Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-09-09
Con. Washington a Marshal of France.

| IL.
Gen. Washington during the war of the Revo-
luton, received tile honorary title of Mareschal
de France or if statement to this effect has
been received as among the traditions handed
down respecting our Pater Patri@, its historical
accuracy in point of fact may have seemed to
lack confirmation. We find in the last number
of the Frederick (Md.) Examiner reference to
this incident in the life of Washington which
seems to have been very generally overlooked
by his biographers, whether from inadvertence
on their part or from doubts respecting its au-
thenticity we are unable to say. The circum-
stances which have led to the present discussion
and the suhioined confrmatory letter of the
below - Wash Union.
From the Frederick Examiner Of august 10.
Some weeks ago, in conversation in the Ex.
amner Office, gentleman of this city remarked
that he had in his possession an old porcelain
mug, with an efigy of Gen. Washington on
horseback, and the inscription beneath, George
Washington, Esq, General in Chief OF the U. 5.
Army and Marshal of France. A discussion a.
rose as to whether Washington had ever receiv-
ed the baton of Marshal of France. To re-
solve the doubt, COL Kimmel Oaid he would ad-
dress the venerable G. W. Parke Custis, the
surviving member of Washington's household,
on the subject. he did so; and received in
reply the following letter, which has been hand
ed US for publication, on account OF the import
ant historical fact to which it refers MIR. Gus
tis letter is dated
ARLINGTON HOUSE, Aug. 1S, 1857.
"Mr DEAR Col. K1AMEL Your very accep-
table letter came duly to hand. In regard to
Washington as Marshal of France, have in this
hour 'proof as strong as holy writ, in an en-
craving of Napier Of Merchistoun, the celsbrat-
ed inventor of the Lorarithms, which was pre-
sented to Washington by the Earl of Buchan, q
relative of the philosopher, with this endorse
ment in the handwriting of the Earl: "To Mar
shall General Washington, with the respects of
Buchan." Now Buchan lived in the age of the
Revolution, and was the associate of Courts and
certainly would not have addressed to one he
so loved and admired, as he did the Chief IL
tie to which he had no claim. Lord Napier, on q
visit,to Arlington House, was greatly gratified
by sight of remniscence of his ancestors treas
ured among the relics of Washington.
"The history OF the American Marshal of
France, is simply this When, in 1881, Colo
mel Laurens went to France as special embassa-
dor, difficulty arose between him and the
French Ministry as to the command OF the COM
bned armies in America. Our heroic Laurens
said Our Chief must command it is our cause
and the battle is on our soil' q est ampossa-
6le,' exclaimed the Frenchman; by the etiquette
of the French service, the count. de Rocham-
beau, being an old Lieutenant General, can on
|ly be commanded by the King in person, or
MarescAal de France Then exclaimed Lau-
rens. make our Washington Mareschat de
France, and the difficulty is at an end 1t was
done.
"a friend of mine heard Washington spoken Of
as Monsieur Ia Mareschal at the siege of York.
town Our beloved Washington never coveted
rank or tile; but it is beyond doubt that,
from the force of circumstances just re lated, the
rank and title of Mareschal de France, was con-
ferred upon the General in Chief of the combined
armies of America and France.
"Believe me, my dear sir, truly and faithfully
yonr obliged friend and servant,
"GEo. ". P. CUsTIs."