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.

MARQUI8 DE LAFAYETTE. 51
i'he marquis was young, generous, and brave; but notwithstanding his high qualifications, it was certainly an important trust to be confided to the captivating foreigner.
Nothing is more dangerous than to hang with an inferior
force upon a gallant enemy, never disinclined to draw his
sword, and watchful to seize every advantage within his
reach. But the discrimination of Washington was well
justified by his conduct, not only on this occasion, but
throughout the whole course of the war. The dispositions
that he had made, and the orders which he had given,
manifest very conclusively the intention and wish of the
commander-in-chief. They could hardly fail to bring on an
engagement. Wayne had openly espoused that measure,
and Fayette, although he partially joined, in council, in the
opinion against seeking a general action, had been in favour
of a partial one; and would, therefore, if any proper occasion offered, certainly attack with his whole force, which
would as certainly produce such measures on the part of the
enemy, as would render it proper to support him with the
whole army. He was accompanied too by Colonel Hamilton, who felt the strongest desire to signalize the detachment,
and to accomplish all the wishes of the commander-in-chief.
Immediately after sending this additional body of troops,
the whole army moved to Cranberry, in order to be sufficiently near to support them. The advanced corps under
Lafayette pressed forward, and took a position on the Monmouth road, about five miles in the rear of the enemy, with
the intention of attacking them the next morning on their
march; but it was found too remote, and too far on the
right, to be supported in case of action, and orders were
consequently sent to the marquis, to file off by his left toward Englishtown. These orders were executed early in
the morning of the twenty-seventh of June.
No sooner had Lafayette marched toward the lines, than
General Lee began to regret his resignation of the command of the advanced party. He perceived that, in the
opinion of all the general officers. a greater importanree