Daily American telegraph., 1852-05-04
AMERICAN TELEGRAPH.
For the Daily American Telegraph
A Voyage to America in 1882.
FRAGMENT FROM THE JOURNAL OF NJ. DE nRoGIIE

I For the Daily American Telegraph
A Voyage to America in 1882.
FRAGMENT FROM THE JOURNAL OF NJ DE RRoGIIE
| TRANSLATED FRoh FRENCH KIS0
On disembarking / found the American army
encamped at place called Verplank's Point
1t was then composed of about six thousand men
who for the first time during the war, were well
armed, well clothed, well provisioned, and en-
camped under regular tents. A cursOry glance
along its front ranks filled me at once with plef
sure, astonishment, and admiration. All the sol
diers appeared good-looking, robust, and well
chosen The sentinels-wel stationed, extremely
attentive, and in sufficient number under arms
contrasted so favorably with the idea had pre-
viousy formed of these troops, that | could not
avoid many times repeating to myself that now
beheld this army which, to my mind, but short
time since had no other uniform than plain cap
inscribed with the word LIBERTY.
| On m eminence near by perceived n number
of tents, which readily concluded could be no
other than the camp of General Washington. In
spite Of the impatience which naturally enter
tanned to see this celebrated man-as knew Of
tented myself in approaching as near to his tent
as possible, in ORDER should he come out, that
might get sight of him. | continued my route
a distance of fourteen miles-that is, nearly five
leagues-to where the French army was en-
camped
/ Ireached Crampon at q quarter past twelve, and
| found the officers at dinner The day following
/ T n1o IN nd
and as there was ut present nothing to do, very
soon found myself as well informed and as far
advanced as any of the warriors of York.
| GENERAL WASHINGTON.
| Ipressed NJ. de Rochambeau, who received me
kindly to favor me with an introduction to Mr..
Washington. This he promised to do; and the
next day after my arrival he accompanied me to
dine with this distinguished man. ! handed to
General Washington letter from my father, and
after slight " "shake-hand," he was pleased TO
say to me thousand things both civil and fat
tering. Behold now, his portrait, which have
drawn after what have been able to see for my
self, and have learned from conversations in re-
gard to him.
The General is about forty nine years of age.
Tall, noby made, and well proportoned, his ap-
| pearance is much more agreeable than his por-
traits represent him. Three years ago he was
yet very handsome and although those who
have been constantly in his company during this
period say that he seems to them to have grown
quite old it is nevertheless incontestabe that he
has vet all the freshness and activity Of a young
man.
His countenance is mild and open-his saluta
ton grave, but pote-his pensive eye seems
more attentive than sparkling; but his look is at
once pleasant, noble, and full of confidence. In
his private intercourse he maintains polite and
careful decorum, with which everybodyis satisfied,
and reserved dignity which offends no one. lie
| is the enemy of ostentation and vainglory-in
character always even, never having been known
TO show the least temper-modest even to hu
,nility he seems not to estimate his worth-re-
ceyes with good grace the homage paid to him,
yet sooner avoids than seeks it. His society is
entertaining and agreeable he is always serious,
never absent minded; always plain ever liberal
and affable without familiarity the respect he
inspires never becomes irksome. As general
thing he talks but little, and usually speaks in
tone OF voice quite low buI nc II ~ atteiNNt "
what you may say to him, that persuaded you are
fully understood you are willing to dispense
with a reply. This kind Of department, it is un-
necessary TO say, has, under many circumstances,
proved highly advantageous to him; for no one
has need to use more circumspection, or to weigh
his words with greater care.
To nm unalterable tranquility Of mind he joins
an exquisite judgment; and there is little reason
to rcproach him either with too much slowncss
in coming to his decisions, orwith not acting with
sufficient promptness when his mind is made up.
His courage is calm and exalted; but in order 70
be able to appreciate fully the extent Of his
4 talents and to accord to him the name OF great
| warrior. | think il would be necessary to have
seen him at the head Of much greater army,
with corresponding means, and facing an enemy
not less sup erior We may at least, accord TO
him the title Of an excellent patriot, wise and
yirtuous man; and, indeed, one is tempted to
Weld to him all the qualities Of a geat warrior
even those which the circumstances have not been
such as fully to devclope. Never was man better
fitted to conduct the Americans, and never has
commandcr-in-chief shown, in his course gen
orally, more Of orler, wisdom, frmness and
justice.
Mr. Washington receives no pay in the shape
of salary: this he has refused, as having no need
Of It: but his table is furnished at the public
| expensc. Every day he has some thirty persons