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. 311
the integrity, and the independence of his country, every
Frenchman would fly to arms, and the invaders would be
chased from our soil with sad discomfiture. But though the
triumph would be certain, the contest would be long and
dreadful. Our fruitful fields would be laid waste, and our
rivers run with blood. Is it necessary to expose our country to these calamities? Is it necessary to fill it with widows
and orphans? Are there no means by which peace may be
obtained without compromising our honour?
" The last speaker has proposed that pacific overtures
should be made to the allies; that while an appeal is made
to French valour, the emperor should treat for peace in the
most dignified manner. But with what prospect of success
will he, or can he treat? Have not our enemies pledged
themselves to a line of conduct which, adopted when the
issue of the contest was uncertain, and while all France appeared to have rallied round the emperor of their choice,
will not be readily abandoned, now that victory has crowned
their efforts?
" Mingled sentiments of affection and respect prevent me
from being more explicit. There is but one measure which
can save the country, and if the ministers of the emperor
will not advise him to adopt it, his great soul will reveal it to
him."
This speech, firmly and fearlessly delivered in the presence of Napoleon, excited many murmurs from the court
party, and much applause from others. At the close of it,
the emperor cast his eyes down, but immediately raised
them again with a smile of disdain. The duke of Bassano
(Maret) could not contain his indignation. He proposed
that all who for twelve. years had made parts of different
factions, whose common object was the dethronementof Napoleon, should be placed under the surveillance of a more
severe police: "had this measure been adopted," he continued, " a'person who now hears me, (Lafayette,) and who
well understands me, would not smile at the misfortunes of