Late as was the arrival of the French troops, they found the Americans unprepared for active and offensive operations.  Not even at that time were the numbers ascertained which would be furnished by the states.  Yet it was necessary for General Washington to communicate a plan of the campaign to the Count de Rochambeau.

The season was already so far advanced that preparations for the operations contemplated eventually, on the arrival of the second division of the French fleet, must be immediately made, or there would not be time, though every circumstance should prove favourable, to execute the design against New York.  Such a state of things so ill comported with the engagements of congress, and with the interests of the nation, that, trusting to his being enabled, by the measures already taken by the states, to comply with what was incumbent on him to perform, he determined to hazard much rather than forego the advantages to be derived from the aids afforded by France.  In communicating this resolution to congress, he said—­“Pressed on all sides by a choice of difficulties in a moment which required decision, I have adopted that line of conduct which comported with the dignity and faith of congress, the reputation of these states, and the honour of our arms.  I have sent on definitive proposals of co-operation to the French general and admiral.  Neither the period of the season, nor a regard to decency, would permit delay.  The die is cast, and it remains with the states either to fulfil their engagements, preserve their credit, and support their independence, or to involve us in disgrace and defeat.  Notwithstanding the failures pointed out by the committee, I shall proceed on the supposition that they will, ultimately, consult their own interest and honour and not suffer us to fail for the want of means which it is evidently in their power to afford.  What has been done, and is doing, by some of the states, confirms the opinion I have entertained of sufficient resources in the country.  Of the disposition of the people to submit to any arrangement for bringing them forth, I see no reasonable ground to doubt.  If we fail for want of proper exertions in any of the governments, I trust the responsibility will fall where it ought; and that I shall stand justified to congress, my country, and the world.”

[Illustration:  Beverly Robinson Mansion at West Point

Benedict Arnold made this house his headquarters while in command of the fort and garrison there.  It was here that Washington came to breakfast with Arnold, one September morning in 1780 and made the discovery that his host had turned traitor and was conspiring to surrender West Point to the British.]

A decisive naval superiority, however, was considered as the basis of any enterprise to be undertaken by the allied arms.  This naval superiority being assumed, the outlines of the plan were drawn, and the 5th of August was named as the day on which the French troops should re-embark, and the American army assemble at Morrissania.