other causes, led at length to the abandonment of the expedition against England, for which such formidable preparations had been made. The year 1779 closed, therefore, upon the demonstrations of France and the exertions of Lafayette, without producing any direct aid or benefit to the cause of America.

In the mean time the campaign in America had been conducted principally upon the defensive-a plan of operations which Congress and Gen. Washington were induced to adopt, from the exhausted state of the country, the de. preciation of the currency, and the difficulty of recruiting and supplying the army. There seemed to be a relaxation. of the public energies, which was, perhaps, but a necessary repose, preparatory to more efficient exertions. Many events, however, of interest occurred, the details of which belong rather to history than to this memoir. Among these, were the successful and memorable expedition of Sullivan against the Indians; the taking of the forts at Verplanck's Point and Stony Point by the British, and the retaking of the latter, by the detachment under Wayne, one of the most brilliant exploits of the revolution; and the gallant enterprise of Major Henry Lee, in which the enemy's post at Paulus Hook was surprised and one hundred and fifty-nine prisoners taken. The main body of the British forces continued in New York during the summer, from whence, by detachments, a system of devastation and plunder was pursued. A detachment under General Mathews, burnt and plundered in Virginia. Gen. Tryon, with another detachment, inflicted a similar fate upon New Haven, Fairfield, and Norwalk, in Connecticut. The enemy hav ing failed in an attack upon Charleston, ravaged the defenceless settlements on the coast of South Carolina. They took possession of Savannah, in Georgia, and strongly fortified their position. Count D'Estaing, with the French fleet, after successful operations in the West Indies, having taken St. Vincent and Grenada, and had an engagement with the British fleet under Admiral Byron, in which the vessels of the latter were severely crippled, repaired to the southern coast of America. He was anxious to redeem his standing with the Americans, and render them essential service. conjunction with the American troops under Gen. Lincoln, he laid siege to Savannah; and, on the 9th of October, impa

In

tient from the lateness of the season and the necessities of his fleet, made an unsuccessful assault, in which the French and Americans suffered severely, and Count Pulaski, the brave Polish exile and volunteer in our cause, was mortally wounded. Count D'Estaing soon after returned to Europe; but his re-appearance on our coast, had caused the enemy to evacuate Rhode Island, and also Stony Point and other posts on the Hudson, for the purpose of strengthening themselves at the south. In December, Sir Henry Clinton sent seven thousand troops to South Carolina; and Gen. Washington directed two of the North Carolina regiments and the whole of the Virginia line, to enforce Gen. Lincoln's army at Charleston. During this season, the strong fortifications at West Point and its vicinity were principally constructed; and for this purpose two thousand five hundred men were a part of the time on daily fatigue duty. At the end of the campaign, Gen. Washington with his army went into winter quarters at Morristown, with strong detachments at West Point, and other posts near the Hud

son.

By the failure of the projected expedition against England, Lafayette was left free, and under more auspicious circumstances, to pursue his plans for direct aid to America. With renewed diligence, he appealed to the national pride, the good faith, the honor and interest of the French government, and with more success than he had reason to anticipate. On the 2d of February, 1780, by previous request he submitted to Count de Vergennes suggestions which were essentially adopted as the basis of an expedition to America. The naval force was to consist of six ships of the line, with the requisite number of transports, commanded by the Chevalier de Ternay. They were to take out twelve battalions of infantry, with the proper compliment of artillery for sieges and field service, amounting in all to six thousand men, under the command of Major-General the Count Rochambeau, a brave and experienced officer. These troops, as had been expressly stipulated by Lafayette, were to be considered as auxiliaries; their commander, when in America, was in all cases to be under the command of Gen. Washington; and when united, the American troops were to take the right, and the American officers of equal rank and the same date of commission, were to have the command.

Upon these principles, the instructions of Gen. Rochambeau were framed, and cautiously guarded, so as to prevent misunderstanding or collision, and to ensure harmony of feeling and action between the French and American troops and officers. Having gained thus inuch, Lafayette also solicited large supplies of clothing, arms and munitions of war, for the American army. These were promised to be sent with the fleet, and the expedition was to be ready to sail the fore part of April. Lafayette was to have no command in the expedition; but was to repair as soon as practicable to America, and resume his service as an American officer. By his instructions from the French minister (Vergennes) he was directed "to proceed immediately to join General Washington, and communicate to him the secret, that the king, willing to give the United States a new proof of his affection, and of his interest in their security, is resolved to send to their aid, at the opening of spring, six vessels of the line and six thousand regular troops of infantry." He had also explicit instructions and ample powers to arrange for the reception of the French fleet and forces in America, and for their co-operation with those of the United States. The French frigate Hermoine was assigned to him for the voyage, and he sailed from Isle of Aix, near Ro. chelle, on the 19th of March, 1780.

CHAPTER XIV.

Lafayette arrives at Boston-Letter to Gen. Washington-Joy at his return-Repairs to Head-quarters-His reception-Visits Philadel phia-Welcomed by Congress-Plans for future operation-Deplora. ble state of the army and country-Efforts of Washington, seconded by Lafayette-Patriotic exertions of the ladies of Philadelphia-Liberal subscription of Lafayette-Arrival of the French fleet--Lafay ette commissioned to meet it- Authorized to confer with the French admiral and general-Negotiations and correspondence-Zeal and perseverance Plans of attack-Causes of embarrassment and delay -Approbation of Washington.

THE gales which wafted their brave champion once more to the land of struggling freemen, were propitious. The tide of fortune had turned towards the coast of America. The Hermoine arrived off Boston, the 27th of April, and

Lafayette, with joyful heart, thus announced his approach to Gen. Washington :

"At the entrance of Boston harbor, April 27, 1780. "Here I am, my dear general, and, in the midst of the joy I feel in finding myself again one of your loving soldiers, I take but the time to tell you that I came from France on board a frigate which the king gave me for my passage. I have affairs of the utmost importance which I should at first communicate to you alone. In case my letter finds you anywhere this side of Philadelphia, I beg you will wait for me, and do assure you a great public good may be derived from it. To-morrow we go up to the town, and the day after I shall set off in my usual way to join my beloved and respected friend and general.

"Adieu, my dear general; you will easily know the hand of your young soldier.

66

My compliments to the family."

Lafayette was received at Boston with the greatest enthusiasm, and amidst the roar of cannon and the ringing of bells, escorted to the residence of Gov. Hancock. These were spontaneous tributes to his personal worth and services; for neither the people nor the public authorities, yet knew of the important aids he had secured for their country. They know, however, that he brought with him a heart devoted to their cause, with the ability, as well as the disposition, to serve it efficiently, and for these they valued most highly, and welcomed him sincerely. Nor did the news of his return excite less emotion wherever it was communicated. The feelings of Gen. Washington are manifested in his reply to the foregoing letter:

"Morristown, May 8, 1780. "MY DEAR MARQUIS,-Your welcome favor of the 27th of April came to my hands yesterday. I received it with all the joy that the sincerest friendship would 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 route 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 and escort you safely through the Tory settlements, between this place and the North River. At all events Maj. Gibbs will go as far as Compton, where the roads unite, to meet you; and will proceed from thence, as circumstances may direct, either towards King's Ferry or New Windsor. I most sincerely congratulate you on your safe arrival in America, and shall embrace you with all the warmth of an affectionate friend, when you come to Head Quarters, where a bed is prepared for you. Adieu till we meet. Yours, &c."

Lafayette proceeded immediately from Boston to the, Head Quarters of Gen. Washington, where his reception.

by the Commander-in-chief and the whole army, was most cordial. After the first greeting, he disclosed to Gen. Washington, in a private interview, the nature and extent of the aid which was to follow him from the French government.

To the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Washington wrote the day after Lafayette's arrival, (May 11th): "You will participate in the joy I feel at the arrival of the Marquis Lafayette. No event could have given me greater pleasure on a personal account, and motives of public utility conspire to make it agreeable. He will shortly have the honor to wait upon your excellency, and impart matters of the greatest moment to these states. He announces a fresh and striking instance of the friendship of your court, which cannot fail to contribute greatly to perpetuate the gratitude of this country.

The preparations for the French expedition, had thus far been managed with great secrecy. By his instructions, as will have been seen, Lafayette on his arrival in America was to repair immediately to Gen. Washington, communicate to him the secret, and make with him arrangements for the co-operation of the French and American forces. He was then to proceed to Philadelphia, see first M. de la Luzerne, and according to the advice of Gen. Washington, concurred in by the French minister, disclose or not the secret and the details of the expedition to Congress. Gen. Washington, however, was reluctant to take upon himself the responsibility of arranging a plan of combined operations. It was therefore concluded that Lafayette should proceed immediately to Philadelphia, to concert further measures with the French minister, and particularly as to the expediency of acquainting Congress of the expected arrival of the French troops, while in the mean time Gen. Washington was to apply himself with all possible activity to hasten forward troops and collect provisions. After a brief stay, therefore, of two days at Head Quarters, Lafayette, with his usual zeal and alacrity, set out for Philadelphia. He bore with him the following letter, from Gen. Washington to the President of Congress :

"SIR,

"Morristown, 13th May, 1780.

"The Marquis de Lafayette will have the honor to deliver to you this letter. I am persuaded Congress will participate in the joy I feel