my expectations, though very little with our circumstances.* It is devoutly to be wished, that this campaign may be the last. I have the honor to be, &c.

TO MAJOR-GENERAL HOWE.

Morristown, 28 April, 1780.

DEAR SIR,

It is lamentable that we should be obliged to suffer such distresses as we do everywhere. Those we feel here are not inferior to yours; we are constantly on the point of starving for want of provision and forage. A deficiency of money is the cause, and a cause for which the present situation of affairs renders it infinitely difficult to provide a remedy. We are at a most delicate crisis. I dread with you the consequences.

We are informed that there is an arrival of fortyseven transports from South Carolina at New York, and that there are appearances of a further embarkation. It may be of use to make demonstrations of a movement on our part. I should be glad, so far as it can be done without interfering with the necessary operations, and without incurring expense, that you would set on foot a collection of boats on the river, and have them inspected and some little repairs made. Some time since you were directed at your own instance to have all the fascines and gabions, which had been provided in expectation of Count d'Estaing last fall, deposited within the works. If this has not been effected, you will be

Mr. Adams was now in Europe as minister from the United States for negotiating a peace, whenever the time should arrive for that event. Mr. Bowdoin mentioned a letter from him, dated in January, in which he gave it as his opinion, that peace could not be expected during the present year.

VOL. VII.

4

C

They may possibly be of

pleased to have it done. future utility, and the act of removing them will contribute to our present purpose. A number was provided below Stony Point where the Virginia troops lie. You will not forget to remove these also to a place of security.

General Duportail being gone to the southward, it is necessary that Colonel Gouvion should repair to this army. If there are any previous arrangements, which you wish him to make, you will be pleased to direct him to make them, and to set out for head-quarters as speedily as he can. It has been represented to me, that cattle coming on for this army have been stopped by some of your commissaries for the use of the garriAs the purchasing commissary makes a distribution in the first instance, and always takes care to send a proportion to the posts under your command, any interference of this kind is irregular and improper. You will be pleased to give orders to prevent it in future. Our wants here are so extreme, that the supplies intended for this part of the army cannot be diverted to any other without risking the most serious consequences.

son.

The state of our arsenals makes the greatest care and economy indispensable. I wish you to pay a pointed attention, that the men whose times of service expire do not, on leaving the army, carry away the public arms with them. Those, who may have brought arms of their own with them, for which they have not been paid, and which have been exchanged for better, must as far as may be practicable return those they now have and receive their own. You will make the commandants of battalions particularly responsible for carrying this into execution. The Maryland division being gone to the southward, all the men belonging to it in

27 the hospitals at Albany are directed to be sent to Fishkill. When arrived there, you will take measures to have them and those already at Fishkill forwarded to this place. Should they want any little necessaries you will have them supplied. I am, with great regard, &c.

TO DON DIEGO JOSEPH NAVARRO, GOVERNOR OF CUBA. Morristown, 30 April, 1780.

SIR,

I am extremely sorry to communicate to your Excellency, the painful intelligence of the death of Don Juan de Miralles. This unfortunate event happened at my quarters the day before yesterday, and his remains were yesterday interred with all the respect due to his character and merit. He did me the honor of a visit, in company with the minister of France, and was seized on the day of his arrival with a violent bilious complaint, which, after nine days' continuance, put a period to his life, notwithstanding all the efforts of the most skilful physicians we were able to procure. Your Excellency will have the goodness to believe, that I took pleasure in performing every friendly office to him during his illness, and that no care or attention in our power was omitted towards his comfort or restoration. I the more sincerely sympathize with you in the loss of so estimable a friend, as, ever since his residence with us, I have been happy in ranking him among the number of mine. It must, however, be some consolation to his connexions to know, that in this country he has been universally esteemed, and will be universally regretted.

May I request the favor of your Excellency to present my respects to the lady and family of our deceased friend, and to assure them how much I participate in

their affliction on this melancholy occasion? I have the honor to be, with the highest respect and consideration, your Excellency's, &c.

SIR,

TO THE CHEVALIER DE LA LUZERNE.

Morristown, 5 May, 1780.

The polite terms in which you mention the attention, which my respectful attachment for you dictated during your stay in camp, add to the obligation I feel for the honor of your visit. I was happy in that opportunity of giving you new proofs of my sentiments, and I entreat you to afford me others as frequently as possible. As the minister of a prince, to whom America owes so much, you

you have every title to my respect; and, permit

me to add, your personal qualities give you a claim, which my heart cheerfully acknowledges, to all my esteem and all my regard.

I beg you to accept my thanks for your intention to represent the army in so favorable a light, as will recommend it to the approbation of his Most Christian Majesty; an honor as flattering as it will be precious. It would be a want of gratitude not to be convinced of the intimate concern he takes in our affairs, after the repeated and decided proofs he has given. I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, &c.*

P. S. Mrs. Washington, sensible of your polite at

* In giving an account to M. de. Vergennes of his visit to camp, M. de la Luzerne said, "The time which I passed with General Washington has convinced me more than ever of the very great advantage, which the republic derives from his services. His virtues have gained for him the affection of the army which he commands, and the confidence and respect of the generals and other officers."- MS. Letter, May 13th.

tention to her, prays your acceptance of her compliments and best respects.

Nine o'clock, A. M.- I have this instant received a letter from my much esteemed and amiable friend, the Marquis de Lafayette, dated in Boston harbour, the 27th of last month. In the course of a day or two I shall expect to see him.

TO MONSIEUR MARBOIS, SECRETARY TO THE EMBASSY FROM HIS MOST CHRISTIAN MAJESTY.

Morristown, 5 May, 1780.

SIR,

Any marks of consideration, that you may have received during your stay in camp, were only a just tribute to your merit, which my esteem for you made me take pleasure in paying. The manner in which you speak of them in your letter, and the obliging assurances you give me, have a new title to my regard. The opportunity, which your visit to camp afforded me, of knowing you more particularly, has confirmed the sentiments with which the commencement of our acquaintance impressed me; and I entreat you to be assured, that there is nothing I desire more than frequent occasions of giving you proofs of the high estimation in which I hold you, and the perfect regard with which I have the honor to be, &c.

TO THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.

Morristown, 8 May, 1780.

MY DEAR MARQUIS,

Your welcome favor of the 27th of April came to my hands yesterday. I received it with all the joy that

C*