Delaware journal., 1828-11-28


shall point out. The howitzers which you want "a
cannot be furnished from the marine arsenal, as |c
we have none of that calibre; but Major Jackson
will be able to procure them in Holland.-The FRI
gate Resolve will carry you to America, with such
part OF the money as you may wish to take with you
Any other facility, within my department WIN De ac
corded -
Thus was this important negotiation, which was
certainly the hinge on which the success of the re-
yolu,ion then turned, brought TO happy close by
the wisdom and decision of youth, who had not yet
attained his 28th year but whose maured mind and
heroic spirit, admitted no other rule of official con-
duct, than the honor and interest Of his beloved
country.
Having returned from the successful accomplish
ment of his important mission, in which he had nego-
ciatedthe rendezvous and cooperation OF the French
Fleet on the American coast, Col. Laurens resumed
his military functions, and was emlnenty distinguish
ed at the siege of York Town, where, leading the
assault of one of the British redoubts, he saved the
life of the officer who commanded it, and made HIM
his prisoner.
Being appointed commissioner for the capituation
on the part of General Washington, he met Colonel
Ross of the British army, Ad-de-Camp to Lord
Cornwallis, and commissioner on behalf of the gar
rison. Having placed the terms ON which caPltu-
laon would be granted before Col. Ross, that gen
tleman observed, s'this is harsh article" (which
artice,'' said COL Laurens "The troops shall
march out with colors cased, and drums beating
British OF German march, '' Yes Sir replied
Col Laurens, with some sang froid, :" 1t is harsh
article.'' ssThen, Col. Laurens, if that is your
opinion, why is it here - Your question, Col.
Ross, compels an observation which would have
suppressed : you seem to forget, Sir, that was Il
capltu!ant at Charleston when Gen. Lincoln, after
a brave defence of six weeks, open trenches, by "A
very inconderable garrison, against the British ar
nv and fleet under Sir Henry Clinton and Admiral
Northumberland when your lines Of approach were
within pistol shot of our field works, was refused
any other terms for his gallant garrison than march
ing out with colors cased, and drums not beating
British or German march, ,''-s' But, re)oned Col
Ross " Lord Cornwallis did not command at Char
leston." "Here, Slr,'' said Col. Laurens. tsyo
extort another declaration. 1t is not the lndyidua
that is here considered is the nation. This re
mains article, OF cease to be a commissioner
The result was conformed to this Just retrlbulion
The British army marched out with colors cased
and drums beating British or German march,
The war in the North being closed by the captur
Of this army, Col. Laurens, impelled by ardent pa
triosm, FASTENED to the Southern army, where Tres
laurels awaited his gallant exertons and where hi
country was to witness his DEVOTION even to death
in her cause. The writer of the present article
who was then assistant secretary at war, receive
his last letter, in which be says 9 l am writing t
you from sick bed: but have just heard that Ger
eral Greene has ordered detachment to lnterceI
a party of the British | shall ask the command
and, if refused go as volunteer" Gener
Greene, anxious for the ecovery OF his health, wou
have declined the request OF Colonel Laurens : bu
his determination to go volunteer, decided hi
to grant it.s 1t would appear, that by some un
voidabie accident some troops debarked to the SUI
port of his party, did not reach Combahee in tin
to prevent an attack by very superior force. an
in the charge, he was mortally wounded, and te
from his horse, his party cutting their way throus
the enemy.
Such was the close, while yet in its bloom, of h
ilustrious life, through which he had exhbitt
such proofs of devoted patriotism, heroic valor,
splendid talents, as would have secured to him Il
first honors of bis country, as they have impress'
the deepest regret for his loss, and the heartfelt Il
butte of gratitude to his memory.
The following observation, by Lord Cornwal
which passed in conversation after the captuation
York Town, attests the high estimation in which t
officers, to whom it refers, were held by his I.or
SHIP He said 9 there could be more formid
BILE antagonist in charge, at the head Of bis cave
ry, than Colonial William Washngton--And, th
he had never taken position, in the vicinity
General Greene's army that Colonel HenryI.e d
not find out his weak points, and strike at it beo
morning'
OH5- The foregoing authentic document is col
munication made by Major William jackson, to
jor Alexander Garden, at Phiadephi in Septe
ber, 1922, or '23.
This is mistake. General Gist, of Maryland, comm;
ded the detachment, and Col Laurens fell at the head
an advanced party which he believed would be support
by the General who managed the expedition most unf
tlnately and njudicioisly Laurcns went as voune
and was a victim of his Incorporate courage.
Our correspondent authorizes to say that he spes
from his knowledge because he witnessed his dea
and the circumstances attending It,
-HE 81 Ens,--
THE TARIFF.
In the discharge of our editorial labers, we ha
uniformly endeavored to enforce upon the minds
the friends OF this the fact, that the grou
nft tl,n onnnatnn to Mr. Adams funded