31From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 18 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your polite and obliging letter of the 10th of Octr from Havre came to my hands since the begin[nin]g of this Month —It filled me with a pleasure intermixed with pain—To hear that you were well—to find you breathing the same affection[at]e sentiments that ever have most conspicuously markd your conduct towards me & that you continued to deliver them with unabated attachmt contributes greatly...
32From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 8 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your welcome favour of the 27th of April came to my hands yesterday —I received it with all the joy that the sincerest friendship could dictate—and with that impatience which an ardent desire to see you could not fail to inspire. I am sorry I do not know your rout through the State of New York, that I might, with certainty, send a small party of Horse (all I have at this place) to meet &...
33George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, 16 May 1780 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] May 16, 1780 . Gives reasons why first objective of the French fleet should be New York. Reiterates the importance of having Comte de Guichen “come upon this Coast without delay.” Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Luc-Urbain de Bouëxic, Comte de Guichen, lieutenant general and commander in chief of the French navy in the West Indies.
34From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 16 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
Since you left me, I have more fully reflected on the plan which it will be proper for the French fleet and army to persue, on their arrival upon the Coast and it appears to me in the present situation of the enemy at New York, that it ought to be our first object to reduce that post and that it is of the utmost importance not to lose a moment in repairing to that place. I would therefore...
35George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, [19 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, May 19, 1780. ] Suggests that the two proclamations signed by Lafayette be issued to the Canadians for the purpose of confusing the enemy. Suggests adding a paragraph to the proclamations addressed to the “Savages.” Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
36From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 19 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I impatiently wait my Dear Marquis to know the result of the arrangements you were to make with Congress. The time slides away so fast and we have so little before us, that every moment is infinitely precious and ought to be improved. We talked of a Proclamation to the Canadians—If it is not already done, I think it ought not to be delayed. It should be in your own name, and have as much as...
37George Washington to Marquis de Lafayette, [20 May 1780] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Morristown, New Jersey, May 20, 1780. ] Reports that the Vicomte de la Touche-Tréville has departed. States that Major General Nathanael Greene will supply wagons. Hopes committee from Congress will not be delayed and that the Chevalier de la Luzerne will visit Camp soon. Asks Lafayette to hurry to Camp. Df , in writings of George Washington and H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
38From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 20 May 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had written the inclosed my Dear Marquis previous to the receipt of yours of the 17th which arrived late yesterday. The dispatches accompanying them for the Eastward were sent off before day this morning —Mr Hamilton wrote to Capt. De La Touche on the points you mention. I also wrote to him and to Governor Trumbull. The measures that have been taken are all evidently proper—The communication...
39From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 15 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
The Marquiss de la Fayette will be pleased to communicate the following Genl ideas to Monsr the Count de Rochambeau and the Chevalr de Terney as the Sentimts of the underwritten. 1st In any operation—and under all circumstances a decisive Naval superiority is to be considered as a fundamental principle—& the basis upon which every hope of success must ultimately depend. 2d The advantages of...
40From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 16 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of this date—& thank you for the Sentiments contained in it. You have totally misconceived my meaning if you think I have or shall relinquish the idea of enterprizeing against New York till it appears obviously impracticable from the want of force, or means to operate—I have not as yet relaxed in any preparation tending to this end, nor shall I till I am convinced of...