A complete history of the Marquis de Lafayette, major-general in the American army in the war of the revolution. Embracing an account of his tour through the United States, to the time of his departure, September, 1825. By an officer in the late army.

MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 213
had been fondly attached to his conduct, he alone was capable of restraining the blind fury of the populace. Yet," he
continues, " whether from contempt or design, he seemed to
persevere in supine indifference: we have already observed
with what inattention he received the address of the grenadiers; and though their disposition promised consequences
the most fatal, yet no precautions were taken, no orders
given, no posts occupied. It appeared as if the marquis was
willing to enhance the merit of his services, and to suffer
Versailles to be reduced to the last extremity before he appeared to its relief." —Mr. Windham, (then secretary at
war,) observed, in the British parliament, that Lafayette's
conduct on the memorable fifth and sixth of October, in
which there was clear and evident matter of condemnation,
with the fate that subsequently attended him, ought to be an
eternal lesson to all those who, actuated by similar motives
of guilty ambition, would bring ruin on their country. "When
at the head of the national guards," said he, " did he lead them
as was his duty, to the relief of his king? If he had not done
so, what excuse could be offered for him? Would it be said
that he acted under the impression of terror for himself?If so, would they insist upon that as an excuse? or would
they say, that he ought not to have risked his life? A soldier,
honoured with such rank and favour, commanding the guards,
could not have fallen in a nobler cause. He ought, even
though certain of death, to have encountered it in discharge
of his duty, and expiated, in some sort, the great calamities
his ambition had occasioned. His own excuse was, that lhe
had no command over the guards; but what could be said
of a man, who, having declared that he had no command over
troops, continued nevertheless along with them. He should
have retired, and in repentance endeavoured to atone for
the ruins he had made. But no: it was well understood
what part he played, and what end he had in view."t
[ Hist. France, 3 vols. vol. iii. p. 480-1.
- Parl. Chron. vol. xvi. p. 406, December 16, 1796.