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.

iA'itQUI$S DE LAFAYETTE. 21
esteem of thle AP ericans. It is impossible to describe the
affection witlh which lie was regarded by them, and which
was only surpassed by the love of their illustrious chief. To
those who knew him, it was not a matter of wronider that lihe
had discovered the secret of winln1ing aIi their hearts. His
deportment was digllified withllout pride; his manners geentle
without apathy, firank without boldness, and courteous without servility. His zeal, activity, and e thusias-m inI thel
cause of America; were wholly distinct fio r all the political views of co-operation with the wishes of his court. and
when added to a sincere and ulniform adniratioln of tlhe
greatest and best character of the age, completely endeared
hlim to the American people. Of Lafayette it has been said
by those who knew him well. that he was never spoken of
without manifest tokens of attachment and aflfection.':
Touched by this flattering reception, he resolved to exert
himself to the utmost of his knowledge and ability, but he
felt, and did not hesitate to confess the want of trhat practical knowledge, without which, the theoretical science of the
soldier can seldom lead to glory or success.
With a,enerosity and modesty which delighted the Americans, he demanded no station in the army, would consent
to receive no compensation, and requested permiossion to
serve at first only as a volunteer. Thllis generous conduct
was the more pleasing, as the claims of somn-e of the Fretncli
who had entered the service, were so exorbitant that they
could not be gratified, on the subject either of pqay or of
rank. Many of the foreign officers who assisted in the revolutionary war, Ihad lilttle in view but employme eit in the p)rofession thclN hlad chosea; and, as few natives then possessed
military skili, tlhey found little difficulty in obtaini,:g, high
commands. For their services, they deserved their wages,
and if they were victorious in battle, thley also deserved
glory; but those who acted fiomn these motives, had no
claims on the gralitude of the American people. Fighting
* Chastelleux's Trav. vol. i. p. 103, note.