As there is but a little time to write before the sailing of the vessel, I cannot call to mind all the friends I have in the army, unless your excellency is pleased to make them a thousand compliments from one who heartily loves them, and whose first wish is to be again in their company.
I congratulate you, my dear general, on the spirited expedition of Stony Point,~{2} and am glad it has added, a new lustre to our arms.
Be so kind, my dear friend, as to present my best respects to your lady. Mine begs leave to be kindly remembered to you and to her. Thousand assurances of friendship wait from me on your family.
Oh! my dear general, how happy I should be to embrace you again!
With such affection as is above all expressions any language may furnish, I have the honour to be, very respectfully, &c.
Endnotes:
1. To this letter was joined a long letter to the president of congress, which contained nearly the same things, expressed in a different manner.
2. A brilliant exploit of General Wayne, who, on the 15th of July, took by assault the fort of Stony Point, and forced five hundred and fifty-four English to capitulate.
TO M. DE VERGENNES.
Versailles, February 2d, 1780.