France and America, it was further agreed between the Minister of
France and your committee, that they should suggest to Congress the
propriety of adopting measures to prevent desertion from the fleet
and army of our allies, in which view they submit the following
resolution.
Resolved, that it be recommended to the legislation of these United
States, to pass laws for the punishment of such persons as shall
encourage desertions from the fleets or armies of any foreign power,
who shall prosecute the war in America in conjunction with these
United States, and for the recovering such deserters as shall endeavor
to conceal themselves among the inhabitants thereof.
ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON, _Chairman_.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Morristown, June 5th, 1780.
Sir,
My time has been so entirely engrossed in the preliminary arrangements
of immediate necessity towards the intended co-operation, that I have
not been able till now to do myself the honor to thank your Excellency
for your letter of the 21st of May. We have too many proofs of the
general zeal of your countrymen in the cause of America, not to be
entirely convinced of it, and to feel all that the most grateful
sensibility can inspire.
I am happy in believing, that the troops and citizens of these States
will eagerly embrace every opportunity to manifest their affection to
the troops and citizens of your nation, as well as their gratitude and
veneration to a Prince, from whom they have received the most
important benefits. Penetrated with a sense of these, I shall think it
my duty to cultivate correspondent sentiments, as far as my influence
extends.
The Marquis de Lafayette has given me an account of all your
Excellency has done for the advancement of the combined operations. It
will no doubt contribute essentially to their success, and gives you a
claim to the acknowledgments of the two countries.
I am too sensible of the value of the permission you gave me to
solicit your aid in everything, in which you can continue to afford us
your good offices, not to make use of it as frequently as possible. I
begin by _entreating_ you to favor me with your advice with the
greatest freedom, on whatever occurs to you interesting to our affairs
at this period.
I have the honor to be, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
* * * * *
REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FRENCH MINISTER.
In Congress, June 5th, 1780.
The committee appointed to receive the communications of his
Excellency, the Minister of France, relating to supplies for the
forces of his Most Christian Majesty, and on other matters, beg leave
to report, that in a conference had on the 3d of the present month,
the Minister was pleased to make the following communications, viz.
That M. de Corney, Commissary of the troops of his Most Christian
Majesty, had orders to purchase a number of horses, and to purchase or
hire a number of teams in the States where they could be most
conveniently procured, for the use of the forces of his Most Christian
Majesty, that should arrive to co-operate with the forces of these
United States.
That M. de Corney had also orders to endeavor to procure in the
several States, where it should be found most convenient, provisions
for the forces above mentioned, in such manner as should least
interfere with the purchaser of the States or agents of Congress, and
as should be best adapted to support and establish the credit of the
paper currency. That M. de Corney would apply to the supreme executive
powers of the several States, in which the purchases were to be made,
for their advice and aid in the matter.
To obtain which, the Minister wished for the approbation of Congress,
and that if they should think fit, letters might be written by the
President to the supreme executive powers of the several States,
requesting their advice and aid to M. de Corney in procuring those
supplies.
That M. de Corney had received L7000 of the bills lately emitted by
the State of Pennsylvania, to use for the purposes above mentioned,
and would in his negotiations avail himself of all opportunities for
contributing to the utmost of his power for establishing the currency
of the public bills of credit.
That it would be necessary to give the said forces of his Most
Christian Majesty the option of receiving their pay in specie, from
their unacquaintedness with paper money in general, and ignorance of
the language in which the bills of these United States are struck.
Which circumstance the Minister thought proper to suggest, that
Congress might take any measures they should judge necessary to
prevent uneasiness arising therefrom to the troops of these United
States, who might receive their pay in a different manner.
That to prevent loss happening to any of the citizens of these United
States, from receiving from the troops of his Most Christian Majesty
any small coins they may be possessed of that shall be below the
standard alloy, the same will be exchanged for other coins by persons
that shall receive orders therefor.
The Minister desired to be informed of the mode of intelligence
Congress would rely on to give them immediate notice of the arrival of
the forces from France, and for keeping up a constant communication
after their arrival, and again repeated his wishes that nothing might
be left unprovided for, that could promise despatch to their
operations and render them most extensively useful to these United
States.
The Minister also wished to recommend to the consideration of Congress
M. Louis Ethis de Corney, Provincial Commissary of the troops in the
service of his Most Christian Majesty, for the honor of a brevet
commission of Lieutenant Colonel, which title his office had given him
in the French service. M. de Corney desired not command or pay, but
was ambitious to deserve a mark of honor from these United States,
from which benefits might result to him hereafter.
* * *
Upon the foregoing information your committee beg leave to submit to
the consideration of Congress the following resolutions,
That a brevet commission of Lieutenant Colonel be granted to M. Louis
Ethis de Corney.
That M. de Corney be furnished with letters from the President to the
supreme executive powers of the several States, or to such of them as
M. de Corney shall apply for, requesting their advice and aid to him
in procuring provisions and other necessaries for the forces of his
Most Christian Majesty expected to arrive in these United States, in
such manner as will best avoid a competition of purchases for the use
above mentioned, and those for the use of the troops of these United
States.
That the Minister of France be informed, that it is the opinion of
Congress, that the public service will be best promoted by having the
same currency made use of, so far as may be, to procure supplies for
the forces of his Most Christian Majesty as for those of these United
States.
That the Governors of the States of Virginia and Maryland be requested
immediately to engage trusty persons in those States respectively, at
proper distances from each other, on the main road from Cape Henry in
Virginia to Philadelphia, to hold themselves in readiness, should the
French fleet be discovered off that Cape or the adjacent coast, to
forward intelligence thereof, and any despatches that may be received
from them to Congress, in the most expeditious manner.
* * * * *
REPORT OF A COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS RESPECTING
A CONFERENCE WITH THE FRENCH MINISTER.
In Congress, June 7th, 1780.
The committee appointed to confer with the Minister of France on the
mode of obtaining supplies for the forces of his Most Christian
Majesty, and on other matters, report:
That the Minister of France has communicated to your committee, that
as M. de Corney, Commissary of the troops of his Most Christian
Majesty, will go into the State of Connecticut to procure some
supplies, it would be convenient for him to receive there an advance
of money from these United States, either in Continental bills or the
bills of that State, to be replaced in specie on the arrival of the
fleet from France, and the Minister engages that the moneys, which
shall be so advanced by these United States to M. de Corney, shall be
replaced in specie as above mentioned.
Upon which communication your committee beg leave to submit to the
consideration of Congress the following resolution, viz.
That the Governor of the State of Connecticut be, and he hereby is,
authorised to receive on account of these United States, out of the
moneys raised by that State more than sufficient to discharge the
drafts heretofore made by Congress, and to comply with the requisition
of Congress of the 20th of last month, or out of the bills that shall
be completed and lodged in the Continental Loan Office in that State
for the use of the United States, pursuant to a resolution of Congress
of the 18th of March last, one million two hundred thousand dollars of
the bills now in circulation, or thirty thousand dollars of the bills
last mentioned, or a proportion of each, on the application of M. de
Corney, Commissary of the troops in the service of his Most Christian
Majesty, and advance the same to him, taking his receipt therefor, to
replace the same in specie in the Treasury of these United States when
required by Congress; said receipts to be transmitted to the Treasury
Board as soon as may be.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, June 18th, 1780.
Sir,
The undersigned Minister of France has witnessed the efforts of
Congress to enable the Commander in Chief to make a glorious
commencement of the campaign; he is convinced of the zeal with which
all its members are animated, and if the army has not hitherto
received any of the reinforcements announced in January last, he is
persuaded that Congress deeply lament those delays, and are sincerely
desirous to prevent the fatal consequences, which might result from
them. The undersigned has, since the beginning of this year, continued
to make the most pressing representations on this subject, and all the
answers that he has received tend to assure him that the arrangements,
which were announced, would be carried into full execution at the
beginning of this month. Now that the time fixed for putting the army
on a respectable footing has passed by, and it is but too certain,
that the reinforcements demanded four or five months ago have not yet
arrived, he earnestly entreats Congress to be pleased to pay immediate
attention to the supply of these troops, and to the fulfilment of
their promises.
The King, after the positive assurances, which he has received, has
not the least doubt, _that the American army is now twentyfive
thousand strong, not including commissioned officers, and that it is,
at this moment, in a condition to undertake the most vigorous
offensive operations against the enemy in the posts, which he occupies
within the_ _territory of the United States_. Congress, while giving
these assurances, expressed in an urgent manner the wish, that a
French squadron should facilitate the operations of the land troops.
The King has been eager to comply with the requests of the Thirteen
States. Their assurances are the basis of the measures which his
Majesty has taken. A squadron is on the point of arrival, and the
French Generals expect to find forces, respectable in numbers, ready
to enter upon action. If, at the moment of their arrival, they are
deprived of the co-operation, upon which they have reason to rely, the
most precious time for action will be lost; the enemy will have time
to take the necessary measures for defence, and, perhaps, to receive
reinforcements; the soldiers' ardor will be quenched in inaction, and
this delay will cause the loss of all the advantages of a campaign,
which, if conducted with suitable promptness and activity, might have
been made most useful to the common cause, and perhaps decisive.
It being manifestly necessary to complete the army, the undersigned
has no doubt that Congress, as well from regard to the public
interest, as to its own glory and the performance of its promises,
will immediately take, for the accomplishment of this object, measures
more effectual than those which have hitherto been taken. He hopes
also, that the proper arrangements will be made for constantly
maintaining, during the whole campaign, the number which has been
announced, and he takes the liberty of recommending this important
object in an equal degree to the consideration of Congress.
The Minister of France, convinced of the zeal for the public good,
which inspires this Assembly, as well as of its wisdom and prudence,
hopes that it will see in his representations only a new proof of his
attachment to the common cause; that it will not be offended at the
freedom, with which he expresses himself upon so important a subject,
and that it will be pleased to put him in a situation to transmit to
his Court satisfactory details respecting the fulfilment of the
assurances made to him by Congress in January last.[37]
LUZERNE.
FOOTNOTE:
[37] See the proceedings of Congress on the subject of this letter in
the _Public Journal of Congress_, under the date of June 21st, 1780.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, June 28th, 1780.
Sir,
The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor of informing
Congress, that the Court of Madrid has sent to Havana land and naval
forces sufficient to make a powerful diversion there. The Governor of
Havana, having been informed of the assurances given by this Assembly
on the 16th of December last, respecting the provisions of which the
islands and the fleet of his Catholic Majesty might stand in need, is
desirous that such quantities of corn as shall not be necessary for
the subsistence of the armies destined to act upon this continent, may
be successively sent to him. It is desirable, that the quantity now
about to be sent should amount to three thousand barrels, and, with
the approbation of Congress, the undersigned will give immediate
orders to some merchants of this city to make purchases in the States
in such manner as Congress shall think proper.
The Governor of Havana is also desirous of being supplied with beef,
and pork, suet, lard, and vegetables, and with large and even small
live cattle. The Minister of France entreats Congress to be pleased to
enable him to send to Havana a favorable answer to these different
demands, and he will take pleasure in transmitting to the Court of
Madrid the intelligence of the facilities for supplies of provision,
which the Spanish Colonies shall have enjoyed throughout the Thirteen
States.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
CONGRESS TO THE MINISTER OF FRANCE.
In Congress, July 7th, 1780.
The Minister of France having, in a note dated the 28th of June,
informed Congress that the Court of Madrid has sent to the Havana a
considerable body of forces to make a diversion in that quarter; and
that the Governor of Havana desires, that as much flour and fresh
provisions, such as cattle, hogs, suet, lard, and pulse, as can be
spared, should be sent thither; and the Minister having intimated,
that three thousand barrels of flour are immediately wanted, and that
he will undertake to have that quantity purchased and sent, if
Congress approve the measure, the following answer was returned;
That the Minister of France be informed, that through the loss of
Charleston, the numerous army the States are under the necessity of
maintaining in the Southern department, the ravages of the enemy, and
the lightness of the crops in the Middle States, as well as the
present extraordinary demand for the purposes of an effectual
co-operation with the expected armament of his Most Christian
Majesty, have not left these States in a situation to admit of any
considerable export of provisions; yet Congress, desirous to testify
their attention to the necessities of his Catholic Majesty's Colonies
and armaments, and as far as lies in their power to compensate for the
failure of supplies of rice, which an alteration in the circumstances
of the Southern States has unhappily rendered it impracticable to
afford, have resolved, that it be recommended to the State of Maryland
to grant permission to such agent, as the Minister of France shall
appoint, to purchase within that State any quantity of flour, not
exceeding three thousand barrels, and to ship the same to such
Colonies of his Catholic Majesty in the West Indies, as the Minister
of France may direct. That many of the articles mentioned in this
Memorial of the Minister being such as the Colonies of his Catholic
Majesty furnish upon better terms than they can be procured from these
States in their present situation, it is to be presumed they will feel
no inconvenience from Congress' not entering at this time into any
determination thereon.
Resolved, That Congress will from time to time afford such supplies to
the Colonies of his Catholic Majesty, as their circumstances may
require, and the situation of these States enable them to grant.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, July 22d, 1780.
Sir,
I take the earliest opportunity to inform you, that his Majesty's
Minister, in giving me notice of the expedition of the squadron,
which arrived at Rhode Island on the 12th instant, informs me, that
particular considerations relative to the movements of the English,
have induced his Majesty to send, in two divisions, the forces which
are designated to act in this country. The first division, having
happily arrived, will be immediately ready for active service. With
regard to the second, it was to quit the French coast as soon as
circumstances should permit. Will you have the kindness, Sir, in
imparting this news to Congress, to inform that body, that it ought to
be kept secret till the moment of execution. I hope that Congress will
approve of this reserve, both on account of the uncertainty of events
at sea, and because the enemy should be kept in ignorance of our
measures.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, July 25th, 1780.
Sir,
As the present state of things may render the frigates, and other
vessels at the disposal of Congress, useful to the combined naval
operations, I pray you to have the goodness to propose putting these
vessels under the orders of M. de Ternay, commander of the French
squadron, while instructions, such as shall be thought proper, are
given to the American captains. If Congress approves of this
proposition, it will be necessary to send orders to the frigates,
which are now in the eastern ports, so that they may join the French
squadron as soon as possible; if, however, they have been destined to
any other service, and Congress is reluctant to change their
destination, do not, I pray you, Sir, insist on my demand. If these
vessels shall receive orders to join the French squadron, I wish to
have it in my power to inform M. de Ternay at what time he may look
for them, what signals they will make on their approach, and what
signals he shall use in reply to theirs.
I had hoped, Sir, after the assurances, which Congress was pleased to
give me, that the Confederacy would be ready about the 15th of this
month, at farthest. Will you have the kindness to let me know, with as
much accuracy as circumstances will permit, about what time you think
that she will be ready to set sail.[38]
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
FOOTNOTE:
[38] _In Congress, July 27th._--"Resolved, That the frigates Trumbull,
Confederacy, and Deane, and the sloop of war Saratoga, be put under
the direction of General Washington, to be employed in co-operating
with the fleet of his Most Christian Majesty, commanded by the
Chevalier de Ternay, in any naval enterprise on the coasts of North
America."
* * * * *
JOSEPH REED TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
In Council, Philadelphia, July 25th, 1780.
Sir,
In answer to your Excellency's favor of this day, I have the honor to
acquaint you, that the enlisting any deserter in the Continental army
being expressly contrary to the direction of the Commander in Chief,
the Hessian deserters are quite at liberty to enter into the service
of his Most Christian Majesty, if his officers approve it, and they
will in that case receive every encouragement from us to do.
I have the honor to be, &c.
JOSEPH REED, _President of Pennsylvania_.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, July 26th, 1780.
Sir,
Some Hessian deserters having come to me to obtain service in the body
of French troops sent by the King to this continent, I have thought
proper, before accepting their offers, to know the opinion of the
State of Pennsylvania on this subject; and President Reed, whom I
consulted, returned for answer the letter of which I annex a copy.
Particular arrangements, relative to the subsistence of these new
recruits, will make it necessary for me to have recourse to the Board
of War; and I request, Sir, that Congress would be pleased to
authorise the members composing it to agree with me on such measures
as circumstances shall render necessary.[39]
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
FOOTNOTE:
[39] _In Congress, July 31st, 1780._--"On a report from the Board of
War, to whom the Minister's letter of the 26th was referred,
"_Resolved_, That, agreeably to the request of the Honorable the
Minister of France, the Board of War be authorised to take such
measures relating to the subsistence of the recruits, who shall be
enlisted into the service of his Most Christian Majesty out of the
German deserters from the enemy, as the said Board shall deem
proper."
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Head Quarters, July 27th, 1780.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose to your Excellency a letter, which has
just come to hand, from the Count de Rochambeau, of the 22d instant.
It is certainly of great importance, that the precaution he mentions
should be taken without loss of time. I should think the Delaware the
best place for the reception of the second division, though there
ought to be cruisers off both bays. It is necessary that a plan should
be previously fixed for the junction of the fleets after the
debarkation. I shall immediately write to the Count for this purpose.
We have repeated accounts from New York, that General Clinton is
making a large detachment for a combined attack upon the French fleet
and army. This will be a hazardous attempt, and, therefore, though I
do not regard it as impossible, I do not give it entire faith. The
Count de Rochambeau has been some time since apprized of these
demonstrations, and seems to have been preparing for what might
happen.
I have the honor to be, with every sentiment of respect and
attachment, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
* * * * *
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, July 30th, 1780.
Sir,
I enclose to your Excellency a letter for M. de Ternay, in which you
will see what measures I have taken to fulfil the intentions, which
you imparted to me on the 27th instant. I beg you will seal this
packet and send it to his address by the first opportunity.
Congress have put under your orders the frigates, in directing them to
come into the Delaware. You will be able to judge, after your
arrangements with the Chevalier de Ternay, whether these vessels, or
one of them, may not accomplish the commission desired. Their cruise
may then be useful to the commerce of the United States. I know not
whether M. de Ternay will communicate to them any signals, by means of
which they may approach the coast without danger. Your Excellency may
be able, should you think it necessary, to suggest it to him.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Peekskill, August 4th, 1780.
Sir,