When the French officers arrived in Philadelphia after their journey from Lebanon, they were entertained at a banquet by Chevalier de Luzerne, the ambassador from the French court. Philadelphia was the seat of the American Government then.
The banquet was a splendid one for those times, and it had a lively spirit. The American guests must have been filled with expectation.
For the plan to shut up Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown was full of promise, and the military enterprises to effect this were proceeding well. The lord himself was dissatisfied with the plans he was compelled to pursue, and any fortress is weak in which the heart of the commander is not strong in the faith of success.
In the midst of the banquet, there was a summons for silence. The Chevalier arose, his face beaming.
He looked into the eager faces and said:
“My friends, I have good news for you all.
“Thirty-three ships of the line, commanded by Monsieur le Compte de Grasse, have arrived in the Chesapeake Bay.”
A thrill ran through the assembly. The atmosphere became electric, and amid the ardor of glowing expectation the Chevalier added:
“And the ships have landed three thousand men, and the men have opened communication with Lafayette.”