Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03880 Author/Creator: Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) Place Written: Paris, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 May 1788 Pagination: 2 p. ; 22.7 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
References receiving Knox's letter. Says he cannot respond fully as he has to attend a meeting on internal affairs. Wishes to introduce Jacques Pierre Brissot (who Lafayette refers to by the name he assumed, de Warville) and a man named de Ferriere. Reports that "M. de Warville Has Been a writer on the side of liberty, and Wishes to write on the American Revolution." Tells him to refer to the letters he sent to Hamilton and Jay for the most recent intelligence. Says "We are in a Critical Situation." Encloses a list (of French applicants to the Society of the Cincinnati; not present) and says he will ask the Comte d'Estaing to do the same. Sends him a copy of a memoir (not present) by a French military officer who was Adjutant General to the Marquis de Saint-Simon's division. As a technicality regarding rank has precluded him from membership in the French Society of the Cincinnati, Lafayette and Saint Simon want the officer to get the rank "through an American Society." In reference to the ratification of the Constitution, says "I Enjoy the hope of the Constitution's being adopted - it is the Best that ever was framed - it is Necessary for America immediately to Have one - of course I think all good Citizens ought to Unite in the Measure." Asks that Knox keep Count de Moustier, the French minister to America, in good humor, as his reputation "will Have an influence on our Negotiations at this Court." Says he is glad he has the confidence of Mrs. [Catharine] Greene, who is sending her son to France to be educated under Lafayette's care.
The Marquis de Saint-Simon played an important role in the siege of Yorktown. Coming in from Santo Domingo, he added 3,300 men to Washington and Rochambeau's forces. The Marquis's troops using superheated cannonballs, called hot shot, successfully destroyed several British ships. Later, following the British surrender, General Washington extended commendations to the Marquis de Saint-Simon and his troops: "The military ardour and perfect discipline for which they have been conspicuous… Have secured you the esteem of this country…"
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