The life of Gilbert Motier de Lafayette : a marquis of France; a general in the American and French revolutions; the compatriot and friend of Washington; the champion of American independence, and of the rights and liberties of mankind : from numerous and authentick sources

Front matter

BookXA-±l4

THE LIFE

OF

Preface

i In reading and reflecting upon the Mstory of the past, and contemplating the lives of those illastrious men to "whom this country is indebted for its freedom, it has occurred to me, that the services and character of Lafayette are not fully appreciated by the American people. But how should they be appreciated, unless they are known? The name of LafAyette is familiar, and is cherished in popular tradition, as honourably connected with our revolutionary struggle. The materials for a more intimate knowledge of him are scattered through many voluminous 'collections of publick documents, and works of History and Biography. He has been incidentally and favourably noticed by several American, French, and English authors. Memoirs and sketches of his life have been compiled and published — -most of them hastily devised and executed for some special occasion, and comprising only particular periods of his eventful career. But there seems at this time to be wanted a connected narrative of the events of Lafayette's whole life, from his birth to his death---embracing his publick services, military and civil, in America and France ; as the hero of three revolutions ; the victim of despotism in the prison of Olmutz ; the restorer of liberty in the " three glorious days of July ;" his domestick history and habits ; his publick and private character — in such a plain, economical form, as will bring it within the means of all classes of readers to purchase, to peruse, and to comprehend. To supply this deficiency, is the object of the present volume. Although written in haste, amidst other cares and avotiations, since the commencement of January last, the task has not been accomplished without considerable labour, investigation and reflection. In the progress o{ it, th© following works have been consulted, viz : — The Life and Writings of Washington, by Mr. Sparks | the Life of Gov^rneur Morris, by the same ; Mar-

11 PEEFACH.

shall's Life of Washington ; Botta's History of the American Revolution ; Thatcher's Journal ; Lee's Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department; Life of Arthur Lee; Franklin's Works ; Jefferson's do. ; the Madison Papers ; the Lives of Hamilton, Gerry, Patrick Henry, Paul Jones, &;c. &;c. ; Crowe's History of France ; Thiers French Revolution , Mignet's do. ; Carlyle's do. ; Scott's Napoleon ; Recollections of Mirabeau ; Dumas' Memoirs ; Chastellux's Travels ; Memoirs, Correspondence, and Manuscripts of Lafayette, published by his family ; Sarran's Memoirs of Lafayette and the Revolution of 1830 ; Holstein's Memoirs of Lafayette ; Levasseur's Lafayette in America ; Cloquet's Private Life of Lafayette ; Carter's Letters from Europe ; Lady Morgan's France ; with many other biographical sketches, books of travel, historical essays, newspaper files, &c. &c. — -comprising in all not less than one hundred volumes.

From these numerous sources I have endeavoured to cull the most interesting facts ; to reconcile and correct their discrepancies and contradictions ; and to weave from the materials thus gathered, a faithful narrative of the life and character of Lafayette, with a strict regard to truth and justice, and to correct chronological and historical order. To state in each instance to which author I may be indebted for an incident, a thought, or a narrative sentence, would be impracticable. Where I am deserving of credit, for originality of arrangement, of diction or of sentiment, the reader will award it : where I am not, that credit will be withheld, or awarded to others. I have no pride or ambition of authorship. 1 claim no merit for this volume, except that of a faithful compilation :— And what else is all History — all Biography 1 If this work shall be deemed worthy to rank with the useful publications of the day — if it shall contribute to elevate the taste and sentiments of the American people, and increase in them the desire of investigating the history and biography of their own country ; and if it shall lead them justly to appreciate the services and merits of one to whom they are to much indebted for the privileges they enjoy — my object will be attained — I shall be amply rewarded.

Ithaca, July, 1841.

Chapter I

IJafayette — His ancestors — His Father : death of, at Minden — Historical discrepancies relative thereto — Lafayette's posthumous birth- Proud title and wealthy inheritance — Ghevaniac, the place of his nativity — His infancy and childhood — Delicate constitution. — - Strong intellectual powers — His education — Death of his Mother and Grandfather — Becomes a favourite at Court — Is appointed one of the queen's pages, and a commissioned officer in the king's regiment — Marries at the age of sixteen — His wife's family — Her amiable and noble character — Lafayette's love of liberty, early and innate — A poor courtier — Refuses a place — Was prepared to espouse the American revolution. . . . . . . Page 13

CHAPTER IL

Commencement of the American Revolution — Its high character and objects^ — Lafayette among the first to espouse its cause — Origin of that intention— Resolves to go to America — Opposition of family and friends — Interview with Mr. Deane — Secret preparations — Mr. Deane's written stipulation — News of American disasters — their effects — Franklin and Deane dissuade Lafayette — His perseverance and confidence — Prepares to purchase and equip a vessel — Opposition of the French government — ¥igilance of the British envoy—" evades it— Corresponds with Franklin and Deane — Visit to England . — Distinguished reception — Openly avows his sentiments — Hastily returns to Paris — Prepares to depart for America — Government interference — His arrest ordered—Trying crisis — Proceeds in disguise — Pursued — Recognized by a young girl — His secret kept — • Reaches Passage in safety. ....... 21

Chapter III

Sails for America — Voyage — Difficulties with the captain — Study and employment — Letters to Madame Lafayette — Prophetick sentiments — Arrives at Georgetown^ S. C. — Lands on the American shore — Swears to conquer or perish in the cause — At the house of Major Huger — First impressions— Reception at Charleston — Letter from thence — Journey by land to Philadelphia. . . .28

Chapter IV

Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia — State of aifairs — Anxiety for emglojment — Applies to Congress- — Embarrassing circumstances—

IV CONTENTS.

Cool reception — Offers to serve at his own expense, and as a volunteer — Accepted by Congress — Commission as Major-General — Lafayette's first interview with Gen. Washington — His arrival at the American camp — His description of the army — Anxious for an active command — Embarrassment of Gen. Washington. . 35

Chapter V

The Crisis — Sufferings of the army — J^vents and movements — Arrival of the enemy's fleet — March of the army — Battle of Brandywine — Lafayette wounded — His account of the battle — Is conveyed to Bethlehem — Employment there — Domestick correspondence — Zeal, correspondence and projects, in behalf of America — Movements of the armies — Battle of Germantown — Minor opera, tions — Red Bank — Death of Count Donop — Fort Mifflin — Major rieury. .. ........ 40

Chapter VI

Lafayette returns to head-quarters — Domestick anxiety and correspondence — Difficulty of communication with France — Situation and feelings — Desire for a command — Gen. Washington's letter on the subject — Success merited and won— Battle of Gloucester — Decision of Congress — Lafayette's character appreciated — Letter of Patrick Henry — The array in winter quarters — Its great sufferings at Whitemarsh and Valley Forge — Lafayette the soldier's friend — His zeal and humanity — His habits — Solicits the alliance of France — Advocates the American cause and character — Letter to the Duke D'Ayen, , . , . ., . . .49

CHAPTER Vn.

Dissensions, painful to Lafayette — Conway's Cabal — Lafayette remains faithful to Gen. Washington — Correspondence between them — Lafayette hears of the birth of a daughter — Determines to remain in America — Letter to Madame Lafayette — Expedition against Canada — Lafayette appointed to the command — j(iebukes the enemies of Washington — Journey to Albany — Difficulties encountered—Letters to Gen. Washington — Lafayette's liberality — Visit to the Indian tribes-<-I^etter to Baron Steuben — Expedition abandoned — Approbatory resolution of Congress — Lafayette returns to head-quarters— Conway's confession. . . .58

Chapter VIII

Preparations for the Campaign of 1778 — Influence abroad of Lafayette's example — American commissioners in Paris — Policy of the French government — Favourable impressions in Europe — Joy in France at American success — Prospects of an alliance — Lord North's Conciliatory Bills — Treatise between France and the United States — Celebration of this event — New oath of allegiance — ■ Administered by Lafayette — Objection by Woodford's brigade — Obviated by Lafayette — Campaign commences — Affair of Barren

COKTENTS. V

Hill — Masterly retreat of Lafayette — Its importance — Anxiety of Cen. Washington — Lafayette's affection — Deatii of iiis daughter — - Letter thereon — The doniestick and social virtues commended. 71

Chapter IX

The British army evacuates Philadelphia — Pursuit by the Americans • — Lee and a majority of officers oppose an attack — Lafayette concurs with Washington, Greene, and others, in favour of it — Lee declines the command of the advanced corps — Conferred on Lafayette — His instructions— Yields to Lee's solicitations — Vacillating conduct of Lee — Battle of Monmouth — Arrival of the French fleet, under Count D'Estaing — It repairs to Newport — Gratification of Lafayette — Is appointed to co-operate with his countrymen — = Gen. Greene sent to participate in the command — -Correspondence of Washington and Lafayette on the occasion. . . .81

Chapter X

Operations at Newport — Plans disconcerted — Displeasure of Count D'Estaing — British fleet appears — Engagement between the French and English fleets — -Separated by a storm— T,e French fleet returns to Boston — Indignation and misunderstanding occasioned thereby — Lafayette acts as mediator — Repairs to Boston — Harmony restored — Action at Newport — Lafayette's hasty return to participate in it — The "Retreat of Rhode Island " — Lafayette's servi. ces on the occasion appreciated — Resolution of Congress — Approbatory letter of Washington. . . . . . .89

CHAPTER XL

Lafayette watches the enemy on Rhode Island — New difficulties be. tween the French and Americans — Reconciled by Lafayette — His anxiety for more active operations— Projects for that purpose — Canada expedition discouraged by Washington — Lafayette decides to visit France — Insulting language of the British Commissioners — Lafayette resents it, and proposes challenging Lord Carlisle — Gen. Washington and Count D'Estaing endeavour to dissuade him therefrom — Challenge sent and declined — Lafayette prepares for his voyage — Correspondence with Gen. Washington and Congress — Grateful testimonials and acknowledgments— Lafayette leaves Philadelphia for Boston — His dangerous illness at Fishkill — attended by Doct. Cochrane — Kindness of Gen. Wasliington -Visit of Dr. Thatcher— Lafayette recovers — Takes leave of Washington, and pursues his journey — His eloquent tribute to the character of Washington — Detention at Boston — The proposed Canada expedition finally rejected by Congress — Lafayette's farewell letters to General Washington- -Sails for France. . . . . . .99

Chapter XII

The voyage — Incidents and dangers — Storm — Vessel dismasted — Conspiracy of the crew — Its suppression — Arrival at Brest — Lafayette's feelings — His cordial reception— At Versailles — Affected di&. -

1*

VI CONTENTS.

pleasure of the king — Ludicrous vindication of royal prerogative — Lafayette in temporary exile — The queen's curiosity to see him — His liberation — Gracious reception at court — Becomes the lion of the day — Remembers the patriots of America — Patronised by the queen — Her admiration of Washington — Count de Vergennes — Lafayette negotiates for aid to America — Proposed descent upon the Enghsh coast — Paul Jones — Correspondence with — Expedition abandoned — Preparations for an invasion of England, by Spain and France — Lafayette advances money for America — Offers to pledge his fortune — Plans for hiring vessels — For a loan — Letter of Waslaiington —To Franklin— Lafayette's correspondence with Gen.Washington and the President of Congress. .... 109

CHAPTER Xni.

Lafayette continues his efforts in behalf of America — Prohibited by Congress from asking the aid of land forces — On his own responsibility, solicits from the French ministers a naval armament, money, clothing,and a large body of auxiliary troops — His plan for the expedition — Urges immediate action — Sword from Congress, presented by Dr. Franklin — Description of it — Letter of Dr. Franklin — Lafayette's reply — Letters to Gen. Washington and President Lawrens — Abandonment of the expedition against England — Summary of the campaign of 1779, in America— Renewed efforts of Lafayette — Finally successful — Plan of the expedition agreed upon — Stipulations honourable to the Americans— Lafayette's instructions from the French Government — Sails again for America. 120

Chapter XIV

Lafayette arrives at Boston — Letter to Gen. Washington — ^Joy at his return — Repairs to Head-quarters — His reception —Visits Philadelphia — Welcomed by Congress — Plans for future operation — Deplorable state of the army and country — Efforts of Washington, seconded by Lafayette — Patriotick exertions of the ladies of Philadelphia — Liberal subscription of Lafayette— Arrival of the French fleet — Lafayette commissioned to meet it — Authorized to confer with the French admiral and general — Negotiations and correspondence — Zeal and perseverance — Plans of attack — Causes of embarrasspient and delay — Approbation of Washington, . . . 127

Chapter XV

Lafayette returns to Head-quarters — His favourite command of Light Infantry — His liberality to it — Thatcher's description of — Anxious for the attack of New York — Correspondence with Count Rochambeau-^-The Count offended — Lafayette's explanations — Admonitory letter of Count Rochambeau— Lafayette accompanies Gen. Washington to Hartford — Interview between the American and French commanders — Return to West Point---Treason of Arnold — Its detection — Arrest of Andre — Lafayette's account of these events — One of the Board of Officers which tried Andre — Concurs in the expediency of his execution. . , , . . . 138

CONTENTS. Vll

Chapter XVI

Lafayette'^s continued anxiety, and projects, for active employment — The Chevalier de Chasteilux— His visit to the American camp — To Lafayette's encampment-^Opinion of Washington and Lafayette — Attack on York Island abandoned — Lafayette's favourite corps disbanded — He repairs to Philadelphia— Proposes to join the south, ern army — Change in the French ministry-r-New hopes inspired — Mutiny of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey soldiers — Lafayette's return to Head-quarters — Its object — Mission of Col. Laurens to France — Letters of Lafayette — To Count de Yergennes— To Madame Lafayette 145

Chapter XVII

Arnold in Virginia — Contemplated expedition for his capture—Lafayette assigned to the command of a southern detachment — His preparations and rapid progress — Intended co-operation of the French fleet — Action between the French and English fleets— The enemy's fleet gains possession of the Chesapeake Bay-— Lafayette retires — Visit to the mother of Washington— Arrives with his forces at the Head of Elk — Meets the orders of Gen. Washington to repair with his detachment to Virginia— Sufferings, discontent and mutiny of the soldiers — Lafayette suppresses the mutiny, and borrows money to relieve the wants of the soldiers — Their devotion to him-— Leave to return — Declined by Lafayette— His rapid march — Reaches Richmond in advance, and to the astonishment, of Phillips and Arnold — Commencement of the Virginia campaign— Lafayette's vigilance and prudence — His account of events — Death of Gen. Phillips — Command devolves on Arnold — Lafayette refuses to correspond with him — Approval of Gen. Washington 155

CHAPTER XVJIL

Cornwallis arrives in Virginia — His force — That of Lafayette-— Lafayyette at Richmond — Secures the valuable property — Letter to Gen.. Washington— Cornwallis advances upon Richmond — Lafayette compelled to retreat — His rapid and skillful movements — Letters to ^Greene and Washington— Baffles Tarleton— Junction with Wayne's detachment — Outgenerals Cornwallis — Gains a strong position between the enemy and the magazines at Albemarle— -Cornwallis retreats — Lafayette becomes the assailant— His account of an action —Cornwallis continues his retreat— Action at Jamestown — The enemy retreat to Portsmouth — Indications of their intention to ,embark^Lafayette is anxious to join the northern army — Corres- ^pondence on the subject with Gen. Washington — Hints of important operations — A French squ.adron expected — Junction of the French and American armies — Washington announces important matters to Lafayette — Enjoins him to a vigilant watch of the enemy—Mode of compliance — The enemy embark — Pass up the bay — Commence fortifications — Lafayette becomes satisfied to remain in Virginia — Informed of the destination of the French squadron- Correspondence with Washington— Enjoined to prevent the enemy's

VIU CONTENTS.

retreat — Continued vigilance — System of Espionage— Morgan, the pretended deserter. . . . . » . . .166

Chapter XIX

Gen. Washington, with the combined armies, resolves to march to Virginia — Injunctions to Lafayette renewed and complied with — Cornwallis held in a position favourable to Lafayette's plans and wishes — The fleet of Count de Grasse arrives in the Chesapeake — Lafayette in command of the combiaed forces — Blockades Cornwallis, by sea and land — Impatience of Count de Grasse and Gen. St. Simon — Urge Lafayette to attack Cornwallis — He refuses — Sacrifices ambition, and glory, to duty and discretion — A British fleet appears off the Chesapeake — Count de Grasse sails — Meets and disperses them — Gen. Washington and Count Rochambeau arrive at Williamsburg — Interview with the French admiral — De Grasse promises to co-operate — Changes his mind — Resolves to sail for the West Indies — Mission of Lafayette, to dissuade him from it — Its success — The French and American armies arrive — General Washington in command — Siege of Yorktown commenced — Gen. Rochambeau's account of it — Lafayette storms and carries a redoubt — Capitulation and surrender — Lafayette's deportment — Vindicates the Americans — Offers to join General Greene — Resolves to • visit France — Takes leave of his brave corps — Complimentary resolves of Congress — Approbatory letters of' Counts de Segur and • de Vergenries — Farewell letters of Washington — Lafayette bids adieu to Washington and sails for France — His military services in America terminated — Their value — Estimate of the Virginia campaign —Gen. Lee's opinion — Testimony of Mr. Madison. 180

Chapter XX

Lafayette received with enthusiasm in France — His continued devotion to the American cause — Letters of Washington — Approbatory resolutions of Virginia — Negotiations for peace — Formidable preparations for a new campaign — The treaty finally signed — Lafayette sends the ship Triumph to America, with the first news of peace — Deterred from accompanying it, by diplomatick difficulties at Madrid — Repairs to that city, and procures the acknowledgment by Spain of M. Carmichael — Desire and intention of revisiting. America — Invitation to General Washington — Madame Lafayette unites in it — Washington's letter to Madame Lafayette — Lafayette embarks for, and arrives in, America — His reception— Meeting with

' Gen. Washington — Return to the north — Liberality to Matthew Carey — Ascends the Hudson — Is present at an Indian treaty — Returns to the south — Reception by the Legislature of Virginia — Resolution and address of Congress — Lafayette's reply — Affectionate farewell letter from Gen. Washington — Embarks from New York — Arrives safely in France. . . , . . . .196

Chapter XXI

Lafayette's official connexion with America terminates— He enters upon another field of action — Continues to serve America — Visits the

CONTENTS. IX

courts of Germany — Reception by the Emperour Joseph and Frederick the Great— His liberal principles confirmed— Plans for eman. cipating the blacks from slavery — Purchases an estate at Cayenne for that purpose — His views approved by Gen. Washington — Their nature and extent — For gradual, not sudden, emancipation — Favours the French Protestants— The bust of Lafayette, presented by the State of Virginia, through Mr. Jefferson, to the municipality of Paris--T-Is placed, with imposing ceremonies, in the Hotel de

Chapter XXII

The French Revolution — Its causes — Preliminary events— Lo«is XVI — Maurepas — Assembly of Notables — Lafayette a member of it — His propositions for reform — The States General convened — Its character — Lafayette a deputy —Dissentions of the orders — The commons constitute themselves the National Assembly — Tlie king, sides with the privileged orders-r-I)pors of the Assembly closed— The members repair to the Tennis Court— Take an oath— Last " bed of justice" — Speech of Mirabeau— Lafayette, with forty liberal nobles, joins the commons — The three orders unite — Lafayette pro. poses a Declaration of Rights — First insurrection in Paris — Lafayette Vice-President of the Assembly — Destruction of the Bastile — ■ Deputation to the Hotel de Ville — Bailly chosen Mayor of Paris — Lafayette commander of the civick guards — Receives the king in Paris — Organizes the National Guards — Institutes the tri-coloured cockade — His character and influence at this period — Endeavours to preserve tranquillity — Indignant at popular excesses — Threatens to resign — Persuaded to continue in command — Refuses compensation for his services— Feudal privileges abolished — Declaration of rights adopted. 211

Chapter XXIII

Intrigues and duplicity of the queen and court — Projected removal of the king — Mad military banquet at Versailles — Fearful insurrection of the 6th of October — Mob of women assail the palace — Lafayette resists the popular fury — Repairs to Versailles — Defends the palace — Saves the lives of the royal family— Reconciles the king and queen to the populace — The royal family remove to Paris — Guarded by Lafayette — New projects of agitation and flight — Counteracted by Lafayette — Transmits to Gen. Washington a drawing and key of the Bastile — Volunteer oath of the King to sus. tain the constitution — Abolition of titles — Death of Franklin — Eulogiura of Mirabeau — Motion of Lafayette — Anniversary of the 14th July — Federation of the Champ-de-Mars — Lafayette the champion of the day — The oath — Grand review of the National Guards — Monitory address of Lafayette — Reply of the deputies. 225

Chapter XXIV

Empty pageant and professions — The factions — Lafayette endeavours to reconcile them — Counter disturbances — Lafayette suppresses

X CONTENTS.

them — His true position— Death of Mirabeau — Danger and duplicity of the king— Royal family escape — Lafayette blamed by the populace — Vindication — Is offered and rejects the vacant throne — The king arrested at Varennes and brought back to Paris— Lafayette receives and protects the royal family — The king suspended — Lafayette responsible for his safe custody — The Jacobins demand a republick — Mob in the Champ.de-Mars — Lafayette fires upon and suppresses it — The constitution completed — The king restored — Lafayette resigns his commission — Retires to Chavagnac — Is defeated as candidate for Mayor of Paris — Is appointed a general of the army — Accepts — Reception at Paris — Repairs to Mentz — Letter to Gen. Washington — War declared — Reign of Terrour approaches — Lafayette remonstrates to the Assembly — His appeal comes too late— Insurrection of the 20th June 239

Chapter XXV

Lafayette indignant at the outrages in Paris — Remonstrances of the army — Lafayette repairs to Paris — Appears before the Assembly — Denounces the Jacobins — Accused and defended — Received with coldness by the king and queen — Enthusiasm of the populace — Lafayette returns to the army — Conciliation of factions in the Assembly—New outbreaks of the populace — Lafayette sees the approach of the tempest — His plan for the safety of the king and queen — Rejected by them — Opposing project and views of Governeur Morris — The dethronement of the king proposed by the Jacobins — Accusation against Lafayette— He is acquitted by the Assembly— Last gleam of justice — Fearful insurrection of the 10th August — Suspension of the royal authority — Final imprisonment of the king and family — Account of these events by Theirs and Dumas — Lafayette refuses to acknowledge the Jacobin authorities — Causes the imprisonment of their commissioners — The Assembly declare Lafayette a traitor— Jacobinism inf cts the armies — Luckner and Dumouriez submit — Lafayette leaves France — His arrest and im, prisonment in Austria and Prussia 252

Chapter XXVI

Sympathies in favour of Lafayette — Efforts for his liberation— Generous exertions of Governeur Morris — Eloquent appeal of Madame de Stael — Feelings and personal exertions of Gen, Washington— Fate of Madame Lafayette — Her letters and appeals to President Washington — His answers — Popular feeling in the United States in favour of a commission to demand the release of Lafayette— Colonel M'Henry solicits the appointment — Efforts in behalf of Lafayette in Europe — Masclet and his associates— Bollman and Huger's en-, terprise for the escape of Lafayette — Its partial success — The escape — Their capture and imprisonment — Lafayette treated with increased severity — Bollman and Huger released — Their efforts in the United States— Gen. Washington declines acting officially— Renews his personal efforts— Writes to Mr. Pinckney — His letter to the Emperour of Germany. ...... 263

CONTENTS. XI

Chapter XXVII

Madame Lafayette set at liberty— Sends her son, George Washington Lafayette, to America— He is kindly received by President Wash, ington, and publickly by Congress — Madame Lafayette is aided by Mr. Monroe— She repairs to Vienna — Has an interview with the Emperom- of Austria — Is permitted, and nobly determines to share, with her daughters, the imprisonment of Lafayette at Olmutz — Maubourg's account of it referred to — The daughters of Lafayette — They alleviate the gloom of his prison — Madamoiselle Anastasie's Sketch of the Jailer of Olmutz— The faithful Felix— Victorious career of the French armies — Gratifying to Lafayette — Napoleon, the hero and conqueror — The first spark of his ambition kindled — Stip. ulates at Leoben for the release of Lafayette and his companions — Dishonourable conditions imposed by Austria — Lafayette refuses them — Bonaparte suspects the duplicity of Austria — Sends Romeuf to demand Lafayette's liberation — His final release — Is delivered to the American consul at Hamburg — His residence in Holstein — Returns to France- -The First Consul desires to gain him— Lafayette is grateful to Napoleon, but suspects him of ambitious designs — Refuses the office of senator— Retires from the army — Refuses to vote for Napoleon as consul for life — His letter explanatory. 274

Chapter XXVIII

Lafayette in the retirement of Lagrange— Suggested mission to Amer. ica— Is offered by President Jefferson the office of Governour of Louisiana — Letter declining the appointment — Mr. Jefferson's opin-^ ion of Lafayette— Letter approving his conduct in the French Rev-*^ olution — Lagrange not exempt from misfortune and sorrow — Accident to Lafayette — Petty resentments of Napoleon— Death of Madame Lafayette—Her character— Lafayette's sorrow, and affectionate remembrance of her— Napoleon's exile to and return from Elba — Endeavours to conciliate the old friends of liberty—Lafayette declines his advances — Refuses the peerage— Remonstrates against the revival of despotism— Is elected a deputy — Battle of Waterloo- Last effort of Napoleon— Bold and patriotick declarations of Lafayette — Frustrates the despotick designs of Napoleon— Reply to Lucien Bonaparte— Advises the abdication of the Emperour— Is a commissioner to treat with the allies— Endeavours to secure the liberty of Napoleon, and his safe conduct to America— Retires to Lagrange —Elected again to the Chamber of Deputies— Advocates liberal principles and measures— Resists the despotick encroachments under the restoration- Warns and reproaches the Bourbon dynasty — Is accused of treasonable designs— Challenges his adversaries to the proof— Is defeated in his election by the Ministry. . . 289

Chapter XXIX

Lafayette determines to visit America — His departure and voyage- Arrives at New York— Is received with enthusiasm— Journey to and reception at Boston— Returns to New York— Brilliant fete at Castle Garden— Voyage up the Hudson— Return— Goes south— Reception

Xll CONTENTS.

at Philadelphia — Visit of Lafayette to the tomb of Washington-^ Celebration at Yorktown— Honours and Hospitalities in Virginia- Returns to Washington- -Reception by Congress — Address of Ml*. Clay— Lafayette's answer — Munificent act of Congress — How received and accepted by Lafayette — Rapid tour through the Southern, and Western States — Sketch of the route and some of the incidents of his journey — Arrives in Boston — Universal astonishment at the journey performed — The anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill — ■ Lafayette assists in laying the corner stone of the monument— Returns to Washington — Farewell visit to the Ex-presidents in Virginia — Celebration of Lafayette's birthday — Close of his tour— Its incidents and character — Farewell address of President Adams- Lafayette's reply— Embarks on board the frigate Brandywine—Bids a final adieu to America. ....... 301

Chapter XXX

Lafayette arrives at Havre— Parting with the officers of the Brandywine — His reception at Lagrange— Carter's description of Lagrange, of the family, and domestick life of Lafayette— Benevolent acts of Lafayette — He mingles again in publick affairs— In the Chamber of Deputies-^His visit to Chevaniac — Popular manifestations — The precursors of a new revolution — Revolution of July, 1830 — Lafayette's prominent share in it— is appointed commander-in-chief of the military — Repairs, in popular triumph, to the Hotel de Ville— His proclamation to the people and the army. . . . 336