Thus did La Fayette refuse even to accept a compliment which seemed to separate him from his American comrades in arms.
The bells in every town and hamlet throughout the country rang out the joyful news of this great victory. Bonfires blazed on every hill-top. Congress repaired in solemn procession to the Dutch Lutheran church, to return thanks to God for this providential deliverance. The names of Washington and La Fayette, Rochambeau and De Grasse, resounded throughout the world. The commander-in-chief ordered that suitable religious services should be held in camp in honor of that Divine Providence who had vouchsafed to them this great blessing.
On the 20th of October, 1781, La Fayette thus wrote to M. de Maurepas:—
“Camp, near York.
“The tragedy is over; the piece is played, Monsieur le Comte, and the fifth act comes to an end.
“I had a little torture during the first, but at last my heart experiences a lively joy, and it gives me not a little pleasure to congratulate you upon the happy success of our campaign.
“I cannot give you the details, Monsieur le Comte, which I intrust to Lauzun, to whom I wish much happiness in crossing the ocean, which he will traverse with the corps of the legion of Tarleton.
“M. de Rochambeau brings to you the account relative to the army which he commands; but if the honor of having commanded for so long a time the division of M. de Saint-Simon gives me the right to speak of my obligations to that general and to his troops, this duty will give me infinite delight.
“Will you kindly, Monsieur le Comte, present my homage to Madame la Comtesse de Maurepas and to Madame de Flamarens, and accept the assurance of my affection, of my remembrances, and of my respect.”