equally laudable now engage him to return to France, who, in her present
circumstances, claims his services.

"His eagerness to offer his duty to his Prince and country, however great,
could not influence him to quit the continent in any stage of an unfinished
campaign; he resolved to remain at least till the close of the present; and
embraces this moment of suspense, to communicate his wishes to Congress,
with a view of having the necessary arrangements made in time; and of being
still within reach, should any occasion offer of distinguishing himself in
the field.

"The Marquis, at the same time, from a desire of preserving a relation with
us, and a hope of having it yet in his power to be useful as an American
officer, solicits only a furlough, sufficient for the purposes above
mentioned. A reluctance to part with an officer, who unites to all the
military fire of youth, an uncommon maturity of judgment, world lead me to
prefer his being absent on this footing, if it depended solely on me. I
shall always be happy to give such a testimony of his services, as his
bravery and good conduct on all occasions entitle him to; and I have no
doubt that Congress will add suitable expressions of their sense of his
merits, and their regret on account of his departure. I here the honor to
be, &c.

"GEO. WASHINGTON."

From the Marquis to Congress.


"_Philadelphia. Oct. 8th_, 1778.