The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-01-04

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French Army to cooperate with the Americans
lie urged the subject upon the ministry with all
his enthusiastic zeal prompted by his love for his
adopted country, he was accustomed to call A.
noiica, and he finally successful.
The nnmber proposed waas 5000 men. LaFay~
cite was not content with the raising of the army
hut pressed for large supplies of clothing and war
stores for the American troops. Such the en-
thusasm with which he urged the claims of his
American friends, that the French Premier one
day remarked IN council, lit was fortunate for the
j%ng that Lafayette did not take it into his head
to ask him to strip Versailles of its furn Iure TO aid
his dear Americans, for his majesty unable to
refuse him any thing In addition to what was
furnished by the government, Lafayette procured
at his own expense swords and equipments which
he presented to the troops he commanded during
the campaign.
The instructions given to the troops were very
J full and explicit. While the French army was to
act together much possible and to be govern
ed by its rules of discipline it was to be sub
iect to Washington, and when united together the
French were to give the Americans the right of
the line and American officers to take precedence
of French officers of equal rank.
Lafayette returned to this county in advance
of the army, in company with the French Commits
sary, foi the purpose of providing the necessary
supplies for the troops on their arrival The Com
missary brought with him great quantity Of silver
and gold which in the then deprecated state of the
currency, was ofgreat benefit to the people.
| The French troops under the command of Count
Rochambeau, embarked at Brest 10 the number of
| 5000 men. The Chevaier de Turney commanded
the fleet, and the whole armament reached New
port on the 10th Of July. Washington had des-
patched Gen. Heath TO that place to receive them.
On the arrival ofth French squadron, the British
fleet under Admiral Abuthnot, joined by that
der Admiral Graves (which combined was superior
TO the French, sailed for Newport to blockade the
French feet,-Gen. Clinton at the same time des-
patched 5000 men to make attack by land -
But Gen. Washington having made advance to-
wards New York, the troops recalled, while
the British fleet remained off Newport.
On the 2Oh of September, Washington, Count
Rochombeau and Admiral Turney met at Hartford
arrange future operations. 1t was agreed at this
meeting, that offensive operations should be
made unless the remainder of the French troops
or the French feet at the West Indies under the
Count de Grasse should arrive, the British
troops should depart for the Southern States.
AS none of those contingencies occurred, there
active operations during the season, and
the French fleet and army remained at Newport
for the winter. The French cavalry, under the
Duke de Lausanne. had their winter quarters in
Connecticut. The Duke complained that the peo-
pie amo ng whom he quartered were too inqu-
| sitve, (laughterD and that they asked him many
questions that hard to be answered. Among
ether things they asked him what he did for
| living when he was at home, Qaughter.) He told
ham he but thntb fat hpr q
blacksmith. They replied TINT it bonora-
bic calling, and they glad 10 find he had so
worthy fat her. The Dukes father was a mare
ehaL Of France, and the word 'marecha' signi
ics an office Of high dignity and blacksmith, the
Duke chose to give it the latter meaning as more
likely to gain the respect of the people he
ournng with
During the winter Arnold, who after his treason
was we'll fitted for any mischief, was despatched
by Clinton with two thousand men and several
ships to commit depredations upon the shores of
Chesapeake Bay. Admiral Turney had died at
Newport, and succeeded by Destouche, who
sent Count de lilly 18th two vessels attack Ar
mold, in conjunction with some troops sent by
Washington under Lafayette. Arnold had, how
ever, drawn his vessels far up the river that Til
| ly could not follow him with his heavy ships, and
the expedition unsuccessful. De lilly return
ed to Newport, capturing on his way fgate, 9
privateers, beside several smaller craft and making
500 prisoners. Destouche made another descent
[ upon Arnold, but he was met at the head of the
Chesapeake by the British deet and severely
contested action ensued Both sides claimed the
victory, but the British succeeded in entering the
| Chesapeake first, and Desiouche returned to New
port.
! Soon after this Arnold was reinforced and Corn
wallis commenced march towards the North
Lafayette, who had been sent TO operate with the
Count de Tilly against Arnold, was returning with
his detachment to join the main army the Hud-
son, hen he received orders to proceed to Virgin
| ia And then, said the lecturer, commenced thai
celebrated campaign OF his against CORVALLIS,
which has gained him the applause of all military
men. lilo at this time but % years of age and
he outgeneralIed the most able, experienced, and
brave officers tine British army cloud applause }
I On the Goth of May, 1881, another conference
was held between the two commanders at Wealth
ersfield. The Count de BaTras had arrived in the