Fund Publication (Volume 31-33)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1891. Excerpt: ... extremely thin of field officers of their own, that necessity, if nothing else, dictated the measure. I have heard nothing of the discontent lately; but should I find it revive again upon its being known that the corps is to continue together, I shall be obliged, for peace sake, to relieve those two gentlemen by officers properly belonging to the lines from which the regiments were formed. You will therefore prepare them for such an event, and tell them candidly the reasons, founded principally upon their having already had their tour in the infantry. Should they be relieved, they will probably incline to continue with the Southern Army. There is as much or more probability of their finding employment there, than with us, as we shall, from all appearances, remain inactive. I am, my dear Marquis, &c., GEO. Washington. It will be observed that this letter of instructions is dated April 6th, at New Windsor, in Connecticut, distant about one hundred and fifteen miles east from New York, and therefore about two hundred and fifty miles from Elkton, where La Fayette received it. It is fair to presume that in those days of slow conveyance, several days were required to traverse this distance with horses, which furnished the swiftest conveyance in the days of the American Revolution. The letter from Washington giving the order for the return southward being dated April 6th, two hundred and fifty miles away, the fact that La Fayette was on the march on April 11th is a striking proof of the promptness of La Fayette in giving effect to even disagreeable orders, for he preferred to operate at this time in the North. He left Elkton on the 1lth of April, having under his command the following troops, as near as now can be ascertained: INFANTRY. Major-General Marqu...