ROCHAMBEAU    IN    MOTION

In  informing  ROCHAMBEAU  in  a  dispatch,  Washington  added ,
"I  hope  your  army  will  be  enabled  to  cross  with  the  same
facility  when  they  arrive."

The  French  arm}7  moved  by  way  of  White  Plains,  North
Castle,  Pines  Bridge,  and  Crompond,  where  it  camped  (No.  16)
August  21.
At  this  camp  ROCHAMBEAU  received  a  courier  with  a  note
from  the  chief,  ' '  I  shall  be  happy  in  your  company  to-morrow
(22d)  at  dinner  at  my  quarters  and  will  meet  you  at  the  ferry
by  8  o'clock,  when  we  will  either  be  furnished  with  some  cold
repast  en  passant  or  will  take  you  to  my  quarters  about  3  miles
from  the  ferry,  where  you  shall  be  introduced  to  a  warm
breakfast."

On  the  day  referred  to  («22d)  ROCHAMBEAU,  after  a  march  of
1 8  miles,  camped  (No.  17)  at  Kings  Ferry.
On  this  day  ( 2 ist), Washington  dispatched  this  information  to
Lafayette,  ' '  The  troops  destined  for  the  southern  quarter  are
now  in  motion.  The  American  detachment  is  already  on  the
west  side  of  the  Hudson.  The  French  army  I  expect  will  reach
the  ferry  this  day.  Our  march  will  be  continued  with  all  the
dispatch  that  our  circumstances  will  admit."

Fearful  of  an  effort  on  the  part  of  Cornwallis  to  retreat,  upon
beholding  the  French  fleet  in  portentious  reality,  Washington
expressed  to  Lafayette  his —


Newport  to  Yorktown,  1781  417

most  earnest  wish  that  the  land  and  naval  forces  which  you  will  have
with  you  may  so  combine  their  operations  that  the  British  may  not  be  able
to  escape.
