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THE PENNIMAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY OF EDUCATION
OF YALE UNIVERSITY
ESTABLISHED BY JAMES HOSMER PENNIMAN, YALE IS84
IN MEMORY OF HIS PARENTS
JAMES LANMAN PENNIMAN. YALE 1853
MARIA DAVIS HOSMER

i93-/

NOV 111921
I
_ ^ -^ LIBRARY.
Our Debt to France
II
What Lafayette Did
FOR America

Dedicated to the Fatherless
Children of France

BY
James Hosmer Penniman, Litt. D.

Cbl:^

^- i

"Among all the innumerable expressions of
sympathy, all the kindnesses showered by you on
France, none touches us so deeply as what you are
doing for the orphans of our heroic dead. Our chil
dren are our most precious possession, our joy and
our hope, and there is no surer ivay to our hearts
than to help these pitiful victims of this war for
the liberation of the world." — Marshal Joffre.

COPYRIGHT
JAMES H. PENNIMAN
1921

Our Debt to France

Washington weighed his words when he wrote
that our obUgation to France calls for "the most
unalterable gratitude," and Joseph Choate said that
he could find no language adequate to express what
America owes to France. Though the great actors in
the drama of our Revolution sleep in the fields of
silence, their deeds remain eloquent, and it is well
to recall their words, which are so modest when they
tell of their own actions and so generous and apprecia
tive when they describe those of their allies. They
make it perfectly clear that PYance came in our hour
of supreme need and exerted the determining influence,
when our armies and our credit were all but exhausted
by the long struggle.
Early in 1776 Congress sent Silas Deane, a grad
uate of Yale of the class of 1758, as commissioner to
France to propose an offensive and defensive alliance
and a treaty of commerce. Vergennes, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, received Deane with cordiality and
benevolence and told him to consider himself under
the immediate protection of the King of France, and
in case of any insult or molestation to complain directly
to himself and to depend on receiving the most satis
factory redress; that, though talk of an alliance was
premature, his government would show its good will
by allowing the Americans to purchase supplies
secretly.

There was then no factory in America where
muskets or cannon could be made in any quantity, and
it was almost impossible to obtain gunpowder. July
20th Deane had another interview by appointment at
Versailles with Vergennes and was promised 40,000
muskets. Vergennes also proposed to have the arms
of France erased from 200 brass cannon, if it could
be done without weakening them, and if not he prom
ised that others should be cast in the King's foundries.
Vergennes sent De Chaumont, a wealthy man, to
Deane with priced samples of the uniforms worn in
the French army, and De Chaumont voluntarily offered
to become security to the amount of 1,000,000 francs
for the purchase of clothing for the Americans.
Vergennes's knowledge of European politics was
considered superior to that of any other man of his
time, so that the services which he was able to render
to America were of inestimable value. When Ver
gennes died in 1788, Franklin said that it was a great
loss to France, to Europe, to America and to mankind.
The decision to aid America was largely due to
the efforts of that extraordinary Frenchman, Beau-
marchais, well known as the author of the "Barber
of Seville" and the "Marriage of Figaro." Beau-
marchais is comparable to Sheridan in wit, stagecraft
and in his ability to satirize the follies of his time,
and his polemical papers resemble those of Swift.
Through his writings he had become a leader of public
opinion. In the "Marriage of Figaro" he showed clearly
the dangerous condition of France. He first made plain
that the balance of power in Europe was to be found
in America. As early as September, 1775, Beaumar-
chais declared that America was lost to the mother
country, and early in 1776 he urged the King of France
to give secret aid to the Americans, saying, "If your
majesty has no more skillful man to employ, I am
ready to take the matter in charge and will be respon
sible for the treaty without compromising any one,
persuaded that my zeal will better supplement my
4

lack of dexterity than the dexterity of another could
replace my zeal. The Americans are as well placed
as possible; army, fleet, provisions, courage, every
thing is excellent; but without powder and engineers
how can they conquer or how even can they defend
themselves ? Are we willing to let them perish rather .
than loan them one or two millions ? Are we afraid of
losing the money ?"
With the connivance of Vergennes, Beaumarchais
organized the commercial firm of Hortalez & Co. "You
will found your house," he was instructed, "and at your
own risk and perils you will provision the Americans
with arms and munitions and objects of equipment
and whatever is necessary to support the war. You
shall not demand money of the Americans, because
they have none, but you shall ask returns in com
modities of their soil, the sale of which we will faciU-
tate in our country." American tobacco, rice and wheat
were then especially valuable in Europe. Agents of
Beaumarchais met the captains of American ships on
their arrival in France, aided them to dispose of their
cargoes and rendered any other services in their power.
For instance, when five vessels arrived from America
with fish, a prohibited article, the French officials
informed Deane that if the vessels came from Congress
they should be permitted to unload and to sell their
cargoes. May 2, 1776, the French Government advanced to
Beaumarchais 1,000,000 francs for the purchase of
supplies for the Americans, and two months later he
received another million from Spain, which was paid
through the treasury of France. Within a year Beau
marchais had sent eight shiploads of military stores,
drawn largely from royal arsenals and valued at more
than 6,000,000 francs. For a long time he was the
exclusive agent of France, and through him suppUes
were sent without which Washington's forces could
not have existed. Beaumarchais obtained over 200
cannon, 25,000 muskets, 200,000 pounds of powder, 20
5

or 30 brass mortars and clothing and tents for 25,000
men. These he loaded on ships obtained by himself.
At one time he fitted out ten merchantmen and
equipped a man-of-war to escort them. Silas Deane
wrote Congress, "I should have never completed what
I have but for the generous, the indefatigable and
spirited exertions of Monsieur Beaumarchais, to whom
the United States are on every account greatly
indebted; more so than to any other person on this
side of the water." When Beaumarchais was himself
struggling with financial difficulties, he wrote:
"Through all these annoyances the news from Amer
ica overwhelms me with joy. Brave, brave people,
their warlike conduct justifies my esteem and the noble
enthusiasm felt for them in France."
Though Franklin was seventy when Congress
unanimously elected him on the first ballot a commis
sioner to France, there is no exaggeration in saying
that his services surpass those of any other American
diplomat in any period of our history. Afflicted with
the infirmities of age, his mind remained bright, his
good nature undiminished and he cheerfully undertook
the dangerous voyage in order to serve his country. He
came on the Reprisal, which made the trip from land
to land in thirty days. It carried indigo for the account
of Congress worth £3000. On the way over it cap
tured two British ships worth £4000.
Franklin arrived in Paris in December, 1776. At
first he took lodgings in the Rue de I'Universitie, but
in a few days he withdrew to Passy, where he lived
nine years. Franklin described his residence as "a
fine house, situated in a neat village on high ground,
half a mile from Paris, with a large garden to walk in."
The house was the property of De Chaumont, who
wrote John Adams in September, 1778, "when I con
secrated my house to Doctor Franklin and his asso
ciates who might live with him, I made it fully under
stood that I should expect no compensation, because I
perceived that you had need of all your means to send
6

to the succor of your country or to relieve the dis
tresses of your countrymen escaping from the chains
of their enemies. I pray you, sir, to permit this
arrangement to remain, which I made when the fate
of your country was doubtful. When she shall enjoy
all her splendor such sacrifices on my part will be
superfluous or unworthy of her; but at present they
may be useful, and I am happy in offering them to
you." He added that it was a good thing "to have
immortalized my house by receiving into it Doctor
Franklin and his associates."
That a man of such erudition and distinction as
Franklin should come from the colonies was a paradox
which delighted French society. The wit of his writing
was particularly appreciated; the sayings of "le bon-
homme Richard" were quoted all over France, and the
clergy advised the people to take them to heart. France
was filled with medals, busts and pictures of Franklin,
so that he wrote his daughter that the numbers sold
were incredible and "have made your father's face as
well known as the moon," Among the powdered heads
of Paris he wore his own gray hair, a fur cap and
spectacles, but the old man in his brown suit made
more impression than the most glittering ambassador.
Long before their government took up our cause
most Frenchmen individually sympathized with us, so
that in order to preserve the semblance of neutrality,
it was necessary to prohibit the discussion of the war
in the cafes of Paris. Republican hterature was widely
read, and the Declaration of Independence was received
with enthusiasm. John Adams wrote of the French in
1778: "There is no people in the world who take so
much pains to please, nor any whose endeavors in this
way have more success. Their arts and manners, taste
and language, are more respected in Europe than those
of any other nation." Buckle states: "More new
truths concerning the external world were discovered
in France during the latter part of the eighteenth
century than during all the previous periods put
7

together." People crowded to lectures on chemistry
and physics as if they were plays. Franklin was a
member of the French Academy of Sciences and
attended its meetings regularly, and his experiments
with the kite were as weU known in Paris as in
Philadelphia. Distinguished as a man of science, a man of letters
and a man of broad humanity, Franklin was learned
above all other men in the philosophy of life, and he
had attained a ripe old age without losing faith in man
kind. He found his happiness in that of his fellow-
men. He was equally at home with common men and
with scholars and princes, for he was able to com
prehend every one's point of view. No man under
stood the present better than he, and few had a more
prophetic vision into the future. A keen observer, of
wisdom, judgment and sagacity, he did his work so
easily that it seemed easy work until some one else
tried to do it. He had snatched the lightning from the
clouds, and was now doing his utmost to wrest the
scepter of the thirteen colonies from the tyrant.
Ten days after Franklin's arrival he had a secret
interview with Vergennes, who was charmed by his
tact and courtesy and said that his conduct was as
zealous and patriotic as it was wise and circumspect.
Franklin's unswerving loyalty to France in spite of
the snares and temptations which were artfully laid for
him by our enemies was equaled only by his inflexible
devotion to his native land. Before Franklin left for
France he had loaned Congress all his available fortune,
and during the years of his stay in France the closest
scrutiny failed to reveal a single instance of his mis
management of the public funds. Instead of sending
money to its diplomats, the United States drew bills on
them. Franklin was able not only to meet the drafts
on himself, but was also able to help his colleagues, who
were accredited to other courts. He knew how to bide
his time; it was sometimes months before the Ameri
can diplomats could hear from home. For instance,
8

Burgoyne surrendered the 17th of October, 1777, but it
was not until the 4th of December that the informa
tion reached Paris, where it caused as much rejoicing
as if it had been a French victory. Beaumarchais
drove with such furious speed to carry the news that
his carriage upset, his arm was cut, and the bones of
his neck nearly crushed, but he wrote : "The charming
news from America is balm to my wounds."
The surrender of Burgoyne, added to the fact that
the American army made an excellent showing at Ger-
mantown, so soon after the defeat at the Brandywine,
decided the French government to espouse our cause
openly. December 12th Vergennes said of the battle of
Germantown, "Nothing has struck me so much as
General Washington attacking and giving battle to
General Howe's army. To bring troops raised within
the year to do this promises everything."
December 17th, as Washington was preparing to
go into winter quarters at Valley Forge, though the
prospect in America was dark, a bright star of hope
arose for us in France, for on that day Gerard, a secre
tary of Vergennes, who later became the first minister
of France to the United States, and to whom our coun
try is indebted for constant and efficient efforts in our
behalf, officially informed Franklin and Deane that
France had determined not only to acknowledge, but
also to support the independence of America, The
most important treaties in American history are, that
with France, signed February 6, 1778, and those with
Great Britain, which ended the war of the Revolution.
The treaty with France was the first the United States
made with any nation. It stated:
"The essential and direct end of the present de
fensive alliance is to maintain effectually the liberty,
sovereignty, and independence absolute and unlimited
of the said United States."
France and the United States mutually engaged
not to lay down their arms until this independence
should have been assured by the treaty that should
9

terminate the war. Though France could have driven
a hard bargain, her only desire was the perpetual
friendship of the United States, so that Franklin
wrote : "France has taken no advantage of our present
difficulties to exact terms which we would not willingly
grant when established in prosperity and power."
The French alliance was celebrated by Washing
ton's army at Valley Forge, May 5th. The brigades
assembled at 9 o'clock, their chaplains made the an
nouncement, offered up a thanksgiving and delivered
a suitable discourse. At half-past ten a cannon gave
the signal to line up for inspection, thirteen guns were
fired, there was a running salute of infantry through
out the whole line and at a given signal, the entire army
cheered, "Long live the King of France !"
An officer wrote : "Last Wednesday was set apart
as a day of general rejoicing, when we had a feu de joie
conducted with the greatest order and regularity. The
army made a most brilliant appearance; after which
his Excellency dined in public, attended by a band of
music. I never was present where there was such un
feigned and perfect joy as was discovered in every
countenance. The entertainment was concluded with
a number of patriotic toasts, attended with hurrahs.
When the General took his leave there wag a universal
clap, with loud hurrahs, which continued till he had
proceeded a quarter of a mile, during which time there
was a thousand hats tossed in the air. His Excellency
turned round with his retinue and hurrahed several
times." It is interesting to note that there were two
opposite causes during the Revolution which made
Washington exhibit violent emotion; one was cow
ardice and the failure of his men to do their duty, the
other was the devotion of France.
The alliance between France and the United States
was of course a cause of war between France and Great
Britain, and April 13, 1778, five weeks after the signing
of the treaty of alliance, Admiral D'Estaing left Toulon
10

for America with twelve ships of the line and four
frigates. He was delayed by adverse winds and did
not reach the Delaware Capes till July 8th. The British,
who had spent the winter in Philadelphia, had evacu
ated the city June 18th, so that D'Estaing found that
their fleet had escaped to New York. He followed
them, but, though his ships were superior to the
British then in New York, they drew too much water
to cross the bar. He then proceeded to Newport.
When D'Estaing appeared in Narragansett Bay the
British burned the following frigates to prevent their
capture by the French: Juno 32, Lark 32, Orpheus
32, Cerberus 32, Kingfisher 16 ; and the Flora 32 and
Falcon 18 were sunk. Admiral Howe, having been
reinforced, left New York August 6th with eight ships
of the line, five 50s, two 44s and a number of smaller
vessels. D'Estaing sailed out to battle with him, but
a violent storm separated the two fleets. The French
were obliged to go to Boston for repairs, and the Amer
ican troops, deprived of the protection of the French
fleet, had to abandon Rhode Island.
During the Revolution Washington had important
victories snatched from him by combinations of cir
cumstances which he could not anticipate or control,
so that the following sympathetic letter which he wrote
D'Estaing September 11, 1778, might have been writ
ten after Germantown or Monmouth to the com
mander-in-chief instead of by him :
"If the deepest regret that the best concerted en
terprise and bravest exertions should have been ren
dered fruitless by a disaster which human prudence is
incapable of foreseeing or preventing can alleviate dis
appointment, you may be assured that the whole conti
nent sympathizes with you. It will be a consolation to
you to reflect that the thinking part of mankind do not
form their judgment from events and that their equity
will ever attach equal glory to those actions which de
serve success as to those which have been crowned
with it. It is in the trying circumstances to which
11

your excellency has been exposed that the virtues of a
great mind are displayed in their brightest lustre and
that the general's character is better known than in the
moment of victory. It was yours by every title which
can give it, and the adverse element which robbed you
of your prize can never deprive you of the glory due to
you. Though your success has not been equal to your
expectations, yet you have the satisfaction of reflect
ing that you have rendered essential services to the
common cause."
D'Estaing proceeded to the West Indies, where
his operations kept busy forces which otherwise would
have been employed against the United States, and
the British were obliged also to send there 5000 men
from New York. Lafayette wrote Washington that
the news of the fleet of D'Estaing "occasioned the
evacuation of Philadelphia. Its arrival has opened all
the harbors, secured all the coasts, obliged the British
navy to be together."
D'Estaing brought with him our friend Gerard,
who was the first minister of any foreign power to
the United States. France sent him in a manner
worthy of a great nation, for he embarked on the
Languedoc, D'Estaing's flagship. Few of those who
see in Philadelphia the portrait of Gerard, the first
of the long line of distinguished diplomats who have
represented France in the United States, know that
before he went home Congress requested that his
portrait be hung in its halls, so that we might keep
reminded of his services to our country. La Luzerne
succeeded Gerard in the fall of 1779 and represented
France with ability and courtesy for five critical years.
With Gerard came Silas Deane, who, though he had
made enemies, had served our country so faithfully in
France that Franklin wrote the President of Congress :
"Having lived intimately with him now fifteen months,
the greatest part of the time in the same house, and
been a constant witness of his public conduct, I cannot
omit giving this testimony, though unasked, in his
12

behalf, that I esteem him a faithful, active and able
minister, who, to my knowledge, has done in various
ways great and important services to his country."
September 1, 1779, D'Estaing came a second time,
arriving on the coast of Georgia with twenty-two
ships of the line and eleven frigates. In October an
aUied force of about 6000, two-thirds of which were
French, attacked Savannah with great gallantry. The
city was invested and its fortifications were bom
barded by the French fleet. October 9th an assault was
made, the outworks were carried and the French and
American flags placed on the ramparts, but the allies
were finally repulsed with the loss of about 1000, among
them the gallant Pulaski. D'Estaing was severely
wounded twice. Fifteen French officers and 168 men
were killed, 43 officers and 411 men wounded. Though
D'Estaing had been prevented from doing all that he
wished, he had done his best with the utmost bravery,
and there was great harmony between the allies.
D'Estaing said, "My duty before all else was to prove
to the new allies of his majesty that we were ready to
sacrifice everjd;hing in order to keep a promise that we
had once made."
On his return to France he rendered great service
to America by urging his government to increase its
efforts in our behalf. Of D'Estaing Lafayette wrote:
"He is a man whose genius and talents and great
qualities of heart and mind I admire as much as I
love his virtues, his patriotism and his amiability. He
has suffered every possible reverse and he has not
been able to accomplish what he hoped for; but he is,
to my mind, a man made to be intrusted with the inter
ests of a nation like ours,"
Rochambeau was a representative soldier of
France, that nation of great soldiers. One of the
most experienced officers in the French army, his name
attracted distinguished men to serve under him. Like
Washington, Rochambeau was personally brave to the
point of rashness, grave, reticent, a strict disci-
13

plinarian, but beloved by his men. Like Washington,
Rochambeau had been made a colonel at twenty-two.
He had won successive promotions by his brilliant
deeds on the field of battle. In 1780 he had seen thirty-
eight years of service and had attained the rank of
lieutenant general. He was proud of sajdng that of the
15,000 soldiers who had fallen gloriously under his
command he could not reproach himself for the death
of any one. Before Rochambeau departed for America
the French government had advanced 8,000,000 francs
for the expedition. May 2, 1782, Admiral de Temay
sailed with six ships of the line and five frigates,
thirty-two transports and a hospital ship. In order
to carry more men Rochambeau was even obliged to
leave his beloved warhorses. He was able to take
with him only 5500 soldiers. Those who were left
behind were bitterly disappointed. Rochambeau com
manded the elite of the French army, composed of
the ancient and distinguished regiments, Bourbonnais,
Soissonnais, Saintong and Royal Deux-Ponts. The
Bourbonnais regiment was the seventh in age in the
French infantry, having been organized in 1595, Two
regiments came from places notable in the recent world
war, the Soissonnais and the Royal Deux-Ponts, the
latter having been recruited in Alsace, The Due de
Lauzun, an author and one of the most elegant men
of France, commanded a Legion of Foreign Volun
teers, consisting of 800 infantry and 400 cavalry, part
of whom had to be left in France for lack of trans
ports. The French officers were noted for military
experience and nearly all were noblemen. To
enumerate them and to tell of their deeds and of their
descent would be to rewrite the history of France,
I can name merely a few. Next to Rochambeau in
rank were the brothers Viomenil, both of whom were
major generals, as was also Chevalier de Chastellux,
whose literary work afterward won him a place in
the French Academy. Berthier's extraordinary ability
in arranging and carrying out military details made
14

him later Napoleon's chief of staff, and Napoleon
created him Prince of Wagram ; Dumas became a gen
eral under Napoleon; Montesquieu was the grandson
of the author of "L'Esprit des Lois" ; Count de Vauban
was a grandson of the great military engineer, and
Count de Segur wrote memoirs of the American Revo
lution and of Napoleon. The colonel of the Bour
bonnais was the Marquis de Laval-Montmorency, and
Rochambeau's son, the Vicomte de Rochambeau, was
lieutenant colonel.
Lafayette wrote Washington November 13, 1780:
"The Marquis de Laval Montmorency, of one of the
most illustrious families in France, is on his way to
the camp. The Chevalier de Chastellux, a relation
and friend of mine, major general in the French army,
is also coming, I every day expect my brother-in-
law and his friend. Count de Charlus, only son to the
Marquis de Castries, who enjoys a great consideration
in France and has won the battle of Closter Camp, The
Duke of Lauzun has also written to me that he would
come soon. These five gentlemen may by their emi
nence at home be considered as the first people in
the French army." The colonel of the Soissannais was
the Count de Saint-Maime, and Lafayette's brother-
in-law, Vicomte de Noailles, was lieutenant colonel.
He distinguished himself by walking the entire dis
tance from Newport to Yorktown, 756 miles. Comte de
Custine commanded the Saintonge, The brothers
Deux-Ponts commanded the Royal Deux-Ponts,
There is nothing in the history of our relations
with France more impressive than the fact that
Rochambeau's orders were that the French army
should be under the command of Washington, "to
whom the honors of a marshal of France will be
rendered," No one in Rochambeau's army had such
a rank. It was also ordered that "in case of an equality
of rank and of duration of service, the American officer
will take command." 15

In spite of the British navy. Admiral Temay
brought Rochambeau's force safely over, and they
reached Newport July 10th, after a voyage of seventy
days. July 12th Rochambeau wrote Washington : "I
am arrived full of submission and zeal and of venera
tion for yourself and for the talents you have shown in
sustaining a war that will be forever memorable."
Rochambeau wrote the President of Congress: "We
are your brothers and we shall act as such with you.
We will fight your enemies by your side as if we were
one and the same nation."
Questions of etiquette and precedence were easily
settled by two such unselfish men as Washington and
Rochambeau, and the only contest between the French
and Americans was as to who should first storm the
redoubts at Yorktown. Rochambeau states that dur
ing his entire stay in America there was not a blow
nor a quarrel between any French and American sol
dier. The gay French officers submitted with perfect
propriety to the simple life of the Americans. The
companions of Lauzun are described as being tall,
vivacious men with handsome faces and noble air.
They were splendidly mounted and equipped. When
Governor Trumbull at table, where twenty of them
were seated, offered a long prayer, they attended with
courtesy, and all joined in with the amen.
In 1781, at Newport, the French celebrated Wash
ington's birthday by a parade, a salute and by a gen
eral holiday. This is said to have been the first public
recognition of the day, French soldiers rendered
themselves agreeable not only because of the polite
ness which characterizes their nation, but also because
of the genuine interest which they felt in the Ameri
can cause. Trees with apples growing on them over
hung tents which the French had occupied for three
months. The perfectly equipped army of France was
proud to be allied with the ragged forces of Wash
ington, The uniforms of the French army were the
handsomest ever seen in America. The Deux-Ponts
16

wore white ; the Saintong white faced with green ; the
Soissonnais white with rose facings and grenadier
hats with white and rose plumes; the Bourbonnais
black and red, and the artillery blue trimmed with red.
The more ragged the American soldiers the warmer
the sympathy of the French, Baron de Closen wrote:
"These brave men were painful to see ; almost naked,
nothing but pantaloons and slight jacket of linen or
cotton, the greater number without stockings; but —
could it be believed? — in the best good humor in the
world and all hearty in form and face, I am alto
gether in admiration of these American troops. It is
incredible that troops composed of men of all ages,
even lads of 15, of black and white, all half naked, can
march so well and stand fire with such firmness." The
Abbe Robin thus describes the Americans:
"The American troops have as yet no regular uni
form. The officers and artillery corps alone are uni
formed. Several regiments have small white fringed
casaques, the effect of which is sightly enough; their
wide, long, linen pantaloons neither incommode them
nor interfere with the play of their limbs on the march,
yet with a nourishment much less substantial than our
own and a temperament much less vigorous, for this
reason alone, perhaps, they support fatigue much bet
ter than our troops.
"These American garments, altho easily soiled, are
nevertheless kept extremely clean. Their neatness is
particularly observable among the officers. To see
them you would suppose that they had a large amount
of baggage, but I was surprised to find in their tents,
which accommodate three or four persons, not as much
as forty pounds' weight. Hardly any have mattresses,
a single covering stretched on the knotty bark of trees
serving them for bed."
A French officer wrote :
"The Americans gain more on my esteem as they
are more known. I have met with the greatest integ
rity, civility and hospitality among them. Their mili-
17

tia have joined us. They are not clothed in any uni
form and are in great want of shoes and even of the
most common conveniences, which, if a European army
was deficient in, a general desertion would follow. But
the American troops are furnished with good arms,
possess an incredible store of patience and preserve the
most perfect sobriety. There are no more hardy sol
diers, and the last four years have given incontestible
proof of their valour."
Washington wrote Lafayette: "A decisive naval
superiority is to be considered as a fundamental prin
ciple," For lack of this naval superiority the French
army was forced to remain idle at Newport for eleven
months. But though inactive, the French were far from
useless, for Washington was ready to attack New York
in case Clinton made a demonstration against Rocham
beau at Newport, and the concentration of the British
ships at Gardener's Bay, in order to watch the French
army and navy at Newport, made it easy for the
American privateers to take prizes, and gave freedom
to American commerce. When it became certain that a
powerful French fleet was about to co-operate with the
land forces, the French army removed from Newport
and joined Washington near New York, and the com
bined armies spent July and the first half of August
a short distance north of the British lines. At Phillips-
burg, twelve miles from Kingsbridge, July 6, 1781,
Washington's orderly book states: "The commander-
in-chief with pleasure embraces the earliest possible
opportunity of expressing his thanks to his Excellency,
the Count de Rochambeau, for the unremitting zeal
with which he has prosecuted his march, in order to
form the long-wished-for junction between the French
and .American forces, an event which must afford the
highest degree of pleasure to every friend of his
country, and from which the happiest consequences are
to be expected,"
In congratulating his army on the arrival of Roch
ambeau, Washington says in his orderly book: "The
18

generosity of this succour, and the manner in which it
is given, is a new tie between France and America,
The lively concern which our allies manifest for our
safety and independence, has a claim to the affection
of every virtuous citizen. The general with confidence
assures the army that the officers and men of the
French forces come to our aid, animated with a zeal
founded in sentiment for us, as well as in duty to their
prince, and that they will do everything in their power
to promote harmony and cultivate friendship. He is
equally persuaded that on our part we shall vie with
them in their good dispositions, to which we are
excited by gratitude as well as by the common
interest," While reconnoitering around New York, Washing
ton commanded the admiration of the French by his
perfect horsemanship and his coolness under fire.
When the tide rose at Throg's Neck, they were obliged
to swim their horses, as Washington so frequently had
to do in his younger days, but this was quite new to
Rochambeau, The officers were in the saddle for
forty-eight hours and Count de Dumas had a horse
shot under him.
Ambassador Jusserand, to whose learned studies
we are greatly indebted, calls attention to the fact that
his predecessor. La Luzerne, was the first to recognize
the necessity of immediate action in the Chesapeake.
As early as April 20th, Luzerne had written : "It is in
Chesapeake Bay that it seems urgent to convey all the
naval forces of the king, with such land forces as the
generals will consider appropriate."
August 14, 1781, Washington states in his diary that
he received dispatches from Count de Barras, announc
ing the intended departure of the Count de Grasse from
Cape Francois with between twenty-five and twenty-
nine sail of the line and 3200 land troops on the 3d
instant for Chesapeake Bay, and the anxiety of the
latter to have everything in the most perfect readiness
to commence our operations in the moment of his
19

arrival, as he should be under a necessity from particu
lar engagements with the Spaniards to be in the West
Indies by the middle of October, "Matters having now
come to a crisis, I was obliged, from the shortness of
Count de Grasse's promised stay on this coast, to give
up all idea of attacking New York ; and instead thereof
to remove the French troops and a detachment from
the American army to the Head of Elk, to be trans
ported to Virginia." August 16th Washington received
word from Lafayette that Comwallis had reached
Yorktown on the 6th and was throwing up works.
Washington took south 2000 Continentals and 4000
French. Washington and Rochambeau alone knew the
destination. Every one else, the British included,
thought that the allies would attack New York city by
way of Staten Island. In order to enable the American
army to march to Yorktown, Robert Morris borrowed
$30,000, $20,000 of which was loaned by Rochambeau
from his military chest. Morris promised to return
this by October 1st, and was enabled to do so by the
arrival from France of Colonel Laurens with a part of
a donation of 6,000,000 francs given by the French
government. August 19th the united armies commenced their
march to the south. On passing through Philadelphia
the French army paid Congress the honors which had
been ordered and the thirteen representatives of Con
gress took off their thirteen hats at each salute. At
Chester, September 5th, Washington received informa
tion that De Grasse had arrived in the Chesapeake
August 30th, This good news caused the commander-
in-chief to give way to his feelings, as he had done at
Valley Forge in celebrating the French alliance. Eye
witnesses relate that Washington stood on the bank of
the Delaware waving his hat as Rochambeau ap
proached. Lazun said that he had never seen a man
more carried away with joy, and Deux-Ponts wrote
that Washington's face beamed with delight, and a
20

child whose every wish had been gratified could not
have expressed keener pleasure.
De Grasse was in command of twenty-eight ships
of the line with six frigates, 1700 guns and 20,000
men. The British had to meet this force nineteen ships
of the line with 1400 guns and 13,000 men. Thanks to
France, Washington now held the strings which con
trolled the destiny of America, De Grasse brought
from San Domingo 3200 French troops under the Mar
quis de Saint Simon. These were landed at once, and
Saint Simon, although a field marshal, was glad to
serve under Lafayette, who wrote, "The general and
all the officers have cheerfully lived in the same way as
our poorly provided American detachment," A cor
respondent said of the French force : "You have seen
the British troops and the troops of other nations, but
you have not seen troops so universally well made, so
robust or of such an appearance," The regiments
brought by Saint Simon were the Gatinais, Agenais
and Touraine, Both Rochambeau and De Grasse ex
ceeded their orders in their desire to aid our country,
De Grasse brought every possible ship, so that the
French fleet at Yorktown was the most powerful which
up to that time had ever been fitted out by France,
The flagship, the Ville de Paris, of three decks, and 104
guns, was considered the finest afloat, De Grasse also
brought 4,000,000 francs for Washington's army.
Five days after the arrival of De Grasse, nineteen
British men-of-war, under Admiral Graves, appeared
off the bay. They had been sent by Clinton to intercept
De Barras, who had sailed from Newport August 28th
with eight ships of the line and fourteen transports,
bringing Rochambeau's stores and siege guns. De
Barras was the senior of De Grasse, but he waived his
rank and risked his small fleet to make the voyage to
the Chesapeake, and this is merely an example of the
way in which the French in all departments of the
service sacrificed their own individual interests to aid
the American cause. Graves found De Grasse anchored
21

within the capes, and the French admiral at once put
to sea in order to decoy the British away from the bay,
so that the way might be clear for De Barras to slip in.
An irregular fight followed, which lasted for five days,
when De Grasse returned to the bay and found De
Barras safely anchored within the capes. In this en
gagement the French lost 220 men killed and wounded,
and the British 336, and one of their men-of-war, a
seventy-four, had to be abandoned and burned. Graves,
having failed utterly, returned to New York. The
fleets of De Grasse and De Barras and the armies of
Rochambeau and Washington had moved like clock
work ; no storms marred their progress, no foe impeded
their advance. The smoothness with which the forces
of France and America worked together had not been
equaled in the military history of the world, until we
come to operations of the allies in France in the World
War, From September 9th to 11th Washington was at
Mount Vernon for the first time since the war began.
Here he entertained Rochambeau and other distin
guished French officers. It is safe to say that these
Frenchmen were the most welcome visitors who ever
have been or who ever will be received at that shrine
of humanity. September 18th, Washington, Rocham
beau, Knox and Du Portail visited De Grasse on his
flagship. At their departure De Grasse manned the
yards of the whole fleet and fired salutes, September
28th Washington and his staff slept in an open field
two miles from Yorktown without any other shelter
than the canopy of heaven. Washington states in
his diary: "September 20th the enemy abandoned
all their exterior works and the position they had taken
without the town and retired within their interior
works of defense in the course of last night, imme
diately upon which we possssed them and made those
on our left (with a little alteration) very serviceable
to us. We also began two inclosed works on the right

of Pidgeon Hill, between that and the ravine above
More's Hill,"
October 6th, "Before morning the trenches were
in such forwardness, as to cover the men from the
enemy's fire. The work was executed with so much
secrecy and dispatch that the enemy were, I believe,
totally ignorant of our labor till the light of the morn
ing discovered it to them."
October 9th Washington himself fired the first gun.
Not less than 100 pieces of heavy ordnance were in
continual operation, and the whole peninsula trembled.
The French had brass cannon of from four to forty-
eight pounds in abundance. Then, as now, French
artillery was considered the best in Europe, but a few
days later when the British officers complimented the
French upon the efficiency of their gunnery, the French
said that equal praise was due to the American fire,
Washington records : "October 9 — about 3 o'clock P, M.
the French opened a battery on our extreme left of
four sixteen-pounders and six mortars and howitzers
— and at 5 o'clock an American battery of six 18's and
24's, four mortars and two howitzers began to play
from the extremity of our right, October 10, the
French opened two batteries on the left of our front
parallel — and the Americans two batteries between
those last mentioned and the one on our extreme right.
October 11 — The French opened two other batteries on
the left of the parallel," On this day red-hot shots
were fired, and the Charon and two transports were set
on fire. Washington wrote Congress, October 12th — "I
cannot but acknowledge the infinite obligations I am
under to his excellency, the Count de Rochambeau, the
Marquis de Saint Simon, commanding the troops from
the West Indies, the other general officers, and indeed,
the officers of every denomination in the French army,
for the assistance which they afford me. The experi
ence of many of those gentlemen in the business before
us is of the utmost advantage in the present operation.
23

The greatest harmony prevails between the two armies.
They seem actuated by one spirit, that of supporting
the honor of the allied armies."
The night of October 14th the bursting of six con
secutive shells from the French batteries was the signal
for an assault on the British works. Baron de Vio
menil commanded the entire operation. The Americans
under Lafayette stormed the left battery; the French
Grenadiers led by Viomenil, the right redoubt. Lieu
tenant Colonel Gimat's battalion led the Americans,
and Colonel Armand marched as a volunteer. Baron
Viomenil, Marquis de Rostaing and Count de Deux-
Ponts led the French, sword in hand. Colonel Deux-
Ponts first mounted the ramparts and reached out his
hand to assist a grenadier to follow, the man fell dead
and the Colonel coolly extended his hand to a second.
The allies lost about 500 men. In one charge the
French grenadiers lost one-third of the men engaged.
Rochambeau says: "We must render to the
Americans the justice to say that they comported
themselves with a zeal, a courage and an emulation
which never left them behind in any duty with which
they were charged, although they were strangers to
the operations of a siege." Washington wrote the
President of Congress : "Nothing could equal this zeal
of our allies but the emulating spirit of the Ameri
can officers, whose ardor would not suffer their exer
tions to be exceeded." Washington's diary says:
"October 16 — About 4 o'clock this afternoon the
French opened two batteries of two 24s and four 16s
each. Three pieces from the American grand battery
were also opened, the others not being ready. October
17 — The French opened another battery of four 24s
and two 16s, and a mortar battery of ten mortars and
two howitzers, the American grand battery consisting
of twelve 24s and eighteen 16s, four mortars and two
howitzers." When early in the morning of the 17th the Amer
ican grand battery opened fire with great rapidity,
24

Knox, fearing that the ammunition would give out,
send word to Lieutenant Colonel Stevens to husband
his resources, but he replied that there was no need
to fear, as our friends, the French, would make up
all deficiencies from their ample supply. To one who
is familiar with the way in which Washington's opera
tions were hampered thruout the war by lack of
ammunition, this incident epitomizes our debt to
France. A few hours more of the fire of the French
and American batteries would have annihilated the
British force. October 19th the entire British force,
naval and military, "surrendered themselves prisoners
of war to the combined forces of America and France."
The French army, drawn up in their brilliant uni
forms, extended for more than a mile. Opposite them
were the Americans. The uniforms of those who had
had them were worn and tattered, but over them flew
the Star-Spangled Banner, which that day took its
real place among the flags of the independent nations
of the earth. Between the allied lines marched the
British army in new red coats, their colors cased and
their band playing "The World's Turned Upside
Down," The British general who represented Corn-
wallis offered his sword to Rochambeau, who said, "I
Iiointed opposite to General Washington at the head
of the American army, and I said that the French
army, being auxiliary upon that continent, it was to
the American general he must look for his orders,"
Nothing in the war was received with such joy
by the American people as the victory at Yorktown,
The news was followed throughout the country by
triumphant bonfires, illuminations, parades, orations
and sermons. In Philadelphia the Continental Con
gress went in a body to church to a thanksgiving
service. The victory was complete and final. The
independence of the United States, which had been
declared at Philadelphia, July 4, 1776, was achieved at
Yorktown October 19, 1781, On that day a new nation
was born and foreign domination was ended forever
25

in the United States, There is no brighter page in
the history of the world, Yorktown was the capstone
of the edifice of which Concord and Lexington, and
Bunker Hill and Trenton, and Princeton and Mon
mouth were the foundations, England was quick to
recognize that the war was over. The victory was
almost as important in its results in the mother coun
try as in America, The old fogies who had impeded
progress were no longer tolerated, and forces were
set at work and reforms were instituted which made
England really self-governing. If it had not been for
Yorktown we should have had a Hanoverian kaiser
as well as a Hohenzollern, The freedom of Australia
and Canada, no less than that of the United
States, was won by America and France united at
Yorktown. On the day Cornwallis surrendered, Wash
ington gave as the parole "Independence" and as the
countersign "Rochambeau and De Grasse," In 1783,
on the anniversary of the French alliance, Washing
ton's orderly book shows that the parole for the day
was "America and France" and the countersign
"United forever,"
April 9, 1781, Washington wrote Colonel John
Laurens, who had been sent over to obtain assistance
from France : "If France delays a timely and power
ful aid in the critical posture of our affairs, it will
avail us nothing should she attempt it hereafter. We
are at this hour suspended in the balance. Day does
not follow night more certainly than it brings with
it some additional proof of the impracticability of
carrying on the war without the aids you were directed
to solicit. As an honest and candid man, as a man
whose all depends on the final and happy termination
of the present contest, I assert this, while I give it
decisively as my opinion that without a foreign loan
our present force, which is but the remnant of an
army, cannot be kept together this campaign, much
less will it be increased and in readiness for another,"
Washington goes on to say that there is no money to
26

pay teamsters to carry provisions to the army, the
troops are nearly naked, the hospitals without medi
cines and the sick without food except such as well
men eat, "We are at the end of our tether, and now
or never our deliverance must come."
Although France herself was in need, Laurens
obtained from the French government a gift of
6,000,000 francs. He brought back a portion of this
in hard cash and part he spent for arms, ammunition
and clothing, Franklin wrote in a letter sent by
Laurens: "This court continues firm and steady in
its fi-iendship and does everything it can for us. Can
not we do a little more for ourselves ?"
Eversrthing we needed in that supreme hour
France gave us. She supplied us with money when
our own currency was utterly worthless; she supplied
ships, arms, ammunition, troops and heroic leaders
like Rochambeau and De Grasse, whose memory will
always be dear to the American people. To save
America France had to bankrupt herself. Professor
Marion, of the College of France, thinks that partici
pation in our revolution cost France 2,000,000,000
francs. Pickering, who was Secretary of State in
1797, states that all the loans and supplies received
from France during the war amounted to 53,000,000
francs. It should be kept in mind that the population
of France was then but 22,000,000 and that the pur
chasing power of money was at least three times as
great as now.
In the official list furnished by the French govern
ment are the names of 47,000 officers and men, of sixty-
two vessels and thirteen regiments, who landed on our
shores or cruised in our waters during our revolution.
The greatest number ashore at one time was 8400, At
Savannah the French lost 637 and at Yorktown 186. It
is possible here to name but a few of the sons of
France to whose efficient and unselfish services we owe
so much. When skilled engineers were urgently needed
Du Portail, Launoy, Radiere and Gouvion came to our
27

aid; officers who were esteemed in the French army
and who combined practical ability with scientific
training. They directed important works from 1777,
Chevalier du Portail, who commanded the engineers at
Yorktown, was made major general for his services at
the siege on Washington's special recommendation.
The death of Radiere in 1779 deprived America of his
valuable services, M, de Gouvion, commandant of
artillery and engineers, was distinguished at Yorktown
and elsewhere, Launoy enjoyed the confidence and
esteem of Washington. Fleury fought with such gal
lantry at Brandywine that Congress presented him with
a horse in return for his own, which had been killed in
battle, and he was conspicuous for his bravery at Ger
mantown. At Fort Mifflin he was chief engineer dur
ing the six weeks of the siege. He was severely
wounded and was promoted to lieutenant colonel for
his courage and skill. At Stony Point he was the first
to mount the ramparts, and seized and carried off the
British flag, for which he received a medal from Con
gress. For his services at Yorktown he received from
France the cross of St. Louis and a pension.
Washington speaks of the "great zeal, activity,
vigilance, intelligence and courage" of the Chevaljer
Armand, Marquis de la Rouerie. In 1783 he was made
brigadier general. Washington wrote the President of
Congress January 13, 1778 : "This will be delivered to
you by the Chevalier Mauduit Duplessis, who was
among the first French officers that joined the army of
the United States. The gallant conduct of this young
gentleman at Brandywine and Germantown, and his
distinguished services at Fort Mercer, where he united
the offices of engineer and commandant of artillery,
entitle him to the particular notice of Congress. He
made several judicious alterations in the works at Red
Bank, showed great good conduct during the action in
which the Hessians were repulsed, and was spoken of,
in consequence, in terms of the highest applause by
the commanding officer of the post. After the evacua-
28

tion was determined upon he became the means of sav
ing some valuable artillery and stores, and cheerfully
undertook as volunteer, the hazardous operation of
blowing up the magazines without the apparatus usual
ly provided upon such occasions. I must further add
in Monsieur Duplessis's favor that he possesses a
degree of modesty not always found in men who have
performed brilliant actions."
M. Tousard, a French officer attached to Lafayette,
rushed boldly forward in an attempt to capture a can
non on Rhode Island and was surrounded by British.
His horse was killed under him, he lost his right arm,
but he escaped capture. Congress made him brevet
lieutenant colonel and gave him a life pension. La
Perouse, the daring navigator and explorer, who
in 1788 was lost at sea with his entire expedition,
carried young Rochambeau back to France, he pass
ing through the British blockading fleet in a storm,
which carried away his mast. When Baron St.
Ovary, who aided Lafayette in rallying the Americans,
was taken prisoner at Brandywine, Congress called him
"a gallant gentleman from France, engaged as a volun
teer in the service of the United States, and lately, by
the fortune of war, made prisoner by the British."
Count Charles de Lameth was severely wounded at
Yorktown. We are indebted to France for the valuable
services of Steuben and De Kalb. The French minister
of war, St. Germain, induced his old friend and com
panion in the army. Baron Steuben, to come to America
to train Washington's army, and the French govern
ment made itself responsible for Steuben's expenses.
He was a brave man, of great ability, who had seen
long service under the greatest masters of military
affairs of the time, and had been on the staff of Fred
erick the Great. It was on a ship provided by Beau
marchais that Steuben came, and Beaumarchais
advanced to him 6000 francs for his outfit. In the ship
were military stores and several French officers, among
them L'Enf ant, who later planned the city of Washing-
29

ton and remodeled the city hall in New York for the
use of Congress. L'Enfant was wounded while he was
leading the advance in Lincoln's assault on Savannah.
He was captured at the siege of Charleston. Baron De
Kalb, who was mortally wounded at Cowpens, had seen
more than thirty years of military service before he
came to America. His aide-de-camp. Chevalier
Dubuysson, wrote that De Kalb withstood "with the
brave Marylanders alone the furious charge of the
whole British army ; but superior bravery was obliged
at length to yield to superior numbers, and the baron,
having had his horse killed under him, fell into the
hands of the enemy, pierced with eight wounds by
bayonets and three musket balls. I stood by the baron
during the action and shared his fate, being taken by
his side, wounded in both arms and hands."
It will be necessary to devote a special section to
the efficient and devoted services which Lafayette ren
dered to our country.
Rochambeau thus describes the meeting with the
American forces when the first division of the French
army, returning from the south, arrived at Kings
Ferry, September 15, 1782: "General Washington,
wishing to testify his respect for France and his
recognition of the benefits she had rendered, caused us
to pass between two lines of troops, clad, equipped and
armed with clothing and arms from France, and from
the English magazines taken at Yorktown, which the
French army had relinquished to the Americans. He
ordered the drums to beat a French march during the
whole review, and the two armies rejoined with the
most lively demonstrations of reciprocal satisfaction."
The French army under Viomenil sailed for home from
Boston December 24, 1782. Rochambeau, Chastellux
and De Choisy sailed from Annapolis January 11,
1783. De Lauzun's troops sailed from the Delaware
capes May 12, 1783, with some others who had been left
by Rochambeau to remove artillery and stores from
Yorktown. 30

The letters which were exchanged between Wash
ington and our French allies are creditable to both
nations, for they are the words of high-minded men
who had made common cause for humanity. They are
more than mere expressions of courtesy, they are warm
with real emotion. As Rochambeau was on the point of
sailing for France Washington wrote him : "I cannot
permit you to depart from this country without repeat
ing to you the high sense I entertain of the services you
have rendered to America, by the constant attention
which you have paid to the interest of it, by the exact
order and discipline of the corps under your command,
and by your readiness at all times to give facility to
every measure which the force of the combined armies
were competent to." The Maryland Assembly sent
Rochambeau an address which stated : "We view with
regret the departure of troops which have so conducted,
so endeared, and so distinguished themselves, and we
pray that the laurels they have gathered before York-
town may never fade, and that victory to whatever
quarter of the globe they direct their arms, may follow
their standard."
On the first anniversary of Yorktown Washing
ton gave a dinner to the French officers who were sail
ing three days later and were never to see him again.
Closen says : "There is no sort of kindness and tokens
of goodwill we have not received from General Wash
ington; the idea of parting from the French army,
probably forever, seemed to cause him real sorrow,
having, as he had, received the most convincing proofs
of the respect, the veneration, the esteem, and even the
attachment which every individual in the army felt for
him." Luzerne wrote Washington: "I cannot deny
myself the pleasure of informing you of the senti
ments with which the reports of the French officers,
on their return to Versailles, inspired the court and
nation toward your excellency. Their testimony can
add nothing to the universal opinion respecting the
great services which you have rendered to your coun-
31

try, but, to the esteem and admiration of the French,
will henceforth be added a sentiment of affection and
attachment which is a just return for the attentions
our officers have received from you, and for the
progress they have made in their profession by serving
under your orders."
Washington wrote Baron Antoine Viomenil, who
was second in command to Rochambeau, December
7, 1782: "The many great and amiable qualities
which you possess have inspired me with the greatest
sentiments of esteem for your character." Baron
Viomenil replied: "The veneration with which this
army was penetrated from the first moment they had
the honor of being presented to your excellency by
Comte de Rochambeau, their confidence in your talents
and the wisdom of your orders, the remembrance of
your kindness and attention and the example you set
them in every critical circumstance, the approbation,
regret and wishes you have honored them with at their
departure ; these are considerations by which you may
be assured there is not an individual officer in this
army who is not sensibly touched as he is flattered by
your approbation." Antoine Viomenil was mortally
wounded defending the royal family in the attack on
the Tuilleries. His brother, Charles Joseph ViomenU,
was afterward governor of Martinique and a marshal
of France. December 14, 1782, Washington wrote Chastellux:
"A sense of your public services to this country and
gratitude for your private friendship quite overcame
me at the moment of our separation. But I should do
violence to my feelings and inclination were I to suffer
you to leave this country without the warmest
assurances of an affectionate regard for your person
and character." Washington wrote Lauzun May 10,
1783: "Your particular services, sir, with the polite
ness, zeal and attention which I have ever experienced
from you, have made a deep and lasting impression on
my mind and will serve to endear you to my remem-
32

brance. It would have been a great satisfaction to
have had another opportunity to give you in person
the assurances of my regard could your orders have
permitted your longer continuance in the country."
Rochambeau wrote of Washington: "From the
moment we began to correspond with one another I
never ceased to enjoy the soundness of his judgment
and the amenity of his style in a very long correspond
ence which is likely not to end before the death of one
of us." May 10, 1783, Washington wrote Rochambeau:
"To the generous help of your nation and to the
bravery of her forces must be attributed, to a very
large extent, that independence for which we have
striven and which, after a severe contest of more than
seven years, we have secured. The first wish of my
heart is to pay the tribute of respect to a country to
which, by public and private considerations, I feel
myself attached by the most affectionate ties." As I
have been unable to obtain the original of this letter,
I am retranslating it from the French. July 13, 1783,
Rochambeau wrote Washington: "I see you at the
glorious end of all your toils and with the desire to
come to France. Try, my dear general, to effectuate
this project. Let nothing oppose itself to the idea.
Come and receive in a country which honors you and
which has admired you the plaudits due to a great
man. You may be assured of a reception without
example. You will be received as you desire to be,
after a revolution which has not its like in history.
Everybody smiles already at the hopes you give me
in your letter, and my heart beats with pleasure at the
thought of embracing you once more.
"It seems to me you should embark about the begin
ning of October, so "as to be here about the beginning
of November. You will then find the court returned
from Fontainebleau. You will pass your winter in
the midst of the gayeties of Paris and Versailles,
and in the spring we will carry you to our country
33

seats. Come, my dear general, and satisfy the desires
of a nation whose hearts are already yours."
Washington wrote Rochambeau February 1, 1784,
these words, which have been placed on the pedestal
of the statue of Rochambeau in Washington: "We
have been contemporaries and fellow-workers in the
cause of liberty and we have lived together as brothers
should do in harmonious friendship." Washington
wrote Rochambeau. from Mount Vernon that he was
engaged "in rural employments and in contemplation
of those friendships which the revolution enabled me
to form with so many worthy characters of your nation,
through whose assistance I can now sit down in my
calm retreat." In 1786 Washington wrote Rocham
beau: "The sincerity, honor and bravery of your
troops, the high-minded patriotism and the delicate
sympathy which animate so many of your compatriots,
with whom, I venture to say, I am intimately
acquainted, and, above all, the keen interest which
your illustrious monarch and his loyal subjects have
taken in the success of the American cause and in the
development of our independence, have made your
nation very dear to me and have formed ties and left
us impressions which neither time nor circumstances
can destroy." In 1789 Rochambeau was made governor
of Alsace. He also became marshal of France, and
Napoleon gave him a pension and the grand cross of
the Legion of Honor.
The key of the Bastile, now at Mount Vernon,
was sent to Washington by Lafayette, who wrote:
"It is a tribute which I owe as a son to my adopted
father, as an aide-de-camp to my general, as a mis
sionary of liberty to its patriarch." The French Con
vention in 1792 conferred on Washington the title of
citizen of France because he was "one of the bene
factors of mankind." As a sacred emblem of liberty
the American fiag was displayed in the hall where the
convention met. French officers presented Mrs. Wash
ington with a dinner service, each piece with her
34

initials in the center. On the news of Washington's
death, the French republic went into mourning.
Officers wore crape for ten days, flags were half masted
and Bonaparte issued a proclamation in which he said :
"Washington is dead. This great man fought tyranny.
He established on a safe basis the liberty of his country.
His memory will ever be dear to the French people,
as well as to all the free men of the two worlds, and
especially to French soldiers." In the presence of
Napoleon the celebrated orator Fontanes delivered at
the Invalides a funeral eulogy, in which he said:
"Washington's work is scarcely perfected and it is
already surrounded by that veneration that is usually
bestowed only on what has been consecrated by time.
The American revolution, of which we are contempor
aries, seems now consolidated forever. Washington
began it by his energy and achieved it by his modera
tion. In rendering a public homage to Washington,
France pays a debt to him by the two worlds,"
The Frenchman Houdon has given us in his statue
what is acknowledged to be the best likeness of Wash
ington, It is to Houdon's everlasting credit that he
insisted on braving the perils of the ocean in order that
he might do his work from life in the most perfect
manner, Houdon's statue of Washington is not the
least of the debts we owe to France, I have studied
most of the galleries of Europe and I doubt if there
is another work of art in the world in which historic
interest is so combined with artistic excellence. The
descriptions of Washington, which have been left us
by the soldier authors of France who knew and loved
him, are numerous and appreciative.
We hear so much about the soldiers of France that
her sailors are sometimes overlooked. Among them
were great men who rendered inestimable services to
our country. Where can we find in history another
instance of an admiral like D'Estaing leading his forces
in a land attack and being twice wounded? Those who
served under De Grasse said : "Our admiral is six feet
high on ordinary days and six feet six on battle days."
35

Paul Jones wrote Silas Deane of the exchange of
salutes for the first time between "Freedom's Flag and
that of France," February 14, 1778, at Quibeon Bay,
and he added : "The French squadron is officered by
a well-bred set of men, all of whom have visited the
Ranger and expressed great satisfaction, calling her
'un parfait Bijou'; when we visited their ships we
were received with every mark of respect and gladness
and saluted with a 'feu de joie',"
The only time Washington had control of the sea
was at Yorktown, and he put an end to the war there.
If he had controlled the sea at Boston, he could have
ended it five years sooner, but we had no French allies
at Boston. France was acknowledged to be the most
powerful country in the world on land, and in 1781
was able to dispute the control of the sea with Britain.
Washington called the French fleet "the most numer
ous and powerful that ever appeared in these seas."
The French navy was charged not only vsdth carrying
on the war by sea with the greatest naval power in
the world, but also with the transportation of troops
and supplies. The services which France had to ren
der in taking up our cause include not only the naval
and military forces sent to our shores, but also the
protection of her own ports and colonies against power
ful fleets and operations in Europe, Africa and Asia.
On the other hand, when France came into the war,
England had to protect her possessions, in the West
Indies, Africa and India and on the Mediterranean. If
it had not been for Warren Hastings she might have
lost India.
It is among the proudest achievements of our na
tion that we have now proved that we are not unworthy
of all that France has done for us. I do not know a
man in the United States army who would not have
gone over to fight for France, if it had been in his
power to get there. Perilous seas divided, but thanks
to our efficient navy, a thousand leagues of water could
not separate us, and American blood has mingled with
36

French blood to liberate and to consecrate the soil of
France. New glory has been added to Old Glory. The
red, white and blue of the flags of America and of
France have been united in battle and are now united
in victory. As France came in our hour of supreme
need and exerted the determining influence when our
armies had been struggling for years in the American
revolution, so America has been privileged to provide
in France the determining influence in the world war.
Lafayette wrote of the American revolution, "Never
had so noble a purpose offered itself to the judgment
of men ! This was the last struggle of liberty ; its de
feat then would have left it without a refuge and with
out hope." These words also exactly describe the situa
tion in France when America entered the World War.
As Lafayette counted it the greatest honor of his dis
tinguished life to have served under Washington, so
Pershing has been proud to serve under Foch. "Lafay
ette, we're here," is with one exception the most
practically eloquent speech that I know. It is com
parable to the speech that Washington made in Vir
ginia at the beginning of the revolution. "I will raise
a thousand men at my own expense and march at their
head to the relief of Boston."
I have now told the wonderful story of what
France, our ancient ally, did for us at a time when no
one else would help us. Washington wrote Luzerne
March 29, 1783 — "The articles of the general treaty
do not appear so favorable to France, in point of terri
torial acquisitions, as they do to other powers. But
the magnanimous and disinterested scale of action,
virhich that great nation has exhibited to the world dur
ing this war, and at the conclusion of peace, will insure
to the king and nation that reputation, which will be
of more consequence to them than every other consid
eration." Washington's farsighted vision has proved
correct in this, as in so many other instances. Wash
ington wrote D'Estaing: "The welfare of the French
nation cannot but be dear to this country, and that its
37

happiness may in the end be established on the most
permanent and liberal foundation is the ardent wish
of every true American."
As long as the children of America have a morsel
of bread they should share it with the orphans of
France. Our army and our navy have done their part
nobly to repay our debt to France. What are the
people of America going to do?

II

What Lafayette Did
FOR America

In justice to the memory of Lafayette it is neces
sary that a statement should be made of the priceless
services which he rendered to our country in its time
of utmost need, for that there is an astonishing mis
understanding of them is shown in an article in a
prominent magazine which states: "He was never
a great fighter, and his military career in America,
though respectable, was not distinguished. It is
hard to know what peculiar and signal service he
rendered." Lafayette voiced the spirit of France when
he wrote: "The moment I heard of America I loved
her ; the moment I knew she was fighting for freedom,
I burned with a desire of bleeding for her; and the
moment I shall be able to serve her, at any time or in
any part of the world, will be the happiest one of my
38

life." Lafayette became the living expression of the
beautiful soul of France. He was honorable, chival
rous and of noble birth; a warrior by heredity and
training, his father had died gloriously at the age of
twenty-five at the head of his regiment on the field of
battle. Young Lafayette was lieutenant in a crack regi
ment and had been well drilled in the rudiments of his
profession. His stubborness — or shall we say pertinac
ity — ^made him stick to his purpose of coming to our
aid in spite of all the obstacles which a government as
yet neutral was forc6d to put in his way. The marquis
was nearly six feet tall, with broad shoulders, high
forehead and beautiful hazel eyes. He wrote: "In
presenting my 19-year-old face to Mr. Deane I spoke
more of my zeal than of my experience," and he added,
"It is precisely in time of danger that I wish to
share whatever fortune may have in store for you,"
The only reward which he asked for his services was
to be enrolled as an American soldier under General
Washington, Lafayette had a yearly income of 200,000 francs,
equal in purchasing power to at least $100,000 at the
present time. He left his wife and child, bought a
ship, and in order to buy the ship he had to buy its
cargo. He brought with him to America De Kalb and
twelve other officers, one of whom was Colonel de Val-
fort, who later, as director of the military school at
Brienne, became the chief instructor of Napoleon
Bonaparte, On the voyage Lafayette wrote his wife
that he thought his service under Washington would
be "a brevet of immortality. The happiness of Amer
ica is intimately connected with the happiness of all
mankind ; she is destined to become the safe and vener
able asylum of virtue, of honesty, of tolerance, of
equality and of peaceful liberty," It took them fifty-four
days to make the voyage to South Carolina, and thirty-
two more to journey on horseback to Philadelphia,
where, at a public dinner, early in August, 1777, Lafa
yette first met Washington, He writes: "Although
39

he was surrounded by officers and citizens it was impos
sible to mistake for a moment his majestic figure and
deportment ; nor was he less distinguished by the noble
affability of his manner," The day after this dinner
Washington invited Lafayette to go with him to inspect
the forts on the Delaware,
Although less than twenty, Lafayette was commis
sioned major general by Congress July 31, 1777,
The Journal of Congress thus records his appoint
ment : "Whereas the Marquis of Lafayette, out of his
great zeal to the cause of liberty, -in which the United
States are engaged, has left his family and connexions,
and at his own expense, come over to offer his services
to the United States, without pension or particular
allowance, and is anxious to risk his life in our cause;
Resolved, That his service be accepted, and that in con
sideration of his zeal, his illustrious family and con
nexions, he have the rank and commission of major
general in the army of the United States,"
Lafayette soon won the affection and respect of
the American army by his bravery and self-denial. He
had to work hard; every one did who served under
Washington; but, though brought up in luxury, no
fatigue was too great for him to endure. He wrote:
"I study, I read, I examine, I listen, I reflect, and upon
the result of all this I make an effort to form an
opinion, and to put into it as much common sense as
I can, I am cautious not to talk much, lest I should
say some foolish thing, and still more cautious in my
actions, lest I should do some foolish thing, for I do
not wish to disappoint the confidence that the Ameri
cans have so kindly placed in me," Three weeks after
he met Washington, Lafayette wrote his wife: "This
excellent man, whose talents and virtues I admired,
and whom I have learned to revere as I know him
better, has now become my intimate friend ; his affec
tionate interest in me instantly won my heart, I am
established in his house, and we live together like two
attached brothers with mutual confidence and cordial-
40

ity. This friendship renders me as happy as I can
possibly be in this country," Lafayette wrote his
father-in-law: "Our general is a man truly made for
this revolution, which could not be successfully accom
plished without him, I see him nearer than any other
man in the world ; and I see that he is worthy of the
adoration of his country. His warm friendship and
his entire confidence in me in regard to all military
and political subjects, great and small, that occupy
him, place me in a situation to judge of all that he has
to perform, to reconcile and to overcome. I admire
him more each day for the beauty of his character and
of his mind." Letters hke this had great influence in
France. Lafayette wrote Washington : "The only favor I
have asked of your commissioner in France has been,
not to be under any orders but those of General Wash
ington. I seem to have had an anticipation of our
future friendship ; and what I have done out of esteem
and respect for your excellency's name and reputation
I should do now for mere love for General Washing
ton himself. Anjdihing, my dear general, you will order
or even wish, shall always be infinitely agreeable to
me, and I will always feel happy in doing anjrthing
which may please you, or forward the public good."
September 11, 1777, at the Battle of the Brandy
wine, when the Americans were making a disorderly
retreat, Lafayette dismounted, and while bravely striv
ing to re-form them, a bullet passed through his leg,
but he carried on until the blood was flowing from his
boot and he had to be removed from the field. He
wrote to his wife: "The honor to have mingled my
blood with that of many other American soldiers on
the heights of the Brandywine has been to me a source
of pride and delight," Of Washington's affectionate
interest at this time Lafayette wrote : "When he sent
his surgeon-in-chief to me, he directed him to care for
me as if I were his son, because he loved me as much ;
and, having heard that I wanted to join the army too
41

soon again he wrote a letter full of tenderness, in which
he admonished me to wait until I should be entirely
well," Lafayette went back to the army about October
20th, before he was able to wear a boot. Count Dumas,
aide to General Rochambeau, records that more than
three years later, in January, 1781, when a number of
French gentlemen were visiting West Point, General
Washington perceived, as they were about to mount
their horses, that Lafayette, in consequence of his old
wound received at the battle of the Brandywine, was
very much fatigued, and on that account they returned
to headquarters by boat. When Lafayette was ill,
Washington rode the eight miles from headquarters to
Fishkill every day for three weeks to ask after him,
though the commander-in-chief was not allowed to see
him till he was better.
Of an engagement near Gloucester, N, J,, late in
November, 1777, General Greene wrote Washington:
"The marquis, with about 400 militia and the rifle corps,
attacked the enemy's picket last evening, killed about
twenty, wounded many more and took about twenty
prisoners. The marquis is charmed with the spirited
behavior of the militia and rifle corps ; they drove the
enemy about half a mile, and kept the ground until
dark. The enemy's picket consisted of about 300, and
were reinforced during the skirmish. The marquis
is determined to be in the way of danger." December
1, 1777, Lafayette was assigned to the command of a
division. This was one of the four divisions at Valley
Forge, where he outwitted the enemy when they had
his force nearly surrounded at Barren Hill, Of this
engagement Washington wrote : "The marquis, by de
pending on the militia to patrol the roads to his left,
had very nearly been caught in a snare — in fact, he
was in it, but by his own dexterity or by the enemy's
want of it, he disengaged himself in a very soldierly
manner, and by an orderly and well-conducted retreat
got out," Lafayette wrote of Valley Forge: "The
patient endurance of both soldiers and officers was a
42

miracle which every moment serves to renew; but the
sacred fire of liberty was not extinguished."
Washington's success was largely due to the fact
that he was an accurate judge of men ; his estimate of
Lafayette is: "He possesses uncommon military tal
ents — ^is of a quick and sound judgment, persevering
and enterprising without rashness." Washington also
wrote : "He unites to all the military fire of youth an
uncommon maturity of judgment." When the enemies
of Washington were dining at York while the General
and his army were suffering at Valley Forge, Lafa
yette, who happened to be present, rose and reminded
the party that there was one toast they had omitted,
and then gave, "The Commander-in-chief." There is
something superbly courageous in this French boy thus
correcting those who were superior to him in age, but
not in loyalty. Lafayette wrote Steuben with regard
to Washington: "No enemies to that great man can
be found, except among the enemies of his country;
nor is it possible for a man of a loving spirit to
refrain from loving the excellent qualities of his heart.
I think I know him as well as any person, and such is
the idea which I have formed of him. His honesty, his
frankness, his sensibility, his virtue to the full extent
in which this word can be understood, are above all
praise. It is not for me to judge of his military tal
ents ; but according to my imperfect knowledge of these
matters, his advice in council has always appeared the
best, although his modesty prevents him sometimes
from sustaining it, and his predictions have generally
been fulfilled."
Washington loved Lafayette best of all men, and
those who consider his nature cold should read his let
ters to the young Frenchman. He Avrote Lafayette :
"The sentiments of affection and attachment, which
breathe so conspicuously in all your letters to me, are
at once pleasing and honorable, and afford me abundant
cause to rejoice at the happiness of my acquaintance
with you. Your love of liberty, the just sense you
43

entertain of this valuable blessing, and your noble and
disinterested exertions in the cause of it, added to the
innate goodness of your heart, conspire to render you
dear to me ; and I think myself happy in being linked
with you in bonds of the strictest friendship."
In 1779, Lafayette returned to France on a fur
lough, and in a letter to Franklin, who was represent
ing America in France, Washington thus sums up
Lafayette's services to our country up to that time:
"The generous motives which first induced him to cross
the Atlantic ; the tribute which he paid to gallantry at
the Brandywine; his success in Jersey before he had
recovered from his wounds, in an affair where he com
manded militia against British grenadiers; the bril
liant retreat, by which he eluded a combined maneuver
of the whole British force in the last campaign; the
services in the enterprise against Rhode Island, are
such proofs of his zeal, military ardor and talents as
have endeared him to America." Washington does not
mention here the efficient work of Lafayette in the pur
suit of the British through New Jersey which culmi
nated in the battle of Monmouth, where victory was
snatched from our arms by the treason of Charles Lee.
When Lafayette first went to America he was
obliged to sail secretly, because France was not yet at
war with Great Britain, On his return to his native
land, Lafayette was the hero of the hour and the recog
nized authority on American military affairs with the
French government, Duniol, who has written the most
important work on the relations between France and
America, says that Vergennes, the French minister of
foreign affairs, had yielded like Washington, to the
charm of Lafayette, whose sagacity and clearness of
vision, combined with his youth and enthusiasm, had
made as great an impression at Versailles as they had
with the army of the United States and with Congress,
The services which Lafayette rendered to our coun
try on this visit are by far the most important of his
life, for it was largely due to his persistence that
44

France sent such powerful forces under Rochambeau
and De Grasse that the war was brought to a victorious
end at Yorktown, and it was at Lafayette's suggestion
that the order was given that French forces should
yield precedence to the American troops, I cite the
following authorities to show the recognized import
ance of the work which Lafayette did for the United
States at this time, Hon, Charlemagne Tower states
that Lafayette's incessant presentation of the Ameri
can cause to the cabinet of King Louis XVI, and par
ticularly to the Comte de Vergennes and the Comte
de Maurepas, had an infiuence which contributed very
greatly to the ultimate establishment of independence
in the United States,
Edward Everett wrote: "Considerable discontent
had arisen in connection with Count d'Estaing's move
ments in Rhode Island, which had it not been allayed
by the prudent and effectual mediation of Lafayette
would probably have prevented a French army from
being sent over to the United States, He pursued the
object with an ardor, an industry and adroitness which
nothing could surpass. When his correspondence with
the French ministers, particularly the Count de Ver
gennes, shall be published it will appear that it was
mainly the personal efforts and personal influence of
Lafayette, idol of the French people as he had made
himself, which caused the army of Rochambeau to be
sent to America,"
Sparks, who knew Lafayette personally, comments
on Everett's statement : "This is an accurate view of
facts. By repeated conferences with the ministers, by
unwearied zeal and unceasing solicitation, he at length
roused the attention of the French court, and accom
plished his purpose; taking upon himself the entire
responsibility in regard to America, and to the manner
in which the army would be received by the people.
The event showed with how much discrimination he
had studied their character," As a small specimen of
Lafayette's important work I submit the following ex-
45

tract from a letter which he wrote Vergennes May 20,
1780: "Without being prejudiced, sir, by the affec
tionate friendship which attaches me to General Wash
ington, I can answer for it that the French generals
and troops will have nothing but praise for his upright
ness, for his delicacy, for that frank and noble polite
ness which characterizes him ; whilst at the same time
they will admire his great qualities," Such was the
impression which Lafayette had made in France that
La Touche-Treville, commander of the Hermione, on
which his government sent the marquis back to Amer
ica, who is described by Rochambeau as a man dis
tinguished by his zeal, valor, talents and nobility of
character, when he received his instructions replied:
"I shall show to the Marquis de La Fayette all the
respect and consideration which are prescribed not
only by your orders to me, but by the dictates of my
own heart toward a man whose acts have inspired me
with the greatest desire to know him. I consider it a
favor that an opportunity has been given me to prove
the high esteem in which I hold him."
On his arrival in Boston April 28, 1780, Lafayette
had a triumphant reception. Washington wrote to
Luzerne, the minister of France to the United States :
"You will participate in the joy I feel at the arrival of
the Marquis de Lafayette. No event could have given
me greater pleasure on a personal account, and motives
of public utility conspire to make it agreeable. He
announces a fresh and striking instance of the friend
ship of your court, which cannot fail to contribute
greatly to perpetuate the gratitude of this country."
Washington wrote Congress : "During the time he has
been in France he has uniformly manifested the same
zeal in our affairs which animated his conduct while
he was among us ; and he has been on all occasions an
essential friend to America." Lafayette wrote the
president of Congress: "If from an early epoch in
our noble contest I gloried in the name of an American
soldier and heartily enjoyed the honors I have of serv-
46

ing the United States, my satisfaction is at this long-
wished for moment entirely complete — when putting
an end to my furlough, I have been able again to join
my colors, under which I may hope for opportunities
of indulging the ardent zeal, the unbounded gratitude,
the warm, and, I might say, the patriotic love by which
I am forever bound to America." Lafayette had pur
chased in France with his own money a large quantity
of clothing and arms, which he distributed to his
men, so that his command was the best dressed in the
American army. When the allied generals met at
Hartford, as Washington could not speak French and
Rochambeau knew no English, Lafayette acted as
interpreter. When Lafayette borrowed 2000 guineas
from the merchants of Baltimore to clothe his men in
1781, Washington wrote him: "The measures you
had taken to obtain, on your own credit, a supply of
clothing and necessaries for the detachment must
entitle you to all their gratitude and affection, and will,
at the same time that it endears your name, if pos
sible, still more to this country, be an everlasting monu
ment of your ardent zeal and attachment to its cause
and the establishment of its independence. For my
own part, my dear marquis, although I stood in need
of no new proofs of your exertions and your sacrifices
in the cause of America, I will confess to you that I
shall not be able to express the pleasing sensations I
have experienced at your unparalleled and repeated
instances of generosity and zeal for the service on
every occasion."
Lafayette's brilliant campaign in Virginia in 1781
resulted in the penning up of Comwallis at Yorktown.
Of the battle of Green Spring, during these operations,
Anthony Wajoie, writing from near Jamestown, July
8, 1781, says: "Our field officers were generally dis
mounted by having their horses either killed or
wounded under them. I will not condole with the
marquis for the loss of two of his, as he was fre
quently requested to keep at a greater distance. His
47

native bravery rendered him deaf to the admonition."
No man who served under Washington was braver
than Anthony Wayne, and his opinion with regard to
the courage of Lafayette must be considered that of
an expert. Let us see now what the historians think of the
importance of this campaign and of the military skill
with which Lafayette carried it on: Fiske remarks
that throughout the game of strategy in Virginia
Lafayette proved himself a worthy antagonist for the
ablest of the British generals. Charlemagne Tower
says that Lafayette "manoeuvred with such caution
and such good judgment through Virginia, back and
forth across its innumerable rivers and smaller
streams, annoying the enemy, keeping out of their
way, harassing their rear and yet preventing them
from establishing themselves that Lord Comwallis was
forced to retire toward the coast in order to strengthen
his army before undertaking what he called 'solid
operations,' During a difficult campaign Lafayette had
made no serious mistakes. By his untiring energy and
courage he had animated the Virginians to renewed
efforts; he had protected their property, and, hav
ing kept his army intact, he barred the way by land
by which Comwallis might escape from his perilous
situation." Lafayette had forced Cornwallis into a
neck of land surrounded by deep water. This afforded
one of the greatest opportunities in the history of the
world, and it was made possible by a Frenchman on
land and a Frenchman on water. That Lafayette held
the key to the military situation in America and the
great confidence which was felt in him are shown by
the instructions which Washington sent him on August
21st: "As it will be of great importance toward the
success of our present enterprise that the enemy on
the arrival of the fleet should not have it in their
power to eft'ect their retreat, I cannot omit to repeat
to you my most earnest wish that the land and naval
forces which you have with you may so combine their
48

operations that the British army may not be able
to escape. The particular mode of doing this I shall
not at this distance attempt to dictate. Your own
knowledge of the country, from your long continuance
in it and the various and extended movements which
you have made, have given you great opportunities
for observation, of which I am persuaded your mili
tary genius and judgment wiU lead you to make the
best improvement." How efficiently Lafayette did this
work is clear from the following extract from a letter
which he wrote Washington September 1st: "I hope
you will find that we have taken the best precautions
to lessen his lordship's chances to escape. He has a
few left, but so very precarious that I hardly believe
he will make the attempt. If he does, he must give
up ships, artillery, baggage, part of the horses, all the
negroes; he must be certain to lose the third of his
army and run the greatest risk to lose the whole with
out gaining that glory which he may derive from a
brilliant siege." The fleet of De Grasse brought more
than 3000 regulars with formidable artillery under the
Marquis de Saint Simon, who, although a field marshal,
was willing to serve under Lafayette, and that Lafay
ette was equally regardless of his own rank is shown
by the following: From near Williamsburg, Septem
ber 8th, Lafayette wrote Washington: "The French
troops, my dear general, have landed with amazing
celerity; they have already been wanting flour, meat
and salt, not so much, however, as to be one day with
out. I have been night and day with the quarter
master collector, and have drawn myself into a violent
headache and fever, which will go off with three hours'
sleep, the want of which has occasioned it."
De Grasse and Saint Simon were anxious to
return as quickly as possible to the West Indies and
demanded that Lafayette should attack Comwallis
at once, the admiral offering to send in addition to all
his marines as many sailors as Lafayette might wish.
This would have given a sufficient force to capture
49

Comwallis before the arrival of Washington. Mr.
Tower says: "There is no doubt that the attachment
of the Marquis de Lafayette to General Washington
and his tenacity at this juncture preserved for the
great American commander the glory of laying out
and executing the plans of the Yorktown campaign.
It is one of the finest examples of Lafayette's per
sonal loyalty and unselfishness, of which he gave so
many during his service in the revolutionary war.
In the absence of instructions, and believing that the
combined forces in Virginia were fully equal to the
reduction of Lord Cornwallis, they wished to proceed.
But Lafayette was the major general commanding,
and he stood firm in his decision to await the arrival
of his chief, his patron and his steadfast friend." On
the arrival of Washington, September 14th, Lafayette's
independent command terminated, and he resumed his
position as major general commanding a division of
continental light infantry, and, as he had uniformly
done, he exerted a powerful influence in maintaining
the harmonious co-operation of the allied forces. If
it had not been for Lafayette's personal efforts with
De Grasse at this time it is not unlikely that the
French admiral would have put to sea with his fleet
and our independence might never have been estab
lished. Lafayette spent his twenty-fourth birthday
at the siege of Yorktown. October 14th Washington
ordered the works of Comwallis to be assaulted by
two detachments of picked men, one of French under
Viomenil and the other of Americans under Lafayette.
Viomenil expressed doubts as to whether the Amer
icans would be equal to the work, but they charged
with the bayonet and without firing a shot captured
their redoubt with many prisoners, including Major
Campbell, while the forces of Viomenil were still strug
gling with the redoubt assigned to them. Lafayette
had the satisfaction of sending a message to Viomenil
asking if he required the assistance of his Americans,
At the surrender of Comwalhs, Lafayette was at the
50

side of Washington among his beloved Americans and
not with his own illustrious fellow-countrymen. The
first news of the signing of a general treaty of peace
at Paris on January 20, 1783, was brought to America
by a French man-of-war, the Triumph, sent by
Lafayette from D'Estaing's fleet at Cadiz, She
reached Philadelphia March 23d, and brought the
President of Congress the following letter from
Lafayette :
"Having been at some pains to engage a vessel
to go to Philadelphia, I now find myself happily relieved
by the kindness of Count D'Estaing, He is just now
pleased to tell me that he will dispatch a French ship,
and, by way of compliment on the occasion, he has
made choice of the Triumph, so that I am not with
out hopes of giving Congress the first tidings of a gen
eral peace, and I am happy in the smallest opportunity
of doing anything that may prove agreeable to
America," Washington wrote Lafayette April 5, 1783, that
his letter of February 5th, from Cadiz, was the only
news of peace yet received: "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 dear friend, none could supplant or ever will
eradicate that gratitude which has arisen from a lively
sense of the conduct of your nation and from my obli
gations to many of the illustrious characters of it,
among whom I do not mean to flatter when I place
you at the head," In 1783 Lafayette went to Madrid
and had an important interview with the King of
Spain and his chief minister, and succeeded in pro
curing the recognition of the charge d'affairs of the
United States, In 1784 Lafayette spent nearly five
months in America, and in 1824 and 1825 toured the
United States for more than a year as the nation's
guest. He spent the forty-third anniversary of the
surrender at Yorktown; he laid the cornerstone of the
Bunker Hill monument, and our government sent him
51

home in a new frigate, appropriately called the Brandy
wine, At a dinner on his departure Lafayette gave
as a toast, "Enfranchised Europe," He named his
only son George Washington and one of his daughters
Virginia, He was the last surviving general of our
Revolution, When, in 1834, President Andrew Jack
son learned of the death of Lafayette he ordered that
"the same honors be rendered upon this occasion at
the different military and naval stations as were
observed upon the decease of Washington, the father
of his country and his contemporary in arms."
Lafayette occupies a unique place in our history
and in our hearts. No foreigner and but few of our
own nation have been so dear to us. President Poincare
has written this inscription for the statue of Lafayette
in Baltimore: "In 1777 Lafayette, crossing the seas with French
volunteers, came to bring brotherly help to the Ameri
can people, who were fighting for their national liberty.
"In 1917 France was fighting, in her turn, to
defend her life and the liberty of the world. America,
who had never forgotten Lafayette, crossed the seas
to help France, and the world was saved,"

52

YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

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