1From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor dated at half past four this afternoon, and must refer you to my Letter written about two Hours ago which in effect supersedes the necessity of a particular answer on the points contained in your present one. You will see by that, you are to move to Englishtown, after which it may be in our power to give you countenance & support in case of an Attack, or to cover...
2From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I cannot suffer Colo. Gemat to leave this City—for France—without a remembrancer from me, to you. I have remained at this place ever since you left it, and am happy in having discovered the best disposition imaginable in Congress to prepare vigorously for another Campaign. They have resolved to keep up the same number of Corps, as constituted the Army of last year and have urged the States...
3From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your two letters of the 10th came to hand last Night—In mine of the 11th I informed you as fully as it was prudent to do upon paper, that there was at present little or no prospect of an operation in the quarter you seem to wish—The Contingencies appeared to me so remote in the Conversations I had with Count Rochambeau that I could not justify myself in withdrawing a detachment already so far...
4From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 5 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 31st of July & 1st of August and approve the steps you have taken. I am sorry however to find that The Chevalier De Ternay is so averse to entering the harbour in case of superiority. I believe he will find it impracticable without entering, effectually to interrupt supplies and blockade the enemy; and in my opinion, our principal chance of success is in...
5From 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...
6From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 25 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favors of the 23d from pompton by Capt. Castaign —You may make yourself perfectly easy as to ships of the line being at New York—the Iris and the others mentioned by Hagarty are Frigates—This Man relates a circumstance to me that he does not seem to have informed you of—it is—that a reinforcement of six hundred Men is preparing for Arnold—and that the Convoy is to be the...
7From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 22 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are to have the immediate command of that detatchment from this Army which consists of Glovers and Varnums Brigades and the detatchment under the command of Colo. Henry Jackson. You are to march them with all convenient expedition and by the best Routs to Providence in the State of Rhode Island—When there, you are to subject yourself to the orders of Major Genl Sullivan who will have the...
8George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 22 April 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] April 22, 1781 . Is disturbed by the “temper of” Lafayette’s “detachment and the desertions.” Discusses southern situation and the “proposed attempt on New York.” Df , in writings of H and George Washington, George Washington Papers Library of Congress.
9From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
This Letter will be delivered to you by Monsr Laneville, to whom, I have no doubt, you will shew civility, as he appears to me to be a Gentn of sense & science. I hope, however, he will come too late to afford you any aid—I say so, because I could wish he may find the work already done, of which, I have some hope from Genl Sullivans last Letter. I have lately received a horse for you from...
10From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 8 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is General duPortails desire that Colo. Gouvion may return to him. Independant of the occasion which there may be for him here, there is another reason which operates against his going with you, it is, that he would interfere with Colo. Kosciusko who has been considered as the commanding Engineer with the southern Army. I am with very great Regard Dear Marquis Yr &c. DLC : Papers of George...
11From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 20 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Whilst I thought there was a probability of my letters finding you in France I continued to write to you at Paris—after that, I ceased to do so, expecting the more agreeable pleasure of embracing you in America—Your favor of the 29th of June, placing the time of your departure from thence on a contingency, and our latest advices from Europe, reporting that the Negociations for Peace were...
12From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 21 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Though the situation of Southern affairs would not permit me to recall your corps to this army, yet it was with great reluctance I could resolve upon seeing you separated from Head Quarters—My friendship for you makes me desirous of having you near me, and there will occur frequent occasions in cooperative measures in which it would be of the greatest utility I should have it in my power to...
13From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 5 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is easier for you to conceive than for me to express the sensibility of my Heart at the communications in your letter of the 5th of Feby from Cadiz. It is to these communications we are indebted for the only acct yet recd of a general Pacification. My mind upon the receipt of this news was instantly assailed by a thousand ideas, all of them contending for pre-eminence, but believe me my...
14From 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...
15From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 15 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Not till the 5th My dear Marqs was I able to leave York—providing for the detachment that was to go Southerly—Embarking the Troops that were to go Northerly—making a distribution of the Ordnances & stores for various purposes—and disposing of the Officers and other prisoners to their respective places of destination would not admit of my leaving that part of the Country sooner. On that day I...
16George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 27 July 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
White Plains [ New York ] July 27, 1778 . Introduces Major General Nathanael Greene who is to cooperate with Lafayette in campaign against Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
17From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 8 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since mine of yesterday by the Count de Castine another oppertunity has offered of writing to you more leizurely, & as your departure for the Southward—if that ultimately should be your determination—may be incommoded by delay, I have taken the liberty of facilitating your journey by the inclosed dispatches. I beg you to be perswaded however, that I do not mean by this to fix your...
18From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The freedom of your communications is an evidence to me of the sincerety of your attachment—and every fresh instance of this gives pleasure & adds strength to the band which unite us in friendship. In this light I view the intimation contained in your letter of the 23d Ulto—from Alexandria—respecting the conduct of Mr Lund Washington. Some days previous to the receipt of your letter—which only...
19From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 8 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the whole Fleet went out with a fair Wind this Evening about sun set. You may possibly hear of their arrival in Chesapeak before this letter reaches you– Should you not– You will have every thing prepared for falling down the Bay at a moments warning– We have not yet heard of any more of the British in Gardeners Bay– Should we luckily meet with no...
20George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 20 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 20, 1781 . Places Lafayette in command of detachment that is to act against enemy in Virginia. Sends detailed instructions for this command. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
21From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 5 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have successively received your favors of the 3d 7th 8th 9th 15th 23d 25th and 26th of last Month. You having been fully instructed as to your operations and I having nothing material to communicate, was the reason of my not answering them before—While we lament the miscarriage of enterprize which bid so fair for success, we must console ourselves in the thought of having done every thing...
22From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 30 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your favors of the 8th and 20th instants. The first releived me from much anxiety, as I had seen Mr Revingtons account of the Action at Green Spring, which you may suppose was highly coloured in their favor. I find by your last that neither my letter of the 29th of June or that of the 13th inst. had reached you—I cannot tell the dates of those previous as I...
23From 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...
24From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 23 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge, the honor of your favors of the 14th & 24th of October and 4th of Decr; to thank you for the warm and affectionate expression of them; and to congratulate you & Madame La Fayette on the birth of a daughter—Virginia I am perswaded, will be pleased with the Compliment of the name; and I pray as a member of it she may live to be a blessing to her Parents. It would seem that...
25From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 20 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed are your Instructions, in the prosecution of wch if you should receive authentic intelligence of the Enemys having left Virginia—Or by adverse fortune the detachment from Monsr Destouche⟨s⟩ has lost its superiority in that State and dis-abled thereby to cooperate with you—You will return with the Detachment under your Command, as the enemy cannot be effected by it while they have...
26From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 31 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just returned from Weathersfield at which I expected to have met with the Count de Rochambeau & Count de Barras, but the British fleet having made its appearance off Block Island, the Admiral did not think it prudent to leave New port. Count Rochambeau was only attended by Chevr Chattellux—Generals Knox and Duportail were with me. Upon a full consideration of our affairs in every point...
27From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 25 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
You are immediately to proceed with the detachment commanded by Genl Poor and form a junction as expeditiously as possible with that under the commanded of Genl Scott. You are to use the most effectual means for gaining the enemys left flank and rear, and giving them every degree of annoyance—all continental parties that are already on the lines will be under your command and you will take...
28From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my letter to you of yesterday, I have attentively considered of what vast importance it will be to reinforce Genl Greene as speedily as possible, more especially as there can be little doubt but the detachment under Genl Phillips, if not part of that now under the command of Genl Arnold, will ultimately join, or, in some degree, cooperate with Lord Cornwallis. I have communicated to the...
29From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 26 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received yours of the 25th from Morris Town. I do not think it very probable that three hundred Dragoons will trust themselves in the heart of Connecticut with a superior regular Corps and the force of the Country to oppose them, but I have nevertheless given the intelligence to Duke Lauzun. Upon your arrival in Philada if not before, you will hear that a Body of Men, supposed to be a...
30From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 29 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
This will be accompanied by a letter from Congress, which will inform you, that a certain expedition, after a full consideration of all circumstances has been laid aside —I am sorry however for the delay it has occasioned you by remaining so long undecided. I am persuaded My Dear Marquis, there is no need of fresh proofs to convince you either of my affection for you personally or of the high...
31From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 15 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
You are too well acquainted with the merits of Colo. Gouvion to need my testimony either of his Services, abilities or worth; and yet, my wish to see them rewarded, induces me to repeat & even to impress them upon you—I do not take the liberty of bringing this officer directly before Monsr the Count de Segar but if the communication of my ideas of his deserts and my desire to serve him would...
32From 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,...
33From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 15 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your letters of the 26th and 30th ulto and 1st Inst. I cannot learn that any troops have yet arrived at New York from Virginia. A fleet of 20 sail came in last saturday with troops, but they are said to be Hessian Recruits from Europe. The Concorde Frigate is arrived at Newport from Count de Grasse. He was to leave St Domingo the 3d of this month with a Fleet of between 25 and 29...
34From 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...
35From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 22 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since writing the inclosed your several letters (acknowledged in my public one of this date) are come to hand—all of them except that of the 12th arrived at Hd Quarters within the course of one hour. The reasons assigned in some of your letters—and others which have occurred to me—chiefly of a political nature—assure me that great advantages will be derived from your being wherever the French...
36From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 14 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Soon after dispatching my last letter to you, your favor dated at Paramus was put into my hands by Colo. Gouvion—Yesterday brought me your letters of the 4th 5th & 5th in the Evening—and this day I have received another of the 9th. The Chevr De la Luzerne’s Dispatches came in time for the Post, which is the only means left me for conveyance of letters—there not being as much money in the hands...
37From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 10 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
We are thus far, My Dear Marquis, on our way to you—The Count de Rochambeau has just arrived, General Chattelus will be here, and we propose (after resting tomorrow) to be at Fredericksburg on the night of the 12th.the 13th we shall reach New Castle, & the next day we expect the pleasure of seeing you at your Encampment. Should there be any danger as we approach you, I shall be obliged if you...
38From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 31 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of Yesterday conveyed to me fresh proof of that friendship and attachment which I have happily experienced since the first of our acquaintance, and for which I entertain sentiments of the purest affection. It will ever constitute part of my happiness to know that I stand well in your opinion, because I am satisfied that you can have no views to answer by throwing out false colours,...
39George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 30 October 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Totowa, New Jersey ] October 30, 1780 . Does not think that a campaign at this time is feasible. States that American force is not large enough to attack New York. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
40From 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...
41From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 3 July 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter on the subject of the corps raising by Col: Armand. You are sensible that it rests solely with Congress to determine the existence of a new corps and decide in an affair of this nature, If they should think proper to give their sanction to Col. Armand in the business he is engaged in, and in which by your representation he has made so considerable a progress, I...
42From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 5 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received, with exceeding great satisfaction & pleasure your favor of the 18th of April, and am extremely rejoiced to learn, that the spirit of discontent had so entirely subsided & that the practice of desertion would probably be totally stopped, among the Troops under your Command. The measures you had taken to obtain on your own Credit a supply of cloathing & necessaries for the...
43From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 10 March 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your two favors of the 19th and 23d February, and hasten to dispel those fears respecting Your Reputation, which are excited only by an uncommon degree of Sensibility—you seem to apprehend that censure proportioned to the disappointed expectations of the World, will fall on you in consequence of the failure of the Canadian Expedition—but in the first place,...
44From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 1 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just received letters from The Count De Rochambeau and The Chevalier Des-touches, informing me of their intention to operate in Chesapeak bay with their whole fleet and a detachment of 1100 french troops grenadiers and Chasseurs included. The Chevalier expected to sail the fifth of this month, so that you will arrive at the head of Elk before he appears in the bay, He seems to make a...
45From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 4 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving, by the hands of Monsr de la Colombe, your favour of the 28th Ulto; accompanied by one of the 24th, which he overtook somewhere on the Road. The leave requested in the former, I am as much interested to grant, as to refuse my approbation of the Cartel, proposed in the latter. The generous Spirit of Chivalry, exploded by the rest of the World, finds a...
46From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 26 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since my letter of the 14th Instt by Majr Franks (for the Post once a Week, & travellers accidentally—are all the conveyances I have)—Your favours of the 16th & 19th are both come to hand. My Sentiments respecting your serving in the Southern Army this Winter, were fully, though concisely explained in my last. if I was to add aught to the opinion there given, it should be to wait (as we are...
47George 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.
48From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favors of last night and this morning. I have given the most positive & pointed orders for provisions for your Detachment and am sorry that they have not arrived. In order that the Troops may be supplied, I wish you would always send up, an Active Officer in time to the Commissary, who might never leave him till he obtained the necessary supplies. This will be attended with...
49From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
General Lee’s uneasiness on account of yesterday’s transaction rather increasing than abating, and your politeness in wishing to ease him of it, has induced me to detach him from this Army, with a part of it, to reinforce, or at least cover, the several detachments under your command, at present. At the same time that I felt for General Lee’s distress of mind, I have had an eye to your wishes,...
50George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 29 December 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, December 29, 1778 . Reports that plans for Canadian expedition have been set aside. Wishes Lafayette a safe passage on return voyage to France. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.