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.

318 HISTORY OF THE
dangers, than almost any other of the age, calmly and contentedly enjoying the substantial luxuries of domestic life.
The chateau of La Grange lies in the fertile district of La
Brie; so remote from any high road, so lonely, so wood-ermbosomed, that a spot more sequestered, more apparently distant from the bustling world, and all its scenes of conflict and
activity, can scarcely be imagined.* It is situated about forty
miles from Paris, amid prolific orchards and antiquated woods.
The chateau is of singular construction, quadrangular, and ornamented by Moorish towers at each angle, which have no unpleasing effect. This estate, belonging to the fortune of his
wife, and a small farm in Auvergne, were all that remained of
his wealth: he had lost every thing besides, in the madness of
revolutionary confiscation. The building is ancient, (having
been founded by Louis Le Gros,) and simply furnished: the
wood which adjoins it, is beautiful, divided in the old style, by
long green alleys, intersecting one another, and admirably
adapted for a studious walk, or for reading, remote from noise.
It was here that, in 1802, he received with tearful eyes, and
joyful smiles, the celebrated British statesman who had so eloquently and pathetically pleaded his cause in the British parliament. Lafayette had become acquainted with Mr. Fox at
an early age, during a visit to London. There was too much
congeniality in their souls not to produce an early and strong
sentiment of friendship. While the hero was promoting the
cause of liberty in America, the statesman laboured, with equal
zeal, in the British house of commons, to inspire an obstinate
and unenlightened ministry with respect for the rights of humanity, and mercy for the suffering Americans.
Lafayette resides on his estate in rural simplicity, and unostentatious hospitality; and there are few Americans who do
not offer their respects to the benefactor of their country. No
silly affectation-no studied welcome-no idle airs of ceremony,-are seen there. The benevolent countenances, and warm
* The account of La Grange and its inhabitants is compiled from Lady
Morgan's France, Trotter's life of Fox, Memoirs of Lafayette, &c. &b.