The life of General Lafayette, marquis of France, general in the United States army, etc

Preface

In ofifering the public another biography of Lafayette, the motives are similar to those which induced the author to write the "Life of Josephine." It is true, the history of this great man has been given in various memoirs, but not a full and chronologically correct record of his eventful and brilliant career. Besides, his character may be more careftdly analyzed and studied in the light of recent developments, which add a new interest to portions of his history, formerly involved in a good deal of obscurity.

Lafayette's name is inseparably associated with that of George Washington ; and he should be known as familiarly to every American citizen. To make this acquaintance with him in his manifold spheres of activity more completely attainable by all, is the design of this volume. European and American authorities have been consulted, but their opinions often deemed not strictly legitimate in view of facts. Especially is the part he acted in the French Revolution discussed freely, and the patriotic designs of the unsuccessful Hero seen, it is believed, through all that bloody tragedy.

VI PREFACE.

The theme is a national one — and the book will have this feature to commend it to those readers, whose reverence for the Bible has brought down wholesale condemnation upon an expansion or illustration of the brief descriptions of the heroes and heroines of the sacred volume.

It is believed that the accuracy of the work wiU not be impeached. Information has been sought from a great variety of sources, Foreign and American.

The disinterested philanthropy and panting for freedom which animated the Marquis in his youth, and engaged his riper thought when a venerable hermit at La Grange, appeal to the heart and aspirations of the successors of the illustrious dead as the guardians of a Republic, which has passed from the stormy deep of physical combat, to the less awakening, but equally perilous sea of moral and political conflict

CHAPTER I. PtM

The Man of Two Worlds — Birth of Lafayette — Hia Ancestry and early Years — Removal to Paris — Intercourse at Court — His Marriage with the Countess de Noailles — Her Character — Lafayette's sympathies with Freedom — First News of the American Struggle — Plans — Disappointments and Hopes- Visits London — Returns to Paris — Leaves Paris for Bordeaux — Plans Discovered — Leaves Bordeaux for Passage — Rctiu'ns to Bordeaux — Sets sail from Passage for America — Voyage — Letters to his Wife — Arrival in America, •.■■......... -3-29

CHAPTER n.

Lafayette in America— Reception— Visits Charleston — Letter to his Wife — Proceeds northward to Philadelphia — His Reception there — Distrust of Congress — Resolutions passed — Lafayette meets Washington — Friendship of the two— Dark prospects of the Revolution — Battle of Brandywine — Heroic conduct of Lafayette — Is wounded— At Bethlehem — Letters — Again at Camp — Accompanies Gen. Greene to New Jersey— Engagement at Gloucester— ^Lafayette is appointed to a command— Winter Quarters at Valtey Forge— The Conway Cabal— Expedition against Canada— Lafayette returns to Valley Forge, J^79

CHAPTER HL

Brightening Prospects— Opening of the Campaign of 1778— Lafayette at Barren Hill— Perilous Position— Brilliant Manoeuvre, and safe Retreat — Attachment of the Army — Affecting Intelligence from Home— Death of his Daughter—Letter to his Wife— Evacuation of Philadelphia — Battle of Monmouth— Arrival of Count D'Estaing, and the French fleet— Lafayette at Rhode Island— Sullivan and D*Estaing— D'Estaing determines to sail for Boston- Remonstrance — Lafayette and the Admiral — Reasons for the measure- Retreat from Newport— Efforts of Lafayette— Repairs to Boston— Again at Rhode Island— Retreat— Resolutions of Congress— Conrespondence-Lafayette prepares .to_rovisit; France— Action of Congress— Departure, 79-123

VIII CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV.

Pag«.

Letter to Washington— The Voyage— Storm and Conspiracy— Arrival in France —

Reception — Political Quarantine —Lafayette is admitted to the Royal Presence and Favor — His Popularity — His labors in behalf of France and America — Letter to President Laurens — Presentation of the Sword to Lafayette— Dr. Franklin's Letter, and Lafayette's Reply— Lafayette and the Ministry — Success at last— Proposed plan of Aid — Lafayette sails for Boston — Arrival, and Letter to General Washington— Reception at Boston— Repairs to Headquarters—Goes to Philadelphia— Situation of the Army— Washington— Letters— Designs upon New York — Arrival of the French Fleetr— Lafayette at New York— Head Quarters, 123-149

CHAPTER V.

Treason of Arnold— Fate of Andre— Washington in Newport— Lafayette in Maryland — Manoeuvres and Operations there — Destitution of the Soldiers — Generosity of the Marquis— Lafayette in Virginia— Phillips and the Traitor- Corn wallis arrives, and takes the supreme Command of the British Troops— His character— Pursuit of Cornwallis, and retreat of the Marquis— Junction with Wayne— The Pursued turns Pursuer — Cornwallis retreats to Portsmouth — Embarks for Yorktown— Fortifies himself at Yorktown and Gloucester Point— Arrival of the French Fleet— Arrival of the allied Army— Siege of Yorktown — Surrender of Cornwallis — Results — Lafayette goes to France, • ... 149-206

CHAPTER VL

Lafayette's Reception in Paris— At Home— Efforts for America— Preparations of France and Spain— Lafayette at Cadiz— Negotiations for Peace — Treaty of Peace ratified — Lafayette at Madrid — Continued endeavors — Free Ports— Duties on Oil — Desires to return to America— Embarks at Havre — Arrival at New York — Enthusiastic welcome — ^Visits Washington at Mount Vernon— Treaty with the Indians— Kayewla— Visits Boston— Reception there — Proceeds to Virginia— Meets Washington at Richmond— Returns North- Takes leave of Congress— Returns to France— Visits Frederick the Great — Incidents —Plans for African Emancipation — Interposition in behalf of per- Becuted Protestants, 206-223

CHAPTER VII.

A new Era in Lafayette's History— Causes which led to the French Revolution- Mistaken views concerning it— Character of Louis XVI— State of the Nation -—The wheel of Revolution begins to move— Assembly of Notables— Lafayette a member— The States-General— The Tiers Etat and tha Nobles— Union of the Three Estates— Lafayette's Oratory— Bill of Rights— Outbreak of tha People— Destruction of the Bantile- Lafayette commands the National Guards

CONTENTS. IX

JPagtt, Murder of Foulon— Refutation of Slander against Lafayette— Mob of Women — Judicious course of Lafayette — Tiie Royal Family leave Versailles for Paris— Reconciliation again— Celebration of the Fourteenth of July — Magnificent Festival — Lafayette refuses the command of all the National Guards of France— His true Nobility of Soul, 228-277

CHAPTER Vin.

Solemn Perjury— Lafayette's Position— His Letter to Washington— Jealousy of the King and Queen — Flight and return of the Royal Family— The King signs the Constitution — Lafayette resigns his office as Commander of the National Guards— Affection of the Guards and the Nation for him — Testimonials of Esteem — He retires to Chavagniae — Petion is elected Mayor of Paris — Preparations for War — La fayette is called upon— He assumes the Command — Marches to Givet — Treason — Retires to Maubeage — Letter to the Assembly — Appears in Paris— Returns to his Army— Last effort to save the King— The Reign of Terror— Decree against Lafayette— Difficulties which surround him —He leaves the Army, 277-305

CHAPTER IX.

Companions of Lafayette in his Exile — He is stopped at Rochefort — Passports refused— Shameful Treatment — Imprisonment— Delivered over by Prussia to Austria— Confinement at Olmutz— Refinement of Cruelty— Sympathy felt for him— Efforts for his Release— Conduct of Governeur Morris— Madame de Lafayette — Bollman and Huger's Attempt— Escape— Is taken, and agaia thrown into Prison— Increased Cruelties — Conduct of Madame de Lafayetie —With her two Daughters she visits him in Prison— Her Heroism— Bonaparte — ^Final Release — Reception in Hamburgh, .... 30&-339

CHAPTER X.

Lafayette in Private Life again— Two Years in Holstein— Visits Batavia— Overthrow of the French Directory— Napoleon appointed First Consul — Lafayette appears in Paris — Chagrin of Bonaparte— Mutual understanding — Lafayette retires to La Grange — His intercourse with Bonaparte ceases- Death of Madame de Lafayette— Banishment of Bonaparte to Elba— Elevation of Louis XVIII to the French Throne— Escape of Bonaparte— He appears in Paris — Bonaparte and Lafayette— Reverses at Waterloo — Abdication—Lafayette at La Grange— Is again elected to the Chamber of Deputies—Revisits America— Incidents of hia Tour— Returns to France— Another Kevolution— Death of Lafayette— His Character, .... 339-377

LIFE \.^

MAEQUIS DE LAFAYETTE.

CHAPTER I.

The man op two worlds — Birth op Lafayette — His ancestry and

EARLY YEARS — REMOVAL TO PARIS — INTERCOURSE AT COURT — HiS MAR- RIAGE WITH THE Countess de Noailles — Her character — Lafayette's sympathies with freedom — first news op the american struggle — Plans — Disappointments and Hopes — Visits London — Returns to Paris — Leaves Paris for Bordeaux — Plans discovered — Leaves Bordeaux FOR Passage — Returns to Bordeaux — Sets sail from Passage for America — Voyage — Letters to his wife — Arrival in America.

Lafayette has been called the man of two worlds ;* and whether we accredit him this title because his history is identified with that of the two hemispheres, or in view of the universal praise awarded him both in Europe and America ; it is a merited distinction. He is one of the few heroes, who rise above national prejudice and vanities, and is esteemed for what he is — independently of the accidents of birth and clime. England and France have delighted to do him honor, alike forgetful of his origin in the contemplation of his humanity ; rc-

garding mm less as a Frenchman than as a man. Indeed this is the strong and beautiful hght, in which the portrait of Lafayette should be viewed. His elevated character resembled in many points that of Washington, his friend and companion in arms. There was a balance of powers — a well-sustained earnestness, and even enthusiasm of action, while his heart beat with the loftiest impulses of virtue and freedom. He disdained the adulation of the courtly throng, and found pleasure, incomparably purer, in lifting up the weak and despairing to summits of greatness, if possible, equal to his own.

But the people of this Republic will ever blend with their veneration of Lafayette, a grateful remembrance and patriotic love. He is a Revolutionary Hero, and the luster of his virtues, to them, is a part of national glory, and will brighten with the deepening ** day-spring " of freedom.

Marie-Paul- Joseph-Roche-Yves Gilbert Mo tier de Lafayette was born on the 6th of September, 1757. Through a long Kne of ancestry he could trace his descent from the nobility of the earliest periods of French history; and, it is interesting to remark in the first glimpses which we get of the family, the same high qualities of character that reflect such honor upon the name, as they are seen exemplified in the history of its most distinguished representative. In the early days of chivalry, Lafayette was a name synonymous with every thing magnanimous and heroic. Before the feudal system was aboKshed; before even it had become freed from its harshest and most tyrannical features, while the retainer was kept in the most degrading bondage, and the lord was looked upon universally as the absolute despot of the yielding serf, we find the house of Lafayette regarding the wants of its vassals, and improving the condition of that class, upon whom nearly all the nobility were wont to look down with haughty contempt. As early as the fifteenth century, when France was subjected to a hostile invasion, and the security of its government threatened, a Lafayette became the terror of the foe, and contributed more than any other to drive out the enemy from the land. In the seventeenth century Louis de Lafayette was especially instrumental in defeating the plans of Richelieu, and in reconciling Louis XIII to his queen. The family is not without favorable notice in the literary annals of France. Madeline Countess de Lafayette is the authoress of several works of much celebrity which have come down to the present time. In all the annals of this illustrious line, there are no unworthy deeds, and no stain of dishonor tarnishes its escutcheon. It is an instance of that transmitted worth and renown, of w^hic^h there are but few examples in history. Ancestral honors seem to have been made perennial, and adorn with acknowledged right, the brow of him to wiiom by the law of the realm they descended.

The birth place of young Lafayette, was in the province of Auvergne, situated in the central part of the southern division of France. The Chateau de Chavagnac, where he first saw the light, is about one hundred and twenty leagues from Paris, and is an exceedingly romantic spot. The country seat stands amid an amphitheater of mountains, commanding a magnificent and ample view of encircHng summits. This region was probably thrown up by the same convulsion that elevated the Auvergne range, and exhibits all the varied and picturesque scenery of a surface, which has been broken into broad undulations and solemn peaks, by the upheaving of volcanic fires. The chateau was built in 1701 on the ruins of one that had long been the famil}^ residence, but was swept away with its ancient associations and pleasant memories, by a conflagration that left only the blackened fragments of the fine old homestead.

Interesting as the home of Lafayette is to the traveler, it contains but few memorials of himself. Even the room in which he was born cannot be identified, and a single portrait of him, taken in his boyhood, is almost the only evidence that these walls formed the field of his juvenile pastimes, and echoed to the unheeded and merry voice of '^ the heroic defender of liberty in two hemispheres."

The first seven or eight years of his fife, were passed in Chavagnac. His father, a Colonel in the French army, having fallen in the battle of Minden a few months before his birth, the care of his infancy was left entirely to his mother, a woman of excellent qualities and rare attainments.

By her unwearied devotion, the frail form of this only son, survived the debility which, for awhile, indicated a brief career. She watched with maternal solicitude and joy the hue of health stealing so gradually over his pale features, and marked the increasing strength of his attenuated frame; although it gave but slight pfomise of the vigor w^hich sustained the fatigues and arduous duties of his subsequent life. His mind, however, gave early indications of its powder. He seemed to leap over infancy at a stride, and vs^as a mature man in thought and feeling, while others of his age were only children. The same generosity and nobiUty of soul; the love of liberty and enthusiastic hatred of oppression; the self-sacrificing spirit and warm hearted devotion to whatever he espoused, which rendered his after life so illustrious, characterized also his early history. At the age of about twelve years he was entered at the college of Louis le Grand in Paris, where, under a course of excellent training, he zealously pursued his studies. His mind was well formed for a student, and, had his attention been continued in that direction, he might easily have become one of the most accurate scholars of his time. Of study he was passionately fond, to the exclusion, for awhile, of all other demands upon the precious hours. In the Latin and Greek classics he became especially proficient, and lost neither his love nor knowledge of them in later years. The foundation of that mental force and precision which he subsequently displayed, was firmly laid by this close discipline during the early part of his residence in Paris.

He was, however, afterwards subjected in his literary pursuits to frequent interruptions. His high rank gained him the attention of royalty, and the attractions of the gay French court drew him away from his course of intense apphcation. A passion for briJ liant society, together with an increasing desire for mihtary exploits, began to stir his youthful spirit. By the death of his mother, in 1770, and of his grandfather a short time after, he became the heir to immense wealth, which, being entirely at his own control, surrounded him with a crowd of parasites and flatterers, whose fawning and constant attendance checked, at once, the scholar's progress. The mildness and affability of his manners, moreover, made him a great favorite at court, where the gentle but unfortunate Marie Antoinette took him under her special care. He became a page to the queen, and at the age of fifteen, in the year 1770, he was enrolled a member of the Mousquitaires du Roi^ a body of soldiers whose particular duty it was to protect the person of the king, and which was composed solely of the descendants of the noblest families of France. Through the direct influence of the queen, he was promoted to the rank of a commissioned officer in this corps; and, though he says that his military services *' only interrupted his studies on review days," it is evident that the alacrity and zest with which he was wont to engage in intellectual culture had already subsided under the pressure of engagements of quite a different nature.

He was fond of the social circle, but rarely joined in the frivolous amusements and trifling talk prevalent in the saloons of the metropolis He was habitually silent when discussion turned on topics which he thought unworthy attention; while yet his amiable manner made him a favorite, whenever his fine figure moved amid the thronged apartments of wealth and fashion.

His own conversational powers were of a high order, and their activity varied much with his moods — sometimes mild and winning, and again ardent and enthusiastic. In this he would resemble the musical rivulet moving to the measures of an inward melody; and then, perhaps the same hour, remind one of the rapid and sounding torrent dashing on in its wild and stirring march. When he spoke of liberty, or listened to a tale of oppression, his eye kindled with a glow, that disclosed the pure and intense flame on freedom's hidden altar. His soul, from earliest boyhood, was fired with the themes of human well-being, and despotic cruelty. While at Chavagnac, his delicate and sensitive frame would often tremble, and his hps quiver, to the agitation awakened by a contemplation of the destiny designed for a struggling race, and his pantings for an atmosphere untainted with the breath of tyranny. He uses the following language, long afterwards, to a friend:

"You ask me at what period I first experienced my ardent love for liberty and glory; — I recollect no time of life anterior to my enthusiasm for anecdotes of glorious deeds, and to my projects of traveling over the world to acquire fame. At eight years of age, my heart beat when I heard of an hyena that had done some injury, and caused still niore alarm in our neighborhood, and the hope of meeting it was the object of all my walks. When I arrived at college, nothing ever interrupted my studies, except my ardent wish of studying without restraint. I never deserved to be chastised; but, in spite of my usual gentleness, it would have been dangerous to have attempted to do so, I recollect with pleasure that, when I was to describe in rhetoric a perfect courser, I sacrificed the hope of obtaining a prize, and described the one, who, on perceiving the whip, threw down his rider. Republican anecdotes always delighted me, and when my new connections wished to obtain for me a place at court, I did not hesitate displeasing them to preserve my independence." How plainly, in all this, is his character seen. The steed, gentle when well treated, but throwing his rider at sight of the whip, had spirit which chimed in well with that of the youthful hater of oppression.

In his seventeenth year* Lafayette was married. The object of his choice was first selected hy him from considerations of family interest, but the marriage was consummated, as there is every reason to believe, with the purest affection. His lady was the Comptesse Anastasie de Noailles, daughter of the Duke d'Ayen ; and brought to his own, a heart full of virtue, courage, and conjugal affection. Her life is one of the brightest in the annals of female heroism, conspicuous alike for gentleness, disinterested devotion, and patient endurance of every privation which attends deepest misfortunes. In the progress of this history, we shall have occasion to notice and admire her worth. She brought her husband a fortune, which together with his ample inheritance, gave him a revenue of 200,000 francs, or 37,500 dollars, per annum. But she was a richer treasure than it all. Lafayette gave abundant evidence that he cherished for her the highest esteem, and her character and history show that she reciprocated fully his affection. " At this period of his hfe, the Marquis de Lafayette was a man of commanding figure and pleasing features, notwithstanding his deep red hair. His forehead, though receding, was fine ; his eyes clear hazel, and his mouth and chin delicately formed, exhibiting beauty rather than strength. The expression of his countenance was strongly indicative of a generous and gallant spirit, with an air of conscious greatness. His manners were frank and amiable — his movements light and graceful.

Formed, both by nature and education, to be the ornament of a court, and already distinguished by his varied and attractive quaHties in the circle of his noble acquaintance, his free principles were neither withered by the sunshine of royalty, nor weakened by flattery and temptation." Amid the enjoyments of an effeminate court, and surrounded by all the delights of his newly made domestic alliance, Lafayette was dreaming of a very different future. Visions of military life, which were ever dancing before his mind, were painted in still more glowing colors by the camp-scenes through which he was wont to pass. He was a soldier by profession, but he had chosen the sword, and now carried it that he might wield it for the right, and not alone to blazon his own name with renown. A fire burned in his breast, and a lofty enthusiasm was there; and he longed for some opportunity to give scope to the inward flame — some arena on which he could stand and battle for the wants of the strugghng millions. This became an absorbing theme of thought. To have quelled the mighty impulse would have wrecked the man, as truly as to still the throbbing heart forever would have left only a motionless and expressionless form. This desire to behold an uprising of the oppressed — a rending of fetters ; and to hear the knell of despotism the world over, had deepened into a fixed purpose, ripening with his powers, and ^as now the very breath of his fife. It had risen above all other passions, till it was now the guiding one of his being. He was waiting only foi* some brilliant opportunit}'- in which he might rerealize his cherished dreams ; and this was soon presented.

In the summer of 1776, he was stationed on military duty as an officer of the French army, in the citadel of Metz. It was the summer distinguished as the greatest modern epoch in the progress of humanity — the summer of the declaration of American Independence. He was at this time but httle more than eighteen, but, as we have before noticed, his maturity was far beyond his years. The Duke of Gloucester having been exiled from the court of Great

Britain on account of his impolitic marriage, was then at Metz. He was a brother of the King of England, and was constantly receiving advices relating to the progress of the opening struggle in America. The first tidings of the kind which he communicated to the French officers there, struck the key note to Lafayette's fiery ardor; and the more vividly the Duke described the plans of the British ministry to crush the efforts of the colonists, the more firmly settled in his breast became the plan, which he seems to have immediately formed, of going to their rescue. America fighting for its independence appealed strongly to his imagination, but America oppressed and Hkely to be crushed in the struggle, enlisted every sympathy of his heart. Throwing up his office at Metz, he returned to Paris. He knew that the earnest opposition of his family and friends would be brought to bear against his designs, but he had determined to throw himself into the struggle, and no human barrier could defeat the purpose. His first steps, however, were taken with great caution. With the utmost secrecy he made his inquiries and preparations, carefully concealing his intentions from the wife of his bosom and most of his intimate friends. At length he disclosed his determination to his relative the Count de Broglie, but received from him the strongest opposition. The Count pictured to him, in glowing terms, the difficulties and dangers of the undertaking, and endeavored by every means to dissuade him from the enterprise — " Your uncle perished in the wars in Italy," said he, "your father fell in the battle of

Minden, and now I will not be accessory to the ruin of the only reniaining branch of the family.'' Notwithstanding, Lafayette was not disheartened. The secretary of the Count, Mr. Duboismartin, entered at once into all his plans, and approved them. His position and skill enabled him to render the Marquis important aid, both in the way of advice and active assistance. Lafayette, not for a moment dissuaded from his romantic and perilous scheme by his interview with the Count de Broglie,* soon laid open all his plans to the Baron de Kalb, to whom he had been attracted by a kindred sympathy. The Baron's heart beat with the same enthusiasm which animated the young Marquis, and his love of liberty was equally ardent. De Kalb zealously seconded his design, and opened to him new methods for carrying it forward. Mr. Silas Deane, an agent sent out by the American Congress to negotiate with the French government, was at this time in Paris. To him De Kalb introduced the Marquis, and spread before him the generous offer of his personal service in the American war, Mr. Deane was at first unfavorably impressed with the boyish appearance of Lafayette, (he was at this time scarcely nineteen years of age,) but the earnestness with which the young volunteer pleaded his cause ; the ardor which he manifested in the enterp'ize, and the probable effect which his departure would have throughout France in awakening a more intense sym-

^ * Lafayette aftei^wards states, that the Count withdrew his oppoeition after all his efl'oits to turn him from his project had proved in vain.

pathy with the American States overcame his first hesitation. A mutual agreement was made, and Lafayette left him with his youthful spirit bounding to the music of freedom's battle. The following paper, which he had obtained from Mr. Dean, was to him a richer treasure than his ancestral domain. It was given in virtue of Lafayette's stipulation to depart as early as circumstances should permit, and engage personally in the struggle for the Independence of the United States.

" The desire which the Marquis de Lafayette shows of serving among the troops of the United States of North America, and the interest which he takes in the justice of their cause, make him wish to distinguish himself in this war, and to render himself as useful as he possibly can. But not thinking that he can obtain leave of his family to pass the seas and to serve in a foreign country, till he can go as a general officer, I have thought that I could not better serve my country, and those who have entrusted me, than by granting to him, in the name of the very honorable Congress, the rank of Major-Gene ral, which I beg the states to confirm and ratify to him, and to deliver him the commission to hold and take rank from this day with the general officers of the same degree. His high birth, his alliances, the great dignities which his family hold at this court, his considerable estates in this realm, his personal merit, his reputation, his disinterestedness, and above all, his zeal for the liberty of our provinces, are such as to induce me alone to promise him the rank of Major-

General in the name of the United States. In witness of which I have signed the present this 7th day

of December, 1776.

Silas Deane."

*' The secrecy," says Lafayette, '' with which this negotiation and my preparations were made, appears almost a miracle; family, friends, ministers, French spies and English spies, all were kept completely in the dark as to my intentions."

In the midst of his preparations, unforeseen difficulties arose. A ship was fitting out in which he was to take his departure, when news of disastrous defeats in the revolutionary army reached France. Hearts throbbing w^ith hope were hushed at the tidings of these sad reverses on the field of conflict for liberty. The intelligence which flew across the Atlantic and made the bells of London ring for joy, fell like a funeral knell upon many a circle in Paris and other parts of the kingdom. The court of Versailles had not yet openly espoused the American cause, but Louis XVI was looking upon the struggle with anxious eye, and discerning politicians were already predicting that France would soon be joined in fraternal league with the United States, against England. Dr. Frankhn had joined Mr. Deane at Paris, with more definite instructions, and both, though not publicly acknowledged, were yet secretly received by the king; and while they were assured of his approval of the revolution, they also had reason to believe that he would soon openly espouse it. In receiving the American agents, and giving them encouragement of future assistance, Louis XVI did not see the mine which he was laying deep beneath his own feet and the Bourbon throne. His ministers clearly saw that the American declaration was no less hostile to the principals of the French, than to those of the English monarchy ; but their arguments and persuasions with the king, were unavaihng before the strong representations of Dr.