Memoirs of General Lafayette | Page 5

administered by the commanding officer in each separate
Department. The original certificate of this oath is said now to be in
existence. It is a singular fact, that a native American took this oath
before a foreigner: or perhaps even then, General LAFAYETTE had
been declared by Congress to be entitled to all the rights of a citizen of
the United States.
In May 1778, while the British main army was in Philadelphia, and the
American troops at Valley Forge, he was detached with about two
thousand five hundred men under his command, to a position in
advance of the continental camp and near the city, for the purpose of
watching the motions of the enemy. The British endeavored to
surround and surprise him: but he had timely notice of their plan, and
retired in safety to the vicinity of WASHINGTON'S head-quarters. Had
he been surprised in this situation, the result would probably proved
fatal to our cause. For the continental troops under WASHINGTON
were few in number and poorly clothed and armed. But the
Commander in Chief, doubtless, was fully aware of the important and
critical nature of the service, and entrusted it to one, in whose judgment
as well as bravery he had perfect confidence.
Soon after this, in the month of June, the British army left Philadelphia,
to return to New-York. It consisted of as large a number of well
disciplined troops, as they had in America at any one time; and though
they chose not to make a direct attack upon WASHINGTON, they
seem to have had no apprehensions of an attack from him. But he was
resolved to avail of the occasion of their march through the State of
New Jersey, to attack and annoy them. This he did on the memorable
28th of June, near Monmouth court-house; and had his judicious plan

been faithfully executed, or his own personal activity and bravely been
seconded by General LEE, who had the command of the troops more
immediately engaged on that day, a great and decisive victory would in
all probability have attended the daring enterprize. General
LAFAYETTE had a distinguished command on that critical day. Lee,
indeed, at first declined the command of the advanced corps, detached
by WASHINGTON to harass the rear of the enemy while on their
march; and it was given to the former: though; afterwards, when it was
found, that the enemy was preparing for a general engagement, a
reinforcement was ordered, and the whole placed under the command
of General Lee. In this whole affair, General LAFAYETTE conducted
with remarkable intelligence and bravery; and received the entire
approbation of the Commander in Chief.
In August of the same year (1778) when the enemy had a large force on
Rhode Island, and were supposed to be meditating an attack on some
place in the vicinity, Lafayette (with General Greene) offered his
services as a volunteer. The expedition was not attended with success:
the British troops then were more numerous than we could collect
against them; and what were mustered were principally militia. The
continental regiments were then all needed near New-York. But
General Lafayette assisted in conducting the retreat of our men, with
much skill and effect; and his behaviour on the occasion received the
particular notice and approbation of Congress.
About this time, with the knowledge and consent of Congress,
Lafayette made a visit to Boston. The particular object of this journey
is not known. It is evident, however, from the resolve of Congress on
the occasion, that it was not from merely personal or private views. It
was, no doubt, for some purpose of a public nature, and for the welfare
of the nation. The following is the resolve alluded to; and is proof, that
his visit at the time, was designed for the promotion of some plan
calculated for the prosperity of the country.
"In Congress, Sept. 9th, 1778. Resolved, That the President be
requested to inform the Marquis de Lafayette, that Congress have a due
sense of the sacrifice he made of his personal feelings, in undertaking a
journey to Boston with a view of promoting the interests of these States,
at a time when an occasion was daily expected of his acquiring glory in
the field; and that his gallantry in going a volunteer on Rhode Island,

when the greatest part of the army had retreated, and his good conduct
in bringing off the pickets and out sentries, deserves particular
approbation." This resolve was communicated to Lafayette by the
President of Congress, with a polite note; to which the Marquis replied
as follows:
"SIR,
"I have received your favour of the 13th instant, acquainting me of the
honor Congress has been pleased to confer on me by their most
gracious resolve. Whatever pride such approbation may justly give