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Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) to George Washington

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05467 Author/Creator: Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: [8 July] 1781 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 20.6 x 33.1 cm. Order a Copy

Reports on his activities and strategy fighting Cornwallis in Virginia. Notes that he has avoided general actions and adds laconically that "His Lordship [Cornwallis] seems to have given up the Conquest of Virginia." Explains that the American forces were smaller, a fact they had to keep secret. Discusses military movements. Docketed and dated by someone named Jared Sparks.

The inclosed Copy, my dear General, will give you an account of our affairs is this quarter - agreably to your orders, I Have avoided a general action, and when Lord Cornwallis's movements indicated it was against His interest to fight, I Have ventured partial engagements - His Lordship seems to Have given up the Conquest of Virginia
it Has Been a great secret that our Army was not superior and was most generally inferior to the Ennemy's Number as Returns were swelled up as generally Militia Returns are But we Had very few under arms - particularly lately, and to Conceal the lessening of our Numbers I was obliged to push on as one who Had Heartly wished a General engagement - our Regulars did not exceed 1500 - the Ennemy Had 1,000 Regulars 800 of whom Mounted - they thought we Had 8000 men - I never encamped in a line and there [2] was a greater difficulty to come as our Numbers
Should, as I presume it will, a detachment Be sent to General Greene I shall [strikeout] Move the Pennsylvanians and Virginians first - The Pennsylvanians I know Have great objections - But Common sense points [inserted: out] the Expediency of this Arrangement which Had already Been made By General Greene - I am afraid Congress will Be applied to on the Occasion and Request you will inforce my opinion
Adieu, My dear General, I am going Confidentially to write you By a safe Hand, and shall only add the expectations of My Affection and Respect
Lafayette

[docket]
Letter from Lafayette
to Genl. Washington.
Written in June, 1781.

notes
(by Jared Sparks)

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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