Memoirs of Gilbert Motier La Fayette / by Gen. H.L. Villaume Ducoudray Holstein, who contributed, under the fictitious name of Peter Feldmann, to his liberation from the prisons of Olmutz ; translated from the French manuscript

Front matter

^^0^

^^di

/ yp

Preface

As my intimate acquaintance with the families of the 01- mutz prisoners is of such a nature, that the public may reasonably expect from me much information concerning those gentlemen, not hitherto known, I do not hesitate to declare, that in case the present work shall pass to a second edition, my readers shall be put in possession of a great variety of interesting matter, which has been necessarily omitted in the present. I venture, however, to hope, that the public will not deem unacceptable this short biographical essay, which, at least, contains many curious details, now for the first time made known. It is my earnest entreaty, that the present work be received with kindness and indulgence 5 and I feel assured that the reader will keep constantly in mind, the difficulty of procuring an immediate and adequate translation, the haste with which the sheets have been hurried through the press, and the great desire of the author, to make the world better acquainted with the merits of a man, who has honoured him with the title of friend, and who is at this instant the object of the universal admiration of a free, generous, and grateful people.

H. L. ViLLAUME DUCOUDRAY HOLSTEIN.

New-Yoi% Sept, 4, 1824.

XNT210DVCTZ0M'.

Remarks on the approaching arrival of General La Fayette, in America.

La Fayette, the philanthropist, the firm, undeviating friend of liberty and the sacred rights of man, the associate and confident of the immortal Washington, is hourly expected, by a people for whom he fearlessly hazarded his life, and generously poured forth his blood.

Millions of freemen from every part of the extensive territory of the United States, are at this moment offering up their ardent prayers for his safe and speedy arrival.

Every wise and virtuous citizen, every friend of true and genuine liberty, will delight to honour this brave, this exemplary man : thousands of journals of every possible description unite to sound his praise, and all do honour to themselves in honouring him.

These unusual preparations, and this enthusiastic unani-

1,

Jl INTRODUCTION.

mity, pervading all ranks, and sexes, and ages, awakening the sensibilities of lovely woman, and the eager anticipations of earliest infancy, all impatient to welcome the arrival of a stranger and a foreigner, have filled me with the most delightful emotions, have inspired me with the sincerest admiration, and now compel me to join my feeble voice to the joyful tumult of universal acclamation.

An impartial and almost an unknown observer, but recently a resident in this beautiful and flourishing city, a soldier, who has fought for the rights of man in the old world and the new, I am utterly unable to withhold my admiration of the noble and generous sentiments of regard and love which have urged the American people thus to celebrate the arrival of a hero, of whose esteem and friendship! am, and shall be ever, proud to boast.

The conduct of the American Congress and Executive, of all the general and subordinate authorities, in a word, of the whole American people, presents to an admiring world the noble and extraordinary spectacle, of the simultaneous rising of an immense republic, prepared to greet, to honour, and caress, the illustrious native of di foreign soil. Washington himself would scarcely have received a warmer and more splendid welcome.

Facts obvious and undeniable like these, cannot surely fail to win the affections of every foreigner in the country, and to attach him, strongly and for ever, to the government

INTRODUCTION. ill

of a nation which confers its recompense in a manner which does equal honour to the giver and receiver.

How truly enviable will be the emotions of my excellent friend, when his foot first touches the sacred soil of liberty, once the scene of his sacrifices, and the witness of his glory ! What delightful moments for his noble and generous heart, when he meets again the few companions of his arms that now, alas ! are left to greet him 5 as they again recall the scenes of other times, when fatigues, and perils, and approaching death, could never for one instant quell the ardour of their zeal to gain that glorious liberty, which became, at last, the well- won recompense of their undaunted heroism. Never can we honour as we ought those illustrious veterans of our glorious Independence, whose lives hold forth to the growing generations of America, perpetual models of noble emulation.

The feelings I have endeavoured to express, are experienced by thousands in common with myself. Such as they are, I give them freely to the world, in the hope that they will be kindly appreciated, ard indulgently received.

CHAPTER I. Birth and early life of La Fayette

Gilbert Mottie, Marquis De La Fayette, was born at Chateau de Chavagnac, on the sixth of September, 1757. This Chateau is situated at about two leagues distance from Brioude, in what was formerly the province of Auvergiie, now the department de la Haute Loire. Among the Marquis's ancestors, Marshal De La Fayette occupies a distinguished place in the annals of military fame, and Madame De La Fayette, a relation of the Marshal, is equally well known in the literary history of France.

The inhabitants of Auvergne are remarkable for their ardent, firm, and energetic character ; and have ever been distinguished for their spirit of enterprise, contempt of danger, and love of independence. Of the La Fayettes in particular, the more predominant characteristics have always been gr^at decision and intrepidity of character, combined with

an ardent and romantic imagination.

I*

Young Mottie was sent, at seven years of age, to the College of Louis Le Grand, at Paris, where he received his early education. He was afterwards made one of the pages of the Queen of France, and at fifteen was enrolled among the Mousquetaires du Roi. Here his mild and equable temper soon gained him the friendship and esteem of all his comrades. Under the Queen's immediate patronage, he rose in a short time to the rank of a commissioned officer, a favour exclusively reserved for the sons of the most distinguished noblemen.

He married, in 1774, the young and interesting Countess Anastasie de Noailles, daughter of the Duke of that name. This marriage, to which he was induced by various considerations of family interest, besides largely augmenting his fortune, made him happy in the possession of an amiable, virtuous, and noble-hearted woman, of whose character and conduct we shall take occasion hereafter to give a more particular account. The Marquis was now in possession of an annual income of upwards of 200fl000 francs, a sum which, at that time, was equal to 200,000 American dollars, at the present time.

Although thus surrounded by the teinptations of wealth, and by the enjoyments to which it admimstered, the mirid of the young Marquis was perpetually aspiring to greater and nobler enterprises

LA FAYETTE.

and his ardent imagination was soon dissatisfied with the luxurious life of the capital and the court.

^His attention was accordingly drawn to the movements of the new world, where the attempts of the British colonies of North America to secure their independence excited in his breast a peculiar interest and powerful sympathy. Of these events, which so strongly influenced the destinies of the Marquis, we propose to make a brief enumeration.

Chapter II

Cause of the insurrection of the North American colonies. Commencement of hostilities.

The life of La Fayette is so intimately connected with the events of the revolutionary war of North America, that the discussion of the one necessarily involves the consideration of the other. Notwithstanding the powerful opposition of the mother country, the entire destitution of all resources, and the absolute want of external assistance in the first years of the revolution, the Colonists were enabled, in the short space of seven years, to triumph over a mighty nation, who affected to regard them as rebellious slaves, soon to be reduced to submission and obedience.

What had been happily begun by the patience and perseverance of the /srst heroes of the revolution, was finally accomplished and secured by the wisdom and virtue of their descendants. The United States of America have, in consequence, enjoyed very near half a century of unexampled prosperity and happiness, and may now justly boast of

MEMOIRS OP LA FAYETTE. 9

being the only people on earth, in the full and undisturbed possession of their political liberties.

As early as the year 1764, the North American colonies began to murmur against the unequal bearing of the stamp act, until England reluctantly repealed it on the 1 8th of March, 1766. In place of this, however, was substituted an increased duty on tea, and a tax on paper, glass-ware, and paints^ the expenses of collections to be borne by the inhabitants. In consequence of these exactions, the discontent of the colonies increased to such an alarming degree, that the British ministry deemed it necessary to resort to compulsory measures, in order to quell their growing disaffection.

Accordingly, on the first of October, 1768, a considerable body of troops entered Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, and at that time the seat of the colonial government. A series of arbitrary and vexatious measures ensued, until the people were driven to the necessity of repelling force by force, determined to suffer all possible extremes, rather than submit to such ignominious oppression.

Such was the good sense, general intelligence, and disinterested patriotism of the Americans, that the authority of the provincial Congress, and of the committees of correspondence, was universally respected, and powerfully supported, in the six months preparatory to the commencement of hostilities; and each individual cheerfully contributed his proportion towards defraying the expenses of the anticipated war.

On the 19th of April, 1775, Colonel Smith was ordered to proceed secretly and by night, with a detachment of light-armed troops, from Boston to Concord, and on the following day hostilities commenced at Lexington.

Shortly after, the provincial Congress met at Philadelphia, and the events of the war gradually assumed a more regular aspect. Troops were levied in most of the provinces, and Congress unanimously appointed one of the Deputies from Virginia, Commander-in-chief of the provincial forces.

General Washington requires noeulogium of mine. His name alone is sufficient to insure, wherever it is heard, unqualified respect, and unhesitating veneration. Creating, as it were, every thing from nothing, meeting and surmounting innumerable obstacles, after a seven years struggle against an almost overwhelming strength, his eventual triumph far exceeded the expectations of the world, who scarcely dared to anticipate a success, for which they offered up to Heaven their most ardent prayers. Achievements like these could only be surpassed by the closing act of his political career, by which he sacrificed to the liberties of a nation the power and the influence he had gained in their acquirement.

After long and animated debates, Congress determined, at the motion of Richard Henry Lee, one of the deputies from Virginia, to publish to the world a solemn Declaration of their Independence. This manifesto was accordingly prepared by Thomas Jeflerson, another of the Virginia deputies, and signed by John Hancock, the President of Congress, on the fourth of July, 1776.

Twelve states assented unanimously, and almost immediately, to this ever memorable declaration, and the thirteenth shortly after acceeded to the measures of the rest.

Chapter III

Arrival of La Fayette in America; his appointment in the army, and services.*

England was now making vast preparations to reduce her colonies to submission by force of arms, and the attention of all Europe was directed to America; it was generally believed, that she could not long resist this overwhelming power. The young Marquis La Fayette, in common with all patriotic and enlightened Frenchmen, was desirous of a reform at home, called for by the imbecility of the government, the weakness of the King, the excesses of the ministry, the general discontent of all classes, the impoverished state of the treasury, and the total disregard of morality and religion. Endowed, both by nature and education, with a love of liberty and philosophy, and inspired with noble sentiments

* Our readers will excuse us for briefly touching on the principal events of the revolution, not immediately connected with the subject of these memoirs. It was thought necessary to preserve in some measure the chain of events unbroken, the better to explain those in which La Fayette was directly concerned. Edilorsiiid a Spirit of chivalry, the Marquis La Fayette had watched attentively the progress of the controversy between the American colonies and the mother country, and examined every subject connected with it. This glorious cause attracted universal admiration, and the wishes of all the enlightened and virtuous part of mankind were united in its favour. La Fayette did not confine himself merely to wishes for its success ; he was among the first who personally assisted, and shed their blood to promote the establishment of liberty in North America. A general peace throughout Europe had consigned him to inaction, too inglorious for his lofty and warlike spirit. The battles which were now fighting in America opened a path equally brilliant and delightful to his ambitious spirit, which detested British pride and domination. As soon, therefore, as he learned that the colonies were seeking assistance, he presented himself before the American Commissioners, at Paris, and made known to them his resolution of taking part in the contest. Doctor Franklin soon perceived in this young soldier the germ of future greatness, and gladly accepted his offer.

The war was as yet scarcely commenced, when La Faj^ette had determined to leave his country for America : but shortly after his communication with the Commissioners, it was reported in Europe that the American army was reduced to two tbousaiid men, and was flying through New-Jerseyj before thirty thousand British regular troops. This disastrous information so completely annihilated the small remaining credit which America had in Europe, at the commencement of the year 1777, that the Commissioners of Congress, at Paris, although they had previously encouraged La Fayette's project, could not now procure a single vessel to facilitate his object. They considered, under these circumstances, that honour obliged them to dissuade him from undertaking, for the present, his perilous enterprise. But this was attempted in vain j the zeal with which the American cause had inspired him, could not be suppressed by these reverses. "To this moment," said he to them, with the true impulse of patriotic feeling, " 1 have done nothing but admire your cause, but now I mean to serve it. The more hopeless it is in the public estimation, the more honour shall I acquire by espousing its interests. Since it is out of your power to procure a vessel, I will purchase and equip one myselfj and I take upon myself to be the bearer of your despatches to Congress."

As from this moment he made no secret of his desire to witness the triumph of freedom, whose cause he had embraced, he had to surmount a host of difficulties, before he could put his plan into execution.

The court and ministers were early apprized of his intention, and deputed some of his friends to dissuade him from it ; they dexterously insinuated that his Majesty would be highly displeased, should he interfere in an affair of such .moment, and that in doing it, he would expose himself to serious difliculties. There were, however, others who entertained nobler sentiments, and who assisted in procuring a fine, fast sailing vessel, and a quantity of military stores, all which he paid for out of his own private funds. But the most trying difficulty was yet to be encountered, which was the separation from his young and amiable wife. How could she be brought to consent, after so short a union, to be divided from him whom she loved as tenderly as he loved her ? How could she be prevailed upon to allow him to undertake a voyage so distant and fatiguing ^ how permit him to expose himself to the inevitable dangers of war, or how consent to a parting, perhaps for ever i* In order to avoid her opposition as much as possible, La Fayette adopted the following plan. He requested the few persons who were in tlie secret, and who were frequently at his house, to preserve silence, unless questioned by Madame La Fayette, and then to say that he was about to proceed to America on a private mission, and would shortly return. The young Marchioness, alarmed at the approaching separatlon, was encouraged hy her husband, who confirmed what his friends had intimated of his speedy return; and, in order to avoid a scene, which would have been distressing to them both, his departure was concealed from her, until he had actually sailed. It is a fact well known, that orders were publicly issued, to prevent the sailing of the Marquis. But the truth is, that the French government connived at his undertaking. France, during her long and obstinate contest with England, was exhausted, and had concluded a peace, solely for the purpose of renewing the war more effectually, at a future period. As the natural and ancient enemy of England, she saw, with secret satisfaction, that her rival was threatened with the loss of one of the most precious jewels in her diadem ; and could not but inwardly rejoice at a rupture which had been gradually increasing, between England and her North American colonies, since 1764.

Doctor Franklin, who had been sent to England by Congress, to endeavour to settle the differences of the colonies, on equitable and honourable conditions, had at the same time received secret instructions in regard to France. He crossed the channel, and was, if not publicly, at least secretly, recognised by the court of Versailles, where his virtues, his wisdom, his amiability, and the important mission with which he was intrusted, gained him the admiration and respect of the better part of the French nation. He soon discovered the favourable disposition of the minister, Count de Vergennes, who, in the King's name, promised him assistance, but gave him to understand, that the moment for acting openly was not yet arrived; that it was requisite that the Americans should make greater progress in their struggle, before France could declare for them ; that such a measure would necessarily lead to a rupture with England, &c. &iC.

It was, therefore, in consequence of the position in which France was placed, that the King and his ministers could not openly consent that the Marquis La Fayette, who held a post in the royal household, should join the rebels, as they were termed ; on the contrary, they were constrained to adopt pubKc measures to deceive the spies of the British cabinet, who, in the machiavelian language of the present age, are styled ambassadors, while in fact his undertaking was secretly favoured, or, at all events, was not opposed.

Whoever is acquainted with the strict police of the old government of France, under Louis XV. and XVI., will readily believe that it was utterly impossible for any individual whatever, and much less for the Marquis La Fayette, to embark secretly, if the government had seriously wished to detain him.

2*

The Marqnis La Fayette landed on the 19th of April, 1777, at Charleston, South Carolina, whence he immediately proceeded to Philadelphia, where Congress was then in session, and delivered to them the despatches and letters of recommendation which the American commissioners, residing at Paris, had intrusted to his charge. On presenting himself before this body, he said to them, " I am come to request two favours of this house: the one is to serve in your army in the capacity of a private volunteer : the other, to receive no pay."

Congress, struck with astonishment at such noble sentiments in a young foreigner, who had come recommended in a manner as warm as it was honour-, able, conferred upon him the brevet rank of Major General in the American army, accompanied by a resolution to the following effect : " Whereas, the Marquis La Fayette, in consequence of his ardent zeal for the cause of liberty in which the United States are engaged, has left his family and friends, and crossed the ocean at his own expense, to offer his services to the said States, without wishing to accept of any pension or pay whatever, and as he earnestly desires to engage in our cause. Congress have resolved,

" That his services be accepted, and that, in consideration of his patriotism, his family, and illustrious relaifoos, he shall hold the rank and commission of Major General in the army of the United States,"

La Fayette, thus, at the age of twenty years, risked the loss of a large fortune, left his country, separated himself from his beloved wife, relations, and numberless friends, in a word, every thing which could attach a young man of wealth and noble family to life and to his country. But this country was neither free, nor striving to be free; his life glided along without glory or peril ; his elevated and intrepid soul languished in inactivity; he wished to change the scene, and be the fearless and intrepid warrior among the enemies of tyranny, and the support of the cause of liberty, or to perish gloriously in the attempt.

Such was La Fayette at twenty years of age; such will he be found in the course of these memoirs, always faithful, a true Frenchman, a great and generous patriot. He instantly set out to join the army and his commander, who became his father and his friend.

Washington read in his countenance, and observed in his modest confidence, the sure presage of his future success ; and he felt, from that moment, the tenderest regard for his welfare, called hrm his son, and admitted him into his family. General La Fayette would not as yet accept any commission, nor receive any pay ; and when Washington urged him to take that rank in the army which Congress had conferred upon him, the young Marquis mo-

X destly answered, " that he was not as yet capable of discharging the duties of such a post; that he must begin by being instructed himself, and by learning to obey, before he took upon himself to command.' This reply increased the regard of the Commander-in-chief, and the affection of all his comrades.

The young Marquis, on his arrival at the camp, examined every thing with the greatest attention, conversed with and questioned the officers and soldiers, joined in their labours, accepted the frequent invitations he received, and acquired many friends by his mild, frank, easy, and prepossessing manners and generosity.

Washington, who loved him from the first moment of their acquaintance, soon became acquainted with all the amiable actions of his adopted son, and sometimes reproved him for his excessive liberalit}', though in reality charmed with his noble conduct.

The Marquis did not stop here, for, delighted with the bravery of his new companions in arms, he sent General Moultrie, who was at that time much in want, uniforms and complete equipments for one hundred and fifty of his soldiers.

General Washington, who had been apprized of the expected arrival of Admiral Howe with a fleet and cinsiderable reinforcements from England, was much embarrassed on account of the great delay hi forwarding of ammunitions of every kind, of which his army was in the utmost need.

La Fayette, understanding this, gave Washington ^ 60,000 francs, to procure requisite supplies. Washington, much affected by such generosity, with tears of joy embraced his son. He was thereby enabled to break up his camp and march south, in order to effect a junction with General Greene at New- York.

General Howe, with his fleet of two hundred and fifty ships, now set sail from Staten Island, with the ostensible motive of attacking Boston, in the hope of diverting the continental troops to that quarter, while his real intention was to surprise Philadelphia, and make himself master of the Delaware without loss.

He consequently made use of every means in his power to deceive the vigilance of General Washington, who, not regarding reports which were assiduously circulated, steadily watched the movements of the fleet, which, from contrary winds, was a long time in effecting its object. As soon as he learned that the enemy had entered the Chesapeake, and had efiected a landing near the Elk Ferry, he rapidly advanced to cover Philadelphia. Intelligence was instantly despatched to Congress of the enemy's intention. As the British were obliged to cross Elk and Brandywine rivers to reach Philadelphia, the American

General posted himself in such a manner as to cover the capital, and to dispute the passage of Brandywine, near Chad's fort. La Fayette was at this time with him; and on the 11th of September, a general engagement took place at Chad's fort, not far from Brandywine. The battle was obstinate and bloody, and the Americans were at last forced to retreat ; but it was by no means so decisive or disastrous as the English pretended. However, this victory augmented the number of partisans of the British throughout all parts of Pennsylvania, which greatly facilitated General Howe's plans. There were a number of officers wounded in this affair ; among the rest. General La Fayette.

The brigade, animated by his example, made a vigorous charge on the British, but was repulsed. He tried in vain to rally them again, and to lead them to the charge ; and although he had received a ball in the leg, he would not consent to alight from his horse to have his wound dressed. He continued at his post during the whole battle, and distinguished himself by his courage and coolness. He was, after the battle, conveyed to Philadelphia, but was soon obliged to retire for safety to the mountains. The Polish Count Pulaski, the same who carried off King Stanislaus from the midst of his capital, distinguished himself in this engagementj and was promoted by Congress to the rank of

LA FAYETTK. 23

Commander of the Cavalry, and Brigadier General. M. De Coudray, a French officer of high rank and talents, an enthusiast in the cause of liberty, arrived in the United States at this period , he was unfortunately drowned, endeavouring to ford the Schuylkill. The celebrated Kosciusko, a Polish nobleman, arrived soon after ; he possessed the friendship of General La Fayette, and was esteemed by all who knew him.

General Washington withdrew to Chester, where he rallied his army, and made preparations to attack the enemy again, but General Howe avoided a battle, and advanced by forced marches towards Philadelphia, where he arrived on the 26th of September. Congress had retired the evening previous to Lancaster, and afterwards removed to Yorktown.

La Fayette, who still served as a volunteer, impatient to be again in the field, would not wait till his wound was healed, but set out to join General Greene in New-Jersey ; where, obtaining the command of a body of militia, he, together with Colonel Butler, who had about the same number of a rifle corps under him, advanced to reconnoitre the enemy's position : on their route, they fell in with a detachment, consisting of about 300 English and Hessian regular troops. An action instantly took place, in which the British wrere totally routed, with a loss of twenty or thirty killed, and a great number wounded : they were driven qult^ into their camp. General Greene, speaking of this encounter, said, " The Marquis seemed to search for danger, and was charmed with the behaviour of his men." " 1 found the riflemen," said La Fayette, in his letter to Washington, " superior even to their own high reputation, and the militia above all expectations I could have formed of them."

Washington transmitted to Congress, under his own hand, an account of this victory, and La Fayette was promoted to the command of a division, consisting of 1200 young men, which shortly afterwards was increased to two thousand, the flower of the American army, whom the General formed and disciplined himself. He scarcely allowed himself time necessary for sleep and refreshment, so zealous was he in discharging the duties of his office.

He has declared to me, that he never felt himself so truly happy as when surrounded by his friends, meaning those who were under his immediate command, and by whom he was unusually beloved and respected. It was on this occasion, that his liberality had so reduced his funds, that he was obliged to write to France to procure supplies. One day, while he was inspecting the camp, he perceived a man miserably dressed, seated at the foot of a tree, his face covered with his hands, and elbows resting on his knees, so profoundly immersed in deep meiancholy, that he did not perceive the approach of the General, who stopped some minutes to observe him, and hearing him sigh, he inquired the cause of his grief, with a tone of voice and sweetness peculiar to himself. The man informed him that he had recently joined the army, and had left a young wife and two little children, who depended entirely on his industry for support, and that the forlorn condition of his family did not allow him a moment's peace. The General inquired his address, and told him not to distress himself, that his family should be provided for — which promise was faithfully kept.

A month after, when his new corps had become a little disciplined, he presented each of the officers of his division with an elegant sword and belt, and clothed, armed and equipped his 2,000 soldiers at his own expense.

The situation of the revolutionary army became every day more critical. The inhabitants of Pennsylvania were dissatisfied, and there existed throughout the states two very formidable parties, the Tories and the Whigs : among the former were to be found a great number of families distinguished b}' their birth and fortune, who absolutely refused to assist the government, or to join the patriot army. Besides these, the sect called Quakers, who were wealthy, influential men in Pennsylvania, about this period, almost openly declared themselves hostile to the American cause. Their opposition rose to such a height, that Congress was obliged to cause their chief leaders to be arrested and confined ; and others were transported to Virginia, lest their pernicious influence might extend itself.