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.

312 HISTORY- OF THE
the country, and Wellington would not be marching to Paris.
A burst of disapprobation, which even the presence of the
emptror could not check, followed this insinuation. The
duke attempted to proceed, and to explain what he had said;
but the indignation of the assembly was extreme. Hisses,
and the most violent expressions of censure, drowned the
voice of the speaker."
The deliberation continued during several hours; and the
sentiments of Lafayette were supported in no equivocal
terms, by Lanjuinais and Constant. The emperor, fearing
that some resolution might be proposed fatal to his power,
conversed a few minutes with Carnot and Lucien, in a low
voice, when the former addressed the meeting, earnestly
deprecating violent measures, and concluded by moving that
the chambers should be invited to treat with the allied sovereigns, through an embassy of their own choosing. The impossibility of this measure being attended with success, was
apparent to every one. It could not be supposed, when
they had declared that they would never treat with Napoleon
or his family, that the allies would be deluded by a mere
quibble, and treat with any deputation from the chambers,
while he still held the reins of power.-By adopting this
measure, however, the object of both parties was answered.
They equally wished to gain time to strike some decisive
blow, for which neither was yet fully prepared. "The assembly broke up. No one appeared satisfied, and it was
easy to see that some great event was at hand. Before they
separated, one of the members who had taken no part in the
debate, exclaimed, with a voice purposely meant to reach
the emperor's ear, " M. de la Fayette has struck at the root
of the evil. I admire Napoleon; but in order that all France,
and that posterity may think as I do, one great act is still
wanting' Is there no one so much a friend to our happiness
and glory, as to point out to him how he may still add to it?'
The deputies met early on the following morning, and
after a most stormy and tumultuous debate, caused by the de* Boyce's France, vol. ii, chap. iv. et seq.