The military skill and bravery manifested by General Lafayette, and the
officers and men under his command in Virginia, at this period, will be
evident from his letters and orders here given. They speak particularly of
the courage and conduct of General Wayne, and his detachment; but they also
afford new proofs of the intelligence and activity of the commanding
officer.


Letter from General Lafayette, to General Greene.


_"Near James River, July_ 8, 1781.

"SIR,

"On the 4th, the enemy evacuated Williamsburgh, where some stores fell into
our hands, and retired to this place, under the cannon of their shipping.
The next morning we advanced, and a part of our troops took post about nine
miles from the British camp. The 6th, I detached an advanced corps under
General Wayne, to reconnoitre the enemy's situation. Their light parties
being drawn in, the pickets which lay near their encampment, were gallantly
attacked by some riflemen, whose skill was employed to great effect.

"Having learnt that Lord Cornwallis had sent off his heavy baggage under an
escort, and posted his army in an open field, fortified by the shipping, I
returned to the detachment, which I found generally engaged. A piece of
cannon had been attempted by the vanguard, and the whole British army
advanced to the wood, occupied by General Wayne. His whole corps did not
exceed 800, part of which were militia, with three field pieces.--But at
sight of the British, the troops ran to the rencontre, notwithstanding the