letter to me, came to hand at the instant the post was setting out,
and were committed to his care. It is the only means of conveyance now
left me, since the chain of expresses formed by the dragoon horses,
which were worn down and sent to their cantonment, have been
discontinued. The Quarter Master General has it not in his power, for
want of money, to furnish an express upon the most urgent occasion.
I anticipate with much pleasure the visit I shall receive from the
Chevalier de Chastellux and the other gentlemen of the French army,
on their return to Rhode Island, and beg the favor of your Excellency
to present my compliments to them and to M. de Marbois.
With great respect and personal attachment, I have the honor to be,
&c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, January 15th, 1781.
Sir,
I have just received an authentic copy of a letter from the King to
the Duc de Penthievre, Admiral of France, in relation to prizes taken
by American privateers, in the ports of the kingdom. I have thought it
proper, Sir, to communicate it to you, in order that the Americans,
who take that course may be duly informed of the regulations, which it
contains, and may know, that it is the intention of his Majesty, that
they shall be treated in the same manner as his own subjects, in the
judgment of the prizes, which they shall bring into the ports of the
kingdom.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, February 25th, 1781.
Sir,
The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France, has the honor of
informing Congress, that M. de Tilly, commander of the King's sixty
gun ship, l'Eville, arrived in the Chesapeake Bay on the 11th instant,
with two frigates. The undersigned has received no news of them later
than the 16th, at which time it seems, that the commander of this
little squadron proposed to prolong his stay as long as circumstances
would permit, in order to co-operate with the land troops commanded by
Generals Steuben and Nelson.
The Chevalier de la Luzerne does not know how long these vessels will
remain in their present station; but as it is important, that the
communications between M. de Tilly and Philadelphia should take place
with the greatest possible despatch, he requests Congress to inform
him, whether the line of expresses has been kept up, and if so, to
whom he is to apply in order to make use of it.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, February 28th, 1781.
Sir,
I think it necessary for the information of the department of finance
to inform you, that Mr Robert Morris having strongly represented to
me, that it was of importance to his operations, and to those of
General Washington, to have a stock of bills of exchange, which might
enable him to wait for the arrival of the funds brought by Colonel
Laurens, I have taken upon myself to authorise him to draw bills of
exchange, to the amount of 219,018 livres, 4s. 8d. Funds to that exact
amount will be raised, and I hope that my Court will approve of the
course, which I have taken, in consideration of the importance of the
operations now going on.
I have the honor to be, Sir, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, March 2d, 1781.
Sir,
The undersigned, Minister of France, has the honor of informing
Congress, that M. de Tilly has left the Chesapeake Bay with his
squadron. He took there ten prizes, among which are two strong
privateers, and during his passage from the Chesapeake to Newport in
Rhode Island, he met the Romulus, of fortyfour guns, pierced for fifty
guns. He took her and carried her into Newport, which he entered on
the 24th ultimo, with five hundred English prisoners. The Chevalier de
la Luzerne is informed, that the America, an English vessel, whose
fate since the hurricane of the 21st of February had been unknown, has
sailed into Gardner's Bay.
The Minister Plenipotentiary of France is desirous, that Congress
would be pleased to appoint a committee, to whom he will have the
honor of communicating some further information relative to these
operations.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
M. DESTOUCHES TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Translation.
On Board the Duc de Bourgogne,}
March 19th, 1781.}
Sir,
The enemy, informed without doubt, in some manner, arrived at the same
time with myself at the Capes of Chesapeake Bay, and it would have
been impracticable to attempt to disembark the troops, even from the
vessels of war, in spite of the English squadron and under its fire.
Obliged to renounce, for a time at least, the hope of rendering
assistance to the State of Virginia, I have been employed only with
the care of preserving the honor of his Majesty's arms, and I flatter
myself that it has not suffered in my battle with the enemy.
On the 16th instant, in consequence of a violent south wind, which had
carried the squadron to the northeast, we discovered, at break of day,
a frigate two gun-shots to windward. A short time after, we perceived
several large vessels in rear of the squadron. I had then no doubt
that this was the English squadron, which, being informed of my
project, had arrived, almost at the same time, upon the coast of
Virginia. I immediately made a signal to the squadron to form in line
of battle, the English squadron being about two leagues to the south,
and running on the same tack with me. At nine o'clock, I tacked, and
the enemy did the same. Before one o'clock, afternoon, their vanguard
was not more than half a league distant from the rear of my line. Till
that time, I had manoeuvered without avoiding or seeking an
engagement, because I perceived, that even the greatest success, with
which I could flatter myself, would still render it impossible for me
to fulfil my object; but the determined design, which was shown by the
enemy of attacking my rearguard, and the honor of the royal arms,
which I had to sustain, made me resolve to go and meet him. At one
o'clock the firing commenced on both sides; the head of the English
line had borne down, and the van of my squadron had done the same, so
that the two squadrons fought for some time while running before the
wind. A little before two o'clock, I determined to make the squadron
haul nearer the wind, a movement, which made the whole squadron file
before the head of the enemy's line.
This manoeuvre completely succeeded; their leading ship had hardly
felt the fire of the fifth vessel, when she retired from the
engagement, under the escort of a frigate, which came to her
assistance. The rear of the English squadron had still continued the
combat with my rearguard, but that part of my squadron has sustained
little injury. At a quarter before three o'clock, the firing ceased on
both sides. The English squadron being in the rear, and to windward of
mine, I made a signal to form again in order of battle, which was done
in a short time. I then designed to turn again upon the enemy, who
appeared to have sustained more injury than my own squadron; but the
signals, which were made by the ships _le Conquerant_ and _l'Ardent_,
informed me that these vessels, and particularly the former, had been
considerably injured in the engagement. I then continued to run on the
same tack, under easy sail, ready to receive the enemy, if he should
think proper to risk a second encounter, but he prudently kept in the
rear and to windward during the remainder of the day, without availing
himself of the superior advantages of his situation for renewing the
engagement.
When night came on, the English squadron bore up, and I continued to
run to the southeast. On the next morning, I assembled the captains to
know the state of their vessels. I found that the rudder and all the
masts of the ship, _le Conquerant_, were in the most dangerous state,
and that the mainmast of _l'Ardent_ was very much injured; and also
that several other vessels had received cannon-shots in their lower
masts; it was, consequently, determined that the squadron should
return directly to Newport to repair.
I cannot too highly praise the courageous boldness, which was shown by
the captains, officers, and crews of my squadron, as well as by the
troops, embarked as passengers. Their valor made my force equal to
that of the English squadron, which had one vessel more than mine, and
if it had been only necessary to the success of our expedition to give
the enemy another check, I should have regarded it as certain,
notwithstanding the superiority of their forces.
I have the honor to be, &c.
DESTOUCHES.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, March 24th, 1781.
Sir,
The undersigned, Minister Plenipotentiary of France has the honor to
inform Congress, that the King, being made acquainted with the
situation of the affairs of the confederacy, had resolved to continue
during the next campaign the land and sea forces, which are now in
this Continent. That unforeseen obstacles had prevented the junction
of the second division of sea forces with the first as soon as was
expected, but that it was to sail as soon as possible, and that
Congress should use their utmost exertions to have their army ready
for action without the least delay.
But while the King, actuated by his love for the United States, of his
mere motion was giving them succors, which he was under no obligation
to do, and out of regard to them lessened the efforts, which he could
have made for his own advantage, he had reason to expect a
proportionable activity from Congress, and he hopes that the United
States, which have so much to gain or lose by the issue of the
contest, will employ all their resources in the present conjuncture;
and that the Congress, who are intrusted with their dearest interest,
will hasten to adopt effectual measures for conducting matters to a
happy issue.
The Chevalier de la Luzerne, when he communicated to the King the news
of the final ratification of the confederation, thought himself
warranted to assure his Majesty, that this event would have a happy
influence on the councils of this Republic; that they would thereby
acquire all the energy necessary for conducting the important business
intrusted to them; that the Union would receive new force, and he did
not doubt but the ensuing campaign would give decisive proofs of this.
And the Minister relies that his hopes, which are the same as are
entertained by the whole continent, will not be disappointed. It is at
the same time essential, while Congress are making the necessary
arrangements for the ensuing campaign, that they should know for
certain that they are to count only on their own resources for
defraying the expenses that it will require.
The frankness of the King, and the friendship he bears to the United
States, will not permit him to encourage an error, which they appear
to be in, with respect to the pecuniary aids, which they seem to
expect. The desire of securing their independence had induced his
Majesty to exceed the measure of the engagements he had contracted
with them, and he will continue to support their interests, either by
powerful diversions or by immediate succors, and they may rely not
only on his most scrupulous punctuality in the execution of his
engagements, but upon all the extraordinary assistance, which it will
be in his power to give them. But as to pecuniary aids, the enormous
expenses of the present war, and the necessity of preserving credit,
which is the only means of providing for those expenses, do not permit
his Majesty's Ministers to give Congress the least hope in that
respect.
The Chevalier de la Luzerne will not dissemble, that his Court was
exceedingly surprised on being informed of the step, which Congress
had taken in disposing of bills drawn on their Minister, although they
could not be ignorant that they had no funds for discharging them.
This is a conduct totally inconsistent with that order, which his
Majesty is forced to observe in his finances, and he has no doubt but
in future Congress will most studiously avoid a repetition of it. He
has, nevertheless, resolved to discharge the bills, which became due
last year, to the amount of one million of livres; and it is probable
his Majesty will be able to provide funds to the amount of three
millions for the discharge of those, which will become due in the
course of the present year.
The King's Ministers have also procured for Dr Franklin, whose zeal,
wisdom and patriotism, deserve their utmost confidence, the sums
necessary for the purchase he is ordered to make. These expenses,
joined to those occasioned by sending a fleet and army to this
continent, far exceed what Congress had a right to expect from the
friendship of their ally, and the Chevalier de la Luzerne is
persuaded, that from this moment Congress will abstain from that
ruinous measure of drawing bills of exchange without the previous
knowledge and consent of his Majesty's Ministers. And as their
attention is employed in what may be most for the convenience of the
United States, they propose that Congress should furnish the fleet and
army of his Majesty, which are in this country, with the necessary
provisions, and receive in payment bills on the treasury of France,
which will be punctually discharged.
As to the manner in which this arrangement may be made, the Minister
will have the honor of entering into a minute discussion with a
committee, which he begs Congress would be pleased to appoint to
confer with him on the subject.[43]
LUZERNE.
FOOTNOTE:
[43] The above was referred to a committee of six, namely, Mr Jones,
Mr S. Adams, Mr Burke, Mr M'Kean, Mr Madison, and Mr Hanson.
* * * * *
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, March 27th, 1781.
Sir,
I have the honor to send to your Excellency an open packet for the
Count de Rochambeau. You will there find the copy of a letter to me
from M. Destouches. I lament the ill success of an expedition, which,
if it had succeeded, would have been doubly agreeable to us by its
utility to our allies, and by the honor it would have reflected upon
the arms of the King. As to the rest, it appears that our commanders
have fulfilled this latter point, and all the world is satisfied,
that, having a superior force to contend against, the manner of the
contest has been highly honorable to them.
I wait for happier events, Sir, from the campaign, which is now about
to open, and I doubt not the Count de Rochambeau has given you in
detail the news, which he has received from France.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Head Quarters, New Windsor, March 31st, 1781.
Sir,
I was last evening honored with your Excellency's favor of the 27th,
covering an open letter for the Count de Rochambeau, by which you have
been so good as to make me the earliest communication of the action on
the 16th, between the French and British fleets off the Capes of the
Chesapeake. By the enclosed you will be informed of the return of the
former into the harbor of Newport.
I must confess to your Excellency, that I was never sanguine as to the
success of that expedition, after the sailing of the two fleets so
nearly together, knowing it would turn in great measure upon the
arrival of M. Destouches in the Chesapeake before Mr Arbuthnot; a
circumstance of the utmost uncertainty, not depending upon the skill
or valor of the commanding officer, but upon winds and weather. And I
assure you I more sensibly feel the anxiety expressed by the Baron
Viomenil and the Chevalier Destouches, lest anything should be
attributed to the want of execution on their parts, than I do the
disappointment in the plan, which we had in contemplation. But certain
I am, that instead of sentiments of so ungenerous a nature, there will
be a universal admiration of the good conduct and bravery exhibited by
the officers and men of his Most Christian Majesty's squadron, when
opposed to one of superior force.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect and warmest personal
attachment, &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
* * * * *
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Translation.
Philadelphia, May 7th, 1781
Sir,
I have the honor to send you the copy of a letter, which I write to
the Chevalier Destouches. I pray you to be persuaded, that I do not
take upon me to propose an expedition to that commander, except at the
pressing entreaties of the invaded States. But if it should be found
at variance with the plans of the campaign, which you have formed, I
beg you to withdraw my letter to M. Destouches, and the packet
addressed to the Count de Rochambeau, from the express, who will
deliver this to you, and to send them back to me by the first safe
opportunity.
I am, with respectful attachment, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
TO M. DESTOUCHES.
Translation.
Philadelphia, May 7th, 1781.
Sir,
The accounts from Virginia and the other southern States leave no
doubt but the English are resolved to attack them in very superior
forces. They are already in a condition to command them by the
advantage, which they have of transporting themselves by the sea and
by all the rivers, as it suits them. Virginia, one of the most
powerful States in the Union, finds herself by these means reduced to
a state of inaction, and as the Bay of Chesapeake is entirely in the
possession of the enemy, it is to be feared that Maryland will find
herself shortly in the same condition and in the same danger. It is
manifest, that the plan of the English is to harass and desolate them
without intermission, to inspire part of the inhabitants with a desire
of seeing an end of the quarrel, and when they think their weariness
and their calamities are at the height, to make them propositions
advantageous enough to withdraw them from the Confederation.
Although these States are firmly attached to their independence, it
has in the meantime become very important to make them participate as
much as it is possible in the assistance, which his Majesty has
granted to his allies, and I can assure you, Sir, that you cannot in
present circumstances render them a greater service, than by entering
the Bay of Chesapeake, and endeavoring to establish yourself there.
Many other political considerations, into the details of which I
shall not enter, press that measure, and if it be possible for you to
carry it into execution, I have reason to believe that you will
entirely disconcert the enemy's plans against Virginia and Maryland,
and when you shall have given to those two States the liberty of
exerting themselves, you will contribute very much at the same time to
the relief of the more southern, by the assistance which they will be
capable of affording. Your position in the Bay of Chesapeake will
restrain also their communication between New York and Charleston, and
perhaps prevent other events, which may be yet more grievous to the
invaded States.
In giving, Sir, my opinion upon the utility of the movement, I avow to
you that I am totally incapable of forming one as to the possibility
of carrying it into execution. I have had the honor of transmitting to
you from time to time the details and plans, which can enable you to
form a judgment. M. de Tilly having been better situated during his
stay in Hampton Roads to make the necessary observations, you can
decide by them. I pray you also to regard my entreaties, although
pressing as the circumstances render them, as entirely subordinate to
the instructions, which you may have received from the Court.
I do not propose to you to change your position, only upon a
supposition that you have no orders to the contrary, and that you have
received no other destination.
As to the measures you are in this case to expect from the States,
which you will go to assist, I beg you to assure yourself, Sir, that
they will spare nothing to satisfy you, and if an assemblage of land
forces is judged necessary, as I presume it will be, they will send
their instructions in consequence of it to the officers who command
them.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, May 9th, 1781.
Sir,
Congress has been pleased, by a resolution, dated the 10th of November
last, to take the measures suggested by the undersigned Minister of
France, concerning the abuse by the English, of the papers, letters of
marque, and commissions, which they find on board of the American
vessels, of which they succeed in gaining possession. The Governors of
our Islands observe, that the precautions pointed out in the
resolution of Congress are insufficient, unless, independently of the
vessels and ships of war, they extend to merchant vessels, and, in
general, to all ships sailing from this continent. The similarity of
language enables the English to gain admission into our Islands with
great facility, by means of intercepted papers, and to send their
spies and emissaries into the very middle of our ports, where their
presence may be most dangerous.
The said Governors remark, that the greater part of the vessels, which
arrive at the Islands, do not conform to the resolutions of Congress;
and, although they carry letters of marque, yet they do not take the
precautions required by them. The undersigned requests, that this
Assembly would be pleased to consider these observations, and to
adopt, on this subject, such measures as shall seem best adapted to
prevent the abuses in question.
The commanding officer of St Domingo is also desirous, that Congress
should be informed that the commanders of the American frigates have,
while stationed at the Cape, given strong proofs of zeal for the
common cause, whether in cruising against the enemy, or in convoying,
at their departure, merchant vessels sailing from that Colony.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Translation.
Philadelphia, May 22d, 1781.
Sir,
I have the honor of sending you a copy of a letter from the King, in
answer to that written to him from Congress, on the 22d of November
last. I shall have the honor of sending you the original this evening.
My despatches contain several important subjects, which I shall hasten
to communicate to Congress, as soon as they shall be wholly
decyphered.
I have the honor to be, &c.
LUZERNE.
* * * * *
THE KING OF FRANCE TO CONGRESS.
To our Very Dear Great Friends and Allies, the President and Members
of the General Congress of the United States of North America.
Very Dear Great Friends and Allies,
We have received your letter of the 22d of November last, which Dr
Franklin was ordered to place in our hands. We have seen with pain,
the picture of the embarrassment of your finances, and we have been so
much touched by it, that we have resolved to assist you as much as our
own necessities, and the extraordinary and very great expenses
required on our part by the war, which we are carrying on for your
defence, will permit. We have ordered the Chevalier de la Luzerne to
acquaint you more particularly with our intentions. We are already
convinced, that the details into which he shall enter, will induce you
to make the greatest efforts to second our own, and that you will be
more and more convinced by them, that we take the most sincere
interest in the cause of the United States, and that we are employing
every means in our power to ensure their final triumph. You may rely
upon our perseverance in the principles, which have hitherto directed
our conduct; it is exerted upon all occasions; as well as upon the
sincere affection, which we entertain for the United States in
general, and for each one of them in particular.
We pray God, very dear great Friends and Allies, to keep you in his
holy protection.
Written at Versailles, this 10th of March, 1781.
Your good friend and ally,
LOUIS.
* * * * *
GEORGE WASHINGTON TO M. DE LA LUZERNE.
Weathersfield, May 23d, 1781.
Sir,
The letter, which I have the honor to enclose from the Count de
Rochambeau, will, I imagine, inform your Excellency of the intended
march of the French army towards the North River, and of the
destination of the King's squadron now in the harbor of Newport, if
circumstances will admit of the respective movements. I should be
wanting in respect and confidence, were I not to add, that our object
is New York.