To George Washington from Major General Lafayette, 3 March 1781
From Major General Lafayette
Elk [Md.] March the 3d [1781]
My dear General
Having Been Empowered By Congress, the Board of War, and the Virginia delegates to oppen Any Letter directed to them, I also took the liberty of Reading that of Baron de stubens to Your Excellency Wherein I found Useful intelligences.1
My presence Had Been Necessary to forward Every Article from philadelphia—as soon as it Could Be spared I Came Here with all possible Speed—But Notwistanding promises the Vessels Were Not Ready—My Exertions Shall Be Such that I Hope we May Be embarked Before we Hear of the Arrival of our friends.2 Most Respectfully and Affectionately I Have the Honor to Be Your Excellency’s Most obedient Humble servant
Lafayette
ALS, DLC:GW; copy, PEL. GW’s aide-de-camp Tench Tilghman docketed the ALS as “Ansd 4th April,” but GW replied to this letter when he wrote Lafayette on 5 April (DLC:GW).
1. See Steuben to GW, 1 March.
2. Lafayette refers to the French naval squadron (see Destouches to GW, 25 Feb.).