Major General Steuben to George Washington, 15 March 1781
From Major General Steuben
York town Virga 15 Mch 1781
Sir
I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency of the Marquis arrival at this place yesterday. he will write himself by this Opportunity.1
The great delay in this Expedition gives me much uneasiness which is not lessened by the amazing tranquillity of the Enemy—knowing the preparations making against them I can only account for it by their expecting some Assistance unknown to us—As I expected the Marquis Eight Days ago I had every thing ready by that time—it is to be feared that if the blow is not soon struck the Militia will get tired & leave us.
We want nothing now but the fleet the Marquis’ Troops cannot come down the Bay without Convoy: every thing else is in such a State of readiness that on the Arrival of the fleet we can begin our Operations in 24 Hours.
I am happy to say that the Marquis & my self are perfectly of Opinion in every thing we have agreed on the plan of Operations to be pursued.2 with great respect I am Your Excellencys Most Obed. Servant
steuben Maj: Gen.
LS, DLC:GW; Df, in French, NHi: Steuben Papers. The French draft is undated and includes an English translation. Its docket reads: “Copy to Gen. Washington March 1781.”
1. See Lafayette to GW, this date.
2. GW replied to Steuben on 4 April.