Books: Memoirs of General Lafayette
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Lafayette >> Memoirs of General Lafayette
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Early in the year 1779, after an absence from his beloved family and
country of more than two years, Lafayette visited France: not however,
without the consent of Congress and also of General Washington, and a
determination to return to America at a future day. He embarked at Boston.
In waiting for a passage to France, the Marquis was several weeks in
Boston; and here became acquainted with John Hancock, Dr. Cooper, S. Breck,
Esq. and others, to whose families he became particularly attached. The
hospitable attention of the Bostonians, was not lost upon him. With warm
feelings and elegant manners, he was well qualified to appreciate their
patriotism and politeness; and impressions were made upon his generous
mind, favourable to their characters, which he has not forgotten to the
present day. In no place in America, perhaps, did he find the citizens more
congenial to his ardour of affection and devoted love for civil liberty.--
It cannot be doubted, that to a man of his amiable and tender feelings, the
consideration of meeting with his family and friends influenced him to this
visit. But it appears also, from his letters at that time, that he
considered his duty to his King and country required him to go to France.
War was now declared between France and England; and he believed himself
bound to give his personal services for the defence of his own nation. With
all his zeal in favour of liberty and of America, which he considered
engaged in its sacred cause against an arbitrary power, he acknowledged his
obligations to asset in protecting his native country. If his King should
consent, he engaged to return to America, and devote himself again in
support of her rights. The following letters will justify this statement of
his views, at the time of which we are speaking. The first is from General
Washington to the President of Congress.
"_Head Quarters, Oct. 13th_, 1778.
"SIR,
"This will be delivered to you by Major General, the Marquis de Lafayette.
The generous motives which first induced him to cross the Atlantic, and
enter the army of the united States, are well known to Congress. Reasons
equally laudable now engage him to return to France, who, in her present
circumstances, claims his services.
"His eagerness to offer his duty to his Prince and country, however great,
could not influence him to quit the continent in any stage of an unfinished
campaign; he resolved to remain at least till the close of the present; and
embraces this moment of suspense, to communicate his wishes to Congress,
with a view of having the necessary arrangements made in time; and of being
still within reach, should any occasion offer of distinguishing himself in
the field.
"The Marquis, at the same time, from a desire of preserving a relation with
us, and a hope of having it yet in his power to be useful as an American
officer, solicits only a furlough, sufficient for the purposes above
mentioned. A reluctance to part with an officer, who unites to all the
military fire of youth, an uncommon maturity of judgment, world lead me to
prefer his being absent on this footing, if it depended solely on me. I
shall always be happy to give such a testimony of his services, as his
bravery and good conduct on all occasions entitle him to; and I have no
doubt that Congress will add suitable expressions of their sense of his
merits, and their regret on account of his departure. I here the honor to
be, &c.
"GEO. WASHINGTON."
From the Marquis to Congress.
"_Philadelphia. Oct. 8th_, 1778.
"Whatever care I should take not to employ the precious instants of
Congress in private considerations, I beg leave to lay before them my
present circumstances, with that confidence which naturally springs from
affection and gratitude. The sentiments which bind me to my country, can
never be more properly spoken of, than in presence of men who have done so
much for their own. As long as I thought I could dispose of myself, I made
it my pride and pleasure to fight under American colours, in defence of a
cause which I dare more particularly call _ours_, because I had the good
fortune of bleeding for her. Now that France is involved in a war, I am led
by a sense of duty as well as by patriotic love to present myself before my
king, and know in what manner he judges proper to employ my services. The
most agreeable of all will always be such as to serve the common cause
among those, whose friendship I had the happiness to obtain, and whose
fortune I had the honor to follow in less smiling times. That reason, and
others, which I leave to the feelings of Congress, engage me to beg from
them, the liberty of going home for the next winter.
"As long as there were any hopes of an active campaign, I did not think of
leaving the field. Now that I see a very peaceable and undisturbed moment,
I take this opportunity of waiting on Congress. In case my request is
granted, I shall so manage my departure, as to be certain before going, the
campaign is really over. Enclosed you will receive a letter from his
Excellency, General Washington, wherein he expresses his assent to my
obtaining leave of absence. I dare flatter myself, that I shall be
considered as a soldier on furlough, who most heartily wants to join again
his colours, and his most esteemed and beloved fellow soldiers. Should it
be thought I can be any way useful to America, when I shall find myself
among my countrymen, I hope I shall always be considered as one most
interested in the welfare of these United States, and one who has the most
perfect affection, regard and confidence for their representatives. With
the highest regard, &c.
LAFAYETTE."
"_In Congress, Oct_. 21. 1778.
"_Resolved_, That the Marquis Lafayette, Major General in the services of
the United States, have leave to go to France; and that he return at such
time as shall be most convenient to him,--Resolved, That the President
write a letter to the Marquis Lafayette, returning him the thanks of
Congress for that disinterested zeal which led him to America, and for the
services he hath rendered to the United States, by the exertion of his
courage and abilities on many signal occasions.
"_Resolved_, That the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of
America, at the Court of Versailles, be directed to cause an elegant sword,
with proper devices to be made and presented in the name of the United
States, to the Marquis Lafayette."
The foregoing resolves were communicated to the Marquis in the following
letter:
"_Philadelphia, Oct_. 24, 1778.
"SIR,
"I had the honor of presenting to Congress, your letter, soliciting leave of
absence: I am directed by them, to express their thanks for your zeal in
promoting that just cause in which they are engaged, and for the
disinterested services you have rendered to the United States of America.
"In testimony of the high esteem and affection in which you are held by the
good people of these States, as well as an acknowledgment of your gallantry
and military talents displayed on many signal occasions, their
Representatives; in Congress assembled, have ordered an elegant sword to be
presented to you, by the American Minister, at the Court of Versailles.
Enclosed within the present cover, will he found an act of Congress of the
2lst instant, authorizing these declarations, and granting a furlough for
your return to France, to be extended at your own pleasure. I pray God to
bless and protect you; to conduct you in safety to the presence of your
Prince, and to the re-enjoyment of your noble family and friends. I have
the honor to be, &c.
"H. LAURENS."
To this note the Marquis made the following reply:
"_Philadelphia, Oct_. 26, 1778.
"SIR,
"I have received your excellency's obliging letter, enclosing the several
resolutions Congress have honored me with, and the leave of absence they
have been pleased to grant. Nothing can make me happier, than the
reflection, that my services have met with their approbation. The glorious
testimonial of confidence and satisfaction respectfully bestowed on me, by
the representatives of America, though much superior to my merit, cannot
exceed the grateful sentiments they have excited. I consider the noble
present offered me in the name of the United States, as the most flattering
honor. It is my most fervent desire, soon to employ that sword in their
service, against the common enemy of my country and their faithful and
beloved allies. That liberty, safety, wealth and concord may ever extend
and bless these United States, is the earnest wish of a heart glowing with
a devoted zeal and unbounded love for them, and the highest regard, and
most sincere affection for their representatives.
"Be pleased, Sir, to present my thanks to them, and to accept yourself the
assurance of my respectful attachment.
"LAFAYETTE."
Letter of Dr. Franklin, to the Marquis Lafayette.
"_Passy, Aug_. 24, 1779.
"SIR,
"The Congress, sensible of your merit towards the United States, but unable
adequately to reward it, determined to present you with a sword, as a small
mark of their grateful acknowledgments. They directed it to be ornamented
with suitable devices. Some of the principal actions of the battles, in
which you distinguished yourself by your bravery and good conduct, are
therefore represented upon it. These, with a few emblematical figures, all
admirably well executed, make its principal value. By the help of the
exquisite artists France affords, I find it easy to execute every thing,
but _the sense we have of your worth, and our obligations to you_. For
this, figures and even words are found insufficient.
"I therefore, only add, that, with the most perfect esteem, I have the honor
to be, &c.
"B. FRANKLIN."
The Marquis de Lafayette came again to the United States in April 1780, and
landed at Boston, though the vessel first touched at Marblehead on its way
to the former place. In his passage both to and from France, he was in
danger of capture from the British. The frigate, in which he returned to
this country, was chased by an English man of war; and when it was
supposed, they must come to action, LAFAYETTE was found at one of the guns,
preparing to act his part should they be attacked. In this visit to France,
he exerted himself with effect, to induce the Court of Versailles to afford
the United States more effectual aid; and especially, to send over a large
fleet, which rendered essential service to the American cause. His great
devotion to our interests would certainly lead him to advocate any measures
with his King, favourable to our wishes: and his influence, considering his
high rank and family, was undoubtedly attended with beneficial results. His
services in our behalf were particularly noticed by Congress.
"When the Marquis de Lafayette obtained permission to revisit his native
country and offer his services to his sovereign, he retained, with his rank
in the American army, that ardent zeal for her interests, which the
affectionate attentions he had received, the enthusiasm of a soldier in the
cause of those for whom he had made his first campaigns and by whom he had
been highly distinguished, combined with a consciousness that he was
substantially promoting the permanent interests of France; were all so well
calculated to inspire in a young and generous mind, in favour of an infant
people struggling for liberty and self government, with the hereditary
rival of his nation.
"He was received at the Court of Versailles with every mark of favour and
distinction; and all the influence he had acquired was employed in
impressing on the cabinet the importance and policy of granting sucors to
the United States.
"Having succeeded in this favourite object, in which he was aided by
the representations of the former and present minister of France at
Philadelphia; and finding no probability of active employment on the
continent of Europe, he obtained permission to return to America, with
the grateful intelligence of the service he had rendered while in France,
to the country in whose cause his service had been first drawn. He arrived
at Boston in the month of April 1780, and hastened to Head Quarters. He
then proceeded to Congress with the information that the King of France
had consented to employ a large land and naval armament in the United
States, for the ensuing campaign. He was received by WASHINGTON with joy
and affection; and by Congress with those marks of distinction and regard
to which his _constant_ and _indefatigable_ zeal in support of the
American cause, as well as his signal service, gave him such just
pretnesions. The intelligence which he brought gave new impulse both to
Congress and to the State Legislatures. The lethargic slumbers into which
they seemed to be sinking yielded to resolutions of the most vigorous
character."--_Marshall_.
The letters below, with the resolve of Congress, will show the sense
WASHINGTON had of the services of his "_adopted son_," the Marquis
Lafayette, and the personal attachment which he cherished for him, as well
as the high estimation; in which the disinterested zeal of that devoted
friend of liberty was held by the grand Legislature of America.
"_Head Quarters, Morristown, May_ 13, 1780.
"The Marquis Lafayette does me the honor to take charge of this note. I am
persuaded Congress will participate in the joy I feel at the return of a
gentleman who has so signally distinguished himself in the service of this
country; who has given so many and so decided proofs of his attachment to
its interests; and who ought to be dear to it by every motive. The _warm
friendship_ I have for him conspires with considerations of public utility
to afford me a double satisfaction in his return. During the time he has
been in France he has uniformly manifested the same zeal in our affairs,
which animated his conduct while he was among us; and has been, upon all
occasions, an essential friend to America. He merits, and I doubt not
Congress will give him every mark of consideration and regard in their
power.
"I have the honour to be, &c.
"GEO. WASHINGTON."
_To His Excellency the President of Congress_."
"_Philadelphia, May_ 16, 1780.
"After so many favors, which, on every occasion and particularly at my
obtaining leave of absence, Congress were pleased most graciously to bestow
on me, I dare presume myself entitled to impart to them the private
feelings, which I now so happily experience.
"In an early epoch in our noble contest, I gloried in the name of an
American soldier; and heartily enjoyed the honor I have of serving the
United States; my satisfaction is at this long wished-for moment entirely
complete, when putting an end to my furlough, I have been able again to
join my colours, under which I hope for opportunities of indulging the
ardent zeal, the unbounded gratitude, the warm, and I might say, the
patriotic love, by which I am forever bound to America.
"I beg you, sir, to present Congress with a new assurance of my profound
respect and my grateful and affectionate sentiments.
"I have the honour to be, &c.
"LAFAYETTE"
In Congress, May 16, 1780. "Resolved, That Congress consider the return of
the Marquis LAFAYETTE to America, to resume his command in the army, as a
fresh proof of the distinguished zeal and deserving attachment which have
justly recommended him to the public confidence and applause; and that they
receive with pleasure, a tender of further services of so gallant and
meritorious an officer."
"Soon after his return to America the Marquis was entrusted with the
command of a select corps of the Light Infantry of the continental army.
This afforded him a new opportunity for the display of his munificence. He
presented each officer of the corps with an elegant sword; and the soldiers
were clothed in uniform, principally at his expense. He infused into this
corps a spirit of pride and emulation; viewing it as one formed according
to his own wishes and worthy of his entire confidence. They were the pride
of his heart, and he was the idol of their regard; constantly panting for
an opportunity of performing some signal achievement worthy of his and
their own character. The corps was probably equal for discipline and
bravery, to any in the world."
Early in the year 1781, LAFAYETTE was detached with about twelve hundred
troops to Virginia; with a view to co-operate with the French fleet in
checking the plundering expedition of General Arnold, who had then recently
landed there with a body of British troops from New-York. The Marquis
performed this long and difficult march with great dispatch. Many of the
soldiers under his command were deficient in clothing: and it was by the
personal responsibility of General LAFAYETTE that funds were raised in
Baltimore and vicinity to remedy this evil. The credit of the continent was
very low; and its means of immediate payment of the public expenses known
to be entirely inadequate. The generosity of this distinguished friend of
liberty was as remarkable as his personal bravery. He was indeed, both as
to life and estate, wholly devoted to the cause of America; and
difficulties and dangers served only to manifest the sincerity and
intenseness of his zeal in behalf of a people struggling for freedom.
Soon after this, in the month of May, 1781, Lord Cornwallis, in his
progress from North Carolina into Virginia, formed a junction with the
British forces under Arnold and Phillips. His object was immediately to
crush the Americans under LAFAYETTE, then encamped near Richmond. The
experienced British Commander thought it would be an easy matter with his
superior numbers to secure the "Young Frenchman." But the youthful soldier
was not wanting in prudence and foresight, though ardour and courage were
his predominant qualities. In these traits of character, as well as others,
he was not unlike the "paternal chief" of the American army. LAFAYETTE made
good a retreat; and escaped the net Cornwallis had prepared for him, with
such confident hopes of success. He directed his course northward; and soon
effected a junction with General Wayne, who had been ordered to reinforce
him with eight hundred men of the Pennsylvania line.
The Light Infantry under Lafayette were chiefly eastern troops, who had
great objections to a southern climate, and many deserted. In this critical
situation, the Marquis adopted the following expedient. He gave out that an
expedition of great difficulty and danger was to be soon undertaken; and
appealing to the generous feelings of his soldiers, he expressed a hope
that they would not forsake him. If, however, any were desirous of
returning to their regiments, he said, they should have permission. The
effect was as he had hoped. The troops had too much honor and pride to
desert their brave commander in such an exigency.
About this time, the main army of the British under Cornwallis, had taken
the precaution to cut off the direct communication between the American
troops and their stores, lately removed from Richmond to Albemarle. The
Marquis Lafayette, however, recrossing the Rappahannock, by forced marches,
arrived within a few miles of the British, when they were yet two days
march from Albemarle Courthouse; and opening in the night a nearer road,
which had been long disused, appeared the following, lay, greatly to the
surprise of Cornwallis, between the British army and the continental
stores. Thus disappointed in his plan of possessing the American stores,
the British commander retired to Williamsburg. The Marquis followed the
enemy at a prudent distance; and was soon so fortunate as to form a
junction with the Baron Steuben, who had been detached into that quarter,
to protect the public stores and assist in the general defence of the
country. The British forces, many of which consisted of cavalry, were than
very formidable in Virginia.
This was a very critical period in the affairs of America. Washington was
satisfied that some decisive blow must be struck; for our finances were
low: and many began to despond as to the result of the contest. The British
were very powerful and resolute. The plan of Washington finally was to make
it appear to the enemy that an attack was intended against New-York; and at
the same time prepare for a general expedition to Virginia, and destroy the
British army in that quarter. This plan succeeded by the aid of the French
fleet, though its Admiral came with reluctance to the measure. Cornwallis
and his army were captured in October following; and the British ministry
soon after consented to listen to honourable terms of peace.
Major General Lafayette acted a gallant and distinguished part in this
whole campaign. We have already witnessed his activity, promptitude and
bravery in the early part of the season. His efforts continued, and were
conspicuous on various trying occasions. In the affair near Jamestown, he
was in great personal danger, and one of his horses was shot under him. It
was owing to the to his uncommon vigilance and activity, that the American
troops under his command were able to keep a large British army in check;
and when a detachment under the brave General Wayne were in danger of being
taken, they were rescued by the prompt and skillful maneuvers of the
Marquis. His spirit and firmness were attended with the best effects upon
the men under his command; and seemed to inspire them with courage and
confidence, at this period of great embarrassment and gloom. He was
distinguished for humanity as well as courage. The sick and wounded were
always sure to receive his generous attentions. In the several engagements
which took place, previously to the capture of Lord Cornwallis, many of the
American soldiers were wounded, and he made immediate provision for their
relief and comfort.
The military skill and bravery manifested by General Lafayette, and the
officers and men under his command in Virginia, at this period, will be
evident from his letters and orders here given. They speak particularly of
the courage and conduct of General Wayne, and his detachment; but they also
afford new proofs of the intelligence and activity of the commanding
officer.
Letter from General Lafayette, to General Greene.
_"Near James River, July_ 8, 1781.
"SIR,
"On the 4th, the enemy evacuated Williamsburgh, where some stores fell into
our hands, and retired to this place, under the cannon of their shipping.
The next morning we advanced, and a part of our troops took post about nine
miles from the British camp. The 6th, I detached an advanced corps under
General Wayne, to reconnoitre the enemy's situation. Their light parties
being drawn in, the pickets which lay near their encampment, were gallantly
attacked by some riflemen, whose skill was employed to great effect.
"Having learnt that Lord Cornwallis had sent off his heavy baggage under an
escort, and posted his army in an open field, fortified by the shipping, I
returned to the detachment, which I found generally engaged. A piece of
cannon had been attempted by the vanguard, and the whole British army
advanced to the wood, occupied by General Wayne. His whole corps did not
exceed 800, part of which were militia, with three field pieces.--But at
sight of the British, the troops ran to the rencontre, notwithstanding the
very superior number of the enemy, and a short skirmish ensued, with a
warm, close and well directed fire. But, as both the right and left of the
enemy greatly out-flanked ours, I sent orders to General Wayne, to retire
to about half a mile, where Col. Vose and Barber's light infantry
battalions had arrived, by a most rapid movement, and where I directed them
to form. In this position, they remained till some hours in the night. The
militia under General Lawson also advanced; but during the night, the enemy
retired to the south of the river.
"From all accounts, the enemy's loss is great. We had none killed, but many
wounded. Wayne's detachment suffered most. Many horses were killed, which
rendered it impossible to move the field pieces. But it is enough for the
glory of General Wayne, and the officers and men under his command, to have
attacked the whole British army, with only a reconnoitering party, and to
have obliged them to retreat over the river. I have the honor to be, &c.
"LAFAYETTE."
Under date of July 11th, an officer of rank gives some further account of
this affair. "The enemy had 300 men killed and wounded; and among the
latter were several officers. Their precipitate retreat the same evening,
to Jamestown Island, and thence to the other side of the river, is a tacit
acknowledgment, that a general action was not their wish. We hear that the
British officers are much mortified at the issue, and confess they were
out-generalled. Their numbers were far superior to ours; and they had the
advantage of a large corps of cavalry. We could not have extricated
ourselves from the difficulties we were in, but by the maneuver we adopted;
which, though it may have the appearance of temerity, to those unacquainted
with the circumstances, was founded upon the truest military principles;
and was a necessary, though a very bold and daring measure."
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