e of the American soldiers, who showed, it was said,
much disposition to ill-treat and rob them. The excitement and the
great exertion made by all had hitherto kept at bay the attacks of
sickness from many who now began, their toils over, to succumb to them.
Intermittent fevers appeared, and few, I believe, escaped. Among those
who died was my gallant friend and brother-officer, Lieutenant Conway,
whose name I have before frequently mentioned. For my own part, I
received the greatest personal kindness both from Americans and French.
Those especially who had at any time received any attention from the
English seemed anxious on this occasion to exhibit their gratitude.
Among them I must particularly mention Monsieur Clenard who commanded
the Compte D'Artois, the French ship we and the Bienfaisant took off
Ireland. He now commanded one of the ships of war in the French fleet.
He showed the Charon's, in particular, every mark of esteem and
kindness. So did a French officer we took in the Peggy privateer, when
we went in search of the French fleet, and whom we had properly treated
when he was on board us. Such conduct reflects the highest honour on
the French, and authorises them to expect, should any of their people at
any time by the chances of war fall into our hands, the same kindness
and consideration.

The American officers were not backward in the same liberal and generous
conduct. I had on one occasion--I omitted to mention it--an opportunity
of showing a favour to the son of a Colonel Matthews in the American
army. Colonel Matthews immediately came and offered money, servants and
horses, and invited me to his house as soon as I could be moved. Mr
Jones also, a gentleman residing at Hampton, whose family I had met
there, sent the instant he heard we had been defeated to ascertain how
he could best serve me, and wrote to assure me that, should I decide to
remain on my parole in America, he would request General Washington to
allow me to reside at his house, and that money or anything he had was
at my service. Just at the same time I received a similar message from
Mrs Langton, whose house was not more than seven miles from York Town.
I need scarcely say that, grateful as I felt for all the other offers of
kindness I had received. I resolved, should I have the power, to accept
hers. The public events which took place on the days subsequent to the
surrender may not be considered of general interest. On the 2