From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 19 August 1778
To Major General Lafayette
White-plains Augt 19th 78
My dear Marquis,
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.1 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.2
I have lately received a horse for you from Colo. Bland, so exceedingly poor that he can scarce walk—I have put him into the care of my Groom and have ordered him to use his utmost exertions to get him in order for you, but it will be many Months before he can be fit for any kind of Service.
Adieu my dear Marqs may honr & glory attend you—this is the sincere wish of your affecte friend
Go: Washington
ALS, Czartoryski Library, Cracow, Poland.
1. On this date GW wrote to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan: “Mr La Neuville, who will have the honor to deliver you this, being desirous, if he can arrive in time, to serve with you, in the expedition you are carrying on, in character of volunteer, I take occasion to introduce him to your acquaintance and civilities, and to recommend, that you will give him every opportunity of being useful, which his situation and other circumstances will permit. I have not the happiness to have had personal experience of this Gentleman’s military accomplis[h]ments—He is a Major in the French service and brought from Europe very handsome and ample testimonials of his merit; In America he has served in the Northern army in character of Inspector General, and as I am informed with ability and in a manner that gave general satisfaction” (Df, DLC:GW; the Varick transcript is misdated 17 Aug.).
2. GW is referring to Maj. Gen. John Sullivan’s letter to him of 17 August.