14. “The Play is Over”
Lafayette, exulting in the victory which he had helped to create, wrote in the first flush of enthusiasm to high officials in France.
The play is over, Monsieur le Comte, the fifth act has just come to an end. I was somewhat disturbed during the former acts, but my heart rejoices exceedingly at this last, and I have no less pleasure in congratulating you upon the happy ending of our campaign.... I am happy that our Virginia campaign has ended so well, and my respect for the talents of Lord Cornwallis gives his capture an additional value to my mind. After this attempt, what English general will undertake the conquest of America? Their manoeuvres in the southern country have not been more successful than those at the North, and now the experience of General Burgoyne has been repeated.
Lafayette to M. de Maurepas and M. de Vergennes, October 20, 1781.