Lafayette (Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette) writes to William Heath regarding the arrival of French troops at Providence. He offers "some previous hints about the people who are coming, and communicate to you such ideas as derive from my thorough knowledge of theyr manners, prejudices, &c., &c." Lafayette's "confidential" letter discloses the French pride in their military, the character of several officers, and the regulation of clothing and uniforms, among other topics.