To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 14 June 1782
A Philadelphie le 14 Juin 1782.
Monsieur
J’ai l’honneur d’envoyer à Votre Excellence Copie d’une lettre que je viens d’ecrire à M. le Cte de Rochambeau et un paquet que Ce général m’a fait parvenir à votre adresse. Je suis avec le plus respectueux et le plus sincere attachement Monsieur De Votre Excellence Le três humble et três Obeissant Serviteur
Le che. de la luzerne
Translation
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit your Excellency Copy of a Letter I have just written Count Rochambeau and a packet that the Genl sent me to your address. I am &c.
le Chev. de la luzerne
DLC: Papers of George Washington.
Enclosure
14 June 1782
Copy of a Letter from the Chevalier de la luzerne to Count Rochambeau dated 14 June 1782.
My Dr Gnl
I have just received your Letter of the 8th of this Month and the packets which accompanied it—I have not now time to reply to it, as I profit from an Express on the point of departure, and which I cannot detain.
The movements of the English Troops at New York, indicate an intention of sending off detachments from that Garrison—It is even possible (tho’ not very probable) that they propose to evacuate that place—either to reinforce the English Islands or to act offensively against the Conquered Islands, which will not be in so good aSstate of defence as our ancient possessions—this last supposition cannot take place, unless they retain their superiority—and although I hope that this will not be the case, it is however but prudent, my Dear General, to be in readiness against every event. The most sure means of preventing the Enemy from making any Detachment from New York, is to approach that place, and to give a Jealousy, to Genl Carleton of a combined attack—Congress regards the matter in this light, and thinks that Genl Washington will make a movement towards New York, in case such a measure is agreeable to his designs, or to the intelligence he may have—I am ignorant what steps he will take in this conjuncture. It is possible that he may think it proper not to quit his present station till he hears that you approach. In all cases the Enemy will be cauteous of weakening themselves, if they hear that you are on the march to form a Junction. I submit these Ideas to you, my Dear General, and am persuaded that you will take such measures as are most advantageous.
We have news, which I have no reason to believe, that M. de la Motte Piquet is not far distant from these Coasts.