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Copy.- From Major-general Le Marquis de la Fayette to Major-general Greene, dated Mr. Tyre's plantation, twenty miles from Williamsburgh, June 27, 1781. SIR, MY letter of the 18th informed you of the enemy's retrograde movement to Richmond, where they made a stop. Our loss at the Point of Fork chiefly consisted of old arms out of repair, and some cannon, most of which have been since recovered. On the 18th (a.) the British army moved towards us, with a design, as I apprehend, to strike at a detached corps, commanded by General Muhlenberg. Upon this the light infantry and Pennsylvanians marched under General Wayne, when the enemy returned into the town. The day following, I was joined by General Steuben's troops, and on the night of the 20th, Richmond was evacuated. Having followed the enemy, our light parties fell in with them near new-Kent court house. The army was still at a distance, and Lord Cornwallis continued his march towards Williamsburgh. His rear and right flank were followed by a large detachment under Colonel Butler; but notwithstanding the most fatiguing march, the colonel reports, that he could not have overtaken them had not Major Macpherson mounted fifty light infantry behind an equal number of dragoons, which coming up with the enemy, charged them within six miles (c.) of Williamsburgh. Such of the advanced corps as could arrive, composed of riflemen, under Major Call and Major Willis, began a smart action. Inclosed is a return of our loss; that of the enemy is sixty killed, including several officers, and one hundred wounded, a disproportion which the skill of our riflemen easily explains. I am under great obligations to Colonel Butler, and the officers, and the officers and men of the detachment, for their ardour in the pursuit, and their conduct in the action. General Wayne, who marched to the support of Butler, sent down some troops, under Major Hamilton. The whole British (b.) army came out to save Simcoe, and on the arrival of our army on this ground, returned to Williamsburgh. The post they now occupy is strong under the protection of their shipping, but afterwards of one hundred miles from the Point of Fork. I had the honour to communicate these movements to the executive of the commonwealth, that the seat of government may be again re-established in the capital. Lord Cornwallis has received a reinforcement from Portsmouth. With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, &c. LA FAYETTE. (From A History of the Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, in the Southern Province of North America?, by Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, pp346-348.) Tarleton, Ch 5., [U], p. 346 6/27/1781 |
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