Monsieur Destouches will, I think, propose to the General to send to Philadelphia l’Eveillé and all the frigates; these, with the frigates now at Philadelphia, would carry fifteen hundred men to whatever part of the continent the General would think proper. We could then go to Morristown, there to form a new corps of light infantry upon the principles at first intended, and embarking in the first days of May, we could be at Wilmington, Georgetown, or any where else, sooner than we can now be by land. I would have the battalions composed of six companies; Colonels employed—Webb, Sprout, Huntington, Olney, Hill, Barber, Gimat, Laurens; Majors Willet, Fish, Gibbes, Inspector Smith, and another; Brigadier Generals Huntington and Scamell, and a good corps of artillerists under * * * * * *. My good friend, you would be more important at head quarters; but if you don’t stay there, you know what you have promised to me. Adieu. Write often and long letters. It is probable I will be in the southern wilderness until the end of the war, far from head quarters, from the French army, from my correspondence with France; but the whole good I could have operated, in this last instance, must have taken place by this time. My best respects and affectionate compliments wait on Mrs. Hamilton.
Most friendly yours,
La Fayette.
LA FAYETTE TO HAMILTON.
April 15, 1781. Susquehanna.
Dear Hamilton:
You are so sensible a fellow, that you certainly can explain to me what is the matter that New-York is given up; that our letters to France go for nothing; that while the French are coming, I am going. This last matter gives great uneasiness to the Minister of France. All this is not comprehensible to me, who, having been long from head quarters, have lost the course of intelligence.
Have you left the family, my dear sir? I suppose so; but from love to the General, for whom you know my affection, I ardently wish it was not the case; many, many reasons conspire to this desire of mine. But if you do leave it, and if I go to exile, come and partake it with me.
Yours,
L. F.
COL. TILGHMAN TO HAMILTON.
Head Quarters, 27th April, 1781.