Revolutionary War-dated LS signed “Go: Washington,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 12.5, March 31, 1781. Letter to Admiral Charles René Dominique Sochet, Chevalier Destouches, French commander of the Newport fleet who had just failed in his attempt to deliver troops to Virginia to oppose those of the recently-turned British general Benedict Arnold. The British Admiral Mariot Arbuthnot, stationed at Gardiner's Bay, detected the French fleet and was able to pursue and outsail them—thanks to copper-clad vessels and a favorable wind—to head them off at Cape Henry. Arbuthnot's fleet gained control of the bay, at the mouth of the Chesapeake, forcing the French fleet to return to Newport and allowing the British to send reinforcements to Arnold. In this letter, Washington commiserates with Destouches over his failure.
In full: "I was last evening honored with you favor of the 19th Instant by the Hermione, via Philadelphia, and with a duplicate from New Port. I am obliged by the minute detail which you are pleased to give me on the Action of the 16th Inst. between the Squadron of his Most Christian Majesty under your command and that of the British under Admiral Arbuthnot.
Tho you have not been able to accomplish the object which you had in view, you have merited the thanks of every American by the boldness of the attempt, and by the gallantry and good conduct displayed through the whole course of the engagement.—I will confess to you, Sir, I was never Sanguine in my expectations after I saw the British Fleet follow you so closely from Gardiners Bay. I knew that the success of the expedition depended almost entirely upon your arrival in the Chesapeak before Admiral Arbuthnot—A circumstance in which the Winds and Weather had more influence than valour or skill—Had it depended upon the latter, I should have had perfect confidence, and the event has justified my opinion." In fine condition.
Although Washington offers expressions of genteel sympathy in the present letter, he was highly displeased with the outcome of Destouches' expedition. Writing in frustration to his cousin Lund at Mount Vernon, Washington placed blame on the French naval force's slowness to act: 'It was unfortunate—but this I mention in confidence—that the French Fleet & detachment did not undertake the enterprize they are now upon, when I first proposed it to them—the destruction of Arnolds corps would then have been inevitable before the British fleet could have been in a condition to put to Sea.' The letter was intercepted during a British raid and subsequently published in Rivington's Gazette, leading to a diplomatic incident between Washington and Rochambeau, the commander-in-chief of the French Expeditionary Force.
Rochambeau wrote to Washington in protest, explaining the circumstances of any delays and demanding an answer with 'all the candor which distinguishes your Character.' The embarrassed Washington replied graciously regarding the 'intercepted letter of mine published by the enemy,' writing: 'I am unhappy, that an accident should have put it in their power to give to the world any thing from me, which may contain an implication the least disagreeable to you or to the Chevalier Des-Touches.' Washington closed the letter by offering further reassurance of his 'real esteem for, and confidence in the Chevalier Des Touches.' A significant letter of the Revolutionary War era, signed by the general who would soon deliver victory at Yorktown.
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