1From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Should the Marquis de la Fayette not be with the detachment, you will halt wherever this may meet you and wait till you hear further from him. I am Sir Yr Most obt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
2From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 14 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your two letters of the 10th came to hand last Night—In mine of the 11th I informed you as fully as it was prudent to do upon paper, that there was at present little or no prospect of an operation in the quarter you seem to wish—The Contingencies appeared to me so remote in the Conversations I had with Count Rochambeau that I could not justify myself in withdrawing a detachment already so far...
3From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 8 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
It is General duPortails desire that Colo. Gouvion may return to him. Independant of the occasion which there may be for him here, there is another reason which operates against his going with you, it is, that he would interfere with Colo. Kosciusko who has been considered as the commanding Engineer with the southern Army. I am with very great Regard Dear Marquis Yr &c. DLC : Papers of George...
4From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 21 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Though the situation of Southern affairs would not permit me to recall your corps to this army, yet it was with great reluctance I could resolve upon seeing you separated from Head Quarters—My friendship for you makes me desirous of having you near me, and there will occur frequent occasions in cooperative measures in which it would be of the greatest utility I should have it in my power to...
5From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
The freedom of your communications is an evidence to me of the sincerety of your attachment—and every fresh instance of this gives pleasure & adds strength to the band which unite us in friendship. In this light I view the intimation contained in your letter of the 23d Ulto—from Alexandria—respecting the conduct of Mr Lund Washington. Some days previous to the receipt of your letter—which only...
6From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 8 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform you that the whole Fleet went out with a fair Wind this Evening about sun set. You may possibly hear of their arrival in Chesapeak before this letter reaches you– Should you not– You will have every thing prepared for falling down the Bay at a moments warning– We have not yet heard of any more of the British in Gardeners Bay– Should we luckily meet with no...
7From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 30 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit you herewith a Copy of the Institution of the Cincinnati a Society formed by the American Officers before they Seperated and retired to private life. the principles of the society the purposes for which it was formed and the qualifications necessary to become Members will fully appear by the Institution—Should any of the Foreign Officers who are qualified by...
8From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 5 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have successively received your favors of the 3d 7th 8th 9th 15th 23d 25th and 26th of last Month. You having been fully instructed as to your operations and I having nothing material to communicate, was the reason of my not answering them before—While we lament the miscarriage of enterprize which bid so fair for success, we must console ourselves in the thought of having done every thing...
9From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 30 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure of receiving your favors of the 8th and 20th instants. The first releived me from much anxiety, as I had seen Mr Revingtons account of the Action at Green Spring, which you may suppose was highly coloured in their favor. I find by your last that neither my letter of the 29th of June or that of the 13th inst. had reached you—I cannot tell the dates of those previous as I...
10From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 15 June 1783 (Washington Papers)
You are too well acquainted with the merits of Colo. Gouvion to need my testimony either of his Services, abilities or worth; and yet, my wish to see them rewarded, induces me to repeat & even to impress them upon you—I do not take the liberty of bringing this officer directly before Monsr the Count de Segar but if the communication of my ideas of his deserts and my desire to serve him would...
11From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 15 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your letters of the 26th and 30th ulto and 1st Inst. I cannot learn that any troops have yet arrived at New York from Virginia. A fleet of 20 sail came in last saturday with troops, but they are said to be Hessian Recruits from Europe. The Concorde Frigate is arrived at Newport from Count de Grasse. He was to leave St Domingo the 3d of this month with a Fleet of between 25 and 29...
12From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 10 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
We are thus far, My Dear Marquis, on our way to you—The Count de Rochambeau has just arrived, General Chattelus will be here, and we propose (after resting tomorrow) to be at Fredericksburg on the night of the 12th.the 13th we shall reach New Castle, & the next day we expect the pleasure of seeing you at your Encampment. Should there be any danger as we approach you, I shall be obliged if you...
13From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 5 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received, with exceeding great satisfaction & pleasure your favor of the 18th of April, and am extremely rejoiced to learn, that the spirit of discontent had so entirely subsided & that the practice of desertion would probably be totally stopped, among the Troops under your Command. The measures you had taken to obtain on your own Credit a supply of cloathing & necessaries for the...
14From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 9 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of introducing to your acquaintance, Doct: Witherspoon President of the College of New Jersey & the bearer of this letter—It is with pleasure I can recommend him to your notice, as a Gentleman well known on this side the water for his Abilities & Literature; I therefore the more readily take the liberty of presenting him to you as worthy of your civilities. We have just now my...
15From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 21 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to my Intentions communicated to you the 15th Instant—The Troops destined for the Southern Quarter are now in Motion—The American Detatchment is already on the West Side of the Hudson—The French Army I expect will reach the Ferry this Day—Our March will be continued with all the Dispatch that our Circumstances will admit. Immediately on Receipt of this you will be pleased to inform...
16From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 7 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received with infinite satisfaction, My Dear Marquis, the information of the Arrival of the Count de Grasse—And have an additional pleasure in finding that your ideas on every occasion have been, so consonant to my own, and that by your Military dispositions & prudent Measures you have anticipated all my wishes. Every thing has hitherto succeeded agreeably to my desires &...
17From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 24 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have sent Major Gibbs to join your Corps in the room of Major Galvan, as you are so well acquainted with the former. I need say nothing more respecting him but that I am persuaded he will equal your most favorable expectations. It was impossible with any propriety to have ordered that Gentleman you Mentiond on that service, after he had been employed the whole of the last Campaign in the...
18From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 1 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this Moment received the inclosed Information of the Movement of the British Fleet—And as I view it a Matter of the greatest Moment that the French Admirals should have the earliest Intelligence I have made no delay to comunicate it to you. Our Troops are proceeding with as much Dispatch as possible In our Circumstances—the Van is beginning to arrive at this Place & the whole will...
19From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 13 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my last I have received your letters of the 10th 18th and 28th of June. I sincerely congratulate you on the favorable turn of Affairs announced in your last, and I hope you will be enabled to maintain that superiority which you seem to be gaining over Lord Cornwallis. We have had a variety of reports of General Greens further successes, in south Carolina, by some we are told that both...
20From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 17 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been favour’d with yours of the 31st ulto and 6th inst. and as General du Portail will hand you this, he will be able to give every intelligence you wish relative to my movements in this Department; as he is sent in confidence he will make known to you all my designs. I am Dr Marquis, Your Mt Obt Servant. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
21From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 December 1783 (Washington Papers)
Since I came to this place, which was evacuated by the British Forces, & taken possession of by our Troops on the 25th ulto, I have made a purchase of so many pieces of the plated Ware, as to render it unnecessary for you to comply with the request of my letter of the 30th of October from Princeton by Majr L’Enfant; & have to beg the favor of you to take no steps in consequence thereof. With...
22From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 28 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
Mr Platt, who will have the honor of presenting you with this Letter, and his Lady are going to England, and probably to France—Should the latter happen, I would beg leave to recommend them to your kind notice and civilities as respectable Citizens of this State. With great truth I am, My dear Marqs, Yr Most Obedt & Affecte Servt NIC .
23From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 29 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The last letter I have had the pleasure of receiving from you is dated the 3d instant—I have since that heard a thousand vague reports of your situation and that of the enemy, but none of them satisfactory. I fear some of your letters have miscarried—as from your usual punctuality, I am certain you must have written in that time. I hope your next will confirm the accounts which I have this day...
24From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 1 November 1783 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of introducing to the honor of your acquaintance Major Jackson—a Gentleman who has served both in a Military and Civil capacity in this Country with great Credit and Reputation. I shall be much obliged to you to afford him your protection whilst in France being assured that he will Render himself worthy of any civilities you may shew him. I am &c. DLC : Papers of George...
25From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 30 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
As I persuade myself it would rather give you pain than pleasure, were I to apologize for any liberty I might take with you, which does not exceed the rules of propriety & friendship—I shall proceed without further hesitation or ceremony to beg the favour of you to send me of the plated wares (or what formerly used to be called French plate) the articles contained in the enclosed memorandm to...
26From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 31 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favors of the 4th, 8th, 17th, and 18th instants, your conduct upon every occasion meets my approbation, but in none more than your refusal to hold a correspondance with Arnold. By an account which I have just received from New York, Genl Robinson goes to succeed Genl Phillips. You may have something to apprehend from his age and experience but not much from his Activity....
27From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment received information that the letters, of which the inclosed are copies, with other dispatches and the Southern Mail, were taken between this and Morris town and carried—it is supposed—into New York—It is unhappy that the communication is so insecure! and that corrispondencies from one part of the Country to another are liable to such accidents! I have received your letters...
28From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 27 August 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favr of the 11th did not reach me till yesterday morning—I so soon expect to see you that I shall defer entering into a particular answer to the Contents, part of which is of a very disagreeable nature and must be handled delicately. The whole force intended for the southward will be assembled in this neighbourhood to day and tomorrow and will proceed to Trenton as soon as Craft can be...
29From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 11 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I informed you on the 8th in the Eveng that the French Fleet had put to sea. By advices from New London the British did the same yesterday morning with their whole force. They gave out publicly that they were bound for Chesapeak—I think the French had so much the start that they will first reach that Bay, but as there is no accounting for the delays and accidents of the sea I have given you...
30From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I cannot suffer Colo. Gemat to leave this City—for France—without a remembrancer from me, to you. I have remained at this place ever since you left it, and am happy in having discovered the best disposition imaginable in Congress to prepare vigorously for another Campaign. They have resolved to keep up the same number of Corps, as constituted the Army of last year and have urged the States...
31From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 20 October 1782 (Washington Papers)
Whilst I thought there was a probability of my letters finding you in France I continued to write to you at Paris—after that, I ceased to do so, expecting the more agreeable pleasure of embracing you in America—Your favor of the 29th of June, placing the time of your departure from thence on a contingency, and our latest advices from Europe, reporting that the Negociations for Peace were...
32From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 5 April 1783 (Washington Papers)
It is easier for you to conceive than for me to express the sensibility of my Heart at the communications in your letter of the 5th of Feby from Cadiz. It is to these communications we are indebted for the only acct yet recd of a general Pacification. My mind upon the receipt of this news was instantly assailed by a thousand ideas, all of them contending for pre-eminence, but believe me my...
33From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 15 November 1781 (Washington Papers)
Not till the 5th My dear Marqs was I able to leave York—providing for the detachment that was to go Southerly—Embarking the Troops that were to go Northerly—making a distribution of the Ordnances & stores for various purposes—and disposing of the Officers and other prisoners to their respective places of destination would not admit of my leaving that part of the Country sooner. On that day I...
34From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 23 March 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge, the honor of your favors of the 14th & 24th of October and 4th of Decr; to thank you for the warm and affectionate expression of them; and to congratulate you & Madame La Fayette on the birth of a daughter—Virginia I am perswaded, will be pleased with the Compliment of the name; and I pray as a member of it she may live to be a blessing to her Parents. It would seem that...
35From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 31 May 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just returned from Weathersfield at which I expected to have met with the Count de Rochambeau & Count de Barras, but the British fleet having made its appearance off Block Island, the Admiral did not think it prudent to leave New port. Count Rochambeau was only attended by Chevr Chattellux—Generals Knox and Duportail were with me. Upon a full consideration of our affairs in every point...
36From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 6 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since my letter to you of yesterday, I have attentively considered of what vast importance it will be to reinforce Genl Greene as speedily as possible, more especially as there can be little doubt but the detachment under Genl Phillips, if not part of that now under the command of Genl Arnold, will ultimately join, or, in some degree, cooperate with Lord Cornwallis. I have communicated to the...
37From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 22 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Since writing the inclosed your several letters (acknowledged in my public one of this date) are come to hand—all of them except that of the 12th arrived at Hd Quarters within the course of one hour. The reasons assigned in some of your letters—and others which have occurred to me—chiefly of a political nature—assure me that great advantages will be derived from your being wherever the French...
38From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 12 October 1783 (Washington Papers)
While I thought there was a probability of my letters finding you in France, I wrote frequently to you there; and very long epistles too—My last was dated the 15th of June—between that, & the letter which must have been handed to you by the Chevr Chartellux, I addressed three others, under the following dates—March 23d—April 5th—& May 10th—Subsequent to these I have been honored with your...
39From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 15 December 1782 (Washington Papers)
In my last of the 20th of Octobr I informed you that the armies were about quitting the field, & that the French Troops were going to the Eastward—they have since embarked at Boston—(except the Legion of Lauzen which is at Burlington)—for the West Indies; and by a Letter which I have recd from the Marqs De Vaudrueil, will sail about the 20th Instt. The Count de Rochambeau—to whose care I...
40From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 30 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I take your private letter of the 20th of this month in the light which you wish it—that of an unreserved Communication from one Friend to another—and I should be wanting in Candor were I not to expose my sentiments to you in as free a manner. I am convinced that your desire to be with this Army arises principally from a wish to be actively useful—you will not therefore regret your stay in...
41From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 2 September 1781 (Washington Papers)
Nothing, My Dear Marquis, could have afforded me greater satisfaction than the information communicated in your two letters of the 21st and 24th Ulto, of the measures you had taken and the arrangements you were making, in consequence of the intelligence I had given you. Calculating upon your Regular force under your immediate orders, the Militia which have already been called for and may be...
42From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 22 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have received your several letters of the 11th 12th two of the 13th and two of the fifteenth. I am extremely concerned at the temper of your detachment and the desertions that are taking place. I imagine however these would have been nearly as great in any other corps that might have been sent, and after the Pensylvania line I think it would have been ineligible to detach any other state...
43From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 10 May 1783 (Washington Papers)
My letter of the 5th of last Month by your Servant, acknowledged the receipt of your favor of the 5th of Feby from Cadiz—I have now to thank you for your letter of the 2d of March from Bordeaux which came to my hands a few days ago. If I can get my Letter to Philada in time, it will be conveyed to you by the Duke de Lauzen, who (with his Legion) is on the point of Embarkation; and will carry...
44From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 4 June 1782 (Washington Papers)
Je ne puis laisser partir le Colonel G rince Sans qu’il vous porte un Souven ir de moi Je Suis reste dans Cette Ville depuis que Vous l’avez quittee, et je Suis heureux de decouvrir dans le Congrès les meilleures des positions pour Se preparer rigoureusement à Soutenir une Autre Campagne. il a resolu de Conserver dans larmée le Même Nombre de Corps que l’année derniere en a pressé vivement les...
45From George Washington to Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de Lafayette, 11 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
Your favor dated at Elk the 8th instant reached me at ten OClock the last Evening. While I give you credit for the maneuvre by which you removed the British Ships from before Annapolis, I am sorry, as matters are circumstanced, that you have put yourself so much further from the point, which now, of necessity, becomes the object of your destination. Whether General Phillips remains in Virginia...
46From George Washington to Lafayette, 8 December 1784 (Washington Papers)
The peregrination of the day in which I parted with you, ended at Marlbro’: the next day, bad as it was, I got home before dinner. In the moment of our separation upon the road as I travelled, & every hour since—I felt all that love, respect & attachment for you, with which length of years, close connexion & your merits, have inspired me. I often asked myself, as our Carriages distended,...
47From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor dated at half past four this afternoon, and must refer you to my Letter written about two Hours ago which in effect supersedes the necessity of a particular answer on the points contained in your present one. You will see by that, you are to move to Englishtown, after which it may be in our power to give you countenance & support in case of an Attack, or to cover...
48From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 5 August 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received your two letters of the 31st of July & 1st of August and approve the steps you have taken. I am sorry however to find that The Chevalier De Ternay is so averse to entering the harbour in case of superiority. I believe he will find it impracticable without entering, effectually to interrupt supplies and blockade the enemy; and in my opinion, our principal chance of success is in...
49From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 22 July 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have received My Dear Marquis Your letter of the 20th inclosing me those you had received from Count De Rochambeau and The Chevalier De Ternay. As I speak to you in confidence I am sorry to find that the objections made by Mr De Ternay are of a nature to prevent his entering the harbour, notwithstanding any superiority he will probably have. I certainly would not wish him to endanger his...
50From George Washington to Major General Lafayette, 25 February 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have recd your favors of the 23d from pompton by Capt. Castaign —You may make yourself perfectly easy as to ships of the line being at New York—the Iris and the others mentioned by Hagarty are Frigates—This Man relates a circumstance to me that he does not seem to have informed you of—it is—that a reinforcement of six hundred Men is preparing for Arnold—and that the Convoy is to be the...