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Letter Signed ''Lafayette'' as Major General, to Brigadier General George Weedon, announcing that Cornwallis is fortifying Yorktown, and requesting reinforcements and supplies immediately. Also with franking signature ''Lafayette M G'' on address leaf. Written from New Castle [Hanover County near Richmond], dated 6 August 1781: ''...The enemy are fortifying at York, and it is said vessels are gone to bring some of the troops remaining at Portsmouth. Lord Cornwallis is at York. It would appear that the fleet was originally intended for New York, but a dispatch from General Clinton produced the present arrangement...'' In addition to this momentous news, Lafayette also requests additional troops and supplies: ''...It is also at this moment of importance to bring all our cavalry together. I request therefore that you will order Bedkin's Corps, which I understand is at Fredericksburg, to join me with dispatch...'' Two pages measure 7.25'' x 9.25'', with integral address leaf upon which franking signature is present. Two small seal holes on address leaf, else near fine. Abstracted in ''Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution,'' IV:506.