M.de La Fayette, moreover, had been careful to spare the American general all painful friction.

Count de Rochambeau and the French officers were placed under the orders of Washington, and the auxiliary corps entirely at his disposal.

The delicate generosity and the disinterestedness of the French government had sometimes had the effect of making it neglect the national interests in its relations with the revolted colonies; but it had derived therefrom a spirit of conduct invariably calculated to triumph over the prejudices as well as the jealous pride of the Americans.
"The history of the War of Independence is a history of hopes deceived," said Washington.

He had conceived the idea of making himself master of New York with the aid of the French.

The transport of the troops had been badly calculated; Rochambeau brought to Rhode Island only the first division of his army, about five thousand men; and Count de Guichen, whose squadron had been relied upon, had just been recalled to France.
Washington was condemned to inaction.