A complete history of the Marquis de Lafayette, major-general in the American army in the war of the revolution. Embracing an account of his tour through the United States, to the time of his departure, September, 1825. By an officer in the late army.

MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 111
During the retreat of the enemy to WViliamsburg, no attempt was made by either general to disturb the other;
a game, of all others, the most to be desired by General
Lafayette, as the campaign appeared to be wasting without
any improvement by his superior foe. He merely caused
his light parties to press on their rear, which was covered by a strong corps under Major Simcoe. That officer
was overtaken by Colonel Butler about six miles fram
Williamsburg, to which he was proceeding from the destruction of a few boats and stores on the Chickahominy.
A sharp action ensued which was attended with loss on both
sides; but the Americans were compelled to retire by
the approach of the whole British army, which had. moved
on hearing the first fire, to shield Simcoe. Lafayette
claimed the advantage in this recontre, and stated the
enemy's loss amounted to sixty killed, and one hundred
wounded.
After this skirmish, the Marquis encamped about twenty
miles above Williamsburg, in a secure position near James
River, interposing the Chickahominy between him and the
enemy.
Intercepted letters had disclosed to Sir Henry Clinton
the designs which were meditated against the seat of the
British power in the United states, and lie, becoming
alarmed for the safety of New-York, required the return of
a part of the troops in Virginia. Lord Cornwallis, supposing himself too weak, after complying with this requisition, to remain at Williamsburg, resolved to pass James
River and retire to Portsmouth.'He accordingly left that
city on the fourth of July, having decided to cross at James
City Island, and encamped along the river, having his right
covered by a pond, and the centre and left by swamps.
Onthe fifth-and sixth, a small number of troops, and all
the baggage, artillery, and munitions, were transported
across the river, and Cornwallis intended to have passed his
army on the seventh.