Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) to Walter Stewart
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00139 Author/Creator: Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834) Place Written: Morristown, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 January 1781 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 22 x 17 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to Colonel Stewart to ask how he is addressing a recent mutiny in the Continental Army, referred to as "the unhappy and disgraceful dispute." Also notes the expected arrival of General George Washington. On 1 January 1781, soldiers under General Anthony Wayne deserted their camp at Morristown for want of adequate food, clothing, and pay. The mutiny was later suppressed by General Arthur St. Clair; Lafayette indicates he spoke to St. Clair about the matter and is in disbelief. The letter is dated 1781 but incorrectly docketed 1780.
Morristown January the 7th 1781
Dear Sir
I take this opportunity of inquiring from you what are your present prospects of settling the unhappy and disgracing dispute which has taken place - having nothing to do here in the presence of genl St. Clair I should have liked to stay with you - Whatever has been said by some on this occasion, I cannot yet believe that the soldiers of your line and particularly those of the Light Infantry have forgot theyr sentiments for one whom they must know to be theyr friend - However dissatisfied I may be with theyr present mode of conduct which makes me more unhappy than any thing I have experienced I shall try to render them service if it comes within the reach of my power
General Washington is expected here at every minute - what he must feel you will easily suspect - I am sure he will be disposed to do anything that May prove serviceable to the Soldiers - But they ought to be sensible of his dispositions and therefore apply to him through your mediation.
With the Most Sincere affection I am
Yours
Lafayette
[address leaf]
private
Colonel Walter Stewart
As
Lafayette [illegible] Princetown
[docket]
Marquiss La
Fayette Jany
7th 1780
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