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.

306 HISTORY OF THE
gaged their attention, and which had been so often discussed
In the private'assemblies at the palace. Two of the council, Thibaudeau, and Regnault de St. Jean d' Angely, who
were opposed to the violent measure of the dictatorship,
had even informed him that it would be taken instantly, and
that in two hours,the chamber of representatives would cease
to exist. There was, of course, not a moment left for consultation, or advice: the emperor, or the chamber, must fall
that morning. He was sufficiently experienced in the manceuvres of revolutionary times, to know that not a moment
was to be lost, and that all depended on striking the first blow.
He therefore managed that the chamber should meet at an
earlier hour than usual, and the president had no sooner taken the chair, than he presented himself at the tribune. For
the first time for twenty years, he ascended the tribune on
the twenty-first of June, 1815, with the same clear courage,
and in the same spirit of self-devotion, with which he had
stood at the bar of the national assembly in 1792, and uttered words which would assuredly have been his death-warrant
had he not been supported in them by the assembly which
he addressed. He had hitherto taken no share in their discussions. He had kept himself aloof, as if he were con.
scious of disgrace in belonging to the government which Napoleon had instituted. His appearance, therefore, excited the
greatest surprise and the most lively expectation, and a profound silence reigned throughout the whole assembly. " Gentlemen," said he, " for the first time during many years, you
hear a voice which the old friends of liberty may yet recognise. The country is in danger, and you alone can save it.
The sinister reports, which have been circulated during the
last two days, are unhappily confirmed. This is the moment
to rally round the national colours,-the tri-coloured standard of 1789, the standard of liberty, equality, and public
order. It is you alone, who can now protect the country
from foreign attacks, and internal dissensions. It is you
alone who can secure the independence and the honour of