Page:American History Told by Contemporaries, v2.djvu/612

584. Up to the present time all of my undertakings have progressed successfully, and I can say that the trust reposed in me by the army increases daily. I commanded the left wing in the first engagement of the battle of Monmouth last year, and was so fortunate as to turn the day in our favor ; and in all the smaller engagements, both of the last and present campaigns, I have been lucky enough to have all the soldiers anxious to be under my command. Last winter I completed the "Infantry and Cavalry Tactics," which were at once printed and promulgated.

Congress testified its thanks to me, both by a letter of acknowledgment, which was published in all the newspapers, and by a present of two saddle-horses and 4000 thalers (a thaler is 5 livre and 10 sous) ; and not only my adjutants, but even my secretaries, received gratuities. . ..

I am at present on a tour of inspection for the purpose not only of reviewing all the regiments, but of introducing the system laid down in my tactics. Indeed, my friend, I have been fortunate in everything I have here undertaken. I am now fifth in rank as general ; and if my career be not ended by a fever or by half an ounce of lead, the possibilities are vast enough to satisfy the most ambitious. Two or three years of toil, and then, my friend, you must promise to visit me in Paris ; and there we will discuss the question whether we are to dine together in Europe or in America. Oh ! my dearest F, why have I wasted my years in such a manner ! Two years of work — if one is not afraid of toil and danger — can make a man successful. Experience has convinced me of this ; nor can I forgive myself for my past indolence.

What a beautiful, what a happy country this is ! Without kings, without prelates, without blood-sucking farmer-generals, and without idle barons ! Here everybody is prosperous. Poverty is an unknown evil. Indeed, I should become too prolix were I to give you an account of the prosperity and happiness of these people. The account of them by Abbé Reynal is not entirely accurate, but it is the best. Read it and judge for yourself. . ..

. . . I must candidly admit to you that six foreign officers cause more trouble to me here than two hundred American ones ; and indeed most of the foreigners have so utterly lost their credit, that it is daily becoming more difficult to employ foreign officers. A large number of German barons and French marquises have already sailed away ; and I am always nervous and apprehensive when a baron or a marquis announces himself. While here we are in a republic ; and Mr. Baron does not count a farthing more than Mister Jacob or Mister Peter. Indeed, German and French