The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

AET. 45.] LIFE OF WASHINGTON. 249
appointed a major-general in the American army, more
than a month before he had reached the age of twenty.
"Washington was expected shortly in Philadelphia,
and the young general concluded to await his arrival
before he went to head-quarters. The first introduction
was at a dinner party, where several members of
Congress were present. When they were about to
separate, Washington took Lafayette aside, spoke to
him very kindly, complimented him upon the noble
spirit he had shown, and the sacrifices he had made, in
favor of the American cause, and then told him that he
should be pleased if he would make the quarters of the
Commander-in-chief his home, establish himself there
whenever he thought proper, and consider himself at
all times as one of his family; adding, in a tone of
pleasantry, that he could not promise him the luxuries
of a court, or even the conveniences, which his former
habits might have rendered essential to his comfort,
but, since he had become an American soldier, he
would doubtless contrive to accommodate himself to
the character he had assumed, and submit with a good
grace to the customs, manners, and privations of a
republican army. If Lafayette was made happy by his
success with Congress, his joy was redoubled by this
flattering proof of friendship and regard on the part of
the Commander-in-chief. His horses and equipage
were immediately sent to camp; and ever afterwards,
even when he had the command of a division, he kept
up his intimacy at head-quarters, and enjoyed all the
advantages of a member of the General's family. The
day after the dinner, Washington inspected the fortifications in the Delaware River, and invited Lafayette to
accompany him." *
* See Washington's Writings, Vol. V. p. 454; Appendix. Lafavette's
appointment took place on the 31st of July.
VOL. I. 32