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.

MET. 49.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 363
New York from Europe.- A despatch had early been
sent to Count de Grasse in the-West Indies, advising
him to sail directly to Sandy Hook, and thus secure
a naval superiority. On this contingency depended
the execution of the plan.
While these operations were in progress, a French
frigate arrived at Newport with a letter from Count de
Grasse, dated at Cape Fran~ois in St. Domingo, stating that he should shortly sail from that place with
his whole fleet and three thousand two hundred land
troops for the Chesapeake. This letter was received
by General Washington on the 14th of August. It
produced an immediate change in the objects of the
campaign. The engagements of Count de Grasse in
the West Indies were such, that he could not promise to remain on the coast beyond the middle of October. It being doubtful whether, with all the force
that could be collected, and with the fairest prospect
of ultimate success, the siege of New York could be
brought to an issue by that time, it was resolved at
once to abandon that project, and proceed to Virginia
with the whole of the French troops and such a part
of the American army as could be spared from the
defence of the posts on Hudson's River and in the
Highlands. In this decision Count de Rochambeau
cordially united, and the march to the south began
without delay.
Cornwallis had advanced from North Carolina, formed
a junction with the British detachment in the Chesapeake, and overrun the lower counties of Virginia; but
he was checked by the active exertions and skilful
manceuvres of Lafayette, whose generalship and prudent conduct merited the greatest applause. This
was peculiarly gratifying to Washington, who, in case
of failure, might have been censured for intrusting to