Duc de Lauzun letter to Vicomte d'Arrot, 1781 March 2

Lauzun writes from Waterley to d'Arrot concerning intelligence from Washington that 300 mounted men are bound for Long Island with the French forces as their objective. Lauzun discounts the intelligence. Advises d'Arrot to leave Hartford until a sufficient militia force can be gathered.

[English Translation]

I have the honor to send you sir the letters which are for Lebanon, I received mine on the road and did not even have time to read them.

In telling me that there is not any dependence [on it] General Washington informs me that information was give him that the enemy to the number of three hundred mounted men are bound to go to Long Island, to embark themselves there and that we are their objective, I believe so little of it that I continue my route. I have meanwhile seen Gen. Huntington and Col. Ledgar. You will be warned far in advance, if the least thing happens. Your best part will be to withdraw yourself on Hartford, until sufficient militia would be assembled; the debarked enemies would be I am convinced nearly as many. In case of more I have taken my measures in order to join you in time. I would be very obliged to youf if you learn something here. I ask of you the goodnes to send my horses before me to Wolentowne. You know Sir, my sincere and inviolable attachment.

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