George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 10 June 1781

Brook’s Bridge 10th june 1781

Dear General

the disapointement Clel Tupper Met with is So Singular that I wish to Give Your Excellency a full account of this Affair.

When the detachement was at the Head of Elk Clel Vose expressed a desire to Return to the Northward founded Upon the particular Circumstances He was Under Which Nothing But fear of Giving Exemple to His Officers and Men prevented Him officialy to Signify— from what He often Said the General opinion of Every Officer was that Clel Vose would Be Happy to Be Relieved, and Under this light I Mentioned the Matter to Your Excellency— My intention was Either to Make it a Meritorious Act in Your Opinion for Clel Vose to Remain, or if Convenient to Give you an Opportunity to oblige this Gentleman.

But However known Has Been Clel Vose’s opinion and desire on this Matter, I Cannot say He has Made any. Application to me to Be Relieved.

Clel Tupper is Arrived and to our Surprise Clel Vose Has Expressed quite a different disposition from What He Had Mentioned at the Head of Elk— Indeed Circumstances were not the Same and in the Midst of A Campaign at atime when an Action is Expected Clel Vose thinks it is a disgrace to leave His Command— He Represented that His Sentiments Had not Been officially Expressed, and that for the present His Honor and feelings Could Not be Reconciled to the Arrangement.

Clel Tupper from a Motive of delicacy for the feelings, and Respect for the Reputation of His Brother-officer is Willing to desist from His pretentions to the Command and Wishes to Return to His Regiment— But in Case some More troops Were Sent This Way I Beg leave Warmly to Request that Clel Tupper Be Appointed to the Command of them— I Have felt for His disappointment—More indeed than I Can Expect, and Shall Be Happy in the Opportunity to Serve with this officer for Whom I Entertain a very High and Affectionate Regard. With the Highest Respect I Have the Honor to be Yr Excly’s Most obedient Humble Servant

Lafayette

DLC: Papers of George Washington.

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