Memoirs, Correspondence and Manuscripts of General Lafayette by Lafayette

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Footnote:

1. See Washington's Letter of the 31st May.--Sparks' Writ. of Wash., v.
8., p. 60.

TO COLONEL HAMILTON.

(ORIGINAL.)

Richmond, May 23, 1781.

MY DEAR HAMILON,--I have been long complaining that I had nothing to
do, and want of employment was an objection I had to my going to the
southward; but for the present, my dear friend, my complaint is quite
of an opposite nature, and I have so many arrangements to make, so many
difficulties to combat, so many enemies to deal with, that I am much of
a General as will make me a historian of misfortunes, and nail my curse
upon the ruins of what good soldiers are pleased to call the army in
Virginia. There is an age past since I heard from you. I acknowledge
that on my part, I have not written so often as I ought to have done,
but you will excuse this silence in favor of my very embarrassing
circumstances, however remote you may be from your former post of aid-
de-camp, to the Commander-in-chief, I am sure you are nevertheless
acquainted with every transaction at head quarters. My letters have
served to report information, and I shall consequently abstain from
repetitions.

Our forced march saved Richmond. Phillips was going down, and thus far
I am very happy. Phillips' return, his landing at Brandon, south side
of James and Appamatox rivers. Had Phillips marched to Hallifax I was
determined to follow him, and should have risked every thing rather to
omit making a diversion in favor of Greene; but that army took
possession of Petersburg, and obliged me to stick to the side of the
river whence reinforcements are expected. Both armies have formed their
junction of between four and five thousand men. We have no
Continentals; their infantry is near five to one; their cavalry ten to
one. Our militia are not numerous, without arms, and not used to war.
Government wants energy, and there is nothing to enforce the laws.
General Greene has directed me to take command in this State, and I
must tell you by the way, his letter is very polite and affectionate;
it then became my duty to arrange the departments, which I found in the
greatest confusion and relaxation; nothing can be obtained, and yet
expenses are enormous. The Baron and the few new levies we could
collect, are ordered to South Carolina. Is it not strange that General
Wayne's detachment cannot be heard of? They are to go to Carolina; but
should I have them for a few days, I am at liberty to keep them. This
permission I will improve so far as to receive one blow, that being
beat, I may at least be beat with some decency. There are accounts that
Lord Cornwallis is very strong; others make him very weak. In this
country there is no getting good intelligence. I request you will write
me if you approve of my conduct. The command of the waters, the
superiority in cavalry, and the great disproportion of forces, gave the
enemy such advantages that I durst not venture out, and listen to my
fondness for enterprise; to speak truth, I was afraid of myself as much
as of the enemy. Independence has rendered me the more cautious, as I
know my own warmth; but if the Pennsylvanians come, Lord Cornwallis
shall pay something for his victory.

I wish a reinforcement of light infantry to recruit the battallions, or
a detachment under General Huntington, was sent to me. I wish Lawson or
Sheldon were immediately dispatched with some horses. Come here, my
dear friend, and command our artillery in Virginia. I want your advices
and your exertions. If you grant my request, you will vastly oblige
your friend. Yours, &c.

TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

(ORIGINAL.)

Richmond, May the 24th, 1781.

MY DEAR GENERAL.--The junction of Lord Cornwallis with the other army
at Petersburg was an event that, from local circumstances, and from
their so great superiority, it was impossible to prevent, it took place
on the 20th, and having lost every hope to operate, a timely stroke in
conjunction with the Pensylvanians, my ideas were confined to defensive
measures. I therefore moved up to Richmond, where precautions were
taken to remove every valuable property, either public or private.

By an officer that was in Halifax after Lord Cornwallis, I hear he has
not left any post at that place, it appears, his sick and wounded
remained at Wilmington, and were reimplaced by that garison. Reports
concerning the numbers are so different, that I cannot trust anything
but my eyes, until such an opportunity offers, this is the order of
march, in which it is said his Lordship crossed Roanoke. Col. Tarlton's
legion, Col. Hamilton's corps, 23d, 71st, 33d, British regiments, 200
tories, an Hessian regiment, the light infantry and guards with six
field pieces. I am told General Leslie and Genl. O'Hara are with him, I
have received successive and repeated accounts, that a British fleet of
transports was arrived at Hampton, they were said to consist of 11
large vessels, and 16 smaller ones, under convoy of three large
frigates. Mr. Day D.Q.M. at Williamsburg, writes that on the 22nd, 12
sail of large ship; a sloop, and schooner got underway opposite James
Town; those ships full of men, and some horses on board the sloop. We
have no accounts of any fleet having sailed from
New-York.

Yesterday afternoon, we had a heavy rain, which Colonel Tarlton
improved in surprising some militia in Chesterfield County, thirty of
whom fell into his hands.

This morning at 9 o'clock the enemy moved from Peteraburg towards City
Point, and destroyed the bridge they had lately constructed over
Appamatoc. I have just received accounts, that a body of them has
landed at Westover. These are said to be the men who came up the river
from Hampton, previous to which General Arnold had received a small
reinforcement from Portsmouth.

To my great mortification, I have heard this morning, that the
Pensylvanians are not so near as I had been, by every account
positively assured. General Wayne writes me he will hasten to my
support, and I am confident he will not lose time at this critical
moment, but before he arrives, it is impossible that 900 continentals
and 40 horses, with a body of militia by no means so considerable as
they are reported to be, and whom it is so difficult to arm, be with
any advantage opposed to such a superiority of forces, such a number of
cavalry, to which may be added, their very prejudicial command of the
writers.

Our handful of men being the point to which militia may be collected,
and the only check, however small it is, that the enemy may have in
this state, it ought, I think, to be managed with a great deal of
prudence as its preservation is so very important to the fate of
operations in Virginia.

With the highest respect. I have the honor to be Yours &c.

TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

(ORIGINAL.)

Camp between Rappahannock and North Anna, June 3rd, 1781.

MY DEAR GENERAL,--Inclosed you will find the copy of a letter to
General Green. He at first had requested that I would directly write to
you, since which his orders have been different, but he directed me to
forward you copies of my official accounts. So many letters are lost in
their way that I do not care to avoid repetitions.--I heartily wish, my
dear general, my conduct may be approved of, particularly by you. My
circumstances have been peculiar, and in this state I have sometimes
experienced strange disappointments. Two of them, the stores at
Charlottesville, and the delay of the Pennsylvania detachment, have
given me much uneasiness and may be attended with bad consequences.
Your presence, my dear general, would do a great deal, Should these
detachments be increased to three or four thousand, and the French army
come this way, leaving one of our generals at Rhode Island and two or
three about New York and in the Jerseys, you might be very offensive in
this quarter, and there could be, a southern army in Carolina. Your
presence would do immense good, but I would wish you to have a large
force. General Washington, before he personally appears, must be strong
enough to hope success. Adieu, my dear general, with the highest
respect and most tender affection I have the honor to be, Yours,~[1]

P.S. If you persist in the idea to come this way. you may depend upon
about 3000 militia in the field, relieved every two months. Your
presence will induce them to turn out with great spirit.

Footnote:

1. This letter, and the succeeding one to Gen. Greene, was written
while Lafayette was retreating before Lord Cornwallis, and as he was
about to cross the Rapidan to form a junction with Wayne. See the
answers in Sparks's _Writ. of Wash_. v. 3. p. 86.

TO GENERAL GREENE.

(ORIGINAL.)

Camp between Rappahannock and North Anna, June 3rd, 1781,

SIR,--I have done myself the honor to write you many letters, but least
some of them should have miscarried, which I much apprehend to have
been the case, I shall repeat an account of the late transactions in
this state.

The junction of the enemy being made, which for the reasons I have
mentioned it was impossible to prevent, I retired towards Richmond and
waited for Lord Cornwallis's movements, his regular force being so
vastly superior to mine.--Reinforcements from below having still
increased it, and his cavalry being ten to one, I could not think to
bring into action a small body of eight or nine hundred men, that
preserved the shadow of an army and an inconsiderable number of militia
whose defeat was certain and would be attended with a fatal loss of
arms.--

Lord Cornwallis had at first a project to cross above Richmond, but
desisted from it and landed at Westover, he then proposed to turn our
left flank, but before it was executed we moved by the left to the
forks of Chickahomony,--the enemy advanced twelve miles and we
retreated in the same proportion; they crossed Chickahomony and
advanced on the road to Fredericksburg. We marched in a parallel with
them, keeping the upper part of the country. Our position at Mattapony
church would have much exposed the enemy's flank on their way to
Fredericksburg, but they stopped at Cook's ford on the North Anna
river, where they are for the present.--General Wayne having announced
to me his departure on the 23d, I expected before this time to have
made a junction. We have moved back some distance and are cautious not
to indulge Lord Cornwallis with an action with our present force.--

The intentions of the enemy are not as yet well explained.
Fredericksburg appears to be their object, the more so as a greater
number of troops are said to be gone down than is necessary for the
garrison of Portsmouth.--The public stores have been as well as
possible removed, and every part of Hunter's works that could be taken
out of the way.--It is possible they mean to make a stroke towards
Charlotteville; this I would not be uneasy for, had my repeated
directions been executed, but instead of removing stores from there to
Albemarle old Court House, where Baron de Steuben has collected six
hundred regulars, and where I ordered the militia south of James River
to rendezvous--It appears from a letter I received this evening that
state stores have been contrary to my directions collected there, least
they should mix with the Continentals, but my former letters were so
positive, and my late precautions are so multiplied that. I hope the
precious part of the stores will have been removed to a safer place. I
had also some stores removed from Orange Court House. Dispatches from
the Governor to me have fallen into the enemies' hands; of which I gave
him and the Baron immediate notice.

The report of an insurrection in Hampshire county, and the hurry of
Lord Cornwallis to communicate the copy of a Cartel with you where it
is settled the prisoners will be sent by such a time to Jamestown, are
motives that gave me some suspicions of a project towards the
Convention troops. The number of the rebels is said to be 700--Gen.
Morgan has marched against them; I think the account is pretty well
authenticated tho' it is not official.--Having luckily opened a letter
from the Board of War, to the Governor whereby the Convention troops
are ordered to New England, I sent a copy of it to Col. Wood and
requested an immediate execution of the order. This motive and the
apprehension that I might be interrupted in a junction with Gen. Wayne
have induced me particularly to attend to our re-union, an event that
was indispensable to give us a possibility to protect some part or
other of this state. I was until lately ignorant of your orders, that
the new Continentals and militia under Baron de Steuben be united with
this part of your army, and the Baron intended shortly to march to the
southward.--When united to Gen. Wayne 1 shall be better able to command
my own movements and those of the other troops in this
state.--Had this expected junction taken place sooner, matters would
have been very different.

The enemy must have five hundred men mounted and their Cavalry
increases daily. It is impossible in this country to take horses out of
their way, and the neglect of the inhabitants, dispersion of houses,
and robberies of negroes, (should even the most vigorous measures have
been taken by the Civil authority) would have yet put many horses into
their hands. Under this cloud of light troops it is difficult to
reconnoitre as well as counteract any rapid movements they choose to
make. I have the honor to be with great respect, &c.

TO GENERAL GREENE,

(ORIGINAL.)

Allen's Creek, 22 miles from Richmond, Jane 18th, 1781.

SIR,--The enemy's position at Cooke's ford enabled them either to
return to James River or to gain our northern communication. The arms
and other precious stores arriving from Philadelphia, the importance of
a junction with Gen. Wayne, and other strong reasons mentioned in my
last, made it my first object to check the further progress of Lord
Cornwallis. Some stores at the forks of James River were under the care
of the major general, the Baron de Steuben, who had five hundred
regulars of the Virginia new levies, and some militia.

Col. Tarlton's legion having pressed for Charlottesville, where the
Assembly were sitting, was disappointed in his purpose by proper
information being given them. One hundred and fifty arms, however, and
a small quantity of powder fell into the enemy's hands.

A detachment under Col. Simcoe said to be four hundred dragoons and
mounted infantry, proceeded to the point of Fork, of which the Baron de
Steuben received notice. Both his men and stores were transported to
the south branch when the Baron marched to Etaunton River. Simcoe threw
over a few men which destroyed what stores had been left. He hazarded a
great deal, but our loss was inconsiderable.

In the meantime the British army was moving to the point of Fork, with
intention to strike our magazines at Albermarle old Court House. Our
force was not equal to their defence, and a delay of our junction would
have answered the views of the enemy. But on the arrival of the
Pennsylvanians we made forced marches towards James River, and on our
gaining the South Anna we found Lord Cornwallis encamped some miles
below the point of Fork. A stolen march through a difficult road gave
us a position upon Michunk Creek, between the enemy and our magazines,
where, agreeable to appointment, we were joined by a body of riflemen.
The next day Lord Cornwallis retired towards Richmond (where he now is)
and was followed by our small army.

I have directed General Steuben to return this way and a junction will
be formed as soon as his distance permits.

With the highest regard, &c., &c.

P. S. The following is an extract of a letter just now received from
James Barron, Commodore, dated Warwick, 9 miles from Hampton, June
17th, 1781,

"At five o'clock this afternoon anchored in the road from sea, 35 sail
of the enemies' vessels; viz: 24 ships, 10 brigs and one schooner,
which I take to be the fleet that sailed from hence 13 days ago. Only 4
appear to have troops on board."

TO GENERAL GREENE.

(ORIGINAL.)

Mr. Tyter's plantation, 20 miles from Williamsburg, 27th June, 1781.

SIR,--My letter of the 18th, informed you of the enemy's retrograde
movement to Richmond, where they had made a stop. Our loss at the point
of Fork chiefly consisted of old arms out of repair and some cannon,
most of which have been since recovered.

On the 18th the British Army moved towards us with design as I
apprehend to strike at a detached corps commanded by Gen. Muhlenberg,
upon this the light Infantry and Pennsylvanians marched under Gen.
Wayne when the enemy retired into town. The day following I was joined
by Gen. Steuben's troops, and on the night of the 20th Richmond was
evacuated. Having followed the enemy our light parties fell in with
them near New Kent Court House, the army was still at a distance and
Lord Cornwallis continued his route towards Williamsburg; his rear and
right flank were covered by a large corps commanded by Col. Simcoe. I
pushed forward a detachment under Col. Butler, but notwithstanding a
fatiguing march the colonel reports that he could not have overtaken
them, had not Major McPherson mounted 50 light infantry behind an equal
number of dragoons, which coming up with the enemy charged them within
six miles of Williamsburg; such of the advance corps as could arrive to
their support, composed of riflemen under Major Call and Major Willis
began a smart action. Inclosed is the return of our loss. That of the
enemy is about 60 killed and 100 wounded, including several officers, a
disproportion which the skill of our riflemen easily explains. I am
under great obligations to Col. Butler and the officers and men of the
detachment for their ardor in the pursuit and their conduct in the
action. Gen. Wayne who had marched to the support of Butler, sent down
some troops under Major Hamilton. The whole British army came out to
save Simcoe, and on the arrival of our army upon this ground returned
to Winsburg. The post they occupy at present is strong and under
protection of their shipping, but upwards of one hundred miles from the
point of Fork.

I had the honor to communicate these movements to the executive of the
state that the seat of government might be again re-established in the
capital. Lord Cornwallis has received a reinforcement from Portsmouth.

With the greatest respect I have the honor to be.

TO GENERAL GREENE.

(ORIGINAL.)

Ambler's Plantation, opposite Jamestown, 8 July, 1781.

SIR,--On the 4th inst. the enemy evacuated Williamsburg where some
stores fell into our hands, and retired to this place under the cannon
of their shipping. Next morning we advanced to Bird's tavern, and a
part of the army took post at Norrel's mill about nine miles from the
British camp.

The 6th I detached an advanced corps under Gen. Wayne with a view of
reconnoitering the enemy's situation. Their light parties being drawn
in the pickets which lay close to their encampment were gallantly
attacked by some riflemen whose skill was employed to great effect.

Having ascertained that Lord Cornwallis had sent off his baggage under
a proper escort and posted his army in an opened field fortified by the
shipping, I returned to the detachment which I found more generally
engaged. A piece of cannon had been attempted by the van guard under
Major Galvan whose conduct deserves high applause.--Upon this the whole
British army came out and advanced to the thin wood occupied by General
Wayne.--His corps chiefly composed of Pennsylvanians and some light
infantry did not exceed eight hundred men with three field pieces. But
notwithstanding their numbers, at sight of the British the troops ran
to the rencontre. A short skirmish ensued with a close, warm, and well
directed firing, but as the enemy's right and left of course greatly
outflanked ours, I sent General Wayne orders to retire half a mile to
where Col. Vose's and Col. Barber's light infantry battalions had
arrived by a rapid move, and where I directed them to form. In this
position they remained till some hours in the night. The militia under
Gen. Lawson had been advanced, and the continentals were at Norrel's
mill when the enemy retreated during the night to James Island, which
they also evacuated, crossing over to the south side of the river.
Their ground at this place and the island were successively occupied by
General Muhlenberg. Many valuable horses were left on their retreat.

From every account the enemy's loss has been very great and much pains
taken to conceal it. Their light infantry, the brigade of guards and
two British regiments formed the first line, the remainder of the army
the second; the cavalry were drawn up but did not charge.

By the inclosed return you will see what part of Gen. Wayne's
detachment suffered most. The services rendered by the officers make me
happy to think that altho' many were wounded we lost none. Most of the
field officers had their horses killed, and the same accident to every
horse of two field pieces made it impossible to move them, unless men
had been sacrificed. But it is enough for the glory of Gen. Wayne and
the officers and men he commanded to have attacked the whole British
army with a reconnoitering party only, close to their encampment, and
by this severe skirmish hastened their retreat over the river.--

Col. Bowyer of the riflemen is a prisoner.--

I have the honor to be, &e,

TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

(ORIGINAL.)

Mrs. Ruffin's, August 20th, 1781.

MY DEAR GENERAL--Independent of the answer to your letter of the 15th,
I have been very particular in a second letter intrusted to Col.
Moriss. But at this moment wish to send you minuted and repeated
accounts of every thing that passes in this quarter.

The enemy have evacuated their forts at Troy, Kemp's Landing, Great
Bridge, and Portsmouth. Their vessels with troops and baggage went
round to York. Some cannon have been left spiked up at Portsmouth; but
I have not yet received proper returns.

I have got some intelligences by the way of this servant I have once
mentioned. A very sensible fellow was with him, and from him as well as
deserters, I hear that they begin fortifying at York. They are even
working by a windmill at which place I understand they will make a fort
and a battery for the defence of the river. I have no doubt but that
something will be done on the land side. The works at Gloster are
finished; they consist of some redoubts across Gloster creek and a
battery of 18 pieces beating the river.

The enemy have 60 sails of vessels into York river, the largest a 50
gun ship and two 36 frigates.--About seven other armed vessels, the
remainder are transports, some of them still loaded and a part of them
very small vessels. It appears they have in that number merchantmen,
some of whom are Dutch prizes. The men of war are very thinly manned.
On board the other vessels there are almost no sailors.

The British army had been sickly at Portsmouth, the air of York begins
to refit them. The whole cavalry have crossed on the Gloster side
yesterday evening, a movement of which I gave repeated accounts to the
militia there; but the light infantry and main body of the militia are
at this place, Gen. Wayne on the road to Westover, and we may form our
junction in one day. I keep parties upon the enemy's lines. The works
at Portsmouth are levelling. The moment I can get returns and plans l
will send them to your Excellency. The evacuation of a post fortified
with much care and great expense will convince the people abroad that
the enemy cannot hold two places at once.--The Maryland troops were to
have set out on Monday last. There is in this quarter an immense want
of clothing of every sort, arms, ammunition, hospital stores, and horse
accoutrements. Should a maritime superiority be expected, I would
propose to have all those matters carried from Philadelphia to the head
of Elk.

The numbers of the British army fit for duty I _at least_ would
estimate at 4500, rank and file. Their sailors I cannot judge but by
intelligences of the number of vessels. In a word this part affords the
greatest number of regulars and the only active army to attack, which
having had no place of defence must be less calculated for it than any
garrison either at New York or in Carolina.

With the highest respect and most sincere affection, &c.

TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

(ORIGINAL.)

Holt's Forge, September the 1st, 1781.

MY DEAR GENERAL.--I am happy to inform your Excellency that Count de
Grasse's fleet is safely arrived in this bay; it consists of 28 ships
of the line with several frigates and convoys a considerable body of
troops under Marquis de St. Simon.--Previous to their arrival such
positions had been taken by our army as to prevent the enemy's
retreating towards Carolina.

In consequence of your Excellency's orders I had the honor to open a
correspondence with the French Generals, and measures have been taken
for a junction of our troops.--

Lord Cornwallis is still on York river and is fortifying himself in a
strong position.--

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