241From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 1 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
We are thus far, my dear Marquiss, ⟨o⟩n our way to New-York. Tomorrow the whole army was to have taken up its line of march, and would have moved with all the rapidity in our power to this object, had we not a few hours since received advice from the Sound, dated yesterday that the fleet of transports had put back, and were steering westward. Col. Sheldon by a letter come to hand this instant,...
242From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 31 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I received Your Two Obliging Favors of the 26th just as I was commencing yesterday our second day’s march for the North River. There is no doubt that Sir Henry Clinton means to attack the Count de Rochambeau and that a considerable force has sailed for the purpose, of which You will have the greatest certainty by the time this reaches You. I am happy in the measures which have been taken for...
243George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, [27 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Preakness, New Jersey, July 27, 1780. ] Believes that shortages of arms makes Lafayette’s plan to take New York impractical. Reports that British embarkation is still rumored. Hopes to take advantage of Sir Henry Clinton’s move to Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
244From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 27 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 22d from Hartford. I perceive my Dear Marquis you are determined at all events to take New York, and that obstacles only increase your zeal. I am sorry our prospects instead of brightening grow duller. I have already written to you on the subject of arms. There is no probability of our getting the number we want from the states, so that without the timely...
245George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 22 July 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Bergen County, New Jersey ] July 22, 1780 . Regrets that the Chevalier de Ternay objects to entering the harbor. Asserts need for arms and powder. Regrets inability to visit Rochambeau. Urges Lafayette to impress on the French difficulties involved in a siege of New York. Sends rumor of British embarkation for Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
246From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received My Dear Marquis Your letter of the 20th inclosing me those you had received from Count De Rochambeau and The Chevalier De Ternay. As I speak to you in confidence I am sorry to find that the objections made by Mr De Ternay are of a nature to prevent his entering the harbour, notwithstanding any superiority he will probably have. I certainly would not wish him to endanger his...
247From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since I wrote to you this morning I have received another letter from Major Lee by which I am informed that his account of the Return of the British Fleet to Sandy Hook was premature. Three Frigates only came in, and that gave rise to the report that the whole Fleet had returned—The Major adds—it is beleived that they are gone to the West Indies. But that is an Idea which I would not wish to...
248From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, [21 July 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
We have just received advice from New York through different channels that the enemy are making an embarkation with which they menace the French fleet and army. Fifty transports are said to have gone up the Sound to take in troops and proceed directly to Rhode Island. The General is absent and may not return before evening. Though this may be only a demonstration yet as it may be serious, I...
249From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 16 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of this date—& thank you for the Sentiments contained in it. You have totally misconceived my meaning if you think I have or shall relinquish the idea of enterprizeing against New York till it appears obviously impracticable from the want of force, or means to operate—I have not as yet relaxed in any preparation tending to this end, nor shall I till I am convinced of...
250From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Marquiss de la Fayette will be pleased to communicate the following Genl ideas to Monsr the Count de Rochambeau and the Chevalr de Terney as the Sentimts of the underwritten. 1st In any operation—and under all circumstances a decisive Naval superiority is to be considered as a fundamental principle—& the basis upon which every hope of success must ultimately depend. 2d The advantages of...
251George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, [20 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, May 20, 1780. ] Reports that the Vicomte de la Touche-Tréville has departed. States that Major General Nathanael Greene will supply wagons. Hopes committee from Congress will not be delayed and that the Chevalier de la Luzerne will visit Camp soon. Asks Lafayette to hurry to Camp. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
252From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 20 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had written the inclosed my Dear Marquis previous to the receipt of yours of the 17th which arrived late yesterday. The dispatches accompanying them for the Eastward were sent off before day this morning —Mr Hamilton wrote to Capt. De La Touche on the points you mention. I also wrote to him and to Governor Trumbull. The measures that have been taken are all evidently proper—The communication...
253George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, [19 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, May 19, 1780. ] Suggests that the two proclamations signed by Lafayette be issued to the Canadians for the purpose of confusing the enemy. Suggests adding a paragraph to the proclamations addressed to the “Savages.” Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
254From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 19 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I impatiently wait my Dear Marquis to know the result of the arrangements you were to make with Congress. The time slides away so fast and we have so little before us, that every moment is infinitely precious and ought to be improved. We talked of a Proclamation to the Canadians—If it is not already done, I think it ought not to be delayed. It should be in your own name, and have as much as...
255George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 16 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 16, 1780 . Gives reasons why first objective of the French fleet should be New York. Reiterates the importance of having Comte de Guichen “come upon this Coast without delay.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Luc-Urbain de Bouëxic, Comte de Guichen, lieutenant general and commander in chief of the French navy in the West Indies.
256From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 16 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since you left me, I have more fully reflected on the plan which it will be proper for the French fleet and army to persue, on their arrival upon the Coast and it appears to me in the present situation of the enemy at New York, that it ought to be our first object to reduce that post and that it is of the utmost importance not to lose a moment in repairing to that place. I would therefore...
257From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 8 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your welcome favour of the 27th of April came to my hands yesterday —I received it with all the joy that the sincerest friendship could dictate—and with that impatience which an ardent desire to see you could not fail to inspire. I am sorry I do not know your rout through the State of New York, that I might, with certainty, send a small party of Horse (all I have at this place) to meet &...
258From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 18 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your polite and obliging letter of the 10th of Octr from Havre came to my hands since the begin[nin]g of this Month —It filled me with a pleasure intermixed with pain—To hear that you were well—to find you breathing the same affection[at]e sentiments that ever have most conspicuously markd your conduct towards me & that you continued to deliver them with unabated attachmt contributes greatly...
259From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Lafayette, 2 March 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress I receiv’d with Pleasure the Letter you honour’d me with of the 29th. past, and am infinitely obliged by the zeal and Assiduity with which you have forwarded our affairs at Versailles. The 15000. Arms and Accoutrements are a great article. I had written to Capt. Jones that Besides the 122. Bales of Cloth, we hoped for that quantity Arms which it was suppos’d he might...
260From Benjamin Franklin to Lafayette, 18 January 1780 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Archives du Ministère des affaires étrangères; copy: Library of Congress Being unavoidably detained from going to Versailles to Day as I intended, I must beg of you when you present those Officers to M. De Vergennes, to say for me what I should have said if I could have been present, that I have been made well acquainted with their great Merit and the high Reputation they have acquired in...
261From Benjamin Franklin to Lafayette, 8 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Biblioteka Czartoryskich, Cracow I am much oblig’d by what you have said at Vs. Enclos’d is the Speech. We just now hear, that a Vessel is arriv’d at Nantes which left Philade. the 26th. Octr.— The Frigate Confederacy sail’d with her, but parted the first Night, M. Gerard was on board the Confederacy, and Mr Jay with his Family appointed for Spain as Minister.— Count D’Estaing was at...
262From Benjamin Franklin to Lafayette, 10 November 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress My Answer to the Questions, contain’d in the Letter You have honour’d me with, must be very short. I can only Say, that I know nothing before [ about ] the Order you mention, and I now know nothing of the Reasons.— I can therefore give no Opinion having no Materials on which to form it. A Vessel from North America arrived at Cadiz reports that Count d’Estaing’s fleet...
263From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 20 October 1779 (Washington Papers)
On the 30th of last Month I wrote you a letter which in point of length, would almost extend from hence to Paris—It was to have been borne to you by Colo. Fleury, to whom the relation of some particulars was referred; but the advice of Count D’Estaings arrival at Georgia—& the hope given us by Congress of seeing him at New York has induced this Officer to suspend his voyage to go in pursuit of...
264From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Lafayette, 19 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Nothing of the Proposals you mention has been communicated to me, and I therefore question their Existance. But should Such a thing be, there is certainly no one whom I should more wish to see concern’d in the management than the Person you mention, as he is Throughly acquainted with the Subject, and a hearty friend to Those concerned. Accordingly I should immediatly...
265From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Lafayette, 1 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress It is a long time since I did myself the honour of writing to you: But I have frequently had the Pleasure of hearing of your Welfare. Your kindness to my Grandson in offering to take him under your Wing in the Expedition is exceedingly obliging to me. Had the Expedition gone on it would have been an infinite advantage to him to have been present with you so early in...
266From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 30 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
A few days ago I wrote you a letter in much haste. the cause a sudden notification of Monsr Gerards having changed the place of his embarkation from Boston (as was expected) to Philadelphia, & the hurry Monsir de la Colombe was in to reach the latter before the Minister should have left it. Since that, I have been honourd with the company of the Chevr de la Luzerne, & by him was favourd with...
267From Alexander Hamilton to Marquis de Lafayette, 12 September 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
En effet ce servit les priver du Secours de leurs vaisseaux ou provisions au Continent et nous mettre à même de seconder efficacement vos opérations dans ces Parages en vous fournissant des provisions qui sont, je crois, l’Article le plus essential dont vous pouvez avoir besoin. L’éloignement de la Guerre de ce Païs est un objet très important pour les opérations générales de la Guerre. Il...
268From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 12 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
Often, since you left this Country have I written to you, but have not been favoured with a single line from you since you lay in Boston harbour. this I shall ascribe to any cause rather than a decline of friendship. I feel my own regard for you so sensibly, that I shall never suspect a want of it in your breast. I intended to have wrote you a very long letter by Monsr Gerard whom I have been...
269From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Lafayette, 24 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
AL (draft): American Philosophical Society; copies: National Archives, Library of Congress (three); transcript: National Archives The Congress sensible of your Merit towards the United States, but unable adequately to reward it, determined to present you with a Sword, as a small Mark of their grateful Acknowledgement.— They directed it to be ornamented with suitable Devices. Some of the...
270From Benjamin Franklin to the Marquis de Lafayette, 19 August 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS (draft) and copy: Library of Congress I have just now received your Favour of the 17th. I wrote to you a Day or two ago, and have little to add. You ask my Opinion what Conduct the English will probably hold on this Occasion, & whether they will not rather propose a Negotiation for a Peace: I have but one Rule to go by in devining of those People, which is, that whatever is prudent for...