Memoirs of General Lafayette | Page 3

of Governor of Virginia
Reply of Lafayette
His reception at Yorktown
Address of Col. Lewis
Answer to same
Parade and ceremonies, on 19th Oct.
Custis' address
Departure for Norfolk
Conclusion

MEMOIRS
OF
GENERAL LAFAYETTE
* * * * *
Among the many great men who have distinguished themselves in the
present age, for their attachment and devotion to the cause of civil
liberty, general LAFAYETTE is one of the most eminent. During the
last fifty years, great changes have been made or attempted in human
governments, highly favourable to political freedom and the rights of
mankind. In some cases, indeed, revolutions have not been conducted
upon just principles nor by prudent councils; and the immediate results
have been disastrous rather than beneficial. Changes have taken place
without direct and visible improvement; and efforts to meliorate the
condition of man have produced a reaction in the adherents to patient
arbitrary systems, which have given occasion to much suffering and
great excesses.
The struggle for freedom by the patriotic citizens of America, towards
the close of the last century, was successful; and has proved most
auspicious to human happiness. We have reason to hope, that its
blessings will not be confined to this western continent. A spirit of
enquiry, indeed, has gone abroad in the world. It is spreading in Europe:
and though we devoutly wish it may not prove the occasion of bloody

contests, we shall rejoice to trace its fruits in the gradual destruction of
old despotic systems, and in the general diffusion of knowledge among
the people, and the enjoyment of those equal and just rights, which
mild governments are calculated to secure.
In our own beloved country, we can boast of many sincere patriots and
heroes besides our 'paternal chief,' the revered WASHINGTON, "who
was first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen;"
others will be recollected, who devoted themselves to the cause of
liberty and their country, with a sincerity and zeal almost without a
parallel in the annals of history. Their memories will not cease to be
revered while Americans are distinguished for a love of civil freedom.
It must be acknowledged, however, that there was a peculiar
disinterestedness in the services and sacrifices of the Marquis
LAFAYETTE in defence of American independence. It was from a
noble and enthusiastic love of liberty, that he was induced to cherish
and advocate our cause. It was for strangers and in a foreign land, that
he went forth to defend the rights of man, assailed by the hand of
arbitrary power. He was not a desperate adventurer, without fortune, or
friends, or honors. He was surrounded with all these in his own country.
He belonged to very ancient and noble family, and inherited a large
estate. The original family name was Motier; but for several
generations back had assumed the addition of Lafayette. Some of his
male ancestors were distinguished for military, and some of the females
for literary talents. His income was 200,000 francs. His property and
influence were increased by a matrimonial connexion with a lady of the
truly illustrious house of NOAILES. He was married at the age of
eighteen.
MARIE-PAUL-JOSEPH-ROCH-YVES-GILBERT-MOTIER DE
LAFAYETTE was born at the chateau de Chavagnac in the province of
Auvergne, September 6th 1757. The rank and affluence of his family
secured for him the best education: and this, according to the fashion of
the times in France, was not only in classical and polite literature, but
united also a knowledge of military tactics. At the age of sixteen, he
was offered an honorable place at Court, which he declined.
His mind was early imbued with an ardent love of freedom. It is not
known whether his study of English writers who were friendly to civil
liberty, or an eager curiosity to learn the merits of the dispute between

Great Britain and the American colonies, lead him first thus to take a
deep interest in favour of our independence. That controversy excited
the attention of statesmen on the continent of Europe as well as in
England. It has been said that he was acquainted with some
distinguished English characters in 1776, from whom he learnt the
situation of America, and the object of our revolution. In the latter part
of this year, he applied to SILAS DEANE, our agent then at Paris, for
information, and encouragement in his plan, already adopted, of
rendering his personal service to the cause of America. While he was at
Paris, (Dec. 1776) with these views, Dr. FRANKLIN arrived. The
intelligence, received from him respecting our situation and prospects
at that period, was of a nature to discourage any one, who had not
cherished the most enthusiastic and resolute purpose to engage in our
behalf. Our almost desperate condition seems only