To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 3 September 1778
From Major General Lafayette
Camp Near Bristol [R.I.]
the 3d September 1778
My dear General
I Can’t let Mons. de la Neuville go to headquarters without Recalling to Your Excellency’s memory an inhabitant of the Eastern Rhode island schore, who long much to be again united with you, and Conceive now great hopes from Sir henry Clinton’s motion to Newport, that you will Come to oppose him in person—I think if we mean to oppose the ennemy in this quarter that more troops are absolutely necessary, for we are not able to do any thing in our Scattered Situation—I Confess I am myself very uneasy in this quarter, and fear that those people will put in theyr heads to take some of our batteries &ca which if properly attak’d will be difficult to prevent, and I am upon a little tongue of land where in case of an alarm a long stay might be very dangerous—but we’ll do for the best.
I am told that the ennemy is going to Evacuate Newyork—my policy leads Me to believe that some troops will be sent to hallifax, to the west indias, and Canada—that Canada I aprehend will be your occupation of next winter and spring—this idea, my dear general, alters a plan I had to Make a voyage home, in some Months, for as long as you fight I want to fight along with you, and I much desire to see your excellency in quebec Next Summer.
Mons. de la Neuville is going to head quarters—that gentleman I have a Great Regard for on account of his politeness, Candor, and military merit—I am very happy that he might deserve your excellency’s approbation—I will take his brother in my family—Mons. touzard’s arm is in pretty good Situation. With the most tender affection and highest Respect I have the honor to be dear general Your excellency’s the most obedient humble Servant
the Marquis de lafayette
ALS, PEL. Where Lafayette edited this letter after the war, the original has been restored as much as possible.