CHAPTER IV. ARRIVAL OF LA FAYETTE--HE OFFERS TO SERVE AS A VOL- La Fayette espoused the cause of America in 1776. At that period Silas Deane, Esq. was minister of the United States to the court of France. He had engaged a number of French officers of ability and experience to embark for America, with recommendations for commissions from Congress. Among others who made application to be engaged in this enterprize, was young La Fayette. But understanding that he was a young gentleman of noble birth, and great fortune, this offer was considered as the romantic precipitancy of youth. His friends also, seeing at best nothing but dangers and hardship in this undertaking, used every means to dissuade him from it. Finding his determination to proceed to America fixed, Mr. Deane was willing to encourage him; but at that time there was little expectation in France, that the American colonies could maintain their declaration of independence. Washington's army on the Delaware, was reduced to about two thousand men, and these were in want of many articles, necessary to make them effective soldiers; while the royal army in the same neighbourhood, was from twenty to thirty thousand strong, and in want of nothing which could render it effective. Under these circumstances, the credit of the American states was so low in France, that our commissioners there found it impossible to procure a vessel to convey the Marquis and their despatches to the American Congress. These facts being stated to La Fay, ette by the commissioners, with an intimation that they could not feel justified to encourage him under such a state of things, he replied, that his determination to embark for America was still unshaken, and that this embarrassment could be overcome by his purchasing and fitting out a vessel at his own expense. This project was deemed so important and extraordinary, that it attracted universal attention. The French court at that time, had not declared openly for America, though Franklin was then at París, secretly making his negotiation. On this account, orders were publicly issued to prevent his departure, though it is understood that the administration privately encouraged the enterprise. What he most feared, was the danger to which he would be exposed, of falling into the hands of the English, on his passage; in which case he would be subjected to confinement for an uncertain length of time, and probably to the most rigorous treatment. This thought, however, had no weight, after his purpose was fixed. He embarked for America in the winter of 1777, and after a prosperous voyage, arrived at Charleston, in South Carolina, in the spring of that year. He landed soon after the noble defence of that place by Gen. Moultrie, at the fort on Sullivan's Island. Charmed with the gallantry displayed by that officer and his brave troops, and probably finding the latter miserably clad and armed, he presented the general with clothing, arms and accoutrements for one hundred of his men.* From Charleston, he immediately proceeded to Philadelphia, where Congress was then in session, and having delivered his despatches from the American commissioners, be informed that body, that he had come from France for the express purpose of serving as a volunteer in their cause, and that without any compensation. Congress being struck with admiration at the generous and lofty sentiments of the young * Thacher. nobleman, proceeded to the adoption of the following preamble and resolution. "Whereas the Marquis la Fayette, in consequence of his ardent zeal for the cause of liberty in which the United States are engaged, has left his family and friends, and crossed the ocean at his own expense, to offer his services to the said States, without wishing to accept of any pension or pay whatever, and as he earnestly desires to engage in our cause, Congress have resolved, that his services be accepted, and that in consideration of his patriotism, his family, and illustrious relations, he shall hold the rank and commission of major general in the army of the United States." This resolution was passed July 31, 1777, and the general immediately repaired to Washington's camp as a volunteer. At that time the American and British armies were reconnoitering each other, in the neighbourhood of the Brandywine river, in Pennsylvania, and an engagement was expected soon to take place. On the 9th of September, Washington crossed the~ river with his whole army, and took post at a place called Chadd's ford, which it was his intention to guard, and prevent the enemy from crossing. On the evening of that day, Lord Howe marched forward and encamped at New Garden, about seven miles from the American lines. On the morning of the 11th, Washington received information, that his adversery was coming upon him by the road leading directly to Chadd's ford. It was now seen that the British commander intended to bring on a general engagement, nor did Washington avoid it, as it was considered impossible to protect Philadelphia, without defeating the enemy. About two o'clock in the afternoon, it was ascertained that the royal army, commanded by Sir William Howe, in person, and Lord Cornwallis, was approaching. The advance was made in three columns, but on coming in sight of the Americans, the royal troops were instantly formed in line of battle, and the action soon began. On both sides it was supported with gallantry for a time, but the Americans on the right first gave way, and very soon afterwards, that wing was completely routed. There was an immediate attempt made to rally, but the rout in a few moments became general, as did the flight. In this battle, La Fayette displayed great bravery, never avoiding danger, but encouraging his men by his own example to maintain the action with intrepidity and firmness. On this occasion he was badly wounded in the leg. In his communication to Congress after this battle, Washington says of La Fayette, "from the disposition he discovered at the battle of Brandywine, he posseses a large share of bravery and military ardor."* The loss of the Americans in this action was three hundred killed, and about six hundred wounded. Four hundred of the wounded were taken prisoners. After the hattle, Washington retreated to Chester, and then to Philadelphia. Howe pursued him, and after various skirmishes, in which the American army was always unsuccessful, he crossed the Schuylkill on the 22d of September. It was now evident, that nothing but an immediate engagement and victory, could save the capital from the possession of the British general. Such, however, was the condition of the American army, that the commander in chief did not dare to hazard an engagement so decisive. He therefore directed Col. Hamilton to remove all the military stores and other public property from Philadelphia up the Delaware to a place of safety, and on the 26th of September, Lord Cornwallis, at the head of the British and Hessian grenadiers, took possession of the city without opposition. * Official letters. On the first intelligence of Washington's defeat at Brandywine, Congress fixed on Lancaster as a place of retirement and safety, in the event that the enemy should take possession of the capital, where they reassembled on the 27th. Lord Cornwallis having taken peaceable possession of Philadelphia and Germantown, a division of his army was encamped at each of these places. The expected reinforcements having joined the American army, Washington found, on the 30th of September, that his effectual force amounted to eight thousand regular troops, and three thousand militia. With this force, he determined to approach the enemy at Germantown, and give them battle. The necessary arrangements being made, on the 4th of October, the American army moved to the attack. During the first period of the engagement, every movement succeeded to the utmost of Washington's expectations. But owing to peculiar circumstances, the Americans were repulsed with the loss of two hundred killed, and six hundred taken prisoners. The loss of the enemy was stated at five hundred killed and wounded. Gen. La Fayette, as soon as his wound permitted, joined Gen. Greene,* who was then in New Jersey. * Nathaniel Greene, a major general of the army of the United States, was born in Warwick, Rhode Island, about the year 1740. His parents were Quakers. His father was an anchor-smith, who was concerned in some valuable iron works, and transacted much business. While he was a boy, he learned the Latin language, chiefly by his own unassisted industry. Having procured a small library, his mind was much improved, though the perusal of military history occupied a considerable share of his attention. Such was the estimation in which his character was held, that he was at an early period of his life chosen a member of the assembly of Rhode Island. After the battle of Lexington had enkindled at once the spirit of Americans |