Details
WAYNE, Anthony, Major General, Continental Army. Autograph letter signed ("Anty. Wayne") to an unidentified correspondent [Genl. Nathanael Greene?], Williamsburg, 22 September 1781. 5½ pages, 4to, 235 x 193mm (9¼ x 7.5/8in.). IN VERY FINE CONDITION.
WAYNE ON THE EVE OF YORKTOWN: "CORNWALLIS & HIS ARMY MUST SUBMIT TO OUR COMBINED FORCES"
A week before the seige of Yorktown begins, Wayne looks forward to the arrival of Admiral DeGrasse and his "large fleet of men of war." In view of France's undependable support, Wayne confesses: "I have not felt so sanguine...as the naval & land force sent us by our great and good ally would justify," but "the French troops are the finest & best made body of men, that I ever beheld. Their Officers are gentlemen...we have the highest Opinion of their Discipline, and cannot doubt their prowess." He predicts that, "unless fortune is uncommonly unkind Lord Cornwallis & his army must submit to our combined forces. His numbers are more than are generally given out, we shall find at least [6,000] combatants, Officers included..." But the arrival of Washington, "with the troops from the Northward, will enable us to complete the investiture immediately." The Marquis de Lafayette "the best of Officers & the first of men," has had a prolonged fever; his own wound "is in so fair a way, that I can mount my horse, & lead the troops in case of emergency." Anticipating the Yorktown confrontation, Wayne suggests "from Lord Cornwallis's character it may yet be possible to tempt him to a field day...otherwise...the siege will be very tedious..." He goes on to describe the British fortifications at Yorktown and Gloucester, then confesses that he is anxious for "his Lordship [Cornwallis] to play this duet, out of the lines...and expresses a fervent hope to see the American Colours...displayed upon the British Lines..." In a postscript he adds "best wishes to Lee" [Henry Lee].
WAYNE ON THE EVE OF YORKTOWN: "CORNWALLIS & HIS ARMY MUST SUBMIT TO OUR COMBINED FORCES"
A week before the seige of Yorktown begins, Wayne looks forward to the arrival of Admiral DeGrasse and his "large fleet of men of war." In view of France's undependable support, Wayne confesses: "I have not felt so sanguine...as the naval & land force sent us by our great and good ally would justify," but "the French troops are the finest & best made body of men, that I ever beheld. Their Officers are gentlemen...we have the highest Opinion of their Discipline, and cannot doubt their prowess." He predicts that, "unless fortune is uncommonly unkind Lord Cornwallis & his army must submit to our combined forces. His numbers are more than are generally given out, we shall find at least [6,000] combatants, Officers included..." But the arrival of Washington, "with the troops from the Northward, will enable us to complete the investiture immediately." The Marquis de Lafayette "the best of Officers & the first of men," has had a prolonged fever; his own wound "is in so fair a way, that I can mount my horse, & lead the troops in case of emergency." Anticipating the Yorktown confrontation, Wayne suggests "from Lord Cornwallis's character it may yet be possible to tempt him to a field day...otherwise...the siege will be very tedious..." He goes on to describe the British fortifications at Yorktown and Gloucester, then confesses that he is anxious for "his Lordship [Cornwallis] to play this duet, out of the lines...and expresses a fervent hope to see the American Colours...displayed upon the British Lines..." In a postscript he adds "best wishes to Lee" [Henry Lee].