MEMOIRS OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE
WITH AN ACCOUNT
OF HIS
VISIT TO AMERICA,
AND OF HIS RECEPTION BY THE
PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES;
FROM HIS ARRIVAL, AUGUST 15TH,
TO THE
CELEBRATION AT YORKTOWN,
OCTOBER 19TH, 1824
by Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier,
MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE
[Illustration: Lafayette]
_DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS - To wit_:
_District Clerk's Office_.
Be it remembered, that on the 2d day of November, A.D. 1824, in the
forty-ninth year of the independence of the United States of America, E.G.
House, of the said district, has deposited in this office the title of a
book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to
wit - Memoirs of General Lafayette, with an account of his visit to America;
and of his reception by the people, of the United States, from his arrival,
Aug. 15. to the celebration at Yorktown, Oct 19, 1824.
In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States entitled, "an
act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps,
charts and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the
times therein mentioned:" and also to an act entitled "an act supplementary
to an act, entitled an act for the encouragement of learning, by securing
the copies of maps, charts and books, to the authors and proprietors of
such copies during the times therein mentioned; and extending the benefits
thereof to the arts of designing, engraving and etching historical, and
other prints."
JNO. W. DAVIS, _Clerk of the Dist. of Mass_.
ADVERTISEMENT,
BY THE EDITOR.
* * * * *
It is a poor apology to offer for any defect or omission in a work intended
for the information of the public, that it was prepared in haste. Yet in
the present case it can be offered with truth. The Editor of this volume
knew nothing of the plan, until it had been some time proposed, and many
subscribers obtained. The gentleman by whom it was first intended to have
been prepared, was suddenly taken away, without writing, or even collecting
any thing for the volume. It was undertaken with reluctance, as it was
known the public would he impatient for the work, and as the publisher was
also desirous it should be prepared in a few weeks. It is only fifty days
since the task was begun. It is believed, however, that several documents,
not yet published, will be found in this volume; and that many events and
incidents are preserved, which would otherwise have been lost to the
public.
Everything relating to the life and character of this extraordinary man, is
certainly worthy of remembrance by the benevolent and intelligent through
the civilized world, and especially by Americans, to whom he has rendered
the most essential services. The endeavour has been to avoid panegyric;
though in this case, a plain statement of facts may be construed, by those
ignorant of the life of Lafayette, into a disposition to bestow extravagant
praise.
It has been a source of much satisfaction to the Editor, to find so many
proofs of consistency and of principle, as well as of zeal in the cause of
rational liberty, which the life of this heroic and disinterested personage
affords. And if he shall appear in this hasty memoir, as the ardent,
undeviating, and sincere friend of civil freedom and of the rights of man,
it will be because he justly merits such a high character.
In the account of his reception by the people of this country, in various
places, during his present visit, it may be thought that we have been too
particular. It was promised, however, in the proposals for the volume, that
such relation would be given. It is believed that it will be found to be
interesting, and that it will be a satisfaction hereafter, to recur to it.
This account embraces the time which elapsed after he landed at New-York,
August 15, 1824, to the celebration of the capture of the Brittish [sic]
army at Yorktown, October 19. These statements were, copied principally
from the public newspapers; and it was thought to be unnecessary to give
credit for them, or to insert the usual marks of quotation.
_Boston, Nov_. 1, 1824.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
* * * * *
Introductory remarks
Birth and education of Lafayette
His purpose to visit America in 1777
His arrival and early service in America
Battle of Brandywine
Washington's attachment to him
Commands in northern department
Escape from British near Philadelphia
Battle of Monmouth
Brave conduct of Lafayette
A volunteer to R. Island
Journey to Boston
Proposal to visit France
Resentment of the conduct of British Commissioner
Visit to Boston
Embarks there for France
Resolve of Congress honorable to Lafayette
Letter of Franklin
Return to America in 1780
Services in France in behalf of America
Letter of Gen. Washington
Commands in Virginia in 1781
His services and bravery in that department
Escapes from Cornwallis
His troops deserting
Critical situation
His conduct approved by Washington
He applauds Gen. Wayne
Proposes to visit France again
Resolves of Congress approving his conduct
Letter to Congress
His letter to S. Adams
Mr. Adam's reply
Doings of Massachusetts
Details of service at Yorktown
Events on his return to France
Letter to Sir H. Clinton
Visit to America in 1784
Arrives in Boston
His reception
Honorable notice of his services, by Congress
His public conduct in 1786
Meeting of States' General, 1787
In favor of reform
New Constitution in 1789
Supported by Lafayette
Parties in France and civil commotions
Commands the Militia of Paris
The Parisian mob
Struggle for power between monarchists and reformers
Louis attempts to leave France
Jacobin clubs
Letter to Bouille
His enemies cabal
Commands part of the French army
Letter to the national assembly, June 1792
Letter to the King
Letter to the assembly
Opposed and denounced by the Jacobins
His firmness and patriotism
His address to the soldiers
Leaves France
Arrested and confined
Removed to prison at Olmutz
His letter
Washington seeks for his release
Fox and others intercede for his release
Bollman and Huger attempt his deliverance
Failure, and subsequent confinement
Madame de Lafayette
Her imprisonment
Lafayette released
Reply to Emperor of Austria
Proceeds to Holland
Return to France 1800
Offered a seat in the Senate by Bonaparte
His income and estates
His letter to the First Consul
Not a supporter of Bonaparte
Neglected by Napoleon
G. W. Lafayette
Death of Madame de Lafayette
Her character
Retirement of Lafayette
Louis XVIII restored
Lafayette desirous of constitutional liberty
His conduct after the battle of Waterloo and abdication of Napoleon
Retirement to private life
Correspondence with A. Hamilton
His family
Madame de Stael's opinion of him
Elected a member of assembly 1819
His efforts for constitutional liberty
His mode of life, and employment
His Benevolence
Gen. Washington's kindness to his son
Visit of Mr. Fox to Lafayette
Manners of Madame Lafayette
Religion of Lafayette
Charity among Christians
His character and opinions
His decision and consistency
Invitation of Congress do. from Boston, &c.
His replies
His arrival at New-York
His reception in New-York
Journey to Boston
His arrival in Boston
Address of the Mayor
His answer
Address of Governer of Massachusetts
Address of Cincinnati
Answer to do.
Commencement
Visited by Bostonians
Phi Beta Kappa
Visit to Charlestown and Bunker Hill
Bunker Hill Monument
Visit to Gov. Brooks
Evening Parties
Brattle Street Church
Visit to President Adams
Military parade
Apology for great rejoicings
Militia
Visit to Salem
Address of Judge Story
Visit to Ipswich, and Newburyport
To Portsmouth
Return to Boston
Visit to Lexington and Concord
Bolton, Lancaster
Visit to Worcester
Judge Lincoln's address
Journey to Connecticut
Reception at Hartford
Return to New-York
Lafayette's toasts
Visit to the schools
Grand ball at Castle Garden
Visit to West-Point
Visit to Newburgh
His visit to Hudson
Arrival at Albany
Kindness to soldiers, in 1777
Returns to New-York
Journey through New-Jersey
Princeton
Trenton
Philadelphia
Governor's address
Reply to the same
Address of Mayor
The answer
Illumination
Vindication of Quakers
Reply to Frenchmen
Capt. Barron's address
Answer to same
Journey through Delaware
Visit to Baltimore
Address of Cincinnati
Address of Gov. Maryland
Answer
Governor Sprigg
Visit to Washington
Reception by the President
Address of Mayor of Washington
Visit to Alexandria
To the tomb of Washington
Arrival in Yorktown
Jefferson's letter
Address of Committee of Virginia
Answer of Lafayette
Address of Governor of Virginia
Reply of Lafayette
His reception at Yorktown
Address of Col. Lewis
Answer to same
Parade and ceremonies, on 19th Oct.
Custis' address
Departure for Norfolk
Conclusion
MEMOIRS
OF
GENERAL LAFAYETTE
* * * * *
Among the many great men who have distinguished themselves in the present
age, for their attachment and devotion to the cause of civil liberty,
general LAFAYETTE is one of the most eminent. During the last fifty years,
great changes have been made or attempted in human governments, highly
favourable to political freedom and the rights of mankind. In some cases,
indeed, revolutions have not been conducted upon just principles nor by
prudent councils; and the immediate results have been disastrous rather
than beneficial. Changes have taken place without direct and visible
improvement; and efforts to meliorate the condition of man have produced a
reaction in the adherents to patient arbitrary systems, which have given
occasion to much suffering and great excesses.
The struggle for freedom by the patriotic citizens of America, towards the
close of the last century, was successful; and has proved most auspicious
to human happiness. We have reason to hope, that its blessings will not be
confined to this western continent. A spirit of enquiry, indeed, has gone
abroad in the world. It is spreading in Europe: and though we devoutly wish
it may not prove the occasion of bloody contests, we shall rejoice to trace
its fruits in the gradual destruction of old despotic systems, and in the
general diffusion of knowledge among the people, and the enjoyment of those
equal and just rights, which mild governments are calculated to secure.
In our own beloved country, we can boast of many sincere patriots and
heroes besides our 'paternal chief,' the revered WASHINGTON, "who was first
in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen;" others
will be recollected, who devoted themselves to the cause of liberty and
their country, with a sincerity and zeal almost without a parallel in the
annals of history. Their memories will not cease to be revered while
Americans are distinguished for a love of civil freedom.
It must be acknowledged, however, that there was a _peculiar_
disinterestedness in the services and sacrifices of the Marquis LAFAYETTE
in defence of American independence. It was from a noble and enthusiastic
love of liberty, that he was induced to cherish and advocate our cause. It
was for strangers and in a foreign land, that he went forth to defend the
rights of man, assailed by the hand of arbitrary power. He was not a
desperate adventurer, without fortune, or friends, or honors. He was
surrounded with all these in his own country. He belonged to very ancient
and noble family, and inherited a large estate. The original family name
was Motier; but for several generations back had assumed the addition of
_Lafayette_. Some of his male ancestors were distinguished for military,
and some of the females for literary talents. His income was 200,000
francs. His property and influence were increased by a matrimonial
connexion with a lady of the truly illustrious house of NOAILES. He was
married at the age of eighteen.
MARIE-PAUL-JOSEPH-ROCH-YVES-GILBERT-MOTIER DE LAFAYETTE was born at the
chateau de Chavagnac in the province of Auvergne, September 6th 1757. The
rank and affluence of his family secured for him the best education: and
this, according to the fashion of the times in France, was not only in
classical and polite literature, but united also a knowledge of military
tactics. At the age of sixteen, he was offered an honorable place at Court,
which he declined.
His mind was early imbued with an ardent love of freedom. It is not known
whether his study of English writers who were friendly to civil liberty, or
an eager curiosity to learn the merits of the dispute between Great Britain
and the American colonies, lead him first thus to take a deep interest in
favour of our independence. That controversy excited the attention of
statesmen on the continent of Europe as well as in England. It has been
said that he was acquainted with some distinguished English characters in
1776, from whom he learnt the situation of America, and the object of our
revolution. In the latter part of this year, he applied to SILAS DEANE, our
agent then at Paris, for information, and encouragement in his plan,
already adopted, of rendering his personal service to the cause of America.
While he was at Paris, (Dec. 1776) with these views, Dr. FRANKLIN arrived.
The intelligence, received from him respecting our situation and prospects
at that period, was of a nature to discourage any one, who had not
cherished the most enthusiastic and resolute purpose to engage in our
behalf. Our almost desperate condition seems only to have increased his
zeal and devotion to the interests of America. "Hitherto, said he, I have
only cherished your cause; I now go to serve it personally." He believed
our cause to be just. He considered it the cause of civil liberty; and
gloomy as was the prospect, hazardous as was the enterprize, he was
determined to support it at the risk of life itself. In his situation, the
privations and sacrifices to be made and endured were incalculably great.
It is indeed a singular instance of an heroic enterprize for the good of
mankind.
We cannot more justly describe his sentiments and views, than by quoting
his own language used at a subsequent period, in a letter to the President
of the Continental Congress - "The moment I heard of America, I loved her;
the moment I knew she was fighting for liberty, I burnt with a desire to
bleed for her." The sacrifices he made cannot be so well otherwise
estimated as by reflecting that he left an affectionate wife, in whom he
was most happy; and who, he was obliged to assure, that he would speedily
return, before she would consent to the enterprize.
When LAFAYETTE made known his purpose to embark for America, under all the
appalling circumstances of our country, our Envoys were still unable to
furnish a passage for him. They had no vessels at command; and they were
not then in a situation to purchase one. Loans were the object of their
mission; but as yet they had not succeeded in obtaining them. And as the
French court had not acknowledged our independence, or openly espoused our
cause, it would have been improper for them to furnish a vessel for such
purpose. What was then done for America must be effected in secret; and at
most, only connived at by the French government. But the ardour of young
LAFAYETTE was not to be checked by any such considerations. He took council
rather of his feelings, than of that prudence by which ordinary minds are
governed. He therefore immediately engaged a vessel at his own charges, and
sailed for the United States, where he arrived in the month of January. He
landed at Charleston, S.C. and soon entered, as a volunteer, in the
American army. Soon after his arrival, he purchased clothing and arms for
the troops under General MOULTRIE in that quarter. He also early made an
advance to General WASHINGTON of 60,000 francs, for the public service.
For several months, he continued to serve in this capacity. His zeal and
services were early appreciated by Congress; and in July, 1777, he was
created a Major-General. But he did not, at once, act under that
commission. In the battle of Brandywine, in September of the same year,
although he distinguished himself by his activity and undaunted bravery, it
does not appear that he acted as Major-General. He received a wound in his
leg, in this engagement, and his services were highly applauded. He
remained in the field till the close of the battle, inspiring the men by
his presence and active courage. The wound was severe and required
attention; but before it was entirely healed, he joined the army again
under WASHINGTON. In November, at the head of some Jersey militia, he
attacked a body of 300 Hessians and defeated them. General GREENE was
engaged in the same affair, a part of the time; and said of young
LAFAYETTE, "that he seemed to search for danger." Soon after this period,
he had command of a division in the Continental army; and frequently was
appointed the chief officer in separate departments of great importance and
responsibility.
General WASHINGTON became greatly attached to him. He was an intelligent
judge of character; and was never known to bestow his confidence upon those
who were not worthy of it. He was so distinguished by the regard of the
Commander in Chief, that it became usual to call him "his adopted son."
WASHINGTON loved him for his goodness, and honored him for his bravery and
military talents. In the early part of 1778, when it was proposed to make
an attack upon Canada, and to endeavor to connect it with the thirteen
United States, Gen. LAFAYETTE was appointed to command the troops
collecting for that purpose at Albany. This plan originated in Congress,
and was said to be much favored by the French Ambassador; but WASHINGTON
ever doubted the propriety, or the feasibility of the scheme, and
eventually gave his opinion decidedly against it; and it was not
prosecuted. It was at this time, probably, that Brigadier General STARK
took the oath of fidelity to the American Congress and of renunciation to
the king and government of Great Britain, which had then been recently
required, before General LAFAYETTE; and which was administered by the
commanding officer in each separate Department. The original certificate of
this oath is said now to be in existence. It is a singular fact, that a
native American took this oath before a foreigner: or perhaps even then,
General LAFAYETTE had been declared by Congress to be entitled to all the
rights of a citizen of the United States.
In May 1778, while the British main army was in Philadelphia, and the
American troops at Valley Forge, he was detached with about two thousand
five hundred men under his command, to a position in advance of the
continental camp and near the city, for the purpose of watching the motions
of the enemy. The British endeavored to surround and surprise him: but he
had timely notice of their plan, and retired in safety to the vicinity of
WASHINGTON'S head-quarters. Had he been surprised in this situation, the
result would probably proved fatal to our cause. For the continental troops
under WASHINGTON were few in number and poorly clothed and armed. But the
Commander in Chief, doubtless, was fully aware of the important and
critical nature of the service, and entrusted it to one, in whose judgment
as well as bravery he had perfect confidence.
Soon after this, in the month of June, the British army left Philadelphia,
to return to New-York. It consisted of as large a number of well
disciplined troops, as they had in America at any one time; and though they
chose not to make a direct attack upon WASHINGTON, they seem to have had no
apprehensions of an attack from him. But he was resolved to avail of the
occasion of their march through the State of New Jersey, to attack and
annoy them. This he did on the memorable 28th of June, near Monmouth
court-house; and had his judicious plan been faithfully executed, or his
own personal activity and bravely been seconded by General LEE, who had the
command of the troops more immediately engaged on that day, a great and
decisive victory would in all probability have attended the daring
enterprize. General LAFAYETTE had a distinguished command on that critical
day. Lee, indeed, at first declined the command of the advanced corps,
detached by WASHINGTON to harass the rear of the enemy while on their
march; and it was given to the former: though; afterwards, when it was
found, that the enemy was preparing for a general engagement, a
reinforcement was ordered, and the whole placed under the command of
General Lee. In this whole affair, General LAFAYETTE conducted with
remarkable intelligence and bravery; and received the entire approbation of
the Commander in Chief.
In August of the same year (1778) when the enemy had a large force on Rhode
Island, and were supposed to be meditating an attack on some place in the
vicinity, Lafayette (with General Greene) offered his services as a
volunteer. The expedition was not attended with success: the British troops
then were more numerous than we could collect against them; and what were
mustered were principally militia. The continental regiments were then all
needed near New-York. But General Lafayette assisted in conducting the
retreat of our men, with much skill and effect; and his behaviour on the
occasion received the particular notice and approbation of Congress.
About this time, with the knowledge and consent of Congress, Lafayette made
a visit to Boston. The particular object of this journey is not known. It
is evident, however, from the resolve of Congress on the occasion, that it
was not from merely personal or private views. It was, no doubt, for some
purpose of a public nature, and for the welfare of the nation. The
following is the resolve alluded to; and is proof, that his visit at the
time, was designed for the promotion of some plan calculated for the
prosperity of the country.
"In Congress, Sept. 9th, 1778. Resolved, That the President be requested to
inform the Marquis de Lafayette, that Congress have a due sense of the
sacrifice he made of his personal feelings, in undertaking a journey to
Boston with a view of promoting the interests of these States, at a time
when an occasion was daily expected of his acquiring glory in the field;
and that his gallantry in going a volunteer on Rhode Island, when the
greatest part of the army had retreated, and his good conduct in bringing
off the pickets and out sentries, deserves particular approbation." This
resolve was communicated to Lafayette by the President of Congress, with a
polite note; to which the Marquis replied as follows:
"SIR,
"I have received your favour of the 13th instant, acquainting me of the
honor Congress has been pleased to confer on me by their most gracious
resolve. Whatever pride such approbation may justly give me, I am not less
affected by the feeling of gratitude, and that satisfaction of thinking my
endeavours were ever looked upon as useful to a cause in which my heart is
so deeply interested. Be so good, Sir, as to present to Congress my plain
and hearty thanks, with a frank assurance of a candid attachment, the only
one worth being offered to the representatives of a free people. The moment
I heard of America, I loved her: The moment I knew she was fighting for
liberty, I burnt with the desire of bleeding for her: and the moment I
shall be able of serving her, in any time, or in any part of the world,
will be the happiest of my life. I never so much wished for occasions of
deserving those obliging sentiments I am honored with by these States and
their representatives, and that so flattering confidence they have been
pleased to put in me; which have filled my heart with the warmest
acknowledgments and most eternal affection.
"I pray you to accept my thanks for the polite manner in which you have
communicated the resolve of Congress; and I have the honor to be, &c.
LAFAYETTE."
During the year 1778, some propositions were made to Congress from the
British ministry, through three commissioners, who were sent over to
America. The object was to bring about a cessation of hostilities, and
peace, without acknowledging our Independence. They were, therefore,
immediately rejected. In the address of the commissioners to Congress, the
French King and ministers were mentioned with great disrespect, and
represented as secret enemies to America; and therefore, not to be believed
in their engagements and promises in our favour. The Marquis de Lafayette
highly resented this heavy charge against his king and government; and
wrote a very spirited letter on the subject, to Lord Carlisle, the
principal commissioner. He seemed ready to appear as the champion of his
abused Prince and country, in the chivalrous manner such attacks were met
in former ages, when disputes were settled between nations by single
combat. The indignation he expressed was honorable to his patriotic
feelings; but, probably, his maturer years and judgment would have
chastened and moderated it.
Early in the year 1779, after an absence from his beloved family and
country of more than two years, Lafayette visited France: not however,
without the consent of Congress and also of General Washington, and a
determination to return to America at a future day. He embarked at Boston.
In waiting for a passage to France, the Marquis was several weeks in
Boston; and here became acquainted with John Hancock, Dr. Cooper, S. Breck,
Esq. and others, to whose families he became particularly attached. The
hospitable attention of the Bostonians, was not lost upon him. With warm
feelings and elegant manners, he was well qualified to appreciate their
patriotism and politeness; and impressions were made upon his generous
mind, favourable to their characters, which he has not forgotten to the
present day. In no place in America, perhaps, did he find the citizens more
congenial to his ardour of affection and devoted love for civil liberty. -
It cannot be doubted, that to a man of his amiable and tender feelings, the
consideration of meeting with his family and friends influenced him to this
visit. But it appears also, from his letters at that time, that he
considered his duty to his King and country required him to go to France.
War was now declared between France and England; and he believed himself
bound to give his personal services for the defence of his own nation. With
all his zeal in favour of liberty and of America, which he considered
engaged in its sacred cause against an arbitrary power, he acknowledged his
obligations to asset in protecting his native country. If his King should
consent, he engaged to return to America, and devote himself again in
support of her rights. The following letters will justify this statement of
his views, at the time of which we are speaking. The first is from General
Washington to the President of Congress.
"_Head Quarters, Oct. 13th_, 1778.
"SIR,
"This will be delivered to you by Major General, the Marquis de Lafayette.
The generous motives which first induced him to cross the Atlantic, and
enter the army of the united States, are well known to Congress. Reasons
equally laudable now engage him to return to France, who, in her present
circumstances, claims his services.
"His eagerness to offer his duty to his Prince and country, however great,
could not influence him to quit the continent in any stage of an unfinished
campaign; he resolved to remain at least till the close of the present; and
embraces this moment of suspense, to communicate his wishes to Congress,
with a view of having the necessary arrangements made in time; and of being
still within reach, should any occasion offer of distinguishing himself in
the field.
"The Marquis, at the same time, from a desire of preserving a relation with
us, and a hope of having it yet in his power to be useful as an American
officer, solicits only a furlough, sufficient for the purposes above
mentioned. A reluctance to part with an officer, who unites to all the
military fire of youth, an uncommon maturity of judgment, world lead me to
prefer his being absent on this footing, if it depended solely on me. I
shall always be happy to give such a testimony of his services, as his
bravery and good conduct on all occasions entitle him to; and I have no
doubt that Congress will add suitable expressions of their sense of his
merits, and their regret on account of his departure. I here the honor to
be, &c.
"GEO. WASHINGTON."
From the Marquis to Congress.
"_Philadelphia. Oct. 8th_, 1778.
"Whatever care I should take not to employ the precious instants of
Congress in private considerations, I beg leave to lay before them my
present circumstances, with that confidence which naturally springs from
affection and gratitude. The sentiments which bind me to my country, can
never be more properly spoken of, than in presence of men who have done so
much for their own. As long as I thought I could dispose of myself, I made
it my pride and pleasure to fight under American colours, in defence of a
cause which I dare more particularly call _ours_, because I had the good
fortune of bleeding for her. Now that France is involved in a war, I am led
by a sense of duty as well as by patriotic love to present myself before my
king, and know in what manner he judges proper to employ my services. The
most agreeable of all will always be such as to serve the common cause
among those, whose friendship I had the happiness to obtain, and whose
fortune I had the honor to follow in less smiling times. That reason, and
others, which I leave to the feelings of Congress, engage me to beg from
them, the liberty of going home for the next winter.
"As long as there were any hopes of an active campaign, I did not think of
leaving the field. Now that I see a very peaceable and undisturbed moment,
I take this opportunity of waiting on Congress. In case my request is
granted, I shall so manage my departure, as to be certain before going, the
campaign is really over. Enclosed you will receive a letter from his
Excellency, General Washington, wherein he expresses his assent to my
obtaining leave of absence. I dare flatter myself, that I shall be
considered as a soldier on furlough, who most heartily wants to join again
his colours, and his most esteemed and beloved fellow soldiers. Should it
be thought I can be any way useful to America, when I shall find myself
among my countrymen, I hope I shall always be considered as one most
interested in the welfare of these United States, and one who has the most
perfect affection, regard and confidence for their representatives. With
the highest regard, &c.
LAFAYETTE."
"_In Congress, Oct_. 21. 1778.
"_Resolved_, That the Marquis Lafayette, Major General in the services of
the United States, have leave to go to France; and that he return at such
time as shall be most convenient to him, - Resolved, That the President
write a letter to the Marquis Lafayette, returning him the thanks of
Congress for that disinterested zeal which led him to America, and for the
services he hath rendered to the United States, by the exertion of his
courage and abilities on many signal occasions.
"_Resolved_, That the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of
America, at the Court of Versailles, be directed to cause an elegant sword,
with proper devices to be made and presented in the name of the United
States, to the Marquis Lafayette."
The foregoing resolves were communicated to the Marquis in the following
letter:
"_Philadelphia, Oct_. 24, 1778.
"SIR,
"I had the honor of presenting to Congress, your letter, soliciting leave of
absence: I am directed by them, to express their thanks for your zeal in
promoting that just cause in which they are engaged, and for the
disinterested services you have rendered to the United States of America.
"In testimony of the high esteem and affection in which you are held by the
good people of these States, as well as an acknowledgment of your gallantry
and military talents displayed on many signal occasions, their
Representatives; in Congress assembled, have ordered an elegant sword to be
presented to you, by the American Minister, at the Court of Versailles.
Enclosed within the present cover, will he found an act of Congress of the
2lst instant, authorizing these declarations, and granting a furlough for
your return to France, to be extended at your own pleasure. I pray God to
bless and protect you; to conduct you in safety to the presence of your
Prince, and to the re-enjoyment of your noble family and friends. I have
the honor to be, &c.
"H. LAURENS."
To this note the Marquis made the following reply:
"_Philadelphia, Oct_. 26, 1778.
"SIR,
"I have received your excellency's obliging letter, enclosing the several
resolutions Congress have honored me with, and the leave of absence they
have been pleased to grant. Nothing can make me happier, than the
reflection, that my services have met with their approbation. The glorious
testimonial of confidence and satisfaction respectfully bestowed on me, by
the representatives of America, though much superior to my merit, cannot
exceed the grateful sentiments they have excited. I consider the noble
present offered me in the name of the United States, as the most flattering
honor. It is my most fervent desire, soon to employ that sword in their
service, against the common enemy of my country and their faithful and
beloved allies. That liberty, safety, wealth and concord may ever extend
and bless these United States, is the earnest wish of a heart glowing with
a devoted zeal and unbounded love for them, and the highest regard, and
most sincere affection for their representatives.
"Be pleased, Sir, to present my thanks to them, and to accept yourself the
assurance of my respectful attachment.
"LAFAYETTE."
Letter of Dr. Franklin, to the Marquis Lafayette.
"_Passy, Aug_. 24, 1779.
"SIR,
"The Congress, sensible of your merit towards the United States, but unable
adequately to reward it, determined to present you with a sword, as a small
mark of their grateful acknowledgments. They directed it to be ornamented
with suitable devices. Some of the principal actions of the battles, in
which you distinguished yourself by your bravery and good conduct, are
therefore represented upon it. These, with a few emblematical figures, all
admirably well executed, make its principal value. By the help of the
exquisite artists France affords, I find it easy to execute every thing,
but _the sense we have of your worth, and our obligations to you_. For
this, figures and even words are found insufficient.
"I therefore, only add, that, with the most perfect esteem, I have the honor
to be, &c.
"B. FRANKLIN."
The Marquis de Lafayette came again to the United States in April 1780, and
landed at Boston, though the vessel first touched at Marblehead on its way
to the former place. In his passage both to and from France, he was in
danger of capture from the British. The frigate, in which he returned to
this country, was chased by an English man of war; and when it was
supposed, they must come to action, LAFAYETTE was found at one of the guns,
preparing to act his part should they be attacked. In this visit to France,
he exerted himself with effect, to induce the Court of Versailles to afford
the United States more effectual aid; and especially, to send over a large
fleet, which rendered essential service to the American cause. His great
devotion to our interests would certainly lead him to advocate any measures
with his King, favourable to our wishes: and his influence, considering his
high rank and family, was undoubtedly attended with beneficial results. His
services in our behalf were particularly noticed by Congress.
"When the Marquis de Lafayette obtained permission to revisit his native
country and offer his services to his sovereign, he retained, with his rank
in the American army, that ardent zeal for her interests, which the
affectionate attentions he had received, the enthusiasm of a soldier in the
cause of those for whom he had made his first campaigns and by whom he had
been highly distinguished, combined with a consciousness that he was
substantially promoting the permanent interests of France; were all so well
calculated to inspire in a young and generous mind, in favour of an infant
people struggling for liberty and self government, with the hereditary
rival of his nation.
"He was received at the Court of Versailles with every mark of favour and
distinction; and all the influence he had acquired was employed in
impressing on the cabinet the importance and policy of granting sucors to
the United States.
"Having succeeded in this favourite object, in which he was aided by
the representations of the former and present minister of France at
Philadelphia; and finding no probability of active employment on the
continent of Europe, he obtained permission to return to America, with
the grateful intelligence of the service he had rendered while in France,
to the country in whose cause his service had been first drawn. He arrived
at Boston in the month of April 1780, and hastened to Head Quarters. He
then proceeded to Congress with the information that the King of France
had consented to employ a large land and naval armament in the United
States, for the ensuing campaign. He was received by WASHINGTON with joy
and affection; and by Congress with those marks of distinction and regard
to which his _constant_ and _indefatigable_ zeal in support of the
American cause, as well as his signal service, gave him such just
pretnesions. The intelligence which he brought gave new impulse both to
Congress and to the State Legislatures. The lethargic slumbers into which
they seemed to be sinking yielded to resolutions of the most vigorous
character." - _Marshall_.
The letters below, with the resolve of Congress, will show the sense
WASHINGTON had of the services of his "_adopted son_," the Marquis
Lafayette, and the personal attachment which he cherished for him, as well
as the high estimation; in which the disinterested zeal of that devoted
friend of liberty was held by the grand Legislature of America.
"_Head Quarters, Morristown, May_ 13, 1780.
"The Marquis Lafayette does me the honor to take charge of this note. I am
persuaded Congress will participate in the joy I feel at the return of a
gentleman who has so signally distinguished himself in the service of this
country; who has given so many and so decided proofs of his attachment to
its interests; and who ought to be dear to it by every motive. The _warm
friendship_ I have for him conspires with considerations of public utility
to afford me a double satisfaction in his return. During the time he has
been in France he has uniformly manifested the same zeal in our affairs,
which animated his conduct while he was among us; and has been, upon all