Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834 to Nathanael Greene
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06323 Author/Creator: Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834 Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 June 1781 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 32.4 x 20.9 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Lafayette as commander of American forces in Virginia to General Greene as commander of the Southern Department. Lafayette is writing from his camp between the Rappahannock and North Anna Rivers. Updates Greene on the cat and mouse campaign he was undertaking against General Lord Cornwallis throughout Virginia. Says that Cornwallis's force is much larger than his, especially his cavalry, which outnumbers his 10 to 1. Tells Greene that Cornwallis landed at Westover instead of Richmond and has been attempting to outflank him. Thought he would have met up with General Anthony Wayne by now, but he has not. Seems that Cornwallis's objective is Fredericksburg, but says he could also be going to Charlottesville. Mentions that he has had stores removed from Cornwallis's probable paths. After an unauthenticated report of an insurrection in the Convention Army, which was made up British prisoners of war from the Saratoga campaign of 1777, Lafayette worries that Cornwallis is moving to free them. Says General Daniel Morgan is moving against the rebels. Says Congressional Board of War has ordered them moved northward, which he is undertaking immediately. Complains of the 500 mounted troops Cornwallis has under his command. Says it makes it hard for him to reconnoitre. Ink is faded.
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