Two Crowns for America, Page 24

  Lifting his glass slightly, he indicated a tall, somewhat gawky-looking youth engaged in animated conversation with the sixteen-year-old William Temple Franklin, who had accompanied his grandfather as secretary on the mission. Though young Franklin’s companion was as elegantly attired as any of the courtiers present, powdered and bejeweled in the latest of fashion, there was an awkward quality to his movements and his very carriage that bespoke extreme youth.

  “He looks very young,” Justin observed, casting an appraising eye over the distant figure. “Lucien, do you know him?”

  “Not for some years,” the prince allowed. “I remember hearing how his father had been killed by the English at Minden. It was very tragic, for Gilbert was not yet two at the time, and I believe his father had never seen him. But when he was twelve, he inherited the entire estate of his maternal grandfather, the Marquis de La Rivière—which left him a very wealthy young man. And I believe he has married extremely well.”

  “Interesting,” Justin murmured, returning his attention to Franklin. “And how old is he now?”

  “Just nineteen, I believe,” Franklin replied. “However, he is not entirely without military experience, despite his youth; he’s held a captaincy in the very prestigious Noailles Regiment for more than two years. He’s also reasonably well educated, and fairly fluent in English.”

  “So are many men,” Justin pointed out.

  “Yes, but he is also full of zeal for our cause. Coupled with his family connections and his not inconsiderable wealth, that makes him potentially very useful. And I believe a mutual acquaintance of ours has additional plans for him, does he not, Prince?”

  The comment startled Justin, for though he had suspected for some time that Franklin’s interests and talents ran far deeper than initially assumed, he had not expected even a veiled reference to Saint-Germain in this context. The prince, however, seemed quite nonplussed.

  “Yes. I was told that a new agent was being prepared,” he allowed.

  “Well, you see him before you,” Franklin said. “Mind you, I don’t believe the young marquis is meant to know he’s being guided. Why don’t you make his acquaintance, Lieutenant? Perhaps the prince will introduce you. You aren’t that much older than he is; and when he learns of your close association with our Commander in Chief, I expect you’ll find you have a most attentive new friend. He’s quite taken with the idea of serving under Washington.”

  “How will he be able to do that, if French officers are forbidden to serve in our army?”

  “Why, I believe he intends to purchase a ship. And my colleague Silas Deane has been induced to offer him a commission as major general. Come the spring, I expect that Paris shall see little more of Monsieur le Marquis de Lafayette.”

  Prince Lucien performed the introductions that very evening, then faded quietly back to Franklin’s side to watch the two younger men interact.

  “You actually know the General?” the marquis murmured, when they had sampled the punch and Justin had confided his standing in the Continental Army.

  “I cannot claim him as a friend,” Justin admitted. “Few men can. But my brother-in-law is one of his aides, and I serve him as aide. I’ve had occasion to perform the occasional service for the General.”

  “Tell me what he is like,” Lafayette urged, drawing Justin into a mirrored alcove where they could speak more privately. “He seems to me the most admirable of commanders. I intend to offer him my services as soon as I can arrange passage to America—and against the orders of my king, though I would ask that you not betray me in this matter,” he added with a meaningful look around the assembly before them in the mirrored hall. “I have agreed to take no salary, if only I may serve at his side. This is my most fervent ambition!”

  Containing a smile, and assuring the marquis that he would not think of revealing his plans, Justin spent the next hour describing the general circumstances of the American struggle, and of their Commander in Chief in particular. By the end of the evening he had a firm new friend. Within the week Saint-Germain had informed him just how firm he intended that new friend to be.

  “His part extends even beyond what is unfolding in the New World,” the Master told Justin as the prince listened but said nothing. “Others are attempting to use him, but I have already set him apart for my own use. Have you met a gentleman called the Comte de Broglie?”

  “He is hardly a gentleman,” the prince remarked with a sniff of disdain.

  “But his rank does give him important connections,” the Master pointed out, returning his attention to Justin. “The Comte de Broglie commands the French army at Metz. He is both ambitious and disappointed. He served Louis the Fifteenth most ably as head of his secret diplomacy, but Louis the Sixteenth has not shown him the favor he feels he deserves. Since that state of affairs is not likely to change, the Comte de Broglie has conceived a plan whereby he shall become King of America, after leading the American Army to a glorious victory. Of course it has not occurred to him that the Americans might have other ideas.”

  Justin’s jaw had dropped as Saint-Germain spoke. “He wants to be king?”

  “Oh, indeed. He has positioned several of his aides to treat with your Silas Deane for commissions—at which they may succeed, since Deane is desperate and fears that only European officers have the skill to stand against the British.”

  “Is Lafayette one of Broglie’s aides?” Justin asked.

  “No, Broglie considers him a means to an end, of limited usefulness because of his youth and inexperience. His principal lieutenants are a German called Johann De Kalb, of some ability, and a minor French nobleman called Mauroy—rather an unpleasant fellow.

  “Broglie intends that Lafayette should be used as a stalking horse, to secure American commissions for De Kalb, Mauroy, and a cadre of additional French officers selected for their loyalty to Broglie. Then, when the time is right, these men would call in Broglie to take over as Commander in Chief—a laughable plan, but it could create problems for Washington that he does not need. Yet he does need Lafayette. So we shall use Broglie and his minions for now, for our own purposes.”

  “Which are?”

  “First of all, to get Lafayette out of France and attached to Washington,” Saint-Germain said with a smile. “This will be more difficult than it might appear, even without Broglie’s intrigues, for not only the King and his ministers but also his family are opposed—and he will be leaving a young wife who, I believe, is with child.

  “Fortunately, young Gilbert du Motier, Monsieur le Marquis de Lafayette, was determined to go to America long before I set my hand upon this matter. These are early times yet, but if all proceeds as planned, I intend that he shall become a brother in the Craft, to ensure his discretion, and eventually a vital link within our Inner Circle.”

  “The Craft is strong here in France,” the prince remarked. “I am surprised he has not yet embraced it.”

  “He is young yet,” Saint-Germain replied. “Besides that, far better that Washington should start him upon that path, since his function in the New World will revolve around Washington. I shall hope to see him guided gently in that direction over the coming year. Simon will also be apprised of this intention, since he is apt to have even closer contact with both men.

  “In a related vein, I desire Arabella to continue in her masonic work. I would hope to see her made Fellow Craft before next winter, if that is possible. I am sending instructions to Andrew in that regard.”

  The prince nodded. “I understand. And Lafayette—how much is he to know?”

  “For now, only what is necessary. As I said, he is young. I intend that he should spend this year and the next in America, establishing his relationship with the General. Then I shall want him back in France for a time. By then, we shall have more precise assessments of the part it will be necessary for him to play.” The Master glanced at Justin. “Does anything in this plan give you cause for concern?”

  Justin shook his head. “He seems an agr
eeable young man,” he said. “If he endears himself to Washington as he has to me, his placement will be ideal for whatever you intend for him.”

  “Excellent.” Saint-Germain smiled. “Then, make the most of these next few months, until he departs for America. Though I intend that you shall continue as my principal courier to and from Andrew and Simon, I wish you to maintain a cordial relationship with the marquis. I shall instruct you in more specific terms as this becomes appropriate.”

  The next months proved more enjoyable than arduous for Justin, for what young man could fail to be caught up by the excitement of carnival season in Paris? Especially if one’s introductions came via a prince—albeit of modest means—and a dazzlingly wealthy marquis. Seen increasingly in the company of the smart set usually attendant on the young Queen, Marie Antoinette, Justin found his days filled with riding, hunting, attendance at racing meetings, and leisurely carriage rides through the many parks in Paris. By night, his growing association with the Marquis de Lafayette opened doors to the best parties and salons and balls in Paris, where he and Prince Lucien helped further the illusion that the marquis had given up his plans to go to the New World.

  While Broglie’s men became convinced they were manipulating the young marquis, inducing him to buy a ship and helping lay false trails to facilitate his flight from France, in fact Saint-Germain was manipulating them all; so that by April, when Lafayette set sail with a handful of young French officers and De Kalb—who was convinced he had masterminded the affair—in fact Lafayette was doing precisely what Saint-Germain had always intended. As soon as he was safely away, Justin and Prince Lucien took ship for Boston, arriving in mid-June.

  They did not know to what port Lafayette was headed, but he had not yet arrived in Boston. What had arrived, as the winter wore on, were Silas Deane’s first shipments of muskets, ammunition, and other desperately needed supplies from France, sent thence to the army wintering in Morristown. After delivering letters to Andrew, the prince and Justin visited with Andrew, Arabella, and the children for a few days, catching up on the news current in Boston; then they headed southward, skirting New York. En route they learned that Washington had moved the army to Middlebrook, on the Raritan River above Brunswick, and that Howe’s army had ventured out from Staten Island to New Jersey, hoping to lure Washington into battle, smash him, and advance on Philadelphia.

  But Washington avoided the traps set for him, for he had learned a vital lesson in the previous year’s campaigning: that the British preferred not to march through open country, for fear of the Americans’ increasing propensity to wage guerrilla-style warfare from behind every hillock and wall and derelict building. Under constant harassment by American forces, Howe soon withdrew again to Staten Island, pulling out even the Hessian outposts he had left guarding throughout the winter, leaving New Jersey completely unoccupied by British troops.

  Meanwhile, in the north, though the British under Burgoyne had succeeded in taking back Ticonderoga and had hoped to push down along the Hudson and cut off New England, they had lost other important battles. With General Schuyler and then General Gates continuing to harass Burgoyne, Howe could expect no help from that quarter.

  Yet Philadelphia still lay in rebel hands—a nagging symbol of colonial rebellion, since it continued to serve as the insurgents’ capital. Howe had learned the hard way that approaching across the Jerseys was not feasible. But perhaps transporting his troops over part of that distance by sea would prove the edge he needed—especially if it came as a surprise.

  When British ships began massing in New York Harbor in early July, it was first assumed that they would sail up the Hudson to aid Burgoyne. Howe loaded around eighteen thousand troops but then let the ships sit for nearly a fortnight. At the same time he encouraged rumors that his intended objective for the rest of this battle season was Boston. He even arranged for a letter to fall into Washington’s hands confirming that plan. But Washington was not deceived.

  Justin and the prince arrived in Philadelphia along with the news that Howe’s ships had not sailed up the Hudson but had gone to sea, destination unknown. The two still had learned nothing of Lafayette’s whereabouts. The prince, after briefing Simon, volunteered the services of Dr. Lucien Rohan as an additional surgeon until the winter, for he had learned sufficient battlefield skill during his months with the British to make him useful. Once both armies went into winter quarters, he would turn his hand to assisting with the financing of the war effort. Justin, meanwhile, acquainted Simon with the Master’s plans for Lafayette, then settled down to wait for his arrival.

  The young marquis at last reached Philadelphia on July 27, after landing six weeks previously in Georgetown, South Carolina. His reception in nearby Charleston had been cordial, once it became known that he was both a genuine aristocrat and rich, but the journey north through South Carolina and Virginia was arduous. The band of eleven French officers that finally arrived in Philadelphia was travel worn and bedraggled, and the reception there was hardly what Lafayette had been led to expect.

  For Broglie’s ambitions were by now known to Congress, who had had enough of foreign officers seeking American commissions. Some of them were discredited adventurers no longer welcome in Europe. Many were greedy, arrogant, and not particularly well trained. Some, while competent, had only disdain for their American counterparts; and many senior American officers fiercely resented the commissions being dispensed so freely in Paris by Silas Deane.

  Lafayette was an unknown to Congress; but the fact that he had come with De Kalb, who was Broglie’s agent, tarred him with the same brush. Undaunted by initial rejection, the marquis approached individual members of Congress with letters of introduction and managed to convince them that he was no adventurer. While no commissions were forthcoming for any of his companions, Congress offered Lafayette an appointment Deane had promised as a major general.

  “Whereas the Marquis de Lafayette, out of his great zeal to the cause of liberty, in which the United States are engaged, has left his family and connections, and at his own expense comes over to offer his services to the United States, without pension or particular allowance, and is anxious to risk his life in our cause; Resolved, that his services be accepted, and that in consideration of his zeal, his illustrious family, and connections, he have the rank and commission of a major general in the army of the United States.”

  Of course, his youth precluded the former French captain from actually commanding a division for the time being, and he declined even the offer of reimbursement for his expenses, but Lafayette was elated. No sooner had his commission been conferred than he was taken to the house where Washington had established his headquarters outside Philadelphia.

  Much of the resolution of Lafayette’s fate in the last few days had been orchestrated by Simon, acting on Justin’s intelligence from Saint-Germain. It was with profound relief that the pair observed the first meeting between marquis and general, as the starry-eyed young Frenchman was presented to his new Commander in Chief. Lafayette’s reaction bordered on the reverent; and Washington, who enjoyed being surrounded by bright young officers, warmed to the younger man’s adulation with noble affability.

  The invitation to move into his house and join his military family was no more than the General extended to all his staff, whenever possible; but at Versailles, the granting of such accommodation would have been accounted a singular sign of favor. Lafayette was enchanted. The next day, during a review of troops that also paraded the newly official flag, with its new constellation of thirteen stars now replacing the British union, Lafayette was given the sash of a major general and was invited to dine with Washington. The day after that he rode at his new chief’s side to inspect the city’s fortifications.

  His French companions railed at the show of favoritism—especially De Kalb, who needed to be in a position to note Washington’s shortcomings if he was to recommend Broglie as a replacement. Blissfully unaware of this hidden agenda, Lafayette dutifully tried to secur
e the commissions promised by Deane; but when John Hancock assured him of eventual appointments for his aides-de-camp, Lafayette thought little more of De Kalb and settled enthusiastically into military life.

  “We must be embarrassed to show ourselves to an officer who has just left the French Army,” Washington told him as they drove through the camp outside Philadelphia, where his motley army of perhaps eleven thousand was quartered.

  “I am here to learn, not to teach,” came Lafayette’s diplomatic reply.

  It was no more than the truth, for Lafayette knew himself to be young and yet untried, but such modesty soon endeared him to Washington’s staff as well as to the General himself, for he showed himself earnest and enthusiastic, willing to do whatever he was asked, if it should forward the patriot cause. While he let it be known that he was eager for a command of his own when his commander should judge him ready, meanwhile he was content to serve in whatever capacity he was needed.

  Both cheerful and civilized, he soon became a favored companion at the General’s table and proved himself a trustworthy sounding board. Only weeks after his arrival, over one of the long, leisurely suppers that were Washington’s main source of relaxation, the first inkling of his future connection began to emerge, though Lafayette himself was unaware of it.

  “The landing of British troops in Delaware confirms Howe’s intentions for Philadelphia,” one of Washington’s senior aides was saying over the wine and nuts customarily passed around after dining. “I think it can be only a matter of days before we are drawn into battle. The men are eager to fight, but I could wish for more of the essentials for them—food, clothing, ammunition. Monsieur Lafayette must think us veritable scarecrows.”

  “Ah, but scarecrows who have frightened the British greatly,” Lafayette replied, “and cost them much. One must hope that uniforms can be obtained before the winter—or at least adequate clothing. Still, uniforms would do much for morale.”