DE CORNY TO HAMILTON.
Newport, 4th Dec., 1780.
Sir:
The ill state of my health obliges me to request permission to return to France, for as short a time as possible. I must, before my departure, acquit myself of the double duty of thanking you for the favors with which you have honored me, and of soliciting your orders for my country. The satisfaction I feel of being chosen to accompany the Marquis de la Fayette, and of executing under his orders, the dispositions necessary to the arrival of the French army, which, as an interesting period of my life, will not be superior to that of returning to give our great and good General Washington new proofs of my zeal. I shall always be honored in being reckoned one of your most faithful comrades. I wish that happiness, success and glory follow you for ever.
I am, with everlasting attachment,
Your most humble and most obedient servant,
Estris de Corny,
Lt. Colonel of Cavalry.
I pray you to present my friendship and full compliments to the General’s family.
Col. Hamilton.