The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

APPENDIX.
No. I. p. 11.
MARCH OF THE DETACHMENT UNDER THE MARQUIS
DE LAFAYETTE TO VIRGINIA.
THE original object of the detachment to Virginia, under the
Marquis de Lafayette, was, in conjunction with Baron Steuben, commanding in that State, to cooperate with M. de Tilly's French
squadron for the purpose of capturing Arnold and the British forces
in the Chesapeake. Activity and despatch were essential to the
success of the enterprise. In this respect Lafayette was so fortunate in his march from the North River, although at an unfavorable
season for military movements, that he arrived with his troops at the
Head of. Elk on the 3d of March, being three or four days earlier
than had been anticipated. He there received information from the
Commander-in-chief, that the squadron under M. de Tilly had returned to Newport, but that another naval detachment would be
sent from that place by M. Destouches to cooperate with the land
forces in the Chesapeake.
As nothing could be done till this squadron should arrive in the
Bay, Lafayette resolved to transport his troops to Annapolis, leave
them there, and proceed in person to the head-quarters of Baron
Steuben, where he would be able to ascertain in the shortest time
the arrival of the French vessels, and be prepared for ordering
his troops immediately down the Bay.
LAFAYETTE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
"' Williamsburg, 23 March, 1781.
M" IY DEAR GENERAL,
"By former letters your Excellency has been acquainted with my
motions,. from my arrival at the Head of Elk to the time of my
landing at this place. The march of the detachment to Elk had
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