The temptation was great for a young general scarcely twenty-four years of age.

A full excuse for the attempt was found in the declaration of De Grasse, that he could not wait for the arrival of the troops from the north.

Success would have given unrivaled brilliancy to the reputation of Lafayette, but would necessarily have cost much blood.

Lafayette refused to sacrifice the soldiers which were confided to him to his personal glory, and persuaded De Grasse to await the arrival of Washington and Rochambeau, when the capture of Cornwallis would be certainly made without the waste of human life .-- _Cor.

with Lafayette._] While the close investment of the British army was delayed, only until the troops from the north should arrive, serious apprehensions were excited that the brilliant results confidently anticipated from the superiority of the land and naval forces of the allies, would be put in imminent hazard.
Information was received that a reinforcement of six ships of the line under Admiral Digby had reached New York.