Books: Memoirs of General Lafayette
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Lafayette >> Memoirs of General Lafayette
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Extract from the general orders of the Marquis Lafayette, July 8th, 1781,
near James River.
"The General is happy to acknowledge the spirit of the detachment under
General Wayne, in their engagement with the whole of the British army, of
which he was an eye witness. He requests General Wayne and the officers and
men under his command, to accept his best thanks. The bravery and
destructive fire of the riflemen, rendered essential service. The fire of
the light infantry checked the enemy's progress round our right flank. The
General was much pleased with the conduct of Captain Savage, of the
artillery, and is satisfied, that nothing but the loss of horses occasioned
that of the two field pieces. The zeal of Colonel Mercer's corps, is fully
expressed in the number of horses he had killed."
His conduct at the siege and capture of Cornwallis, at Yorktown, received
the particular approbation of the commander in chief. Perhaps no officer in
the American line, contributed more than he did to the success which
attended our arms on that memorable occasion. When the British General was
confident of seizing him and his little party by stratagem, or of
overpowering them by numbers, he was on his guard, and had the good fortune
to elude every effort to destroy him. And, during the immediate siege of
Yorktown, he occupied one of the most dangerous posts, and was among the
foremost in the many vigorous assaults made upon the British army, before
it was compelled to surrender. He had the honor to be ranked with Lincoln,
Greene, Knox, Wayne and others, in the glorious exploits, which convinced
the enemy of our persevering bravery, and induced them at last to sue for
peace.
In November following, the Marquis returned to France, having first
obtained the consent of Congress, and of the commander in chief. The
contest between Great Britain and the United States, was drawing to a
close. The former became satisfied of the impossibility of subduing
America: and the latter was anxious to terminate a war, which had exhausted
her finances, and occasioned an oppressive debt. The resolves of Congress,
with reference to the departure of General Lafayette at this period,
exhibits, in a very favorable light, the important services he had rendered
the country, in the critical situation in which it had been placed.
In Congress, Nov. 1781. "Resolved, That Major General Lafayette have
permission to go to France, and to return at such time as may be most
agreeable to himself--that he be informed, that, on a view of his conduct
throughout the past campaign, and particularly during the period, in which
he had the chief command in Virginia, the many new proofs which present
themselves of his zealous attachment to the cause he has espoused, and of
his judgment, vigilance, gallantry and address in its defence, have greatly
added to the high opinion entertained by Congress of his merits and
military talents--that he make known to the officers and troops whom he
commanded during that period, that the brave and enterprizing services,
with which they seconded his zeal and efforts, and which enabled him to
defeat the attempts of an enemy, far superior in numbers, have been beheld
by Congress, with particular satisfaction and approbation.--That the
Secretary of foreign affairs acquaint the Ministers Plenipotentiaries of
the United States, that it is the desire of Congress, that they confer with
the Marquis Lafayette, and avail of his information, relative to the
situation of public affairs in the United States--That the Secretary for
foreign affairs, further acquaint the Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court
of Versailles, that he will conform to the intention of Congress, by
consulting with, and employing the assistance of the Marquis Lafayette, in
accelerating the supplies which may be afforded by his most Christian
Majesty for the United Stakes--That the superintendent of finance, the
Secretary for foreign affairs and the board of war, make such
communications to the Marquis, touching the affairs of their respective
departments, as will best enable him to fulfill the purpose of the
preceding resolutions--That the superintendent of finance, take order for
discharging the engagements entered into by the Marquis Lafayette, with the
merchants of Baltimore, when he borrowed money of them on his own credit,
to supply our troops with necessaries."
At the same time, Congress ordered that a conveyance be provided for
General Lafayette, in a public vessel, whenever he should choose to embark;
and voted to send a letter by him, to the King of France.
The following is the reply of the Marquis, to the president of Congress,
who forwarded him the resolves.
"SIR,
"I have been honored with the resolutions which Congress have been pleased
to pass in my favor. Testimonies of their esteem and their confidence that
are so very flattering to me, could not but excite those exalted sentiments
of gratitude, which I am unable sufficiently to express.--My attachment to
America, the sense of my obligations, and the new favors conferred upon me,
are so many everlasting ties that devote me to her. At all times, and in
every part of the world, my heart will be panting for opportunities to be
employed in her service. With unspeakable pleasure, I shall transmit the
resolve of Congress to the brave and virtuous troops, whom it has been my
happiness to command.
"I have the honor to be, &c.
"LAFAYETTE."
When he transmitted the foregoing resolve of Congress, to the troops he had
lately commanded, he observed to them, "In the moment the Major General
leaves this place, he wishes once more to express his gratitude to the
brave corps of light infantry, who, for nine months past, have been the
companions of his fortunes. He can never forget, that, with them alone, of
regular troops, he had the good fortune to maneuver before an army, which,
after all its reductions, was still six times more numerous than the
regular force he had under command."
The interest taken in favour of our country by General Lafayette, and the
anxiety he felt upon all occasions for the success of our contest with
England, are so strongly evinced by his letter to the Hon. Samuel Adams,
that we feel bound in justice to the character of this zealous apostle of
liberty, to present it to our readers, with the reply of Mr. Adams. It
shows, indeed, not only the disposition of Lafayette, in every possible
way, to rapport the cause of America; but his great knowledge of human
nature, and his regard for the honorable feelings of soldiers.
The letter was written at Morristown, May 30, 1780, soon after the Marquis
returned from his visit to France, where he exerted himself with the French
Ministers to grant aid and supplies to the United States.
"_Dear Sir_,--Had I known that I would have the pleasure of meeting you
at Boston, and holding confidential conversations with you on public and
private matters, I should have anticipated the uneasiness I was put under
by the obligation of secrecy, or previously obtained the leave of breaking
that so strict law in your favor. Now, my dear sir, that Congress have set
my tongue at liberty, at least for such men as Mr. Samuel Adams, I will, in
referring you to a public letter from the committee of Congress, indulge my
private feelings in imparting to you some confidential ideas of mine on our
present situation.
"As momentary visits did not entirely fulfill the purpose of freeing
America, France thought they would render themselves more useful, if a
naval and land force were sent for co-operating with our troops, and by a
longer stay on the coast of the Continent, would give to the states, a fair
opportunity of employing all their resources. The expectations are very
sanguine at Versailles, and ought to be more so, when that letter shall be
received, by which you know _Congress engaged to furnish on their part,
five and twenty thousand Continental troops, that are to take the field by
the beginning of the spring_.
"On the other hand, my dear sir, all Europe have their eyes upon us: They
know nothing of us, but by our own reports, and our first exertions which
have heightened their esteem, and by the accounts of the enemy, or those of
some dissatisfied persons, which were calculated to give them a quite
different opinion: so that, to fix their own minds, all the nations are now
looking at us; and the consequence of America, in the eyes of the world, as
well as its liberty and happiness, must depend upon the ensuing campaign.
"The succour sent by France, I thought to be _very important_ when at
Versailles: now that I am on the spot, I know it was _necessary_; and if
proper measures are taken, I shall more heartily than ever, enjoy the
happiness I had of being somewhat concerned in the operation. But if things
stood as they now do, I confess that whether as an American soldier,
whether as a private man that said a great deal, and knows Congress have
ordered much more to be said on the future exertions of America,--who took
a particular delight in praising the patriotic spirit of the United States,
I would feel most unhappy and distressed, were I to tell the people that
are coming over full of ardour and sanguine hopes, that we have no army to
co-operate with them, no provisions to feed the few soldiers that are left,
&c. But I hope, my dear sir, it will not be the case; and more particularly
depending upon the exertions of your state, _I know Mr. Samuel Adams'
influence_ and popularity will be as heretofore employed, in the salvation
and glory of America.
"If proper measures are taken for provisions, if the states do _immediately_
fill up the continental battalions by good drafts, which is by far the best
way; if all the propositions of the committee are speedily complied with, I
have no doubt, but that the present campaign will be a glorious, decisive
one, and that we may hope for every thing that is good: if on the contrary,
time be lost, consider what unhappy and dishonorable consequences would
ensue from our inability to a co-operation.
"Your state began the noble contest, it may be gloriously ended by your
state's exertions, and the example they will once more set to the whole
continent. The reception I met with at Boston, binds me to it by the
strongest ties of a grateful affection. The joy of my heart will be to find
myself concerned in an expedition that may afford peculiar advantages to
them; and I earnestly hope it will be the case, in the course of this (if
proper measures are taken) glorious campaign.
"I flatter myself you will be yet in Boston, and upon this expectation, I
very much depend for the success of the combined expeditions. Such a crisis
is worth your being wholly engaged in it, as it will be glorious,
important; and I may say it now, because necessary for the support of the
great cause in which you acted so early and decisive a part. What you
mentioned confidentially to me at Boston, I have duly noticed, and shall
ever remember with the attention of a friend. For fulfilling the same
purpose, I wish we may be under particular obligations to you on this
occasion.
"Give me leave, my dear sir, to suggest to you an idea which I have lately
thought of: all the continental officers labor under the most shameful want
of clothing. When I say shameful, it is not to them, who have no money to
buy--no cloth to be bought. You can conceive what may be theirs and our
feelings, when they will be with the French general and other officers; and
from a general idea of mankind and human honor it is easily seen how much
we should exert ourselves to put the officers of the army in a more decent
situation.
"I beg, my dear sir, you will present my respects to your family, and
believe me most affectionately,
"Yours,
"LAFAYETTE."
"_Boston, June_, 1780:
"My Dear Marquis,
"Yesterday your very obliging letter of the 30th May was brought to me by
Mons. Guinard.
"The succour coming from France will be so seasonable and important, that if
America is not wanting to herself, she will have it in her power by the
blessing of heaven, to gratify the utmost of her wishes. His most Christian
Majesty's expectations from us must needs be great; and gratitude to so
generous an ally as well as a due attention to our own safety, interest and
honor, lay us under the strongest obligations to be in readiness to
co-operate with the greatest advantage. I have long been fully sensible of
your most cordial and zealous attachment to our great cause; and to your
personal representation to his Majesty, in addition to the benevolence of
his royal heart, I will take the liberty to attribute his design to afford
us such aid and for so long a time as may put it in our power to employ all
our resources against the enemy.
"It fortunately happened that the General Assembly of this state was sitting
when the letter and inclosures from the committee of Congress came to the
President of the Council.--They were immediately laid before the Assembly
and I have the pleasure to assure you that the filling our battalions by an
immediate draft, furnishing the army with provisions, and every other
measure for the fulfilling of the just expectations of your sovereign and
of Congress, on this most important occasion, are the objects of their
closest attention. I had for several months past been flattering myself
with the prospect of aid. It strongly impressed my mind from one
circumstance which took place when you was at Philadelphia the last year.
But far from certainty, I could only express to some confidential friends
here, a distant hope, though as I conceived, not without some good effect:
at least it seemed to enliven our spirits and animate us for so great a
crisis.
"If it were possible for one to be forgetful of our all important cause for
a moment, my particular friendship _for you_ would be a prevailing
inducement with me, to make my utmost feeble exertions to prevent your
disappointment after the great pains you have taken to serve us. I have
endeavored, and shall continue those endeavors while I stay here, to
brighten the dark side of the picture which your imagination has painted in
one part of your letter before me--God forbid that we should be obliged to
tell our friends when they arrive, that we have not a sufficient army to
co-operate with them, nor provisions to feed the few soldiers that are
left. I think I may venture to predict that this state will comply with the
requisition upon her to give the utmost respectability to our army on so
promising an occasion. I was in the Council Chamber when I received your
letter, and took the liberty to read some parts of it to the members
present. I will communicate other parts of it to some leading members of
the House of Representatives as prudence may dictate, particularly what you
mention of the officers' want of clothing.
"I thank you my dear sir for the friendly remembrance you had of the hint I
gave you when you was here. Be pleased to pay my most respectful
compliments to the Commander in Chief, his family, &c. and be assured of
the warm affection of your obliged friend and very humble servant,
"SAMUEL ADAMS."
Marquis De Lafayette.
The Legislature of Massachusetts did immediately, viz, on June 5, 1780,
pass a resolve for raising four thousand men as a reinforcement of the
continental army. The preamble to the resolve was as follows;--"Whereas a
requisition has been made to this court for a reinforcement to the
continental army, in order that it may be able to act vigorously the
ensuing campaign, and the present situation of affairs requiring the utmost
exertions at this period, and affords the most flattering prospect of
putting an end to this distressing war, if the army is reinforced at this
juncture, and enabled to improve the great advantages offered." To carry
this resolve into effect, the Brigadier Generals through the State were
directed immediately on receipt of the resolve, to issue orders for calling
the companies together, and raising the men required from each town, by
voluntary enlistments, or by drafting them, on failure of a full number
being otherwise raised. Those thus drafted were to be fined if they refused
to march; but, a very generous bounty was granted, to induce men to enlist
voluntarily. The Selectmen were required to furnish the men with clothes
and traveling expenses; and both the Selectmen and Brigadier Generals were
liable to a heavy fine, if they neglected their duty. The patriotic efforts
of the Legislature, thus drawn into action, in consequence of the pressing
letter of Lafayette, and their own sense of the necessity of the case, were
every where met by a corresponding zeal on the part of the people of
Massachusetts; and the men were soon raised, and sent on to the
headquarters of the continental army, to fill the regular regiments of this
State, then in the service.
At the siege of York-Town, where Lord Cornwallis with a large British army
was attacked and taken by the Americans, Lafayette was particularly
distinguished for activity and courage. And a more minute account of this
affair is necessary, in recording the useful and brilliant services of this
youthful hero in the cause of America, which her sons wish most gratefully
to recollect.--General Washington in person commanded the American army on
this occasion, in pursuance of a plan he had adopted, as already mentioned.
He proceeded to the camp in the vicinity of York-Town, where Cornwallis was
posted, the last of September. He was assisted by Major Generals Lincoln,
Steuben, Lafayette. Knox, &c. The French troops, who composed a part of the
army engaged in the capture of Cornwallis were under command of Count
Rochambeau, who had the character of an intelligent and brave officer. The
whole number of troops, both American and French, was estimated at twelve
thousand. To them, however, were occasionally added small detachments of
the militia from the vicinity. The British troops were computed to be about
seven thousand, and their commander had been strengthened in his situation
by fortifications, hoping to defend himself till he might receive succors
from New-York. The allied army was supported in this expedition by a large
French fleet which was in the Chesapeake. This afforded great confidence to
the Americans, for they had just then defeated the British fleet in those
waters, and thus effectually cut off all communication between Lord
Cornwallis and the British army in New-York.
The French admiral had been determined to proceed at this time, to a
station in the West Indies, agreeably to orders which he had received from
the King his master, some weeks before. He was requested to remain, and
co-operate in this expedition, by Count Rochambeau, and by Washington
himself; but they could not prevail with him to relinquish his proposed
departure for the West Indies; and it was only through the most zealous
and repeated solicitations of Lafayette, with a solemn promise that he
would justify the measure to the Court of France, that the admiral, Count
de Grasse, was induced to continue on the station, by which the capture
of the British army was greatly facilitated.
Under all these favourable circumstances, it is not unreasonable to
suppose, that the allied army cherished a strong confidence of success in
their enterprize. Washington had planned this expedition with great
intelligence and foresight; for he had been resolved to attempt some
decisive and effectual blow against the enemy. He had, however, to engage a
body of well disciplined and regular troops under an officer of great
experience and bravery; and all his own resources, together with the
courage and activity of the officers under his command were necessary to
ensure success. The American chief lost no time in preparing for a vigorous
attack upon the British. They were soon obliged to abandon their redoubts
and advanced posts, and to retire within the town. The light infantry,
under General Lafayette, and a party of the French troops, were ordered to
advance, and to take possession of the places they had abandoned, that they
might cover those of the besieging army who were engaged in throwing up
breast works. These advanced parties were much annoyed by a heavy cannonade
from the besieged; and Colonel Scammel, the officer of the day, while
viewing the ground recently left by the British, was surprised by a party
of their cavalry; and, after he surrendered, received a mortal wound, which
terminated his life in a few days. Scammel was a brave and accomplished
officer, and eminent as a disciplinarian. He was a native of Massachusetts,
a gentleman of public education, of elegant manners, and most honorable
character. He was greatly lamented by Washington, and by all the officers
of the American army.--Those who had been particularly associated with him,
long cherished the highest respect for his memory.
Redoubts were thrown up by our advanced parties, for several successive
nights; and on the evening of the 7th of October, a large detachment under
General Lincoln were ordered out, to open entrenchments near the lines of
the British. Lafayette had an important command also in the enterprise. The
great interest felt for him by the Americans was shown by a request of the
Surgeon General, "that if the Marquis should be wounded, he might receive
immediate attention."
The duties of our troops, at this time, were very arduous; but they were
most vigilant and active; and by the 9th several batteries were prepared to
open upon the town, in which the British General was besieged. General
Washington himself put the match to the first gun, and a furious cannonade
immediately followed, which was a serious salutation to Cornwallis.
From the 10th to the 15th the siege was prosecuted with great vigor; an
incessant fire was kept up by the allied armies; and the enemy were not
backward in returning it. The Americans made further approaches to the town
and threw up other batteries in a second parallel. Many of our men were
killed and wounded in these operations. The enemy had two redoubts, several
hundred yards in front of their principal works, which greatly impeded the
approaches of the Americans. It became important to obtain possession of
them by assault. The one on the left of the enemy's garrison was given to
General Lafayette, with a brigade of light infantry of American troops. The
other redoubt was attacked by a detachment of French troops under commanded
of Baron de Viominel. The assailants, both on the right and left, exhibited
the greatest ardor and bravery. Powerful resistance was made by the enemy;
but was soon overcome by our gallant troops, inspirited by their still more
gallant officers; though with the loss of many of our men. Two field
officers were wounded in this affair; one of whom was Major Gibbs from
Massachusetts, who then belonged to the guard of the commander in chief.
The advanced corps of the detachment on the left, under General Lafayette,
was led on to the assault by the intrepid Colonel Hamilton, who during this
campaign had command of a regiment of light infantry. Our troops entered
the redoubt with charged bayonets, but without firing a gun. The Marquis
was indefatigable in pushing forward his men, and was constantly in
situations of great peril. Some of the American soldiers were ready to take
the lives of the captured after they had possession of the fort, in revenge
for the barbarous conduct of the British towards many of our men, and
especially for the mortal wound inflicted upon the brave and amiable
Scammel, after he had surrendered. General Washington with Lincoln, Knox,
and their aids were in the vicinity of this action, in very exposed
situations. The Americans under Lafayette, carried the redoubt which they
attacked, before the French made their assault upon the other. The latter
also, suffered a greater loss of men than the former. When the fort was
taken by the troops under the Marquis, he sent his aid, through the fire of
the whole British line, to give notice to Baron Viominel, "that he was in
his redoubt, and to enquire where the Baron was." The Baron returned for
answer, "that he was not yet in his, but should be in five minutes."
General Washington expressed his sense of this brilliant affair in his
orders of the 15th, Head Quarters, before York-Town. "The Marquis
Lafayette's division will mount the trenches tomorrow. The commander in
chief congratulates the allied army on the success of the enterprise, last
evening, against the two important redoubts on the left of the enemy's
works. He requests the Baron Viominel who commanded the French grenadiers,
and the Marquis Lafayette, who commanded the American Light Infantry, to
accept his warmest acknowledgments for the excellence of their
dispositions, and for their own gallant conduct on the occasion. And he
begs them to present his thanks to every individual officer and to the men
of their respective commands, for the spirit and rapidity with which they
advanced to the points of attack assigned them, and for the admirable
firmness with which they supported them, under the fire of the enemy,
without returning a shot. The General reflects with the highest pleasure on
the confidence which the troops of the two nations must hereafter have in
each other: assured of mutual support, he is convinced there is no danger
which they will not cheerfully encounter; no difficulty which they will not
bravely overcome."
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