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.

.AT. 48.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 335
planted and nurtured by the colonial wars, it was feared
might lead to serious consequences, if French troops
should be landed in the United States, and brought to
act in concert with the American army. So strongly
was Count de Vergennes influenced by this apprehension, that he opposed the sending of troops to America,
and advised that the efforts of France in succouring her
ally should be expended in naval equipments, which he
believed would be more effectual in annoying and weakening the common enemy. In this opinion, however,
the other members of the cabinet did not concur, and
it was resolved to send out a fleet with a body of troops
to operate on land. Lafayette was principally instrumental in effecting this decision. It was a point upon
which he had set his heart before he left America, and
it may be presumed that he previously ascertained the
sentiments of Washington. At any rate, his observation while in the country had convinced him, that French
troops would be well received; and he had the address
to bring the majority of the ministry to the same way
of thinking.
In the month of June, General Knyphausen crossed
over with such a force as he could spare from New
York, and made an incursion into New Jersey. He
was met by detachments from the American army, and
some smart skirmishing ensued, particularly at Springfield, where the encounter lasted several hours. The
enemy were driven back, and they retired to Staten
Island.
The object of this adventure could not easily be ascertained. General Washington at first supposed it to
be a feint to amuse him in that quarter, while a more
formidable force should be suddenly pushed up the
Hudson to attack the posts in the Highlands. This
opinion was countenanced by the arrival, just at that