The daily intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Territory [i.e. Wash.]) 1876-1881, 1881-09-18
DAILY INfELLIGENCER.
Sunday, Sept. 1s. 1881.
NOR Known.

we must cross into the camps Of the
Americans aud their friends the French.
Washington, who with a wretchedly
clothed and often but half fed army had
been sustaining the cause of the Revo-
luton through six anxious years, never
felt the embarrassment Of his situation
more than in the early part of the year
1881. He could do little to assist the
Sonth. and saw no hsttering prospects
of achieving anything decisive in the
North. The only ray Of hope ths,
flashed through the clouds was the
probability that in the course of the
summer large French feet would
appear upon the American coast. with
whose assistance something might be
effected. But even here 30 many con-
tingencies were involved that success
seemed sn sggravating uncertainty.
campaign, nevertheless. was arranged
On the 23d Of May, Washington met
Count de Roehambeau, commanding
the French allies at Newport. in con-
ference at Wethersfeld. Connecticut.
where il vas agreed that the French
should join the Americans on the Hud
son. and an attempt be made TO capture
New York city. A request was sent
later to the Count de Grssse, admiral
OF the expected feet in the West Indies,
to cooperate by entering the barber.
This was Wsshington's plan, while it
would seem that Rochambeau. although
yielding to him. had misgivings in re-
gard to it. At the same conference the
project of marching to Virginia was
alluded 30. but it Was held that that
State could be relisved quite as effec-
tually BY attacking Clinton in the
North, and preventing aim from send
ing further re endorsements southwark.
Still everything depended upon De
Grasse. Without him the year would
probably close with matters continuing
statu Quo; with him great blow might
be struck somewhere aud that
somewhere was now the pro-
blem. Although Washington had CON-
mitted himself at the Wether sfeld con-
ference to an attack upon New York.
and expected the co operation OF the
French admiral. we find, as the sum-
mer advanced, and the situation in Vir-
giDia changed by the retirement of
CORVALLIS TO the sescoast, that he re-
cognized the possibility OF change Of
plan on his own part, and this before
De Grasses final destination and infen-
tions were known. BY the I'd Of Au-
gust he had Informed La Fayette Of
the contingency that might take him
to Virginia, where they could unite in
falling upon Corvallis: and he bad
sounded Mr. Robert Morris ss to trans
portation from Pbiladelphia. from
which we are TO infer---as, indeed, one
OF his letters authorizes the inference
that even had De Grssse come to New
York, Washington was ready to sug.
gest his sailing back to the Chesapeake,
while the army would move to the
same point. In other words. the march
upon CORVALLIS, perhaps the most
splendid episode of the war. was an
alternative plan already maturing in
Tashington's mind before word came
from De Grssse that he should not sail
further north than Virginia. III
De Grasses announcement that he
would be in the Chesapeake about the
first of September, and that ne expect
ed to meet .he allied army there and
not at New York, did not reach Wash
ington until August 14th. At once the
latter turned his entire attention to the
descent upon CORVALLIS. Demonstra-
tons had been made against New York
in July with serious intent, but now
they were conducte as feint. IT was
OF the greatest Importance that Clinton
should not suspect the intended march
until Washington was well on his wsy
southwark. The plan remained pro
found secret with both the American
and French chiefs, The troops were
put on the move again toward thecity
as il tor an attach, and when they
turned about and crossed the Hudson
at Kings Ferry. late In August, the
feint was still kept up on the Jersey
side for day OF two. when the entire
force beaded for the Chesapsakes & I'm
the I'd OF September the Americsn
wing. two thousand strong-four thou.
sand bad been lea 70 eusrd The Hqd-
son, under Heath -A-uarohed throuah
Philadelphia, followed the next day BIZ
the French contingent, which delight
ca oonerses end the scitizess wigh its
inspiring music and brilliant appear
ance. Hsre The nave wss resolved that
De erase had arrived 10 the Chesa.
peake with powerful feet, and WASH
ington pushed on with the Hveliest an.
ticipstion OF success The troops took
the straight road TO the head OF the
Elk and Baltimore. and. after a short
delay, embarked in transports for the
james. In spite Of the fatigues of the
march. they were all in good spirits.
with hardly sick man among them.
and seemed to realize the probsble de-
cicisivs results OF the moyement thsy
were engaged in We shall soon look
IN upon CORVALLIS IS stern ss the
grave. wrotsan officer TO a friend in
the North, and be only reflected the
general expectation. From Baltimore
Washington and Rochsmbeau and their
suits rode rapidly overland. stopping
at Mount Vernon on the 9th and 10th
the chiefs frst visit b bis home for six
years-snd on the 6th reached the
camp Of La Fsyeste at Williamsburg.
Who bad been 70 enforced with thres
thousand French troops, ander st.
simon. brought on by De Grasse.
When Clinton, nj New York. woke up
10 the fact that Washington had given
him the slip. be saw no other way of
meeting the danger TO which Corn
wallis would be exposed but by atsemp
ing to &C to his relief by sen.
La Fayett's little army at Williams