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.

310 1lISTO11Y OF THE
them respectfully, but with some embarrassment. They
then reseated themselves, without waiting for any previous
command, and a profound silence succeeded. Count Regnault
who faithfully adhered to the fortunes of his master during
all his vicissitudes opened the debate. Heinsisted that the
glorious vacancies which unheard of sacrifices had made in
the ranks of the army, ought to be filled up." If victory has
ceased," said he, " to crown our standards, are there not
other palms besides those which are sprinkled with blood?
The olive of peace may still flourish on our menaced frontiers; but that it may bear permanent fruit, it must be
planted by heroic hands." " The only conquest for which
we fight is that of peace." I conclude with moving that the
chambers make an appeal to French valour, while the emperor is treating of peace in the most steady and dignified
manner."1
Lafayette next rose. Every eye was fixed upon him, and
a profound silence reigned around. Napoleon was agitated
almost to suffocation; but he speedily recovered himself,
and assumed the appearance of indifference and unconcern.
" In love for my country," said he, " and ardent wishes
to save it from the dangers which threaten to overwhelm it,
I will not yield to the last speaker. The sincerity of his
patriotism I am not disposed to doubt; but it is with pain
that I am compelled to say, that the measures which he
proposes would hasten and aggravate the calamities that we
all deprecate. The fine army with which our northern frontiers were covered, is no more. It can oppose no effectual
resistance to the hordes of foreigners, who have already
passed our borders, and whose course is marked with devastation and blood. It is under the walls of Paris alone, that
our scattered troops will be able to unite, and dispute with
the enemy, the possession of the capital of the empire.
Of the issue of the contest, I should not be doubtful,
At the voice of their government, and to defend the liberty,
Boyce's France, ii. chap. iv. et seq.