Washington's Engineer

by Norman Desmarais

  King’s Ferry November 5, 1779

  Sir,

  I have not been able to send you the details of the evacuation of Stony Point and Verplank’s Point as soon as I wished because I was absent from the army when the English abandoned the posts; I had been sent by General Washington to see to having some preparations made further down than White Plaines and in case some operations were undertaken against New York. The reports were so different in the place where I was that I did not wish to send any thing from there not knowing what to believe. I had not been here but one day when I learned of the death of Monsieur de la Radiere and I was obliged to go instantly to New Windsor (from which place I returned only yesterday) to put his affairs in order. So this sad event retarded a few more days the news which I send. I join also, Monsieur, a plan of the position of the English. I shall be very happy if this sketch of a point whose possession was the unique end of the operations of General Clinton during this campaign, interests you.

  I am at present engaged in destroying the works of the English on both sides of the river, and in repairing two that we made last spring to prevent the English ships from interrupting the communication which is constant and very necessary for the subsistence of our army. If you know where Mr. Duportail is dare I beg you, Monsieur, inform him of the death of Mr. de la Radiere. I have written him on the subject but as there is nothing so liable to get lost as letters in this country, it is possible that he has not received it. You will be so good as to have Monsieur de la Luzerne accept the assurance of my respect.

  I have the honor to be with Respect, Monsieur, etc.

  Gouvion.39

  General Duportail returned to camp near the end of November. His first care was to look after the affairs of his friend. He wrote the French minister,

  Morristown 12 Xbre 1779

  Monsieur,

  I take the liberty of sending you, Monsieur, as you have very kindly permitted me, the papers concerning the late M. de la Radiere. Since a death certificate is lacking because we could not have the Church having no part whatever in his burial, I have had two certificates drawn, one for Colonel Baldwin, engineer Colonel who cared for him up to the very last moment, the other for the adjutant general of the army who ordered military honors and conducted la pompe funèbre [funeral]. Besides I have joined one for myself as Commandant of the Corps in which M. de la Radiere served in this country. I think that these certificates, signed also by your Excellency, will be sufficient to prove legally the death of this officer. Indeed I am informed that nothing more is permitted in this country where every one makes his entry into the world and his exit from it the most often, without any written proof of either the one or the other.40

  The following note from Marbois was found among the Washington Papers:

  A Philadelphie the 1 March 1781

  Monsieur,

  I have received a letter from the relatives of M. de la Radiere who are distressed at the loss of that officer. They desire that Your Excellency will be so good as to express in a personal letter to me, or in any other way, your opinion regarding services and his zeal: I know how much his family will prize such a testimonial. If anything could lessen the regret which they feel for this loss it will be to know that he merited your esteem. I eagerly seize this occasion, Monsieur, to assure you of the profound respect with which I am etc.

  DE MARBOIS.41

  Washington replied,

  Head Quarters 23rd March 1781

  Sir,

  I had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 1st. while at New Port, upon a most agreeable visit to Count de Rochambeau and the Gentlemen of the French Army. I shall most readily grant the Certificate which the friends of the late Colo. La Radiere desire, but as it will be necessary for me to see General duportail to ascertain some particulars relative to the different ranks which he bore in the American service, I must defer transmitting the Certificate until the General returns from R. Island.

  Washington forwarded the requested certificate on May 16, 1781, but no copy was preserved among his papers. The testimony to the character and merits of the deceased must have satisfied the family.

  General Washington directed General Duportail and General Greene to meet the morning of December 16, 1779, to “examine all the grounds in the environs [of the encampment at Morristown] and make a written report to me without delay of the different spots which appear most proper to be occupied in case of any movement of the enemy towards us, pointing out the comparative advantages and disadvantages of each.” They were to “consider the several positions as relative to an army of ten thousand men in two lines, three divisions in the first and two divisions in the second.”42

  Duportail wrote to Marbois about the situation of the army on taking up winter quarters,

  Morristown, 11th Xbre 1779

  Sir, I have not had the honor of writing you since I returned to camp from Boston because nothing of importance had happened either on our side or that of the enemy. You have learned, doubtless, that we have left West Point and have come to take up our winter quarters in the outskirts of this town. Perhaps some persons will be surprised that we did not go farther down in New Jersey to be in a position to prevent the excursions of the English. It is certain that the force of our army, since the troops of Gates and Sullivan have joined us, would have permitted us to do something at this moment without danger, but we have to think of the future. It is well to realize that our army is obliged to remain in winter quarters long after the season permits entering on a campaign; that this year in particular the army will have melted away by half before the month of april, because at least a third of our soldiers belong to a group that will have two or three months leave and there is very little hope that they will reinlist; the small value of continental paper does not permit one to believe that others can be induced by that means to engage themselves. The country people will not even sell us their poultry, or their butter for this money therefore it is not at all likely they will be willing to sell themselves.43

  The Washington Papers contain numerous notes and memoranda in the hand of General Duportail and others in that of Colonel Gouvion during the winter of 1779. They relate to defenses, plans of operations, and so on and show how much the commander in chief relied on these men for their accurate knowledge and trained minds.

  When Washington sent Duportail to help Major General Benjamin Lincoln at Charleston, South Carolina, Gouvion left West Point to replace Duportail at headquarters. Another change occurred in August 1780, when Colonel Kosciusko departed West Point to serve as an engineer in the South with General Gates. Major Jean-Louis-Ambroise de Genton, the Chevalier de Villefranche, succeeded Kosciusko as West Point’s engineer.

  5

  THE CAMPAIGN OF 1780 Charleston

  General Washington ordered General Greene on December 15, 1779, to cooperate with General Duportail in determining what position the army should take in case of an enemy attack and to make a report to him. They submitted their report on January 16, 1780, but the sketch map accompanying the report seems to have been lost:

  To locate the army to any particular spots, may facilitate the Enemi’s getting possession of advantageous grounds, either upon one or the other of our flanks—It appears to us more proper therefore, that we move the troops upon the high and advantageous grounds, according as the motions of the enemy may indicate an intention to make an impression at particular places.

  Having examined the ground in and about camp, agreeable to your Excellency’s order of the 15th of December, We are of opinion, that the range of hills marked P. O. N. is that upon which the troops may be most advantageously posted, to receive the enemy should they present themselves in front of the mountains from Morristown to Kembles. Should the enemy approach us by Baskinridge and that quarter, we must occupy the grounds from the hill P. to the hill R; but if they approach us by Pluckemin, Black River and Mendham, we must draw up in the form of two sides of a square, from the hill R. to the hill S. and from the hill F. the last of
which lies a little in front of the Pennsylvania line. Should the enemy attempt to penetrate our line by the way of the York Brigade, we must take post from the hill U. to the hill N.

  Some of the positions are weaker than others, and some parts of each weaker than the rest; such are the intervals between the mountain Q. to the mountain R. and between the mountain R. and the mountain S. Therefore to be safe in those positions (should we be greatly inferior to the Enemy) it will be necessary to strengthen these places by art; and for this purpose it would be well to preserve as much of the wood as possible standing, on the ground.

  The several positions we have marked, being composed of a chain of hills, have the advantage, that we never can be brought to a general action; the hills being divided by deep valleys, which form each, in a manner, a distinct post.

  We must govern our retreat according to the enemies approach. If they approach us by the way of Morris, we can retreat by the way of Mendham, but if they approach by the way of Baskinridge, or Mendham, we may retreat by the way of Morris. However the position of the army is at such a remove from the enemy and so difficult of access, that there is little probability of their attempting any thing against us, without a greater diminution of our force, then we have reason to expect.

  The suffering of the Continental Army at Morristown during the winter of 1780 was as great as, if not more than, that at Valley Forge in 1778. Not only was there lack of clothing and provision of all kinds, but also the general depression and widespread lack of enthusiasm throughout the country threatened the very existence of the army itself. General Washington’s January 8 circular to the magistrates of New Jersey urged them to send immediate aid:

  The present situation of the army with the respect to provisions is the most distressing of any we have experienced since the beginning of the war. For a Fortnight past, the troops, both officers and men, have been almost perishing for want. They have been alternately without bread and meat, the whole time, with a very scanty allowance of either, and frequently destitute of both. They have borne their sufferings with a patience that merits the approbation & ought to excite the sympathy of their countrymen. But they are now reduced to an extremity no longer to be supported. . . .

  The distress we feel is chiefly owing to the early commencement and uncommon rigor of the winter, which have greatly obstructed the transportation of our supplies. . . . From present appearances it must be more than five weeks before we can have the benefit of any material supplies beyond the limits of this state. . . .

  Influenced by those considerations my duty to the Public and my affection to the virtuous inhabitants of this state . . . have determined me to call upon the respective Counties for a proportion of grain and cattle to satisfy the present emergency.1

  RETAINING THE SERVICES OF THE ENGINEERS

  Washington wrote to the president of Congress on January 2, expressing his desire to retain Brigadier General Duportail, Colonels Radière and Laumoy, and Lieutenant Colonel Gouvion in the service of the United States for another campaign because “their conduct has more than justified the opinion expressed in my letter. . . . They have been particularly useful in the course of this last period, and have acquired general esteem and confidence. I cannot forbear adding that the better the gentleman at the head of the corps is known the more he is found to be a man of abilities, and of distinguished military merit.”2

  Congress agreed to Washington’s request on January 14 that they

  be retained in the service during the war or so long as is consistent with their duty to their King and agreeable to their inclinations.

  Resolved, That Congress have a very favourable opinion of the conduct and capacity of General Du Portail and Messrs. Laumaoy and Gouvion and lament the untimely death of Col La Radiere who during his services in America had by his zeal and exertions highly recommended himself as an officer and a gentleman.

  Whereas Brigadier General du Portail and Colonel Laumoy, and Lieutenant Colonel de Gouvion, have continued in the service of the United States pursuant to a resolution of Congress of the 1st day of January, 1779, and under a permission from the Minister Plenipotentiary of his most Christian Majesty, and have obtained from the Commander-in-Chief ample testimonials of honorable and useful services rendered during the last campaign:

  Resolved, That Brigadier General du Portail and Messieurs Laumoy and Gouvion be retained in the service of the United States (if permission can be obtained for that purpose from his most Christian Majesty or his Minister Plenipotentiary) so long, during the present war, as shall be consistent with their inclinations and duty as officers to their King:

  That the Board of War be directed to confer with the Minister of France on the subject, and inform General du Portail and Messieurs Laumoy and Gouvion of the result of such conference.3

  Washington notified Colonel Moses Hazen on January 21 that General Duportail would leave for Newark the following day and proceed to reconnoiter Paulus Hook. He ordered Colonel Hazen to have two hundred men at Newark to take his orders, and they would return to camp the following day.4

  DUPORTAIL WANTS TO GO TO THE CAROLINAS

  Earlier in the season, in a letter dated simply “Samedi matin 1779” but probably written very soon after Duportail and Hamilton’s return to camp following the fruitless wait for the French fleet on the Jersey coast, Duportail asked Hamilton’s assistance to get authorization to go to the Carolinas. He seems to have had a persistent idea that it might be exceedingly useful to the allied cause if he were to spend the winter in the Carolinas to make preparations for the ensuing campaign. He noted several reasons that made it unwise for him to ask on his own behalf to be sent down. The request or order must come from the commander in chief or from Congress. He wanted Hamilton to direct matters tactfully to successful completion. He ended by saying, “However the affair turns, let this letter be a secret between us; but I absolutely desire to be gratified in this respect. Adieu.”5

  It cannot be verified whether it was because of Colonel Hamilton’s assistance, but Congress resolved on March 6 “That Genl. Du Portail be directed to repair to the State of South Carolina with all possible expedition, and join the southern army, and act either With the main army or in the immediate defence of Charlestown, as shall appear to him to be conducive to the public service.”6 The resolution, however, was postponed.

  Meanwhile, Washington took up the matter directly with Congress and wrote the following letter to General Duportail on March 27:

  Notwithstanding the occasion we should have of your services in this quarter should any active operations [be] commenced, the critical situation of Charles Town and the importance of that place induce me to wish you were there.

  I am doubtful whether you can arrive in time; but I have submitted the matter to Congress to determine according to the advices they have received. The letter to them is inclosed, which after reading you will be pleased to deliver to the President. Should you go to the Southward I request you will favour me with a detail as frequently as circumstances will permit, of the military operations in that quarter; and I entreat you to believe that I shall at all times take great pleasure in hearing of your success and glory.7

  His letter to the president of Congress is as follows:

  Head Quarters, Morristown, 27 March 1780

  Sir,

  In the present situation of Southern affairs much will depend on having an able Engineer in that quarter. I have a very good opinion of the Gentleman there in this line [Colonel Laumoy], but the confidence I have in General Duportail’s abilities makes me think his presence would be of the greatest utility. Though we may sensibly feel the want of him here should any active operation commence; yet upon the whole I would be willing to spare him were there a probability of his arriving in time. I have no doubt from the season and from every other circumstance that General Clinton will press the enterprise with all the vigor and dispatch in his power; but the loss of his horses may necessarily retard his progress. I beg leave to submit to C
ongress the propriety of sending General Duportail, which they will be best able to determine from the general complexion of the advices they have received. As he is in Philadelphia their orders immediately to him will prevent delay. In case of his going it will be of course necessary to bear his expenses and furnish him with the means of expedition, and it were to be wished he may receive his orders as soon as possible.

  I have the honor to be etc.

  Go. WASHINGTON.8

  General Washington was under intense pressure at this time. Things were going badly in the South, and the country was gradually becoming disillusioned with the war. The commander in chief’s will to succeed sustained the patriots during this long and difficult time. In this case, his desire to have General Duportail render what service was still possible at Charleston coincided with the wishes of Congress, so that the order was immediately given following the reading of the letter from the commander in chief. Two days later, on March 31, he was voted to receive $20,000, and a further sum of $8,000 was added on April 5 “in consequence of a letter from the Board of War” that Duportail took with him to General Lincoln, along with the following letter of introduction:

  Morristown, March 30, 1780

  Dear Sir,

  This will be delivered to you by Brigadier-General Duportail, chief engineer; a gentleman of whose abilities and merit I have the highest opinion, and who, if he arrives in time will be of essential utility to you. The delay that will probably attend General Clinton’s operations, in consequence of the losses that he has suffered on the voyage, makes me hope his assistance may not come too late; and the critical situation of your affairs induces me to part with him, though in case of any active operations here, I should sensibly feel the want of him. From the experience I have had of this gentleman, I recommend him to your particular confidence. You will find him able in the branch he professes; of a clear and comprehensive judgment; of extensive military science; and of great zeal, assiduity and bravery; in short, I am persuaded you will find him a most valuable acquisition, and will avail yourself effectually of his services. You cannot employ him too much on every important occasion.9