Even as Schuyler and his co-workers penned their report, however, good
news was arriving at headquarters. On May 10, 1780, following more than
a year’s absence in his native France, the Marquis de Lafayette came to
Morristown, fortified with word that King Louis XVI had determined to
send a second major armament of ships and men to aid the Americans. This
assistance would prove more beneficial, it was hoped, than the first
French expedition under the Count d’Estaing, which, after failing to
take Newport in the late summer of 1778, had finally sailed away to the
West Indies. Washington’s joy at seeing Lafayette again was doubled by
this welcome information, and the army as a whole shared his feelings.
[Illustration: _Washington greeting Lafayette on his arrival at
headquarters, May 10, 1780._ From a diorama in the historical
museum.]
The gallant young Frenchman remained a guest of his “beloved and
respected friend and general” until May 14, when he left for
Philadelphia, carrying with him letters from Washington and Hamilton
informing members of Congress about his work in France. Approximately 6
days later he returned to Morristown, and from that time forth until the
end of 1780 he continued with the Continental Army in New Jersey and New
York State.