Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1857-1858, 1857-08-28
Cen. MashLnglon a Marshal of Erance.


1t is, we believe, not commonly known that Gen.
Washington during the war OF the Revolution, re-
ceived the honorary title Of MaTeSchak de France:
or If a statement to this effect has been received
as among the traditions handed down respecting
PATER PATRIlE, its historical accuracy in point
of fact may have seemed to lack cOBfrma ton. We
find in the last number of the Frederick (Md.) Ex-
aminer reference 10 this incident in the lie Of
Washington which seems to have been very gen.
orally overlooked by his bographers, whether from
inadvertence their part or from doubts respect
ing Its authenticity we unable to say. The
circumstances which have led to the present dis
cusson and the sutjoned confrmatory letter of
the venerable Mr.. Curtis of Arlington, are stated
below Wash. Union.
From tie Frederick EraDliHer august 10.
Some weeks ago, in conversation IN the Tx
aminer office, a gentleman of this city remarked
that he had in bis possession an old porcelain mug
with an elhgy of Gen. Washington on horseback,
and the inscription beneath George Washington.
Esq, General in Chief of the U. S. Army and lar
shall of France" A discussion thereon arose as to
whether Washington had ever received the baton
Of a Marshal of France. To resolve the doubt,
Col. Kimmel said be would address the venerable
G. w. Parke Cuss, the surviving member Of
Washington's household, on the subject He did
So and received in reply the following letter. which
has been handed US for publication, on account Of
the important historical fact to which it refers
Mr.. Gusts letter is Dated
ARLINGTON HOUSE, Aug. IS 1857.
'MY DEAR Col. KIMMEL: our very acceptable
letter came duly to hand. In regard to Washing
ton Macshal of France, have in this hour proof
strong as holy writ in engraving Of Napier
Of Merchistoun the celebrated inventor of the Log
arithms which was presented to Washington by
the earl of Buchan, relative of the philosopher,
with this endorsement in the handwriting OF the
Earl TO Marshal General Washington, with the
respects of Buchau.' Now, Buchan lived in the age
nf tho Resolution, AM the associate or CUurts,
and certainly would not have addressed to one he
so loved and admired, he did to the Chief a IL
tie to which the Chief had no claim. Lord Napier
a visit to Arlington House, was greatly gratned
by sight of "a "reminiscences Of his ancestors, treas
ured among the relics of Washington.
"The history Of the American, Marshal of
France, is simply this:-When, in 1881, Col Lau-
rens went to France special ambassador, diff
Guilty arose between him and the French Ministry
as to the command of the combined armies in Amer
lea. Our heroic Laurens said Our Chief must
command; it is our cause, and the battle is on our
SOIL 'C'eSt impossible, exclaimed the Frenchman;
by the etiquette OF the French service the Count
de Rochambeau, being old Lietenant General
can only be commanded by the King in person, or
q HdTeSchdL dc france Then exclaimed Llu-
Tens, make our Washington MareschaI de France,
and the difficulty is at end. II was done.
"a friend of mine heard Washington spoken Of
Monsieur la JlaTeSchaL at the siege of YOrktown.
Our beloved Washington never coveted or desired
rank or title; but il is beyond a doubt that from
the force Of circumstances just related the rank and
title of Jlareschak dc France was conferred upon
the General as Chief Of the combined armies OF
America and France.
Believe me, my dear sir truly and faithfully
your obliged friend and servant,
GEO. 7. CURTIS"