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. 65
able in the determination he had formed, and, on the
twentyr-second of August, set sail for Boston.
It was the opinion of Greene and Lafayette, that the
principal officers on board the fleet were the enemies of
D'Estaing, who, as a landsman, was unpopular among them
as commandant in the navy. They therefore determined
to thwart his measures, and prevent his achieving any brilliant exploit that might redound to his reputation. Hence,
being unable, according to his instructions, to act in opposition to their unanimous opinion, he sailed from the island,
although he would not otherwise have probably remained
deaf to the arguments, and inexorable to the solicitations,
of the commissioners.
When Greene and Lafayette returned to the army, universal indignation and dismay were excited; and the desertion of the French made a violent impression, and created
loud clamours, throughout America. Sullivan, chagrined
beyond measure, made yet another effort to retain the fleet,
by despatching Lieutenant-colonel Laurens, in a swift
privateer, to overtake the fleet; and deliver a letter to
D'Estaing, remonstrating against his withdrawing from the
enterprise, and pressing him, in any event, to leave his land
forces. He was also charged with a protest, signed by all
the general officers of the American army in Rhode-Island,
except the Marquis De Lafayette, remonstrating against his
departure in terms of great earnestness. D'Estaing was much
displeased with the protest, and continued his voyage to
Boston.
Sullivan now saw the fair prospect of acquiring distinction, and of rendering service to his country, escape from
his grasp, by the desertion of his allies. The militia, who
with so much zeal had hastened to join him, almost entirely
disbanded, and the number of his army was reduced, in a