholic form. The coffin
was enclosed in a box of plank, and all the profusion of pomp and
grandeur was deposited in the silent grave, in the common burying
ground, near the church at Morristown. A guard is placed at the grave,
lest our soldiers should be tempted to dig for hidden treasure. It is
understood that the corpse is to be removed to Philadelphia.”