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. 241
De Stael has well observed, the last movement of a truly
national enthusiasm was displayed at this federation of 1790.
The Jacobins were constantly gaining power, and the revolution was falling more and more into the hands of the populace. Notwithstanding the good intentions of many who
took the oath, the ceremony has been considered as the grandest and most extensive act of perjury that heaven and earth
have ever witnessed. But Lafayette himself, under all circumstances, remained strictly faithful to his oaths; and now
defended the freedom of the king, as sincerely as he had
ever defended the freedom of the people. Every subsequent
act proved his sincerity: every day his situation became more
dangerous. He might have taken great power to himself,
and so have been safe. He might have received the sword
of constable of France, which was once worn by the Montmorencies, but hedeclined it: or he might have been generalissimo of the national guards, who owed their existence to
him, but he thought it more for the safety of the state that
no such power should exist."
Previous to the confederation, the duke of Orleans desired leave to return and assist at this august ceremony, adding,
that if the assembly should not think it necessary- to deliberate on the subject, he should consider that as a permission
for his return. The assembly immediately cast their eyes
toward Lafayette, who ascended the tribune and explained
his motives for having advised the departure of the duke.The reasons, lie added, in his opinion, did still exist, though
he saw nothing to make him apprehensive, at present, for the
public safety. The assembly then passed to the order of
the day, which was construed into a permission, for his returning to Paris, where he accordingly arrived on the eleventh of July, and after first ienewing his civic oath in the
national assembly, assisted personally at the confederation.t
* North American Review, No. xlvi. p. 161.-Consid. French Rev.
vol. i. 376.-Toulong. tome i. 227-8.
t Moore's View, ii. 89, 90. —Hist. French Rev. i. 195,196.
31