Washington's Engineer by Norman Desmarais (speed reading book TXT) 📕

The memorial is developed under the headings “Fleets,” “Land Troops,” “Siege of Charlestown,” “Siege of New York,” “Finance,” “Clothing,” and “Military Equipment.” He begins with general principles, then treats each division of the subject from personal knowledge of the American situation. Thus, regarding the fleet, he says in the beginning, “The necessity of constantly having a superior fleet to that of the English is so generally recognized as to need no comment.”2 He goes into great detail, showing ways and means by which successful sieges of the two most important points in the possession of the British, Charlestown and New York, can be effected. He then describes the depressed condition of the country, the depreciated currency, and the lack of clothing and supplies: “It is undoubtedly unfortunate that France must bother herself with such questions, but it is necessary that she do so.” He concludes forcefully,

[I]n recapitulating all that I ask of France for America, it may seem exhorbitant—but is it not true that it is only so because we have accustomed ourselves from the beginning to think that the Americans could carry on the war with only slight help from us and so drive out the English? Moreover it is not a question of whether or not America is doing all she can on her side—if it is thought France should not be obliged to make such great efforts we must start from the actual state of things. It is here a question of finishing with honor a thing which is as much ours as the Americans. I do not go far enough; it is more so from certain points of view. The Americans with less shame than we, can yield and return to the domination of the British. They will always be received with open arms. They [the English] are preparing now to receive them as brothers who with good will become reconciled—but for France—who in the face of the Universe has recognized the independence of America—she has irrevocably attached her honor to that independence and its annihilation would be for the nation an affront that could never be effaced.3

Some of the prisoners were exchanged for British prisoners of equal rank. Others took longer for a variety of reasons. Laumoy and Cambray were in this latter category. The delay in the exchange of these men was not due to neglect either on the part of Congress or of their friends in America. Special efforts were made during the summer of 1781 to exchange all the prisoners and to secure, while waiting, the release on parole of those whose exchange could not be procured immediately. Many prisoners of war taken at Charlestown and elsewhere reached Philadelphia in July 1781. Congress recognized their pitiable condition and passed several resolutions regarding them:

[C]onsiderable numbers lately relieved from loathsome confinement of prisonships and dungeons . . . are arrived in this city . . . having been subjected to every evil which their faithful adherence to our righteous cause could prompt a vindictive and disappointed enemy to inflict upon them. . . . Resolved that, for the purpose of administering a suitable relief . . . a recommendation [be made] to promote a loan of money . . . of which Congress will guaranty the repayment. . . . Your committee further recommends . . . the encouragement of benevolent contributions by way of free gifts.4

LAUMOY AND CAMBRAY

General Duportail heard of the arrival of the members of his corps from the prison camps of the South. On his way to meet Grasse in the Chesapeake in late August 1781, he took occasion, in his busy passage through Philadelphia, to confer with the Chevalier de La Luzerne, the French minister, regarding measures to be taken for the release of the prisoners. It was decided to make a special appeal to the commander in chief. The Chevalier de La Luzerne wrote a note to Washington and forwarded three letters given to him by General Duportail, Laumoy, and Cambray. The French minister wrote,

Philadelphia, 24 August 1781,

Monsieur

I have the honor of sending you three letters which have been given me by Genl Duportail, Mrs. de Laumoy and de Cambray. These officers desire infinitely to be exchanged and they have hardly any other hope than the goodness of your Excellency. I implore your Excellency to consider that their services in the Southern States might be useful in the present circumstances; their knowledge of the country which they have acquired during the three last campaigns gives them some right to expect to be preferred. At least this is what the South Carolina delegation expressed, who seemed disposed to for their exchange if it met with the approval of your Excellency.

LA LUZERNE

Duportail wrote,

philadelphia 22 august 1781

Dear general

i have seen just now a resolve of Congress about the exchange of prisoners by which the matter is referred to your Excellency. in this circumstance i take the liberty to recall to your mind Colonel Laumoy and Lt. Col. Cambray. as my countrymen, my friends, i wish extremely to see them at liberty, but in this moment i may add that the public advantage is joined to their private and my own satisfaction. the acquaintance they have with the southern states may render them very useful. i shall have, dear general, the greatest gratitude of what your Excellency will be pleased to do for them in this opportunity and i shall consider it as a great favor for myself.

there are besides in my department Captaine schreiber and Captaine l’enfant who are also prisoners. but if the exchange is a general one they shall probably be exchanged of course. nothinstanding i recommend them to your excellency’s goodness.

i have the honor to be with the greatest respect and attachment your etc.

DuPORTAIL.5

Colonel Laumoy wrote,

philadelphia august the ( ? ) 1781

Sir.

I have the honor to forward to your Excellency a letter from Genl. Du Portail by which he shows his Desire of my being exchanged. Your Excellency can