To George Washington from Lieutenant General Rochambeau, 31 August 1780
From Lieutenant General Rochambeau
Newport, August 31. 1780
sir,
Before Yesterday, I received a Deputation composed of 19. Indians of Different nations who have been Led here by Mr Deane, and who have been sent me by Mr schuyler from Albany. his Letter was addressed to The Marquis de La Fayette, and to Me, in his Absence; that induced me to open it.1 I received them most heartily, I showed them Yesterday the French Troops mixed with the American, I put some regiments a manreuvring before them, with field pieces and firing. They were overjoyed at what they saw and heard. The huzzards of Lauzun have surprized them, in camp, as did likewise great Lobsters of which they Laughed very heartily at Table. They Drank the King of France, The United states, and the Indian nations, who are allied to Us. I have given them my answer, of which I send Your Excellency a copy and I desired them to send several Copys to those nations who have taken up the hatchet.2 I made them several Gifts and gave to the chiefs, some pieces representing the coronation of his Majesty.3 They will go to Day, on board the fleet and I believe they will set off to morrow.4
Two Days are past, since we see no more the British fleet.5 Our best seamen, and those of this country say that they Lose more people by cruizing so, than they would in a battle; The Extraordinary Presses that have been made at Newyork, can be very well accounted for, that way.6
It is reported that Clinton is returned to the Westward of Long island,7 All his marching and countermarching have not yet occasioned, even, our Packing up one Tent. I wish to God the time may come, when they will receive the first serious visiting from us.8 I am with respect Sir, Your Excellencys Most obedient humble servant
le Cte de Rochambeau
LS, DLC:GW; LB, in French, DLC: Rochambeau Papers, vol. 7; LB, in French, DLC: Rochambeau Papers, vol. 8.
1. Rochambeau enclosed New York delegate Philip Schuyler’s letter of 18 Aug. to Major General Lafayette explaining that James Deane, Indian agent for the northern department, would accompany Indians to Rhode Island, where French officers might sway them against the British (DLC:GW).
2. Rochambeau enclosed a document written in English and French that he signed at Newport on 30 August. It affirmed the French king to be “a firm and faithfull” friend “to all the friends of America, and sworn ennemy to all its foes” (DLC:GW).
3. French lieutenant Verger recorded in his journal entry for 29 Aug. that the visiting Indians had addressed Rochambeau through a Canadian interpreter and explained how the British won native support with “good rum” and gunpowder for hunting. Rochambeau replied that he “would not let them lack for spirits” and provided “swords, shirts, blankets, and rouge” (, 1:121–23). French lieutenant Clermont-Crèvecœur recorded in his journal how these Indians had demonstrated “their games, their dances, and their manner of scalping their enemies … The oil and the dye they use on their bodies makes them stink and look disgusting. They are very fond of strong liquor and are always smoking. M. de Rochambeau sent them home loaded with gifts. … These people have many good qualities and are basically much less barbarous than they appear” (, 1:19–29). For other descriptions, see , 37–39, and , 61–63.
4. These Indians subsequently visited GW’s army (see General Orders, 12 Sept., n.6).
5. For this fleet, see William Heath to GW, 19 Sept., n.2.
6. The British impressed sailors (see Henry Clinton to Marriot Arbuthnot, 13 Aug., in , 450).